5 Best New Balance Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain

Have Plantar Fasciitis and heel pain been keeping you from staying active? They can really put a damper on your runs, walks and day to day activities in general. So what’s the secret to reducing your heel pain from Plantar Fasciitis and getting back on your feet?

The best solution is to get the right pair of shoes, ones that won’t irritate your Plantar Fasciitis. Choosing the wrong pair of shoes could actually make your pain even worse. New Balance, one of the top shoe brands, makes some excellent shoes for Plantar Fasciitis sufferers and we’ve made it easy for you to find the right pair for the most comfort.

We read page after page of reviews, spec sheets and feature lists so you don’t have to. We can help you decide which is the best shoe for your specific needs. Hands down, our top pick is the New Balance 990v4. It is an extremely versatile shoe with a long history of providing stability, cushioning and flexibility.

 
IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
New Balance 990v4
  • Features: Soft EVA cushioning, durable upper, medial support
  • Benefits: Versatile shoe with a good combination of comfort, durability and stability.
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New Balance 1080v9 Fresh Foam
  • Features: Full-length Fresh Foam midsole, 8mm heel to toe drop
  • Benefits: Plenty of plush foam to keep your feet happy if you’re a midfoot striker
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New Balance 877
  • Features: ABZORB midsole, premium insert and Walking Strike Path technology
  • Benefits: A supportive and comfortable shoe even on long walks
CHECK MEN’S PRICE CHECK WOMEN’S PRICE

New Balance Shoes for Relief from Foot Pain

1. New Balance 990v4 – Best Overall

The New Balance 990 series has a long history among running shoes. The first version came out in 1982. That’s right, almost 40 years ago! Early in its history, New Balance marketed the 990 series as combining “stability, cushioning and flexibility, all in one shoe.” This has made them an ideal choice for those suffering from Plantar Fasciitis.

Since the 80s, New Balance has continued to make improvements and the 990 series has only gotten better. The 990v4 has soft EVA cushioning and a durable upper that owners have come to know and love. It’s easy to find several thousand five-star reviews.

The upper has a nice combination of breathable mesh and leather overlays that add extra support and durability where needed. The soft cushioning and extra medial support in the midsole make this an excellent choice if you are suffering from heel pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis.

FEATURES: Soft EVA cushioning, durable upper, medial support

Pros

  • Long history of happy wearers
  • Durable upper with leather overlays
  • Supportive midsole and upper

Cons

  • A little heavy (You’ll just burn more calories!))

2. New Balance 1080v9 Fresh Foam – Best for Runners

Are you a runner who suffers from Plantar Fasciitis and heel pain? Don’t suffer any longer. New Balance makes one of the best running shoes designed to help reduce your pain and let you start enjoying your runs again.

The New Balance 1080v9 Fresh Foam was designed and built with comfort in mind. The Fresh Foam technology that extends from heel to toe will help reduce your arch and heel pain. The extra foam in the midsole provides better arch support.

Of course the cushioning adds to your comfort while running, but you also get a breathable upper that’s flexible and adapts to your foot’s movements. Some people feel these are some of the most comfortable shoes they’ve ever run in and even helped them get rid of their plantar fasciitis. You may also like our recent guide hydration belts.

FEATURES: Added cushioning, Fresh Foam midsole from heel to toe

Pros

  • Good midsole support
  • Additional foam for better heal comfort
  • Plush, comfy ride to reduce pain

Cons

  • The extra foam adds some weight

3. New Balance 877 – Best for Walkers

Is heel pain keeping you from our daily power walks? Get going again with the New Balance 877. It’s got a great combination of comfort and stability even for the longest of walks.

These feature New Balance’s ABZORB impact absorption technology. This has similar properties to other EVA foams, but it’s able to withstand its cushioning properties longer than standard EVA foam. Your heels will love it! See more about it here.

The 877s also feature Walking Strike Path technology which is a feature on the outsole which helps stabilize and guide the foot as you’re walking. You may also like the best shoes for standing all day that women can’t live without.

FEATURES: ABZORB midsole, premium insert and Walking Strike Path technology

Pros

  • ABZORB midsole
  • Padded tongue and collar for comfort around your ankle
  • Durable design

Cons

  • Some report the laces are way too long

4. New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo V4 – Also Good for Runners

New Balance’s Fresh Foam Vongo V4 is another great shoe for those of you who suffer from heel pain and are looking for extra cushioning and support during your runs.

The thick layer of Fresh Foam gives you full-foot plush cushioning. If you hate having to deal with uncomfortable tongues moving around while running, you’ll love the sock-style upper since it eliminates the traditional tongue.

You May Also Like: Best Sneakers for Plantar Fasciitis

Although it doesn’t have a traditional medial post under the arch, it does have a combination of different foam densities to provide the perfect amount of support where needed.

FEATURES: Comfortable upper, Fresh Foam midsole, sock-style upper

Pros

  • Good for long-run comfort and stability
  • Multiple density foam for just the right amount of support
  • Thick Fresh Foam midsole

Cons

  • The extra cushioning is not the best for speed runs

5. New Balance wx857v2 – A Good Cross-Training Shoe

The New Balance 850 series dates back to the mid-90s and has consistently provided comfort and stability features to those looking for a versatile shoe to wear to the gym, on runs or just when out and about.

It has powerhouse stability features like New Balance’s ROLLBAR technology. ROLLBAR is a system designed to reduce rear-foot movement. This provides extra support in the heel area which can help reduce hell pain.

The 857 also has the ENCAP midsole which is a soft EVA-type cushioning combined with a stiffer rim for support and durability. The N2 cushioning helps keep the comfort high and the weight low. You may also like the best running shoes for flat feet. You can read more here.

FEATURES: ENCAP midsole, N2 cushioning, durable upper

Pros

  • Good heel support system
  • Durable outer design
  • N2 cushioning

Cons

  • If you need extreme arch support these might not have enough for you.

What is the Top New Balance Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain – Final Thoughts

Here at StayonTrails recommends you Stop suffering from heel pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis! The right shoe can make all the difference and finally get you up on your feet and doing what you love, pain-free!

We’ve got some great choices on our list for you to choose from whether you are a runner, walker or are just looking for something for everyday use.

We know you’ll love the New Balance 990v4. You get New Balance’s classic durability and comfort in one of their most famous shoes. The soft EVA cushioning and breathable upper that still provides support where needed easily make this our #1 top pick.

What are you waiting for? Get the right pair of New Balance shoes and start getting rid of your Plantar Fasciitis and heel pain today! Also, you may be interested in the best plantar fasciitis socks and the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis.

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
New Balance 990v4
  • Features: Soft EVA cushioning, durable upper, medial support
  • Benefits: Versatile shoe with a good combination of comfort, durability and stability.
CHECK MEN’S PRICE CHECK WOMEN’S PRICE
New Balance 1080v9 Fresh Foam
  • Features: Full-length Fresh Foam midsole, 8mm heel to toe drop
  • Benefits: Plenty of plush foam to keep your feet happy if you’re a midfoot striker
CHECK MEN’S PRICE CHECK WOMEN’S PRICE
New Balance 877
  • Features: ABZORB midsole, premium insert and Walking Strike Path technology
  • Benefits: A supportive and comfortable shoe even on long walks
CHECK MEN’S PRICE CHECK WOMEN’S PRICE
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Austin Mills

Austin Mills in an outdoor enthusiast. He's been featured on some of the top outdoor & fitness blogs sharing his expertise in order to help others. In his free time, he likes spending time with his dogs enjoying the outdoors.