Heel pain can be awful and scary, but with the best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis, you don’t have to spend the trek worrying about your feet. If you’re a lover of the great outdoors, there are not many things that can stop you from going on an adventure. What if we told you that plantar fasciitis does not have to be the obstacle that makes you stay home?
There are many factors that influence how your feet feel in your shoes, so that’s why we compiled a buying guide with everything you need to know about picking out the right hiking boots. Plantar fasciitis is a painful experience, but with a good pair of hiking boots, you don’t have to skip your next tramping journey. We also found some amazing models, so we hope you’ll find the perfect pair among them.
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Should You Hike With Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is not a complex condition, but it can have a big impact on your daily life. It’s not easy when the first steps you take in a day give you pain. However, painful as it is, suffering plantar fasciitis does not have to mean that you must give up all the activities that you love and enjoy.
The most important part of recovering from this condition is rest, and you should always keep that in mind. Still, if you can afford a day of limited movement after the hiking trip, and a pair of high-quality shoes to walk in, you don’t have to give up hiking.
We don’t recommend going on a several-day trek, but you should feel free to spend a day out under the open sky if you go well-prepared. But, you should keep in mind that even if you don’t feel pain while walking, your feet will likely feel sensitive and a bit sore the next day, when you should definitely take some time to rest. If you can’t afford a day off your feet after the hike, it’s a better idea to skip going and take a shorter walk instead.
Benefits Of Hiking Boots for Plantar Fasciitis
So, what makes plantar fasciitis hiking boots different from any run-off-the-mill pair of walking boots that you can get in any store? The keyword here is support.
The most important qualities of hiking boots are arch and heel support, shock-absorbent soles, and reduced torsional bend. We will cover the basics here, and if you want to learn more about plantar fasciitis, we have a comprehensive guide here.
Regular hiking boots, of course, come with some arch and heel support, but not nearly enough for someone who suffers from plantar fasciitis. In fact, insufficient support in these two key points of the foot is a common cause of this condition. Good support is a balance between soft cushioning and rigid stepping area. The heel shouldn’t move within the shoe, but it has to be free to complete the natural walking pattern. That’s the reason why contoured insoles with so-called heel cups are so common among orthopedic shoes.
The soles must be shock-absorbent, which is usually achieved by including several layers, a rubber outsole, air pockets, or special materials with thousands of air bubbles inside. Shock absorption is crucial in any type of shoes for plantar fasciitis (even including slippers) because the condition is a result of a combination of an incorrect stepping pattern and an impact from the contact with the ground. When your shoes break down or reduce the shock that is created with every step, your foot takes less of a kick each time. Due to the high step number in most hiking trips, this is a particularly important factor.
Finally, torsional strength is all about reducing the twist that happens particularly often to people with flat feet. In essence, as you walk, your shoes should be able to bend from toe to heel, but they should never twist to the sides – your foot ligaments simply can’t handle that kind of twisting. A good pair of hiking boots will prevent this type of bending, preventing overpronation, and protecting your plantar fascia.
Best Hiking Boots For Plantar Fasciitis Comparison Chart
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot |
| View On Amazon |
 | Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot |
| View On Amazon |
 | Ariat Women’s Terrain H2O Hiking Boot |
| View On Amazon |
 | KEEN Men’s Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot |
| View On Amazon |
 | Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot |
| View On Amazon |
 | Timberland Men’s Mt. Maddsen Mid Leather Wp Winter Boot |
| View On Amazon |
 | Women’s G-Defy Trail Lane Pain Relief Hiking Boots |
| View On Amazon |
 | Hi-Tec Men’s Altitude IV Waterproof Hiking Boot |
| View On Amazon |
Best Hiking Boots for Plantar Fasciitis Reviews
1. Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot
Timberland is one of the most popular hiking boot brands out there, and that’s because they provide a great balance of price and quality. We chose this model for the exceptional comfort they provide.
With a recycled rubber sole this boot is ideal for people with plantar fasciitis. The footbed is made out of two layers of EVA, which is very cushy and shock absorbent, but also very durable. The footbed is removable, in case you want to put your own insoles.
The upper of this pair of hiking boots is made out of leather, with a couple of mesh details. These boots are extraordinarily waterproof, thanks to the oiled leather finish and a low number of seams.
You can get sizes 7 through 15, and all are available in medium and wide. There are 5 colors available, including wheat-orange, black, and three shades of brown.
Pros
- Dual density EVA removable footbed
- Highly resistant to water
Cons
- The sole is made of recycled rubber, which is slightly less durable
2. Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot
It’s not easy to find a pair of hiking boots that come in beautiful, vivid colors. Columbia gives you the unique possibility to wear a pair of high-quality hiking boots in gorgeous blue, purple, and many other hues (along with the traditional blacks, greys, and browns).
These ankle-high boots are made out of a combination of leather and suede, with some mesh details. These materials result in dry feet, as they offer a great mix of breathability and water resistance.
The sole is made out of rubber and has great traction and deep lugs. The boots have a removable footbed, yet even if you take the insoles out, these boots will keep their comfort and shock-absorption. That’s because they have an extra-cushy midsole, which is great for people with plantar fasciitis.
You can get these in sizes 5 through 12, in both medium and wide, and they’re available in as much as 15 colors.
Pros
- Very cushy midsole with removable footbeds results in superior comfort
- Available in 15 colors, and in both medium and wide
Cons
- Some customers had an uncomfortable crease form on the toe box
3. Ariat Women’s Terrain H2O Hiking Boot
Whether you want to go cross country trekking or you just need a high-quality, comfortable pair of boots for daily use, this model by Ariat has got what it takes.
The Terrain H2O is a pair of boots that can cover a lot of ground. They are very comfortable, as they’re made with Ariat’s trademarked ATS technology, which includes a gel-cushioned footbed with heel stabilization that’s ideal for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis, and a moisture-wicking lining. The footbed is removable. Under it, there’s a midsole made of EVA, which absorbs shock. The shoe is further stabilized by a shank, which won’t allow twisting. The outsole is made out of Duratread rubber, and it provides good stability and traction, but it doesn’t have particularly deep lugs.
You don’t have to worry about rain and dew, as these boots are fully waterproof. The upper is made out of oiled full-grain leather.
These come in sizes 5.5 through 11, with some sizes available in a wider version as well.
Pros
- Very comfortable and cushy footbed and midsole
- Has a shank
Cons
- The lugs aren’t too deep
4. KEEN Men’s Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
If you’re a hiker, we’re sure you’ve heard about Keen. Here we have a sturdy men’s model named Targhee II.
People who suffer from plantar fasciitis will enjoy wearing these comfortable boots. They come with a rubber sole, and they won’t allow overpronation as they come with a torsion stability shank. This ankle-deep boot is ideal for cross country hiking, as the soles come with big, 4 mm deep multi-directional lugs. The midsole is made out of dual density compression-molded EVA, and the footbed uses the same material. The footbed is contoured and provides great heel stability, but you can take it out to replace it with your custom orthotics. Overall, these boots provide excellent shock absorption and heel and arch support.
The upper material is a waterproof upper, and it comes with an additional proprietary waterproof, breathable membrane.
They come in various colors, and sizes 6 through 17, with some sizes coming in both medium and wide. Make sure to order a 0.5 size bigger than you usually wear.
Pros
- Comes with a shank
- Removable contoured EVA footbed
Cons
- These boots seem to wear out quickly
5. Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Next up, we have a super comfy pair of women’s hiking boots made by Merrell.
The uppers of these boots are made out of a combination of mesh for increased breathability, and suede leather. These shoes are water-resistant, but not completely waterproof. The suede comes in natural hues, but models come with lovely accent colors, including, orange, green, purple, pink, blue, and red. The tip of the toe box is lined with a protective rubber cap.
The soles are made out of premium quality Vibram TC5+ rubber, and they come with extra-deep 5 mm lugs for improved traction. These boots are super comfortable as they have an EVA midsole and a contoured footbed with additional zonal arch and heel support. The heel area also comes with air cushions for great shock absorption. Overpronation won’t be an issue since the shoe comes with a molded nylon shank, which will reduce twisting and improve stability. Overall this model is perfect for people with plantar fasciitis.
Pros
- Very comfy shoes with good shock absorption
- They have a shank
Cons
- Water-resistant but not waterproof
6. Timberland Men’s Mt. Maddsen Mid Leather Wp Winter Boot
If you’re looking for a reliable pair of hiking boots, you should go with a well-known brand, and who else but Timberland. Here we have a great, supportive pair of hiking ankle-highs, named Mt. Maddsen.
These boots get their great looks from the full-grain leather upper. The leather is reinforced with the TimberDry eco-conscious waterproof membrane. The tongue is made of mesh and fully gusseted to keep out debris.
When it comes to foot support, you won’t be disappointed. First of all, these boots come with a rubber outsole with deep lugs. 15% of the rubber is recycled. The shoe is reinforced with a TPU shank for improver torsional support. They come with compression-molded EVA midsoles, which provide great shock absorption. The insoles are removable, and we recommend putting your own, cushier orthotics.
These boots are available in sizes between 7 and 15. You can get any size in both medium and wide, but many customers thought that the wide model is still too narrow.
Pros
- Come with a TPU shank
- Fully waterproof
Cons
- They don’t have cushy insoles
7. Women’s G-Defy Trail Lane Pain Relief Hiking Boots
If you’ve battled with plantar fasciitis, you probably came across G-Defy, otherwise known as Gravity Defyer – a brand that specializes in cushy shoes that are tailored to help this condition.
G-Defy shoes are not cheap, but they can provide invaluable comfort that’s so rare with plantar fasciitis. The Trail Lane model is ankle-high, and they’re waterproof. The upper is made of leather with mesh parts. The resistance to water is reinforced with waterproof membrane lining, but the shoe is very breathable as well.
The soles of these boots are made with the manufacturer’s patented VersoShock technology. This technology includes a spring system that cushions your heel and absorbs shock from every step you take.
You can get these boots in sizes from 6 to 11, with some sizes coming in a wider version as well. The shoe runs small, so it’s recommended to get half a size larger.
Pros
- The brand specializes in plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and diabetes footwear
- VersoShock technology shields your feet from impact
Cons
- Not affordable
8. Hi-Tec Men’s Altitude IV Waterproof Hiking Boot
If you’re looking for a pair of high-quality nubuck hiking boots that come for a rather low price, Hi-Tec has got a model for you.
The fact that these are affordable does not make them low quality. In fact, the upper of these ankle-high boots is made out of a waterproof nubuck material. People with plantar fasciitis will be happy to know that these shoes come with a steel shank, and have a compression-molded EVA midsole for extra comfort. The sole is made out of rubber, and it comes with smartly designed lugs to provide maximum traction. The lace eyelets are made out of rust-proof brass.
These shoes come in three colors: black, dark chocolate brown, and oxblood – a lighter red-brown shade. Even people with bigger feet can find the right size of these as the seller offers all sizes between 7 and 17, with each size coming in both medium and wide. However, make sure that you get a 0.5 size bigger than you usually wear!
Pros
- Have a steel shank and a comfy midsole
- Affordable
Cons
- Smaller than regular sizes, and the sizing chart doesn’t convert to inches
Hiking Boots for Plantar Fasciitis Buying Guide
If you’re an adventurer, you should have all your essentials in high quality. That’s especially true for your hiking boots, whether you suffer from plantar fasciitis or not. So, what makes a pair of boots extraordinary? When picking the pair that you will take to your next journey, you should keep these factors in mind.
1. Material
The single most important factor to consider when purchasing any type of shoe, garment, or accessory is the material it’s made of. The material determines the comfort the shoe provides, but also its durability, and how well it holds up to the challenge of weather and surfaces you’ll be walking on. Hiking through nature is very different from strolling on pavement – you may wade through mud, climb on rocks, or step through tall grass, and your boots must be able to handle all of that.
1.1. Upper Material
The term “upper” describes the part of the shoe that you don’t walk on – everything but the soles. Upper usually refers to the outer layer of the material, with the inside layer called lining, and the footbed or insole being the inner piece that you step on.
When you go hiking, you need shoes that provide three factors:
- Waterproof – protection from water
- Breathable – doesn’t trap moisture on the inside
- Thick – for the physical protection of your foot
Most hiking boots today are either made out of leather or a mix of synthetic materials, with mesh materials being especially common. Mesh materials provide unparalleled breathability, but it usually needs to be reinforced with a waterproof layer.
Leather is one of the most common materials for shoes, no matter their purpose: both dress shoes and work shoes can be made out of this versatile natural material because it provides an unmatched combination of water protection and breathability. In fact, even though leather provides great protection from water seeping in, it is a rather breathable material that allows moisture vapor and air to escape from the inside of the shoe. This prevents fungus or bacteria from developing in your shoes, saving you from a lot of trouble and bad odors.
1.2. Sole Material
A high-quality sole is the most important part of your hiking boots.
The outsole is the part of the sole that is in direct contact with the ground. In hiking boots, it’s especially important that this part provides optimal traction, and doesn’t slip no matter the surface you’re walking on. One of the common features in hiking boots that improve traction, especially on muddy parts of the trail, are deep lugs. Similar to the treading pattern on your car tires, lugs on soles are important to minimize the chances of slipping.
Rubber is one of the best material choices for hiking boots, and especially for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis. Rubber has strong shock-absorbing properties. Generally, it’s not used that much in regular shoes, where polyurethane (PU) and TPR are more common choices, because rubber tends to wear down quickly when walking on hard pavement. However, due to the nature of hiking, where the walking surfaces are primarily soil, rocks, and grass, rubber holds up much longer, making it the perfect material for this type of shoe.
2. The Footbed
The insole, otherwise known as the footbed, is located on the inside of your shoes, and it runs under the bottom of your foot.
More often than not, the footbeds in shoes are removable, which is ideal for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis. When you get a pair of shoes with removable footbeds, you can remove the generic one to insert your custom orthotics or a pair of insoles that suit your foot perfectly. It’s also handy to be able to replace footbeds when they inevitably wear out.
Ideally, your footbed should provide good support to your arch and heel. It should be cushy, but not too soft – the footbed should be comfortable but also able to handle your weight without losing its shape. Contoured footbeds are great for plantar fasciitis, and we highly recommend going for a pair with the so-called heel cups – special cavities where your heels go, that cradles your heels and keeps them in a comfortable position.
Finally, you should also consider the material that the insoles are made of. First of all, they should have a moisture wicking fabric on top to eliminate bacteria and fungi on your long days in your shoes. Secondly, the inner part of the insoles should be soft, but also rigid enough to keep its shape. This is particularly important if you have flat feet, high arches, or tend to overpronate or oversupinate when you walk. A footbed that is too adaptable may reinforce your incorrect stepping pattern, making the problem worse.
3. Fitting
Getting the right fit is the single most important factor that determines how comfortable the shoes will be for you. Shoes that are too big are equally as harmful as shoes that are too small.
3.1. Foot Dimensions
The first thing you need to do when getting shoes is to know how big your feet are, so grab a ruler. You need to get two measurements: the length and the width.
When measuring length, measure between the end of your heel and your longest toe. Make sure to measure both of your feet, because many people have slightly asymmetric feet where one is longer than the other. If that is the case, use the size of your bigger foot. When considering foot length, you should also add around 0.20 inches (or 0.5 cm) to the ideal shoe length as leeway for your toes. It’s important to give your toes some space to move within the shoes to avoid bumping. Additionally, make sure that you can wiggle your toes inside the shoe, as that’s important for the overall comfort.
Don’t forget about your shoe width too. Many manufacturers make sizes in multiple widths, from narrow to extra-wide. To take the measurement, pick the widest part of your foot (usually that’s the width of the ball of the foot), and take the measurement.
For men, a medium shoe width is labeled with the letter D and the exact measurement changes in comparison to the foot length. For example, size 10 is 4 inches wide. Medium width in women’s shoes is labeled with B, and size 7 shoes are usually 3.45 inches wide at the ball of the foot.
3.2. Sizing
Even though you might be used to purchasing, for example, size 9, medium width, you shouldn’t rely on this sizing format alone. The issue is that manufacturers use different molds and that sizing differs among shoe styles as well.
To make sure you get a proper fit, you should always consult the sizing chart which shows you real measurements and their counterparts in shoe size. You should be able to access the sizing chart on either the seller’s or the manufacturer’s website.
4. Protecting Your Foot
Finally, the job of your hiking boots is to keep your feet snug and protected while you roam under the open sky. If you get boots that provide good protection, you won’t have to worry about plantar fasciitis pain, or about getting the condition in the first place. There are many ways in which your boot protects you, starting with physical protection from injury, but we will focus on two important aspects that are particularly relevant to those with plantar fasciitis.
4.1. Prevent Twisting
As we mentioned before, the plantar fascia, alike most other ligaments in your body, is good at resisting a pulling force but doesn’t handle a twisting force very well. The most common type of foot twisting is overpronation, and oversupination is just as harmful.
When choosing your shoes, you should aim at getting a pair of hiking boots with a shank. This is a small, rigid piece of metal, fiberglass, or another hard material that is located inside the sole. The role of a shank is to support the plantar fascia, as it’s inserted just under it. The shank is there to prevent any type of twisting, while its design allows normal bending of the shoe that follows your foot as you step.
Apart from reducing twisting, the shank is there to provide additional arch support and to improve the stability of the shoe. Additionally, it helps the shoes retain their shape even after years of use on uneven terrains, and as a bonus, it can prevent injuries from stepping on sharp rocks.
Many shoes today are made without a shank. Tennis shoes and running shoes, even though commonly used by people with plantar fasciitis, generally do not have a shank to maximize flexibility. However, top-rated work boots for plantar fasciitis and other heavier shoes do have one.
4.2. Shock Absorption
The plantar fascia is a ligament on the bottom of your foot, and as such, one of its most important roles is protecting your body from the impact of stepping. The impact is created whenever you take a step, and it’s much higher when you run or jump. The most common cause of plantar fasciitis is the excessive shock that the ligament can’t handle. In ideal conditions, you should work on strengthening your plantar fascia by gradually increasing impact, but once you already have plantar fasciitis, your main goal should be protecting your feet and reducing the shock that it suffers. That’s why picking a pair of shoes with maximum shock absorption is so vital.
Shock absorption is usually achieved with a good selection of materials used for the sole. Rubber soles, soles made out of many layers, soles with air pockets, or even those with thousands of small bubbles, can all create the protection your feet need.
Plantar Fasciitis and Long Distance Hiking
Plantar fasciitis is not a complex condition, but recovering from it takes time and a lot of rest. In general cases, the healing period can last anywhere between 6 weeks and 18 months. Even though your primary goal should always be finding ways to avoid walking, you don’t necessarily need to act bedridden for a year and a half. An occasional stroll, and a rare but existing hike out in nature won’t help heal your plantar fasciitis, but it will surely have great effects on your overall physical and mental health. After all, spending time in nature is healthy for many reasons, but you need to go well prepared. Hiking with plantar fasciitis can be a wonderful experience, but it can also be a painful mess if you don’t consider some important aspects.
1. Break In
First off, when you get new shoes, you should break them in before you get going. Traveling a couple of hours to the nature reserve and starting the hike only to find out your shoes are rubbing your heels and you’ll likely get blisters in a matter of hours is among the easiest way to destroy a fun outing. To properly break in your shoes, wear the socks that are made of the same material as the ones you’ll be wearing on your hike, and then walk at least 10 miles in them (about 20 000 steps). As you walk, pay attention to how your feet feel in different positions, and whether you need to make some adjustments when it comes to lacing.
2. Reduce your Weight
By reducing your weight, we don’t mean that you need to get skinny. In fact, unless you’re very overweight, your feet can probably handle you just fine. However, the weight that you truly need to watch is the one you’ll be carrying on your back.
Of course, you require some essentials when hiking. However, you should make a checklist before you start packing up anything and everything from your third grade geography textbooks to that fourth extra pair of pants. Don’t overpack, because you don’t want to haul all that extra weight on your back for several hours.
If you’re not sure whether you truly have everything you need, consult your more experienced hiker friends or the internet.
3. Massage Tools
However, the one thing that you should bring with you if you have issues with plantar fasciitis are your massaging tools. A massage is the most effective way to reduce heel pain once it flares up, so it’s a great idea to have your tools with you.
Pack up a small, hard ball (for example a tennis ball), and if your feet start hurting, you can simply take your shoes off, place the ball on the ground and roll it with your foot.
If you’re carrying an icebox with you, make sure to add an ice pack in there. Ice massage will help reduce pain and inflammation if your plantar fasciitis starts acting up. A good alternative to carrying ice with you is soaking your feet in a cold stream or lake. Even though the cold might be uncomfortable at first, try to leave your feet in for at least 10 minutes.
If all else fails, you should have a pain-relieving medicine with you. Opt for Ibuprofen or naproxen sodium-based pain relievers.
4. Take the Next Day Off
If you have plantar fasciitis, you’re probably familiar with this situation: you go out for a stroll, or to the gym for your regular training routine. All is well, but once you return home, your foot starts hurting like knives are stabbing it. And if you’ve had a particularly tiring run or you trained extra hard, you know that tomorrow will be even worse.
No matter how good your shoes are, chances are that the morning after your hike your feet will hurt. Once that happens, you should proceed with your regular pain-relieving treatments. But the most important thing to remember is that you will need plenty of rest the next day. If you can, plan the next day so that you don’t have to walk anywhere, to allow your feet to recover after a long, fun hike.
What Else Can Be Done For Plantar Fasciitis After Hiking?
So, once you’re back home after your adventure, chances are that you’ll need to give special attention to your feet. Here are some things you can do to minimize the pain in your heels and arches after a long day of hiking.
1. Stretching
There are several stretching exercises for plantar fasciitis that may make the pain go away almost instantly. In fact, along with massage, stretching is among the most effective natural remedies for plantar fasciitis. You should stretch for 5 to 10 minutes right after you arrive home – and remember to not only stretch your feet but hamstrings and calves too. You can repeat your stretching pattern whenever you feel tension building up in your feet.
2. Rest More
Rest is the most important part of recovering from plantar fasciitis. Spend the next day lying down or sitting, and try not to stand up when you don’t have to. If you have to walk around the house or do chores, wear a pair of high-quality slippers for plantar fasciitis – don’t walk barefoot.
3. Ice Massage
If you feel swelling or pain in your plantar fascia, applying a bit of ice is over the affected area between 5 and 15 minutes can really ease the pain. If you apply a bit of pressure, you can also massage your foot at the same time.
One of the easiest ways to give your feet an icy massage is freezing a bottle of water in the freezer. Put the bottle on the floor, sit comfortably, and roll the bottle with your foot, applying medium pressure. You can do the same with a tennis ball, or any other round object you may have at home.
4. Pain Relievers
If you can’t deal with the pain with rest, stretches, and massage, it’s time to take a pain-relieving pill. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the ideal choice for someone with plantar fasciitis, and you don’t need a prescription to get these. Usually, people opt for anti-inflammatory pain relievers like Ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Ibuprofen based pills come in brand names like Motrin IB and Advil, while Aleve is a naproxen sodium-based reliever. Make sure that these don’t interact with your prescription medicine by reading the instructions carefully, and stay away from taking these pills too often as they can be tough on your gut.
FAQ About Hiking Boots for Plantar Fasciitis
1. Can hiking make plantar fasciitis worse?
Sadly, the answer to this is yes. In fact, any type of activity on your feet can make your plantar fasciitis worse. Ideally, you should “wait out” the issue and reduce your walking and running to the minimum. However, that’s in no way practical as regular acute plantar fasciitis can last as long as one and a half years. Following the general advice that you should rest until you recover is definitely the smartest way to go.
However, for an outdoor enthusiast, waiting that long is simply impossible. With the right precautions that we talked about in this article, you don’t have to worry about making your condition worse. A trek across a nature reserve surely won’t make it better, but you can indulge in an adventure once in a while.
2. How can you lace your hiking shoes for plantar fasciitis?
There are dozens of lacing styles out there that you can try out. For example, the lacing style called Surgeon’s knot is great if your heels are slipping out of the boot, or you generally feel that the boot isn’t tight enough. Window lacing is used when your shoelaces are creating too much pressure on a specific point at the top of your foot, so you leave a portion without a knot on top of the pressure point.
If, on the other hand, you have issues with too much pressure near your toes, toe-relief lacing is the perfect strategy to relieve pain: simply start lacing from the second pair of eyelets. You can find many more styles here, but the best way to find the one that’s perfect for your feet is by experimenting and trying out.
3. How to clean hiking boots?
Hiking can be messy, and oftentimes you’ll be back home in shoes full of mud, twigs, and leaves. Washing the shoes as soon as possible is paramount to keeping them durable and ready for the next adventure.
- The first step you should take is removing your laces and insoles. You can sprinkle them with baking soda, which will remove odor and ensure they’re thoroughly dry on the inside.
- Then, take a stiff-bristled brush and clean out dirt from the surface of your shoes. Clean the tops first, and then clean the soles. If you can’t brush out some big pieces of dried mud or salt stains, get a big washbowl and soak the boots in lukewarm water for an hour.
- Mix a bit of dish soap and water in a bowl, and take a soft cloth or sponge to apply the soapy solution to your shoes. Then rinse your cloth or sponge, and wipe the boot with it until you remove soap. Rinse the cloth or sponge when necessary.
- Let them dry a bit. While they’re still a bit moist, apply a waterproofing spray or wax. Apply leather conditioner too if applicable.
- Let the shoes dry naturally, especially if they’re made out of genuine leather. Don’t dry them near a source of heat. Instead, put them on a well-aired location (but out of direct sunlight so they don’t fade), and let them dry naturally.
Wrap Up
There are two types of people that plantar fasciitis hits the worst: professional athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. While athletes have issues finding the time to rest, lovers of the great outdoors suffer from being confined to the city on an emotional level. But, if you take the right precautionary measures, you won’t aggravate your plantar fasciitis, and you can go on that trekking journey. With the best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis and a couple of additional tools and tips, you can indulge in a day-long hiking adventure without fear.
We hope you found everything you wanted to know about hiking boots and how to properly prepare for such a journey when you have plantar fasciitis. If you have any questions, or you’d like to share your own experience and knowledge with us and our other readers, please write a comment below!
See also: top-rated plantar fasciitis night splints – top-rated crampons
