Are you tired of suffering from plantar fasciitis pain? You are not alone, as maybe your doctor has advised you to look into new sneakers to help your condition.
Sneakers are a trusted source of comfort and protection for your body and your feet, and when you are suffering, it is important to find ones that will experiment your feet issues.
The following are the best workout and cross training shoes for plantar fasciitis with recommendations based on your specific needs.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| New Balance Men's Mx608v4 | Best Overall |  |
| PUMA Men's Tazon 6 Fracture FM Cross-Trainer Shoe | Budget Pick |  |
| Nike Women's Lunarglide 8 | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. New Balance Men's Mx608v4
Pros:
- Cheaper than some of the other options
- Ideal for cross-training
- Durable, lightweight and flexible
- Provides a natural toe-to-heel rolling motion
- Available in a wide variety of colors
Cons:
- Not ideal for performance
- The heel might be a little narrow for some users
New Balance Athletics is one of the most well-known shoe brands for athletes, and that’s because they make really high-quality products that can hold up to a lot of use.
While New Balance makes a lot of different shoes, they mainly focus on athletic shoes. If you’re a serious athlete or you just like to take your workout or training seriously, this product is not for you.
It’s ideal for cross-training, so if that’s your main sport, then you’re in luck. The shoes are a little larger than New Balance’s regular shoes, which is ideal for those who are looking for more support. They come in a wide variety of fun colors, so you can find the right one to fit your personal style.
2. Asics Womens GEL Noosa Tri 10 Running Shoes
Pros:
- Ideal for long distance running
- Great support and cushioning
- Also great for swimming
- Good arch support
- Very comfortable right out of the box
- Enormous stability
- Ideal for people with low arches or flat feet
Cons:
- Not great for sprinting/high intensity workouts
- Soles will wear out quicker
This running shoe from Asics is an absolute winner for long distance runners. It features a cushy gel cushioning system that is supportive and comfortable. The toe box is roomy for those with wider feet. It also has good arch support.
The Asics Women’s GEL Noosa Tri m are a springy shoe that you can wear for long training runs, building up mileage, or racing. They have a low-key look and are a perfect option for low-key runners, rather than flashy, hi-tops.
Reviewers said that they are a bit heavier than other running shoes, but the tradeoff is that you get a really well supported foot. Some reviewers even said that they can wear them for activities like swimming.
3. PUMA Men's Tazon 6 Fracture FM Cross-Trainer Shoe
Pros:
- Outstanding comfort
- Breathable and lightweight
- Extremely long-lasting
- Ideal for low, medium, and high arches
- Value for money
Cons:
- Sizes are not accurate, sizes 8-9 are more like a size 7 and I normally wear a size 11.
- If you are searching for some of the best running shoes which can provide the right amount of support for your needs, then PUMA Men’s Tazon 6 is the right choice for you.
- These shoes will provide right amount of support without overloading your feet and you can wear them at gym, running, or even on just casual wear.
The cushioning is super soft and will also gives you the right amount of traction when you are working out. The mesh upper of the shoe is made from a combination of breathable synthetic materials that keep the shoe lightweight for long-lasting wear.
It has an adjustable rear strap that locks your heel down, providing a secure fit. It also has an air cushion in the heel which provides outstanding comfort.
4. Reebok Men's Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave Sneaker
Pros:
- Breathable mesh fabric.
- Strong and durable mid-rise ankle support.
- Handles many types of floor surfaces.
- Nice tread for durability.
- Get a snug fit.
- Looks cool with the red and black color options.
Cons:
- The mesh fabric is not as durable.
- Lacks the grip and support for muscle ups or rope climbs.
This new Reebok CrossFit shoe is made from mesh and synthetic materials. It’s suitable for many CrossFit workouts, but it isn’t the best primary shoe for rope climbs or muscle ups.
The mid-foot support ensures that your feet don’t slip around in the shoe, so that’s a plus. They don’t feel as wide as previous models and are more durable and breathable.
The Reebok Nano 8 has a neutral feel and good sturdiness as it grips well on a variety of surfaces. It fits snug and secure. It’s a total winner for everyday running and workouts.
5. ASICS Men's Conviction X Cross-Trainer Shoe
Pros:
- Available in wide widths
- Heel slip guard for extra protection
- Stability and cushioning
- Ventilation and Moisture-wicking
- Washable upper
- Rubber outsole with multi-directional pivot
- Laces that form a hood around the top eyelet for a seamless transition from laces to material
Cons:
- Heel and toe are only textured
- Plush collar has little support
- Limited number of colors outside of team colors
The Asics Men’s Conviction X Cross-Trainer shoe is an excellent option for CrossFit fans who have flat feet. It has a foot-shaped heel to prevent too much movement inside the shoe.
It has an Ortholite insole, which is one of the best in terms of comfort and is extremely lightweight. Users say it stands up well to running and it supports your ankles well. The shoe is pretty cushioned, but it is still light enough that you can run fast and do other intense CrossFit training.
6. Reebok Women's CROSSFIT Nano 6.0 Cross Trainer
Pros:
- Highly responsive cushioning
- Lightweight and breathable upper
- Excellent support
- Durable sole with traction pods for gripping different terrains
- Sticky rubber compound to prevent slipping
- Efficient drainage system
This is one of the best cross-training shoes for women that you can find. It is a quite attractive, and it can be worn when working out or as a casual shoe. It features a contoured heel and a tight-knit mesh upper that adds to its stunning looks.
The upper is lined with Dri-Lex and it is antimicrobial. Plus, it features Ortholite sockliner which is highly responsive and helps with the excellent support of the shoe.
The Reebok CROSSFIT Nano 6.0 Cross Trainer is available in a wide range of color combos – from beautiful red/white to classical black/grey, and even sexy black/white combo.
7. New Balance Men's 517 V1 Cross Trainer
Pros:
- Good for running, gym use, and cross-training.
- Breathable mesh fabric and synthetic overlays for support and comfort.
- Great for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon pain.
- Available in a variety of colors.
- Low to the ground feel and very responsive.
Cons:
- A little narrow for some, especially for those with wide feet.
- Laces not a good fit on some shoes.
The New Balance 517 is one of the best shoes if you suffer from Achilles tendon or plantar fasciitis. They offer the right amount of support, cushion, and flexibility to make them a great all-purpose Crossfit shoe.
They run low to the ground and have just a bit of a rocker, so you can reach your full range of motion during plyometric and aerobic workouts without feeling weighed down. At the same time, they work well for lifting as well. Plus, you get your choice of a variety of colors and styles.
A great, versatile shoe option that comes at a reasonable price.
8. Reebok Crossfit Lifter Plus 2.0
Pros:
- Large enough for men and women.
- Flexible and durable enough for CrossFit-style workouts
- Suitable for parkour and other sports
- Breathe well and absorb shock.
- Six-month warranty
Cons:
- Mostly suited for CrossFit
- Heavy and bulky
- Not that stylish
Like the Asics, these Reebok shoes offer plenty of toe room, and there is a raised heel which helps with your mobility during CrossFit training.
The sleek design and matt black upper make these shoes ideal and the flat rubber sole provides good traction and stability.
9. Brooks Men's Adrenaline GTS 17
Pros:
- Maximum comfort, stability and support
- Mesh upper for breathability
- Lace-up closure for a snug fit
- Highly responsive to the midsole cushioning
- Great cushioning
- Deep grid-like outsole pattern
- Vast colorways to choose from
- Reasonably priced
- Great for all activities
Cons:
- Cannot be rolled up when traveling
- Some may need to size up for comfort
- Reefs a bit when walking
The Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 17 is a great running shoe for men who suffer from plantar fasciitis. The wider fit is great for those with wider feet. The mesh upper is very breathable and it dries quickly. The midsole cushioning is responsive to each step. The deep grid-pattern outsole is great for preventing slippage. There is very little break-in time needed. It is great for all activities and very durable. The colorways carry the pattern well and are very sharp looking. It is a comfortable, yet stable running shoe.
10. ASICS Women's GEL-Fortius Cross-Training Shoe
Pros:
- Nice breathable mesh
- Comfortable gel sock
- Nice cushioning on the sole – not too soft, not too hard
- Arch support is good
- Perfect fit
- Little to no break-in
Cons:
- Some users complained of pain at the front of the shoe
- Sizes are more European than other manufacturers
- Heel is a bit high
The ASICS Women’s GEL-Fortius is a solid running shoe thanks to its sleek design, quality build, and excellent cushioning. In fact, one of the things I like most is that I could find a nice balance between lightweight footwear and a lot of cushioning. The shoe was no bulkier when I wore it, yet still felt soft and smooth on my feet.
It has a nice fit thanks to its seamless upper and lack of a chunky heel. A nice padded tongue makes it easy to pull on and off and I appreciate the lace loops on each end. These loops are so easy to pull through, yet I can’t find any that are snag prone.
11. PUMA Women's Cell Riaze Heather Cross-Trainer Shoe
Pros:
- Great price point
- Lightweight
- Nice selection of colors
- Breathable mesh upper
- Quality construction
- Leather and textile lining materials
- Rubber outsole
- Imposing midsole
- Sleek apparel-like design
- Comfortable footbed
Cons:
- Nike Free-like but stiffer sole
- Some user complaints about tight toe box
The latest design from PUMA offers some interesting features. They’ve replaced the mesh material used in most of their shoes with something a bit more robust to improve abrasion resistance.
The shoe is also lighter weight than some of the previous iterations. The upper is basically fabric with leather and textile on the side panels. The side panels are slightly padded so they are a bit more comfortable than the exposed mesh that used to be on the C. Trains.
The sole is stiff and has more of a Nike Free-like feel to it, so you get some bounce in the forefoot. As you’d expect, the outsole is made of rubber, so the traction is quite good.
12. Ryka Women's Devotion XT Sneaker
Pros:
- Lightweight mesh upper.
- Sticky rubber outsole.
- Great comfort, flexibility, and support.
- Decent price point.
Cons:
- Laces are thin and cheap.
- The midsole cushioning is very minimal (but still better than most training shoes).
- Some people have trouble with sizing. Sometimes, they run too small.
You absolutely cannot beat the Ryka Devotion XT when it comes to comfort and stability.
The midsole features a lightweight EVA foam that simply cradles your foot very comfortably.
They feature a tough rubber outsole that makes this shoe suitable for any type of workout. They are a great choice for long distance training.
13. Nike Women's Lunarglide 8
Pros:
- Quality materials, solid construction
- Comfortable, well-cushioned shoe
- Stiffened forefoot gives a flex point for the toes
- High traction
- Very responsive to the ground and powerful for athletic and running-based exercise
Cons:
- Upper on the women’s version is very narrow to the extent that the shoe is tight, even for female feet.
- If you are looking for a comfortable and high-performance all-round shoe, great for endurance training, easy-going runs and gym workouts, the Nike Lunarglide 8 is a top choice.
The shoe has a generous midsole which nicely cushions the foot over long distances without compromising flexibility. The breathable upper is made from a light-weight mesh with a little extra design added to the toe area for more comfort as well as security in an often-troublesome area.
The soft material on the upper has been treated with a water-resistant coating which means that you can take this shoe for runs in light rain or wet conditions.
14. New Balance Women's 711 V2 Cross Trainer
Pros:
- Breathable mesh uppers.
- Replaceable insoles with great arch support.
- Come in 11 colors.
- Lightweight.
- Durable enough to withstand the most aggressive workouts you can dish out.
- Great for both walking, running, and crossfit.
Cons:
- May run on the small side, order a half size up if at all possible.
This is the best budget cross training shoe for women. The New Balance 711V2 is a little pricey for a cross trainer shoe, but it’s also worth every penny.
There are tons of color options, including super bright hues and all black. It’s lightweight and has airy breathable mesh uppers for a cool and comfortable fit.
It’s also got a durable midsole that provides great support and insoles that are removable and washable. This makes cleaning and upkeep a breeze.
15. Nike Men's Free Train Versatility Running Shoes
Pros:
- Multiple color options
- Multiple sizes available
- Snugly fit
- Lightweight
- Good arch support provided
- Great traction on most surfaces
- Very flexible
- Durable
- Good traction from the bottom
Cons:
- The right shoe size can feel a little tight for some users.
- There isn’t a lot of padding on the bottom
This shoe is lightweight, flexible, durable, and comes in a wide range of colors. It features a breathable mesh upper to help keep your foot cool and a rubber bottom for ultimate traction. It comes from Nike, so you know it’s good quality.
The mesh upper is a little loose, so it doesn’t feel as though it would be very durable against use in harsh environments or heavy wear and tear, but it’s great for everyday use and travel use.
The shoe feels as though it cups the foot and hugs it, it’s a very comfortable shoe to wear, especially if you have a wide foot or plan to use it for cross training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best gym shoes for plantar fasciitis?
If you suffer from Plantar Fasciitis and want the best gym shoes for this condition, here is my list.
Can I go to the gym with plantar fasciitis?
Besides the pain, the frustrating part about plantar fasciitis is the worry about being able to walk in the day after a workout or maybe even the next day if I am not careful.
If you have plantar fasciitis and are not able to get good night's sleep, then the next day you are going to feel depression, anxiety, mind fog and decreased symptoms of plantar fasciitis – all of which may cause you to not be able to work out at the gym and recover.
Can you use cross training shoes for walking?
Walking is all about stability and protection of joints. Cross-training shoes have stiffer bottoms that help you bounce back faster when you step down. Running shoes are softer for a good long distance stride, and may even have air cushions inside of them or gel inserts to make them more comfortable. Both are highly adjustable and both are good for the gym. If you can more smmothly move your feet forward in cross-trainers, walking is okay. If you are doing over 20 miles a week, choose running shoes.
Cross-trainers for both men and women are available in many different styles, colors, and sizes. Some are classic, some are clunky, some are like sneakers, and some have extra thick padding. Make sure the shoe you choose fits your lifestyle and your budget, you'll probably choose convertible shoes for the most bang for your buck.
What are the best shoes for gym workouts?
Cushioned running shoes or Crossfit shoes will serve most people very well for all kinds of gym workouts. Almost all gyms will have a variety of machines to use, and these will be all over the place in terms of style and weight. That means you might get a callous or blister in the first week or two when you get used to the place, but since most of us have gotten used to this experience there is no need to worry about it.
Be warned that the treads on gym sneakers will generally be quite a bit less than a trail shoe or running shoe, so you might not want to use them for any other purpose except going to and from your gym. If you take your shoes off on the mat, the floor underneath could be quite disgusting, so be sure you know what you are stepping on.
Conclusion
Are you suffering from plantar fasciitis, heel pain syndrome, or just suffering from some kind of foot pain?
Exercising with a foot injury can aggravate the pain and worsen the swelling and inflammation that already exists in your foot.
One of the best things you can do to alleviate your pain, if you don't decide to go see a doctor for the problem, is to treat it with a quality pair of running shoes.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| New Balance Men's Mx608v4 | Best Overall | |
| PUMA Men's Tazon 6 Fracture FM Cross-Trainer Shoe | Budget Pick | |
| Nike Women's Lunarglide 8 | Upgrade Pick | |