Without the right footwear, spending all day on your feet is uncomfortable; and with plantar fasciitis, it’s downright painful. If you’re looking for a pair of durable work boots that are both safe for your job and supportive for your feet, check out these 5 best work boots for plantar fasciitis.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that occurs when the connective band of tissue in the base of the foot – the plantar fascia – becomes inflamed.
If you have plantar fasciitis, you probably experience sharp heel pain when you stand up in the morning or after a long period of sitting. Your plantar fasciitis may cause you to limp or even walk on your toes to avoid aggravating your heel pain.
For most patients, plantar fasciitis results from increased stress to the foot. High-impact or new activities can put the connective band of tissue under stress and cause pain. Other factors such as obesity, poor standing posture, and unsupportive shoes all contribute to an irritated, inflamed plantar fascia.
How to treat plantar fasciitis
The best way to treat plantar fasciitis is to support the foot by stretching and strengthening the foot muscles. You can read all about my plantar fasciitis regiment here.
But the second-best way is to use supportive footwear that will either alleviate symptoms of plantar fasciitis or prevent it altogether.
What to look for in work boots for plantar fasciitis
When shopping for plantar-fasciitis-friendly work boots, there are a few features to keep in mind.
The best work boots for plantar fasciitis are
- Supportive
- Comfortable
- Durable
Supportive:
Flat shoes and flimsy insoles offer zero support to your plantar fascia, so the stress and shock of bearing your weight all day goes straight to your heel. Look for a boot with ample cushion and a slight heel (not flat, but not too tall either).
Comfortable:
Your boots will be more comfortable for the long-term if they’re supportive. But it’s important to prioritize little details such as fit, breathability, and cushion when selecting a supportive shoe. If your boots are uncomfortable, you’re more likely to leave them in the closet and revert to those old familiar shoes that cause you pain.
Durable:
If you’re going to spend the money on a well-fitting, supportive work boot for plantar fasciitis, make sure it’s built to last. The best models feature replaceable insoles, so when that fabric cover on your insole wears away, you can replace it without having to buy a new pair of boots.
Best Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis
No matter your industry, if you spend all day on your feet and in a variety of potentially hazardous terrain, a sturdy work boot is a must. Add plantar fasciitis to the mix, and you’ll need a sturdy, supportive work boot that will outlast your heel pain.
Below are some of the best work boots for plantar fasciitis on the market today.
1. Lightweight: Caterpillar Excavator Superlite
Contractors and construction workers already have a close working relationship with Caterpillar equipment. But Cat also makes workboots, built with brand-name durability to be soft on heel pain and hard on wear.
The Caterpillar Excavator Superlite is a waterproof work boot with a rubber sole, lightweight frame, and contoured footbed. Instead of a steel toe, this boot features a composite “Nano Toe,” as strong and safe as steel but without the added weight.
What you’ll get:
- Excellent traction from SRX Slip-Resistant rubber
- Dry feet from Crazy Horse Waterproof Leather
- Durability from a Cemented Heel and iTechnology Construction
- Plantar Fasciitis support from a contoured footbed and rebound foam
Other details:
- Composite safety toe
- Electrical Hazard Protection is rated to ASTM F2413-18 1/75 EH
- Available in 4 colors, size 7-14 (select sizes in Wide)
- Get it on Amazon for $136.
2. Good Traction: Carhartt RuggedFlex
Carhartt’s work boot offers supreme traction, which reviewers say outlasts months and years of abuse. The RuggedFlex outsoles include ladder-locking channels and lug grips to ensure you’re always putting your best foot forward when on the job.
Reviewers also praise this work boot for relieving and preventing symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Perhaps that’s due to the EVA midsoles and cushioned PU footbeds designed for shock absorption. For even more support against plantar fasciitis, you can purchase Carhartt’s insoles.
What you’ll get:
- Supreme traction from RuggedFlex rubber outsoles
- Cozy feet from moisture-wicking lining
- Heel support from midsoles and footbeds
- Reinforced stability from rubber heel bumpers
Other details:
- Composite safety toe
- Electrical Hazard Protection is rated to ASTM F2413-18 EH
- Available in 4 colors, size 8-15 (select sizes in Wide)
- Get it on Amazon for $130.
3. Splurge: Keen Utility Pittsburgh
Keen is a popular brand for outdoor shoes, and their line of work boots for both men and women is sure to impress. In particular, the Pittsburgh Utility Boot is perfectly waterproof, oil- and slip-resistant, and exceeds Electrical Hazard Standards.
As far as fit is concerned, this work boot features compression-molded EVA and PU midsoles as well as a removable EVA footbed. With this amount of support, your heel will lock in place and avoid strain or stress.
These boots are pricey, but the quality is hard to beat. If you’re looking for a work boot that combines all the best technology for safety, function, and comfort, then it’s worth the splurge.
What you’ll get:
- Stability from TPU interlocking torsion plates
- Superior comfort and cushion from EVA and PU midsoles
- Added safety from reflective webbing
- Dry feet from waterproof Nubuck leather
Other details:
- Steel safety toe
- Electrical Hazard Protection is rated to ASTM F2412-11 and F2413-11 I/75 C/75 EH standards
- Available in 2 colors, size 7-15 (including Wide)
- Get it on Amazon for ~$185 (prices vary).
4. Stylish: Timberland PRO Pit Boss
You might know Timberland for their dress shoes, but the PRO series includes heavy-duty work boots designed for a safe, supported day on the job. With Goodyear welt construction and a steel toe, these boots are tough enough to withstand all your occupational hazards while keeping you comfy and dry.
One of the best features of the Timberland Pit Boss work boot is its removable sock liner and moisture-wicking insole, ensuring odor is not synonymous with work. Countless reviewers affirm that the cushioned insoles and sturdy construction help keep plantar fasciitis at bay.
What you’ll get:
- Slip- and oil-resistant grip
- Antimicrobial odor control from Cambrelle fabric lining
- Heel support from Nylon shock-diffusion plates
- Durability from authentic leather and Timberland PRO rubber
Other details:
- Steel safety toe
- Electrical Hazard Protection is rated to ASTM F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 EH standards
- Available in 3 colors, size 7-14 (select sizes in Wide)
- Get it on Amazon for $100.
5. Flexible: Wolverine Overpass Composite Toe
Up, down, over and under – your work day is anything but static. A good work boot should be flexible enough to move with you, yet tough enough to withstand wear and tear. For many workers, Wolverine’s boots fit that bill, providing safe support no matter the terrain, temperature, or task at hand.
If you have plantar fasciitis, you’ll love the the Wolverine Overpass for its ortholite cushioned footbeds which mold to your foot for unbeatable comfort. Plus, the moisture-wicking lining and waterproofing membrane will keep your feet both cozy and dry.
What you’ll get:
- Workplace safety from composite toe and nylon shank construction
- Flexible grip from dual-compound rubber outsoles
- Stylish protection from authentic waterproof leather
- Cushioned steps from Ortholite footbeds
Other details:
- Composite safety toe
- Electrical Hazard Protection is rated to ASTM F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 EH standards
- Available in 2 colors, size 7-15 (including Wide)
- Get it on Amazon for $135.
Best Insole for Plantar Fasciitis
Maybe you have a great pair of work boots but a new case of plantar fasciitis, and aren’t ready to replace your footwear. I’ve found that the right set of insoles can make a huge difference, transforming unsupportive shoes into comfortable work boots for plantar fasciitis.
Tread Labs Pace Insole
One of the most comfortable insoles I’ve ever tried, the Tread Labs Pace insole offers medical-grade support without the bulk of an orthotic. These insoles are made from polyurethane foam – the same support you’d get from the above work boots – topped with an antimicrobial treatment that kills 99.9% of bacteria.
I especially like how economical these insoles are. A pair of these insoles will cost you $60 – a fraction of the price of any a new pair of work boots.
And while that price might seem a bit high for inserts, they’re less expensive than a pair of custom-made orthotics and just as effective.
Unlike most cheap insoles, the Tread Labs are made in two parts: a foam base and a removable cloth covering you can replace when it wears down.
The support, comfort, and convenience of Tread Labs insoles makes them the perfect solution for someone who works on their feet all day. As long as your shoes last, you can use these insoles to cushion your heels and alleviate your plantar fasciitis.
Best Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis
There are innumerable types of work boots available, many featuring the latest tech and safety standards. No matter the specs, don’t settle for shoes that leave your feet unsupported and uncomfortable. And when all else fails, use an insole to transform your old treads into the perfect work boots for plantar fasciitis.
