Are you in search of the best cross training shoes for plantar fasciitis? We hear you, though it may seem like an impossible task since most cross-training shoes are flat, we are here to share some amazing options. Running in training shoes without the cushioning and support of running shoes can increase your chances of getting plantar fasciitis. This is why today we’ll be sharing with you all about the best cross training shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that entails swelling of the tissues at the bottom of your foot and is a major cause of heel pain. The wrong type of shoes can cause discomfort in many different ways. You may experience blisters, aches, pains, or soreness. It may be the reason your shoe doesn’t feel quite right. The best shoes don’t get in your way at all, letting you do your workout without hardly noticing them.
Finding the best cross training shoes for Plantar Fasciitis that can endure the rigors of intense workouts while keeping heel pain at bay may seem overwhelming, but there is light at the end of the tunnel, and you, my friend must know that just because you suffer from plantar fasciitis doesn’t mean you should say goodbye to your workouts.
Instead, you want to do your research in order to make an informed decision when it comes to buying special footwear. Since time is money, we want to make things easier for you by sharing with you some of the best cross training shoes for plantar fasciitis so that you won’t miss any more gym days.
Best Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis Reviewed In This Guide
- Best Overall Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis: New Balance Men’s 623 V3 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer
- Best Seller on Amazon Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis: Gravity Defyer Proven Pain Relief Women’s G-Defy Mighty Walk
- Best Affordable Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis: Nike Men’s Air Monarch IV Cross Trainer
- Best for Low Impact Workout Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis: Ryka Women’s Influence Cross Trainer
- Best Gel Technology Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis: ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 23 Running Shoes
How To Choose The Perfect Best Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis For You?
When hunting for the best cross training shoes for plantar fasciitis, you want to consider a number of features that combined can offer the comfort your aching feet need. With numerous styles out there, how do you identify the one that will actually help your condition and not make it worse?
Wearing the wrong type of shoe can keep you from performing your best. When you’re putting in the hard work to get better, the last thing you need is your shoe to be holding you back. You won’t have the grip, traction, and flexibility of the sole a cross training shoe provides. Without a shoe that offers cushioning and support, it may be harder to up mileage or get faster.
The best cross training shoes for plantar fasciitis should feature a construction that incorporates aspects of running shoes, tennis shoes, and volleyball shoes. The best cross training shoes have plenty of cushioning in both the heel and forefoot and provide stability for side-to-side movement. A good cross trainer will work well for a variety of sports and activities.
Keep an eye out for additional comfortable padding which provides extra support and comfort. That specifically designed arch helps alleviate plantar fasciitis. You also want to select a model that is lightweight, durable, and at the same time has an outsole design that gives you multi-directional flexibility.
The upper should be breathable with ultra-lightweight mesh throughout, while you should also look out for the midsole and arch for support.
In essence, the best cross training shoes for plantar fasciitis that can relieve heel pain and let you perform intense workouts are those that offer maximum cushioning, support, balance, and protection.
Types Of Best Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis
Motion Control Best Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis
A motion control shoe is a running shoe made to support heavy weight, flat feet, or severe overpronation. It provides significant arch support in the midsole, as well as heel cup support. Motion control shoes are built to keep the foot from rolling during each step and so are much stiffer and heavier than neutral or stability shoes.
Stability Best Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis
A stability shoe, or a shoe with stability features, is a running shoe designed to help athletes who overpronate. It supports the arch of the foot and provides greater support through the midsole and into the heel. Stability shoes are usually more rigid than neutral running shoes.
Neutral Best Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis
A neutral running shoe is a shoe that does not have special features to address overpronation. This type of shoe usually provides some level of support, protection, and bounce.
Best Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis List
1. New Balance Men’s Best Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis
Pros
- 100% Leather
- Rubber sole
- EVA Foam
Cons
- Pricey
Step up to next-level comfort with these Training Shoes from New Balance. These cushioned shoes keep active feet happy with an impressive blend of supportive technology and athletic style.
ABZORB cushioning in the midsole of these comfortable training shoes keeps you moving forward by helping to prevent the discomfort and damage of daily impacts with a combination of cushioning and compression resistance.
What Our Testers Say
This is my second pair of NB 623s that I’ve purchased. My first pair was purchased over 1 year ago and were extremely comfortable as an everyday walking shoe. I put over 650 miles on my first pair, just from my 2.5-mile morning walks. As you can see from the picture, after hundreds of walking miles, the rear sole began to wear out. The NB623s are not only comfortable, they clean-up well, too. My new pair of NB623s fit perfectly and I’m looking forward to another year of walking comfort.
An EVA foam footbed and lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provide firm yet flexible cushioning for a soft and supportive underfoot feel. Reinforced collar foam offers additional comfort that’s suitable for all-day wear.
To help keep your workouts on steady ground, these trainers are constructed with an internal midsole shank designed to add midfoot structure and support with every step. Work out with confidence on indoor surfaces, thanks to the non-marking outsole on this versatile performance shoe.
Tips
You need to take note of your arch and ideally, the shoe should have arch support that fits your foot perfectly.
2. G-Defy Mighty Walk Best Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis
Pros
- Roomy Toe Box
- Front Rolling Design
- Durable
Cons
- Synthetic Mesh
- Expensive
The cross trainers for plantar fasciitis feature polyurethane sole, and VersoShock patented technology, which has been shown to relieve pain in the knees.
They offer a roomy toe box for extra room for comfort and better blood circulation. The front rolling design is meant to reduce foot stress by isolating 28 bones, 30 joints, and over 100 muscles from harm.
You can also count on a durable breathable mesh for providing the proper ventilation & flexibility.
These come with CorrectiveFit orthotic insoles, designed to correct body alignment and help with plantar fasciitis. The Gravity shoe is different because the shoe insole hugs your foot, it offers support and structure for your flat feet.
What Our Testers Say
Omg I absolutely love these trainers!! I was limping for 2 days from my plantar fasciitis in my left foot & in 2 hrs of having this sneaker on I was walking without a limp! I’ve only had these sneakers for one day so I will have to update in a month but right now I give them all the stars!!! I walk on cement floors all nite long & have a floor mat on my job but when I walk off it I’m on cement!! Update it’s March 2019 & they still feel good on my feet, I don’t wear them EVERYDAY only because I want to rotate my sneakers from time to time. But I do believe these have helped me A LOT!
Tips
It does take some time to get used to them so when you buy them don’t give up.
3. Nike Men’s Air Monarch Best Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis
Pros
- Leather Sole
- Solid Rubber
- Lightweight
Cons
- They Make A Squeaking Noise
Men’s Nike Air Monarch IV Training Shoe sets you up for comfortable training with durable leather on top for support. A lightweight foam midsole with a full-length encapsulated Air-Sole unit cushions every stride in the Nike men’s shoe.
This pair of sneakers is attractive and stylish. They have been designed for men who need a pair of comfortable footwear for their day trips.
What Our Testers Say
My doctor said that I needed a knee replacement which I refuse to do. Instead, I have been going to a chiropractor to have my knee adjusted. After about 12 visits I started feeling better. I’d long stop wearing dress shoes and opt for black tennis shoes at work. My first pair was FILA I thought they fitted great. After several months I knew I needed to replace them. Since I couldn’t remember the name I decided to try NIKE, I’d always liked them.
I have some pain still but nowhere near as bad as before the chiropractor adjustment. I’m still going and expect to be pain free soon. So, I really didn’t think shoes would make a difference. Boy was I wrong the arches in these shoes makes me stand up straight which take the pressure off my knee. I am walking pain-free (UNBELIEVABLE). If stoop over pain, stand up straight no pain. I love these shoes. I want to buy another pair just because I want to use them to start going back on my walks.
The shoes feature a comfortable sole and a cushioned heel and are available in a set of attractive colors. A good pair of sneakers always comes in handy when you want to sport a casual look or an athleisure look for the day.
The shoes can be paired with activewear like a gym vest and track pants to give you a stylish look while you are working out in the gym or going for a jog. You can also pair it with your casual wear like denim, shorts, and joggers.
Tips
Wipe the footwear with a wet cloth after every use. Put it out to dry to get rid of any odor. You can also place teabags in the pair for the purpose. Keep away from extreme temperatures like direct sunlight. Store the footwear in a shoe bag when not in use.
4. Ryka Women’s Best Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis
Pros
- Rubber Sole
- Dual Density Foam
- Pivot Point
Cons
- A Bit High Around The Ankle
Hit every move and stay light on your feet in this lightweight cross-trainer with exceptional cushion and stability. The trainers are best for dance fitness, and Low-impact workouts.
With N-Gage energy return foam for shape retention + cushioning on impact. Designed for a woman’s unique foot shape with a narrower heel, roomier toe, and softer foot cushioning.
What Our Testers Say
I suffer from plantar fasciitis and pain in the ball of my foot. That first step out of bed in the morning is always the worst. I am a nurse and I am pretty sure it was a result of not wearing the proper shoes for multiple 12 hour shifts and the fact that I have gained 15 pounds in the last 2 years. (As a result of being a new nurse lol) So I basically googled searched “shoes for plantar fasciitis” and these popped up.
I like the look and they were much more affordable than some of the other options so I decided to order them. The MINUTE I put them on and walked around, I felt like my feet were sighing with relief and saying “finally”…They are lightweight, yet support your feet so well and have padding in all the right places.
These pair of trainers come with a breathable mesh with faux leather overlays for extra durability + Padded heel for extra cushioning. The lace-up front for a secure fit.
The anatomical insole is designed with extra arch + heel support. The midsole is lightweight and made with EVA for soft cushioning.
The outsole has an ergonomically-shaped rubber sole for extra durability where you need it most + Pivot Point for smooth and easy turns.
Tips
You can remove the insole with a fingernail between the wall of the shoe and the edge of the insole. I don’t think they’re washable though…perhaps hand washes but definitely not machine washable, at least I wouldn’t risk it.
5. ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus Best Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis
Pros
- Rubber Sole
- GEL Technology
Cons
- Synthetic Mesh
- Expensive
The GEL-NIMBUS 23 running shoe continues to offer excellent comfort and long-run impact absorption. Its improved stability provides a more balanced stride that’s followed by smoother transitions.
Constructed with comfort and breathability in mind, the upper features a softer engineered mesh design for long runs.
Engineered eyelet shaping helps the upper move more naturally with the foot, while a stretchy midfoot panel appropriately hugs the foot to generate better flexibility.
Also, a gender-specific TRUSSTIC device provides an articulated amount of support in the right direction for men and women to help generate a smooth transition.
What Our Testers Say
I have been a recreational runner for about 20 years. I have always leaned toward Asics for a running shoe but sometimes go for something a little less expensive. I have noticed that the older I get the more my hips and knees have started to ache after a run. I decided to splurge and buy these to see if they made any difference in my achy bones. Boy, what a difference!
I could immediately feel the difference in the cushioning as soon as I put them on. It was like running on a cloud. I have read some reviews by other runners who say that they weigh too much and it cuts into their overall running time but as I am just into recreational running and not concerned with time these are perfect for me. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a cushioned, comfortable running shoe.
Under the toe, the inclusion of gender-specific pillars helps cushion the body and helps runners experience a softer feel. Simultaneously, the ORTHOLITE X-55 sockliner equips runners with a forgiving, yet responsive stride.
Tips
Recommend that you go up 1/2 size. Normally I’m an 8 (for everyday wear) and I wear an 8.5 in these for running. You will need a little extra room when you run, as your feet expand a little.
Best Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis Buying Guide
What Are The Best Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis?
Generally speaking, cross training shoes (often simply known as trainers or cross trainers) are a hybrid type of athletic shoe designed to allow athletes to move in different ways. Their construction incorporates aspects of running shoes, tennis shoes, and volleyball shoes.
Training shoes support a range of movements, including cutting, stopping, breaking, jumping, and changing direction quickly. This makes a training shoe versatile and good for many different types of workouts. You can think of training shoes as your all-in-one gym shoe. You can usually tell a shoe is a training shoe by how much flatter the shoe is. The technical term here is the “heel drop,” which refers to the distance from the heel height to the toe height.
The best cross training shoes for plantar fasciitis are those that have exceptional comfort and heel support. An excellent cross training shoe should have exceptional comfort when used for prolonged periods of time.
The best choices are those that are comfortable enough for long hours and have enough shock absorption to reduce the strain on your knees and feet while having enough springing power to allow for the least amount of wasted forward momentum.
How Do The Best Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis Work?
The best cross training shoes for plantar fasciitis can ease the pain and even prevent it from happening by giving your feet proper support and cushion. These shoes are sturdy yet well-cushioned and lightweight so that your foot stays well-cradled even when running, walking, or training on hard surfaces.
These shoes feature an ergonomically and lightweight design and the foot soles are designed to maintain the natural alignment of your foot.
A lightweight structure takes much of your pain away, moreover a comfortable interior, and soft lining work magic on your aching feet. Their rolling front design as well helps relieve your muscles, stressing joints, and isolating bones.
Features To Look For In Best Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis
Fit
Sings of a perfect fit include absolutely no pain discomfort or chafing. Fits the width and volume of your foot, with an appropriate amount of support, and cushioning. As well as a tight-fitting upper for more lateral support and foot control, and flexible enough for a variety of movements.
Arch Support
The high arch is one of the significant problems that lead to a serious plantar fasciitis issue. So, you need to take note of your arch and ideally, the shoe should have arch support that fits your foot perfectly.
The support will help to maintain the natural shape of your foot while you’re exercising so that it will not become misshapen. You can insert a molded orthotic footbed if a cross-trainer shoe doesn’t feature high arch support.
Non-Slip Rubber Sole
Cross trainers should have treads on the bottom; it is better if there is a soft tread, so your feet will not slip or sink into the bottom. A non-slip outsole with rubber pods gives good traction and grip to control your foot movement, as well as shock absorption underneath your foot.
Cross training shoes are made of a durable but lightweight non-marking rubber, which keeps you quick on your feet in a number of situations. It should be flat and slightly wider than normal athletic shoes to provide adequate stability for whatever physical activity you may be doing. So, you should always feel solid and secure while wearing a pair of cross training shoes.
Toe Box
Cross trainers tend to have generous toe boxes to accommodate the range of motion associated with intensive training.
Stability
Cross straining shoes that feature a supportive element like PU shank in the midfoot, or the upper have some supportive straps and provide stability and comfort by reducing movement of your foot when exercising. They help to reduce the pain and strain while also improving your balance.
Size
Too small of shoes can cause your toenails to turn black from bruising and fall off. You should be sizing up at least a half size to account for the natural movement and swelling of your feet during workouts. You may also need to find the right shoe width for your comfort.
Cushioning & Comfort
A good cross-training shoe should cushioned midsole and enough cushioning in the heel so you can stay active and manage stress. EVA or Phylon is a good option as it has an excellent shock-absorbing tendency to prevent your underfoot from impact.
Upper
Uppers for cross training shoes are really tight-fitting to provide lateral support whereas running shoes do not provide much. Often made with stiffer materials such as leather or synthetic leather, with mesh added for breathability
Common Questions About Best Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis
Can you use a cross trainer with plantar fasciitis?
Elliptical exercise is an ideal cross-training method to stay in shape while resting your feet to avoid re-injury while you recover from plantar fasciitis. The elliptical allows your feet to remain in place while your leg muscles do all the work.
What is the difference between running and cross-training shoes?
Running and training shoes may look similar, but the key differences are in sole flexibility and heel drop. Running shoes are built for heel-to-toe movement and the higher heel drop in running shoes comes from added support and cushioning.
Cross training shoes are for multi-directional movement, especially lateral (side-to-side) movement. The sole of a training shoe is flatter, making it more flexible to allow a wide range of movement. Take these shoes to the gym.
What are cross training shoes good for?
- High-intensity gym classes and outdoor boot camps – cushioning for high-impact and run training
- Weight lifting – heel support so you can go lower into squats and then stand up
- Strength training – a training-specific last makes for extra space on the forefoot
- Agility training – grooves and outsole patterns for traction during plyometric and multi-directional movement
- You can even do short distances on a treadmill. Anything longer than a 5K is usually better with running shoes for shock absorption.
How should cross training shoes fit?
Training shoes have a comfortable upper and flexible midsole for multi-directional movement. A lower heel drop puts you closer to the ground to push off and pivot. Training shoes are lightweight for easy and efficient movement.
Enjoy Your New Best Cross Training Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis
There you have it, with this guide we hope your search for the best cross training shoes for plantar fasciitis gets a lot easier. We wish you the best of luck in your quest and remember, the best cross training shoe for plantar fasciitis will support your feet, while allowing you to perform intense workouts pain-free.
If you have any questions or comments feel free to send us a message. We are always excited to hear from you.
