what are the best work boots for plantar fasciitis

What are the best work boots for plantar fasciitis. Without the right shoes, it is uncomfortable to stay on your feet all day; and with plantar fasciitis, it's downright painful. If you're looking for a pair of durable work shoes that are safe for work and support your feet, check out these 5 best work shoes for plantar fasciitis.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that occurs when the band of connective tissue on the bottom of the foot, the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed.

If you have plantar fasciitis, you are likely to experience sharp pain in your heel when you get up in the morning or after sitting for a long time. Your plantar fasciitis may cause you to limp or even walk on your toes to keep your heel pain from escalating.

For most patients, plantar fasciitis results from increased stress on the foot. New or invasive activities can strain the connective tissue band and cause pain. Other factors, such as obesity, poor standing, and unsupportive shoes, contribute to the irritated and 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 next best thing is to wear supportive shoes that relieve or prevent the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

What to look for in work shoes for plantar fasciitis

When buying plantar fasciitis-friendly work shoes, there are a few features to look out for.

The best work shoes for plantar fasciitis are:

• Supportive
• Comfortable
• Durable

Supportive:

Flat shoes and thin insoles don't support the plantar fascia, so the stress and shock of going through the day go straight to the heel. Look for a boot with enough cushioning and a light heel (not flat, but not too high either).

Comfortable:

Your boots will be more comfortable in the long run if they are supportive. But it's important to prioritize the small details like fit, breathability, and cushioning when choosing a supportive shoe. If your boots are uncomfortable, you're more likely to leave them in the closet and wear those old trusty shoes that hurt you again.

Durable:

If you're going to spend the money on a well-fitting, supportive plantar fasciitis work shoe, make sure it's durable. The best models have replaceable insoles, so if the fabric lining of the insole wears out, you can replace it without buying a new pair of boots.

Best Work Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

Regardless of your industry, if you spend all day on your feet and in various potentially hazardous terrains, a rugged work boot is a must. Add plantar fasciitis to the mix and you need a sturdy, supportive work shoe that will outlast your aching heel.

Below are some of the best work shoes for plantar fasciitis on the market today.

1. Lightweight: Caterpillar Superlite Excavator

Contractors and construction workers already have a close working relationship with Caterpillar equipment. But Cat also makes work boots, built with brand-name durability, soft against heel pain, and hard-wearing.

The Caterpillar Excavator Superlite is a waterproof work boot with a rubber sole, lightweight construction, and a contoured footbed. Instead of a steel toecap, this boot features a composite "Nano Toe" that is as strong and secure as steel but without the added weight.

What do you get:

• Excellent traction thanks to SRX non-slip rubber
• Crazy Horse Waterproof Leather Dry Feet
• The durability of a cemented heel and iTechnology construction
• Plantar fasciitis support through a contoured footbed and rebound foam.

Other details:

• Composite toe cap
• Protection against electrical hazards is classified according to ASTM F2413-18 1/75 EH
• Available in 4 colors, size 7-14 (selected sizes in Width)
• Buy it on Amazon for $136.

2. Good Traction: Carhartt RuggedFlex

The Carhartt work boot offers superior traction, which reviewers say will withstand months and years of abuse. The RuggedFlex outsoles feature ladder-locking channels and studs to ensure you're always putting your best foot forward when you're on the job.

Reviewers also praise this work shoe for relieving and preventing symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Maybe that's because of the EVA midsoles and cushioned PU insoles designed for shock absorption. For even more support for plantar fasciitis, you can buy insoles from Carhartt.

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 outdoor footwear brand and their line of work boots for women and men is sure to impress. The Pittsburgh boot, in particular, is perfectly waterproof, oil and slip-resistant, and exceeds electrical hazard standards.

As for the fit, this work shoe features molded EVA and PU midsoles and a removable EVA insole. With this amount of support, your heel will lock in place and prevent any tension or stress.

These boots are expensive, but the quality is hard to beat. If you're looking for a work boot that combines the best technology when it comes to safety, functionality, and comfort, it's worth the splurge.

What do you get:

• Stability thanks to interlocking TPU torsion plates
• Superior comfort and cushioning thanks to EVA and PU midsoles
• Increased safety thanks to reflective tapes
• Waterproof Nubuck Leather Dry Feet

Other details:

• Steel toe cap
• Protection against electrical hazards is classified according to ASTM F2412-11 and F2413-11 I/75 C/75 EH standards
• Available in 2 colors, size 7-15 (including wide)
• Buy it on Amazon for ~$185 (prices vary).

4. Stylish: Timberland PRO Pit Boss

You may know Timberland for its dress shoes, but the PRO series includes rugged work boots designed for a safe and supportive workday. With a Goodyear collar construction and a steel toecap, these boots are tough enough to withstand all the hazards of the workplace, while keeping you comfortable and dry.

One of the best features of the Timberland Pit Boss work boot is the removable sock liner and moisture-wicking insole, so the odor isn't synonymous with work. Numerous reviewers claim that the cushioned insoles and sturdy construction help keep plantar fasciitis at bay.

What do you get:

• Non-slip and oil-resistant handle.
• Cambrelle fabric lining antimicrobial odor control
• Heel support is made of nylon impact diffusion plates.
• The durability of genuine leather and Timberland PRO rubber

Other details:

• Steel toe cap
• Protection against electrical hazards is classified according to ASTM F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 EH Standards
• Available in 3 colors, size 7-14 (selected sizes in Width)
• Buy it on Amazon for $100.
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5. Flexible: Wolverine Crossover Composite Toe

work boots

Up, down, up and down - your workday is anything but static. A good work shoe should be flexible

enough to move with you, yet durable enough to withstand wear and tear. For many workers, Wolverine boots fit that bill, providing secure support no matter the terrain, temperature, or task at hand.

If you have plantar fasciitis, you'll love the Wolverine Overpass for its cushioned ortholite insoles that mold to your foot for unparalleled comfort.

 Plus, the moisture-wicking liner and waterproof membrane keep your feet comfortable and dry.

What do you get:

• Workplace safety thanks to composite toe cap and nylon shaft construction
• Flexible grip thanks to dual-compound rubber soles
• Stylish waterproof protection made of genuine leather
• Ortholite insole padded steps

Other details:

• Composite toe cap
• Protection against electrical hazards is classified according to ASTM F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 EH Standards
• Available in 2 colors, size 7-15 (including wide)
• Buy it on Amazon for $135.

The best insole for plantar fasciitis

Maybe you have a great pair of work shoes, but a new case of plantar fasciitis and you're not ready to change your shoes yet. I've found that the right set of insoles can make a world of difference by transforming non-supportive shoes into comfortable work shoes for plantar fasciitis.

Tread Labs Tempo Template

One of the most comfortable insoles I've tried, the Tread Labs Pace Insole provides medical support without the bulk of an orthotic. These insoles are made from polyurethane foam, the same support you'd get from previous work boots, covered with an antimicrobial treatment that kills 99.9% of bacteria.

I especially like how inexpensive these stencils are. A pair of these insoles cost $60, a fraction of the price of a new pair of work boots.

And while the price may seem a bit steep for inserts, they are less expensive than a pair of custom braces and just as effective.

Unlike most cheap stencils, Tread Labs are made in two parts: a foam base and a removable cloth cover that you can replace when it wears out.

The support, comfort, and convenience of Tread Labs insoles make 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 relieve your plantar fasciitis.

Best Work Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

There are numerous types of work boots available, many with the latest technology and safety standards. Regardless of the specs, don't settle for shoes that leave your feet unsupported and uncomfortable. And if all else fails, use an insole to turn your old soles into the perfect plantar fasciitis work boots.