Buying new tennis shoes isn’t always easy, especially if you suffer from plantar fasciitis. Thankfully, brands have considered tennis enthusiasts with this common condition, and have created shoes that accommodate the needs of those affected. A quality pair of tennis shoes is essential for an enjoyable tennis experience, and crucial for one’s comfort on the court. Additionally, the right shoe for the right person offers comfort, performance, and longevity. If you have plantar fasciitis or think you might have it, read this article and find out how you can make your feet happy.
In this post, we are going to ask the question: What is plantar fasciitis? Furthermore, we will go over the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, highlighting the relevant technology in each shoe that makes plantar fasciitis more manageable while you play tennis.
What is Planter Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes heel pain. The condition is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a fibrous band of tissue on the sole of the foot, attaching itself to the heel bone. The plantar fascia is an important part of the foot, as it provides the arch of the foot with support. When inflamed, this band of tissue causes discomfort or pain in the heel of the foot.
Tension to the plantar fascia is typically caused by repeated motions when pressure is applied to the foot, especially to the toes. Many tennis players suffer from plantar fasciitis due to the nature of the sport, the many repeated motions, and the relentless pressure on the toes. However, people can develop this condition simply by walking. Plantar fasciitis can feel like a stabbing or dull pain on the bottom of the foot, usually along the arch or on the heel.
While anti-inflammatory medicines may help soothe the affected area, the best way to treat plantar fasciitis is by allowing the foot to rest. That said, shoes with enhanced support in the sole and more cushion underfoot have been shown to help decrease stress on the plantar fascia, reducing pain.
5 Best Shoes for Planter Fasciitis
Looking for a sole-mate? Great! Because we’ve put together a list of toe-tally incredible shoes! Here are the best shoes for plantar fasciitis. All shoes in this list have men’s and women’s versions š
The first shoe on the list is theĀ New Balance Fresh Foam X CT-Rally. This shoe is known for its comfortable yet durable midsole, offering enhanced support and comfort in every step. You can tell just by looking that this shoe has a lot of cushioning under the arch of the foot. New Balance calls it their Fresh Foam X technology. It gives players the comfort they need to step with confidence and the durability to outlast any surface. This shoe is well-suited to players who might have plantar fasciitis. The cushioning under the heel and arch of the foot allows that band of fiber the rest it needs. Plus, all that cushioning will help alleviate some of that stress on the foot while playing. New Balance is confident this shoe will last, that’s why Tennis Express offers a 6-Month Outsole Warranty. Wear through this shoe in six months and get a free pair on the house!
If you want a shoe that offers cushion and support but has professional-level performance, then the Asics GEL-Resolution 9 is a great choice. This is a choice shoe for players who need to make quick turns without the fear that every step will hurt. Asics has infused with this shoe with a technology called DYNAWRAPā¢, which offers players extra support, especially during high-intensity battles. Most notably, this shoe has Asics GELĀ® technology, absorbing shock in the heel and in the midsole. This dampens the impact of those hard start and stop motions that are all too common in the sport of tennis. In terms of performance, this shoe is top-of-the-line, worn by Matteo Berrettini and other incredible professionals. Take advantage of this shoe’s 6-Month Outsole Warranty.Ā
Worn and designed for Naomi Osaka, the Nike GP Challenge 1 tennis shoes offer an unreal combination of speed and support. While this shoe is a bit on the heavier side, it offers excellent lateral support and stability. It is a very responsive shoe, designed with more than enough cushioning and lots of bounce. All that cushioning under the heel and the midsole will help protect players who suffer from plantar fasciitis. Nike Air Zoom technology is responsible for giving players a little more spring in their first step, allowing them the comfort and confidence of knowing their shoe is going to protect their feet from harm. The GP Challenge 1 also totes a midfoot TPU plate, adding more explosiveness to every step so you can… ZOOM!
If you are looking for an incredible blend of cushion and durability, then you should consider the Mizuno Wave Enforce Tour AC. Not only is this shoe stunning to look at, but it offers some of the best support and cushioning in the game. Mizuno Enerzy technology in the midsole is made from a soft, flexible, responsive material, giving players a satisfying blend of cushioning and performance. The shoe also has a built-in plate in the midsole which adds more stability and support to the heel. This is good news for those with plantar fasciitis, especially those who feel pain in the heel area. The Enforce uses Dyna-Heel Lock technology, keeping the foot in a locked-in position for better comfort and added performance. Lastly, this shoe is very durable. It also comes with a 6-Month Outsole Warranty.
A simple, yet versatile and comfortable shoe is the K- Swiss Hypercourt Supreme 2. Made with Surgelite external foam for enhanced support and cushioning, this is an ideal shoe for those with plantar fasciitis. It is that extra cushioning that will help shield the arch of the foot and the heel from harmful impact. Shock Spring technology was added to the midsole to give players better responsiveness on the court. It’s a safe choice for those searching for a more comfortable shoe and a more affordable price point. While this shoe does not offer a durability guarantee, you can bet this shoe will last some time on any surface.
Plantar Fasciitis FAQs
- Who does Plantar Fasciitis affect? – Everyone! While most people who develop this condition are middle-aged or older, anyone who performs repetitive motions, such as walking, can develop plantar fasciitis. Also, the condition develops in those who spend more hours standing on harder surfaces. Cough cough… tennis courts!
- Are there different types of Plantar Fasciitis? – There are two main types of plantar fasciitis. Acute plantar fasciitis is caused by a specific injury or motion. Conversely, chronic plantar fasciitis can develop over time with the use of repetitive motions.
- How can you prevent/treat Plantar Fasciitis? – The best way to prevent and treat this condition is to make sure you give your feet the rest they need. However, any of the shoes above do an excellent job of giving your feet more support, cushioning, and rest while you play your favorite sport.
Ready to Step Up Your Game?
Here at Tennis Express, it is our pleasure to equip tennis lovers with everything they need to enjoy this amazing sport. If you are a beginner or an expert, we’ve got what you need. If you, or someone you know, suffer from plantar Fasciitis, take note of these fabulous shoes above. Help your feet feel happy in a pair of shoes with enough stability, support, and cushioning.
Take your tennis game to the next level. Find awesome shoes and more at TennisExpress.com!!!
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