The 11 Best Basketball Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Protection and Comfort for Your Feet!

Buying a pair of basketball shoes for Plantar Fasciitis could be the best decision a basketballer can make.

I’ve played basketball since I was a kid, and the thing that irritated me the most was foot pain.

Just think about it: you’re wearing the same shoes over and over again, jumping, running, and sweating in them for hours a day.

Investing in a good pair of shoes to alleviate foot pain will reduce the need to buy another pair, which can help keep your money in your wallet where it belongs.

With a pair of basketball shoes constructed with a solid toe box to better relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis, you’ll be able to jump, pivot, and dunk like a pro, all while keeping your feet comfortable and protected.

Disclosure: Plantar fasciitis will not be healed by shoes alone! You will need foundational training in your fascia, feet, and ankle. While the right shoes can help alleviate pain, they are NOT a solution to a bigger problem.

I’m here to guide you through the best shoes for plantar fasciitis this year to hopefully save you some research time and get you back out on the court faster.

What Are The Best Basketball Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis This Year?

Here are our picks for the best basketball shoes for plantar fasciitis this year.

Key Benefits

• Features excellent traction for both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
• Comes with a responsive cushioning system for optimal sole support and a springy feel.
• Full-length Cushlon foam with visible Air Zoom Strobel unit for dual-layer cushioning.

Pricing

With the new pair of KD’s out this year, there has been a price reduction on the KD 15. It varies between $100-$160 depending on the retailer.

I’ve listed a few above for you to check out.

Pros ✅ & Cons ❌

Pros: Incredibly versatile and can be used by many different kinds of players on both indoor and outdoor basketball courts. These puppies have plenty of toe room so your little piggies don’t get squished before they head up to the market.

Cons: I have read up on the reviews, and some say that they require a bit of breaking in. If you’re unsure of the best way to break in a pair of basketball shoes, check out my article on how to break in basketball shoes.

Key Benefits

• The responsive cushioning system provides excellent court feel and impact protection for those with heel pain.
• The upper is made of lightweight materials for flexibility and breathability.
• Snug and secure fit thanks to internal heel counter and knit collar construction

Pricing

The standard price for the Under Armour Curry 10 is $160. Make sure to check out different retailers to find the lowest price!

Pros ✅ & Cons ❌

Pros: Lightweight, supportive, stylish… What else do you need?

Cons: The price point is a bit high for a shoe that came out a year ago.

Key Benefits

• Lightweight design for enhanced agility on the court.
• Responsive cushioning for optimal comfort and impact protection.
• Flyknit upper ensures a secure and adaptive fit.

Pricing

The pricing at most retailers is $170. Be sure to take a look at a few different stores to see if there is a deal going on currently.

Pros ✅ & Cons ❌

Pros: These shoes have a multidirectional rubber outsole that provides really good grip no matter the direction you’re cutting.

Cons: The pricing on these shoes may be a bit high for some customers.

Key Benefits

• The Full-length Zoom Air Strobel unit delivers really good cushioning and responsiveness.
• Knitposite 2.0 upper provides a lightweight, comfortable, and secure fit.
• Padded collar and tongue for added support and comfort.

Pricing

The price varies between $160 and $210 depending on the colorway and retailer you buy through. There are sales out there since it is a year old now and the Nike LeBron 21 has been released,

Pros ✅ & Cons ❌

Pros: This shoe has very similar cushioning to our top pick the Nike KD 15.

Cons: Again, the price is a bit high, but you definitely get what you pay for. This shoe also does not conform to your foot over time, like the Nike KD 15, so there is a bit more heel slippage than the choice above.

Key Benefits

• The breathable mesh upper provides a comfortable and secure fit.

• The shoe’s Lightstrike cushioning offers responsive cushioning and optimal court feel.

• It includes a rubber outsole with unique traction pattern for outstanding grip and control.

Pricing

The standard pricing for this shoe is right around $160.

Pros ✅ & Cons ❌

Pros: The achilles cushioning alone make these a great pick for those who have plantar fasciitis. That along with great traction make these a solid pair of basketball shoes.

Cons: There is a bit of break in time due to all of the cushioning, but like the KD 15, it eventually conforms to your foot.

Key Benefits

• Lightweight construction for enhanced agility on the basketball court
• Responsive cushioning ensures optimal comfort and impact protection
• Breathable upper material promotes airflow to keep your feet cool and dry
• Durable outsole with a multidirectional traction pattern for exceptional grip
• Dynamic lacing system offers a secure and customizable fit

Pricing

Pros ✅ & Cons ❌

My Take

The Nike GT Jump 2 basketball shoe is a high-performance option for players seeking comfort and responsiveness on the court, with its plush cushioning and lightweight design being a major advantage. However, some might consider its higher price point as a potential drawback.

Key Benefits

• Innovative cushioning system for responsive and plush comfort on the basketball court
• Lightweight design enhances agility and speed during gameplay
• Breathable upper material keeps your feet cool and dry
• Lockdown fit ensures stability and support for quick movements
• Durable outsole with multidirectional traction pattern for optimal grip

Pricing

Pros ✅ & Cons ❌

My Take

The Nike LeBron NXXT Gen basketball shoes offer innovative cushioning and a lightweight design for exceptional comfort and agility on the court. One advantage is the durable outsole with multidirectional traction, providing optimal grip. However, some may find the higher price point to be a drawback.

Key Benefits

• The multi-layered upper provides a comfortable and secure fit
• The responsive sole unit enhances court feel and impact protection
• Full-length quilted bootie for added comfort
• Carbon fiber shank plate for stability
• Rubber outsole with herringbone pattern for superior grip on any surface
• The low-profile midsole adds a responsive performance element
• Zoom Air and tuned IPS pillars combine to lend cushioning
• Designed for jumps and landings with multiple Air units
• Upper made of layers of Leno-weave fabric and plastic reinforcements.

Pricing

Pros ✅ & Cons ❌

My Take

The Air Jordan 37 is a well cushioned shoe that offers excellent support for the entire foot, cushioning, and traction. One potential downside is that some wearers may find the shoe’s design to be unappealing.

Key Benefits

• Responsive cushioning system provides optimal comfort and energy return on the basketball court
• Lightweight construction enhances agility and speed during gameplay
• Breathable upper material keeps your feet cool and dry, even during intense matches
• Durable outsole with a multidirectional traction pattern delivers exceptional grip and control
• Dynamic lacing system offers a secure and customizable fit for personalized performance

Pricing

Pros ✅ & Cons ❌

My Take

The Adidas Dame 8 basketball shoe, a collaboration with Damian Lillard, delivers exceptional performance and style. With its responsive cushioning and breathable upper, it provides optimal comfort on the court. One advantage is its versatile design, suitable for both indoor and outdoor play. However, some may find the limited color options to be a drawback.

Top Features

• Lightweight and breathable Flyknit upper
• Responsive cushioning and energy return with Zoom Air technology
• Secure lockdown with the dynamic lacing system
• Multi-directional traction pattern on the outsole for excellent grip on the court
• Sleek design that combines style and performance

Pricing

Pros ✅ & Cons ❌

My Take

The Nike KD 15 basketball shoe is highly regarded for its bounce, secure fit, and broken-in feel, making it a top choice for serious players. One of its pros is the lightweight wear and enhanced ventilation provided by the multilayered mesh upper. However, some users may find the stripped-down design to have fewer materials underfoot, which could impact cushioning.

If you’re looking for some shoes you can play outdoor hoops in, feel free to check out our post on the best outdoor basketball shoes this year!

Key Benefits

• Lightweight and breathable construction for enhanced comfort during long days at the gym
• REVlite midsole provides responsive cushioning and energy return, maximizing performance
• Durable outsole offers exceptional traction, ensuring stability and grip
• Flexible design allows for natural foot movement and agility
• Sleek and modern aesthetics combine style and functionality

Pricing

Pros ✅ & Cons ❌

My Take

The New Balance Two WXY v3 basketball shoe, inspired by the brain’s firing synapses, is designed for split-second reactions on the court. With its lightweight and minimal design, it provides excellent lockdown and containment. One advantage is its outstanding responsiveness. However, some may find the cushioning to be minimalist.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel or arch of the foot when wearing shoes or playing basketball.

It occurs when the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, known as the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed. This can happen due to repetitive motion or excessive pressure on the foot, such as from running, standing for long periods, or wearing poorly fitting shoes.

Plantar fasciitis is characterized by sharp pain in the bottom of the foot, especially when taking the first steps in the morning. Treatment options include rest, ice, stretching exercises, and orthotic devices.

Can You Play Basketball With Plantar Fasciitis?

Playing basketball with plantar fasciitis can be challenging and potentially exacerbate the condition.

Plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation and pain in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot.

The high-impact nature of basketball, with frequent jumping and running, can put significant strain on the feet, worsening the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

It is advisable for basketball players with plantar fasciitis to rest and allow proper healing time.

Engaging in low-impact activities, such as swimming or cycling, can help maintain fitness without further aggravating the condition.

Consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wearing the right basketball shoes is essential for protecting your feet and minimizing your risk of developing plantar fasciitis. When shopping for basketball shoes, look for shoes with good arch support, cushioning, and stability.

By wearing the right shoes, you’ll be able to focus on your game and perform at your best without worrying about foot pain or injury.

FAQ

What is the best basketball shoe for ankle support?

The New Balance Two WXY v3. I also go over all of the best basketball shoes for ankle support you should grab this year.

Is it OK to wear basketball shoes casually?

Yes!

Although basketball shoes were made for the court, you can wear them casually. However, I would stay away from wearing shoes you wear casually for basketball.

I go over how to wear basketball shoes casually as well.

What socks do NBA players wear?

All NBA players are required to wear socks manufactured by Nike. You can buy a pair here.