26/10/2025
Best Boots for Plantar Fasciitis
This is a difficult one, because it depends on the terrain you are walking on.
If the ground is mainly paths or relatively flat grass a hybrid trail or approach shoe would be the ideal choice as it allows for ankle movement. This is essential in good foot mechanics and promote fascia healing
In this case the trail shoe needs the following:
➡️ Wide toe box (let your toes spread!)
➡️ Zero drop (flat from heel to toe)
➡️ Flexible sole for natural movement
Terms that only a casual review of the internet will make you aware.
Now the key thing to consider is how far you are walking and the terrain.
I have just returned from a fantastic holiday in the lake district. We walked every day, 2 days was in approach trail shoes, and five in supportive walking boots.
The crucial factor was the terrain five of the walking days were walking the fells, mountains of Skiddaw, Catbells to the Coffin trail and the Grizedale forest. It’s the Lake District in Autumn so it rained intermittently each day so waterproofing and warmth were also a factor.
Now here’s the thing people do not consider:
👉Boots support your ankle so you have to walk differently with a good knee movement.
👉Up hill is more on toes and shorter steps, a slower pace with deliberate steps for footing
👉Downhill can be foot turned to the side, and a zig zag movement, or straight down with pressure on ankle and toes.
The flat is generally neutral and comfortable with worn in boots as they allow your ankle to move.
I covered around 150,000 steps on holiday and obviously on my feet for some time. Mine and my families feet ached and hurt post each day. We don’t have the time to walk this much normally so our feet had to adjust. Importantly the last 25000 steps none of us had any fatigue effects!
So Key things to consider if you have Plantar Fasciitis or are on the mend.
➡️ Invest in some new boots
➡️ Have your boot half to a full size bigger than normal and test with a thick sock
➡️ Tighten your laces to be supportive, but, allow ankle movement
➡️ Progressively increase your walking distance to do the longer distances
Important, people who have plantar fasciitis tend to find boots initially comfortable and less painful. This will be due to walking differently as outlined above. You should only wear boots for the terrain not as a temporary fix.
➡️ Work With Me www.interxpainclinic.com
