assistant: Plantar fasciitis is tough, and shoe choice matters. The best shoes for PF tend to have **moderate-to-high cushioning, a supportive arch, and adequate heel stack** — you want impact protection without excessive softness that lets your arch collapse. A moderate drop (6-8mm) is often better than super-low or super-high drops, though this varies by person. Before I narrow it down, I need to know: **Are you currently having PF symptoms, or are you looking to prevent it while training?** And do you prefer a more cushioned, plush feel or something firmer and more responsive? That said, from what I have available, here are some solid options: **New Balance 1080 v15** — Best balanced pick for PF-prone runners. At 6mm drop with good arch support from the Infinion midsole and 38mm stack, it gives you cushioning without excessive softness. Doctors of Running notes it's "lighter and more compliant" while maintaining support. True-to-size fit with good midfoot security. **ASICS Superblast v3** — Wide forefoot, high cushioning, and a moderate 8mm drop. EDDBUD calls it "forgiving cushion without the weight," which is ideal for PF. The FF Leap foam is soft but the Blast Plus layer underneath provides structure. **Nike Vomero Plus** — If you want maximum cushioning with arch support, this is a strong option. The 10mm drop and 43mm stack provide excellent heel protection, and Doctors of Running notes it's "highly durable" for high-mileage runners managing injuries. The ZoomX foam is plush but not collapsing. All three are neutral shoes with good arch support and moderate-to-high cushioning. The 1080 v15 is the lightest and most versatile; the Superblast v3 is the bounciest; the Vomero Plus is the most protective if you want maximum cushioning. **What's your typical weekly mileage, and are you currently dealing with PF pain or just trying to prevent it?**

assistant: For plantar fasciitis under $180, here are your best bets: **New Balance 1080 v15** — Best overall for PF. At $170, it's the lightest and most responsive option with a moderate 6mm drop and solid arch support from the Infinion midsole. Doctors of Running notes it's "lighter and more compliant" while maintaining cushioning — that balance is key for PF since you want protection without excessive softness that collapses your arch. The 38mm stack gives you enough cushioning without being mushy. **ASICS Superblast v3** — Most forgiving cushion. At $210, it's slightly over budget, but if you can stretch, EDDBUD calls it "forgiving cushion without the weight" — the FF Leap foam is soft and bouncy, and the wide forefoot means no pinching. The 46mm stack is high, but the Blast Plus layer underneath provides structure. Good for runners who want maximum impact protection. **Nike Vomero Plus** — Maximum protection. At $180, this hits your budget exactly. Ben Parkes calls it "the most enjoyable Nike daily trainer since the Invincible" — it's protective, bouncy, and versatile enough to pick up the pace on long runs. The 43mm stack and 10mm drop are on the higher end, which many PF runners find helpful for offloading the Achilles and plantar fascia. **Saucony Hurricane v25** — Stable cushion option. At $170, it's a solid alternative with mild stability built in (no medial post). The Run Testers notes it's "smooth, stable max-cushion" and good for steady paces. The 6mm drop and dual-layer PWRRUN foam give you cushioning with some structure. The 1080 v15 is my top pick for PF — it's the lightest, most versatile, and the drop/stack ratio is ideal. But if you want maximum cushioning and don't mind the extra weight, the Vomero Plus at exactly $180 is the safer choice. <details> <summary><strong>What reviewers say</strong></summary> **New Balance 1080 v15:** - Doctors of Running: "Lighter and more compliant" with "noticeably more bounce" than previous versions; "can handle some faster efforts but best suited to easy and daily training paces." **ASICS Superblast v3:** - EDDBUD: "Forgiving cushion without the weight" — "much softer than the Superblast 2 out of the box with no break-in needed." - The Run Testers: "Excellent, versatile super trainer" that's "comfortable for long runs and easy daily training." **Nike Vomero Plus:** - Ben Parkes: "Most enjoyable Nike daily trainer since the Invincible — protective, bouncy ZoomX max-cushion shoe that eats up easy miles." - The Run Testers: "Lighter, bouncier, more versatile, and cheaper" — "strong one-shoe-does-everything max-cushion trainer." **Saucony Hurricane v25:** - The Run Testers: "Really impressive, smooth, stable max-cushion shoe" with "built-in stability that's only noticeable if you need it." </details> **Are you currently dealing with PF pain, or looking to prevent it while training?** That'll help me refine which of these three is the best fit for your situation.

assistant: Good question. From what I have data on, here are the options in wide: **New Balance Fresh Foam More v6** — Available in wide. At $160, it's the most affordable option and gives you max cushioning (42mm stack, 4mm drop) with a spacious fit. The Run Testers notes it has "plenty of toe room" and it's "available in a wide version." For PF, the low drop and soft cushioning work well, though it's more of a pure easy/recovery shoe — not as versatile as some others. **Saucony Hurricane v25** — Available in wide. At $170, this is my pick if you want a wide shoe with PF support. It has mild built-in stability (no medial post, just a wider base), 41mm stack, and 6mm drop. The Run Testers calls it "smooth, stable max-cushion" and notes the wider base helps with stability without being intrusive. Good for steady paces and long runs. **Mizuno Horizon v9** — Available in wide. At $180, this is the most supportive option if you have overpronation alongside PF. Run Moore calls it a "tank-like problem-solver" with a "wide stable base" and "soft heel" — exactly what PF runners often need. It's firm (not plush), durable, and built for foot-health issues. The trade-off: it's heavier (309g) and more of a stability shoe than a versatile daily trainer. The **New Balance 1080 v15** and **ASICS Superblast v3** (both strong PF picks) don't list wide availability in my data, though New Balance often stocks wide versions — worth checking their site. **For PF specifically in a wide fit, I'd lean toward the Hurricane v25** — it's the sweet spot of cushioning, stability, and price. But if you have overpronation or want maximum support, the Mizuno Horizon v9 is the more specialized choice. Are you dealing with overpronation, or is it purely arch/heel pain from PF?