Plantar fasciitis will likely prevent you from performing well on your job and enjoying other activities. One of the best ways to help heal your plantar fascia is by wearing the best work boots for plantar fasciitis.
However, finding plantar fasciitis work boots can be challenging as many footwear options don't provide the required shock absorption and foot support necessary to help recover from this condition. Or, they are made of low-quality materials, making them susceptible to damage after a short period of wear. Many safety boots also tend to be heavy and bulky, further aggravating the injured area and adding to the plantar fasciitis pain.
We prepared this article to help you understand what features to look for in a pair of work boots for plantar fasciitis, weigh up your options, and make an educated purchase.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition caused by an over-strained ligament known as the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a flat band of tissue that secures your heel to your toes. Its main function is to support the arch of the foot.
When this ligament is strained or damaged, it can cause intense heel pain or painful arches while walking or standing, especially on hard surfaces such as asphalt and concrete.
What Are Its Symptoms?
The symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain in the lower part of your foot around the heel and sometimes midfoot. Many people with this condition feel stabbing pain, while others experience dull pain.
If you find pain in your heels after waking up, you likely have plantar fasciitis. Symptoms of this condition also include discomfort after lying or sitting down for a long period and difficulty climbing stairs because of heel stiffness. Sometimes, the pain goes away during activity but reappears once you stop.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
The primary cause of plantar fasciitis is tearing the plantar fascia. However, some activities can increase the chances of damaging this tissue. Anything involving staying on your feet for a long time can contribute to tearing the tendons and muscles in your foot.
Jobs that demand standing on your feet for hours could increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. The weight of your body constantly pressing down on your plantar fascia could be enough to rip the tendons. This makes construction workers, healthcare and military professionals especially susceptible to this condition.
Who Is at Risk for Developing Plantar Fasciitis?
Below are several common risk factors that may contribute to developing plantar fasciitis:
- Individuals with flat feet are more prone to developing this condition. The reason for this is the altered nature of where the pressure from the steps you take goes. A high arch or an abnormal walking pattern can distribute weight where it shouldn't go, damaging the tissue in your foot.
- As we age, our tissues and tendons weaken. That makes them more prone to damage and plantar fasciitis. People between the ages of 40 and 60 are more likely to get this condition, as they are more active than older generations but have weaker plantar fascia than younger individuals.
- Some activities can put a lot of stress on the connective tissue within your feet, including running, ballet dancing, and jumping.
- Extra weight may cause plantar fasciitis because tendons aren't supposed to handle more than the healthy weight of the human body.
- A long time spent standing on your feet can also help develop plantar fasciitis, even if you're not overweight.
Wear the Best Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis
One way to prevent this condition is wearing work boots for plantar fasciitis. The best plantar fasciitis work boots are comfortable and supportive but also durable. Discover the features these boots should include and the seven best work boots for this condition.
Necessary Features of The Best Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis
The best boots for plantar fasciitis must have particular features that offer supreme comfort, support, and durability. However, they shouldn't lack safety features as work boots are primarily made to protect your feet.
Shock-Absorbing Midsoles Are Vital
One of the main factors contributing to the strain that causes this condition is caused by standing on rough or hard surfaces for long periods each day. That can put enormous pressure on the foot ligaments leading to plantar fasciitis.
Getting work boots with shock-absorbing footbeds and midsoles can help. These comfort features will take on the impact rather than directing it to the feet, helping them recover and rest instead of provoking plantar fasciitis.
Contoured and Cushioned Supportive Footbeds
Since plantar fasciitis is based on the inflamed plantar fascia, one of the ways to help alleviate this condition is to ensure that ligament is relieved. You can do that by wearing a pair of work boots with cushioned and contoured footbeds. They will embrace the natural shape of the arch, providing exceptional support to it.
Doing that will reduce the stress your weight puts on your feet when walking on hard surfaces for a long time. That way, you can relieve plantar fascia's inflammation resulting in less pain.
Flexible Construction for Comfort, Durability, and Support
Work boots' construction is vital for individuals with plantar fasciitis. A pair of work boots manufactured with a durable and flexible construction technique will provide the required comfort and last for years to come.
That said, find a pair of work boots manufactured with one of these tried and tested construction techniques below:
- Goodyear Welt
- Cement
- Blake
Secure Fit Is Critical
Your feet should rest in a comfortable and secure position to help prevent or relieve plantar fasciitis. Getting work boots that offer a secure and snug fit will keep your feet in place instead of letting them move inside the boots.
For that reason, it's a good idea to find a pair of boots with a reliable laces system. Quality laces will ensure your work boots stay tied even if used to walk on rough surfaces.
Medium-Sized Deep Heels for Tension-Relief
How your feet rest inside the boots could help cause or prevent plantar fasciitis. If you want to prevent or relieve this condition, you should wear work boots with medium-sized heel cups because they position feet perfectly.
If the heel cups are flat, the strain would be directed into your heels, which are an essential part of the plantar fascia. On the flip side, if they are too tall, it could put excessive tension on your feet.
In addition, getting a pair of boots with deep heel cups will secure the heels and allow them to rest, keeping them protected from receiving too much tension.
Slip-Resistant Outsoles for Traction and Stability
Many workers must walk on slippery surfaces every day, including those suffering from plantar fasciitis. For that reason, you should look for work boots with oil- and slip-resistant outsoles. That way, you'll be able to perform your daily tasks without slipping and falling and avoid hurting your feet even more.
Safety Toe Caps for Protection Against Impact
Apart from comfort features, and a stable outsole, work boots for plantar fasciitis also offer foot protection.
Safety toe caps are shielding reinforcements protecting your toes from impact and compression. The most common types of safety toes are steel, composite, and alloy toe caps.
Steel and alloy toes offer outstanding protection, with alloy toe caps providing more mobility. Composite toes still protect you but not as much as their metal counterparts. However, they don't conduct heat, cold, or electricity.
High-Quality Materials
Unfortunately, many brands are more focused on their profits than offering quality work footwear. That's why there are many low-quality yet expensive boots made from substandard materials that can barely last several months.
That's why you should check the materials and brands before buying work boots for plantar fasciitis. High-quality materials, such as full-grain leather, will ensure the boot's durability and protect your feet.
What Are the Best Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis?
Below are some of the best men's work boots for plantar fasciitis. Check them out and see if they meet your workplace requirements. You can also find a pair of excellent women's boots for this condition.
KEEN Men's Milwaukee Work Boots
KEEN is famous for its high-quality work footwear, and the Milwaukee boot is no different. The uppers are built with durable, abrasion-resistant leather, while the rubber outsoles prevent slips and falls. The locking metal hooks will keep your laces in place. That's vital if you suffer from plantar fasciitis.
Moreover, the footbed design offers exceptional arch support and cradles the natural foot contours. The comfortable, ultra-padded insoles are removable, so, you can insert your orthotic if you need additional support for plantar fasciitis.
That said, consider Milwaukee work boots if you want a pair of durable and comfortable boots that are supportive enough to wear for extended periods with plantar fasciitis.
Wolverine Men's Raider Work Boots
A pair of Wolverine Raider work boots is all you need if you have plantar fasciitis. Their cushioned footbeds and Multishox PU midsoles provide outstanding shock absorption, helping prevent transferring the stress to the plantar fascia.
These leather boots are built with Contour Welt construction, making the boot's structure flexible enough to adjust easily to the natural foot's form. Again, this feature can help alleviate pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
In addition, their Multishox lugged rubber outsoles are slip-, oil-, and abrasion-resistant, offering supreme traction and giving you the confidence to walk on almost any surface. They also feature composite safety toes, protecting your feet from impact and compression.
Timberland PRO Men's Boondock Work Boots
Boondock work boots feature a StepPropel footbed for shock absorption and energy return throughout the day, making them an excellent choice if you suffer from plantar fasciitis. They are built with ExoSpine technology for lasting durability, structure, and enhanced heel feet, which is also essential for anyone with this condition.
Besides that, these comfortable boots are also waterproof and electrical hazard rated. The composite toe will protect your toes from falling objects, while Vibram Fire and Ice outsole provides excellent traction, durability, and performance regardless of the weather.
Timberland PRO Boondock boots combine Goodyear Welt with Cement construction for exceptional reliability, while fiberglass shank provides structural support. You don't have to worry about unpleasant odors either, as these incredible work boots feature breathable and moisture-wicking lining with antimicrobial treatment.
Carhartt Men's Ground Force Work Boots
These lightweight comfortable work boots do an excellent job at maintaining all-day comfort thanks to EVA midsoles with shock-absorbing insert and cushioned based layer. The footbed is engineered with maximum arch support to reduce foot fatigue. Both of these features are beneficial for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis.
Carhartt Ground Force boots don't lack protective features either. Composite safety toes and heel reinforcements offer impact resistance, while waterproof design works with the sweat-wicking liner to keep your feet dry and breathing. Cement construction Ground Force rubber outsoles provide superior traction, grip, and flexibility, keeping you on your feet on various surfaces.
Thorogood Men's USA Made American Heritage Work Boots
Your feet must be properly supported during work, especially if you have plantar fasciitis. And you can get that and more from these Thorogood work boots. Their cushioned footbeds and rubber midsoles support your feet, making it easy to walk on challenging surfaces for long periods without aggravating the pain caused by plantar fasciitis.
Moreover, they feature slip- and oil-resistant polyurethane MAXwear wedge outsoles, offering maximum traction on different surfaces. They are also electrical hazard rated. They don't lack durability either, since they are made in the USA with the Goodyear Welt construction method.
Danner Men's Bull Run USA-Made Work Boots
This USA-made steel toe boot is an excellent choice for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis, thanks to a removable ortholite footbed. Three layers of varying density work in conjunction for maximum support and cushioning. Meanwhile, Danner's legendary stitch-down construction provides enhanced stability underfoot.
What's more, Danner wedge outsoles are slip- and oil-resistant, offering cushioning and lightweight support without tracking debris while providing traction on various surfaces. You can rest assured your toes will stay safe, thanks to the steel safety toes. Moreover, the full-grain, oil leather upper gives this waterproof boot unparalleled durability.
CAT Women's Excavator Work Boots
CAT Excavator boots are some of the best women's work boots for plantar fasciitis. They are lightweight and offer athletic-like comfort thanks to their reinvented ease comfort midsoles and the contoured, engineered comfort footbed for extra support, cushion, and rebound.
Moreover, the biomechanical outsole lug mirrors the natural gait cycle for exceptional comfort throughout the day, while ergonomic ankle pods provide stability and protection. All of these features are beneficial for anyone who suffers from plantar fasciitis.
Apart from that, they are waterproof thanks to the premium full-grain waterproof leather, keeping your feet dry while offering outstanding durability. They also feature composite safety toes to guard your toes against impact and compression. Their slip-, oil-, and abrasion-resistant rubber outsoles offer supreme traction on challenging surfaces.
How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis?
Once your plantar fascia is injured, it can take six to twelve months for the tissue to recover. In the meantime, it would be wise to take precautions to make sure you don't further harm the damaged tissue. Note that these are only general guidelines, and you shouldn't avoid getting proper medical assistance.
Rest Your Feet
One of the best things you can do for your feet when suffering from plantar fasciitis is rest. Constantly putting weight on your feet will only push back your recovery timeline. That's why you should try to keep the weight off your feet as much as you can. Doing that will let your body work through the inflammation period faster and heal the injured tissue.
Ice the Inflamed Area
Ice can help soothe the inflamed area and ease the pain you feel. There are a couple of ways to ice your feet:
- Wrap an ice pack around your foot with a towel. Use a package of frozen corn or peas if you don't have an ice pack. Ice cubes in sealable plastic will do too.
- Fill a shallow bucket with ice water and soak your heel. Ensure you don't soak the rest of your foot because that can feel awkward.
Try to ice the plantar fasciitis three to four times a day for ten to fifteen minutes. However, ensure you don't over-ice your foot because you could further injure the tissue that way.
Include Light Stretches
You can relieve the area by stretching your foot and the surrounding muscles. Point and bend your toes as much as possible. After that, stretch your calves to relax your Achilles tendon and the bottom of your foot.
Light stretches can reduce the pain associated with plantar fasciitis and help strengthen those tendons and muscles. That will help alleviate discomfort, stabilize the ankles, and minimize the chances of plantar fasciitis coming back.
Use Orthotics or Shoe Inserts
Orthotics and shoe inserts are items you put in your shoes or boots to provide additional support. Many boots offer little padding and arch support, which can harm your foot over time. With shoe inserts, you can make your footwear more comfortable and secure.
Ensure you get the right size and your boot's sole measurement because some shoe inserts' sizes may vary depending on the manufacturer. For plantar fasciitis, it's vital to find inserts with profound padding and arch support. Since your plantar fascia is inflamed, you need to provide it with the cushioning required to allow it to recover.
Try Pain Drugs
Take some pain medication if you need an immediate solution for your soreness. These are useful when you can't address your condition with ice and stretches. Note that pain drugs are a temporary relief, but they won't heal your plantar fasciitis. That's why you should rely more on other methods for a permanent solution.
Don't Ignore Plantar Fasciitis
Apart from experiencing pain in the area, plantar fasciitis could lead to more severe tears in your foot's connective tissue. You could aggravate the condition if you don't get medical help when you notice the symptoms. You could pay more for the treatment than if you had gone to the podiatrist as soon as you noticed the problem.
Moreover, plantar fasciitis could lead to pain spreading to other parts of your body, including midfoot, knee, hip, and even back. That would likely prevent you from working or doing activities you love, such as dancing, running, hiking, etc.
So, ensure you don't ignore it. Ask for medical help and follow their advice. Also, make sure you wear the best work boots for plantar fasciitis. By taking active measures to recover or prevent this painful condition, you will be able to continue living your life to the fullest.
Find the Best Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis
After reading this article, you know the symptoms of plantar fasciitis and how to relieve them. One of the best things you can do to help prevent or heal the inflamed area is to wear a pair of work shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Apart from the boots we described above in this text, you can find other comfortable, supportive, and durable work footwear by browsing our site. Feel free to do that and find the best work boots for you.