Best Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis in 2022 [Top Rating]

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the bottom of your heel. It occurs when the strong band of tissue supporting the arch of your foot becomes irritated and inflamed.

Quick Answer: Best Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis

The big question is, how can you cope with long hours of working on your feet without feeling pain? With proper footwear designed to offer foot support, sharp heel pains will be a thing of the past.

Finding work boots with the right features to help you deal with plantar fasciitis can be an uphill task. Therefore, we took it upon ourselves to research and develop a guide to help you choose the best work boot for plantar fasciitis. 

Let’s get down to it, shall we?

In This Article, We’re Going To Review The Best Work Boots For Plantar Fasciitis

Timberland PRO Safety Toe Plantar Boot (Best Overall)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
They’re durable and affordable	The rubber toe can peel off
Shock-absorbing insole
Decent structural support
Electrical hazard protection
ASTM-approved safety toe
It features anti-fatigue technology

Timberland is well-known for its durable, comfortable, and practical footwear; the Timberland PRO Men’s Helix 6 is no exception. These boots are made with innovative shock-absorbing cones that maximize support and prevent heel spurs. 

Furthermore, they have contoured insoles to distribute weight evenly across the foot and offer support to the soles’ tendons; this helps reduce strain and fatigue.

What about safety? They’re designed with a padded tongue and asymmetrical alloy safety toes; they offer lightweight protection against impact, but there is still room in the toe area for comfort.

Wait, there’s more, they’re made with 100% full-grain leather and lined with a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry as you work in wet environments.

The flip side is that the rubber on the toe area starts to peel off with time.

Cat Footwear Men’s Diagnostic (Best All Weather Protection)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Removable insoles for support and comfort.	The sole could wear out.
Designed with thermal technology.
Slip-resistant outsole.
Steel toe boot protection.
Designed to withstand up to 600 volts of electricity.

Quite remarkable, these work boots are engineered to protect the feet from internal pains and external hazards. They have removable EVA inserts to protect the heels’ sensitive connective tissues from strain and injuries while you perform physically demanding tasks.

Regarding safety, these boots are fitted with an ASTM safety steel toe cap that protects your feet from impact and compression. Likewise, it’s ASTM rated to protect against open circuits of up to 600 volts under dry conditions. Besides, the outsoles are grooved to reduce the risk of slips on low-traction surfaces.

Also, they’re made with waterproof leather and nylon mesh lining for breathability; therefore, the safety boots are suitable for hot and wet weather conditions. When it’s snowing, you don’t have to worry about getting frostbite since it’s lined with 200g thermal insulation to keep your feet warm.

The downside is the sole separates from the upper faster than most people would like.

Orthofeet 481M070 High Top Boots (Best for Diabetes and Arthritis)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
They’re durable and comfortable	They are not waterproof
Excellent stability
Protective padded collar
Flexible outsole
Convenient for plantar fasciitis, diabetes, or arthritis

If you’re looking for boots specially designed for people suffering from various foot issues, including plantar fasciitis, look no further. The Orthofeet high-top boots are made with superior insoles that absorb shock from hard floors; this helps to prevent strain on the Achilles tendon. 

Furthermore, they’re cushioned around the ankle collar and the heel to stabilize the foot without causing blisters, especially when working on uneven grounds.

Lastly, it’s amazing how these boots have orthopedic properties without the traditional look. Contrary, they are versatile and can double up as casual shoes.

However, when it comes to work that involves rugged terrains or water, these boots simply don’t meet the cut.

KEEN Utility Milwaukee (Best Hazard Protection)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Comfortable and removable footbed	Padding could be insufficient
Steel toe protection
Abrasion-resistant material
A slight heel for arch support
Shock-resistant rubber sole

The Keen Utility Men’s Milwaukee boots have removable contoured dual-density EVA footbeds; in case you have flat feet or high arches, they distribute the body weight across the feet to reduce strain. Otherwise, if you need more specialized pain relief, you can switch up the footbeds with orthopedic inserts.

When it comes to hazards, if you’re walking on slippery surfaces such as mud or wet grass, you can be guaranteed stability; the outsoles are designed with treads that improve traction. Apart from that, they have asymmetrical safety toes that protect the toes from impact and compression.

Regarding durability, the KEEN work boots for plantar fasciitis are made of 100% full-grain leather that’s abrasive, scratch, tear and crack resistant. Additionally, they use strong durable stitches to reinforce the boots, although it’s possible for the outer sole to come off.

MICHELIN Metatarsal EH (Best Comfortable Boot) 

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
They’re durable and comfortable	They’re heavy
Features external metatarsal guards and steel toe
Shock absorbing midsole
Non-slippery rubber soles
Electrical hazard protection

What if a heavy object falls on your foot as you work? No problem, these work boots have external metatarsal guards made of steel to shield the upper part of your feet from heavy impact, which would crush bones. Likewise, it’s fitted with steel toes that offer extra toe protection.

Also, they have removable foot paddings and EVA midsoles, which offer arch support and cushioning; with time, it eases plantar fascia pain and strain.

Moreover, the outsoles are heavy-duty and have lugs to improve grip and stability while working on slippery surfaces; slip accidents might cause further damage to the plantar fascia.

The drawback is they aren’t waterproof, and they are heavy adding more weight to the feet.

Wolverine Legend Comp Toe (Best Waterproof Boot)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Durable material	It could take longer to break-in
Reduces pain caused by developing plantar fasciitis
Excellent arch support
High shaft for ankle support
Protects toes from compression

These best waterproof boots for plantar fasciitis are perfect for working outdoors on rugged terrains. The Wolverine Men’s Legend has heavy-duty cushioned insoles; these are great for workers who weigh above 200lbs or carry heavy loads that commonly cause thinning to light insoles.

On top of that, they have been constructed using technology that absorbs shock with every step you take. This means you won’t feel strain and pain from plantar fasciitis as you work on hard surfaces that exert pressure on your feet.

Did we mention they are biomechanically engineered? They have h-plates that correct foot movement by straightening the ankles while propelling you forward. 

There is just one thing; they take a long time to break in; this can be solved by putting on thick socks.

Skechers Relment Hiking Boot  (Best Flexible) 

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
They’re waterproof and durable	They may not snug fit if you have narrow feet
Slip-resistant rubber outsole
Available in 42 different sizes
They reduce foot strain
Low budget option

How about a low-budget hiking boot that is comfortable and functional? For starters, the interior of the boots is well cushioned to protect the heel tendons from injuries and inflammation. 

What about the material? The boots are formulated with oiled leather that’s great for navigating wet conditions. Likewise, the fabric is flexible for comfortable movement; this enables you to work for long hours without foot fatigue.

Of course, the boots have grooved rubber outsoles for traction; they will safeguard your feet from injuries caused by slip-and-fall accidents while working on slippery surfaces.

Otherwise, some people with narrow feet claim the boots are uncomfortable because of the extra room in the shoes.

Timberland Men’s Mid Ankle Boot (Most Durable)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Leather upper with waterproof properties	They need to be regularly maintained
Removable footbeds for orthopedic inserts
Rugged but stylish look
They’re Lightweight
Designed for snow

The Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Ankle boots have removable footbeds that distribute pressure across the feet as opposed to the heel. But that’s not all; they have excellent shock absorption properties that enable you to stand on concrete and asphalt pavements without injuring the plantar fascia.

Even better, you don’t have to worry about purchasing new boots every few months because of poor material and craftsmanship. The boots’ upper material is made of premium full-grain leather, and outsoles are made of rubber which can withstand harsh conditions without giving in.

Unfortunately, for the boots to give you great service, they must be well maintained by cleaning and conditioning.

Thorogood AH Moc Toe (Best Slip Resistant) 

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Fiberglass shank for arch support	Takes time to break-in
Extra cushioning to prevent shock absorption
Goodyear welt construction for durability
Electric hazard protection
Anti-slip wedge sole

Are you bored of your old rugged work boot? You can switch things up by getting these good pair of moccasin-style boots. Not only are they fashionable, but they also offer great support against plantar fasciitis.

The feature that will probably get your attention is the cushioned dual-density foot padding that supports the feet; this makes it possible to walk on uneven hard surfaces without feeling as much as a pinch from plantar fasciitis.

As for longevity, their soles have been constructed using Goodyear welt storm construction which is known to add stability and durability to the boots. Besides that, the full-grain leather used in making of the upper is strong and can withstand harsh conditions like mud, water, oil, and abrasion if adequately maintained.

However, like most boots made of leather, they could wear out if not properly maintained.

WOLVERINE Overpass Composite Toe (Best Shock Absorption) 

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Abrasion-resistant composite safety toe	They could be too roomy at the toe area
Lightweight and comfortable
Oil, slip, and chemical resistant
Moisture-wicking and breathable mesh lining
Designed with a waterproof membrane

The Wolverine Men’s Overpass is sure to deliver quality and functionality when it comes to value for money. These boots have been designed with polyurethane midsoles unlike anything you’ve experienced; they offer top-notch shock absorption, especially on rocky and hard surfaces.

Just when you think it can’t get any better, they are fitted with orthotic footbeds that cushion the feet and relieve pain caused by plantar fasciitis.

Another cool thing is that they’re fitted with moisture-wicking linings to absorb perspiration from the feet; no more icky, sweaty, and stinky feet.

What about protection from hazards? They’re fitted with composite toes, which protect the toes from injuries caused by heavy falling objects. Also, the outsole with treads improves stability on slippery surfaces that could cause slip and fall injuries.

It’s almost perfect, but some think it has a roomy toe box that is too wide. 

Timberland PRO Pit Boss (Best Industrial Boots) 

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Antimicrobial-treated PU cushioning	The boots could be narrow if you have wide feet
Cambralle lining to improve breathability
PU midsole for shock absorption
It improves support and torsional rigidity
Oil resistant material

These boots have cushions and midsoles made of polyurethane; you won’t have to experience that excruciating pain that pops up after you stand on hard surfaces for hours. In addition, they have shock diffusion plates that support the arch of your feet and distribute weight evenly; this improves productivity, and you won’t waste time nursing plantar fasciitis.

Surprisingly, the traditional lacing on the boots helps fight excruciating plantar fasciitis pain. This is because they secure the feet so they don’t dance around and cause stress to the inflamed plantar fascia.

Worried about hazards? They have steel toes that safeguard the toes from compression. Then again, their soles are slip, oil, and abrasive resistant because of the lug pattern on the sole.

Not to forget, they are antimicrobial treated. You don’t have to worry about the embarrassment of smelly feet at the end of a sweaty workday.

The only problem with these boots is that you might have to go a size up if you have wide feet; they don’t feel tight and cramped up.

Ariat Reber Flex Western (Best Cowboy Boots) 

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
They’re comfortable	Might be tight for some people
Waterproof boots
Durable work boots
They’re slip-resistant
Provide arch support

Believe it or not, these landscaper work boots are made of 100% leather and a seven-layer outsole that protects the feet against punctures. The boots’ outsoles have been designed with lugs and reinforced with Goodyear welt construction for better traction on all landscaping surfaces. The steel shanks also add stability and arch support for better posture.

Comfort is paramount with this boot; the midsole is particularly made with EVA foam to absorb shock and cushion the foot. It also has a removable footbed made of polyurethane for extra comfort.

Liquids can barely seep through this boot because of the waterproof upper leather and internal TEX waterproof membrane that keeps out water. Otherwise, the high shaft keeps debris or insects from entering the boots. 

The high shaft also doubles up as a disadvantage; some people find it a bit tight for their feet

Bates Ultralite Tactical Sport Military Boot (Best Low Budget)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Detachable insoles that can be replaced with orthopedic inserts	The lacing system takes effort
Designed with shock-absorbing pads
Flexible leather and nylon upper
A slip-resistant outsole
Moisture-wicking lining

The Bates Ultralite Tactical Sport Military Boot is designed to relieve painful foot conditions resulting from plantar fasciitis. How does it achieve this? They have removable inserts that distribute bodyweight that would have rested on the plantar fascia. 

Another cool thing about it is the EVA midsoles are designed to absorb pressure emanating from hard surfaces; they ultimately offset the pain from the inflamed plantar fascia ligament.

Beyond that, they have unique soles that don’t wear out to ensure safety on low-traction surfaces. Regarding safety, you can rely on these boots to protect your feet when it comes to handling highly hazardous chemicals. 

Our only concern is that the lace-up closure needs patience; it’s a small price for comfort and steadiness.

Danner Bull Run Moc Toe (Best Lightweight Boots) 

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Ideal for asphalt paving	It takes time to break-in
Stitch-down construction to improve durability
Ortholite footbeds to prevent plantar fasciitis
Made with durable leather
Electrical hazard protection

Thanks to their shock-absorbing properties, these lace-up boots are ideal for workers who suffer from plantar fasciitis but still have to stand for hours on hard surfaces without straining the heel. 

When it comes to protective features, the wedge outsoles improve the traction; you don’t have to worry about tripping on oil or any other slip hazards as you work. Similarly, you probably won’t get electrocuted if you accidentally step on a live electric wire; because the boots are non-conductive.

However, just like all durable work boots made of leather, they’re not easy to break in; the good thing is they can easily be fixed by wearing thick socks.

Importance of Wearing Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis

Enables you to work for long hours on hard surfaces

Standing and walking for many hours on hard surfaces can cause a lot of strain on the ligament that connects the heel to the front of the foot. How worse can it get if you already have plantar fasciitis?

The good news is most work boots are designed with EVA midsoles and polyurethane footbeds which absorb shock that causes strain on the plantar fascia. Better yet, others are designed with shock diffusion plates that support the base of the feet; it deals with protecting the heel while you deal with work.

Improves posture  

Some work boots for plantar fasciitis have contoured foot cushioning. They provide structural arch support by distributing body weight evenly across the feet; they improve posture and prevent foot pain. 

What if you have flat feet? You can find boots with foot cushions sunken in the heel to mimic arch support; they evenly distribute pressure to the arches of the feet, preventing plantar fasciitis.

Provides comfort

Workbook manufacturers have engineered different variations of boots to suit the worker’s comfort needs.  For instance, if you weigh above 200 lbs or if your work involves carrying heavy loads, you can opt for boots with dual-density footbeds for extra comfort.

Similarly, some boots have orthotics inserts made with soft fluffy material to support the abnormal movement of your foot by offering proper alignment. 

Not to forget, the materials used to make the boots are flexible, soft, and easy to break in, offering comfort throughout the workday.

They improve productivity 

Unfortunately, it’s hard to concentrate on work if you’re in pain. To make things worse, you might waste a lot of time nursing plantar fasciitis, which affects your productivity.

Work boots for plantar fasciitis support your feet and eliminate the consequences of strained heels. This means you’ll be able to tackle your everyday work activities free from pain or worry of pain.

Saves you from expensive medical procedures

Did you know you can avoid expensive surgeries to correct the consequences of plantar fasciitis? The solution is to do exercises that stretch the plantar fascia and get proper work boots that can effectively control the pains that arise from the inflamed ligament. If you’re successful, you’ll save a lot of money that could have been spent on surgery.

Protects the feet from work hazards

Believe it or not, some work boots for plantar fasciitis can protect your feet from external work hazards. They are fitted with safety guards like composite, steel, and alloy toes which protect the toes from the impact of heavy falling objects.

What’s more, some boots are fitted with external or internal metatarsal guards; they protect the top part of the foot from heavy objects that can compress the bones.

If that doesn’t convince you, the outsoles of the boots are made with rubber which is a non-conductor of electricity and has deep lugs that improve traction. For that reason, they can protect you from electric hazards and slip-and-fall accidents.

Protects your feet from extreme weather conditions

The best work boots for plantar fasciitis are designed with waterproof material or membrane to keep your feet from getting wet as you work when it’s raining, snowing, or dewy. 

To prevent frostbite and keep the feet warm when the temperatures are low, some boots are made with thermally insulating material and fitted with thermic insoles that retain heat.

Beyond that, most work boots for plantar fasciitis are designed to keep the feet cool and dry when it’s hot during the summer. They have a thin lining the wicks out perspiration and lets in air. 

Types Of Work Boots For Plantar Fasciitis

Work boots with heavy-duty insoles

If you’re heavyweight or perform physically demanding jobs that wear out orthotics and insoles quickly, you should consider work boots with heavy-duty insoles. They’re made with durable material that can withstand heavy loads and frequent use.

Even better, they offer great resistance against foot fatigue and pressure; preventing the consequence of plantar fasciitis. Besides that, some feature semi-rigid support for the arches; making it possible to stand and work for longer hours without feeling severe heel pain.

Work boots with orthotic insoles

These types of boots are biomechanically engineered which means they are designed with deep heel cups; that eliminate abnormal movement and help distribute pressure across the arches.

It’s also worth noting they have rigid to semi-rigid insoles that offer maximum arch and heel support.

Work boots with cushioned insoles

If you’re looking for boots with great shock absorption properties, these are the ones for you. They have insoles made of gel or foam which cushion the feet from the shock that comes from standing and working on hard surfaces for long hours.

Work boots with high arch support insoles

If you have high arches, you will probably experience pain and strain if you don’t wear proper footwear; since all the weight will be concentrated on the plantar fascia.

The good news is, work boots with high arch support insoles are designed with deep heel caps to optimize the foot’s natural padding under the heel bone. That means these work boots reduce strain on the heel cord.

Work boots with magnetic insoles

Remarkably, manufacturers have formulated work boots that can relieve plantar fasciitis pain as you work. The work boots with magnetic insoles are made with medical magnates that help ease pain by improving blood flow in the capillaries. 

Things To Look Out For When Choosing Boots For Plantar Fasciitis 

Arch support 

When trying out work boots look out for one’s with rigid insoles; they distribute weight throughout the foot and not just on the plantar fascia. 

Another thing, choose boots with a slight heel since they offer arch support and improve posture; this helps to relieve the pressure that otherwise rests on the ligaments causing strain.

Cushioned insoles

Don’t be tempted by only the aesthetics of some work boots; if you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, the interior of the boots is what’s important. For that reason, consider choosing work boots with cushioned insoles since they can absorb shock. 

Then again,  remember to pick one that suits your needs. If your job entails carrying heavy loads, choose boots with heavy-duty insoles. Also, suppose you have flat or high arches, opt for biomechanically engineered insoles; they correct abnormal movements for better support.

Material

If you’re going to spend money on the right boots for plantar fasciitis, the material used in making them better be durable and comfortable. The last thing you want is supportive shoes that are hard to break in and will send you back to your old work boots which were probably bad for your arches.

The best material to choose for work boots is full-grain leather; it’s durable and comfortable. Furthermore, it’s more breathable compared to nylon or other synthetic materials.

The sole construction 

When choosing the best work boots for plantar fasciitis, the outsoles should be made of flexible material for comfort. Likewise, the outsole should be textured to offer traction; it will prevent slip and fall accidents while working on slippery surfaces. 

Besides that, they should have a slight heel for better arch support; this helps to distribute pressure. Then again, the boots’ midsoles should be constructed using EVA which is a good shock absorber; this helps to prevent acute heel pain.

Not to forget, choose boots whose outsoles have been constructed using Goodyear welt because it makes the boots durable and waterproof. Most importantly, it gives room for re-soling when the outsoles wear out, unlike cement construction.

Safety features 

Do you work with heavy and sharp objects that could injure your feet to the extent of amputation? Well, your best option would be to choose boots with ASTM-approved internal or external metatarsal guards. 

If you have plantar fasciitis, the internal metatarsal guards would be better. This is because they’re made with urethane which is a lighter material so they won’t strain the plantar fascia with extra weight like external metatarsal guards made of heavy steel.

Similarly, boots with safety toe guards are another great option. Composite, alloy, and steel toes will shield your toes from compression. Not to mention, boots with non-conductive outsoles will protect you from electric hazards.

Ability to withstand extreme weather conditions

Of course, you should consider investing in the best work boots for plantar fasciitis that can protect your feet in extreme weather conditions. 

Boots fitted with a moisture-wicking lining will help to keep your feet dry and cool when the temperatures are high. Also, most membranes double up as permeable cells that keep water from getting into the boots when wet.

What about when temperatures are low? Boots with thermally insulated outsoles will keep your feet warm since it prevents heat from escaping; this helps to protect your feet from frostbite.

Well-fitting 

Don’t overlook the importance of well-fitting work boots if you suffer from plantar fasciitis. If the boots are too small, you’ll end up having blisters and more foot pains. 

On the other hand, if the boots are too big, your feet will be shifting through the boots without proper support. If you’re not careful, this will increase pressure on the heel and cause inflammation to the plantar fascia.

The best time to shop for boots for plantar fasciitis would be in the afternoon or evening. The reason is, in the evening the feet tend to be a bit swollen; it will tell you to what extent the boots should snug fit by the end of a long workday.

Common Question Answer

Conclusion

Based on our research, if we were to choose the best work boots for plantar fasciitis that are functional and protective, we’d choose the Timberland PRO Men’s Helix Safety Toe Boot. 

Regardless, all the boots we’ve reviewed are top-notch and will give you great service when it comes to managing plantar fasciitis.