Finding the best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis is not an easy task.
There is nothing worse than setting out for a hike and being hit with sharp intense pain that we have all experienced – plantar fasciitis. If you’re anything like me, I would still go for my hike and just wear the pain.
However, it isn’t advised, and it certainly is not safe. In this article we have reviewed and made a list of the best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis so you can continue to do what you love.
Choosing a Good Hiking Boot
The following key attributes will help you select the best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis.
- Secure arch support
- Adequate cushioning
- Strong grip
- Ability to lace up to the ankle
- Contoured footbed
- Heel support
- Lightweight
- Strong toe box
Best Hiking Boots for Plantar Fasciitis for Women
1 – Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus
Want a pair of boots that not only look good but can take a beating as well? Look no further than the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot.
The attractive thing about this boot is that appearance wise, it looks like a high end boot, but is actually very affordable.
Why are they good for Plantar Fasciitis?
First and foremost, this boot has a high lace-up closure that gives you a sturdy and secure fit. This is of great importance as your ankle and heel will be held securely in place.
The strong grip on the sole of the boot will ensure you don’t slip or fall and give you the confidence to place your foot securely to the ground without the fear of falling. This boot boasts a multi-terrain and dual-zone winter tread pattern.
All in all, the Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus boot is an affordable, well-design boot that will provide security and comfort hiking with plantar fasciitis.
2 – Ahnu Women’s Sugarpine Hiking Boot
Made in the USA, the Ahnu Women’s Sugarpine Hiking Boot is an aesthetically pleasing boot designed for strong ankle and heel support – just what you need if you suffer from plantar fasciitis.
They are waterproof, have a strong rubber sole, a padded tongue and a high ankle support making it a solid choice for women with plantar fasciitis.
What makes them good for plantar fasciitis?
What stood out with this boot is that is engineered in such a way that they encourage your foot to take natural steps so that it doesn’t mess with your biomechanics (which is basically your body’s structure, function and motion).
They are lightweight, require little break-in time and have and the arch support is perfect for people with higher than normal arches.
3 – Vasque Women’s Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex Hiking Boot
The Vasque 2.0 is a lightweight, breathable hiking boot that provides extra arch and heel support. Due to their durability, these boots have a long-lasting history with loyal customers that report owning a pair for 2-3 years.
The abrasion-resistant mesh panels and waterproof protection make it a comfortable wear for women with plantar fasciitis and from a brand perspective, Vasque are well known for making high quality durable hiking boots.
That’s good news when hiking with plantar fasciitis.
What makes them good for plantar fasciitis?
Why this hiking boot over others? It has a Vibram Sole.
The ankle support provides just enough proprioceptive feedback to maintain a natural stability on any terrain. The Vibram Sole provides plantar stability, protecting the plantar fascia insertion points from torsion stressors leading to chronic inflammation and pain.
End result? One of the best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis for women.
4 – ARIAT Women’s Terrain Work Boot
An absolute stunning boot visually, and it is very safe to say that the ARIAT Women’s hiking boot is as good for your feet as it is beautiful.
The makers at ARIAT have combined leather and cordura uppers creating durability and support needed in a hiking boot for plantar fasciitis. They are designed with ATS footbeds which contribute to added shock absorption and all-round stability.
What makes them good for plantar fasciitis?
Ankle support is good without being too stiff with no rubbing or blistering reported. The footbed has very good arch support and while it is a little stiff, it’s begun to flex more after wearing consistently.
They are very durable and lightweight, with a strong outer sole.
Best Hiking Boots for Plantar Fasciitis for Men
1 – Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II
These waterproofed bad boys should be up there for any man with plantar fasciitis. A visually stunning boot, the Columbia Newtown Ridge will keep your foot well supported with its superior cushioning and advanced traction rubber sole.
They have a well-designed lace-up system ensuring a snug and secure fit around the ankle. The light-weight midsole provides advanced protection and added durability making it a no-nonsense hiking boot for plantar fasciitis.
What makes them good for plantar fasciitis?
Not only do these boots alleviate symptoms of plantar fasciitis, but they might actually improve the condition. Be it the light-weight midsole, sturdier sole, or the supportive footbed, some hikers have expressed an overall uplift in pain when not wearing them.
2 – Timberland White Ledge Men’s Waterproof Boot
The Timberland White Ledge Men’s Waterproof Boot perfect for hiking in rain or shine. And with a padded tongue for comfort and breathable foot bed, many hikers have described it as one of the best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis.
With Timberland’s Brake, Support, Flex and Propel system, the Timberland White Ledge Men’s Waterproof Boot helps you keep a steady grip and well supported ankle.
What makes them good for plantar fasciitis?
They are an excellent, stable snow-boot with excellent traction. The sole is super rigid, plenty of room in the toe box as well as a snug fit. They are perfect for long-standing with the top of the line ankle support.
3 – Salomon Men’s X Ultra Mid 2 GTX Multifunctional Hiking Boot
With a gusseted tongue to eliminate stray debris from entering the shoe, a waterproof lining and rubber sole, the Salomon Men’s X Ultra Mid 2 GTX Multifunctional Hiking Boot does everything you would expect a multi-functioning boot to do.
In addition to having a sleek look and running shoe technology, the boot is designed to cradle the foot, with the ability to provide relief from the painful heel-burning symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
What makes them good for plantar fasciitis?
This is an excellent boot for hiking overall, but what makes them particularily good for plantar fasciitis is the way it cradles and protects the fascia. If you were suffering from a heel-burning type symptom when hiking with plantar fasciitis, more often than not, the Salomon Men’s hiking boot will completely put a stop to that.
Don’t forget that when hiking, to add further support, you can also tape your foot. Read more about taping for plantar fasciitis.
