assistant: Plantar fasciitis is tough, and shoe choice matters — you want something that reduces strain on the plantar fascia while still supporting your training. The key is a shoe with **good arch support, moderate-to-high cushioning (especially in the heel), and a lower drop** to reduce the stretch on the fascia. Before I narrow down picks, a couple quick questions: 1. **Is your PF currently active/painful, or are you managing it well between flare-ups?** (This affects how aggressive I'd be with cushioning vs. support.) 2. **Do you know your pronation pattern** — neutral, overpronation, or underpronation? Some shoes in my data have better arch support than others. 3. **What's your typical weekly mileage**, and are you looking for a daily trainer or something specific like easy runs vs. tempo work? Once I know a bit more, I can point you toward shoes that won't aggravate it.

assistant: For plantar fasciitis under $180, I'd focus on **Mizuno Horizon v9** and **Saucony Endorphin Azura v1** — both address your PF needs differently. **Mizuno Horizon v9** ($180) is the standout here. Run Moore calls it a "tank-like problem-solver" specifically for foot-health issues like plantar fasciitis, with a soft, pillowy heel, wide stable base, and reinforced sidewalls that create what he describes as a "mobile cast" feel. The 8mm drop and high cushioning reduce fascia strain, and durability is legendary (300+ miles). This is built for your condition. **Saucony Endorphin Azura v1** ($150) is the budget winner and more versatile. It has a late-stage rocker that can help offload the plantar fascia, decent cushioning (41mm stack), and an 8mm drop. Doctors of Running rated it 9/10 and called it his #1 shoe of 2026 — it handles easy miles well but also lets you pick up pace when healthy. Great value at $150. **New Balance Fresh Foam More v6** ($160) is softer and more protective if your PF is currently flaring. The 4mm drop is the lowest here (less fascia stretch), and the maximal cushioning absorbs impact. Trade-off: it's heavier and locked into easy paces only. One question before you decide: **Is your PF actively painful right now, or are you managing it between flare-ups?** That shifts whether I'd lean toward the Horizon's stability-first approach or the Azura's versatility. <details> <summary><strong>Why the Horizon for PF specifically</strong></summary> The Horizon v9 has a large medial post and reinforced sidewalls that provide pronounced medial support — this stabilizes the arch and reduces excessive pronation that can aggravate plantar fasciitis. The soft, pillowy heel pocket also reduces impact shock at heel strike, where PF pain often starts. Run Moore specifically recommends it for plantar fasciitis and Achilles issues. The trade-off is weight (309g) and limited pace versatility, but if PF is your priority, this is the most targeted choice. </details>

assistant: Good question — wide options matter for plantar fasciitis since a proper fit reduces excess motion that can aggravate the fascia. From the shoes I mentioned, **Mizuno Horizon v9 comes in wide**, which is perfect for you. Run Moore specifically calls it a "tank-like problem-solver" for plantar fasciitis, and the wide option gives you even more lateral stability and a secure fit. The reinforced sidewalls and soft, pillowy heel are built for your condition. The **Saucony Endorphin Azura v1** and **New Balance Fresh Foam More v6** don't have wide options in my current data, but the Azura runs a bit roomy through the forefoot anyway — some testers found it accommodating even without a wide size. The **New Balance 880 v15** does come in wide and has a wide, low-volume fit that some runners find very stable. It's firmer and more structured than the Horizon, so it's a different feel — less plush, more locked-down. At $150, it's also cheaper, but it's not specifically designed for PF like the Horizon is. **Are you a true wide-foot runner, or just concerned about lockdown and fit security?** That'll help me know if the Horizon's standard width (which Run Moore says fits true to size) would work, or if you really need the wide option.