Best Pickleball Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Play Comfortably

If you’re an avid pickleball player struggling with foot pain, you’re not alone. Plantar fasciitis is a common issue that can make it difficult to stay active and enjoy the game. The right pair of pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis can make all the difference, providing the support, cushioning, and stability needed to keep you moving comfortably. In this guide, we’ll explore how plantar fasciitis affects pickleball players, why proper footwear is essential, and what features to look for when choosing the best pickleball shoes for pain relief and performance.

What is plantar fasciitis and how does it affect pickleball players?

The plantar fascia

Dr. Steven Gershamn, DPM, explains that the plantar fascia is a connective tissue that “lies just under the skin and in most people it can be easily seen and felt by pulling the toes up. Anatomically, the plantar fascia connects from the calcaneus (the heel bone) to the base of the toes, which means it stretches almost the full length of the foot.”

He adds that when we walk or run, as the toes flex back during the push-off phase, the plantar fascia tightens, which in turn raises the arch to stabilize the foot for propulsion. This process is called the windlass mechanism, and when it doesn’t work properly, it can lead to plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition that affects the bottom of the foot, especially around the heel and arch. It happens when the plantar fascia becomes overstretched or overloaded. Over time, this strain can cause inflammation, pain, and even tiny tears in the fascia fibers. 

Plantar fasciitis often affects active adults, especially those between the ages of 40 and 60 years old, though it can happen to anyone [1].

You’ll know you have plantar fasciitis if the pain is typically worse when you first get up in the morning or after long periods of not moving, because the fascia tightens while you're at rest. As you start walking, the foot pain may decrease, but it can return after you've been standing, walking, or running for a while. You might also feel discomfort when climbing stairs or when pressing on the heel area [2].

Common causes of plantar fasciitis include: 

• Overuse your feet during activities like running or standing for long periods

• Wear shoes with poor support or cushioning

• Have a high arch or flat feet

• Are overweight. 

• Tightness in the Achilles tendon, which puts extra strain on the plantar fascia

Symptoms include heel pain that is worse in the morning or after rest. Over time, untreated plantar fasciitis can turn into a chronic condition, making activities like playing pickleball particularly challenging.

The impact of plantar fasciitis on pickleball players

Plantar fasciitis can be a real pain, literally, for pickleball players. 

The quick lateral movements, sudden stops, and frequent pivots involved in playing pickleball place a significant amount of stress on the plantar fascia. The repetitive pounding on hard surfaces, especially during quick stops or aggressive court movements, can overload the plantar fascia, causing inflammation and heel pain, [3][4].

If left unchecked, these injuries from the constant strain on the feet can turn into chronic conditions. Choosing what shoes to wear for pickleball wisely can significantly reduce stress on the plantar fascia. The pain can really affect a player's ability to perform on the court, and trying to push through that pain can make it worse over time, impacting your overall game and possibly even sidelining you from play [4].

So, whether you’re an amateur or professional pickleball player, it’s important to listen to your feet. Pay attention to any heel pain or discomfort, and take steps to treat it early to avoid it turning into a more persistent issue.

Why proper footwear is essential for managing plantar fasciitis

If you're a pickleball player dealing with plantar fasciitis, the right shoes are practically your best friends and a crucial part of your treatment plan. Proper shoes can reduce inflammation and help alleviate the strain placed on your foot and plantar fascia during gameplay. Without treatment, plantar fasciitis can make your symptoms worse and keep you from performing at your best.

When you play pickleball, your feet are not only constantly on the move - quick starts, sudden stops, and jumping - but also bearing overwhelming amounts of weight and impact. Without proper pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis and the added lateral support they provide, all that stress on your feet can really aggravate the pain in your heel and arch. Understanding the benefits of pickleball shoes can help you pick the right pair to minimize discomfort. Plus, if your shoes don’t offer the right support or cushioning, it can make the impact from all that movement feel even worse. 

The right shoe, though, can help take a lot of the pressure off your foot and reduce or even prevent that painful inflammation in the heel area.

On top of that, wearing improper shoes can cause other foot problems, including hammertoes, calluses, blisters, and additional strain on the plantar fascia. To minimize discomfort and prevent injuries, it’s essential to wear the right footwear. Understanding the difference between pickleball shoes and tennis shoes can help you choose the best pair for stability and arch support.

So, while it might be tempting to just throw on any old pair of sneakers, if you're serious about managing plantar fasciitis or other chronic conditions, you want to make sure your footwear is up to the task. The right court shoes not only help prevent further injury but also allow you to enjoy the game without the constant nagging pain in your heel.

Key features to look for in pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis

The best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis are the ones that offer a combination of support, cushioning, and durability to help reduce pain and keep you moving comfortably on the court. 

Let’s break down the key features to keep an eye on when shopping for pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis.

• Arch support for stability and pain relief

If you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, proper arch support in your pickleball shoes is a game-changer and not only that - without it, you’re just setting yourself up for more pain. The shoes you wear on the pickleball court need to be able to maintain your foot’s natural arch and reduce strain on the plantar fascia. As a welcomed side effect, you’ll also align your feet with your legs and back, and correct your gait - so win, win, win all around. 

At Orthofeet, we focus on the root cause of plantar fasciitis pain by combining anatomical arch support with premium orthotic insoles. This helps reduce tension on the plantar fascia, promoting natural foot alignment and relieving pressure around your heel and arch. With this enhanced support, your feet will feel more stable, and your heel pain will get the relief it deserves.

• Cushioning for shock absorption

As pickleball can be pretty tough on your feet with all those side-by-side movements, quick stops, and sudden starts, shoes with extra cushioning can be your feet’s lifeline. Proper cushioning helps minimize the impact on your entire foot, including your heels, absorbing the shock of any jump, pivot and sprint. 

All Orthofeet shoes are designed with impact-absorbing, lightweight ergonomic soles that alleviate shock forces on your bone and take the pressure off your plantar fascia. With added cushioning in the heel area, our shoes mitigate the pressure on sensitive spots, keeping your feet comfortable even during the most high-impact moments on the court.

• Lightweight and breathable materials for comfort

When you’re on the court, you need to be as fast and agile as your body allows, and don’t want to feel weighed down by your shoes. You also don’t want sweat to cause discomfort, blisters, infections and odors. This means that the best pickleball shoes are lightweight and made with breathable materials, allowing you to keep moving fast without added fatigue or unease. 

We know how important it is to keep your feet cool and comfortable, which is why we use breathable upper materials that allow air flow through the shoes. And although our shoes are packed with foot healthy features, they are still surprisingly light on your feet.

To that, we add soft, smooth interiors and designs that are gentle on your feet. Our shoes feature no irritating seams and provide plenty of room for comfort, with a wide toe box and extra depth for a pressure free fit, making sure your feet are as comfortable as possible during long matches.

• Durable outsoles for court movement

As with tennis shoes, which are similar to pickleball footwear, you need durable outsoles that can last and withstand the typical quick lateral movements, pivots, and sudden stops as you play pickleball. This is especially true if you typically play on an outdoor court.

We’ve got you covered with our quality rubber outsoles, designed for enhanced traction and stability. This court-ready traction will keep you grounded during those fast-paced pickleball matches, offering superior grip and reducing strain on your feet. The mild rocker design of our outsoles, with integrated cushioning, improve the ease of walking and relieve foot and heel pain.

Top Orthofeet shoes for pickleball and plantar fasciitis

Dealing with heel pain doesn't mean you have to give up your favorite activities, pickleball included! 

At Orthofeet, we understand how important it is to keep moving comfortably, and that's why our shoes are designed to give you the relief you need to stay active. If you're looking for the best support to manage foot pain, whether it’s pickleball shoes for men or women's pickleball shoes, choosing the right pair can provide the stability and cushioning necessary to alleviate discomfort and enhance your game. Our Ace women's pickleball shoes are designed to help you move more comfortably. With a non-marking pickleball court outsole, these shoes provide good traction for quick lateral movements, and the Ortho-Cushion™ system offers top-notch support. With targeted support and cushioning, our footwear helps reduce the pain caused by plantar fasciitis, allowing you to enjoy both daily activities and pickleball matches without any of that familiar discomfort. To maximize the benefits of Orthofeet shoes, combine their exceptional support and cushioning with regular stretching exercises for your plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. 

Why Orthofeet shoes work for pickleball players with plantar fasciitis

• Superior arch support

Orthofeet shoes come with the Ortho-Cushion™ System that includes multilayered orthotic insoles and anatomical arch support, which reduce tension on your plantar fascia and promote natural foot alignment and gait.

• Smart heel protection

Extra cushioning in the heel area absorbs shock with each step, easing pressure on that sensitive area and helping you move more comfortably.

• Impact absorbing design

With our lightweight, ergonomic soles, our shoes reduce stress on your feet and back, so you can stay on the court longer.

• Room for comfort

A wide toe box and extra depth provide a pressure-free, non-binding fit, offering more space for your toes and preventing pinching or squeezing. We also offer a wider than usual variety of widths for those with either narrow or wide feet. 

• Gentle on your feet

Soft, smooth interiors with no irritating seams make our shoes ideal for sensitive feet or conditions like neuropathy.

If you’re looking for specific recommendations, take a look at two of our hands-free shoes that allow you to simply step into your shoes and go, no bending over, no tying laces. Both shoes are designed to help alleviate plantar fasciitis pain.

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[1] Jenette Restivo. Plantar Fasciitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments. Harvard Health Publishing. November 3, 2023. Accessed January 12, 2025.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/plantar-fasciitis-symptoms-causes-and-treatments

[2] Plantar Fasciitis. NHS. 7 February, 2022. Accessed January 12, 2025.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/plantar-fasciitis/

[3] Quail, M. Thomas. Caring for Patients with Pickleball Injuries. Nursing 2025 Journal. April 2019. Accessed January 12, 2025.

https://journals.lww.com/nursing/citation/2019/04000/caring_for_patients_with_pickleball_injuries.5.aspx

[4] Joseph Pergolizzi Jr., Jeri Matera, Jo Ann K. LeQuang. Treating Geriatric Sports Injury Among Pickleball Players: A Narrative Review of an Exercise Craze Among Seniors. PubMed Central. December 4, 2023. Accessed January 12, 2025. 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10763694/