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A genuine problem for hikers is an ailment known as plantar fasciitis. This situation causes severe foot pain while hiking that can stop outdoor lovers from hitting the trail. Plantar fasciitis is a painful ailment, but using the best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis will help hikers to recover and get back on the trail as soon as possible.
Finding the right hiking boots for plantar fasciitis can also help prevent the problem from returning too.
Hiking Boots For Plantar Fasciitis Buyers Guide
In this guide, we’ll start by explaining what plantar fasciitis is, just in case the problem you are experiencing is something else. Next, we’ll explain why hikers tend to suffer from it. Afterwards, I’ll list the key features of the top hiking boots for plantar fasciitis.
We’ll then list our top recommendations and where you can buy them. Finally, we’ll provide you with more information on plantar fasciitis and how to treat or prevent it. You can use our table of contents below to jump straight to a specific section.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is a heel pain common amongst middle-aged women and men and younger people who spend most of the day standing. People that suffer from Plantar Fasciitis experience piercing and persistent pain in the heel and the foot’s underside.
Where The Pain Is Located
The main area of pain is about four centimeters from the back of the heel area. This area may be quite painful to the touch. It is also extremely uncomfortable when you stand up after resting for long periods. It is a condition many thru-hiker or experienced hikers get, and the pain is worse in the morning. Many hikers think that they have fractured a bone because the pain is so intense.
Why Hikers Suffer From Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is twice as likely to be found in women as in men and is typically observed in one foot and not the other – although it can occur in both feet. Additionally, athletes, runners, and hikers see a lot of plantar fasciitis. Below are some reasons;
- Hikers will spend a long time on their feet – a common cause of this ailment.
- Repetitive strain on the heel from walking.
- Tight Achilles tendon and calves after long hikes.
- You hike with inappropriate footwear.
- Worn out and old footwear past its best.
Also, you can be more susceptible to Plantar Fasciitis with any of the following;
- You have very flat feet.
- Your feet excessively pronate (roll inward).
- Your legs are different lengths.
- You have high arches.
What Type Of Hiking Boots For Plantar Fasciitis Is Best
Unfortunately, there is no single pair of boots that will be the magical footwear for everyone. However, consider the key features when picking your hiking boots.
- Arch support underneath for stability and foot control.
- Wider heel cup.
- Cushioning support in the midsole.
- Rigid sole in the middle.
- Flexible at the toe area.
- Ankle support around the foot for better stability on the trail.
- Removable insole that can be changed.
It is advisable to rest up and heal if you have severe plantar fasciitis. However, if you have recovered, find the right footwear and help prevent it from returning.
Best Women's Hiking Boots For Plantar Fasciitis
In this section, we’ll give you our top pick for Women’s hiking boots forplantar fasciitis. All boots have been fully researched and checked for quality.
Merrell Women's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
KEEN Women's Terradora 2 Waterproof Mid Hiking Boot
Salomon Women's X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boot
KEEN Women's Voyageur Mid Hiking Boot
Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus
Best Men's Hiking Boots For Plantar Fasciitis
Now it’s time for our top picks of men’s hiking boots for plantar fasciitis. Again,likewith our women’s picks, these boots were selected for heel and arch support, stability, comfort and value for money.
Merrell Men's Moab 2 Vent Mid Hiking Boot
Salomon Men's X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Hiking Shoe
KEEN Men's Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Asolo Men's Fugitive GTX Hiking Boot
Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid GTX Hiking Boot
Best Hiking Boots For Plantar Fasciitis Summary
Remember, we are all different. We all have different-shaped feet, so different things will work for different people. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the plantar fasciitis in hikers. In addition, we all have different budgets; that is why when compiling our list, I included a good range of lower, mid-range, and high-end models.
Try to take care of your foot pain you experience while hiking; take a day off if you can. Your body and health come first, and it is paramount to listen to what your body is telling you. When you have recovered, the great outdoors will still be waiting for you, so there is no need to rush recovery.
While the tips and suggestions we have mentioned should start you off on the right foot, we recommend you talk to your doctor, especially if the pain worsens.
Tanks for taking the time to read our article. Keep going for some more keep and advice on dealing with Plantar Fasciitis. If you are new to hiking you might be interest in our Planning Your Hiking Trip Guide. You might also want to read our other gear articles, including waterproof socks for hiking and running.
Tips For Hikers With Plantar Fasciitis
Should You Stop Hiking?
The safest way to cure plantar fasciitis is to stop hiking for an extended time, like over the winter. It will depend on the severity, though; some people will heal faster than others. If you are a weekend hiker, consider taking a couple of weekends off and then testing your feet with a shorter hiker after a break.
While it is certainly possible to temporarily reduce the pain, you need to give your body time to heal and take steps to avert a recurrence. A new pair of boots with a sounder arch and heel support will help. If you are in the middle of a thru-hike, we know this might not be possible, so consider taking some extra rest days.
What Can You Do To Fix Plantar Fasciitis
Always speak to your doctor if you have any questions, but rest is best. You might also want to consider some more specialized insoles Superfeet has different models with different degrees of firmness and arch support. We now have an article on the best hiking insoles for plantar fasciitis for you to look at. You could also try some hiking socks with arch support for an extra boost.
If you are able, try to lose some weight: either body weight or pack weight. It will help decrease the impact of stress on your feet. Maybe go on shorter hikes, where you do not need as much gear.
At Home Treatment Tips For Plantar Fasciitis
If the problem is new, you can usually ease the pain yourself, but see a doctor if the pain does not improve within two weeks.
- Rest and elevate your foot when you can.
- Use an ice pack on your feet to reduce any swelling.
- Has the problem persisted for more than 6 months? If so, wear a plantar fasciitis night splint or brace when you sleep.
- Try to wear wide comfortable everyday walking shoes with a low heel and soft insole
- Use supportive insoles in your shoes.
- Use a slant board to exercise and stretch your muscles.
Plantar Fasciitis Stretches & Exercises Video
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