Do you suffer from heel pain? Are you looking for shoes specifically designed for heel pain?
Are you a heel pain sufferer who also happens to like running? Maybe you are just looking a few recommendations so you can finally get your heel pain under control.
Whether you need running shoes for heel pain or you are looking to find some great new shoes to support your feet, you’re in the right place.
We have compiled reviews that will help you make the right choice when it comes to running shoes that are designed to support your heels and feet.
Whether you need to treat your heel spurs or you just want some brand new shoes, the recommendations below will be beneficial to you.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Brooks Transcend 6 | Best Overall |  |
| Saucony Women's Redeemer ISO 2 Running Shoe | Budget Pick |  |
| HOKA ONE ONE Mens Bondi 6 Running Shoe | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Brooks Transcend 6
Pros:
- Good for heel pain
- Feels great on a run
- Nice stability
- Low to the ground
Cons:
- Not particularly stylish
- The arch support can be a bit too much
The Brooks Transcend 6 Running Shoes are some of the most comfortable we’ve tested. They fit well so they can be worn as everyday sneakers as well as for running. They have a no-sew upper that makes it easy to slip off.
The upper is lightweight and breathable, with a two-overlap seam. There’s also the materiel FlexFilm material over the toe, which provides extra mobility and traction.
Some users have said this pair is not incredibly durable, primarily in the heel.
2. Brooks Transcend 6
Pros:
- Good for heel pain
- Feels great on a run
- Nice stability
- Low to the ground
Cons:
- Not particularly stylish
- The arch support can be a bit too much
The Brooks Transcend 6 Running Shoes are some of the most comfortable we’ve tested. They fit well so they can be worn as everyday sneakers as well as for running. They have a no-sew upper that makes it easy to slip off.
The upper is lightweight and breathable, with a two-overlap seam. There’s also the materiel FlexFilm material over the toe, which provides extra mobility and traction.
Some users have said this pair is not incredibly durable, primarily in the heel.
3. HOKA ONE ONE Mens Bondi 6 Running Shoe
Pros:
- Highly-rated and well-reviewed by customers
- Neutral profile and highly responsive
- Lightweight
As the name suggests – Bondi – this is a shoe for the beach. However, it doesn’t look like the usual sandal type shoe that you might think of when you think of a beach shoe.
It comes in blue and gray and has a breathable mesh upper with a semi-soft EVA footbed. The upper is very lightweight, and at the top of the shoe, there is a high collar that literally wraps around the top of your foot. This is a feature to help keep sand out during beach running.
The Bondi has a 6mm drop and is lightweight – only 7.8 oz. It has some really nice features, most notably the midfoot exoskeleton. The midfoot exoskeleton is a super lightweight, super flexible exoskeleton that provides structure and support while maintaining flexibility in the midsole. It keeps the structure of the shoe together even without using the laces.
4. ASICS Women's Gel-Kayano 27 Running Shoes
Pros:
- Great for neutral runners
- Offers lots of support
- Comes with several cushioning features
- Excellent customer service
- Can be worn comfortably by athletes with different foot shapes
Cons:
- Some customers find the heel to be narrow, which is not so good for athletes with high arches
- Requires a lot of breaking in
- Lacing system has a tendency to become a bit loose after extensive use
The ASICS women’s toe shoes are some of the best in the running market in 2020. They are known to provide an excellent heel to toe transition, a secure fit and great looks.
The outsole is composed of famous ASICS gel foam. The midsole is made of E.V.A. foam that provides superior responsiveness and cushions the feet.
One of the key selling points of this running shoe is the fact that it is formed to fit different foot shapes and foot sizes. From extra wide to narrow feet, the model can cater to a wide range of foot types. The overall design of the shoes is finished off with a durable synthetic upper, with colors and style variations matching your taste.
5. adidas Ultraboost 3.0 Shoe
Pros:
- Built for running
- The color scheme makes these shoes hard to lose
- No-sew design reduces the number of potential points of failure
- Great fit
- Good motion control
We chose the Adidas Ultraboost 3.0 Shoe for our list of best heel pain running shoes because it has great features for runners such as: mid-foot protection, support, and complete lockdown of your feet. It also has a no-sew design that reduces the number of potential points of failure, and is breathable.
Upon wearing them for the first time, these shoes feel very light weight, but definitely give the support required for technical running. They are also very breathable which enhances comfort. The mid-foot protection and support offer protection for runners who land on the front of their feet and the overall lockdown of your feet allow for a more connected feel while running technical trails.
These shoes do lack waterproof and weather resistant features, which means that they might get damaged in bad weather. They have some of the best stability on the market and the best lockdown features.
6. Hoka One One Speedgoat 2 Trail Running Shoes
Pros:
- Incredibly lightweight
- Incredibly comfortable
- Great for long trail runs
- Good grip
- A lot of the top runners shoot in HOKA shoes
- Great for trail running
Cons:
- High price-point
- The quality of the laces leaves something to be desired.
64 oz.
When looking at the best shoes for running in 2018, you were dead wrong if you didn’t include HOKA One One shoes on your list.
HOKA shoes are the thickest, heaviest shoes on the market and they’re fantastic for runners.
7. New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe
Pros:
- Light midsoles
- Breathable uppers
- Easy-to-maintain
- Good cushion and support
Grey/Blue, 12.
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v10 running shoe is a midsole-based running shoe that provides great quality and feel from heel to toe. It is one of the best running shoes in the market for users who suffer from heel pain.
The shoes are designed with breathable microfiber uppers. These shoes are easy to clean and maintain.
8. ASICS Men's Gel-Kayano 27 Running Shoes
Pros:
- Durable and robust enough for everyday use
- Flexible traction that avoids blisters
- Aesthetic design
Cons:
- Heel height might be a little uncomfortable for long distances
- The shoes are not self-lacing (but you can buy them pre-laced)
ASICS is one of the top shoe manufacturers, and they make some of the best long-distance running shoes. The ASICS Men's Gel-Kayano 27 Running Shoes are one of their top models. They’re made of synthetic materials that give them an authentic appearance and a comfortable wear. Plus, they are very lightweight and provide a nice springy bounce to your step.
The outsole is designed to offer great traction and avoid blisters. The shoes are also designed for running in wet weather. This is thanks to their patented GEL cushioning, a gel technology that is used to absorb shock, guard your feet, and reduce the impact load on your body.
The upper is made of a synthetic material that is both durable and breathable. What’s great about this design is that it looks just as smart during the day as it looks during your jogging session. However, since the heel is quite high, you might find it a little uncomfortable for long distances.
9. New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe
Pros:
- Fantastic for everyday running, training, and walking
- Firm and sturdy mid-sole
- Extremely lightweight
This walking and running shoe from New Balance is a great option for athletes and regular runners alike. It combines softness and stability; giving you good traction when you're running on slippery or uneven surfaces.
The 1080 V10 gets its comfort and support from a built up heel. It features a Hyper-Rolled Technology that boosts protection and stability. The shoe also has strong laces that give it a secure yet comfortable fit.
Many reviewers say that the shoe is extremely lightweight and provides the ideal amount of support for walking as well as jogging. A common complaint, however, is that the shoe is too small and doesn't offer enough wiggle room.
10. Brooks Women's Running Shoes
Pros:
- Excellent cushioning
- Great support
- Extremely lightweight
Cons:
- Narrow and small toe box
- Can be expensive
The Brooks Women's Running Shoes are lightweight, bakcward-stabilizing shoes designed for people from either a beginner runner or a veteran runner. They feature a wide toe box allowing the toes to spread naturally. This minimizes friction and stress to the toes and in turn to the foot and lower leg.
11. Nike Men's Running Shoes
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Excellent for high activity moderate terrain
- Cushioned
- Great for running as well as a variety of indoor and outdoor pursuits
- Supportive
- Comforting, durable, and flexible
- Economical
- Retro styling
- Gives you an enhanced ride vs. the Nike free run 4.0
- Breathable
Cons:
- You may not like the fit — check the size chart
- Heavy arch support can be uncomfortable
- Not ideal for beginners
The Nike Men’s running shoes come with high-quality materials you’d expect from the world’s number 1 running shoe brand. The breathable mesh upper has a durable covering that can take a lot of abuse (and a ton of miles). The soft padded midsole and durable rubber outsole can also take an incredible amount of punishment without suffering any damage. The shoe is surprisingly lightweight for such a high performance model.
12. Saucony Women's Redeemer ISO 2 Running Shoe
Pros:
- The price is affordable
- Provides great traction
- Lightweight
- Easy to maintain
Cons:
- A bit stiffer than others
- There’s no additional cushioning
- The sizing runs a little small
If you’re searching for a great pair of training shoes for heel pain, look no further than the Saucony Women’s Redeemer ISO 2 Running Shoe. There are nearly 1,000 other people who would agree with that. The Saucony line is top notch and have great reviews, especially their models designed for heel pains.
These Redeemer running shoes are an upgrade over previous models, particularly thanks to their lightweight upper and minimal foot support. They have an amazing roomy toe box, which prevents any unnecessary heel pressure.
According to reviews, the sizing runs small. Women who wear a size 8 should order a size 10 instead. Women who wear a size 8.5 should order a size 11. This advice applies to both running shoes and running socks.
13. Nike Women's Running Shoes
Pros:
- It has a great fit, whether you want a wider toe box or a snug fit
- Sculpted heel counter adds great stability
- It has a breathable construction that works well with your body's natural temperature
- Great traction — you can run in any weather condition
- It's very light
- Minimal heel cushioning
- Breathable — can provide a great fit and all day comfort
- It's well-cushioned
- Great cushioning
- The heel is lightweight for added comfort.
Cons:
- Fits extremely small. Order half a size up
- The sole is on the thinner side and more flexible.
- The heel area could be a little wider.
Overall, the Nike Women's Running Shoes – Air Zoom Pegasus 35 are a lightweight, low to the ground running shoe for women. They feature a breathable mesh upper and a cushioned midsole. They provide comfort and great stability, which makes them a great pair of shoes to wear for a pretty long time.
14. HOKA ONE ONE Womens Bondi 6 Running Shoe
Most people wear the wrong sized shoe for their feet. If they didn’t, then they would have eliminated 90% of the repetitive stress injuries that occur to the feet, ankles, knees, and hips.
If you’ve ever had a foot injury, then you know how hard it is to find a running shoe that supports your specific foot needs. We’ve all had it with typical shoes that have too much arch support, or too much cushioning – especially under the heel. The HOKA One One Bondi 6 will eliminate that weird, tight, and uncomfortable feeling under the heel that plagues most runners.
The Hoka One One Bondi 6 is a lightweight and shock-absorbent running shoe that will fit every foot from narrow to extra wide. It has sufficient arch support, plus plenty of room for a wide toe box.
15. adidas Women's Ultraboost Running Shoe
The Adidas Ultraboost Running Shoe is a fantastic option for high-performance running athletes. It is a lightweight, flexible, and very breathable shoe which makes it perfect for urban environments.
It has a breathable mesh upper that provides plenty of ventilation which is ideal for intense running or sprinting. The mesh design also means it is quite airy and keeps your feet cool.
Overall the upper of the shoe provides a very secure and comfortable fit. The dual-density midsole foam provides ample support and cushioning, making this an ideal lightweight running shoe. The carbon rubber outsole provides extra traction when running on surfaces like concrete.
16. HOKA ONE ONE Women's Speedgoat 2 Running Shoe
Pros:
- Supportive and protective
- Lightweight (11oz)
- Decent traction
- Stable footbed
- Plenty of toe room
Cons:
- May seem a tad heavy for the weight
- Length runs a tad small
- Veggie-tanned leather can easily scar
The Hoka One One Women's Speedgoat 2 Running Shoe is made with a lightweight yet strong and stable EVA midsole, and a soft, full-length and single density molded trail-specific outsole.
The shoe features padded tongue and collar, as well as a seamless interior for increased comfort. The shoe features PUMA's proprietary "cloudTread" construction … which means the sole is thinner, softer, and provides better flexibility on trails while still offering significant protection.
The shoe uses a FLOWFILM TM midsole – a denser foam that offers superior support and shock absorption. The Hoka Speedgoat 2 is a very flexible shoe, and the ample EVA in the midsole and in the outsole mean that you can run on a variety of terrains without having to worry about breaking your ankles.
17. Brooks Men's Beast 18
Pros:
- Very flexible and comfortable
- Super durable; has a durability rating of 400-500 miles per pair
- Multiple colors to choose from
- Corrects overpronation
Cons:
- Overly wide for narrow feet
- Not best suited for narrow heel-to-toe foot types
- Some users complained about the ‘smell’ that the shoe gives off upon first usage
The Brooks Men’s Beast 18 running shoes sports an ultra-cushioned feel and a comfortable and controlled ride. The Beast is great for the beginning runner and is very popular among runners who participate in 5K’s, 10K’s, and half-marathons.
The Beast features an OrthoLite footbed which is a lightweight, antimicrobial insole that helps absorb sweat and regulate temperature. It also features a well-padded collar and tongue for extra comfort.
What sets the Beast apart from the competition is the midsole, which has a unique C-Cap technology that absorbs shock and reduces pronation. It also comes with an expansion wedge and a strong TPU plate in the mid-foot and heel areas that make the Beast ideal for runners who overpronate.
18. HOKA ONE ONE Women's Speedgoat 2 Running Shoe
Pros:
- Supportive and protective
- Lightweight (11oz)
- Decent traction
- Stable footbed
- Plenty of toe room
Cons:
- May seem a tad heavy for the weight
- Length runs a tad small
- Veggie-tanned leather can easily scar
The Hoka One One Women's Speedgoat 2 Running Shoe is made with a lightweight yet strong and stable EVA midsole, and a soft, full-length and single density molded trail-specific outsole.
The shoe features padded tongue and collar, as well as a seamless interior for increased comfort. The shoe features PUMA's proprietary "cloudTread" construction … which means the sole is thinner, softer, and provides better flexibility on trails while still offering significant protection.
The shoe uses a FLOWFILM TM midsole – a denser foam that offers superior support and shock absorption. The Hoka Speedgoat 2 is a very flexible shoe, and the ample EVA in the midsole and in the outsole mean that you can run on a variety of terrains without having to worry about breaking your ankles.
19. HOKA ONE ONE Mens Gaviota 2 Walking Shoe
Pros:
- Water resistant
- Anti-microbial material
- Vibram treads
- Foam cushioning
- Zero-drop
- Handmade
- Can be worn with socks
- Grippy
- Excellent comfort
The Gaviota 2 is a semi-minimalist shoe which offers the best walking comfort possible in a single pair of shoes. It is hand-crafted and offers a zero-drop platform with agressive outsoles that are wrapped in sticky rubber for excellent all-terrain performance.
The shoe has a micro-suede upper which allows you to wear it with shorts and socks. This is particularly helpful for the summer months. A shoe like this should be in every sportsman’s wardrobe. It comes in a wide range of colors, each with a slightly different appeal to the eye.
This is the shoe that’s going to keep you comfortable for miles and miles of running and trekking. It is constructed in the USA by expert craftsmen, so you know the quality is going to be superb.
20. HOKA ONE ONE Women's Gaviota 2 Running Shoe
Pros:
- Great traction
- Very lightweight
- OrthoLite footbed provides optimal air flow and comfort (very important for long distance running)
- Excellent for hot weather
Cons:
- Slightly heavy for trails
- Expensive
The Hoka One One Women's Gaviota is a very versatile shoe that is great for many different conditions. If you are a heel striker who is battling heel pain, this is an excellent option as it has a low heel to toe drop, which is great for reducing impact, as well as providing a roomy toe box which reduces strain on your toes. The thick midsole provides superb cushioning which takes the pressure off your legs and feet.
They also have very good traction, which makes them excellent for all types of weather – from light rain and snow to very hot dry sunny days.
The durability is also very good, and this is one of the best shoes for the price.
21. Saucony Men's Redeemer ISO 2 Running Shoe
Pros:
- Provides ample support
- Reasonably priced
- Lots of color options
- Comfortable
- Has a good amount of support to the sole and front
- A lot of cushioning on the inside
- Conforms to the shape of the feet
- Can be worn all day without any discomfort
- Free shipping and returns are excellent
- Easy to run in
Cons:
- The design is outdated
- They’re not good for jogging
- Customer service isn’t great
- Long shipping wait times
The Saucony Men’s Redeemer ISO 2 are sneakers that are made with a classic design and lots of cushioning. These shoes are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The Redeemer ISO 2 are a pair of sneakers that can be worn all day without causing any discomfort.
They have a ton of shoe care features that make them quite versatile. You can wear them for exercising or even to class. These shoes look modern that make them a great choice for anyone looking to pick up some new running shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best running shoe for heel pain?
Some people do not have the option of running in minimalist shoes. For many people, however, runners and trimmers alike, minimalist shoes have offered a long-term heel pain solution.
If you are a heel-striker, minimalist shoes can help to mold your gait into a more forefoot strike. This helps your body buy into a more efficient form that allows you to run more with your hips, and save your joints. In addition, minimalist shoes offer a more natural cushioning experience that utilizes different parts of your foot to help absorb the impact of running.
In general, as a heel-striker, you will find a wider variety of shoe options in the minimalist niche. There are also many more options for neutral or high-arched runners who don’t prefer more minimal running shoes.
What type of running shoe is best for plantar fasciitis?
In terms of treating plantar fasciitis, your primary objective is to protect your feet and ankles from impact and allow healing to occur. There are several types of running shoes with various features. Although there is no data on which running shoes work best for plantar fasciitis, running shoes that are designed to minimize plantar fasciitis symptoms are generally less structured and have a softer midsole, flexible sole unit and ample cushioning. For example, the Nike Free line of running shoes is a popular option.
Is it OK to run with heel pain?
Like any exercise, running can sometimes aggravate heel pain. If you're planning to run anyway, you can minimize the pain by warming up and cooling down correctly.
Or you can hold off on running on hard surfaces until the inflammation passes. You may also want to experiment with different shoes or inserts to reduce your initial shock.
Can running shoes cause heel pain?
Yes. If you are experiencing heel pain while running, it may be due to your running shoes. Maybe your old running shoes are no longer running. Or could be they were never designed for you, and that can happen too.
High heels are suddenly in a bad light. However, these shoes lower back muscles, tighten the hips, raises your feet from the floor, does not support the ankle properly, and reduces the size of your pelvis, forcing unnaturally.
Low-heeled shoes were created for the comfort. Because they do not put pressure on the heel. 6 inches and below is considered low-heeled.
Conclusion
The recommendations here are for the best running shoes for heel pain in 2022, as voted into their positions by the editors, who consider factors such as popularity, ratings, quality, longevity, and a range of other things.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Brooks Transcend 6 | Best Overall | |
| Saucony Women's Redeemer ISO 2 Running Shoe | Budget Pick | |
| HOKA ONE ONE Mens Bondi 6 Running Shoe | Upgrade Pick | |