Do you suffer from plantar fasciitis? That excruciating and stabbing pain that occurs as you step, but deteriorate after prolonged moments of standing or after you rise up?
For people with plantar fasciitis, it’s usually difficult to stand or do normal waking. Now, imagine going for extensive hiking in the woods and mountains!
The good thing is that there are hiking boots designed for people with this condition to lessen the pain. The best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis will provide your foot with the needed support and comfort; not only in hiking but also in ordinary walking.
Top Hiking Boots for Plantar Fasciitis in 2021
The Oboz men’s Bridger Hiking Boot is our top tick for men who are suffering from plantar fasciitis. On top of that, it is also an amazing choice for people with flat foot.
The Oboz is comfy. Plus, it’s constructed with a high shaft for ample ankle support. Not to mention the generous toe box which is an advantage to men with wide feet.
It is built with a breathable nubuck leather which is reinforced by quality stitching. Waterproofing is great to help you step in puddles and still have your feet dry.
The tread is designed to be aggressive on mud, ice, snow every difficult terrain. The whole outsole is top-quality to survive the rugged terrain outdoor.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Great arch support
- Tread is great
Cons
- We wish the laces were thick
The synthetic construction is solid but pretty lightweight to reduce the foot weight in longest hikes. The midsole is incredibly comfy which is why we recommend the boots for people with plantar fasciitis.
Arch support is great; and the overall footbed is well cushioned and supported to give you the needed stability on all terrains. Whether you’d want to hike on mud, step on puddles or ski on snow, this hiking boot will shield your feet from wetness or cold.
The traction of this boot is top-notch and very aggressive. But what you’ll love most is the lightweight design to make strenuous hikes a lot easier.
Like our first review, this one is also a perfect choice for people with flat and wide feet. It fits well but a little snug for fluffier socks. Plus, they’re versatile for every outdoor excursion.
Pros
- Solid construction
- Waterproofing is great
- Lightweight
Cons
- May not be good for narrow feet
Timberland is another outstanding brand for people who are looking for sturdy and reliable hiking boots. They are comfortable right from the box with great ankle and arch support for extensive hiking.
The traction is excellent as well with deep directional lugs. It is even equipped with a 1-inch heel to enhance your stability when hiking on sloppy trails.
The boot is roomy for average feet, but it holds up fairly well without looking bulky. The construction is lightweight and almost feel like slippers.
Its outer leather does resist water only when the boot is not submerged in water. And despite the waterproof feature, they’re breathable even after wearing the whole day. They’re stylish to fit both business and hiking dress codes; and versatile for every season.
Pros
- Super comfortable
- Breathable
- Lightweight
Cons
- May be narrow for very wide feet
The Columbian model is a mesmerizing choice for women. You’ll love the stylish full-grain leather, the quality assembly and stitching that prolong the boots life.
The boot is super comfy, featuring a highly cushioned insole for optimal foot comfort on a rough ground. The shaft is high as well for maximum ankle. Not to mention the overall foot support provided by the supportive footbed.
The upper leather is waterproof to shine on wetness conditions. However, there’s a mesh tongue to ventilate your feet and minimize heat build-up around the foot.
The traction of the outsole is undeniably satisfactory for a secure step on rocky and rugged surfaces. The outsole is sturdy as well and the overall boot is lightweight.
The hiking boot is fairly roomy to be worn with fluffier socks. Plus, it is built with contrasting colors that women will love.
Pros
- Great quality
- Comfortable
- Completely waterproof
Cons
- The mouth may be wider for small feet
For women who are suffering from plantar fasciitis due to high arches, the insole is incredibly comfy to provide the needed support and eliminate excruciating pain.
You’ll love how the hiking boot is designed to be secure and supportive by extending to the ankles. It is a little wide at the toes with ample arch support for people with foot challenges.
The boot is super warm even without a pair of multiple socks when hiking on glacial trails or Iceland at freezing temperatures. The good thing is that it is waterproof, so you’ll have no problem wandering on wet surfaces.
The bottom is thick and sturdy, with great tread that handle mud, slushy snow, wet pavements, and rocks without losing the grip. They’re not cheap, but you won’t get disappointed after shopping.
Pros
- Warm and comfy
- Ankle support is good
- Traction is plenty for slick surfaces
Cons
- Not cheap
How to Choose a Great Hiking Boot for Plantar Fasciitis
Comfort
The comfort of a hiking boot is a crucial feature for people suffering from plantar fasciitis. For that reason, the first thing to consider is if the footbed is cushioned. This is where an insole should come into play by making sure it is cushioned.
Also look at the lining to see if it is softly cushioned. Most models are built with faux fur for comfort and warmth. The purpose of the insole is to absorb shock and impact; and maximize on comfort to alleviate excruciating pain.
Ankle and arch support should be excellent as well for optimal support in long hikes.
Traction and Heel Support
The next thing to consider is if the traction is excellent. However, what will determine if the traction is enough is the kind of terrain you contemplate to go hiking.
Basic traction will suffice on flat surfaces and trails. Mountaineering, rocky surfaces, snow, mud and other complicated landscapes will call for aggressive grips. For optimal traction, most models are built with thick directional lugs.
On top of that, consider a hiking boot with an average heel of 1-inch. Walking on flat boots and especially by people with flat feet will fatigue the feet and stimulate pain in longest hikes. The heel will add the necessary support and stability needed to reduce the heel pain.
Construction Material
Talking about material, the most popular is full-grain leather and suede. However, there are tons of other choices produced every day. For people with plantar fasciitis, you need to make sure the uppers are not rigid while walking.
You should be able to flex the arches and ankles without restraint. If the hiking boot is inflexible, there will be likelihood of pressure building up when walking on varying terrains which may result to pain.
Water-Resistance and Breathable
It is important you find a footwear that resists water penetration to widen the scope of your outdoor adventures.
With a waterproof hiking boot, you can walk snow, wander through puddles or even walk on rain with assurance of dry feet.
Unfortunately, you may feel sweaty after some time and that’s why the hiking boots should be ventilated to allow air circulation within the foot. For that reason, make sure there’s a breathable mesh lining on top of the hiking boot.
Final Thoughts
Oboz men’s Bridger Hiking Boot is the best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis in our opinion. It is our favorite choice for men. The hiking boot is supportive, comfy, waterproof, with excellent traction for every terrain. I recommend the Columbian for women since it’s comfy.
Truth is, these hiking boots will not cure plantar fasciitis, but they’ll provide you with the required support to lessen the pain. With these hiking boots, you should be able to hike, run and walk normally like other people.