10 Best Hiking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis of 2025

By Bryan ListorLast update: 2023-07-21

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 (2025 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
10 Best Hiking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Best Overall
Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
  • Men’s
Best For Narrow Feet
KEEN Men's Targhee II Hiking Shoe
  • Men’s
Best For Mixed Terrain
Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 Running Shoes
  • Men’s
Best For Non-wet Situations
Vasque Men's Mantra 2.0 Hiking Shoe
  • Men’s
Best For Winter
Columbia Men's Cascade Pass Waterproof Hiking Shoe
  • Men’s
Best Overall
Merrell Women's Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
  • Women's
Best For Narrow Feet
KEEN Women's Terradora Waterproof Hiking Shoe
  • Women's
Best For Wide Feet
New Balance Women's 410 V6 Trail Running Shoe
  • Women's
Best Odor Control
KEEN Women's Targhee 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe
  • Women's
Most Durable
Salomon Women's Trailster W Trail Running
  • Women's

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

Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Pros
  • Protective rubber toe caps & Breathable mesh lining
  • Seals out water & Lets moisture escape
  • Merrell air cushion absorbs shock & adds stability
  • Contoured footbed with added zonal arch & heel support
  • Options for wide feet
Cons
  • Not so much waterproof

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.

Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot Specifications

Weight

2 lbs. 4 oz. (pair)

Material

100% Suede Leather/Mesh

Heel High


Highlight Features

Protective rubber toe caps
Merrell air cushion
Contoured footbed with added zonal arch & heel support

Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid shoes are comfortable and stylish, with additional heel support.

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

KEEN Men's Targhee II Hiking Shoe
KEEN Men's Targhee II Hiking Shoe
Pros
  • Waterproof & breathable membrane
  • All-terrain rubber outsole with lugs
  • External stability shank & Cushioned collar
  • Excellent arch support and cradle the foot
  • EVA midsoles offer great shock absorption
Cons
  • Not enough support in the toes

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.

KEEN Men's Targhee II Hiking Shoe Specifications

Weight

2 lbs (pair)

Material

100% Waterproof Nubuck Leather

Heel High


Highlight Features

External stability shanks
Cushioned collars
Metatomical EVA footbeds
Compression-molded EVA midsoles
KEEN.DRY membrane

KEEN Men's Targhee II Hiking Shoes are especially comfortable in ankle, arch, and heel.

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

Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 Running Shoes
Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 Running Shoes
Pros
  • Serious traction on muddy & dusty roads
  • Lightweight cushioning and stability
  • Precise foothold for comfortable feel
  • Minimal & secure lace system
  • Designed for speed and comfort
Cons
  • A bit tight in the arch

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.

Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 Running Shoes Specifications

Weight

1 lb. 5.5 oz. (pair)

Material

100% Synthetic

Heel High

30 mm (1.2 inches)

Highlight Features

Serious traction outsoles
Snug-fit footbeds
Minimal & secure lace system

Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 Running Shoes are the choice of lightness and speed.

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

Vasque Men's Mantra 2.0 Hiking Shoe
Vasque Men's Mantra 2.0 Hiking Shoe
Pros
  • Low-cut hiking shoes
  • Leather upper with abrasion-resistant & durable mesh
  • Dual Density EVA footbed & TPU midsole stabilizer
  • A rubber sidewall wrap in the toe
  • Vibram Nuassi outsole
Cons
  • Not waterproof and Heavier

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.

Vasque Men's Mantra 2.0 Hiking Shoe Specifications

Weight

4.6 lbs (pair)

Material

100% Leather

Heel High

44.5 mm (1.75 inches)

Highlight Features

Low-cut design
Abrasion-resistant & durable mesh
Dual Density EVA footbed & TPU midsole stabilizer
A rubber sidewall wrap in the toe
Vibram Nuassi outsole

Vasque Men's Mantra 2.0 Hiking Shoes are the choice for those who like leather shoes.

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

Columbia Men's Cascade Pass Waterproof Hiking Shoe
Columbia Men's Cascade Pass Waterproof Hiking Shoe
Pros
  • High neck shoes
  • Nubuck Leather
  • Combination suede leather, mesh and webbing
  • Techlite midsole for comfort, cushioning, and energy-return
  • Midsole ports for air ventilation
Cons
  • Pretty hot inside

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.

Columbia Men's Cascade Pass Waterproof Hiking Shoe Specifications

Weight

2.5 lbs (pair)

Material

100% Nubuck Leather Upper

Heel High


Highlight Features

High neck shoes
Techlite midsole & Midsole ports

Columbia Men's Cascade Pass shoes looks great and feels great when touching.

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

Merrell Women's Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
Merrell Women's Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
Pros
  • Leather and mesh upper
  • Air cushion improves comfort and reduces stress
  • Comfortable toe box
  • Vibram outsole with 5mm lugs
  • Recycled materials
Cons
  • The outsoles are quite soft

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.

Merrell Women's Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe Specifications

Weight

1 lb. 12 oz. (pair)

Material

100% Suede Leather/Mesh

Heel High

38.1 mm (1.5 inches)

Highlight Features

Merrell M Select Fit.Eco+ blended-EVA footbeds
Merrell Air Cushion
EVA midsoles
Molded nylon arch
Vibram TC5+ outsoles

Merrell Women's Moab 2 Vent shoes are comfortable and protective, ideal for sensitive feet.

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

KEEN Women's Terradora Waterproof Hiking Shoe
KEEN Women's Terradora Waterproof Hiking Shoe
Pros
  • KEEN.DRY waterproof/breathable membranes
  • KonnectFit heel-capture system
  • Dual-density EVA footbeds with arch support
  • EVA midsoles offer great shock absorption
  • All-terrain rubber outsole with lugs
Cons
  • The fabric is quite stiff

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.

KEEN Women's Terradora Waterproof Hiking Shoe Specifications

Weight

2.8 lbs (pair)

Material

100% Leather, Synthetic

Heel High


Highlight Features

KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane
Low-density EVA midsoles
KonnectFit heel-capture system
Dual-density EVA footbeds
Stability shanks
KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsoles

KEEN Women's Terradora shoes have snug-fit footbeds and secure heel protection.

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

New Balance Women's 410 V6 Trail Running Shoe
New Balance Women's 410 V6 Trail Running Shoe
Pros
  • Comfortable, soft, & stable
  • Well ventilated
  • CUSH+ midsoles
  • NB Memory Sole Comfort Inserts
  • Cushioning Ground Contact IMEVA technology
Cons
  • Very large inside

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.

New Balance Women's 410 V6 Trail Running Shoe Specifications

Weight

2.8 lbs (pair)

Material

Synthetic & Mesh

Heel High

31.8 mm (1.25 inches)

Highlight Features

CUSH+ midsoles
NB Memory Sole Comfort Inserts
Ground Contact IMEVA

New Balance Women's 410 V6 shoes are soft and stable, designed for wide feet.

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

KEEN Women's Targhee 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe
KEEN Women's Targhee 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe
Pros
  • Waterproof & breathable membrane
  • All-terrain rubber outsole with lugs
  • Women-specific foot form
  • Dual-density EVA midsole & Eco Anti-Odor
  • External stability shank & TPU heel capture system
Cons
  • Little arch support

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.

KEEN Women's Targhee 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe Specifications

Weight

1 lb. 9.2 oz. (pair)

Material

Waterproof Leather

Heel High


Highlight Features

KEEN.DRY membranes
Women-specific foot form
Dual-density EVA midsole & Eco Anti-Odor
External stability shank & TPU heel capture system

KEEN Women's Targhee 3 shoes are cushioning, stable, and odor-resistant.

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

Salomon Women's Trailster W Trail Running
Salomon Women's Trailster W Trail Running
Pros
  • Salomon's Energy cell midsole
  • Ortholite sockliner
  • Contagrip sole for superior traction
  • 2 year limited warranty
Cons
  • Quite stiff

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.

Salomon Women's Trailster W Trail Running Specifications

Weight

2 lbs (pair)

Material

100% Synthetic

Heel High


Highlight Features

Salomon's Energy cell midsole
Ortholite sockliner
Contagrip sole

Salomon Women's Trailster W shoes are the choice for those who value durability.

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

Should I hike with plantar fasciitis?

It is not recommended to walk or run with plantar fasciitis. However, if you have to do so, make sure to choose shoes that support your arches as much as possible.

Are hiking shoes good for plantar fasciitis?

Yes. When you walk or run with plantar fasciitis, make sure to have hiking shoes that support your arches as much as possible. However, it is not recommended to walk or run with plantar fasciitis though.

Are trail running shoes good for plantar fasciitis?

Yes. When you walk or run with plantar fasciitis, make sure to have hiking shoes that support your arches as much as possible. However, you should not run at least the first two weeks in the treatment.

Which socks should I wear with my hiking boots?

Crew-length socks are preferred as they prevent the boots from rubbing against your ankle.

What is the difference between women’s and men’s hiking boots?

Men tend to have narrower toes, wider heel, and lower arch than women. These are the main differences between men’s and women’s hiking boots.

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.


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