10 Best Hiking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis of 2024

When you walk or run with plantar fasciitis, make sure to have hiking shoes that support your arches as much as possible.

Here are the best hiking shoes for plantar fasciitis (Apr 2024 Update):

• Best Overall (Men’s): Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
• Best For Narrow Feet (Men’s): KEEN Men's Targhee II Hiking Shoe
• Best For Mixed Terrain (Men’s): Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 Running Shoes
• Best For Non-wet Situations (Men’s): Vasque Men's Mantra 2.0 Hiking Shoe
• Best For Winter (Men’s): Columbia Men's Cascade Pass Waterproof Hiking Shoe
• Best Overall (Women's): Merrell Women's Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
• Best For Narrow Feet (Women's): KEEN Women's Terradora Waterproof Hiking Shoe
• Best For Wide Feet (Women's): New Balance Women's 410 V6 Trail Running Shoe
• Best Odor Control (Women's): KEEN Women's Targhee 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe
• Most Durable (Women's): Salomon Women's Trailster W Trail Running

Best Overall (Men’s): Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

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Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid is my pick for the best overall hiking shoes for plantar fasciitis. These shoes are super comfortable and stylish. They fit many purposes and occasions, from walking, trail running to work and casual wear. Moreover, there are sizes for wider feet.

In terms of comfort, Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid shoes have protective rubber toe caps, contoured footbed with added zonal arch and heel support. Especially, the heel features Merrell air cushion technology to absorb shock and adds stability.

Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid shoes are waterproof with the M-Select DRY technology to seal out water and let moisture escape. This, along with the breathable mesh lining, keeps your feet dry all day. However, after several months of use, the waterproofing does not remain so good. You’ll feel moist inside - not so bad, but not so good either.

Best For Narrow Feet (Men’s): KEEN Men's Targhee II Hiking Shoe

KEEN Men's Targhee II Hiking Shoe

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KEEN Men's Targhee II Hiking Shoes are another great choice for plantar fasciitis. These shoes feature External stability shanks and Cushioned collars to stabilize your feet on uneven surfaces, as well as reducing irritation around the ankles. The Metatomical EVA footbeds and Compression-molded EVA midsoles absorb shock to provide great arch and heel support.

KEEN Men's Targhee II Hiking Shoes are great at waterproofing with the KEEN.DRY membrane technology. The outsoles with lugs are designed for all-terrain hiking. However, it seems that the toe box is quite short (for some people), so you may feel that your toes hit the shoes while walking downhill.

KEEN Men's Targhee II Hiking Shoes are designed for narrow feet. So if your feet are of normal size, you may want to order half-size up.

Best For Mixed Terrain (Men’s): Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 Running Shoes

Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 Running Shoes

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Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 Running Shoes are the choice of lightness and speed. The footbeds are designed to snug-fit your feet; the outsoles are designed for serious traction. These qualities together give you the speed and comfort you desired. Moreover, with a stylish look, these shoes are suitable for various purposes.

Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 Running Shoes are also pretty comfortable and secure, ideal for sensitive feet. However, they are a bit tight in the arch, which may cause discomfort during long hiking.

Best For Non-wet Situations (Men’s): Vasque Men's Mantra 2.0 Hiking Shoe

Vasque Men's Mantra 2.0 Hiking Shoe

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If you like leather shoes, Vasque Men's Mantra 2.0 Hiking Shoes are the choice for you. However, since being made of leather, they are heavier than other hiking shoes on this list. Also, in order to keep the shoes long-lasting, should not use them in wet conditions.

Vasque Men's Mantra 2.0 Hiking Shoes are suitable for plantar fasciitis as they are quite comfortable and supportive. These shoes feature Dual Density EVA footbeds, TPU midsole stabilizers, and rubber sidewall wraps in the toe to stabilize and protect your feet from shock.

Vasque Men's Mantra 2.0 Hiking Shoes adopt a low-cut design that ideal for long-distance hiking. Moreover, the Vibram Nuassi outsoles with multi-directional lugs provide excellent trail traction.

Best For Winter (Men’s): Columbia Men's Cascade Pass Waterproof Hiking Shoe

Columbia Men's Cascade Pass Waterproof Hiking Shoe

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Columbia Men's Cascade Pass shoes have the upper made of nubuck leather, which looks great and feels great when touching. Nubuck leather is also very durable, in combination with mesh and webbing, providing you with exceptional durability. These shoes have high necks to add more support to your ankles.

Columbia Men's Cascade Pass shoes feature Techlite midsoles for comfort, cushioning, and high energy return. So it feels supportive each step. Although the midsoles have ports for air ventilation, the shoes are still pretty hot inside due to the materials.

Best Overall (Women's): Merrell Women's Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe

Merrell Women's Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe

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Merrell Women's Moab 2 Vent shoes are my pick for the best hiking shoes for plantar fasciitis. These shoes are made of suede leather and mesh for a better look and durability. In terms of comfort, these shoes are superior. They have comfortable toe boxes, which have a lot of room - no pinching nor rubbing. The air cushion technology improves comfort by reducing stress on your feet, ideal for sensitive feet.

The Vibram outsole with 5mm lugs provides serious traction for hiking and running. Moreover, Merrell Women's Moab 2 Vent shoes are made of recycled materials with limited water use. This is the choice for the environment. However, the outsoles are pretty soft, which may be uncomfortable when you are walking on rocky terrains.

Best For Narrow Feet (Women's): KEEN Women's Terradora Waterproof Hiking Shoe

KEEN Women's Terradora Waterproof Hiking Shoe

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KEEN Women's Terradora shoes are designed with snug-fit footbeds to hold your feet securely and comfortably. The heel areas are especially secure and supportive. Moreover, with arch support, you’ll feel cushioning wearing the shoes. The EVA midsoles offer great shock absorption.

The all-terrain rubber outsole with lugs provides great traction. KEEN Women's Terradora shoes are also waterproof, readying you for all-weather and all-terrain hiking. The external stability shanks support each step and stabilize your ankles while running.

The only drawback of these shoes is the stiff fabric, which causes uncomfortable rubbing feeling in the ankles and toes.

Best For Wide Feet (Women's): New Balance Women's 410 V6 Trail Running Shoe

New Balance Women's 410 V6 Trail Running Shoe

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New Balance Women's 410 V6 shoes are pretty large inside, which makes them suitable for wide feet; However, for normal feet, it may cause your toes or ankles hurt as your feet may slide around. The shoes are well ventilated to keep it dry and cool inside.

New Balance Women's 410 V6 shoes are lightweight, comfortable, soft, and stable, perfect for plantar fasciitis. This is thanks to the CUSH+ midsoles and the NB Memory Sole Comfort Inserts for a soft feel. Besides, the IMEVA technology of the outsoles provides stable and cushioning ground contact.

Best Odor Control (Women's): KEEN Women's Targhee 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe

KEEN Women's Targhee 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe

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KEEN Women's Targhee 3 shoes are waterproof with KEEN.DRY membranes, which are also breathable for all-day hiking. The outsoles are designed for walking and running on muddy and dusty surfaces with multi-directional lugs.

KEEN Women's Targhee 3 shoes have a shape that especially fits women’s foot form. They hold your feet securely and comfortably, especially narrow feet. The dual-density EVA midsoles are cushioning. Moreover, the midsoles with the Eco Anti-Odor technology are naturally resistant to odor. The shank and the heel capture system are designed to keep your ankles stable and secure.

Most Durable (Women's): Salomon Women's Trailster W Trail Running

Salomon Women's Trailster W Trail Running

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Salomon Women's Trailster W shoes are the choice for those who value durability. These shoes come from a reputational brand - Salomon. The Contagrip outsoles provide superior traction. The uppers are durable.

Salomon Women's Trailster W shoes feature Salomon's energy cell midsole and Ortholite sock liner to support the feet. You’ll be also backed with a 2-year limited warranty. The only drawback of the shoes is that they are quite stiff.

How To Choose The Best Hiking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis?

When choosing hiking shoes for plantar fasciitis, here are some things to consider:

• Comfort, especially arch support: For those who have plantar fasciitis, comfort is the first priority when choosing shoes. The shoes should be soft and comfortable when you wear them. Moreover, they should provide enough support around arches.
• Waterproofing & Breathability: For long-distance hiking, you’ll want your shoes to be dry and cool all day. So waterproofing and breathability are two desired qualities.
• Outsoles: The outsoles of hiking shoes tend to have lugs to provide enough traction on muddy surfaces. The outsoles should also be hard enough so you won’t feel uncomfortable when running or walking on rocky terrains.

Which Brands Make The Best Hiking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis?

Merrell

Merrell is an American manufacturer that is well-known for its footwear products, such as shoes, boots, sandals, and socks. However, Merrel also commercializes clothing products, jackets, t-shirts, hoodies, and gloves. In the Covid-19 pandemic, they also sell face masks. Merrell has a long tradition of making the highest-quality boots and shoes. You can trust in its global reputation.

KEEN Foot Wear

KEEN is another super famous brand. The brand is well-known for always being a pioneer in innovative designs and materials. When it comes to KEEN, you are assured of quality products and services. Moreover, KEEN is also known for its campaigns related to environmental topics.

Salomon

Salomon is a French sports brand. It was established in 1947, and up to now, has become the European leader in outdoor sports equipment. Solomon's hiking shoes are popular thanks to their durability and comfort.

FAQs

Conclusion

Though it is not recommended to run when having plantar fasciitis, if you intend to do so, make sure to have a suitable pair of shoes.