# Walking Shoes That Help Manage Plantar Fasciitis
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 emerges as the top choice for people managing plantar fasciitis, according to testing by Women's Health's fitness editor. This ranking reflects the shoe's ability to provide the arch support and cushioning that ease heel pain.
Plantar fasciitis develops when the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. The condition causes sharp pain, typically worst in the morning or after rest. Proper footwear plays a direct role in managing symptoms. Shoes with adequate arch support reduce strain on the plantar fascia, while cushioned soles absorb impact that would otherwise aggravate the tissue.
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 delivers both features. The shoe includes GuideRails technology, which stabilizes the foot's natural motion and prevents excessive inward rolling. This matters because overpronation, a common gait pattern, increases stress on the plantar fascia. The shoe's responsive cushioning protects the heel during walking.
Beyond the top pick, the fitness editor tested four additional options to help readers choose based on their individual needs and walking preferences. This multi-shoe approach acknowledges that plantar fasciitis relief varies. Some people need maximum cushioning. Others prioritize lightweight designs that don't add bulk. A few require specific arch heights.
Footwear selection complements other evidence-based approaches to plantar fasciitis. Physical therapy, night splints, and stretching exercises target the underlying inflammation. Proper shoes prevent those gains from being undone during daily walking.
The fitness editor's testing process removes guesswork from shoe selection. Rather than rely on marketing claims alone, professional evaluation identifies which shoes deliver real support. For people living with plantar fasciitis, the right shoes transform walking from