assistant: Before I recommend shoes, I need to understand your situation better — a few quick questions will help me point you toward the right fit: 1. **Is your plantar fasciitis active right now**, or are you looking to prevent flare-ups while it's dormant? 2. **What's your typical weekly mileage**, and are you looking for a daily trainer, or shoes for specific paces (easy runs, tempo, racing)? 3. **Do you have any other preferences** — budget, cushioning style (soft vs. firm), or brands you've had good luck with? Plantar fasciitis responds well to shoes with good arch support, adequate cushioning (especially in the heel), and a moderate-to-low drop. Some runners also benefit from a firmer midsole that doesn't let the foot collapse through the arch. I have several options in my data that could work, but your answers will help me narrow it down to the best match for *your* running.

assistant: For plantar fasciitis, you want **firm arch support, good heel cushioning, and a midsole that doesn't let your foot collapse**. Here are the best options under $180: **Saucony Endorphin Azura v1** — $150 A lightweight, stable-neutral trainer with a firm PWRRUN PB foam and late-stage rocker that supports your arch without feeling mushy. Doctors of Running calls it their #1 shoe of 2026 so far, and it handles both easy miles and faster efforts. The firmer foam is better for plantar fasciitis than super-soft max-cushion shoes. **New Balance 880 v15** — $150 The firmest of the bunch with Fresh Foam X and an aggressive rocker that rolls smoothly without collapsing. Doctors of Running specifically notes its "excellent stability for a neutral shoe" — the structured platform and pronounced rocker geometry are exactly what plantar fasciitis benefits from. Wide fit available if needed. **Mizuno Neo Zen v2** — $160 A maximal-stack shoe (48/42mm) with a stable, bouncy nitrogen-infused EVA that supports your arch through longer runs. The added stability in v2 over the original makes it more suitable for injury-prone feet, and reviewers praise the improved heel lockdown. <details> <summary><strong>Why these over the others?</strong></summary> The Nike Vomero Plus and Puma MagMax Nitro v2 are both excellent max-cushion shoes, but they're *too soft* for plantar fasciitis — that sink-and-return feel can actually aggravate arch pain by allowing excessive foot collapse. The New Balance 1080 v15 is solid but pricier ($170) and less structured. The Mount to Coast C1 and Nike Zoom Fly v6 are good shoes but the Fly is a speed trainer (not ideal for injury management) and the C1, while supportive, doesn't have the firm arch control of the 880 or Azura. For plantar fasciitis specifically, firmness and arch support beat maximum cushioning every time. </details> **Quick question:** Are you currently dealing with an active flare-up, or are you looking to prevent problems while training? And roughly how many miles per week are you running?

assistant: Good question — yes, a couple of options in wide: **New Balance 880 v15** — $150 (wide available) Still my top pick for plantar fasciitis under $180. It comes in a wide fit, though reviewers note it's a "wide but low-volume" fit — sits snug on the foot despite the width. The firm Fresh Foam X and aggressive rocker are exactly what your arch needs. Doctors of Running specifically calls it "excellent stability for a neutral shoe." **Mizuno Horizon v9** — $180 (wide available) A tank-like stability shoe with a soft, pillowy heel and a wide, dense base. Run Moore calls it his shop's most-pulled Mizuno and specifically recommends it for plantar fasciitis, Achilles issues, and all-day standing. It's heavier (309g) and more of a max-cushion stability shoe than the 880, but if you like a softer ride with pronounced medial support, this is worth considering. The Saucony Endorphin Azura v1 ($150) doesn't explicitly list a wide option in my data, though reviewers note it has a "roomy fit" — worth trying on in your regular size first. The Mizuno Neo Zen v2 ($160) and Puma MagMax Nitro v2 ($170) don't show wide availability in my current data. **Quick follow-up:** Are you leaning toward the firmer, more structured 880 feel, or would you prefer the softer, more cushioned Horizon approach? And is your plantar fasciitis currently flaring, or are you in prevention mode?