If you’re a pickleball player with plantar fasciitis, you know how painful it can be to play your favorite sport. The good news is that shoes are specifically designed to help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with this condition. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis and discuss why they may be a good option for you.
We’ll also provide tips on choosing the proper footwear for your needs.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
This common condition involves inflammation and pain in the thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia that runs along the bottom of the foot, typically near the heel. It often occurs in people with high arches or flat feet and can be aggravated by a lack of arch support or stability.
You can take several steps to prevent and treat plantar fasciitis, such as wearing pickleball shoes with extra arch support and a wide toe box.
People with flat feet may also benefit from insoles or orthotics for enhanced stability. We will give you a few stretching exercises that should also help alleviate pain and decrease the likelihood of future injury.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel and foot pain. So, what can cause this painful condition?
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One frequent culprit is wearing improper footwear for extended periods of time. Do you work on your feet? This could be a factor if you walk on hard surfaces, putting pressure on the heel and plantar.
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The most common cause is just the structure of your feet; flat feet, high arches, or even walking the wrong way for extended periods of time can cause inflammation.
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Obesity is another factor that will put a lot of pressure on the feet and plantar fascia.
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Age is also a factor in play, and the condition is most common in individuals 40-60 years old
Tracking your activity levels and stretching regularly can also help lower your risk of extended periods of pain. Down below are the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis, and then we will give you some common tips and stretches to keep the pain away.
How to Pick the Right Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Regarding pickleball, the right footwear can make or break your game. Proper shoe selection is even more important if you suffer from Plantar Fasciitis. So how do you pick the best pickleball shoes for your feet?
Firstly, ensure the toe box has enough room for your toes to spread out and flex. Squeezing them into a narrow shoe can aggravate Plantar Fasciitis symptoms. Additionally, pick shoes with good arch support and a cushioning insole to help absorb shock and prevent strain on the plantar fascia. Choose a shoe with excellent traction to prevent slips and falls if you play pickleball on outdoor courts.
With careful consideration, you can find pickleball shoes that improve your game and alleviate Plantar Fasciitis discomfort. There is nothing worse than having the wrong footwear on the court,
Is There a Difference Between a Tennis Shoe and a Pickleball Shoe?
Well, not really as the popularity of pickleball is on the rise, brands have relabeled tennis shoes into pickleball shoes.
The truth is all athletic shoes are designed for multiple court sports, including both tennis and pickleball. The main thing to consider when shopping for shoes is the surface you’ll be playing on. Whether indoor or outdoor pickleball shoes, the tread is important; I recommend a herringbone or modified herringbone tread pattern for most surfaces.
Pickleball courts are shorter than traditional tennis courts, requiring players to have a quick burst of speed and agility in all directions. A good pickleball shoe is typically lightweight and has extra support in the ankle and forefoot areas.
Whether labeled as “tennis shoe” or “pickleball shoe,” just make sure they suit your playing style, the comfort, the support you need, and the court surface you’ll be using.
The Best Pickleball Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
As pickleball continues to gain popularity, it’s important for shoe manufacturers to consider the effects of inadequate pickleball shoes on foot health. Taking preventative actions, such as wearing supportive footwear and stretching regularly, can help avoid heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis. Here are the six best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis:
HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Bondi 7
Looking for a running shoe that offers both breathability and stability? Look no further than the HOKA ONE Men’s Bondi 7 running shoes. Hoka needs no introduction; they have been making extremely durable shoes for years.
This shoe is designed with an open-engineered textile mesh upper that allows your foot to breathe while the seamless synthetic overlays provide added support. The textile lining ensures comfortable, abrasion-free wear, and the removable foam padded insole offers cushion and maximum support. The durable full-length Eva midsole absorbs shock and offers stability, while the durable rubber sole with rubber inserts provides traction. One thing to note about the Hoka’s is the larger rubber sole; It may take some getting used to when you are on the pickleball court.
Diadora Blushield Torneo Tennis Shoes
The Diadora Men`s Speed Blushield Fly 3 Plus AG Tennis Shoes are perfect for pickleball players of all skill levels. These shoes maintain the comfort of past models while incorporating key tweaks to up performance and on-court feel.
The reworked upper has a skin-like mesh for enhanced breathability, amazing comfort and cushion around the ankle and tongue, and increased support. The fantastic BLUSHIELD cushioning also continues to provide every player with a great feel and unmatched support.
Brooks Women’s Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe
The Brooks Women’s Ghost 14 offers a smooth, stable ride with balanced, soft cushioning. Ideal for road running, pickleball, the gym, or wherever you might want to take them!
The Brooks Women’s Ghost 14 provides neutral support while highly energizing cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym, or wherever you might want to take them! Predecessor: Ghost 557
Balanced and soft cushioning work together to provide a just-right softness underfoot without losing responsiveness and durability.
K-Swiss Ultrashort 3 Tennis Shoes
K-Swiss Ultrashort 3 Tennis Shoes are the perfect choice for the serious pickleball player. They offer everything a player needs to perform their best on the court. With a Stabilityframe midsole, they provide excellent support and lateral stability, while the herringbone rubber outsole gives players the ultimate grip and traction. These shoes also have a comfortable fit, thanks to the soft, full-grain leather upper.
When you’re looking for a shoe that can take on the most demanding pickleball matches, look no further than the K-Swiss Ultrashort 3 Tennis Shoe, these shoes are designed to keep your feet comfortable and supported while allowing you to move with ease on any surface. The Durawrap upper wraps around your foot to provide extra protection against excessive toe dragging. The K-swiss ultrashort 3 has great arch support and is one of the best pickleball shoes on our list as it is.
ASICS GEL-Resolution 8 Tennis shoes
Looking for a top-quality tennis shoe to help you take your game to the next level? Then check out the ASICS GEL-Resolution 8! These shoes are packed with features that will give you the edge on the court, including superb comfort, excellent support, and maximum durability.
Starting with comfort, the ASICS is equipped with a forefoot gel cushioning system that will keep your feet feeling great even during long matches. The supportive structure of the shoe will also help reduce foot fatigue, so you can keep going strong all match long. Additionally, the tough rubber outsole can withstand all the wear and tear of intense indoor and outdoor play. In my opinion, the ASICS is the best outdoor pickleball shoe on our list.
New Balance FuelCell Women’s Tennis Shoe
Looking for a high-performance running shoe that provides cushioning and support? Check out the New Balance FuelCell women’s tennis shoe. This shoe is designed to help you go the distance with a robust foam sole with good shock absorption and responsive cushioning. It also features a breathable mesh tongue and upper to keep your feet cool and comfortable, even when pushing your pickleball game to the limit.
Tips for Pickleball Players With Plantar Fasciitis
You should always consult a medical professional; they will give you the best information for your particular case. But here are a few ways that are commonly said to help. You may often want to get image testing to ensure there are no fractures or other issues you may need to address.
Rest
One of the best things you can do for plantar fasciitis is to rest your feet. This means taking a break from activities that put stress on your feet, such as running or standing for long periods of time. It’s also important to wear shoes that provide good support and extra cushioning to reduce the amount of stress on your feet.
Ice
Applying ice to the affected area can help to reduce inflammation and pain. Ice should be applied for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
Stretching
Stretching the muscles and tendons in your feet and lower legs can also help treat plantar fasciitis. There are several different stretches that can be beneficial, and it’s important to talk to your doctor or physical therapist about which ones are right for you.
Orthotics
Orthotic devices, such as arch supports or heel cups, can also help treat plantar fasciitis by providing support for the foot and reducing stress on the affected area. These devices can be purchased over the counter or custom-made by a podiatrist or orthopedist.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, as it can help to stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons in the foot and lower leg. A physical therapist can also teach you how to stretch properly and care for your feet to prevent future episodes of plantar fasciitis.
Stretches for Pickleball Players With Plantar Fasciitis
A good exercise for plantar fasciitis is the Towel Stretch. Sitting on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you, grab a towel and use it to pull your toes towards your body, stretching the arch of your foot. Hold for ten seconds, then release and repeat ten times.
Toe Curls
Toe curls can also help strengthen the muscles in your feet and improve flexibility. Sitting or standing, curl your toes and hold for five seconds before releasing and repeating ten times.
Calf Stretches
Similarly, calf stretches can also alleviate pressure on the fascia in the bottom of your foot. Standing with one foot flat on the ground and one foot behind you on a step, lean into the step until you feel a stretch in your calf muscle, holding for twenty seconds before switching legs.
Pick Up Marbles
And finally, try picking up marbles with your toes while seated – this exercise will improve strength and flexibility and be a fun distraction from any pain or discomfort! Another helpful exercise is toe raises, where you slowly lift your toes towards your shin while standing on one foot, then repeat with the other.
Always listen to your body and consult a medical professional before starting any new exercise routine. With some dedication and persistence, these stretches and exercises can lead to relief from plantar fasciitis discomfort.
In Conclusion
We hope this list of the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis has been helpful. The good news is that these shoes are specifically designed to help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with this condition. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any suggestions or want to let us know what shoes you’re playing in.
Now that you got the shoes 🙂 Check out our write-up on custom pickleball paddles!
