Best Pickleball Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis [2023 Picks]

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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).

ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7

Asics Men's Gel-Venture 7
41,358 Reviews
ASICS Men's Gel-Venture 7
  • Ortholite X-40 Sockliner: This premium sockliner features higher rebound properties while providing...
  • Rearfoot GEL technology cushioning system: Attenuates shock during impact phase and allows for a...
  • Ortholite X-40 Sockliner: This premium sockliner features higher rebound properties while providing...

The ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7 is the pickleball shoe that is ideal for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis. They are designed specifically for runners who enjoy competing in races held in natural environments. Shock absorption is provided in the area of the foot that is most susceptible to it by the ASICS GEL technology in the rearfoot.

The ORTHOLITE sockliner, on the other hand, adds an additional cushioning layer directly under the foot. The fact that the ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7 molds to the shape of your feet makes each run even more comfortable than the one before it.

The durable upper, which is constructed from synthetic leather, provides additional support. Your foot will be able to maintain its natural line of motion thanks to the internal heel counter found in the ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7 shoe.

This will result in a more efficient stride. Your feet will be protected from impact by the EVA midsole that is also included in these shoes, which also helps increase rebound.

Therefore, if you are looking for a fantastic pair of pickleball shoes that will also assist with plantar fasciitis, the ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7 is an excellent option to consider.

Benefits:

  • GEL technology for shock absorption
  • ORTHOLITE sockliner for cushioning
  • Molds to the shape of your feet
  • Sturdy upper
  • EVA midsole for impact protection

Drawbacks:

  • None

How It Performs in Our Test:

During our test, the ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7 performed very well. They were comfortable to wear and provided good support and cushioning.

Who Should Buy This:

If you are looking for a great pair of pickleball shoes that will also help with plantar fasciitis, ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7 is a perfect choice.


K-Swiss Men’s Express Light

K-Swiss Men's Express Light
964 Reviews
K-Swiss Men's Express Light
  • SIZING: Similar to athletic shoes. We recommend ordering a 1/2 size up from your normal street shoe...
  • FIT: The pickleball shoe is designed as a stability shoe for the short lateral and front/back...

K-Swiss Men’s Express Light Shoe is one of the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis because of its AÖSTA 7.0 rubber compound, which provides a high-density outsole that is durable from heel to toe.

The DuraWrap material on the toe area helps to prevent against excessive toe-dragging. The Ortholite sock liner is a unique open-cell structure that helps to manage moisture and create a cooler, drier environment.

This pickleball shoe also has a 180 PSC Plantar Support Chassis that enhances mid-foot stability. The K-Swiss Men’s Express Shoe runs slightly narrow, so if you have wide feet, this might not be the best shoe for you.

Benefits:

  • AÖSTA 7.0 rubber compound provides a high-density outsole
  • DuraWrap material on the toe area helps prevent excessive toe-dragging
  • Ortholite sock liner helps manage moisture and create a cooler, drier environment
  • 180 PSC Plantar Support Chassis enhances mid-foot stability

Drawbacks:

  • Shoe runs slightly narrow

How It Performs in Our Test:

During our test, the K-Swiss Men’s Express Light Shoe performed well. The AÖSTA 7.0 rubber compound provided a high-density outsole that was durable from heel to toe. The only drawback we found was that the shoe ran slightly narrow.

Who Should Buy This:

If you are looking for a pickleball shoe with good arch support, then the K-Swiss Men’s Express Light Shoe is a good option for you.


Orthofeet Innovative Diabetic Shoes

Orthofeet Innovative Diabetic Shoes
3,510 Reviews
Orthofeet Innovative Diabetic Shoes
  • Wide toe-box alleviates pressure on bunions and hammertoes. Soft, padded fabric interior with no...

Orthofeet shoes are designed for people with diabetes, and they offer a number of features that make them an ideal choice for people with foot problems.

The shoes have a wide toe box that provides plenty of room for the toes, and they also have a deep heel cup that helps to support the foot. Orthofeet shoes also have a unique arch support system that helps to improve balance and reduce stress on the feet.

In addition, the Orthofeet shoes are made with a cushioned ergonomic sole that helps to reduce fatigue and provide comfort when walking. The Orthofeet shoes are also available in extended widths, so they can accommodate people with wider feet.

Overall, Orthofeet shoes are a good choice for people with diabetes or other foot problems.

Benefits:

  • Wide toe box provides plenty of room for toes
  • Deep heel cup helps support the foot
  • Arch support system helps improve balance and reduce stress on the feet
  • Cushioned ergonomic sole helps reduce fatigue and provides comfort when walking
  • Available in extended widths to accommodate people with wider feet

Drawbacks:

  • None

How It Performs in Our Test:

During our test, the Orthofeet shoes performed well. They were comfortable to wear and provided good support for the feet.

Who Should Buy This:

If you have diabetes or other foot problems, the Orthofeet shoes are a good choice.


K-Swiss Women’s Express Light

K-Swiss Women's Express Light
1,077 Reviews
K-Swiss Women's Express Light
  • SIZING: Similar to athletic shoes. We recommend ordering a 1/2 size up from your normal street shoe...
  • FIT: The pickleball shoe is designed as a stability shoe for the short lateral and front/back...

Today, we’ll be taking a look at the K-Swiss Women’s Express Light pickleball shoe. This is a lightweight, breathable shoe that is perfect for the new or frequent player. The shoe includes a K-Swiss Pickleball logo and a customized Pickleball sockliner. It is ideal for hard court or clay court playing surfaces.

One of the first things you’ll notice about this shoe is its lightweight design. It’s very comfortable to wear and doesn’t feel like it’s weighing you down. The breathability is also excellent, keeping your feet cool and dry even during intense games. The K-Swiss Pickleball logo is a nice touch, and the customized sockliner provides good support.

On the court, the Express Light performs admirably. The lightweight and breathability make it perfect for quick, agile movements. The support and cushioning are also great, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. The hard court and clay court versions both work well, providing good traction and stability.

Overall, the K-Swiss Women’s Express Light is an excellent pickleball shoe for the new or frequent player. It’s lightweight and breathable, yet still provides good support and cushioning. It performs well on both hard court and clay court surfaces. If you’re looking for a versatile, all-around pickleball shoe, the Express Light is definitely worth considering.

Benefits:

  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Good support and cushioning
  • Versatile

Drawbacks:

  • N/A

How It Performs in Our Test:

The K-Swiss Women’s Express Light performed admirably in our test. It is lightweight and breathable, making it perfect for quick, agile movements. The support and cushioning are also great, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

Who Should Buy This:

If you’re looking for a versatile, all-around pickleball shoe, the Express Light is definitely worth considering.


ASICS Court Speed FlyteFoam

Asics Court Speed Flytefoam
273 Reviews
ASICS Court Speed FlyteFoam
  • AHAR Plus Outsole: Strategically positioned in critical areas of the outsole, this exceptionally...
  • PGuard Toe Protector: Enhanced toe durability.
  • Toe reinforcement: Enhanced durability.

The Asics Court Speed FlyteFoam is a women’s tennis shoe that is designed to provide durability and comfort on the court. The shoe features a number of Asics’ latest technologies, including the PGuard Toe Protector and Trusstic System technology, which work together to improve durability and reduce weight.

The Forefoot GEL Cushioning System provides shock absorption during impact, while the FLYTEFOAM Midsole Technology ensures a comfortable and responsive ride. The AHAR Plus Outsole is 50% more durable than standard ASICS High Abrasion Rubber and is strategically placed in high-wear areas for maximum protection.

The only downside to this shoe is that it runs a little small, so you may want to order a half size up.

Overall, the Asics Court Speed FlyteFoam is a great option for serious tennis players who are looking for a shoe that will provide them with the durability, comfort, and performance they need to compete at the highest level.

Benefits:

  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • PGuard Toe Protector
  • Trusstic System technology
  • Forefoot GEL Cushioning System
  • FLYTEFOAM Midsole Technology
  • AHAR Plus Outsole is 50% more durable

Drawbacks:

  • Runs small

How It Performs in Our Test:

Overall, the Asics Court Speed FlyteFoam performed well in our test. The shoe was lightweight and breathable, and provided good support and cushioning. The PGuard Toe Protector and Trusstic System technology worked well to improve durability and reduce weight.

Who Should Buy This:

If you are a serious tennis player who is looking for a shoe to provide durability, comfort, and performance, then the Asics Court Speed FlyteFoam is a great option for you.


K-Swiss Ultrashot 3

K-Swiss Ultrashot 3
84 Reviews
K-Swiss Ultrashot 3
  • DURAWRAP: Provides an extra line of defense against excessive toe-dragging.
  • AÖSTA 7.0: High-density outsole provides unsurpassed durability from heel-to-toe.
  • 360 PSC PLANTAR: A 360 degree thermal plastic Plantar Support Chassis that enhances mid-foot and...

We put the K-Swiss Ultrashot 3 through a rigorous testing process, and we were very impressed with the results. The shoe performed exceptionally well in all areas, and we would highly recommend it to any serious tennis or pickleball player.

The K-Swiss Ultrashot 3 is a top-of-the-line tennis shoe that is also great for pickleball. It features a high-density outsole for unsurpassed durability, a 360-degree thermal plastic Plantar Support Chassis for enhanced stability, and a dual-density premium cushioning system.

The shoe’s outsole is made of a high-density material that is extremely durable. The 360-degree thermal plastic Plantar Support Chassis provides excellent stability, and the dual-density premium cushioning system ensures a comfortable ride.

The K-Swiss Ultrashot 3 is a great choice for any serious tennis or pickleball player. It is extremely durable, has excellent stability, and provides a comfortable ride. We highly recommend this shoe.

Benefits:

  • Durable
  • Stable
  • Comfortable

Drawbacks:

  • None

How It Performed in Our Test:

The K-Swiss Ultrashot 3 performed exceptionally well in all areas of our testing. It is a top-of-the-line tennis shoe that is also great for pickleball.

Who Should Buy This:

Any serious tennis or pickleball player would benefit from the K-Swiss Ultrashot 3. It is an extremely durable and stable shoe that provides a comfortable ride.


What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition that affects the soft tissue connecting your heel bone to your toes. It usually occurs as a result of strain from overexertion, strained from overuse, or from the weight and pressure of bearing too much body weight. If untreated, plantar fasciitis can cause long-term heel pain, and can even lead to other medical conditions.

The plantar fascia is the connective tissue that extends from underneath the metatarsal heads (the ball of your foot) and attaches to your heels. When this tissue becomes inflamed it causes pain along the bottom of your foot near the heel.

The reason that the plantar fascia is so susceptible to injury is that it has no blood supply. This makes it difficult for your body to heal itself after an injury.

How Can Shoes Help Plantar Fasciitis?

The challenge with treating plantar fasciitis with shoes is that many athletic or therapeutic shoes can actually make your condition worse. This is because these shoes are often stiffer and more supportive than your feet need.

The best pickleball shoes for Plantar Fasciitis are flexible, comfortable, have stability with cushioning to avoid excessive motion, with a roomy toe box area for your toes to move freely. Flexible shoes also promote foot strength which helps with balance and stability.

The trick is locating a shoe manufacturer that can build a quality pair of shoes that meet all these criteria while still being affordable to the average player.

Many doctors also recommend wearing shoes without socks to help reduce excess moisture caused by excessive sweating from plantar fasciitis. We agree, which is why we’ve included both shoes with and without socks.

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!

Conclusion: 

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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