Our editors research, test, and recommend only the best products we can find online. Bootratings.com may receive a commission if you purchase through one of our links.
Plantar fasciitis is caused by straining the ligament that supports the arch of your foot and is the most common cause of heel pain and foot arch pain. Continuous strain from standing and walking (particularly on hard surfaces) can cause this ligament in the arches to swell and become irritated. Learn more about plantar fasciitis below.
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you how how important it is to find shoes and boots that are comfortable.
We have researched these reviews of the best work boots for plantar fasciitis and provided information about plantar fasciitis stretches, exercises, and treatments.
Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis 1-4
Disclaimer: None of these boots are specifically MADE for plantar fasciitis relief… However, they are considered to be very comfortable boots overall, with advanced technology to support the foot and reduce soreness or fatigue.
If you really have an issue with foot pain, you can improve ANY pair of boots by adding a really good pair of insoles.
Check out our reviews of the top insoles for work boots to see some of the recommended options.
Ariat Stryker 360 Carbon Toe Boots
The Ariat Stryker 360 Carbon Toe boot is built for long hours on hard surfaces.
It features exclusive Advanced Torque Stability (ATS®) technology that supports and cushions the foot as you move, gel-cushioned footbed with heel stabilizer, and a shock-absorbing dual-density foam midsole.
Besides being comfortable, it is also lightweight, waterproof, and has a protective carbon toe.
Features
- Carbon toe is ASTM F2413-18 M I/C EH rated
- ATS® technology for stability and all-day comfort
- All Day Cushioning insole with rebound
- Lightweight, shock-absorbing dual-density FLX Foam midsole
- Waterproof PRO™ construction with waterproof leather
- Metal detector friendly 100% non-metallic safety technology
- Lightly padded mesh cushion collar
- Protective ExGuard™ on heel with midfoot support brace
- Rounded heel reduces impact
- Mesh lining
- Oil- and slip-resisting Duratread™ outsole with debris-release tread design
Ariat Rebar Flex Western Waterproof Composite Toe Work Boots
The Ariat Rebar Flex Western Waterproof Composite Toe Work Boot features 4LR technology that cushions and stabilizes the foot with a 4-layer footbed.
It also has waterproof all-weather protection and a composite safety toe.
Features
- 4LR™ footbed for support and cushioning
- Waterproof PRO™ construction with waterproof leather upper
- Mesh lining
- Cushioning EVA midsole
- Oil- and slip-resistant Duratread™ outsole with debris release tread
- Duratread™ sole wraps up in toe and heel areas
- Easy-off heel kick ledge
- Safety toe is ASTM F2413-11 M/I/75 C/75 EH rated
Upgrade your boots with personalized insoles from treadlabs.com!
⭐ Read our full review of Treadlabs insoles
Carhartt Ground Force Composite Toe Boots
The Carhartt Ground Force Composite Toe boots include Insite® technology footbed engineered with maximum arch support to reduce foot fatigue and provide maximum rebound. It is accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association.
The lightweight design is also waterproof, electrical hazard rated, and protected by a composite safety toe.
Features
- Storm Defender® waterproof breathable membrane
- FastDry® lining wicks sweat and fights odors
- Insite® technology footbed engineered with maximum arch support to reduce foot fatigue
- Composite toe meets ASTM 2413-18 standards
- Abrasion-resistant rubber heel
- Lightweight proprietary EVA midsole with shock-absorbing insert and cushioned based layer
- Ground Force rubber outsole for grip, traction, and flexibility
- Meets ASTM 2413-18 EH standards against incidental contact with electrical circuits
- Accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association
Caterpillar Excavator Superlite Nano Toe Boots
Caterpillar Excavator Superlite Nano Toe boots feature the “ease” midsole for extra cushioning and contoured footbed with rebound foam top layer in a lightweight and protective shell.
Waterproof with a nylon mesh sock lining keep feet try while still allowing them to breath. The composite nano toe protects feet without extra weight.
Features
- Reinvented EASE midsole for lightweight cushioning
- Crazy Horse Waterproof Leather keeps feet dry and protected
- Soft, breathable nylon mesh sock lining with NXT antibacterial layer
- Contoured, Engineered Comfort footbed with rebound foam top layer
- SRX Slip-Resistant rubber outsole is abrasion resistant, performs against oil and water and provides excellent traction on slippery surfaces
- Patented iTechnology construction with bond welted forefoot and cemented heel provide Cat durability and athletic comfort
- Electrical Hazard Protection is rated to ASTM F2413-18 1/75 EH
- Ultra-durable rubber toe bumper
- Seamless flex point at the toes prevents premature breaks and tears
- Ergonomic ankle pods offer protection and stability
- Biomechanical outsole lug mirrors natural gait cycle while walking for all-day comfort
Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis 5-8
KEEN Pittsburgh Steel Toe Boots
KEEN Pittsburgh Steel Toe boots feature a Metatomical Footbed Design
that is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support and cradle the natural contours of the foot and dual density compression molded EVA and PU midsole to keep you comfortable all day.
The left and right asymmetrical steel safety toes, waterproof breathable membrane and slip resistance keep you safe.
Features
- Waterproof nubuck leather upper
- KEEN.Dry waterproof breathable membrane
- KEEN Key-Tech full length TPU interlocking torsion plate
- Oil and slip resistant non-marking rubber outsole
- Dual density compression molded EVA and PU midsole
- Lining with hydrophobic/hydrophilic 2-zone comfort technology
- Removable metatomical dual density EVA footbed
- Left and right asymmetrical steel toe
- Meets or exceeds ASTM F2412-11 and F2413-11 I/75 C/75 EH (electrical) standards
- Reflective webbing for additional safety
Carolina Gravel Composite Toe Boots
Carolina Gravel Composite Toe Boots include the Overtime Comfort System – a thick polyurethane foam undercarriage molded for support is combined with a memory foam top layer that contours to your anatomy plus Pillow Cushion™ 2 – Footwear cushioning designed to provide maximum anatomical support and comfort.
Combine these comfort features with an ASTM F2413-18 rated composite safety toe and both slip resistance and electrical hazard rating for a very capable boot.
Features
- Composite Safety Toe Cap
- Waterproof SCUBALINER™
- Mesh Lining lets feet breath
- PC2™ Internal Polyurethane Midsole
- OVERTIME Comfort System
- Electrical Hazard Rated
- Non-Metallic Shank
- Cement Construction
- Oil & Slip Resisting Heavy Duty Rubber Outsole
Wolverine Hellcat UltraSpring CarbonMax Boots
Wolverine Hellcat UltraSpring CarbonMax boots feature the high-performance UltraSpring midsole for exceptional cushioning. THe removable Ortholite® UltraLite full-cushioned footbed is light without sacrificing comfort.
These classic style boots are also waterproof with a carbon safety toe and a 30 day comfort guarantee.
Features
- Premium waterproof full-grain leather upper
- ASTM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH rated CarbonMax composite-toe
- Breathable waterproof membrane with moisture wicking mesh lining
- Removable Ortholite® UltraLite full-cushioned footbed
- Revolutionary UltraSpring™ high rebound ETPU midsole provides energized ride
- Rubber lug outsole grips the ground
- Time-tested Goodyear™ Welt construction
- Nylon shank adds extra strength
- Backed by Wolverine’s 30 day comfort guarantee
Carhartt Ground Force Composite Toe Wellington Boots
Carhartt Ground Force Composite Toe Wellington boots have the Insite® technology footbed engineered with maximum arch support to reduce foot fatigue and are accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Pull-on style with composite toe and waterproof but breathable membrane protect your feet all day while keeping you comfortable.
Features
- Carstrong® durable reinforced fabric prevents wear and tear
- Storm Defender® waterproof breathable membrane keeps feet dry, but lets them breathe
- FastDry® lining wicks sweat and fights odors
- Insite® technology footbed engineered with maximum arch support to reduce foot fatigue
- Composite toe meets ASTM 2413-18 standards
- Abrasion-resistant rubber heel
- Lightweight proprietary EVA midsole with shock-absorbing insert and cushioned based layer
- Ground Force rubber outsole for grip, traction, and flexibility
- Meets ASTM 2413-18 EH standards
- Accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association
How to Pick Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis
Not all work boots are designed the same – some have special features and construction to help someone with plantar fasciitis or flat feet.
The ligament that supports the arches of your foot is damaged so you need support that mimics job of the ligament.
Here is a list of features you should look for when purchasing good work boots for plantar fasciitis:
- Contoured Footbed – A contoured footbed conforms to your foot naturally and takes on the shape of a healthy foot. It provides proper cushioning and supports the arch to put less strain on the ligament.
- Shock Absorbing Insole – A well cushioned insole absorbs some of the shocks from walking or standing on hard surfaces, plus it alleviates pressure on your arches.
- Lower Heels – Choose a medium sized or lower heel for your work boot, since taller heels can cause unnecessary pressure and increased tension to the plantar fascia. Keep in mind, it’s still important to have some type of heel and not choose a flat outsole, since they may contribute to the problem.
- Lace-up Boots – Boots with laces are adjustable and are less likely to allow your foot and heel to slip. Zipper or pull-on work boots are not as customizable.
Having a comfortable work boot is essential if you have planar fasciitis, or are prone to develop it, especially if you’re on your feet constantly.
By taking care of your feet, you can prevent plantar fasciitis or keep working with less issues.
How to Heal Plantar Fasciitis Quickly
All boots come with some sort of insole but they are often very basic… Just a thin piece of material that covers the footbed.
They don’t do much for your feet!
You could go to a doctor and be fitted for orthotic inserts, but that an expensive and time-consuming process.
There are several companies now that make semi-custom and even customizable insoles you can order online that may help.
Instead of trying different work boots for plantar fasciitis, you could try adding some new insoles designed specifically for those with plantar fasciitis to get relief in whatever boots you wear.
We have put together a roundup of the top insoles that will help your feet feel better fast. They can can even help to alleviate back, knee, and leg pain as well, if your work or footwear causes these problems.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition stemming from an over-strained ligament called the plantar fascia. This ligament is a flat band of tissue that connects your heel to your toes and its primary function is to support the arch of your foot.
When the ligament is damaged or strained, it can cause severe heel pain or sore arches while standing or walking, especially on hard surfaces such as concrete and asphalt.
Sometimes, you can further injure your plantar fascia by wearing incorrect footwear that doesn’t provide proper arch support. Additional injury can lead to actual tears in the ligament itself, which can’t heal properly if not taken care of.
You’re more likely to get plantar fasciitis if you have high arches or flat feet, walk or stand on hard surfaces for long periods of time, or wear footwear that doesn’t fit well or has worn out. Heavy weight can also be a contributing factor because of the added strain and pressure that is placed on that ligament.
If you have plantar fasciitis symptoms, it’s important to act since pain is an indication that something isn’t right. The right work boots for plantar fasciitis can make all the difference in preventing pain, or aggravating the condition.
Learn more from our reviews of some great shoes for standing on concrete.
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs (a type of bone spur) are often caused by strains on foot muscles and ligaments, stretching of the plantar fascia ligament, or tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone. A heel spur is actually a bony calcium deposit that creates a protrusion on the bottom of the heel bone. It can cause pain if it rubs up against other bones or soft tissues.
Heel spurs are often associated with and/or caused by plantar fasciitis.
How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis
Even after a diagnosis plantar fasciitis, it can take up to 6 to 8 weeks before the pain is alleviated; months for total relief, and even longer if you don’t make the necessary changes or ignore the symptoms.
Common treatments for plantar fasciitis include:
- Identify the cause of the symptoms, which may include:
- Standing or walking all day
- Carrying extra weight that puts stress on your feet
- Improper or worn out footwear
- Make changes to help alleviate the causes you identified
- New work boots for Plantar Fasciitis
- New insoles
- Change in work habits
- Do exercises and stretches to help the swollen ligament or build the muscles of the calves and lower legs, either at home or with a physical therapist
- Get medication or a steroid injection from a doctor
- In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to remove scar tissue or repair the plantar fascia
Plantar Fasciitis Stretches
In addition to new work boots for plantar fasciitis and/or insoles, there are other ways to prevent an onset, or protect your feet from further damage associated with the condition.
One of those ways consists of stretching the area known as the Achilles tendon, also referred to as the heel cord. After a long, hard day of work, stretching will stimulate the plantar fascia. In addition, applying ice packs to the painful area can reduce swelling.
However, if pain continues it’s always a wise decision to consult with your physician or a podiatrist that can assist you with other treatments.
Check out this video for some tips and exercises that can help…
Bottom Line
If you find yourself experiencing foot pain in your heals or arches, pay close attention to the symptoms and don’t let them go untreated.
You are responsible for your feet, and only you can decide on how to protect them properly.
Review the common causes of plantar fasciitis, make sure your footwear is as supportive as possible, stretch and exercise the areas as needed, and talk to your doctor if you don’t see any improvements.
A pair of good work boots for plantar fasciitis or some new insoles can really help your condition and keep you working.
![The Best Heated Socks [2024]](https://www.bootratings.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Featured-Heated-Socks-211x150.jpg "The Best Heated Socks [2024]")
![Thorogood Boots Reviews [2024]](https://www.bootratings.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Thorogood-Mens-American-Heritage-804-4200-6-Inch-Steel-Toe-Work-Boot.png "Thorogood Boots Reviews [2024]")
![10 Best Combat Boots & Military Footwear [2024 Guide]](https://www.bootratings.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Blackhawk-Mens-Warrior-Wear-Desert-Ops-Boots.png "10 Best Combat Boots & Military Footwear [2024 Guide]")
![Wolverine Boots Reviews [2024]](https://www.bootratings.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Wolverine-Mens-W02292-Guardian-Boot.png "Wolverine Boots Reviews [2024]")
I found this website a couple of years ago. I owe you a debt of gratitude. On your recommendation I purchased a pair of Caterpillar boots. I had suffered for around four years with the pain, and I can say that I haven’t felt any pain in over a year now. I am still scared to do any running since that seems to aggravate the problem. However day to day walking without pain is no longer just a fond memory. Thank you so much for your advise.