These Stylish, Podiatrist-Approved Fall Boots Do Wonders for Plantar Fasciitis Pain (2024)

A top pick recommended by Saylee Tulpule, D.P.M., a podiatrist with Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic in Maryland, these sleek Chelsea boots feature double-side elastic and pull tabs for easy slip-on. They’re also waterproof—a must for autumn and winter—and have removable footbeds, meaning you can add insoles that work best for your feet. Plus, reviewers rave that they require zero break-in time and offer stellar arch support; they’re the whole package.

“My feet are PICKY when it comes to shoes. Plantar fasciitis, don’t like crunched toes, heel slip bugs me. These boots are perfect! They may be the most comfortable boots I’ve ever owned!” raves one Zappos shopper. “They have a good tread that doesn’t slip. Supportive, and a great fit on my narrow long foot...My feet love them, I can walk around/work all day without pain.”

A comfy, versatile pair of booties is a must in every wardrobe—especially when it’s this top-rated pick from Dr. Scholl’s. Constructed with microfiber made from recycled bottles, these lightweight boots feature a cushioned insole and a 1-inch stacked heel. They’re also easy to take on and off, thanks to the back pull tabs and deep side chop-out design.

“Dr. Scholl’s Rate Ankle Boot was comfortable to wear right out of the box! I have plantar fasciitis and an Achilles problem so I was surprised at the comfort these boots have,” writes one reviewer. “There was no uncomfortable rubbing at the ankle that most ankle boots cause. I wore them with tights and a dress to a 5-hour function and my feet were comfortable the whole time!”

Vionic shoes are often recommended by podiatrists because they’re designed with stability and support in mind—and these are no different. “The reason these are great boots is because they’re not only stylish, but they’re also good for you,” Sutera says. “They have superior arch support, cushioning, and shock absorption.” Plus, there’s a removable insole, meaning you can replace it with your own orthotics. And despite looking taller, the block heel is just over an inch and a half tall—perfect for people with plantar fasciitis.

“I have very high arches, have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, and need a shoe with tons of arch support,” writes one reviewer. “These boots are comfortable and stylish...And I can walk or stand for long periods without any foot pain!”

If you’re looking for a stylish, comfy pair of tall boots, Vionic has you covered. Made of a high-quality suede that’s water-repellant, this durable pair delivers comfort with a podiatrist-designed footbed and an orthotic insole for arch support, which is also removable.

“I LOVE these boots. Fit perfect. You can wear these all day from first day out of box,” says one Amazon reviewer. “The arch support feels amazing!!” writes another shopper. “I’m really looking forward to wearing these next fall and having warm, toasty toes without foot pain!”

These top-rated boots from Merrell are great for cold weather and wintry conditions, thanks to its waterproof design and the faux fur and fleece lining for extra warmth. They also feature a lightweight EVA foam midsole as well as a soft, shock-absorbing cushioning in the heel.

“I found my new favorite cold weather boots...They’re comfortable and warm,” says one Amazon reviewer. “I don’t need to wear thick socks to keep warm, but there’s enough room to wear thick socks if I wanted to do that. I like that I don’t have to use my arch support inserts for these boots. The boots default support is sufficient enough for me, and I can comfortably walk in them all day.”

With excellent arch support, a subtle heel, and an easy-on design, this is one of Tulpule’s most-recommended boots for plantar fasciitis. The waterproof leather upper wouldn’t look out of place during date night or in a work meeting, and the shock-absorbing footbed offers up plenty of comfort. And because they’re so durable, they’ll age well, making them even more beautiful after a few months of wear and tear.

“I shopped for several hours in these boots and my feet which are prone to have heel pain did not hurt at all. The boots are very comfortable especially with a proper boot sock,” writes one Amazon customer.

With a classic silhouette and a chunky block heel, Naot Wanders are both right on trend and endlessly comfortable. Tulpule recommends these boots for their 1.5-inch heel, anti-slip soles, and removable insoles. Better yet, they feature zipper closures on both sides—making them easy to slip on and off.

“Right out of the box, quite possibly THE most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn! I have high arches and the entire fit was great,” writes one reviewer, while another says: “So comfortable!...I also have plantar fasciitis and my feet don’t hurt after wearing these for 8 hours.”

Toeing the line between loafer and bootie, these elevated slip-ons come highly recommended by Tulpule, who appreciates the relatively low heel height, durable rubber sole, and comfy footbed. Plus, they come in wide and narrow options for the perfect fit. It’s racked up over 12,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, with reviewers reporting that they’re a great work and walking shoe, allowing for hours of standing without pain.

“By far my favorite work shoes I’ve ever bought! So comfortable. I have plantar fasciitis and can wear these all day and my feet don’t hurt at all,” writes one satisfied customer.

Another of Tulpule’s recommendations, these Orthofeet boots are designed specifically for hikers with plantar fasciitis. The brand emphasizes arch support and superior cushioning—the two most important factors in a boot for plantar fasciitis, Tulpule notes—along with three width options and a roomy toe box (both also great for bunions). On top of all that, they don’t even look like orthopedic shoes—they’re as handsome as hiking boots get.

“These beautiful, comfortable, and life changing shoes from Orthofeet...are well worth the money I paid for them,” writes one reviewer with plantar fasciitis. “I can’t rave enough about how comfortable my feet are, how much room I have for my toes, and I have absolutely noticed a difference when I’m not wearing them as my other shoes I have nowhere near the support.”

Sometimes, you don’t need to mess with the classics—and that includes the iconic Bean Boots. This pair, which is equipped with GORE-TEX waterproofing (a favorite of hikers) and a warm lining, is one of Tulpule’s go-tos for gray, wintry days. Add solid stitching, sturdy soles, and pull tabs, and these kicks have all of the little details that make an excellent pair of life-proof boots.

“These boots are so comfortable I wish I could wear them all day. They fit perfectly, have a great arch support and keep my feet toasty warm,” raves one Zappos shopper. “They are super comfortable to wear for hours walking around town, or trekking through snow,” notes another.

✔️ Emphasize support. “The key with managing plantar fasciitis symptoms, since most accumulate in the heel and extend into the arch, is to maximize the amount of arch support and cushion in a shoe,” says Tulpule. Solid shock-absorption and arch support (from cushy, arched footbeds and substantial soles) help prevent that stabbing pain associated with the condition.

✔️ Pay attention to the heel. Short heels are usually best for people with plantar fasciitis, explains Ramona Brooks, D.P.M., a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association. Tulpule, who personally has a history of plantar fasciitis, agrees, recommending two inches or less and a block heel to balance pressure. Anything “higher than a two-inch heel” can aggravate your tendons and ligaments, making symptoms worse, she notes.

✔️ Look inside. Beyond arch support, the best pairs of boots for plantar fasciitis can also accommodate custom orthotics, Tulpule explains, either with a deep footbed or removable insoles. On top of that, “you need to make sure the boot is wide enough,” Brooks says. “Stay away from boots with a more narrow or pointed toe box, even though they’re stylish.”

It doesn’t hurt to wear a variety of pairs either; don’t feel as though you need to stick to one pair of boots all season. “Wearing the same shoes every day—and all day—isn’t good for your feet, knees, back, and entire skeleton,” Sutera says. “Having a pair of rubber-soled boots, one with stacked, chunky heels, and one with less heel is a good start.”

As a rule of thumb, you should replace your shoes every 300 to 400 miles or every six to eight months, whichever comes first, Tulpule says—or, at the very least, every year.

According to podiatrists, those with plantar fasciitis should look for boots that have maximum arch support and cushioning in order to minimize pain. This will include features like a cushy, arched footbed and thick and cushioned soles that provide proper shock absorption.

Podiatrists also recommend boots with shorter heels of two inches or less—or a block heel—which are best for balancing pressure on your feet. Additionally, boots with removable insoles or a deep footbed are ideal, as they can accommodate custom orthotics. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll want to make sure the boot is a good fit for your feet, avoiding narrow or pointed toe boxes which can cause discomfort.