Top 6 Pickleball Shoes for Athletes with Plantar Fasciitis

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When you have dealt with Plantar Fasciitis you know that the best pair of shoes is one that supports, protects, and encourages healthy foot function. You also know that finding the right shoes can be a challenge. That’s why we searched everywhere to find the best pickleball shoes for Plantar Fasciitis.

After reviewing dozens of shoe manufacturers, customer reviews, and talking with suppliers at the world’s biggest Pickleball events, we’re confident that these are the best pickleball shoes for Plantar Fasciitis (for both men and women).

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick, fibrous band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the base of the toes. This tissue supports the arch of the foot and absorbs shock when walking. The condition is often caused by overuse or excessive stretching of the plantar fascia, leading to small tears and inflammation. Factors that can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis include age, certain types of exercise that place a lot of stress on the heel and attached tissue, being overweight, and having flat feet or tight calf muscles.

Top Doctor-Recommended Pickleball Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis Relief

ASICS Gel-Rocket 9

The ASICS Gel-Rocket 9 stands out as one of the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis, particularly due to its exceptional arch support and cushioning. This shoe is designed with a Trusstic System® Technology, which reduces the weight of the sole unit while retaining the structural integrity of the shoe. This feature, combined with the Forefoot GEL® Cushioning System, enhances shock attenuation during propulsion, providing comfort and stability for those suffering from plantar fasciitis.

When compared to other top picks, the ASICS Gel-Rocket 9 holds its own. For instance, the New Balance Fresh Foam Lav V1 Court Shoe is known for its comfortable fit with a Fresh Foam midsole. However, the Gel-Rocket 9’s superior arch support and cushioning make it a strong contender for those specifically dealing with plantar fasciitis.

The Acacia Dinkshot Pickleball Shoes are another top choice, recognized for their overall plantar fasciitis relief. Yet, the Gel-Rocket 9’s unique blend of support and cushioning may offer a more targeted solution for some individuals.

Tyrol Men’s Rally Series Pickleball Shoe is praised for its stability and support, but the Gel-Rocket 9’s Trusstic System® Technology and Forefoot GEL® Cushioning System may provide a more comprehensive approach to foot comfort and stability.

FitVille’s Wide Width Pickleball Shoes are a top pick for those with wide feet, offering great arch support. However, the Gel-Rocket 9’s design ensures it caters to a wide range of foot shapes and sizes, making it a versatile choice.

Lastly, the K-Swiss Express Light Shoe is known for its superior support with a plastic chassis. While this feature is commendable, the Gel-Rocket 9’s combination of lightweight design and structural integrity may offer a more balanced solution for those with plantar fasciitis.

New Balance Fresh Foam Lav V1 Court Shoe

For those dealing with plantar fasciitis, finding the right pickleball shoes is crucial for comfort and performance on the court. The New Balance Fresh Foam Lav V1 Court Shoe stands out as a top pick for those seeking a comfortable fit, thanks to its Fresh Foam midsole. This technology is designed to provide superior shock absorption, which is essential for reducing the stress on the plantar fascia during the intense lateral movements typical in pickleball.

The shoe’s initial snugness may require a brief break-in period, but once adjusted, it offers a highly comfortable experience. The Kinetic Stitch upper contributes to the shoe’s adaptability, ensuring a supportive yet flexible fit that can accommodate the unique contours of your feet over time. This is particularly beneficial for plantar fasciitis sufferers who need a shoe that can provide both comfort and stability.

When compared to other top picks like the ASICS Gel-Rocket 9, which is lauded for its arch support and cushioning, the New Balance Fresh Foam Lav V1 offers a different kind of comfort with its plush Fresh Foam midsole. While the Gel-Rocket 9 focuses on stability features like the TRUSSTIC SYSTEM® technology to keep feet centered, the Fresh Foam Lav V1 emphasizes a balance of cushion and stability, with an external heel counter adding extra padding under the heel.

The New Balance Fresh Foam Lav V1 Court Shoe also includes a six-month outsole warranty, which speaks to its durability—a significant consideration for players who spend a lot of time on the court. This aspect of durability and support is comparable to other options like the Tyrol Men’s Rally Series Pickleball Shoe, which is designed for stability and support.

Overall, the New Balance Fresh Foam Lav V1 Court Shoe is a strong contender for those with plantar fasciitis, offering a comfortable fit with a midsole that caters to the need for shock absorption and relief, making it a solid choice among the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis.

Acacia Dinkshot Pickleball Shoes

The Acacia Dinkshot Pickleball Shoes are a popular choice for those suffering from plantar fasciitis, offering a range of features designed to provide relief and support. These shoes are known for their plantar support, with the Dinkshot II model featuring extra support for those who tend to suffer from plantar fasciitis. They also offer great arch support through their TPU midfoot shank.

The Dinkshot shoes are lightweight and designed specifically for pickleball play, with high-abrasion contoured outsoles with added Kevlar drag guards, enabling quick lateral movements while providing the reinforcement and traction required for high-intensity movement. They also have a wider toe box, offering plush cushioning underfoot.

However, it’s worth noting that some users have reported that these shoes run large, with a lot of wiggle room in the toe box. There have also been some concerns about the quality of these shoes, with some users reporting that they fell apart after three months.

When compared to other top picks for pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis, the Acacia Dinkshot Pickleball Shoes stand out for their overall plantar fasciitis relief. While the ASICS Gel-Rocket 9 is best for arch support and cushioning, and the New Balance Fresh Foam Lav V1 Court Shoe is known for its comfortable fit with Fresh Foam midsole, the Acacia Dinkshot Pickleball Shoes are designed with a range of features specifically for those suffering from plantar fasciitis.

However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s feet are different, and what works best for one person may not work as well for another. It’s always a good idea to try on a pair of shoes before purchasing, if possible, to ensure they provide the right fit and support for your individual needs.

Tyrol Men’s Rally Series Pickleball Shoe

The Tyrol Men’s Rally Series Pickleball Shoe is a top choice when it comes to pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis, particularly for those seeking stability and support. These shoes are designed with a focus on providing a secure fit and a stable platform for players, which is crucial for those dealing with plantar fasciitis. The shoe’s stability features help to reduce the strain on the plantar fascia, the ligament connecting your heel to your toes, which can be a significant source of pain for those with this condition.

One of the standout features of the Tyrol Men’s Rally Series is its high-density rubber outsole. This design element provides excellent traction on the court, which can help to prevent slips and falls that could exacerbate plantar fasciitis symptoms. The shoe also features a reinforced toe guard for added protection, which is a nice touch for those who play aggressively and need that extra bit of durability.

When compared to other top picks like the ASICS Gel-Rocket 9, the Tyrol Men’s Rally Series offers a similar level of arch support and cushioning. However, where it really shines is in its stability features, which are a bit more pronounced than in the ASICS model. On the other hand, the New Balance Fresh Foam Lav V1 Court Shoe, known for its comfortable fit with a Fresh Foam midsole, might offer a softer feel underfoot, but it doesn’t quite match the Tyrol shoe in terms of stability and support.

The Acacia Dinkshot Pickleball Shoes, another top pick for overall plantar fasciitis relief, also offer a great package of features. However, the Tyrol Men’s Rally Series stands out with its focus on stability, making it a great choice for those who need that extra bit of support on the court.

In summary, the Tyrol Men’s Rally Series Pickleball Shoe is a solid choice for those seeking pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis, offering a great balance of stability, support, and comfort.

FitVille Wide Width Pickleball Shoes

When it comes to finding the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis, especially for those with wide feet, the FitVille Wide Width Pickleball Shoes stand out. These shoes are specifically designed to provide great arch support, a crucial feature for individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis. The arch support helps to distribute pressure evenly across the foot, reducing the strain on the plantar fascia, the ligament connecting your heel to your toes.

The FitVille Wide Width Pickleball Shoes are also designed with a wider fit, making them an excellent choice for individuals with wide feet. This design ensures that the shoes do not squeeze or pinch the feet, which can exacerbate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. The shoes also feature a cushioned insole and a flexible outsole, providing additional comfort and support.

Compared to other top picks like the ASICS Gel-Rocket 9 and the New Balance Fresh Foam Lav V1 Court Shoe, the FitVille Wide Width Pickleball Shoes offer a unique combination of wide fit and excellent arch support. While the ASICS Gel-Rocket 9 is known for its arch support and cushioning, and the New Balance Fresh Foam Lav V1 Court Shoe is praised for its comfortable fit with a Fresh Foam midsole, the FitVille shoes cater specifically to those with wide feet, making them a standout choice in this category.

The Acacia Dinkshot Pickleball Shoes and the Tyrol Men’s Rally Series Pickleball Shoe, other top picks for the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis, also offer great features. The Acacia Dinkshot shoes are known for their overall plantar fasciitis relief, and the Tyrol Men’s Rally Series shoes are recognized for their stability and support. However, when it comes to accommodating wide feet with great arch support, the FitVille Wide Width Pickleball Shoes hold their own.

In conclusion, the FitVille Wide Width Pickleball Shoes are a top pick for individuals with wide feet who are looking for the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis. Their design ensures comfort, support, and relief from the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

K-Swiss Express Light Shoe

The K-Swiss Express Light Shoe is a top contender when it comes to the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis, particularly for those seeking superior support. This shoe is designed with a plastic chassis that provides excellent stability and support, which is crucial for individuals dealing with plantar fasciitis. The shoe’s design helps to reduce the strain on the plantar fascia, the ligament that connects your heel to your toes, which can be a significant source of pain for those with this condition.

One of the standout features of the K-Swiss Express Light Shoe is its K-EVA midsole. This design element provides excellent shock absorption, which can help to reduce the impact on the plantar fascia during the intense lateral movements typical in pickleball. The shoe also features a durable Aosta 7.0 rubber outsole, which provides excellent traction on the court, further enhancing stability and reducing the risk of slips and falls that could exacerbate plantar fasciitis symptoms.

When compared to other top picks like the ASICS Gel-Rocket 9, the K-Swiss Express Light Shoe offers a similar level of support, but with a unique plastic chassis design that enhances stability. On the other hand, the New Balance Fresh Foam Lav V1 Court Shoe, known for its comfortable fit with a Fresh Foam midsole, might offer a softer feel underfoot, but it doesn’t quite match the K-Swiss shoe in terms of superior support.

The Acacia Dinkshot Pickleball Shoes and the Tyrol Men’s Rally Series Pickleball Shoe, other top picks for the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis, also offer great features. However, the K-Swiss Express Light Shoe stands out with its focus on superior support, making it a great choice for those who need that extra bit of stability on the court.

In summary, the K-Swiss Express Light Shoe is a solid choice for those seeking pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis, offering a great balance of superior support, comfort, and stability.

How Can Pickleball Shoes Help Plantar Fasciitis?

Pickleball shoes can help with plantar fasciitis by providing necessary support, cushioning, and stability. These shoes are designed with features that cater to the needs of individuals suffering from this condition.

Firstly, pickleball shoes offer superior arch support, which is essential for maintaining proper foot alignment. This support helps distribute pressure evenly across the foot, reducing fatigue and discomfort during games. Shoes with a plastic chassis, like the K-Swiss’s Express Light Shoe, are recommended as they offer superior support and stability, making the shoe less prone to twisting.

Secondly, these shoes provide adequate cushioning, which is crucial for comfort and injury prevention. The cushioning helps absorb impact and provide stability during gameplay. This is particularly important for plantar fasciitis sufferers, as a study has shown that inappropriate shoes with minimal heel height, thin sole, and hard insole without any built-in arch support can exacerbate the condition.

Thirdly, pickleball shoes offer lateral support, which is important due to the side-to-side movement involved in the game. Shoes with sturdy sidewalls and reinforced uppers help maintain stability during rapid lateral movements, keeping your feet securely positioned within the shoe.

Lastly, some pickleball shoes are designed with customizable insoles or built-in arch support, catering to various foot shapes and providing the necessary support for players with low, medium, or high arches.

In conclusion, pickleball shoes can help alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis by providing the necessary support, cushioning, and stability. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s feet are different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it’s recommended to try on different shoes and choose the one that feels most comfortable and supportive for your specific needs.

What To Look For In Pickleball Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis?

Now that you understand how plantar fasciitis occurs, the first step in selecting your shoes is to determine what type of shoe works best for your condition. Different exercises or motions may require different levels of support.

For example, some people benefit from more cushioning on their tennis shoes to cushion the constant pounding on their heels. Others prefer a more flexible shoe with a little less support which is why we have included both styles in our list of shoes for Plantar Fasciitis.

First, you need to determine your level of foot pain and select a shoe that provides adequate support without pain or excessive pressure around your heel area.

After you select the best pickleball shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, you need to look for qualities that support your feet. When searching for the perfect pair of shoes, pay attention to these characteristics:

Breathability

Good ventilation can help prevent excess moisture which is important with plantar fasciitis.

Flexibility

The more flexible your shoes, the more freely your toes can move. You need a shoe that flexes the way your foot naturally bends without restricting movement.

Lacing

Pickleball requires a fair amount of running and quick changes in direction. Look for shoes with laces that stay tied to support your feet during all the hustle and bustle of pickleball.

Arch Support

The arch of your foot is another source of pain from plantar fasciitis. You need a shoe that suitably supports your arch and provides support in the correct areas where it’s needed.

Gripping Soles

Your shoes should provide traction for any surface. Pickleball can be played on a variety of surfaces including pavement and indoor courts.

The best pickleball shoes for Plantar Fasciitis should have a sole that provides a good grip on the court surface as well as prevent you from slipping or sliding during those quick turns and stops.

Cushioning & Shock Absorption

Pickleball is a constant pounding on your feet. Look for a shoe that offers maximum shock absorption and cushioning to ease the pressure from each step.

Size & Width

While you don’t want your shoes too big, choose a pair that gives your toes plenty of room to move around without feeling constricted or jammed up against the front of the shoe. Try on several sizes before making a final selection.

Price

You don’t have to break the bank when searching for a high-quality pair of pickleball shoes with good arch support and stability that provides maximum comfort on those long days on the court. Don’t pay more than you have to. Remember, it’s just a game

Pickleball is a fun way to get some exercise. Make the game more enjoyable by wearing the right shoes for plantar fasciitis. You can find quality pickleball shoes at an affordable price. Dress comfortably, but keep in mind your safety and support needs when you are on the court running, stopping, turning, and playing at your best.

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