assistant: Before I recommend specific shoes, I need to understand your situation a bit better — plantar fasciitis can respond very differently depending on what's driving it for you. A few quick questions: 1. **Is your PF active right now, or are you looking to prevent it from coming back?** (This changes whether we prioritize shoes that manage pain or just reduce risk.) 2. **What's your typical weekly mileage, and what kind of running do you do?** (Easy runs, mixed paces, racing?) 3. **Do you have any other biomechanical quirks we should know about** — high arches, flat feet, overpronation, or tight calves? PF often ties to arch support and calf tension, so that context helps a lot. Once I know a bit more, I can point you toward shoes with the right stack height, rocker geometry, and support profile to take pressure off your plantar fascia.

assistant: For plantar fasciitis, you want shoes with **good arch support, a rocker to reduce strain on the plantar fascia, and enough cushioning to absorb impact without being so soft you sink and stress the arch**. Low drop (6mm) is often gentler on PF than high drop, and a pronounced rocker helps you roll through without gripping with your arch. Here are the best options under $180 that fit the bill: **Saucony Endorphin Azura v1** — $150 | **Best for PF** A stable-neutral trainer with a late-stage rocker and firm PWRRUN PB foam that won't collapse your arch. Doctors of Running rated it 9/10 and called it their #1 shoe of 2026 — it settles into rhythm at easy paces and springs off the rocker without demanding excessive arch engagement. At $150, it's a steal. **New Balance 1080 v15** — $170 | **Lightweight & responsive** The new Infinion foam is bouncy but responsive (not sinky), and the 6mm drop is lower than most. Doctors of Running praised it for feeling "natural" underfoot — less rocker than some shoes, which means less arch strain if you have tight calves or PF. Good for runners who want versatility without sacrificing arch support. **New Balance 880 v15** — $150 | **Maximum structure** The firmest of the bunch with an aggressive rocker and wide fit. Fresh Foam X is less compliant but more stable, and the pronounced rocker geometry helps you roll through without gripping. Best if you need extra structure or plan to wear it for standing/walking too. <details> <summary><strong>Why the Azura for PF specifically</strong></summary> The Azura's late-stage rocker (borrowed from the Endorphin Elite) means you're not forced into the rocker early — your arch works naturally on easy miles, then the shoe helps propel you forward at faster paces. The PWRRUN PB foam is firmer and denser than softer foams like ZoomX, so it won't bottom out and stress your plantar fascia on long runs. The 8mm drop is moderate, and the stable-neutral platform means your arch isn't fighting to stabilize you. Doctors of Running's 9/10 rating came from someone who clearly values a shoe that doesn't demand perfect form — it just works. The 880 v15 is a close second if you need *more* structure and rocker aggression, but it's heavier and less versatile. The 1080 v15 is lighter and bouncier, which is great for daily training, but if your PF is active, the Azura's firmness and stability win. </details> **One quick follow-up:** Is your PF currently flaring, or are you looking to prevent it from coming back? And do you have tight calves or high arches? That would help me dial in whether you need maximum rocker aggression or a more neutral ride.

assistant: Good question — width matters a lot for plantar fasciitis, since a shoe that's too narrow can increase arch strain. Looking at the data I have: **New Balance 880 v15** — $150 | **Best for PF in wide** Comes in a wide option and has an aggressive rocker with firm Fresh Foam X that won't collapse your arch. Doctors of Running notes it's "the firmest and most structured" with excellent stability for a neutral shoe. The wide fit plus pronounced rocker geometry is ideal for PF — you get the support you need without gripping with your arch. Only caveat: the heel counter is stiff, which some runners find noticeable early on. **Mizuno Horizon v9** — $180 | **Maximum stability & durability** Also available in wide. This is the heavy hitter for PF — Run Moore calls it his shop's most-pulled shoe for foot-health needs, specifically naming plantar fasciitis as a primary use case. It has a "mobile cast" feel with a wide, dense base, reinforced sidewalls, and soft heel pocket. The trade-off is weight (309g) and it's more of a stability shoe than a pure daily trainer, so it's best as part of a rotation rather than your only shoe. The **Saucony Endorphin Azura v1** I mentioned earlier doesn't come in wide, which is a gap — some reviewers noted it runs slightly narrow in the midfoot. Between the two wide options, the **880 v15** is more versatile for daily training, while the **Horizon v9** is the specialist if your PF is active and you need maximum support. Does that help narrow it down?