Top 5 Best Work Boots For Plantar Fasciitis (2024 Guide)

Looking for the best work boots for plantar fasciitis?

Awesome stuff – you are in the right place!

In this ToolsGaloreHQ.com guide you will learn

  • What to look for in your work boot
  • How various features alleviate stress on the heel
  • My Overall #1 Rated Pick
  • And So Much More!
Plantar fasciitis

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Orthofeet Innovative Orthopedic Boots
  • Arch booster for plantar fasciitis
  • Lightweight ergonomic soles
  • Extra width for additional support
  • Arch booster for plantar fasciitis
  • Lightweight ergonomic soles
  • Extra width for additional support
View on Amazon
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Orthofeet Orthopedic Men’s Work Boots
  • Lightweight sole perfect for plantar fasciitis
  • Custom therapeutic design
  • Wide toe room
  • Lightweight sole perfect for plantar fasciitis
  • Custom therapeutic design
  • Wide toe room
View on Amazon
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Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II
  • Adjustable lace for comfort
  • High quality suede built for construction sites
  • Adjustable lace for comfort
  • High quality suede built for construction sites
View on Amazon
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Timberland PRO Men's 6" Pit Boss Steel Toe Industrial Work Boot
  • Quality anti-fatigue insoles
  • ANSI safety complaint
  • Built for comfory and rugged work environment
  • Quality anti-fatigue insoles
  • ANSI safety complaint
  • Built for comfory and rugged work environment
View on Amazon
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WOLVERINE Men's Overpass Mid Cm Boot
  • Contour welt design for great flexibility
  • Removable ortholite cushion great comfort for plantar fasciitis
  • Abrasion resistant and waterproof leather
  • Contour welt design for great flexibility
  • Removable ortholite cushion great comfort for plantar fasciitis
  • Abrasion resistant and waterproof leather
View on Amazon

Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated On January 20, 2023

Ortholite boots

Orthofeet Innovative Orthopedic Boots

The Orthofeet Innovative Orthopedic boot is a top top option for people that suffer from plantar fasciitis. It is custom designed to be pain free.

This can be seen by it’s many features that a premium insole that has a cupped heal, an interior heel cushioning mechanism and enhanced support booster to ensure comfort on your feet at work is never compromised.

The Arch support feature really makes this boot stand out amongst it’s competitors. Working hand in hand with the insole and outsole to provide exceptional pain relieving properties in a work boot.

The extra foam padding further helps to dissipate forces that concentrate on the heel.

This shoe is by no means perfect, and it is not custom made for heavy industrial work places were by a stronger boot with steel toe may be required.

With that being said, you will find it difficult to find a more comfortable and plantar fasciitis friendly boot on the market. It is definitely one worth considering.

Best Work Boots For Plantar Fasciitis (Quick Summary)

Need to dash out? No problem, I have summarized the top options for you here below. I am fully aware that life is busy and you do not have all day to spend reading a blog post about work boots for plantar fasciitis.

  1. Orthofeet Innovative Orthopedic Boots
  2. Orthofeet Orthopedic Men’s Work Boots
  3. Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II
  4. Timberland PRO Men's 6" Pit Boss Steel Toe Industrial Work Boot
  5. WOLVERINE Men's Overpass Mid Cm Boot

If you do however want more detailed information and are curious about each of the options, please keep reading. I have catered for you as well.

Why This Guide For The Best Work Boots For Plantar Fasciitis

If you've ever experienced heel pain, then you know it's no joke! But don’t worry – I understand the frustration and am here to help.

This guide was specifically put together to make sure that anyone looking for the best work boots for plantar fasciitis can find them quickly and easily. I have done all of the research on products and dug through tons of datasheets so that you won't have to do it yourself.

Plus, getting a good pair of boots can make a massive difference in terms of support and comfort, allowing you to keep on working without pain and discomfort.

Read More:>>> Find out how to measure the width of your boot

What Are The Important Considerations For Best Work Boots For Plantar Fasciitis

Support

When you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, it’s important to find a work boot that offers good support.

Look for a boot with a firm heel counter and a comfortable, supportive insole. According to the Duke Occupational Health and Safety Office - supportive insoles can reduce fatigue . It’s also important to choose a boot with a lace-up closure, as this will allow you to adjust the fit to your needs.

I cannot stress this enough, relieving the heel of all the pressure will definitely go a long way in easing the effects of heel pain.

Cushioning to absorb impact forces

Another important consideration when choosing work boots for plantar fasciitis is cushioning.

You’ll want to find a boot that has plenty of cushioning in the heel and arch areas. This will help to absorb impact and reduce stress on the plantar fascia.

The plantar fascia, as you know, is a connective tissue in your foot that runs from the heel bone to your toes. It is a bridge between the heel and the front of the foot and greatly contributes to supporting the arch of your foot whilst you walk, stand and run.

This part of your foot can get easily injured. In fact injuries to this tissue that cause pain in the heel area is known as 'plantar fasciitis'.

Hence it is important to take good care of your feet through proper cushioning in your work boot.

plantar fasciitis facts

Overall Boot Stability

Another factor to consider when choosing work boots for plantar fasciitis is stability. A stable boot will help to prevent your foot from rolling inward (pronation), which can aggravate plantar fasciitis.

When it comes to keeping your body stable and balanced, pronation plays a very important role - so it is by no means a bad thing.

Pronation is the inward rotation of the foot after impact with the ground. This rolling motion helps absorb shock, helps maintain stability, and gives your body the balance it needs while you move around, run or do any kind of physical activity, especially at the work place.

Not all pronation is equal though - there are three different types of pronation:

 - underpronation (supination),
 - normal pronation, and
 - overpronation.

If you suffer from either under- or overpronating when walking or running, then you can face problems since the wrong level of pronation may leave you off-balance on one side more than the other and make it harder for you to stay upright and steady.

Improperly fitted work boots that don't give you enough stability from shock can also be a cause of pronation-related instability.

To counter act this, be sure to choose a work boot with a wide enough base and very good outsole traction.

Breathable Material

When you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, it’s important to choose a work boot that is breathable. This will help to keep your feet cool and dry, which can reduce swelling and discomfort.

For the safety conscious worker, finding the best breathable material for a work boot is an important decision.

Leather has long been used for workwear given its durability and ability to stand up to heavy use, but this also makes it difficult to wear in warm conditions and highly undesirable if working outdoors in hot weather.

Fortunately, synthetic materials like mesh have gradually penetrated the market.

Mesh boots provide comfort and ventilation for hours of standing or walking, plus they incorporate steel and composite toes for protection against job hazards.

Over and above leather boots, consider mesh as a boot that is best suited for airflow.

Weight

The weight of your work boot can have a major impact on the health of your plantar fascia.

Whether you're required to wear steel toe boots or not, it is important to be aware that heavy-duty boots can cause strain to the tendon when worn continuously over long periods of time.

If your job entails walking and/or standing for several hours a day then wearing lightweight, cushioned boots designed specifically for this type of activity is essential. 

This will assist to avoid heavy irritation of the plantar fascia and ultimately inflammation that could lead to re-occurrences of foot pain and discomfort.

What To Avoid When Buying The Best Work Boots For Plantar Fasciitis

Avoid work boots with a narrow toe box

A narrow toe box can crowd your toes and put pressure on the plantar fascia, which can worsen plantar fasciitis.

Instead, choose a boot with a wide toe box that will allow your toes to spread out and move freely.

A narrow toe box can crowd your toes and put pressure on the plantar fascia, which can worsen plantar fasciitis. Instead, choose a boot with a wide toe box that will allow your toes to spread out and move freely.

Avoid work boots with poor arch support

If your work boot does not provide adequate arch support, it can cause the arch of your foot to collapse, which can lead to plantar fasciitis.

So rather go for a boot with good arch support that will help to keep your foot in its natural position.

All the work boot options in this guide, have carefully considered everything above - of course being mindful that there is no such thing as a perfect boot.

However, if you look to purchase work boots for plantar fasciitis on your own, keep the above in the back of your mind.

Read More:>>> Learn about the protection options for your work boot's toe

Deep Dive Review Of The Best Work Boots For Plantar Fasciitis

Option #1: Orthofeet Innovative Orthopedic Boots

Specification

Value

Material

100 % Leather (outer), rubber (sole)

Sizes

7 to 14 (including width)

Special Features

Arch booster for comfort

Pros

  • Custom built for workers to be able to operate pain free
  • Arch booster provides cushioning effect on the sole
  • Very lightweight
  • Upper is made from extra foam for additional comfort

Cons

  • Not the best boot for heavy industrial work environments

Option #2: Orthofeet Orthopedic Men’s Work Boots

Specification

Value

Material

100 % Leather (outer), Rubber (sole)

Sizes

7 to 14 (wide Included)

Special Features

Orthotic friendly with removable insoles and ample space

Pros

  • Designed to alleviate pain at tension points
  • Made specifically for people with sensitive feet and those prone to neuropathy
  • Orthotic insoles provide anatomical arch support
  • Wide and extra wide options for perfect fit

Cons

  • Not the best for environments with cyclical and rapidly changing temperatures

More Info

The Orthofeet Orthopedic Men’s Work boot is one of the top high end options on the market when it comes to a work boot that is best suited for people that may suffer from plantar fasciitis.

Inflammation is one of the killers, and this boot has multiple features that really helps you keep your feet cushioned throughout the work day. Even if you are on your feet for extended periods.

It is made from 100% premium leather outer with a soft rubber insole. The brand prides itself as being able to provide pain free work boots. This is achieved amongst others by the lightweight sole that has great ergonomic features for cushioning and comfort as well as the removable insole.

What I really enjoyed about this work boot, is the anatomical arch support, coupled with a multi layered approach to cushioning that really absorbs a lot of the ground forces and reduces pain across the lower foot and the hip, back and knees.

Many people that suffer from plantar fasciitis also are affected by bunions or hammertoes due to shoes that may appear a lot smaller than they need to be.

The Orthofeet Work boot counter acts this superbly well by providing a wide and extra wide option for each boot size.

As with all shoes, this one is by no means perfect and it is not the best work boot for extreme work conditions that require very cyclical temperatures or heavy humidity.

With that being said, if you suffer from the stabbing pains typical of plantar fasciitis, the exceptional comfort found within this work boot is definitely worth considering.

Option #3: Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II

Specification

Value

Material

Suede (outer) and rubber (sole)

Sizes

7 to 17 (wide included)

Special Features

Omni grip technology to reduce underfoot stress

Pros

  • Comfortable signature lightweight insoles
  • High quality suede material
  • Adjustable lace up feature that ensures steady fit
  • Steady outsole to alleviate pressure on heel
  • Ergonomic cushioning effect

Cons

  • Be sure to choose appropriate size, as they can be lightly tighter around the balls of your feet.

More Info

The Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II really surprised me. It is a great budget option for plantar fasciitis because of it’s lightweight insole and ergonomic cushioning effect as a result of the shoe’s design.

The adjustable lace feature also works to ensure that you are able to manually adjust the tightness. Over and above the two items mentioned. Columbia’s Newton Ridge Plus shoes pride themselves on a tough but lightweight suede leather that has air tight and waterproof seems.

The Omni-grip feature for me has got to go down as probably the best feature, especially when one is dealing with plantar fasciitis. This steady grip and outsole really goes out of it’s way to ensure that no undue pressure is put on the heel.

This boot is not perfect, an I would recommend that you ensure the width of the boot for your size and people have complained about it often being tight around the balls of their feet.

With that being said, if you want a comfortable, budget friendly and sturdy work boot option for plantar fasciitis, then Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II shoes are most definitely worth your consideration.

Option #4: Timberland PRO Men's 6" Pit Boss Steel Toe Industrial Work Boot

Specification

Value

Material

100 % Leather (outer), rubber (sole)

Sizes

7 to 15 (wide included)

Special Features

Safe, sturdy and very reliable

Pros

  • Built for tough work conditions
  • Safe to wear (ANSI complaint)
  • Oil resistant and abrasive resistant outsoles
  • Exceptional comfort for plantar fasciitis

Cons

  • Due to them being heavy duty boots, they may require a break in period before they become fully comfortable

More Info


If you are after a heavy duty work boot that does not compromise on comfort, then the Timberland Pit Boss work boot may just be the one for you.

This shoe is tough, but surprisingly comfortable with great features that include oil and abrasive resistant outsoles and cushioned insole material for extended comfort on your feet.

One thing to look out for when choosing this work boot is to remember that, it’s an industrial style work boot and it may require a break in period before you are fully comfortable.

With that being said however this is an incredible work boot for anyone who works in an industrial setup but suffers from plantar fasciitis.

Option #5: WOLVERINE Men's Overpass Mid Cm Boot

Specification

Value

Material

100% Leather (outer), rubber (sole)

Sizes

7 to 14 (wide included)

Special Features

Removable ortholite cushion

Pros

  • Premium and rugged leather outer
  • Flexible design to reduce pain points
  • Removable cushion that allows for variability and improved comfort
  • Slip, oil , waterproof design for all different job types

Cons

  • Some people stated that they needed to upgrade the insole for better cushioning especially for the heel.

More Info

WOLVERINE makes fantastic work boots in general, however I really liked the WOLVERINE Men's Overpass Mid Cm Boot for plantar fasciitis because it focuses on not only being rugged and built for tough work conditions. But also flexible and comfortable.

In fact the contour welt design is so made to remove tension points as you move throughout the day, minimizing the pressure one may encounter on their heels.

Over and above this, I was thoroughly impressed by how much attention to detail they paid to the insole. They also made sure that it’s a removeable cushion to allow you to replace it with one that works better for your specific foot.

Many shoe manufacturers struggle with the balance of creating a tough for purpose boot vs a comfortable boot that serves plantar fasciitis. This WOLVERINE boot is one of those that has gotten the balance right.

My Overall #1 Pick: Orthofeet Innovative Orthopedic Boot

All the boots in this guide are really great quality, however for me - the best overall has to be the Orthofeet Innovative Orthopedic Boot. 

It is made from a lightweight weather that allows for the benefits of both breathability and toughness. 

It has an arch booster that ensures even cushioning throughout to alleviate tension and pressure from the underfoot and the heel. 

Check it out on Amazon - here.

Plantar fasciitis work boot

Final Thoughts On The Best Work Boots For Plantar Fasciitis

I had a lot of fun putting this guide together. I hope the information in this guide was useful in informing your purchasing decision.

The key is always to ensure that the boot has sufficient cushioning and is made from material that includes ergonomic features such an arch support and breathable outer material. Ensure that the outsole is designed for your specific work environments. 

Mogale Modisane, PrEng

Mogale Modisane, PrEng

Mogale is a professional engineer (PrEng). With experience working on large-scale Solar, Wind, and Hybrid Projects. He has been exposed to multiple tools throughout his career and has a keen interest in breaking down the often murky world of power tools, machines, and measurement equipment making them more accessible and understandable to everyone.

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Mogale Modisane, PrEng

Mogale Modisane, PrEng

Mogale is a professional engineer (PrEng). With experience working on large-scale Solar, Wind, and Hybrid Projects. He has been exposed to multiple tools throughout his career and has a keen interest in breaking down the often murky world of power tools, machines, and measurement equipment making them more accessible and understandable to everyone.

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