Shoes that allow midfoot strike AND are more supportive?

[Carleyspisak]

Hello! I am back into tennis after a ten year hiatus. I have been playing in my zero drop Altras which has given me a wonderful case of plantar fasciitis in my right foot. I am searching for more traditionally cushioned/supportive tennis shoes that will still allow me to run with a mid and fore foot strike. Is there such a thing? The last time I bought actual tennis shoes I was in HS and still had a heel strike.
The shoes don’t have to be specifically for plantar fasciitis. I have some insoles I can put in them. But I definitely can’t keep playing on the hard courts and using my typical aggressive footwork in my minimalist running shoes.
I don’t have the luxury of having stores close to try some on. The closest store that sells actual tennis shoes is over an hour away, and with a one and two year old in tow that is my definition of a nightmare. Our local Dick’s doesn’t carry tennis shoes in store. I have $100 in gift cards to Dick’s though and would love to be able to order from them online to save money as I know they have a decent online selection. I am just wary of ordering without any knowledge if I can still run somewhat normally, you know? So I am just wondering what all everyone has. I have perused the posts for a few weeks now and have seen many shoe recommendations but no info on how that person runs in them, and of course many debates over minimalist vs traditional shoes.
Thank you!

 

[cd3768]

Hi,
I don't have any recommendations for shoes but I do know that you should stay away from New Balance. I ran in high school and became a shoe nerd. I know about Altra and their zero drop (and promote it ) so if you're used to Altra's, NB is not the way to go. I'm pretty sure in their product description on the TW website or review videos (or the NB website) that they have higher heel-to-toe drops. I used the 996v3 and 1296v3 and they have decent heel cushioning but there seemed to be little to no forefoot cushioning. I believe the 1296v3 had a 12mm drop. I tried on the Fresh Foam Lav and they have a noticeable drop as well.
As for the foot striking, it's hard to avoid heel striking. Good technique doesn't always promote forefoot striking throughout the whole stroke. Watch some tennis vids and watch their feet.

 

[Carleyspisak]

Thanks for the response! I did notice today at practice that I reverted to some heel strikes during some movements. I also noticed the return of some knee pain. It’s hard to decipher whether my issues are from my ten year hiatus (and three year break from exercise in general thanks to always being knocked up) and the resulting shock to my muscles or from poor form. I just hate to spend over $100 on something that makes this worse haha

 

[CornOnTheCob]

Ubersonic 3's or 2's are pretty good as far as not having too bulky of a heel

 

[Carleyspisak]

Thanks!