
Basketball is a high-intensity sport that requires players to move quickly and change direction frequently. However, for those with plantar fasciitis, a common foot condition that causes pain in the heel and arch, finding the right basketball shoes can be a challenge.
The best basketball shoes for plantar fasciitis should provide ample support and cushioning to reduce pain and discomfort during gameplay.
When shopping for basketball shoes for plantar fasciitis, it’s essential to consider the shoe’s arch support, cushioning, and stability features. Arch support helps distribute body weight evenly across the foot, reducing pressure on the plantar fascia.
Cushioning provides shock absorption, preventing excessive force from damaging the foot. Stability features, such as a firm heel counter and sturdy outsole, help keep the foot in place during lateral movements.
We spent hours researching and testing various basketball shoes to identify the ones that provide the best support and cushioning for those with plantar fasciitis. In this article, we’ll share our findings and recommendations to help you find the perfect basketball shoes for your needs.
Best Basketball Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
We understand the struggle of finding the perfect basketball shoes when you have plantar fasciitis. It can be a daunting task to find shoes that provide the right amount of support, cushioning, and stability. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best basketball shoes for plantar fasciitis to make your search easier. Our team has carefully researched and tested various shoes to ensure that we only recommend the best options. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a casual player, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list below to find your perfect pair of basketball shoes that will help alleviate your plantar fasciitis pain and keep you comfortable on the court.
Nike Men’s Sneaker 15 Black/Anthracite

We highly recommend the Nike Men’s Sneaker 15 Black/Anthracite (available here) for basketball players with plantar fasciitis.
Pros
- The rubber sole provides excellent traction on the court and helps reduce foot pain.
- The shoes are lightweight and provide good support for the feet.
- The black and anthracite colorway is stylish and versatile.
Cons
- The shoes may run a bit small, so be sure to order a half size up.
- Some customers have reported that the shoes are not very durable and may wear out quickly.
- The shoes are on the expensive side compared to other basketball shoes.
In our experience, the Nike Men’s Sneaker 15 Black/Anthracite is a great choice for basketball players with plantar fasciitis. The rubber sole provides excellent traction on the court, which is essential for players with foot pain. The shoes are also lightweight and provide good support for the feet, which helps reduce discomfort during games.
One thing to keep in mind is that the shoes may run a bit small, so it’s a good idea to order a half size up. Additionally, some customers have reported that the shoes are not very durable and may wear out quickly, so it’s important to take good care of them and replace them as needed.
Overall, we think the Nike Men’s Sneaker 15 Black/Anthracite is a solid choice for basketball players with plantar fasciitis. The black and anthracite colorway is stylish and versatile, and the shoes provide the support and traction you need to perform your best on the court.
Nike Men’s Lebron Witness 7 Basketball Shoe

If you’re looking for a basketball shoe that provides excellent support for plantar fasciitis, then the Nike Men’s Lebron Witness 7 Basketball Shoe (available here) is a great option.
Pros
- The full-length Max Air unit combined with a foam wrap-up provides excellent support when moving laterally.
- The Air unit placed in the forefoot helps reduce weight and increase responsiveness, while also aiding in impact absorption.
- The breathable mesh upper provides a conforming fit with external molded pieces that help lock in your heel.
Cons
- The reinforced stitching along the sides can make the shoe feel a bit snug, which may not be comfortable for some people.
- Some users have reported that the shoe runs a bit small, so it may be necessary to order a half size up.
- The shoe may not be suitable for those with wider feet, as it can feel a bit narrow.
Overall, the Nike Men’s Lebron Witness 7 Basketball Shoe is a solid choice for those looking for a supportive basketball shoe for plantar fasciitis. The full-length Max Air unit and foam wrap-up provide excellent lateral support, while the Air unit in the forefoot aids in weight reduction and impact absorption. The breathable mesh upper conforms to your foot, and the external molded pieces help lock in your heel. However, the reinforced stitching along the sides can make the shoe feel a bit snug, and the shoe may not be suitable for those with wider feet.
Under Armour Curry 3 Low Men’s Basketball Shoes

We highly recommend the Under Armour Curry 3 Low Men’s Basketball Shoes (available here) for anyone looking for a comfortable and supportive shoe that can help with plantar fasciitis.
Pros
- The Threadborne upper delivers lightweight directional strength to support the game’s most brilliant player.
- The Charged Cushioning enhances first-step speed and change of direction.
- The Herringbone traction pattern amplifies stability, grip, and support on the court.
Cons
- The size may run small, so it’s important to order a half-size up.
- The shoe may not be as durable as other brands.
- The shoe may not provide enough arch support for some individuals.
The Under Armour Curry 3 Low Men’s Basketball Shoes are designed for proficient playmakers who live for clutch time. The light, low cut, Threadborne upper provides unrestricted agility and breathable support as you slip the defense and knock down the open jumper with elegant ease. Under Armour Anafoam offers a custom body-mapped fit through the midfoot, ensuring a comfortable and secure feel, while the Charged Cushioning helps you beat your defender by absorbing impact and redistributing energy for responsive first-step performance. The Meta-wing carbon fiber shank provides locked-in stability through the heel, arch, and forefoot, while the Herringbone traction pattern amplifies stability, grip, and support on the court.
The Under Armour Curry 3 Low Men’s Basketball Shoes are perfect for anyone looking for a comfortable and supportive shoe that can help with plantar fasciitis. The Threadborne upper and Charged Cushioning provide excellent support and comfort, while the Herringbone traction pattern ensures stability and grip on the court. Although the shoe may run small, ordering a half-size up should solve the problem. Additionally, the shoe may not be as durable as other brands, but it still provides excellent support and comfort. Overall, we highly recommend the Under Armour Curry 3 Low Men’s Basketball Shoes for anyone looking for a comfortable and supportive shoe that can help with plantar fasciitis.
Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Basketball Shoe

If you’re looking for a classic basketball shoe that offers both style and durability, the Nike Air Force 1 ’07 (available here) is a great option.
Pros
- The rubber sole provides excellent traction on the court.
- The rippled leather edges give the shoe a clean, slim look.
- The perforated inserts keep your feet cool and dry during intense games.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the shoe runs large, so you may need to order a half size down.
- The arch support may not be sufficient for those with flat feet or plantar fasciitis.
- The all-white design may be difficult to keep clean.
We recently tried out the Nike Air Force 1 ’07 and were impressed with its performance on the court. The rubber sole provided excellent grip, allowing us to make quick cuts and changes of direction without slipping. The rippled leather edges gave the shoe a sleek, modern look that we appreciated, and the perforated inserts kept our feet feeling cool and dry even during long games.
However, we did notice that the shoe ran a bit large, so we had to order a half size down to get the right fit. Additionally, while the shoe did provide some arch support, it may not be sufficient for those with flat feet or plantar fasciitis. Finally, the all-white design looked great out of the box, but we did find it challenging to keep clean after a few games.
Overall, we would recommend the Nike Air Force 1 ’07 to anyone looking for a classic basketball shoe that offers both style and durability. Just be sure to order a half size down and consider adding some additional arch support if you have flat feet or plantar fasciitis.
Nike Air Force 1 High ’07

If you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable basketball shoe, the Nike Air Force 1 High ’07 (available here) is a great choice.
Pros
- The shoes provide excellent support and cushioning for the feet, making them ideal for those with plantar fasciitis.
- The design is sleek and modern, making them perfect for both on and off the court.
- The shoes are made with high-quality materials, ensuring they will last for a long time.
Cons
- The price may be a bit steep for some buyers.
- Some users have reported that the shoes run a bit small, so it’s important to try them on before purchasing.
- The shoes may take a bit of time to break in, so they may not be the most comfortable right out of the box.
We recently tried out the Nike Air Force 1 High ’07 and were impressed with their overall quality and performance. The shoes provide excellent support and cushioning for the feet, making them a great choice for those with plantar fasciitis. The design is also sleek and modern, making them perfect for both on and off the court.
One thing to keep in mind is that the shoes may run a bit small, so it’s important to try them on before purchasing. Additionally, the shoes may take a bit of time to break in, so they may not be the most comfortable right out of the box. However, once they’re broken in, they provide excellent support and cushioning.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Nike Air Force 1 High ’07 to anyone in the market for a stylish and comfortable basketball shoe.
LI-NING Men Wade Shadow 3 On Court Basketball Shoes

If you’re looking for basketball shoes that provide excellent arch support and stability, then the LI-NING Men Wade Shadow 3 On Court Basketball Shoes (available here) might be the right fit for you.
Pros
- The ULTRA SHELL technology reduces weight while providing dynamic protection and support for the feet.
- The LINING BOOM technology in the back palm provides strong cushioning and resilience to improve sports performance.
- The LI-NING CLOUD sole shock absorption technology effectively accumulates the impact force during cushioning and converts it into energy during rebound.
Cons
- The shoes pick up dust quickly, so you’ll need to wipe them often if you’re playing on a dirty court.
- The design might be too flashy for some people’s tastes.
- Some users have reported that the shoes run a bit small, so you might need to order a half size up.
We recently tried out the LI-NING Men Wade Shadow 3 On Court Basketball Shoes, and we were impressed by their performance. The shoes provide excellent arch support and stability, which is crucial for people with plantar fasciitis. We also appreciated the ULTRA SHELL technology, which made the shoes lightweight without sacrificing protection.
The LINING BOOM technology in the back palm provided excellent cushioning and resilience, which helped us perform better on the court. The LI-NING CLOUD sole shock absorption technology also did a great job of converting impact force into energy during rebound.
However, we did notice that the shoes pick up dust quickly, which can make them slippery on dirty courts. We also found the design to be a bit too flashy for our tastes, but that’s a matter of personal preference. Lastly, we would recommend ordering a half size up, as some users have reported that the shoes run small.
Overall, if you’re looking for basketball shoes that provide excellent arch support and stability, the LI-NING Men Wade Shadow 3 On Court Basketball Shoes are definitely worth considering.
LI-NING All City Wade Men Cushioning Basketball Shoes

If you’re looking for basketball shoes that provide excellent support and cushioning for plantar fasciitis, the LI-NING All City Wade Men Cushioning Basketball Shoes (available here) are worth considering.
Pros
- The Li Ning Boom technology in the forefoot of the sole provides excellent startup response.
- The Probar Loc thermoplastic stabilization device supports the arch of the foot during the propulsion stage.
- The Li-Ning Cloud midsole cushioning technology effectively absorbs landing impact force and converts it into rebound energy, which helps improve performance on the court.
Cons
- The shoelace system uses functional straps to replace shoe laces, which may not be preferred by some users.
- The shoes may feel stiff at first and require some time to break in.
- The sizing may be a bit tight for those with wider feet.
We were pleasantly surprised by the performance of the LI-NING All City Wade Men Cushioning Basketball Shoes. The Li Ning Boom technology provided a responsive feel when starting and stopping, while the Probar Loc thermoplastic stabilization device supported our arches during the propulsion stage. We also appreciated the Li-Ning Cloud midsole cushioning technology, which effectively absorbed impact force and helped us maintain energy on the court.
While the functional straps used to replace shoe laces may not be everyone’s preference, we found that they provided good support and wrapping. The shoes may feel stiff at first, but they do break in over time. It’s worth noting that the sizing may be a bit tight for those with wider feet.
Overall, if you’re looking for basketball shoes that provide excellent support and cushioning for plantar fasciitis, the LI-NING All City Wade Men Cushioning Basketball Shoes are a solid choice.
PEAK Mens Flash Basketball Shoes

If you’re looking for a basketball shoe that offers extra underfoot cushioning and support, then the PEAK Mens Flash Basketball Shoes (available here) might be a great choice for you.
Pros
- The advanced cushioned midsole can achieve adaptive slow cushion rebound to match your specific sport.
- The double TPU support device provides arch support and allows the forefoot and rearfoot to move independently and adapt to running surfaces without straining your foot.
- The full palm rubber outsole combined with polar and herringbone pattern offers better cushioning, stability, and years of balling big on the court.
Cons
- The shoe might be a little heavy for some players.
- The available colors are limited.
- The sizing might be a little off for some players.
We recently tested the PEAK Mens Flash Basketball Shoes and we were impressed with their cushioning and support. The shoes felt comfortable and provided a good grip on the court. The advanced cushioned midsole was especially impressive and provided a good level of shock absorption with each step.
The double TPU support device was also a nice touch and provided good arch support. We liked how the forefoot and rearfoot could move independently and adapt to running surfaces without straining our foot. The high-performing TPU also sat on the side wall and heel to maintain stability when landing, resulting in a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
The full palm rubber outsole combined with polar and herringbone pattern was also impressive and provided better cushioning, stability, and years of balling big on the court. The collage upper leather provided excellent support and breathable performance while the padded interior helped aid in lockdown.
Overall, the PEAK Mens Flash Basketball Shoes are a great choice for players looking for a shoe that offers extra underfoot cushioning and support. They might be a little heavy for some players and the available colors are limited, but they provide good grip on the court and offer a good level of shock absorption with each step.
LI-NING YU Shuai XV Men Professional Basketball Shoes

If you’re looking for a comfortable and supportive basketball shoe that will help alleviate plantar fasciitis pain, the LI-NING YU Shuai XV Men Professional Basketball Shoes (available here) are worth considering.
Pros
- The SYNCHRO-ADJUST SYSTEM provides stability control for the heel, mechanotransduction for midfoot, and support and stability for forefoot.
- The LI-NING BOOM cushioning technology offers excellent cushioning and resilience performance.
- The COOL SHELL technology helps regulate foot temperature during exercise.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the shoes are not durable and start falling apart after a few months of use.
- The shoes may run small, so it’s important to check the size chart before purchasing.
- The shoes are not very stylish and may not be suitable for those who prioritize fashion.
After wearing these shoes for a few weeks, we can confidently say that they provide excellent support and cushioning for those with plantar fasciitis. The SYNCHRO-ADJUST SYSTEM is especially impressive, as it provides targeted support to different parts of the foot. The LI-NING BOOM cushioning technology also does a great job of absorbing impact and providing a responsive feel.
One downside to these shoes is that they may not be very durable. Some customers have reported that the shoes start falling apart after a few months of use, which is disappointing given their relatively high price point.
Overall, we would recommend the LI-NING YU Shuai XV Men Professional Basketball Shoes to anyone looking for a comfortable and supportive basketball shoe that can help alleviate plantar fasciitis pain. Just be sure to check the size chart and keep in mind that they may not be the most stylish option out there.
Nike Flight Legacy

If you’re looking for a basketball shoe that combines style and comfort, the Nike Flight Legacy (available here) might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The retro design is stylish and eye-catching.
- The lightweight padding and foam midsole provide excellent comfort and cushioning.
- The durable rubber outsole gives you excellent traction on the court.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the shoes run a bit small, so you may need to order a half size up.
- The leather upper may take some time to break in and feel comfortable.
- The shoes are a bit pricey compared to some other options on the market.
We’ve been using the Nike Flight Legacy for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with the overall quality and performance of these shoes. The retro design is a nice touch, and we’ve received several compliments on the court. The lightweight padding and foam midsole provide excellent cushioning, and we’ve had no issues with foot fatigue or discomfort during extended play sessions. The rubber outsole also provides excellent traction, even on slick or dusty courts.
That being said, we did find that the shoes run a bit small, so you may want to order a half size up to ensure a comfortable fit. Additionally, the leather upper may take some time to break in and feel comfortable, especially if you’re used to playing in synthetic materials. Finally, the shoes are a bit pricey compared to some other options on the market, so you’ll need to decide if the retro design and premium materials are worth the extra cost.
Overall, we’re happy with our purchase of the Nike Flight Legacy and would recommend them to anyone looking for a stylish and comfortable basketball shoe.
Are Basketball Shoes Good For Plantar Fasciitis?
Yes, basketball shoes can be good for plantar fasciitis if they have the right features to support and alleviate the pain associated with the condition. Basketball players are more susceptible to plantar fasciitis due to the repetitive movements and stress on their feet. To minimize the occurrence of plantar fasciitis and alleviate pain, you should look for basketball shoes with the following features:
- Sole support: Shoes should offer good support for the sole, and you may need to buy removable insoles for the right level of support.
- Arch support: Proper arch support is crucial for those with plantar fasciitis, especially for flat-footed players.
- Cushioning: A well-cushioned shoe can help reduce the strain on the plantar fascia.
- Roominess: Shoes with more room can relieve swelling and provide better support for your feet.
Remember that individual preferences and needs may vary, so it’s essential to try different shoes and find the best fit for your specific situation. Consult with a podiatrist or a specialist for personalized advice on the best basketball shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best basketball shoes for plantar fasciitis, there are a few key features to consider. We’ve compiled a list of factors to keep in mind when making your purchase.
Arch Support
Arch support is crucial when it comes to plantar fasciitis. Look for shoes with a supportive arch that will help distribute your weight evenly across your foot. This will help reduce the strain on your plantar fascia and alleviate pain.
Cushioning
Cushioning is another important factor to consider. You want to find shoes that provide enough cushioning to absorb shock and reduce impact on your feet. Look for shoes with thick midsoles and padding around the heel and forefoot.
Fit
Finding the right fit is essential for anyone with plantar fasciitis. Make sure the shoes you choose fit snugly but not too tight. You want to avoid any unnecessary pressure on your feet, which can exacerbate your symptoms.
Traction
Traction is important for any basketball player, but it’s especially crucial for those with plantar fasciitis. Look for shoes with a durable, non-slip outsole that will provide good grip on the court.
Breathability
Finally, consider the breathability of the shoes you choose. You want to find shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet, which will help keep them cool and dry. Look for shoes with mesh or perforated uppers that will allow for good airflow.
In summary, when looking for the best basketball shoes for plantar fasciitis, consider arch support, cushioning, fit, traction, and breathability. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a pair of shoes that will help alleviate your symptoms and allow you to play your best on the court.