The Best Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis can severely affect your day-to-day activities -- especially if you're on your feet all day at work -- but with the right footwear, it doesn't have to.
Many famous boot makers offer plenty of shoes and boots that have built-in support and anti-fatigue technology. The best work boots for plantar fasciitis can alleviate your heel pain and prevent you from feeling uncomfortable throughout the day.
If you're having a hard time finding a pair that's the right fit for you, don't worry. We've got you covered. You can check out our top 10 work boots for plantar fasciitis to help you make a better-informed buying decision.
Table of Contents
Wolverine Men Raider Work Boot (W02421) - Best Overall
- individual compression pads
- flexible build
Carhartt Men’s Work Boot (CMF6371) - Most Supportive
- five-layer support
- meets ASTM 2413-11 safety standards.
KEEN Utility Men Flint Mid Work Boot - Built for Asymmetrical Toes
- natural foot contour support mechanism
- slip- and oil-resistant
Timberland PRO Men Pit Boss Steel Toe Work Boot
- friction protection
- easy adjustment
Timberland PRO Valor Men’s McClellan Work Boots
- built-in 3M Scotchgard protector
- anti-fatigue technology
Timberland PRO Gravel Pit Steel-Toe Waterproof Boot
- waterproof
- breathable Gore-Tex membrane
Thorogood Men's American Heritage Work Boots
- Thinsulate thermal technology
- meets electrical hazard protection standards
Bates Men Enforcer Leather Uniform Work Boots
- lightweight
- alleviates heel pain
Carhartt Men’s 6′ Blk CMP Force To-em Work Boots
- toe protection
- ankle support
Wolverine Men Raider Work Boot (W02421) - Best Overall
Many know the Wolverine brand for its innovative designs and sturdy construction, and their Raider boot is among the best of the best. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, reliable work boots like the Raider can make a world of difference.
Wolverine's Contour Welt design, which uses a polyurethane midsole and nylon shank, means that the Raider is far more flexible than most other boots on the market. With a full-mesh lining, you get extra breathability, as well.
The Raider's MULTISHOX comfort system works as intended. This design features a full-cushioned insole and individual compression pads at the foot and heel. The latter cushions your feet with every step, while the former alleviates the pain of standing on hard surfaces. Wolverine also uses a slip-, oil-, and abrasion-resistant rubber lug outsole that helps keep your foot problems from amplifying or spreading.
This boot uses the two standard loops for crossing laces, making it easy to tighten or loosen as desired. Lastly, it comes with mid-ankle support (not every boot has this) for extra safety, which gives you a better grip on slippery surfaces.
Because of the flexible Contour Welt construction and the quality of materials used, you should expect these boots to last you at least five years if you plan on wearing it regularly. The full-grain leather upper is both beautiful and durable. Just make sure to give proper care and maintenance if you want to maintain its performance.
2. Carhartt Men’s Work Boot (CMF6371) - Most Supportive
Another pair of boots you should look into is Carhartt Men's CMF6371. This completely waterproof offering has shock-absorbing capabilities that effectively reduce your plantar fasciitis pain whenever you walk.
The boot's Ortholite insoles and cement construction provide five layers of support for your plantar fascia, while the rubber toe protector and heel support offer additional comfort. For your underfoot, Carhartt's Ortholite Dual-Density insole keeps your plantar fasciitis fully supported. Both the polyurethane padding and EVA midsole provide shock absorption.
Workers can rely on these boots to keep your feet safe and comfortable even in the harshest work environments. The Defender waterproof membrane doesn't just protect your feet from wet elements; it also provides excellent breathability. This boot uses the patented Rugged Flex outsole that gives you better traction for uneven, slippery surfaces. It also comes with a composite safety toe that meets ASTM 2413-11 safety standards.
For comfort, the heel and toe area feels snug but gives enough room to stretch out your toes. The padded tongue and collar provide extra cushioning. Compared to a steel toe work boot, this model is also lighter and cleans easily. Breaking it in doesn't take too long, so you can quickly alleviate your foot pain.
To sum it up, this Carhartt Boot provides an excellent blend of comfort, waterproof capability, and safety toe design for tougher jobs. Even if you wear this every day in harsh conditions, these boots will hold up well for years to come, keeping your feet comfortable from heel to toe and your plantar fascia in check.
3. KEEN Utility Men’s Flint Mid Work Boot - Built for Asymmetrical Toes
This KEEN offering combines the enhanced safety and sturdiness of a hiking boot with the convenience and comfort of a work boot to give you the best of both worlds. If you have asymmetrical toes, the Flint Mid Work Boot might be the perfect choice for you. KEEN's patented toe protection cushions your toes from unexpected hazards.
These boots also feature oil- and slip-resistant materials, which is necessary for any chaotic work environment. Workers who regularly find themselves in wet conditions will also appreciate Flint's breathable and water-repellent membrane that encourages airflow and keeps the interior dry.
To help alleviate your plantar fascia pain, the Flint uses an internal support mechanism that cushions your natural foot contour. The boot feels snug, but the flexible material makes it comfortable and allows you to move your foot to prevent pinching. The Flint also comes with a larger toe box to give your feet more room to stretch and breathe.
Lastly, the KEEN-patented outsole goes over your toe for complete support. What we love most about these slip- and oil-resistant boots is that they're extremely comfortable from the get-go, with no need to break them in. We recommend Flint for people with flat feet or for those who already have plantar fasciitis.
4. Timberland PRO Men’s Pit Boss Steel Toe
Many know Timberland for their durable, comfortable, and supportive boots, and their PRO Pit Boss offering checks all these boxes. Whether you have plantar fasciitis or just generally experience foot fatigue, this model is a solid choice.
This steel-toe boot features a detachable sock liner that effectively keeps your toes protected from friction caused by rubbing against the toe box. Most boot models only cushion your foot, but what about your ankles? Timberland's Pro Pit Boss uses a friction-resistant and shock-absorbing padded collar to keep your ankle area comfortable.
This model also comes with a stitching style and leather lace-up construction that makes it easy to adjust for a snug fit. Even when secured tightly, the boot provides a spacious toe area that provides room for your toes to stretch.
With a wonderfully-designed polyurethane midsole for shock absorption, the boot keeps plantar fasciitis from getting aggravated. It also features a non-marking rubber outsole that gives extra traction, which is perfect if you regularly work on wet, oily, or uneven surfaces. It also meets all electrical hazard standards!
The antimicrobial fabric that lines this boot's interior is highly breathable and helps prevent odors, keeping your feet fresh and dry even with extended wear. The Timberland PRO's special comfort system uses a responsive suspension design that effectively alleviates plantar fasciitis pain.
This excellent work shoe from Timberland provides the arch support and cushioning you need for foot fatigue relief. However, the heel area might feel a bit loose for some foot shapes. If you have heel spurs, using thicker socks or extra support works well.
5. Timberland PRO Valor Men’s McClellan Work Boot
The McClellan is another fantastic boot from Timberland. Not everyone needs the protection of a steel-toe boot, so a soft-toe's lighter and more comfortable build might be the better choice. If you regularly experience pain from your plantar fascia problem areas, we recommend investing in this boot that's built to cradle your whole foot.
This work boot is made to last, as it's fortified with 3M's Scotchgard protector to resist stains and maintain its fresh look. The exterior features a sturdy rubber outsole and a waterproof, polishable leather material that keeps your foot dry and adequately ventilated. The non-metallic hardware in this boot is lightweight, making it comfortable for even lighter individuals.
If you have plantar fasciitis, work that requires you to stand and move around frequently can be difficult. The McClellan provides a potential solution with its Anti-Fatigue technology that absorbs shocks and keeps your feet comfortable so you can use them to the fullest, without any pain to hold you back. This design includes a very light midsole that offers relief.
With a robust antimicrobial mesh lining, you have extra protection against foot odor, sweating, and even infections, keeping your feet dry and fresh even after a long work shift. The McClellan's cement construction also means a shorter break-in time and added flexibility for more comfortable flexing and bending.
Timberland's McClellan is an excellent choice for those who don't really need a heftier steel safety toe. It's perfect for keeping your feet comfortable and your plantar fasciitis pain in check. One other thing we like about Timberland is their 30-day guarantee. If you don't like the feel of this boot on your foot or you're just not satisfied with its performance, you can easily return it for a full refund.
6. Timberland PRO Gravel Pit Steel-Toe Waterproof Boot
If you need a tough but comfortable work boot for your plantar fasciitis, Timberland's Gravel Pit might be just the thing. For one, these work shoes are completely waterproof, so you don't have to worry about your feet getting wet and clammy. With a Goodyear welt construction and stitched design (some boots are only glued), the Gravel Pit will last you a long time. These work boots are also known for excellent resistance against abrasions.
They're also comfortable, featuring a lace-up design with fully padded collars to cushion your feet while you work. The slip-resistant rubber outsole uses ISN polyurethane for underfoot support. This boot also features the Gore-Tex membrane for added breathability and comfort.
Even after years of wear, you don't have to worry about the Gravel Pit losing its performance as long as you properly maintain it. If you need that extra steel protection for your feet, these leather work boots might just check all your boxes.
7. Caterpillar Men's Diagnostic Waterproof Steel-Toe Work Boot
Another giant in the working equipment industry, Caterpillar's Diagnostic boot has useful features for anyone with plantar fasciitis or general heel issues. What we love most about this model is its effective heel and arch support, among other great design choices.
The Diagnostic work shoes are entirely waterproof, featuring 200g of Thinsulate thermal technology that keeps your feet dry even in harsh weather conditions. Caterpillar offers an EVA insert with a nylon mesh lining and gel technology for extra comfort and breathability.
In terms of safety, this model comes with a steel toe and a rubber cap and sole. It meets all the standards for general electrical hazard protection. Its slip-resistant outsole also helps maintain your balance on wet, oily, and uneven surfaces.
Overall, these boots are perfect if you have plantar fasciitis and work in an intense environment. Their numerous protective features and significant support will keep your feet safe and comfortable.
8. Thorogood Men's American Heritage Work Boots
If you want something stylish to cover your feet while keeping your plantar fascia in check, this one is a solid choice. These full-grain leather boots are very comfortable, and it doesn't take much to break them in. The soles feel stiff at first, but they're flexible enough to let you walk comfortably.
The American Heritage features a cushioned insole and shock-absorbing polyurethane footbed for ample comfort and support. The built-in insole with memory foam padding also helps with reinforcement. Although this model is a bit lacking in arch support, it's easy to fix by adding a more supportive insole.
This boot might not be the right choice in an intense workplace because it doesn't have any insulating or waterproofing capabilities. If you don't need those features, the American Heritage might make a great fit. It offers excellent support for plantar fasciitis and comes in a broad range of sizes.
9. Bates Men's Enforcer Leather Uniform Work Boots
Despite this leather model's very lightweight design, it still has a lot to offer those who suffer from plantar fasciitis.
The interior is lined with a breathable mesh to prevent the accumulation of odors and moisture. These leather work boots also have a rubber sole and a reinforced front that doesn't use metal. If you regularly go through metal detectors for your work, you don't need to deal with the hassle of removing and your work boots each time.
For support, the Enforcer comes with a cushioning EVA midsole plus an extra cushioning insert. If you don't find this work boot supportive enough, you can replace the insert with one you prefer.
What we love most about this work boot is its affordability. Almost every quality model out there requires you to shell out the big bucks, but the Enforcer doesn't. While it may take a while to break in, this work boot model is comfortable, supportive, and of surprisingly good quality despite its lower price point.
10. Carhartt Men’s 6′ Black CMP Force Toe-m Work Boots
This Carhartt genuine-leather model offers a great mix of utility and style. We found that this pair of work boots provided a lot of ease and flex.
With its waterproof exterior, these boots can handle the most strenuous work conditions. They also feature a composite toe box for extra safety against falling hazards. In fact, they offer just as much protection as heavier steel toe boots.
Another thing we love about this model is its higher shaft with a seven-inch height. This design means that you get ample ankle support that might be necessary for certain types of work.
For added stability, the boot's outsole platform has a thickness of 0.25 inches. The platform's height essentially lowers your center of gravity. This model features a rubber heel that cushions the pressure from your body weight to help with your plantar fasciitis. However, this heel area might be too small for certain feet.
Conclusion
The best work boots for plantar fasciitis all depends on your individual needs and preferences. After all, not everyone has the same line of work, and every foot condition requires varying levels of support.
Foot pain isn't something that you should just sweep under the rug. It can affect your daily life and worsen over time if you don't take care of it. By carefully choosing the right footwear, you're taking a step in the right direction.
We hope our guide has helped you find the boots you need. If you don't like the heavier feel of work boots and prefer a lighter set of footwear, check out our guide for the best shoes for plantar fasciitis.
