If you are someone who suffers from plantar fasciitis, the excruciating heel pain might make it impossible for you to even think about going on a hike. We know that hiking with plantar fasciitis can be a tough nut to crack. But with a bit of external help, you too can overcome the barriers presented as a part of plantar fasciitis.
Here, is the Top 10 list of best plantar fasciitis shoes for hiking in 2018.
Quick Comparison: Top Hiking Boots for Plantar Fasciitis
**Below, you’ll find our expert’s reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick ligament on your feet that connects your heel to the front of your foot. It is designed to support your feet and help you walk. These ligaments act as shock absorbers when you walk.
When you overwork these shock absorbers or plantar fascia, they tend to become inflamed thus creating pain. People who are overweight or pregnant are at greater risk of experiencing plantar fasciitis. Long distance runners and physically active middle-aged men and women too often suffer from this disease.
Do I have Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis causes pain at the bottom of the foot. This can be in the front, back or mid-area. The pain increases in magnitude over time. The pain might be worse in the morning or when you get up after sitting for a long time.
Diagnosis included a thorough examination of the foot by a qualified doctor. Though you might have the above-mentioned symptoms, make sure you consult your doctor before self-diagnosing.
Plantar Fasciitis and Hiking: How to Choose a Hiking Boot if I suffer from Plantar Fasciitis?
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, the goal is to select boots that support your plantar fascia thus putting the least amount of pressure on it. These are certain requirements to keep in mind while selecting your hiking boots:
- The sole must be rigid
- It should have a supportive arch
- Avoid high arches and flat feet
- Sole must have proper cushioning
- Choose pronation correcting boots
- Purchase a supportive insole from a good brand to make your already purchased footwear plantar fasciitis friendly
Review of Some of The Best Hiking Boots for Plantar Fasciitis
Our #1 Rated
Our #1 Rated
Rated out of 5
Features
- Made with leather
- Imported hiking boots, ideal for plantar fasciitis
- Comes with a rubber sole for good support
- Platform measures approximately 0.5
- Manufactured with full-grain waterproof leather uppers
- Comfortable and durable hiking shoes
- Comes with seam-sealed waterproof construction to keep feet dry and rustproof
- Also comes with speed lace hardware with hooks at top for secure lacing.
- Ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Pros
- Used and liked by plantar fasciitis patients
- Great ankle support
- Sturdy hiking boots
- One of the best hiking shoes for plantar fasciitis
- Comfortable fit
- Great traction
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Comparatively heavier hiking shoes
- Stains easily
Our #2 Rated
Our #2 Rated
Rated out of 5
Features
- Made with Waterproof Nubuck Leather
- Made in the USA
- Comes with a rubber sole
- Boot opening measures approximately 12.5″
- Comes with a low-profile upper with ghillie lacing
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Easy-on heel pull, thus comfortable for plantar fasciitis sufferers
- Padded tongue and collar
- Breathable leather lining.
- Lugged out-sole
Pros
- Highly comfortable hiking shoes
- Accurate positioning of the lacing eye
- Affordable pricing
- Wide toe box
- Lightweight hiking boots
- Supportive
Cons
- Short length, hence must go ½ size up while choosing
- Thin insoles
Our #3 Rated
Our #3 Rated
Rated out of 5
Features
- Mesh hiking shoes
- Imported shoe ideal for plantar fasciitis
- Comes with Vibram Sole
- Features seamless upper overlays with color-pop webbing and ghillie laces
- Breathable mesh lining
- Bellows tongue that keeps out debris
- M-Select FIT.ECO contoured foot bed
- Also comes with organic odor control
- Merrell air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability
- Shock-absorbing air cushion heel has been provided
- An added feature of Vibram traction outsole
Pros
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Comfortable fit
- Comes in attractive colors and designs
- The spacious and roomy toe box
- Ideal for long hikes
Cons
- Not the best arch support
Our #4 Rated
Our #4 Rated
Rated out of 5
Features
- Manufactured with Suede Leather
- Imported hiking boots
- Comes with a synthetic sole
- Manufactured with Vibram TC5 Outsole
- Merrell air cushion provided in the heel that absorbs shock
- Increased stability
- Comes with molded nylon arch shank
- Comes with breathable mesh lining
- Merrell M Select FIT.ECO+ blended EVA contoured foot bed
- Added zonal arch and heel support for plantar fasciitis patients.
- Protective rubber toe cap
Pros
- Extremely comfortable boots
- High-quality material
- Stylish and trendy
- Great traction
Cons
- Not much room to breathe, limited airflow
- Rather bulky
- Water resistant and not entirely waterproof
Our #5 Rated
Our #5 Rated
Rated out of 5
Features
- Imported hiking boots
- Comes with a rubber sole
- Shaft measures ankle high from arch
- Comes with Techlite lightweight midsole
- Also provided with Omni grip, nonmarking traction rubber
- Manufactured with a combination of full grain leather and suede
- Comes with scratch free rubber heel, mesh tongue, and outdoor hardware
- Waterproof seam-sealed construction that is ideal for hiking
Pros
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Waterproof and ideal for outdoor usage
- Available at an affordable and reasonable price
- Keeps your feet warm and comfortable
- Very short break in period
- Adjustable lacing system
Cons
- The toe box is not wide
Our #6 Rated
Our #6 Rated
Rated out of 5
Features
- Manufactured with a combination of suede and mesh fabric
- Imported hiking boots
- Rubber soles have been provided
- Shaft measures ankle high from arch
- Removable foot bed which is ideal for those suffering from plantar fasciitis
- Medicare-approved footwear
- EVA midsole feature provides cushion, traction and durable wear.
Pros
- Comfortable fit
- Great traction
- Lace hooks at the top that helps one easily loosen and remove the laces
- Wide and spacious hiking boots
- Sturdy but not heavy
- Easy to clean
- Minimal break-in period
- Good ankle support
Cons
- Does not provide great cushioning while hiking in rough terrain
Our #7 Rated
Our #7 Rated
Rated out of 5
Features
- Hiking boots that are made of leather
- Imported boots
- Comes with rubber soles
- Shaft measures approximately 5″ from arch
- Heels measure approximately 1.75″ each
- Platform measures approximately 1” each
- Flexible ankle boot for plantar fasciitis
- Made with pebbled waterproof leather
- Comes with nylon mesh lining and D-ring/speed lacing closure for ease of use
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Rubber outsole comes with self-cleaning design
Pros
- Comfortably fits swollen feet especially if you are diabetic
- Comes in affordable price ranges
- Quick release lace holders for easy fitting
- Keeps your feet warm
- Stylish boots
Cons
- Insoles are not thick
- Waterproof property is lost after sustained usage
Our #8 Rated
Our #8 Rated
Rated out of 5
Features
- Manmade hiking boot
- Imported
- Comes with a synthetic sole
- Heels measure approximately 1.5″ each
- Rugged suede leather over the ankle
- Comes with breathable mesh inserts
- protective rubber toe cap has been provided
- Also has heel stabilizer
- all weather outdoor mid hiker
- water resistant hiking boots
- moisture wicking lining that keeps your feet dry
- gusseted tongue keeps debris out
- Removable/washable EVA insole ensures cushioning for feet
- Padded synthetic collar/tongue provides all-day comfort
- Quick lace-up closure allows for easy and fast adjustments
- Heel pull strap
- Durable multi-directional rubber outsole
Pros
- Widely placed laces
- Decent traction
- Good sole grip
- Great ankle support
- Hiking boots made with durable an breathable material
Cons
- The toe box is not very wide
Our #9 Rated
Our #9 Rated
Rated out of 5
Features
- Made with leather
- Imported hiking boots
- Rubber sole has been provided
- Shaft measures approximately 3.5″ from arch
- Made with rubber outsoles
Pros
- Spacious room with sufficient, wide room for feet
- Stylish and trendy hiking boots
- High-quality boots
- Ideal for horseback riding
Cons
- Need a break in time
Our #10 Rated
Our #10 Rated
Rated out of 5
Features
- Made with leather
- Imported hiking boots
- Comes with synthetic soles
- Waterproof membrane constructed hiking boots
- Oiled and full grain leather upper
Pros
- ATS foot bed for comfortable wear
- Keeps your feet dry and warm
- Dura treated outsoles provide grip and flexibility
- Durance tested rider’s boots
- Excellent fit
Cons
- Bulky and heavy which makes it difficult to pack it
- Plain looking boots
Things to Keep in Mind While Hiking with Plantar Fasciitis
- Always make sure you purchase a good orthotics insole even of you already own a pair of comfortable hiking boots
- Massage the ligament at the heel of your feet for quick pain relief
- Take breaks in between hikes
- Dipping your feet in cold water can help soothe the pain
- Stretching is also a great way to relieve pain
- Also, consider buying a compression foot sleeve
The key is to give yourself time and not exert yourself and your feet beyond what you can handle. It is better to take it slow and simple when it comes to hiking with plantar fasciitis.