If you love hiking but have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, you know how painful this condition can be to your feet. Luckily, using top hiking boots for plantar fasciitis will get you back out on the trails again as soon as possible.
After I cured my plantar fasciitis, I wasn’t sure if taking up hiking again would prove too painful or cause the condition to relapse. After doing some research, I learned that wearing the right type of footwear for future hikes would prevent me from further injury.
Here I’ll share with you my list of the 7 best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis that come in both men’s and women’s styles.
Read on.
editor’s choice
Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX
#2ND BEST CHOICE
Oboz Sawtooth II Low B-Dry
#3RD BEST CHOICE
Vasque Breeze at MID
The Best Hiking Boots For Plantar Fasciitis in 2023
1) Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX
The EnergyCell midsole also does a great job absorbing shock, which is also important in reducing foot pain and plantar fasciitis
As one of the most trusted names for hiking boots, Salomon always seems to make our list of the best hiking footwear. This particular boot makes a great option for plantar fasciitis for several reasons.
For one thing, the boot is designed very sturdy, so it keeps your heel in the right place as you walk. The superior cushioning of the insole also helps with comfort.
This boot also makes a great option for all different types of terrain and weather conditions. It is waterproof, rugged, and has a Gore-Tex membrane, which helps keep your feet dry in the wettest environments.
After reading some reviews, I noticed that many customers noted that the tongue of the boot was a bit irritating at first. It is a bit of a different shape than other hiking boots I’ve worn, but I didn’t notice it causing any issues as I hiked.
Check out our full review of Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid Gtx.
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2) Oboz Sawtooth II Low B-Dry
This hiking shoe is made of nubuck leather and extremely breathable fabric to keep your feet cool and dry during hikes. It’s also very durable and can hold up well to various terrains.
If you prefer a hiking shoe over a boot, the Oboz Sawtooth II is a great option for people who’ve recovered from plantar fasciitis.
For people hiking with plantar fasciitis, this shoe’s insole cradles your arches and keeps your foot in a neutral position while you walk. That, along with the dual-density EVA midsole, gives your foot the support you need.
I really liked the asymmetrical collar on this shoe and found that it helped to give a snug fit and make my foot feel secure.
When we trialed this product it seemed it tends to be on the bulkier side than some others but is good for people who want to use it on more rough terrain because it holds up well.
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3) Vasque Breeze at MID Waterproof
As far as ankle support goes, the Vasque Breeze excels in this area, so it’s a great option for people hiking with plantar fasciitis that want to tackle more harsh environments.
You’ll find that this nubuck leather boot gives you all the heel and arch support needed for flat feet and to avoid plantar fasciitis heel pain. The thick Vibram soles with a solid grip also help with traction and help prevent slipping on wet surfaces.
Some people noted that they had some issues with the laces on these boots, particularly that they were difficult to lace because the eyelets were tight or the lacing hooks broke off.
I did note that some of the eyelets seemed a bit tighter than with other boots, so it might be something for others to consider as well.
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4) KEEN Targhee II Mid-Hiking Boots
I appreciated the waterproof membrane on these boots and found that it really helped keep me feeling dry during an all-day hike in rainy conditions. The aggressive traction on the bottom of the boot also proved itself in this weather.
Another one of the best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis is the KEEN Targhee II. You’ll appreciate this shoe’s wide toe box and ample room if you’re a hiker with wider feet. However, the boots don’t fit loose or cause heel slippage.
Our team discovered through using this product that the foam midsole provides excellent arch support and keeps your heel in place.
It’s great for ankle support and keeping you feeling safe on uneven surfaces, which is important for hikers who’ve recovered from plantar fasciitis. I also added my orthotic insoles to these, and they still had a comfortable fit.
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5) Merrell Moab 2 Vent Mid
The leather and mesh combination on the upper of these hiking boots makes them extremely breathable and protects your foot from moisture and debris.
Keep in mind that breathability comes at a price. You will get wet feet if you walk through deep puddles or streams, so if you’re looking for superior waterproof hiking boots, these won’t make the best option.
However, you can’t find a sole that offers more stability than the Vibram TC5+ one featured on this boot for plantar fasciitis. It absolutely will provide secure footing, and the ankle support on these boots excels as well. It’s perfect for uneven paths and steep inclines.
I always appreciate the numerous color combinations that Merrell offers with their boots, as it can be hard to find a good hiking boot that is stylish as well. These definitely give you plenty of options.
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6) Timberland White Ledge Mid Ankle Boot
The shock-absorbing padding on these mid-height hiking boots works great for preventing plantar fasciitis heel pain.
It reduces the pressure in the shock-absorbing area of your foot, which allows you to feel comfortable even when walking long distances.
Hikers will also appreciate the padded collar around the ankle, which adds to the overall comfort of the boot and helps keep some of the dirt and debris out.
All of these features make this hiking boot a great option for people with plantar fasciitis. However, I do wish that it had just a bit of extra cushioning around the arches, which would help when walking for long periods on very hard surfaces.
As indicated by our tests, these are a good pair of hiking shoes for plantar fasciitis, and the durability of the leather holds up well in the long run.
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7) Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof
This sturdy boot is one of the best hiking boots made from waterproof suede leather. It’s also a great choice for people with plantar fasciitis who want to hike in winter.
Columbia is well-known for its winter gear, and Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II WP is some of the best hiking footwear for winter.
The multi-terrain traction system has a unique tread pattern that will grip snow and ice without a problem. I consider being one of the best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis, especially for navigating this type of weather.
Although it’s made of waterproof leather, it still remains breathable due to the mesh tongue. Even though it kept my feet warm, it didn’t make them sweaty.
The superior cushioning in the midsole provides great comfort for hikers recovering from issues with their plantar fascia.
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Plantar Fasciitis Hiking Boots Buyer’s Guide
Because hiking with plantar fasciitis requires more specialized footwear, we considered all of the following features when reviewing a hiking boot and only chose options that worked well for people with plantar fascia issues.
1. Heel
People with plantar fasciitis often have stabbing pain in the heel of their foot [1].
Therefore, good hiking boots will need to have enough padding in this area to keep the hiker pain-free.
Not all hiking shoes will have a well-padded heel, so it is definitely always something to consider.
2. Outsole
To prevent injury, you want to ensure that your foot remains secure regardless of the different terrains you encounter.
For people with plantar fasciitis, you will want to look for boots with chunky outsoles and superior treads to provide stability as you walk. This feature makes you feel safe, even when walking on more treacherous trails.
3. Weight
Any added weight can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis or having pain from a previous case return. It’s important to buy hiking boots that are as lightweight as possible for the environment in which you will use them.
Since you might carry a backpack or other gear, reducing the weight on your feet will help you avoid fatigue and foot pain.
4. Cushion
Since plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes stabbing pain, having the right amount of cushioning helps, especially when walking on hard surfaces.
Look for shoes that provide good cushioning in the areas of the arches and ankles and also have a well cushioned heel cup. Many hiking shoes lack this feature, so it’s important to seek out ones that do.
5. Comfort
Nothing will ruin your day more than hiking shoes that cause you great discomfort or foot pain. This case is even more so for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis. Not only would it make you uncomfortable, but could also potentially cause further injury to your plantar fascia.
Many people with plantar fasciitis find that hiking shoes with good arch support give them the level of comfort they need.
6. Good Laces
The best hiking shoes for plantar fasciitis should have good laces to keep the feet secure.
Strong laces help keep your boots on tight and prevent your plantar fasciitis from causing pain.
Look for this feature in the shoes you purchase or buy your own if the lacing on the shoes isn’t great.
7. Arch Support
For plantar fasciitis, perhaps one of the most important things to consider is purchasing hiking shoes with great arch support.
Shoes with a flat sole will only aggravate the condition and cause pain because as the plantar fascia flexes with each step you take, it will cause unnecessary strain and additional stress on the area.
If the insole in the hiking boot doesn’t seem to have enough of this arch support, consider using special insoles designed specifically for plantar fasciitis. Many doctors recommend using orthotic insoles for hiking.
8. Material
You don’t want your feet to get sweaty while you hike, so you’ll need to look for hiking shoes with construction that’s made of breathable materials. This doesn’t mean that you need to stay away from leather boots.
However, look for ones that have added mesh panels or where the padded tongue is also made of mesh or another breathable fabric.
Comparison Table
| BOOT | PRICE | WATERPROOF | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX | Check on Amazon» | Yes, Gore-Tex | 2 lbs. 1.5 oz. |
| Oboz Sawtooth II Low B-Dry | Check on Amazon» | Yes, BDry | – |
| Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX | $109 REI» Check on Amazon» | Yes, Gore-Tex | 2 lbs. 11 oz. |
| KEEN Targhee II Mid | $155 REI» $106 Backcountry» Check on Amazon» | Yes, Keen.Dry | 1 lb. 14 oz. |
| Merrell Moab 2 Vent Mid | Check on Amazon» | No | 2.4 lbs. |
| Timberland White Ledge Mid | $89 REI» Check on Amazon» | Yes | 2 lbs. 4 oz. |
| Columbia Newton Ridge Plus | $99 Backcountry» Check on Amazon» | Yes | 1.75 lbs. |
See also:
What Else Do We Consider When Choosing the Best Hiking Boots for Plantar Fasciitis?
We never want to recommend a product without also considering what other customers have to say about how well it performs. For this reason, we also look at the following areas as we made our determination on the best hiking shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Feedback
We looked at numerous customer feedback and reviews for each of the shoes on our list, making sure to review the ones from other people who currently have or have fully recovered from plantar fasciitis.
If we couldn’t find any feedback from others in this area, we didn’t consider the shoes.
Shipping
When recommending the best hiking shoes, it’s important to look at the cost and speed of shipping and the condition of the package when it arrives. We personally don’t like to buy shoes online that don’t offer return shipping, so we take that into consideration as well.
Warranty
If a brand offers a good warranty on its shoes, it means that they stand behind its product. We not only look at whether or not the company offers a warranty but also look at the customer feedback from people who had to use the warranty to resolve an issue.
What Is the Difference Between a Regular Shoe and a Plantar Fasciitis Shoe?
Hiking boots for plantar fasciitis differ from regular hiking shoes because they provide extra cushioning and arch support in the Achilles tendon area, where most plantar fasciitis pain originates.
Many hiking shoes don’t offer that same amount of support or padding and can cause plantar fasciitis to flare up or return.
Our Number 1 Pick
After testing out all of the best hiking shoes for plantar fasciitis, we determined that the best hiking shoe from the bunch is the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX.
When I added my orthotic insoles to the boot, I felt confident that my plantar fasciitis wouldn’t relapse.
I also liked the wide-toe box that didn’t make my toes feel squished together.
Overall, I consider this specific pair to be the best women’s hiking boots for plantar fasciitis that I’ve found.
This shoe won out over the others because of its waterproofing, superior cushioning, and heel support, which helped with the long-distance walking I do most of the time.
FAQs
Salomon makes many great shoes for plantar fasciitis with heel support and the right amount of cushioning to make people with this condition comfortable walking for long periods.
Yes, KEEN makes great shoes for plantar fasciitis and other types of foot conditions that cause pain.
Yes. Many doctors recommend wearing a walking boot if you’re resting your foot to recover from plantar fasciitis. A walking boot will adequately support an Achilles tendon injury and help the tissue heal while improving your foot strength.
Vasque hiking boots make a good option for people who have plantar fasciitis They are one of the most supportive boots for the ankle, and their solid grip keeps you secure on slippery surfaces.
Hiking boots designed for plantar fasciitis provide proper arch support through features like a heel cup, flexible shoe, and removable insole. They also offer targeted heel cushioning to alleviate discomfort and promote better foot alignment.
It is not recommended as these boots are designed for different activities and lack the flexibility, cushioning, and support required for the dynamic movements involved in trail running.
