The 9 Best Boots for Plantar Fasciitis, According to Podiatrists

If you have plantar fasciitis — a condition where the plantar fascia, the band of tissue supporting the arch of the foot, becomes inflamed — finding a supportive, comfortable pair of boots for everyday wear can be challenging.

Choosing the wrong shoes can lead to more pain for people with plantar fasciitis, says Tea Nguyen, DPM. "Chronic overstretching can lead to inflammation, which is why wearing the right shoes for the planned activity is so important," she says. "For example, I often see people wearing flip-flops to Disneyland or places where they will be racking up a lot of miles on their feet." (Opt for these comfortable sandals for plantar fasciitis instead.)

A safer choice for Disneyland — or the work site, hiking trail or literally anywhere you need to stand or walk comfortably — is a shoe with high-quality cushion materials and arch support, Dr. Nguyen says.

Plus, you'll want to opt for a boot that allows for natural movement if you have plantar fasciitis, says Stephen Bui, DPM. "Natural movement means your feet can bend and flex freely, and they aren't altered with an elevated heel or rigid materials," he says.

Read on to find the best boots for plantar fasciitis.

In addition to interviewing three podiatrists for their choices on the best boots for plantar fasciitis, we incorporated the following key ideas into our selections:

• Intended purpose and/or activity
• Other features that add to the quality of the boot, such as waterproof materials and easy on and off access
• Whether the shoe or shoe brand has a seal approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) — although not all brands featured here do, those shoes that don't have an approval were selected directly by a podiatrist

Sleek, stylish and supple, the Urbana Metatarsal from Abeo Footwear is a classic black boot that looks more high-fashion than orthopedic. But don't be fooled by its glossy aesthetic — the Urbana Metatarsal features a special built-in arch support system meant to take pressure off of the feet and help increase weight distribution.

Bonus: This brand has the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of approval for plantar fasciitis.

For Janine Ferrigno-Taddeo, DPM, the Aetrex Frankie boot is a great heeled option for individuals with plantar fasciitis. That's because it features a removable insole that provides "proper arch support to help align your body from the ground up." She adds that the boots also contain extra cushioning in the sole that helps to reduce impact with each step and alleviate pressure.

A heeled boot is OK to slip on with plantar fasciitis, so long as you're not wearing them all day long, Dr. Bui says. For long-term wear, a flat, but supported, ankle boot is the best bet, and he recommends the Xero Shoes Tari Women's Boot.

Work boots should perform two critical roles: protect against environmental hazards and provide all-day comfort on the job. The ultra-thick insole in the Carhartt 6" Steel Toe Wedge Boot, alongside its steel toe design, ensures safety and longevity within warehouses and construction sites, Dr. Ferrigno-Taddeo says.

For women with plantar fasciitis on job sites, Dr. Ferrigno-Taddeo is a fan of these boots from Timberland. Similar to the Carhartt boots, they feature a soft, cushioned insole that molds to the bottom of the foot. This boot also contains all of the hallmark traits a work boot needs for safety, including a waterproof design, alloy toe and electrical hazard protection.

"For hiking boots, the Danner Mountain 600 4.5" Hiking Boots are a great option," Dr. Ferrigno-Tadde says. "It is a weatherproof boot that has a removable footbed for customization for individual needs." That footbed is also made from a special polyurethane material that helps to reduce heat and promote air circulation (so it won't soak up tons of moisture on long treks).

Dr. Nguyen notes that Merrell boots tend to be one of her favorite shoe brands for plantar fasciitis, as the brand specializes in outdoor footwear designed to withstand rugged trails with foam cushioning and major arch support. The boot is also waterproof and insulative and the brand features an APMA seal of approval.

"I'm a huge fan of Vionic shoes, as they offer a lot of options," Dr. Nguyen says. Her favorite for tall boots with plantar fasciitis: the Vionic Gwen Tall Boot. This boot is water repellant (so you can wear it on mildly inclement days).

Dr. Nguyen adds that Vionic shoes have the APMA seal of approval for plantar fasciitis, which means just about any variety you choose from them will be suitable for arch support.

Trentorn Rain Boots tend to be a bit more flexible than the standard rubber rain boot, Dr. Bui says. This makes them particularly a particularly ideal shoe for plantar fasciitis.

Although a mild heel is perfectly fine to wear with plantar fasciitis from time to time, if you aim to wear the boots for extended periods or multiple days in a row, look for a shoe with a low heel, Dr. Nguyen says. "Generally speaking, boots without a heel height and [ones that] have an arch support built in will feel the best on feet with plantar fasciitis."

If you do want a heel, Dr. Nguyen advises to pick a boot with a heel wider than one to three inches in width so there's a platform to stand on.

As you may have gleaned from this list, orthopedic boots tend to be a bit more expensive than other types of boots. And while not all high-priced shoes are automatically going to be great, Dr. Bui says boots costing less than $50 should garner some extra research on the consumer's part.

"Most of the boots these days vary in price, but those that are under $50 are usually made with poor materials and usually don't provide the right protection," he says. "They're also likely to break down quicker and the materials are poor quality."

As Dr. Bui noted above, a boot that's too rigid will cause discomfort for someone with plantar fasciitis as it impedes natural movement. But the opposite effect is equally dangerous.

"Any shoe or boot that easily folds in half or twists too much means the foot is not going to be supported the way it needs to," Dr. Nguyen says.

Opt for a boot that doesn't contain plastic or non-breathable materials, Dr. Nguyen says. "[Choosing non-breathable materials] can lead to athlete's foot or toenail fungus, so choose a high-quality material."

Wearing 100 percent cotton, wool or bamboo socks, in addition to frequently airing out your shoes, can also help keep bacteria from breeding, she adds.

"Many boots are made with pointed toes, and I have a lot of patients that switch to these boots in colder weather and start having problems because they don't allow natural movement with your feet, particularly with your big and little toe," Dr. Bui says. "The big toe is responsible for balancing and push off, so if you squish that in or misalign it, it can cause problems. The natural shape is key to allow for natural, functional movement."