I’d had plantar fasciitis for ages before I realized what it was.
My feet would be in agony overnight, only for me to put my work boots on again the next day and start again. All because I wore boots supplied by my employers—a terrible idea that caused a lot of damage.
It was only when I invested in a pair of Thorogood Moc Toe Work Boots that my feet (especially the soles, which felt like they were on fire) began to recover.
The proper foot support changes everything, which is why I wrote this article—if you suffer from plantar fasciitis, one of these boots could be a lifesaver.
Table of Contents
How Did I Come Up With My List?
Aside from my Thorogoods, I researched over 80 different work boots and shoes, spending countless hours scouring forums and reviews looking for the best boots to combat plantar fasciitis.
It’s a hard nut to crack—one person’s feet will differ from another, and your size, gait, weight, and posture can all impact the pain you feel in your feet.
To make it fair, I looked for the same three key features in every boot I researched. Every boot or shoe I’ve recommended has the following:
- Incredible support for the sole and heel—just buying the right size boot won’t help
- Each selection must be able to take the rigors of daily work—we’re not buying slippers!
- The lighter, the better. Aside from my Steel toe choice, I’ve looked for creative use of modern, lightweight materials
Each of my choices could be the perfect boot to help your plantar fasciitis get under control. If your feet are perfectly fine, these boots will keep them feeling that way.
5 Best Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis
Best Overall: Thorogood American Heritage 6” Moc Toe Work Boot
The Thorogood Moc Toe Work Boot is one of Thorogood’s most popular for a reason—it’s reliable, comfortable, and smart enough to stand out wherever you go.
The Moc Toe focuses on a quality build and supreme comfort and nails both easily. For sufferers of plantar fasciitis, that’s exactly why it should be on your radar.
The sturdy construction keeps your foot securely in place, which stops you putting additional strain on your feet. The increased comfort reduces foot fatigue, and means you can wear these boots all day with little side-effects.
What I Like
- The lightweight construction reduces foot fatigue.
- The MaxWear Wedge outsole is low profile and helps spread impact, reducing the chance of foot inflammation.
- A cushioned insole contours to your foot, supporting your arches, which is absolutely massive for plantar fasciitis sufferers.
What I Don’t Like
- It’s not waterproof enough for nasty weather.
- It’s uninsulated, so if it’s cold, you’ll know it.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Every positive review I could find mentioned the superb build quality, and that’s something anyone with plantar fasciitis should look for. A poorly built boot will put more strain on your already injured feet.
Many commented on the lightweight feel, stating that they’d happily be able to wear the Moc Toe all day with no fatigue at all. It’s another tick for anyone suffering from plantar fasciitis, as many heavier boots can soon cause you to feel discomfort.
Because they’re flexible and built for comfort, the break-in period is almost zero, so you’ll be able to replace your old boots with the Moc Toe straight out of the box.
The Verdict
There may be better work boots out there, but for a boot that can prevent or minimize plantar fasciitis, the Thorogood Moc Toe is in a different league.
Plantar fasciitis is a nightmare, from heel pain to inflammation and lower back pain. The Thorogood Moc Toe gives your feet the molded support, impact protection, and daily flexibility to work pain-free.
The only time I wouldn’t pick this as my number one is if you work in areas with heavy equipment. For anything else, it’s a superbly crafted all-rounder that has remained ahead of the competition.
The Thorogood Moc Toe is a great work boot, plus it’s union-made in the USA. The leather is thick, the sole is durable and offers slip resistance, and because it’s unlined, you won’t have to contend as much with sweaty feet.
Best Budget: Wolverine Tremor Durashocks 8” Work Boot
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The ultra-supportive Wolverine Tremor Durashock Work Boot might be my budget choice, but it stands up well with every other boot I’ve reviewed for functionality and performance.
Wolverine states the Tremor Durashock boot was created to be worn in any working environment. For plantar fasciitis sufferers, that means you’re good to work on concrete or in the field, with no additional strain on your feet.
Working in boots all day, especially on hard surfaces, can be brutal on your feet if you suffer from plantar fasciitis, so Wolverine has added some key features to the Tremor that have turned it into a very viable option.
What I Like
- American-made and backed by over 130 years of experience.
- Finding a boot that’s good for plantar fasciitis is often expensive due to the features you’re after, but the Tremor is an exception to that rule.
- For plantar fasciitis sufferers, the fourfold shock absorption footbed and shock-absorbing DuraShock outsole combine to make a supportive and comfortable boot.
What I Don’t Like
- A lack of steel toe is disappointing.
- I think they’re ugly, despite being full-grain leather. I don’t like the Frankenstein’s monster stitching, although that’s unfair as it’s a work boot, not a dress boot.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Despite being a bulky workboot, the Tremor is lightweight and breathable, making it a great option for plantar fasciitis sufferers.
While many work boots often run on the big side, the Wolverine Tremor is a true fit, making it easy to size and buy. Wearing the wrong size boto can make plantar fasciitis even more damaging to your feet.
Many reviewers wish the boot had a steel toe to add even more functionality. For a great price, the boot offers a lot, but could have done a little more.
The Verdict
I’m happy to have found the Wolverine Tremor as it manages to tick the boxes I’m looking for, and at a solid price.
Because Wolverine has its Dri-Lex technology and thrown that in too, and added their DuraShock dual-density outsoles, it’s made it a good option for plantar fasciitis sufferers as it supports your heel and arches extremely well..
If you’re on a budget and need to keep working, the Wolverine Tremor will ease your plantar fasciitis by giving your feet and ankles all the support of a much pricier work boot.
You’re getting a lot more than you paid for with the Wolverine Tremor Durashock Work Boot thanks to its breathable Dri-Lex lining, shock-absorbing sole, and double-density footbed. We looked for a quality budget boot with features to ease plantar fasciitis and found a diamond in the rough.
Best Upgrade Pick: Nick Boots Wedge Work – Classic Configuration
If there’s one thing you’re guaranteed to get from Nick’s boots, it’s craftsmanship. The Washington-based company customizes boots like no other company I’ve ever seen.
While Nicks Wedge Work – Classic Configuration is available in dozens of leather styles, its comfort and stability make it a premium upgrade on most other work boots.
For sufferers of plantar fasciitis, the customizable benefits are clear. One of the biggest causes of plantar fasciitis is poorly fitting footwear, and if there’s one thing Nick’s boots do well, it’s fit like a glove—provided you get the right fit, of course.
Nick’s is also one of a few manufacturers to offer a Celastic toe. A Celastic toe offers the toe box of your boots a bit more rigidity than a soft toe. It’s nowhere near a safety aspect—drop a fridge on your Moc Toe, and you’re breaking every bone in your foot.
A Celastic toe gives your toes more freedom and helps the boot retain its shape for longer. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, the celastic toe will stop the boot from warping, which could restrict your toes.
Any problem that causes you to walk differently, shift your weight, or favor one foot over another is a disaster if you have plantar fasciitis, and a celastic toe reduces that chance considerably. It’s a choice but worth considering if you don’t need a steel toe.
What I Like
- Customizable to the point of ridiculousness, every option adds to your quality of life if you have plantar fasciitis.
- The thick leather adds further plantar fasciitis support.
- The Wedge Work is a great work boot that offers incredible comfort and support for the soles of your feet, your heels, and your ankles.
What I Don’t Like
- Almost nothing, although I don’t like the fact I can’t get a coupon for 80% off!.
- If you’re not taking the steel toe option, a Kiltie won’t protect you, so I’d remove it.
- Nick’s buy in their safety toe inserts (steel toe cap, composite toe, etc.), so if that part of the boot rubs, you’ll not be able to replace them.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
The Nick’s Wedge Work Boot takes weeks to wear in as the leather is noticeably thicker than most other boots, but that additional thickness does provide more support.
Wait times for your order to arrive can be several months at least—that’s partly due to the fact Nick’s are made to order rather than mass-produced. The consensus is that the build quality and comfort are unparalleled.
The Verdict
If you have the disposable income, there’s no better upgrade boot to help ease your plantar fasciitis.
The sheer customization on offer makes Nick’s Wedge Work Boot ideal for plantar fasciitis sufferers as you’re able to ensure the perfect fit, which is vital for heel and arch support.
The thicker, premium leather adds to the support your feet get, which is vital if you have plantar fasciitis. A Nick’s boot is a close fit when properly sized, so your entire foot should get the right support.
A premier work boot with all the customization of a new car, Nick’s Wedge Work boot is handcrafted to your needs, fits like a glove, and makes being on your feet all day feel a lot more manageable if you suffer from plantar fasciitis. The hardest part is choosing the perfect leather, but once you wear them, your feet will have all the support you’d expect from Nick’s.
Best Steel Toe: Ariat Groundbreaker 6” II Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot
Cushioning the sole of your feet is vital if you’re going to be on your feet all day, and the Ariat Groundbreaker 6” II Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot makes a long shift much easier on your feet.
As with all my selections, the Ariat Groundbreaker meets my criteria of using modern, lightweight materials. It’s a great work boot for all environments and incredibly comfortable and supportive around the sole and heel.
A commitment to keeping the weight down on their boots makes the Groundbreaker ideal for anyone suffering plantar fasciitis. The Groundbreaker has a lightweight shank and an extra comfort insole for great impact suspension.
An internal mesh lining helps your feet breathe, and the chunky steel toe protects your toes and gives them plenty of wiggle room.
Having enough space to freely move your toes reduces fatigue on your feet, which is great for plantar fasciitis, but the groundbreaker still contours to your arch, and cushions your heel.
What I Like
- Despite steel toe boots sometime being uncomfortable, the Groundbreaker is one of the most comfortable around.
- The 90° heel spreads the weight distribution well and doesn’t constrict your heel.
- The Groundbreaker can last you for years which means if you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you’ll get to wear the same comfortable boots for a long time.
What I Don’t Like
- They take ages to wear in, so they can rub and feel uncomfortable for a while.
- Sizing can be slightly off at times. They run true to size, sometimes a half-size smaller.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
The Groundbreaker is incredibly comfortable and has a better grip than many other work boots. There’s more contact area with the ground, so they’re great winter boots, but the additional grip means you’re not gripping with your toes, easing your plantar fasciitis pain.
Several reviewers mention their posture improving thanks to the Groundbreaker’s so comfortable, which is music to the ears of plantar fasciitis sufferers.
The arch support and ankle coverage are excellent if you wear work boots throughout the day. Many reviewers were happy to wear the Groundbreaker for 40-50 hours every week.
The Groundbreaker is cheaper than many alternatives and still holds its own—you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck
The Verdict
There can be an assumption that a steel toe boot will feel clunky and uncomfortable, but the Ariat Groundbreaker 6” II Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot shows that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for safety.
The Groundbreaker is a fantastic choice if you suffer from plantar fasciitis but still need steel toe protection for your line of work.
Ariat Groundbreakers are awesome at what they do, which is to keep your feet safe, thanks to a roomy steel toe and a durable Duratread sole. Groundbreakers look great and feel even better on your feet, and they’re one of the most comfortable steel-toe boots we’ve handled, a perfect fit for plantar fasciitis sufferers.
Best Work Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis: Timberland Drivetrain Casual Comp-Toe Work Shoe
The Timberland Drivetrain Casual Comp-Toe Work Shoe is a superb option for a smart, casual look that still offers you the protection and comfort you need. A work shoe sheds a lot of weight, making them ideal for anyone with plantar fasciitis.
Unlike many work shoes, the Timberland Drivetrain keeps all the safety features you need while providing the heel and sole support to keep you on your feet all day.
The Drivetrain stands out for build, weight, and comfort and has an Anti-Fatigue footbed that makes it ideal for wearing for long periods. The lightweight fiberglass shank keeps you sturdy, and the composite toe is spacious and light.
What I Like
- Foot fatigue can make plantar fasciitis worse, but these shoes are so light that they’re great to wear all day.
- They fit like sneakers, making them a perfect choice if you’re suffering from inflammation.
- The lack of a heel is perfect for plantar fasciitis as your foot remains flat.
What I Don’t Like
- It’s a shame it doesn’t have a steel toe option for working on more dangerous jobs.
- The grip could be better.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
It’s rare to see a boot have such one-sided reviews, but you won’t find many customers who don’t love their Timberland Drivetrain Casual Comp-Toe Work Shoes. The overriding opinion is they’re incredibly comfortable and supportive for plantar fasciitis sufferers.
The Anti-Fatigue tech works well with this work shoe, and reviewers say that your feet will feel great even after working a 12-hour day. For plantar fasciitis sufferers, the sneaker-like feel and the lightweight build make the Drivetrain a no-brainer.
The Verdict
A work shoe is often overlooked as an option—a boot looks more robust and protective. The Timberland Drivetrain shows that’s not the case and is possibly one of the best options for anyone suffering from plantar fasciitis.
As anyone who suffers from the heel or sole of their foot will know, swapping your painful work boots for your sneakers after a long day is blissful. Swapping out your work boots for a shoe that still offers stability, protection, and comfort could be the way to go.
The Timberland Drivetrain ticks all my boxes for the perfect work shoe for plantar fasciitis—lightweight, an excellent option for working in, and they offer almost unparalleled comfort.
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis and you’re after the protection and versatility of a work boot, but want to avoid the bulk, then Timberland Drivetrain Comp-Toe Work Shoes are well worth a look. They’ll give you all the comfort and coverage of a work boot with the feel and weight of a sneaker. Light, comfortable, and cool, it might be time to swap your boots for work shoes.
3 Things Every Work Boot Needs if You Struggle with Plantar Fasciitis
Arch Support Is Everything
An inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick area of tissue under your foot, causes plantar fasciitis. One of the best ways to reduce inflammation is to wear boots that offer excellent arch support.
Try looking for a boot that has at least moderate arch support, or invest in additional insoles that contour to your arches. I’ve used WALK-HERO Plantar Fasciitis Feet Insoles alongside my Thorogood Moc Toe Work Boot for years, and my feet have never felt better.
Plantar fasciitis sufferers will know the constant discomfort that comes from poor arch coverage, and we’ve found the WALK-HERO Plantar Fasciitis Feet Insoles to do a great job athelping with arch pain and flat feet. They can pretty quickly ease the inflammation that plantar fasciitis brings.
Don’t Settle For “Almost Fits”
Ill-fitting work boots will ruin your feet, and eventually, the problem will spread to your legs and lower back. If you’ve ordered online and you’ve ordered a half size too big or small, don’t settle for a near fit.
Before you buy, see whether that brand is known for running big or small. Our Ariat Sizing Guide should be on your to-do list before picking out a new pair of Ariats, but regardless of the brand, do your research.
Buying the wrong size, especially a boot that’s too small, will mean you can’t get anything else inside, such as plantar fasciitis insoles. Don’t restrict your feet or your options.
To Heel Or Not To Heel?
Having a heel on your work boots makes gripping the floor more secure. If you work outdoors in the mud, fields, or forest, a heel can be the difference between standing tall and landing on your face.
It can also be the difference between having plantar fasciitis or not having it. If your foot feels inflamed, even with cushioned insoles and a lot of support, it could be the raised heel that’s stretching your foot.
I recommend a wedge sole for your boots or shoes, such as Nicks Wedge Work – Classic Configuration or Thorogood Moc Toe Work Boot. The flatter sole won’t put additional strain on your feet, and you’ll still have all the grip you need.
If you’re a logger, you might need the heel, but for any other jobs, the smaller the heel, the better.
Saving Your Soles
The Thorogood Moc Toe Work Boot is the best boot I’ve tried for combating plantar fasciitis. My feet were often in agony before I bought them, and they’ve felt great since.
The Thorogood Moc Toe is a great work boot, plus it’s union-made in the USA. The leather is thick, the sole is durable and offers slip resistance, and because it’s unlined, you won’t have to contend as much with sweaty feet.
I love the look and incredible comfort of the Timberland Drivetrain Casual Comp-Toe Work Shoes, and the sneaker-like comfort really appeals when it comes to combating plantar fasciitis.
For a premier boot, I’d choose the Nick’s Wedge Work – Classic Configuration purely for its customization. The right fit is everything when you suffer from plantar fasciitis, and the Wedge Work will minimize any pain purely by fitting like a dream.
A premier work boot with all the customization of a new car, Nick’s Wedge Work boot is handcrafted to your needs, fits like a glove, and makes being on your feet all day feel a lot more manageable if you suffer from plantar fasciitis. The hardest part is choosing the perfect leather, but once you wear them, your feet will have all the support you’d expect from Nick’s.
We’ve all tried on boots that just don’t feel comfortable, but for those times when a steel toe is a must, the Ariat Groundbreaker 6” II Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot stands out for its comfort, safety, and functionality.
.For the best bang for your buck, the Wolverine Tremor Durashock Work Boot is a great choice, simply because it has everything you’re looking for in a boot that’s going to help with plantar fasciitis. Arch support, heel comfort, and protection, it covers everything you’ll need.
You’re getting a lot more than you paid for with the Wolverine Tremor Durashock Work Boot thanks to its breathable Dri-Lex lining, shock-absorbing sole, and double-density footbed. We looked for a quality budget boot with features to ease plantar fasciitis and found a diamond in the rough.
I’m confident one of the options on this list will help ease your pain. Plantar fasciitis can be beaten. You just need the proper boots and the correct information.
FAQs
What kind of work boots are best for plantar fasciitis?
Boots with excellent arch and heel support are ideal for plantar fasciitis sufferers. Your foot must be supported in a way that relieves pressure and spreads the impact of each step. People often focus only on buying boots that fit, and while that’s obviously key, so is comfort, and you’ll only get that from a great insole and a robust outsole.
What should you not wear if you have plantar fasciitis?
Avoid wearing boots with a tall heel, as the added pressure on your arches can cause serious discomfort. Boots with a poor insole and a lack of decent shock absorption are a poor choice if you’ve got plantar fasciitis, so always check out the reviews on how comfortable the boot is.
Do boots help with plantar fasciitis?
The proper boots can help with plantar fasciitis, but on the flip side, the wrong boots can cause it. Suppose you’re a sufferer of plantar fasciitis. In that case, finding the right boots or the addition of arch-supporting insoles will make the difference between being in pain and feeling comfortable at work.
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