It's the question we get most often: what's the difference between the Fasciitis Fighter and the ROUND 2, and which one should I get?
The short answer is simple. The longer answer helps you make the right choice for your specific situation.
The Short Answer
Both products perform exactly the same exercise, the evidence-based high-load heel raise protocol for plantar heel pain. The only difference is length.
- The original Fasciitis Fighter, single foot length, designed for single-leg heel raises
- The Fasciitis Fighter ROUND 2, 12 inches (double length), supports both two-foot and single-leg heel raises
If you want to start with two-foot raises and progress to single-leg, or if you want to work both feet in a single session, get the ROUND 2. If you're already comfortable with single-leg work and want a compact, portable option, the original is a perfectly good choice.
That said, the ROUND 2 is our best seller for good reason: it's more versatile, and most people starting the protocol benefit from beginning with two-leg raises before progressing.
Why Two-Foot Raises Matter
The high-load heel raise protocol is progressive by design. You start at a load you can manage, then gradually increase it over time, in the Rathleff et al. research, this was done by adding weight using a backpack.
For most people starting out, single-leg heel raises are too challenging, either too much load through the foot, or not yet enough lower limb strength to control the movement well. Two-foot raises allow you to begin at a lower load and build the strength and confidence to progress to single-leg work.
The original Fasciitis Fighter doesn't allow for two-foot raises, it's the right length for one foot only. If you think you might want to start double-leg, the ROUND 2 is the only option.
Who Should Choose the Original?
- You're already comfortable performing single-leg heel raises
- Your health professional has recommended starting at single-leg load
- You want a more compact, lightweight option for travel or clinic use
- You're buying as a second device (e.g. one for home, one for the clinic)
Who Should Choose the ROUND 2?
- You're new to the high-load strengthening protocol and want to start with two-foot raises
- You want to work both feet in a single session
- You're unsure which to choose (the ROUND 2 covers everything the original does, plus more)
- You want the most versatile option for long-term use as you progress through the protocol
What About the Bundles?
If you want to build a more comprehensive foot strengthening program, both products are available as part of bundles that include the Toe Strong resistance bands, the Foot Bridge, and the Scalene Slant Board, each of which targets a different aspect of foot function.
The ROUND 2 Bundle pairs the ROUND 2 with the Toe Strong bands, covering high-load plantar fascia loading and isolated intrinsic muscle work in one package.
The Strong Feet Bundle does the same with the original Fasciitis Fighter.
The Bottom Line
You can't go wrong with either product, they perform the same, evidence-based exercise. But if versatility matters, or you're just starting out, the ROUND 2 gives you more options at every stage of the protocol.