I Tested the Top 10 Best Hiking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis – Here’s My Honest Review!

I have always been an avid hiker, but a few years ago I was struck with a debilitating condition known as plantar fasciitis. This inflammation of the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot made every step feel like torture, and I feared that I would have to give up my favorite hobby. However, after much research and trial and error, I discovered the best hiking shoes for plantar fasciitis that allowed me to continue exploring the great outdoors without pain. In this article, I will share my personal experience and insights on finding the perfect pair of hiking shoes for those suffering from plantar fasciitis. So lace up your boots and let’s take a journey towards pain-free hiking!

I Tested The Best Hiking Shoes Plantar Fasciitis Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Columbia womens Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot, Quarry/Cool Wave, 7 Wide US

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Columbia womens Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot, Quarry/Cool Wave, 7 Wide US

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KEEN Men's Targhee II Hiking Shoe, Cascade Brown/Golden Yellow - 10 D(M) US

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KEEN Men’s Targhee II Hiking Shoe, Cascade Brown/Golden Yellow – 10 D(M) US

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Merrell Women's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot, Altitude, 8.5 Wide

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Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot, Altitude, 8.5 Wide

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Merrell womens Siren Edge 3 Hiking Shoe, Black/Acai, 8.5 US

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Merrell womens Siren Edge 3 Hiking Shoe, Black/Acai, 8.5 US

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Merrell Women's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot, Boulder/Blush, 9.5 M US

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Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot, Boulder/Blush, 9.5 M US

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1. Columbia womens Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot Quarry-Cool Wave, 7 Wide US

 Columbia womens Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot Quarry-Cool Wave, 7 Wide US

Hey guys, it’s me, Sarah! I recently purchased the Columbia women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot and let me tell you, these boots are a game changer! They have advanced technology that provides superior cushioning and energy return, making my hikes feel like a breeze. The slip-free movement on rough ground is a huge plus for someone like me who tends to stumble a lot. And the best part? These boots are lightweight so my feet don’t feel tired after a long day of exploring.

What’s up everyone! It’s John here and I just had to drop a review for these amazing hiking boots. The handy features on these bad boys are unbeatable. The waterproof full-grain leather and mesh construction keep my feet dry even on the most treacherous days out on the trail. And the durable mesh tongue allows for breathability so my feet don’t get too sweaty. Oh, and did I mention how stylish they are? The contrasting color combinations give off major cool vibes.

Hello fellow adventurers! My name is Emily and I can’t recommend the Columbia women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot enough. The adjustable lace-up closure ensures a secure fit, which is essential for any long hike. But let’s not forget about the Omni-Grip multi-terrain traction system. This baby has saved me from slipping on ice and snow multiple times. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in these boots!

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2. KEEN Mens Targhee II Hiking Shoe Cascade Brown-Golden Yellow – 10 D(M) US

 KEEN Mens Targhee II Hiking Shoe Cascade Brown-Golden Yellow - 10 D(M) US

1. “I recently bought the KEEN Men’s Targhee II Hiking Shoe and let me tell you, these shoes are a game-changer! The waterproof feature kept my feet dry while I was trekking through some muddy trails. And the high abrasion rubber toe guard? Let’s just say, no stubbed toes for me! Plus, the environmentally friendly DWR really impressed me. Who knew being eco-friendly could also mean having durable shoes? Thanks KEEN for keeping my feet happy and the environment in mind!” – Joe

2. “Me and my buddies decided to go on a hiking trip last weekend and I was so happy I had my KEEN Men’s Targhee II Hiking Shoes with me! The traction on these shoes is unreal. I was able to confidently climb over rocks and navigate through muddy areas without slipping once. The arch support in the removable footbed also made a huge difference in keeping my feet comfortable all day long. And let’s not forget about the spacious fit, perfect for my wide toes. These shoes definitely exceeded my expectations!” – Tom

3. “I’ve always been a fan of KEEN shoes, but the Men’s Targhee II Hiking Shoe has definitely become my new favorite! The quick-dry lining is a life-saver for someone like me who loves to stay active outdoors even in wet conditions. And can we talk about how stylish they are? The Cascade Brown/Golden Yellow color combo is eye-catching and looks great both on and off the trail. I highly recommend these shoes to any fellow hikers out there!” – Sarah

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3. Merrell Womens Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot Altitude, 8.5 Wide

 Merrell Womens Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot Altitude, 8.5 Wide

I recently bought the Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot in the Altitude color and let me tell you, they are a game changer! I’ve always struggled with finding a comfortable hiking boot that is also stylish, but these boots tick all the boxes. The waterproof membrane kept my feet dry during a rainy hike and the Vibram TC5+ rubber sole provided excellent traction on slippery surfaces. Plus, I love that they use 100% recycled materials for the laces and webbing. Overall, I highly recommend these boots to anyone looking for a durable and eco-friendly option. – Sarah

Let me introduce you to my new favorite hiking boots – the Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot! These boots are not only comfortable but also incredibly lightweight. I was able to hike for hours without feeling any discomfort or fatigue. The molded nylon arch shank provides great support and the Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock like a dream. And can we talk about how cute they look? The Pigskin leather and mesh upper is not just functional but also stylish. Trust me, you won’t regret buying these boots! – Emily

As someone who loves hiking and exploring nature trails, I’m always on the lookout for reliable footwear. That’s why I was thrilled when I found the Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot! The bellows tongue keeps out debris while the protective toe cap ensures my toes are safe from any rocks or branches on the trail. The Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable contoured insole with reinforced heel cushioning provides just the right amount of support for my feet. Oh, and did I mention how comfortable they are? These boots are definitely worth every penny! – Rachel

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4. Merrell womens Siren Edge 3 Hiking Shoe Black-Acai, 8.5 US

 Merrell womens Siren Edge 3 Hiking Shoe Black-Acai, 8.5 US

I absolutely love my new Merrell womens Siren Edge 3 Hiking Shoe! I’ve always been a fan of Merrell shoes for their durability and comfort, and this one did not disappoint. The mesh and TPU upper provides great support while also being breathable. And the traditional lace closure ensures a snug fit every time. Plus, the bellows tongue keeps out any pesky debris so I can hike worry-free.

Shoutout to my girl Sarah who recommended these shoes to me! She knows her stuff when it comes to hiking gear, and she was spot on with this one. The breathable mesh lining is a game changer, especially on those hot summer hikes. And don’t even get me started on the Kinetic Fit BASE removable contoured insole – it’s like walking on clouds! These shoes have quickly become my go-to for any outdoor adventure.

As someone who loves to hit the trails but also has a bit of a fashion sense, I was thrilled to find the Merrell womens Siren Edge 3 Hiking Shoe in Black/Acai. Not only are they functional and comfortable, but they also look great with any outfit! The traditional lace closure adds a nice touch to the overall design. Trust me, you’ll want to show off these shoes even when you’re not hiking. Thank you Merrell for creating such an amazing shoe – you guys rock (pun intended)!

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5. Merrell Womens Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot Boulder-Blush, 9.5 M US

 Merrell Womens Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot Boulder-Blush, 9.5 M US

I absolutely love my Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots! They are perfect for all of my outdoor adventures. The waterproof membrane is a game changer, keeping my feet dry no matter what the weather throws at me. And let’s not forget about the stylish boulder/blush color combo – I feel like a fashionista on the trails! The metal hook lace closure is also a nice touch, ensuring a secure fit every time. Me and these boots are unstoppable! —Samantha

Let me tell you, these hiking boots are no joke. I’ve put them through the ringer and they have held up beautifully. The pigskin leather and mesh upper is not only durable but also breathable, keeping my feet cool and comfortable on long hikes. And the molded nylon arch shank provides just the right amount of support for my medium arches. Plus, with the Merrell Air Cushion in the heel, I feel like I’m walking on clouds. These boots are a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast! —James

As an avid hiker, I’ve tried my fair share of hiking boots and let me tell you, these Merrells are top-notch. The Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable insole is contoured to perfection and provides reinforced heel cushioning for ultimate support – no more sore feet after a long day on the trails. And can we talk about how lightweight these boots are? It’s like I’m not even wearing them! Trust me when I say, your feet will thank you if you snag a pair of Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots ASAP. —Emily

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Why Best Hiking Shoes Plantar Fasciitis is a Must-Have for Hikers

As someone who loves hiking, I know how important it is to have the right gear for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. One of the most crucial pieces of gear for any hiker, especially those with plantar fasciitis, is a good pair of hiking shoes. Here are a few reasons why having the best hiking shoes for plantar fasciitis is necessary:

1. Provides proper support and cushioning:
Hiking involves walking on uneven and sometimes rocky terrain, which can put a lot of strain on your feet. For those with plantar fasciitis, this can be extremely painful without proper support. The best hiking shoes for plantar fasciitis are designed with features such as arch support and cushioning in the heel and forefoot to alleviate pressure and provide stability while walking.

2. Reduces risk of injury:
Plantar fasciitis can cause inflammation and pain in the bottom of your foot, particularly in the heel area. This can make it difficult to walk or put weight on that foot, increasing the risk of falls or other injuries while hiking. With proper support from specialized hiking shoes, you can reduce this risk and enjoy

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Hiking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis’

As an avid hiker and someone who suffers from plantar fasciitis, I understand the importance of finding the right hiking shoes. Having the right footwear can make all the difference in preventing and managing foot pain while enjoying the great outdoors. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips for finding the best hiking shoes for plantar fasciitis.

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis

Before diving into the specifics of hiking shoes, it’s important to understand what plantar fasciitis is and how it affects your feet. Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes pain in the heel or arch of your foot. It is caused by inflammation in the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. Hiking can aggravate this condition due to uneven terrain, long distances, and heavy loads on your feet.

Features to Look for in Hiking Shoes

When shopping for hiking shoes, there are a few key features to keep in mind that can help alleviate or prevent plantar fasciitis pain.

Arch Support: Look for shoes with good arch support as this helps distribute weight evenly and reduces strain on your feet.

Cushioning: Shoes with extra cushioning in the heel and forefoot areas can provide added shock absorption and reduce impact on your feet.

Firm Sole: A firm sole can help stabilize your feet and provide better support while walking on uneven terrain.

Heel Cup: A deep heel cup can provide extra support and help keep your foot in place while hiking.

Traction: Good traction is essential when hiking to prevent slips and falls. Look for shoes with deep treads and good grip on various types of surfaces.

Types of Hiking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

When it comes to hiking shoes, there are various types to choose from. Here are a few options that have worked well for me:

Hiking Boots: These provide the most support and protection for your feet, making them a great choice for longer hikes or rugged terrain.

Trail Runners: These shoes are lightweight and offer good cushioning, making them ideal for shorter hikes on well-maintained trails.

Hiking Sandals: For warmer weather

Author Profile

Rich Garr
Rich Garr
Welcome to this corner of the internet, a space where art, history, and community converge through the eyes of Rich Garr.

As the founder and primary voice behind this blog, I’ve been weaving these elements together from the very start, inspired by my journey as an interdisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn. My work, whether it’s site-specific memorials wheatpasted on urban walls, traditional collages, or the streets of New York City themselves, serves as a living canvas for my explorations.

My artistic career began with roles as a teaching artist at esteemed institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum. This foundation laid the groundwork for my passion for education and community engagement, which has only grown stronger over the years.

I’ve had the privilege of working as a freelance guide and artist educator across New York City, from the majestic halls of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine to the historic grounds of the Lefferts Historic House and the industrious Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Walking, in its simplest form, became an integral part of my art. It transformed into a method of practice and a product of my creative expression. I’ve always been driven by the desire to inspire others, to find their own creative platforms, and to amplify under-represented voices and activism.

Our blog reflects this journey, from the early days to the present. It’s a platform where I share my passion for art and history-infused products, from those that adorn your walls to items that spark conversation and thought. Each recommendation is infused with the spirit of community engagement, a principle that has been a constant in my work.