I just started running in April of 2010 and I started with Vibram FiveFingers. I moved on to Merrell Trail Gloves when they were released later in the year. I started off consistently running 3-5 miles with no problems. I let my sister talk me into running the Broad Street 10-miler on May 1, 2011, and my training leading up to that obviously included increased mileage. I was diagnosed with some kind of tendonitus in my left foot in August (2010) and treated that with significant quantities of stretching and accupuncture/massage and it went away. Fast forward to April/May (2011) and I started to develop a significant pain in my right heel. The pain was never sharp, and never occurred while running. I only noticed it after waking in the morning, and after sitting for a while (such as at work). I saw a podiatrist in June (2011) and after taking x-rays (to check for any obvious fractures or other problems) he diagnosed me with plantar fasciitis and recommended supportive footwear, specifically with arch supports. I was recommended to wear the supportive shoes as much as possible, from work to exercise, and then to use a night splint while sleeping. I had no supportive footwear so I had to go out and buy new work shoes and I picked up a couple pairs of more traditional running shoes so I could use arch supports (such as Superfeet). I have been wearing these supportive shoes for a few weeks now, but I still go barefoot at home, and I still take my Merrell Trail Gloves out for a short run at least once a week. I am looking for advice on what is best... after doing a lot of reading, there seem to be two camps on this--those who recommend wearing supportive shoes all the time and never going barefoot, and those who recommend going barefoot to let things stretch and strengthen. What should I be doing? I really dislike the supportive shoes, and want to get back to full-time minimalist running, but I do not want the plantar fasciitis to get any worse. My current treatment is a lot of calf stretching, icing and rolling (various balls, iced bottles, etc.) and I am using the night split for a few hours a night (can't stand it for long as it gets hot.) I would say the PF is not getting worse, and maybe it is getting a little better, but it is definitely still there. I do not really notice stiffness after sitting any more, but I always notice it first thing in the morning (although I think even that is getting better.) I am surprised I do not see more posts on plantar fasciitis here, but maybe I am just missing them. Any thoughts on this?