8 Best Cross Trainer Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis [March 2024]

If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, it can hurt to walk, let alone run or do any active exercise. With increased foot pressure during intensive activities like weight lifting, rope jumping, gym, sports, etc., the pain in the underfoot can become triggered which can hinder you from continuing your training.

To face this challenge, all you need is to get the best cross trainer shoes for plantar fasciitis that can get pain management and improved performance all in one package for you, giving you relief from Plantar Fasciitis without sacrificing stability.

So, after spending 40+ hours searching for the best cross training shoes for plantar fasciitis and analyzing the hundreds of customers’ reviews on several platforms, I have put together a list of the 8 best crossfit shoes that can make a huge difference in your comfort level and workout performance.

I have filtered these shoes based on quality, cost, and popularity and presented them to you in one easy-to-digest place so that you can make the right decision about which pair is right for you. These shoes provide extra support for feet, which helps prevent pain and injury, and lets you enjoy a physical activity you might otherwise have to avoid.

So, without further delay, let’s dive in and discover the detailed reviews of the best workout shoes that can relieve heel pain.

Best Cross Trainer Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis – Top Reviews

Here are my recommendations for the best cross training sneakers for plantar fasciitis.

PUMA Tazon 6 Fracture FM­ – Cross Training Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Those who suffer from plantar fasciitis know how debilitating it can be. The pain can make it tough to do everyday things, not to mention exercise.  These shoes by PUMA are one of the best cross trainer shoes for plantar fasciitis as they are designed to relieve the pressure on the arch of the foot and help restore proper alignment.

These lightweight trainers provide an unmatched level of control and stability while still providing a level of responsiveness for all runners. The upper of the shoes is made of a durable synthetic leather upper with ventilation holes on the toe box and tongue, which allow heat to escape from your feet during high-intensity training sessions. Furthermore, this durable shoe expands the upper lacing system so you have more room for your toes and can decrease the strain on your plantar fascia.

On the lateral side, you can see PUMA form strips that are not only for branding but also act as a lateral stability structure to support the sides of your foot during extensive exercises involving lateral movements.

Moreover, if you see the front view of shoes, there is T-shaped construction of a toe box that sits on the top of the upper material and serves as an added support to the front area of the shoes. This construction also improves the durability of these shoes so that they last longer.

Additionally, the EVA midsole of the shoes adds more cushioning and complements the foot’s natural shape while reducing the weight, and the molded heel cup provides more room for a comfortable fit and natural motion.

Also, the shoes have an EcoOrtholite sock liner that provides superior comfort and support. It is layered with a moisture-wicking lining that keeps your feet dry and prevents them from stinky sweat while doing strenuous exercises.

Lastly, the shoes feature a durable rubber outsole with a pattern of jagged treads for extra grip. It allows you to pivot as you play and provides a nice shock absorption to minimize further irritation to your toes and heels. It will guide you with an energetic take-off, and retains its cushioned feel with a low-to-the-ground fit.

Brooks Ghost 13 – Cross Training Shoes for High Arches

These crossfit and running shoes are specifically designed for those suffering from plantar fasciitis issues due to their high arches. These shoes are great for people who want comfort and support but don’t want to sacrifice responsiveness. They are designed to not only fit well but also to provide support to the arch and heel.

The unique design of this shoe flexes in all directions, providing excellent stability and shock absorption for long-distance running.  The upper features a 3D mesh fabric that keeps you cool and dry while also providing excellent breathability. It wraps around the midsole for a seamless transition between your stride and shoe to provide improved fit in every way.

The shoes also include a thickly padded tongue, and on top of that, they are designed to flex and bend in critical areas to prevent common injuries caused by overstriding.

The shoes are built with a full-length BioMoGo DNA midsole, combined with DNA LOFT PAD, which provides a great deal of support and cushioning. It offers an adaptable cushioning that works to keep the user stable and comfortable. Moreover, BioMoGo DNA midsole forms to your unique foot shape and provides a high-endurance, low-drop ride that lasts just as long as you do.

Lastly, the full-length segmented rubber crash pad on the bottom allows smooth transitions from heel strike through toe-off.

In this way, the rubber crash pads and supportive midsole cushioning are the main features that make them one of the best cross trainer shoes for plantar fasciitis as they provide excellent shock absorption, responsiveness, and a smooth ride from heel to toe.

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 22 – Cross Trainer and Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis with High Arch Support

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that causes the heel to feel sore and stiff, and the pain can radiate to the toes. ASICS GEL-Nimbus shoe pair is the perfect solution for this problem faced by runners, athletes, and trainers. This running, training, and sports shoe gets rave reviews from those who have suffered in the past from this painful condition and need a quality shoe to support their feet and ease the pain of plantar fasciitis.

These performance trainers and runners’ shoes have a seamless mesh upper that reduces irritation and helps to keep your feet cool during your workouts. The upper is shaped to conform to the curvature of the foot for increased comfort.

These shoes are made with a gel cushioning system in the rearfoot and forefoot that provides the right amount of shock absorption and cushioning to help reduce the impact on your foot. With generous portions of soft gel cushioning, you’ll feel like you’re on clouds while running or walking. The cushioning system is also designed to help improve your gait, smooth transition from heel to toe and reduce the strain on your Achilles tendon as well.

Additionally, the midsole of these shoes features Flytefoam technology that provides a superior bounce back and energy rebound without exerting excessive impact on your foot.

Moreover, with SpevaFoam lasting throughout the shoe, you will feel more stable and less likely to feel every step or rough surface. This lasting offers the weight lifters a better foundation for the foot while also providing a stable foundation for heavier weights.

Also, the Trusstic System technology in the midfoot of these shoes benefits feet by reducing the wear and tear of the foam outsole. It alleviates any instability or unpleasant feeling caused by excessive foot movement within the shoe while providing extra comfort for strenuous exercises, training, long walks, or runs.

Saucony Cohesion 10 – Workout Sneakers for Plantar Fasciitis

Saucony is renowned for its running shoes, but its first step into the world of Crossfit and workout shoes is a big one with the Cohesion 10. These are great shoes for anyone who wants to run, work out, or exercise regularly. The shoes are designed to contain a proprietary heel cradle vital for proper support and motion for your feet. They promote active feet without sacrificing comfort as you work out.

With its unique features, such as a higher heel-to-toe drop, the shoe supports the foot’s natural movement and works to soften the impact. The breathable upper mesh with synthetic overlay provides breathability for your feet. Moreover, the padded collar offers comfort to your feet and supports your ankles. Synthetic overlays provide a secure fit and stability and enhance the durability of shoes so that they can last longer.

Also, the shoes feature a lightweight injection-molded EVA cushioned midsole with Heel GRID SYSTEM technology to offer stability and support and provide you with all-day comfort and support for every step.

Lastly, the flexible carbon rubber outsole improves the traction, flexibility, and durability of the shoes.

New Balance 608 V5 Comfortable Cross Trainer Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you may have found that most shoes aggravate the pain. These New Balance Men’s 608 V5 are one of those cross trainer shoes specifically designed to treat plantar fasciitis.

It provides the necessary support you need to push your workout to the next level. It offers exceptional flexibility without compromising support while providing a full range of motion.

These shoes perform well in the fitness studio and on outdoor surfaces due to their water-resistant and durable leather upper. The leather provides a secure fit to your foot by maintaining the shape of the shoe. There are multiple perforations on the leather upper for airflow and to improve the breathability of the foot.

Moreover, these cross trainers feature a deeply padded collar and tongue that cradle the foot to absorb pressure at heel strike for a smooth transition.

As far as cushioning is concerned, the midsole is made of injection-molded EVA foam that is lightweight, responsive and gives a good energy rebound. It offers excellent cushioning underneath your feet to bear the impact of intense workout activities.

Also, there is an ABZORB cushioning system to provide cushioning and support underneath your heel. ABZORB is like EVA foam but has a higher compression-resistance property that is helpful to provide necessary support without pushing down.

ABZORB pad will give your feet more support on each step and less pressure on the heel with each impact, so it gives a more soothing feeling when walking or running. It can also prevent blisters which are especially helpful if you are suffering from plantar fasciitis.

Lastly, the shoes feature a flexible and gripping rubber outsole, giving you unparalleled traction indoors or on slippery surfaces. The outsole is specially engineered to absorb shock and protect your feet without sacrificing performance. The flex zones in the outsole offer greater mobility and create less friction for an improved range of motion.

In the midfoot of the sole, a Polyurethane shank improves the durability of the shoe’s bottom and provides more support to your foot.

Nike Men’s Air Monarch Iv (4e) Cross Trainers for Plantar Fasciitis and High Arches

Having to deal with plantar fasciitis due to intense workouts and exercises? These men’s cross trainers are one of those “hidden gems” that only a few people know about. The term 4e in the product’s title basically means the width of the shoes. This is an extra-wide size that is suitable for people with wide feet.

These shoes by Nike are incredibly comfortable and thereby perfect for people suffering from plantar fasciitis due to high arches. They will give you what you need to keep pounding the pavement. They have a lightweight design, which also makes them highly durable so you can handle your daily training runs, exercises, sports marathon races, or ultra-long runs.

The upper of these shoes is made of synthetic leather upper, having perforations scattered on the sides and toe box to keep your feet aerated and breathable. They’re flexible and breathable, with bungee laces that wrap around your foot for a secure fit. Moreover, a thickly padded collar cushions your feet and provides a comfortable fit.

The midsole is made from Phylon, offering long-lasting cushioning while keeping you stable on your feet. Phylon is made by the heating and compressing of EVA foam pallets, resulting in excellent compression-set properties with great shock absorption capacity to provide support underneath your feet.

Moreover, the midsole is pressurized with the air across the full length that is responsible for absorbing shock and distributing it to the rest of your foot.

Lastly, the rubber outsole has patterns for added traction and support – not only does it protect against slipping and falling, but it also provides sturdy support on a range of surfaces, whether it is the gym floor or outside pavements.

The cushioned rubber outsole makes this shoe great for workouts, strength training, or rest days due to its flexed grooves and pivot at the ball of the foot that allow smooth and quick transitions and uncontrolled movement of your foot.

Reebok Nano 9 – Comfortable Cross Trainer Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

It is a lightweight, high-performing training shoe designed to provide stability and support for your feet while you walk, run, lift or play.

The shoes offer a lightweight design with Reebok’s flex weave upper so you can stretch your calf muscles and improve flexibility. Flexweave upper is designed to mold to your unique foot shape for a supportive fit that’s customized to your needs. Moreover, these CrossFit shoes feature a rigid heel cup that helps stabilize your back-to-normal gait when running or doing classic exercises.

The shoes’ single-density EVA midsole is designed to reduce shock and protect your foot from injury so you can make it through a challenging workout without experiencing pain. EVA material is extremely lightweight, softer, and provides a great springiness underneath your feet.

Single density foam is relatively light compared to the dual-density midsole, which is engineered in previous models. It is also suitable for high-impact gym activities, and classic rope jumps as well. This cushioning system returns energy back into your stride on every step as you train for optimal fitness.

Additionally, these shoes have interesting features that include a stiff shell of polyurethane that covers the midsole, extended from rearfoot to midfoot. This feature works extensively for heavy weight lifting activities as it helps the foot feel sturdy and enables you to get into a biomechanically safer body position.

Polyurethane cage is the most prominent feature in these shoes that is responsible for preventing plantar fasciitis as it protects the heels from strong impact due to its great compression-resistant characteristic.

Lastly, the design of the sole of the shoe is unique and helps reduce the pressure and impact on the plantar fascia ligament. It employs diamond-shaped rubber pods to absorb shock and reduce the impact on the feet and ankles.

Ryka Women’s Influence Cross Training Shoes to Relieve Plantar Fasciitis

These shoes are specifically designed for women engaged in different intense activities like gym, sports, rope jumping, etc. These Ryka Women’s Influence Cross Training Shoes are designed to help roll your foot from heel to toe as you walk or run.

This Ryka women’s running shoe is designed with durable toe protection and mesh upper. The high-performance stretch mesh upper with synthetic leather overlays enhances structural integrity and provides a secure fit to your feet. Moreover, the mesh upper features an inner sleeve that reduces pressure on your foot, and a soft padded collar ensures a comfortable fit.

Additionally, the synthetic straps on the sides not only enhance the look of the shoes, but they provide more support across the top of your foot. So, when you’re pivoting or swirling over your foot, these straps will provide a lot of support and prevent excessive rolling.

Also, the heel of these shoes is narrower, specially customized to adjust the women’s feet to remain securely in their place and avoid uncontrolled movements.

Now, coming to the midsole, it is made of a dual-density EVA foam that provided excellent shock absorption and support to your feet. It will give you supreme comfort during everyday activities and training routines. The advantage of the dual-density midsole is that it is made by fusing two foams of different densities.

The stiffer one is on the inner side of the midsole, while the softer one is on the outer side. The more rigid material is responsible for providing lateral stability and support to your shoes while you are doing exercise or other athletic activities involving lateral movements. And the softer material takes care of the absorption of shock and impact on the underfoot. In this way, plantar tissues will remain protected during aggressive activities.

Lastly, with a lightweight, shock-absorbing outsole and smooth rubber pods, these Ryka cross trainer shoes are ready for anything you throw at them. There is a pivot point on the ball of the foot area of the shoe’s bottom, which allows smooth transitions during workouts without putting strain on your feet. It will also offer a sufficient grip to support uncontrolled movements that put strains on your heel and ankle joints.

How to Select the Best Cross Trainer Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis – Top Features

A cross trainer is a type of athletic shoe designed for gym activities, sports, and aerobics. It is essential to know what features make a good cross trainer shoe for plantar fasciitis. Here is a list of features that good CrossFit shoes should possess to relieve plantar fasciitis:

• Toe Box – Cross trainers tend to have generous toe boxes to accommodate the range of motion associated with intensive training.  
• Arch Support – 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.
• Cushioning and 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.
• Stability – Cross-training shoes that feature a supportive element like a 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.
• Non-slip 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. Non-slip outsole with rubber pods gives good traction and grip to control your foot movement and shock absorption underneath your foot.

Final Thoughts about the Best Cross Trainer Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Knowing the best cross trainer shoes for plantar fasciitis is a big deal, and I have made this easier for you by putting together the best crossfit shoes for you that support your feet and offer reasonable motion control and shock absorption.

So, in essence, the best cross trainers that can relieve heel pain and let you perform intense workouts are those that offer maximum cushioning, support, balance, and protection. Fortunately, when you buy any of the above-reviewed shoes, you will find all those great features in them.

---