Hiking is a healthy activity but plantar fasciitis can prevent you from availing the benefits of hiking. It can be painful as well and can force you to skip enjoying and relaxing in the beauty of nature. However, if you wear the right shoes and follow a few steps you can enjoy your hike and the blessings nature offers without pain.
This ultimate guide will unveil the best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis. Thus, if you suffer from Plantar fasciitis and want to hike as well then this blog is just for you. On a side note, I have recently written about best hiking dogs. So you may also like to read that if you need a loyal company during your hike.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Before I explain what needs to be worn, it is important to understand what plantar fasciitis is. It is a food condition which is caused due to the inflammation of the plantar fascia. It is a band of tissue at the bottom of your foot which connects the heel and bone of the toe. Intense pain is caused by putting extra strain on your foot. Therefore the right shoes need to be worn to ease the pain and keep the feet comfortable.
Features to consider when deciding on shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
When you shop for boots consider the following features that your shoes must have.
- Your shoes must have enough cushioning to absorb shock and reduce the impact on your feet. Therefore shoes with midsoles and shock-absorbing materials are to be considered.
- Boots with arch support are a pain relief and can prevent the cause of pain. The arch support decreases the strain on your plantar fascia which eliminates the cause of pain. Thus, look for shoes with built-in arch support.
- It’s also very important to wear lightweight boots. This will avoid unnecessary strain on your feet.
- Heal stability must also be considered. You must choose shoes that distribute your weight evenly and thus, reduce pressure on your heels.
- To prevent the exacerbation of your pain it is also important to have shoes that support your ankles as well. Therefore you can have high or mid-cut boots that have padded ankle collars.
Best Hiking Boots for Plantar Fasciitis
Honka Anacapa Mid GTX Hiking Boot
These are some of the best hiking boots for Plantar Fasciitis patients. The rubber sole provides a good grip over slippery surfaces. The boots are not just lightweight, they are also quite comfortable for long runs and hikes. These shoes also provide excellent support to ankles thus, preventing extra strain on them. However, the laces can be difficult to adjust and the size runs a little small therefore you can order a half size above your fit.
Finally the boots are not very durable as compared to other boots in the market. With a 4.1 out of 5 rating on Amazon, some users have commented that they are very comfortable and it feels like walking on clouds. Overall the boots have all the features that plantar fasciitis boots must have.
Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX
Another best-in-line is Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX. They are not just lightweight but are very comfortable as well. They keep your feet comfortable and dry in wet and muddy conditions. The EVA outsole gives it good grip over all kinds of trails and the upper stretch fabric Suede ensures protection against rocks.
These shoes have Multi Fit Footbed Plus (MFF+) which means that it has interchangeable layers that allow one to adjust the volume according to their needs. The cons of the boots are that wider foot individuals can not take advantage of these shoes. Moreover, the shoes need break-in time before they become comfortable. Last but not least the shoes are relatively expensive if compared to other shoes of such kind.
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot
Best choice for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis as it offers comfort due to its lightweight frame. The frame construction also improves stability which makes long hikes comfortable. Moreover, the shank provides additional support which further makes them the right choice for individuals with plantar fasciitis. However, the toe box can be narrow for some individuals therefore get a size up than your normal fit.
Plus on your lower leg, you might feel discomfort but overall the shoes are best for plantar fasciitis. With a 4.2 out of 5 rating on Amazon, some of the users stated that they fit fine on them and that they gave no blisters. However, some users criticised the shoes for not being perfect for extensive walks and hikes. Thus it has mixed reviews and you can try it out to decide if it suits you or not.
ALTRA Women’s AL0A4VRA Lone Peak
These shoes offer a design that makes your toes spread out naturally which makes it comfortable. The impact waterproof feature of these shoes keeps your feet dry and warm. Moreover, the cushioning reduces the stress on your feet making it extra comfortable and best for plantar fasciitis. However, the size might be a little small therefore order one that is bigger than your actual size.
Plus the grip can be improved as these shoes might not be all good for all hikes and the rubber part may be pulled out after some usage. The users have rated it 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon and some have shown their affection by stating that they fell in love with these shoes while others mentioned that they are awesome shoes and that they never faced the grip problem. However, these are perfect shoes for women with plantar fasciitis.
Tips for Enjoying a Comfortable Hike
- Properly tie your shoes with room for your toes to adjust comfortably
- Break your shoes in before embarking on a hike to make them comfortable on the hike day
- Do calf and foot stretches before starting a hike
- Buy cushioned and moisture-wicking socks
- Do not push yourself too much, hike according to your fitness level
Conclusion
If you have plantar fasciitis that does not mean you can not enjoy a hike. The right shoe can provide enough support and comfort to help you enjoy your hike. This blog post has summarised the features of boots that need to be considered while shopping. It has also after detailed research enlisted the best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis. In the end, some extra tips are present that can be followed by anyone irrespective of plantar fasciitis to get a comfortable experience from hiking.
You may also like to read my other recent articles on best hikes Indiana and best hiking trails of Kentucky.