11 Best Basketball Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis [2024 Edition]

There’s no shortage of dreaded two-word phrases you don’t want to hear as a basketball player.

Nasty trouble.

Marginalized.

Double dribble.

Excited.

pickpocket

Dive in.

Even the most confident of hoopers shudder at the thought of those terms. But there is one that can be even more horrifying…

Best Basketball Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

It may be hard to say five times fast, but plantar fasciitis is a buzzkill of a tool for a basketball player. When a thick band of tissue located on the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed (sometimes severely), a jolt of pain is produced just above your heel and may extend to your toes.

The discomfort is usually greatest when you take your first steps in the morning, or after sitting for a long time. The intensity of the pain may decrease as you continue to walk or run, but it inevitably returns as soon as you stop and want to start again.

If you have plantar fasciitis or want to take proactive steps to ensure you never get it, investing in a pair of basketball shoes that can reduce the stress on that tissue can certainly help.

We will take a look at the top basketball sneakers options that help keep plantar fasciitis pain away.

Factors to consider when buying basketball shoes for plantar fasciitis

If you take your index finger and press it against the area of ​​your foot just above your heel, you will be able to identify the area that hurts the most when you have plantar fasciitis. Since this is where your heel ends and your arch begins, it’s an important place to keep in mind when shopping for shoes to alleviate the dreaded foot injury.

It’s a good idea to identify shoes that focus on reducing heel pain, and with reliable shock absorption for the back of your foot when you land. Heel support can help stop the chain reaction of inflammation and pain that can occur and put your entire foot at risk.

Good arch support is another thing to look for when buying sneakers for plantar fasciitis. Some players have high arches, while others have flatter feet.

Also read: Best Basketball Shoes For Flat Feet

Going back to the index toe on your foot exercise – having that spot on your foot well supported greatly reduces the chances of plantar fasciitis becoming a problem.

Top 11 Basketball Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

1. Nike KD 14

We start our list with one of the top basketball shoes available on the market today. The KD 14 is one of the best sneakers out there, no matter how you slice it.

Today we choose to slice it through the lens of plantar fasciitis, and the KD 14s address those concerns with flying colors. They are lightweight, while at the same time providing enough cushioning in the arch of your feet.

It has a midsole heel grip that wraps around the area of ​​the foot we focused on above, keeping your foot in place and providing impact protection after a lively jump to block a shot.

If there is one negative, it’s that the KD 14s can feel a little stiff during the first few times you play with them. After that, there’s a good chance you’ll hear your feet thanking you for this purchase.

Total Amazon Reviews: 6

Average Amazon Rating: 4.8

2. Under Armor Curry 3Zero

Another good option is a footwear product that Stephen Curry has put his name on, the 3 zero. In terms of comfort, there aren’t many other choices on this list that do a better job of sending your hooves skyward.

The 3Zero is made with a synthetic material called Threadbone and features Micro G fabric that makes the midsole as comfortable as anywhere out there.

The shoe is well known for its great grip, as the 3Zeros will stay locked down on the court as you showcase your range of motion.

Despite its many advantages, the one downside to this shoe is that it tends to come in a limited size range.

Total Amazon Reviews: 676

Average Amazon Rating: 4.6

3. Adidas Harden Volume 5

If you follow the NBA at all, you’re aware that trade rumors follow James Harden regardless of where he ends up. Fortunately for the shoes inspired by “The Beard,” fans seem to want to sign his products to long-term deals, never mind trading them.

The Hardened Volume 5 Receives high marks for breathability, as the construction allows air to move freely inside the sneaker. This will keep your feet feeling as fresh in the fourth quarter or overtime as they were back during the opening tip.

The cushioning is also well regarded, as well as the low maintenance of the soles. Many basketball shoes require an involved cleaning process to remove dirt and debris from the bottom of the shoe, but not the Harden Volume 5s.

Some have noted that the back of the shoe feels somewhat inflexible, but that may not be a bad thing for players dealing with plantar fasciitis.

Total Amazon Reviews: 249

Average Amazon Rating: 4.2

4. Adidas Crazy Explosive Basketball Shoe

Certain basketball shoes in Adidas’ long-standing lineup have some pretty inventive names if they aren’t associated with specific athletes. The Crazy explosives Basketball shoes certainly fit the bill, although there’s nothing ridiculous about picking up a pair to quell your plantar fasciitis-related concerns.

In terms of comfort, many players believe that the Crazy Explosive sneaker is right at the top of any footwear offering. It features Xenos laces that help keep your foot in place, eliminating movement of your hoof inside the sneaker.

A bonus centers around the premium ankle support this product offers. It’s great to mitigate the risks of plantar fasciitis, but compromising the health of your ankle in the process would be counterintuitive.

The Crazy Explosive shoe checks both boxes. The product may initially feel somewhat tight around the front of your foot before it is fully broken in.

Total Amazon Reviews: 60

Average Amazon Rating: 4

5. Nike Air Visi Pro

After a brief hiatus, the recognizable Nike tick returns to the list. The Air Vision Pro has a lot going for it and has the advantage of having the company’s cutting-edge technology working in its favor.

An expert combination of air pockets and phyllo foam creates a level of comfort that is hard to find for basketball players. The Visi Pro also alleviates any concerns about heel pain as they have a padded collar in the back of the shoe.

The stability that the sneaker offers, along with its solid traction, make it a solid all-around choice.

One potential downside is the reported noise the shoe makes. If you want to sneak up on your defender without beeps announcing your presence, keep in mind that the Visi Pro can blow your cover.

Total Amazon Reviews: 839

Average Amazon Rating: 4.5

6. Nike LeBron Witness IV

We’ve seen some stellar play from LeBron James in the twilight of his NBA career, but it might be time to turn our attention to one of these basketball sneakers. The LeBron Witness IV is a competitive product that will attract players for its name value and its quality.

We haven’t talked much about direction changes and frequent starts and stops, which can put a strain on the plantar fascia. The Witness IVs are popular for their ability to support players who are constantly planting, cutting, and turning, mentally enabling athletes to reach into their full pocket of motion.

This inherently means that they also have good traction, as your feet won’t slide out from under you.

One thing to consider with Witness VIs is that they tend to run narrow. While they are a recommended choice for players guarding against plantar fasciitis, they may feel uncomfortable for players with wider feet.

Total Amazon Reviews: 269

Average Amazon Rating: 4.6

Best Basketball Shoes For Wide Feet

7. FitVille Comfortable High-Top Sneakers

They’re not a household name among basketball die-hards, but don’t let the relative anonymity of Fitville fool you. They have come up with a high-quality product that should be on your radar.

While something like the Witness above is aimed at players with narrow feet, the FitVille casual high-top sneakers are designed for peers with wide feet. The roomy nature of the sneaker also gives players the flexibility to add additional comfort tools to create a super relaxing environment.

The shoes also feature a dual-density insole that takes the brunt of the shock that would otherwise go to the back of your foot.

While this goes without saying, players with skinny feet may find the FitVilles too cavernous.

Total Amazon Reviews: 726

Average Amazon Rating: 4.2

8. Adidas D Rose 6 Boost Primeknit

While the general public loves to gravitate toward shoes endorsed by current NBA stars, there is a strong case to be made that Derrick Rose’s 6 Boost Primeknit deserves consideration.

The 6 Boost Primeknit brings an elite level of energy transfer to a player’s game, reminiscent of the quick second jump ability that Rose had when he was with the Chicago Bulls. They are good at getting the momentum you bring down the road straight back to you, helping players get back to return.

This sneaker also hugs the arch of your foot, allowing the material to consistently support the area most affected by plantar fasciitis.

Total Amazon Reviews: 13

Average Amazon Rating: 4.1

9. Under Armor Men’s Jet Basketball Shoe

It may not be the most eye-catching option in terms of exterior style or design, but Under Armour’s Jet Basketball sneaker is a reliable option for hoops.

The functional attention to detail will be greatly appreciated by those dealing with plantar fasciitis. It comes with an EVA midsole that has a complementary sock liner, giving your feet an extra layer of protection.

The Jet receives two thumbs up from players who prioritize lateral movement on defense and sliding to keep their assignment in front of them.

One downside to this product is that the shock absorption falls a little short compared to other alternatives.

Total Amazon Reviews: 1 108

Average Amazon Rating: 4.5

10. Under Armor Lockdown 5

Description: Under Armor makes another appearance on our list with its Lockdown 5 sneakers. It has a thick rubber outsole that adds to the durability of the sneaker, giving players confidence that they will be able to rely on these kicks for a long time.

The cushioning in the midsole of the Lockdown 5s is best described as comfortable, but also firm enough to feel like there is something solid enough to provide arch support. Its upper is made entirely of leather.

It has an affordable price point and has the look of a shoe that costs $100-$200 more. This makes the Lockdown 5 a great value and practical choice for players dealing with nagging plantar fasciitis.

Total Amazon Reviews: 3 553

Average Amazon Rating: 4.5

11. Air Jordan Zoom 92

It is unclear whether the Air Jordan Zoom 92s is an ode to Michael’s brilliant performance in the 1992 NBA Finals, but these sneakers will have you shrugging at your heightened performance on the court, just like His Airness did over 30 years ago.

This shoe can be deployed on both indoor and outdoor courts and has zoom pods under its midsole.

The lineage of the Jordan brand makes the Jordan Zoom 92s a can’t-miss proposition for players looking for new basketball shoes.

Total Amazon Reviews: 311

Average Amazon Rating: 4.5