Top 9 Best Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain

Plantar fasciitis is a condition characterized by excessive heel pain. The condition can be treated in a hospital but it often does not require treatment.

This is because there are easier remedies that can often be recommended to make the condition go away. One of the remedies is wearing supportive shoes.

In this article, you will discover the most supportive work boots aka the best work boots for plantar fasciitis.

These are boots that will not only allow you to work without feeling pain but also help to heal your problem feet. Some of the work boots included in the list are from Carhartt and Timberland companies.

Because the boots in the list are supportive boots, they can also be worn by those with heel spurs. For this reason, the list below can also be considered a list of the work boots for heel spurs.

Let’s begin with review of us.

The Best Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis Reviews in 2023

1. Wolverine Work Boot

This boot is one of the highest-rated boots on Amazon. It has an average rating of 4.6/5.0. This is a clear indication that many people have tried and found it to be a quality boot.

The Wolverine work boot is a product of the Wolverine – an American company that started in the nineteenth century and is renowned for making high-quality shoes using high-quality materials. The company is also renowned for making shoes that provide comfort throughout the day.

Speaking of comfort, this particular Wolverine boot is at the top of this list of boots for plantar fasciitis because it is comfortable. It is recommended because it has a full-cushion special insole that provides support and comfort all-day.

So with this boot on your feet, you will not be feeling any pain in the morning or at the end of the day. You will always have happy feet at the end of the day.

This Wolverine boot is also one of the most attractive work boots. It is a boot you will be proud to have on your feet at work. Because it looks masculine and people will always be asking you where you got it from.

Lastly, this boot is the kind of boot you wear if you hate slipping and falling at work. Because it comes with this beautiful sole that provides a firm grip with every step making it difficult for one to slip and fall.

The one thing that is not impressive about this shoe is its durability. It does not last for long especially if worn daily or a lot.

Pros

• It is one of the most comfortable work boots
• It is a heel pain work boot
• It includes a non-slip rubber sole
• It has a long shaft
• It has a breathable mesh lining

Cons

• It does not last very long

While the sole of this work boot does not last very long, this is a high quality and supremely comfortable work boot that is great for people with plantar fasciitis.

2. Bates Men’s 5″ Ultralite Tactical Sport Military Boot

Most people with heel pain find it difficult to walk with normal work boots. However, this is often not the case with this boot. Because this Bates boot is not an ordinary boot.

It is a boot that has a cushioned insert and a cushioned insole. These two things make it supremely comfortable to walk in this boot. They are the reason why this is one of the best men’s work boots for plantar fasciitis.

The thing I love the most about this Bates work boot is how it looks. It has this tactical look that makes it perfect for jobs such as security guards, police work (police duty boots), and law enforcement.

Many people also call them military boots because of how they look. In my opinion, they are the tactical boots for plantar fasciitis. It is also perfect for jobs that require a lot of standing because it supports the feet beautifully making it easier to do such jobs.

With this boot, you will find it easier to prepare for work in the morning. This is because of two things. First, it is a boot that is easy to clean. You simply need to remove any dirt on it and then to polish it to prepare for work.

Second, it has a special side zip that makes it easy to quickly put it on. So if you want a boot that allows you to leave for work quickly, you should strongly consider it.

The one thing you may not like about this boot is that it has no steel toe. So if you work somewhere where you need steel toes, you should avoid this boot.

Pros

• This boot is one of the best military boots
• It has a side zip for quick on and off
• It is lightweight making it easy to walk in
• It is designed to keep feet cool and comfy all-day
• It has a slip-resistant sole

Cons

• It has no steel toe

This Bates boot is stunning and excellent for those with painful feet because it cushions the feet very well. While the boots are not steel toe shoes for plantar fasciitis, they are perfect for work that does not require steel toe boots.

3. KEEN Utility Men’s Flint Mid Work Boot

This is a one-of-a-kind, extremely well-rated work boot for plantar fasciitis. It is the kind of work boot you should get if you’ve got style and you still want something comfortable and functional for serious work.

Because as you can see it is clearly a stylish boot. It looks like no ordinary work boot. Despite this, it has all the features you would expect from a work boot.

What I like the most about this KEEN boot is that it offers brilliant underfoot cushioning. So for those who normally experience underfoot pain after work or because of plantar fasciitis, it is the boot for you.

It is the motion control work boots that will make you work harder if you need to because you will be feeling no pain while standing or walking in it.

What is also impressive about this boot is how stable it is. The boot is wide and has a sole designed to offer superior torsional stability. Therefore, if you normally work on uneven surfaces, it is the kind of boot you should wear to reduce the risk of twisting your ankle or getting a foot injury.

According to the manufacturer, it can be worn by those working in distribution, manufacturing, maintenance, transportation, landscaping, and construction.

One last great thing about this boot is that it is very breathable. It will keep your feet feeling cool and dry all day long.

According to those who have used this boot, the one downside of it is that it is not very durable if worn frequently.

Pros

• It provides good underfoot cushioning
• It is flexible and comfortable to wear
• It is extremely breathable
• It offers good torsional support
• It has a steel toe for protection

Cons

• It is not extremely durable if worn a lot in tough environments

While this boot might not last for many years, it is a brilliant, breathable, and comfortable work boot with superior torsional support.

4. Carhartt Men’s CMF6371 RugFlx6inblkcomp-M Construction Shoe

This highly-rated work boot has been around for many years now. Most of the men and women who have bought it and used it over the years cannot stop singing praises about it.

If you’ve got plantar fasciitis and foot fatigue, you will also stop wanting to use other boots beside it. Because it will offer you relief that you now don’t even know is possible.

The relief I have mentioned above is provided by this boot’s insole foam cushion. The foam is designed to make walking in this boot to feel effortless and enjoyable. It will make you forget about any pain you normally experience in your feet.

In addition to the foam cushion, it has a midsole pad that provides even more comfort. So if you really want super comfortable work shoes, you should strongly consider these Carhartt shoes.

If you work in wet conditions, you will really like this boot. This is because it features a waterproof technology that will keep your feet dry and comfortable.

So if you hate wet feet or cold feet, you should look no further than this work boot. This plantar fasciitis work boot is also slip-resistant according to many users. They work well on water, ice, and even oil according to many users.

Lastly, this boot comes with a composite safety toe cap that offers great protection against compression hazards and impact. So you can work safely with it in many different kinds of jobs. It is one of the good composite toe work boots.

The biggest downside of this boot is that it is not exactly durable especially when frequently used for hard jobs or field jobs.

Pros

• It is an extremely comfortable work boot
• It is perfect for people with heel pain
• Waterproof boots
• It has a composite safety toe
• It is slip-resistant

Cons

• The boot does not have a strap to pull it on
• The boot does not last for long in extreme work conditions

This work boot is extremely comfy and waterproof making it perfect for those who normally experience pain in the foot. So even if it will not last for many years, it is a boot that will give you relief from foot fatigue and plantar fasciitis.

5. Carhartt Men’s 6′ Force Blk CMP Toe-m Boots

This is the second Carhartt boot on this list. This shows you just how great and comfortable the boots made by the company are. But while this Carhartt boot and the above Carhartt boot do share many similarities, they are also different in several ways.

This is one of the best work boots for sore feet. This is evident in the fact that it has arch support plus resilient cushioning. These two things make this boot comfortable to wear even on long days.

Moreover, the boot is lightweight. So if you’ve always wished for a work boot that will treat your feet really well, this may just be it.

I like the fact that this big Carhartt work boot is waterproof and breathable. This means that you can work in it all day without your feet getting wet or too hot and sweaty.

Therefore, if you want to start and finish your day with your feet dry and odorless, you should get this boot or something like it.

I also like the fact that this boot has a safety toe feature that meets various standards and offers protection against compression and impact.

In many workplaces, heavy objects can fall on your toes and cause injury. However, if this happens and you are wearing this boot, your toes will be protected from being crushed.

The only thing I do not like about this plantar fasciitis boot is that it is imported. This means that it is not made in the USA despite being a USA brand.

Pros

• It is extremely comfortable
• It provides arch support
• It is supremely breathable
• It has a safety toe for protection
• It has an outsole designed for maximum grip and flexibility
• It can resist some electrical shocks

Cons

• It is imported

Despite being imported, this is work boots for high arches because it provides excellent support.

6. Carhartt Men’s CMX4023 Lightweight Casual Wedge Boots

This Carhartt boot is one of the most highly-rated casual work boots on Amazon. It has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars according to over 800 people who have rated it on the e-commerce website. This is very impressive and it shows that it is a boot that has made many people happy.

What makes me happy about this boot and the reason why I have included it on this list is that this casual work boot has sneaker comfort. In other words, it is as comfortable as any comfortable sneaker.

Moreover, its sole is quite cushioned and the shoe itself is lighter than any work boot you’ve ever worn. In short, it is a work boot that will make you forget about your foot fatigue/ plantar fasciitis issues.

What also makes me happy about this boot is that it is quite durable because it is made of leather and has a long-lasting rubber outsole. So if you are looking for a lightweight work boot that you can wear every day, it is the boot you should buy.

I am also impressed by this boot’s special liner that wicks away sweat and helps to keep feet cool and dry. If you do not like sweaty and smelly feet, I am sure you understand why this feature is impressive.

The biggest downside of this plantar fasciitis boot is that it is not a safety boot, which means it is not appropriate footwear for several workplaces.

Pros

• It has sneaker-like comfort
• It has a special liner that keeps it cool
• It has a durable rubber outsole
• It is super lightweight compared to most work boots

Cons

• It is not a safe work boot

Despite this work boot not being appropriate for several workplaces, it is a stunning, super-comfortable, and durable work boot that is perfect for the casual workplace.

7. Stanley Men’s Dredge Steel-Toe Work Boot

This work boot has all you expect from a quality work boot. It is stylish, comfortable, durable, has a toe cap, and is breathable. No wonder it is one of the best work boots for someone with plantar fasciitis on Amazon.

The biggest selling point of this work boot is its style. This boot features an attractive Chelsea boot style that makes it stylish and perfect for wearing to work. So if you are a fashion-conscious person or you just like looking good, you will love this boot.

If you are like most people and you care about your feet and how they feel at the end of the day, you will like this boot even more. This is because of its EVA insole that makes it provide excellent cushioning. The cushioning makes it comfortable for wearing even for extended workdays.

This boot has a toe cap like most work boots. Therefore, it will offer your toes protection from impact and compression.

However, unlike most work boots, this work boot also comes with special heel counters that also protect the heel. So when you wear this boot, you get protection at the front and the back of your feet.

Lastly, this boot has a special lining that wicks away moisture. The lining makes this boot comfortable by keeping feet dry all the time.

As you can see above, this boot is fairly impressive. The only thing that is not impressive about this boot is that the sizing is slightly bigger for some shoes. However, with an insole, this is easy to correct.

Pros

• It is a comfortable boot
• It is made of full-grain leather
• It can last for more than a year even with daily use
• It is easy to clean
• It offers both toe and heel protection
• It has pull-on hoops for easy wearing

Cons

• The boot is slightly bigger than its indicated size in some cases

While this boot may be slightly bigger in some sizes, this is a problem that can be solved by purchasing an insole. The boot itself is gorgeous, comfortable, and durable.

8. Timberland PRO Valor Men’s Mcclellan 6 Inch Soft Toe Work Boot

Timberland is a great brand that has been making quality boots for a very long time. This one here is one of their most popular work boots. It has been engineered to provide maximum support and comfort, especially for long workdays.

The engineering mentioned above includes a sole technology that absorbs shocks and prevents foot fatigue. The shoe is also lightweight, breathable, and comfortable.

In other words, when you wear this boot to work, you will feel no pain or discomfort. You will be able to focus on your work and even put in more hours at work if you want.

I love the fact that this boot comes with a breathable mesh lining that makes it cool all-day and a traction outsole that is slip-resistant for maximum safety What is not to love about this boot is that it is imported into the USA.

Pros

• This boot is made of 100 percent leather
• It is quite comfortable
• It is breathable
• It has shock-absorbing technology

Cons

• Imported

While the fact that this boot is imported may make many patriots feel let down by Timberland (an American brand), its shock-absorbing technology makes it one of the great work boots for those with plantar fasciitis.

9. Hi-Tec Men’s Ox Belmont Mid I Waterproof Hiking Shoe

This boot is highly-rated on Amazon. It is not exactly a work boot but it is a boot that you can wear to casual workplaces and it has a great insole for cushioning and protecting feet. Therefore, it is a good work boot for plantar fasciitis.

This boot is made by Hi-Tec Sports. This an American brand that made the first modern lightweight hiking boot. The company sells millions of shoes globally and is renowned for making quality and lightweight footwear.

This particular boot continues with the company tradition for it is both a quality and a lightweight shoe. So if you are on the lookout for a lightweight shoe you can wear to work, you should consider it.

In my opinion, the very best thing about this boot is its durability. Since it is made for hiking, this boot is capable of handling tough situations daily. Therefore, wherever you work, this is a boot you can trust to serve you for a long time.

The only bad thing about this boot is that it is not a work boot.

Pros

• This is a comfortable boot
• It is tough and durable
• It is stylish
• It is highly rated

Cons

• It is not a work boot

While formally this boot is not a working boot, it is a brilliant boot that you can wear to your workplace if it is a casual workplace.

What is Plantar Fasciitis Work Boot?

Work boots for plantar fasciitis are specially designed footwear that provides support, cushioning, and stability to alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and pain in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot.

What Makes Good Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis?

The thing that makes a great work boot for plantar fasciitis is it’s cushioning. This is because plantar fasciitis is a condition characterized by pain that is felt when pressure is applied under the foot or when one uses shoes that are heavy and not cushioned.

Therefore, the best work boot for an individual suffering from heel pain is a work boot that provides cushioning in some way to reduce pressure and pain.

For example, the first work boot in the list above, the Wolverine work boot, has an insole that cushions the wearer’s feet ensuring they do not feel a lot of pressure or pain when they walk in them.

Generally, the more cushioned or comfortable the shoe, the less the pain one suffering from plantar fasciitis will feel from wearing it. The best safety boots for plantar fasciitis have special insoles, special midsoles, arch-support, shock-absorbing technology, and/or anti-fatigue technology, to provide those who wear them with comfort when they walk or stand in them for long hours.

Many of them are also lightweight to provide even more comfort. Therefore, if you have heel pain, you should look for a work boot that will provide cushioning to your feet in some way and help you focus on your work without feeling any pain or foot fatigue.

What Do You Need from Work Boot for Plantar Fasciitis?

If you have plantar fasciitis, you need several things from your work boot. First, you need cushioning. This is important because without the right cushioning you actually cannot wear a shoe for long with your condition.

So the first thing you need to consider when choosing a work boot is what sort of cushioning it will provide to your feet. This could be a special in-sole, a special mid-sole, a feature, or a technology that will make the shoe supremely comfortable for your feet.

If a work boot does not have any cushioning feature, you should not even think a lot about it. You should consider another work boot.

Second, you need lightweightness from your work boot. Because you have plantar fasciitis, your feet are tender and delicate. Therefore, you should not wear any heavy work boots. If you do wear heavy work boots, you will strain your feet and because of this, you will experience pain either during your workday or at the end of the day.

So make sure the work boot you choose is lighter than most work boots to ensure it does not strain your feet and make you regret buying it or wearing it to work.

Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis Considerations

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that develops when the feet are exposed to strenuous conditions such as standing for a long time, continued wearing of un-cushioned shoes, and poor workout execution.

It can also be caused by obesity. In the list above, you have discovered the good work boots for plantar fasciitis aka the work boots that you can wear to recover from the condition without feeling a lot of pain aka the orthopedic recommended work boots.

Below are the factors considered to make the list above. They are also the factors you should consider to choose the highest-quality work boot for you:

1. The in-sole

This is probably the most important thing you need to consider before buying the best work boots for bad feet. This is because if the in-sole is not a cushioning insole, then it will not provide you with the support you need.

Cushioning insoles provide extra support which is necessary for walking for long hours, standing for long hours, and so on. Without them in a pair of boots, the pair will most likely just exacerbate your plantar fasciitis. So make sure the work boots you buy have a cushioning insole to give your feet the support they need.

The wolverine boots at the top of the list on this article is a good example of such work boots. Please note that the boots are also considered to be among the women’s boots for plantar fasciitis.

2. Arch support

By wearing supportive work boots for heel pain, you can remedy plantar fasciitis and make the condition disappear with time. This is because supportive work boots will help your feet to align properly and heal your strained foot muscles.

The work boots for plantar fasciitis sufferers are those with arch support. This is because arch support helps distribute body weight and to avoid putting a lot of pressure on the heels.

3. Heel support

By heel support, I am not talking about the high heels common on western boots. Let me explain. By definition, plantar fasciitis is heel pain. Therefore, when buying a podiatrist recommended work boots, you should make sure it has heel support or a good heel.

Because work boots without heel support will worsen your plantar fasciitis. So if you are buying a work boot online, look at the heel carefully. If you are buying it in a store, wear it and test if it supports your heel.

If it feels comfortable then it provides heel support and you should get it. This is, of course, if it meets your other requirements.

4. Slip resistance

Do not buy a work boot for plantar fasciitis if it has no slip resistance. Because if a boot has no slip resistance, you can fall, trip or slip when wearing it and this will most likely make your plantar fasciitis problem worse than before. So make sure the boot you are considering has slip-resistance before purchasing it.

5. Durability

Only buy durable boots. Boots that are not durable don’t often keep their supportive features for long. So if you buy them, within a few weeks or months, most of their supportive features will no longer be very effective. Therefore, get only boots that work great.

FAQs Work Boots For Plantar Fasciitis

Q: What is plantar fasciitis?

A: Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes heel pain and inflammation. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes strained or irritated.

Q: Can wearing the right work boots help with plantar fasciitis?

A: Yes, wearing the right work boots can help alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Specialized work boots designed for this condition often have features that provide extra support, cushioning, and stability to the feet, reducing strain on the plantar fascia.

Q: Can orthotic inserts be used in work boots for plantar fasciitis?

A: Yes, orthotic inserts can be used in work boots to provide additional support and cushioning for plantar fasciitis. If the boots have removable insoles, you can replace them with orthotic inserts recommended by a healthcare professional to suit your specific foot condition and requirements.

Q: Are there any other measures I can take to manage plantar fasciitis while wearing work boots?

A: Along with wearing appropriate work boots, there are other measures you can take to manage plantar fasciitis:

1. Stretching exercises: Perform regular stretching exercises to stretch the calf muscles and plantar fascia. This can help reduce pain and improve flexibility.
2. Ice massage: Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes a few times a day to reduce inflammation and pain.
3. Rest and elevate: Rest your feet whenever possible and elevate them to reduce swelling.
4. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. However, consult a healthcare professional before using any medication.
5. Physical therapy: Consider consulting a physical therapist who can provide targeted exercises and treatments to alleviate plantar fasciitis symptoms.

Conclusion

As you can see in this article, there are many great work boots for heel pain. The shortest definition for plantar fasciitis is excessive heel pain. One of the greatest remedies for it is wearing supportive work boots.

Wearing non-supportive work shoes often makes the condition worse. In this article, you discovered the best work boots for plantar fasciitis. You also discovered their pros and cons. Furthermore, you discovered what to consider when buying shoes for heel pain.

This means you can now choose for yourself which of the supportive work boots on the list is the good choice for your feet. Get the work boots you want today to start giving your feet the healing they need.