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The 11 Best Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spur Relief Products Available
Insoles, heel cups, massage balls, and more.
If your days begin and end with pain at the bottom of your heel, then it’s possible you’re struggling with persistent plantar fasciitis. A type of inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament on the bottom of the foot, plantar fasciitis affects approximately 2 million people every year.
Activities like sports, running, or standing for extended periods of time put strain on the heel, all of which can cause plantar fasciitis, says William Spielfogel, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and medical advisor to The Good Feet Store. Luckily, there are products that can offer support.
When looking for a plantar fasciitis device, consider different wearables and therapeutic devices, such as insoles and stretchers that can help you soothe the inflammation. We researched dozens of plantar fasciitis devices and evaluated them for materials, price, and effectiveness. We even tested one product, the best insole pick, to see how well it performed in the real world.
A board-certified internal medicine physician from our Review Board also reviewed the claims in this article for medical accuracy surrounding plantar fasciitis and heel pain, and how to evaluate products to relieve these conditions.
- Support4/5
- Comfort4.5/5
- Pain Relief5/5
- Breathability3/5
- Value3.8/5
Shock-absorbing
All-day comfort
Compatible with different types of shoes
Not super breathable
If you spend hours on your feet all day and suffer from plantar fasciitis and heel pain, a pair of insoles for your work shoes is a must. These insoles from Walk-Hero are made with shock-absorbing silicone material that reduces pressure on the bottom of the foot while relieving existing soreness. The deep heel cup on the insole also maintains the correct foot position, which protects the heel from heavier, jarring landings.
The insoles fit comfortably inside walking shoes, casual hiking shoes, work shoes, and more. In fact, when we tested the best insoles, this pick came out on top as one of our favorites for its overall versatility in all types of shoes—especially work boots. But you should know that they do take up some room in your shoes, causing some overheating and excess sweating, so we would not recommend them if your shoes are already on the tighter side.
During wear-testing, we loved how comfortable and supportive our feet felt in Walk-Hero's Insoles. Plus, they helped to relieve knee, shin, and ankle pain, even after a full day of wear. If you're looking for a pair of insoles to help support your plantar fasciitis or heel spur, we love this pick.
Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph
Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph
Verywell Fit / Michael Navarro
Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph
Supportive and comfortable
Moisture-wicking
Good arch support
Helps with motion control
Too thick for some
Attracts lint
If you prefer the feel and fit of heel cups in your shoes as opposed to full-length insoles, it’s hard to beat Heel That Pain Heel Seats. These are designed by doctors to help realign the plantar fascia ligament, as well as to provide both cushion and therapeutic acupressure to the heel in order to relieve pain and prevent it from recurring in the future. They are made with an extra-firm gel that provides continuous support for folks who spend hours on their feet each day.
These heel cups come in four different sizes to fit every shoe with backing, and their anti-slip surface wicks away sweat and excessive moisture. What’s more, they come with a 120-day “No Questions Asked” manufacturer return and refund policy, so you really have nothing to lose in giving them a try.
Durable cushioning
Good shock absorption
Easy to use
May pick up lint from socks
Don’t work for sandals
These heel cups provide top performance, foot protection, comfortable cushion, and gel flexibility all at the same time. They are twice as thick as standard Tuli heel cups, but they still fit in most active shoes and work boots. The gel’s latex-free waffle design absorbs shock and returns impact energy naturally found in your feet, supporting the natural alignment of your feet, knees, hips, and back. These are a good choice to wear with running shoes for bad knees.
These heel cups are ideal for people who participate in an activity that involves heavy foot pounding or have a job that requires standing for long periods of time.
Very sturdy and durable
Breathable
Washable cover
Comfortable padding
Requires adjustment period
Not easy to put on
Sleeping with your foot in a plantar fasciitis splint may help encourage the flexion (or gentle stretching) of your Achilles tendon and plantar fascia ligament while in a resting state, though more research is needed. This position helps reduce inflammation and prevent muscle contractions that further tighten and agitate these areas, bringing relief to the bottoms of your feet when you awake in the morning.
This splint is sturdy, but it’s also lightweight, low-profile, and breathable, making it surprisingly comfortable to sleep in after a few nights of adjusting to the passive stretching. The interior is lined with soft foam, and the padded external straps keep your foot secure but not overly restricted. The padding features a washable Lycra covering that keeps cool against your skin while you sleep. This is a good choice if during the day you need to wear an insole, such as an insole for flat feet.
Lightweight compression
Allows for good mobility
Easy to use
Breathable and wicking fabric
May feel bulky with socks on
May run small
Compression support along the arch and heel is often effective in relieving pain associated with plantar fasciitis, as it improves blood circulation that carries oxygen into the foot and lactic acid buildup out of the foot. These foot sleeves—which really look more like socks—are a top choice of doctors and trainers alike for foot pain relief that doesn’t compromise your mobility.
They are form-fitting and come in four different sizes to ensure that you provide your foot the amount of compression support it needs. They are also lightweight and can be worn with any type of shoe and under a pair of socks.
Finally, they are made from breathable fabric that both wicks moisture away and resists odor-causing bacteria. Some users choose to wear them to bed in lieu of a splint, finding that they provide similar overnight pain relief.
Cold therapy and compression
Can use for other body parts
Reusable
Can be used for heat therapy
May not work for small feet
Need to put a towel in between wrap and skin
Cold therapy is an excellent way to reduce swelling and inflammation, but it can be tough to find a cold pack that sits comfortably along the bottom of your foot without sliding out of place.
This multi-use option from Bodyprox is one of the few that not only stays put but also utilizes a gel pack that stays cold. The wrap itself offers a little bit of compression as well, further relieving plantar fasciitis-related pain by lifting the plantar fascia tissue.
This reusable pack can also be heated for other muscle relief efforts, and the adjustable straps easily secure it on your arm, wrist, elbow, and ankle as needed. Consider it a budget-friendly first aid essential worth having in your home. Just remember to practice cold therapy correctly when soothing the bottoms of your feet—ten to 20 minutes at a time several times throughout the day.
Convenient and easy to use
Massages both feet at same time
Inexpensive
Portable and durable
Doesn’t always stay in place
Works best for arch, not heel
Unwind from long days with the assistance of this effective foot massager from TheraFlow. It uses two independent rollers, so you can massage both of your feet at the same time. What’s more, its various nubs and ridges are specifically designed to help knead, stimulate, and relax soft tissue in your feet, effectively relieving the tension felt in your arches and toward your heels.
The massager is lightweight, making it easy to relocate throughout your home depending on where you want to use it, and it even fits easily in a backpack for traveling. If you struggle with plantar fasciitis, consistent foot therapy is a key to resolving the source of your pain, and this massager makes it easy and enjoyable.
Provides effective massage
Portable
Convenient and easy to use
Inexpensive
May hurt a bit at first
May not work for other body parts
This small yet extremely effective massage ball can be a powerful tool in your plantar fasciitis pain relief arsenal. Made of dense, firm rubber, it provides a stimulating massage and releases tension in the plantar fascia. Using the rubber spikes, you can focus on specific areas of your feet that are tight and get some relief.
“Massage works best after a shower, so everything is soft and warmed up,” says Jackie Sutera, DPM, a podiatrist, and Vionic Innovation Lab Member. “To massage the arch, think of a tic-tac-toe board and massage going up and down the arch vertically, then across horizontally from the ball of the foot to the heel. This provides a fascial release, which can be very helpful in relieving pain and inflammation.”
If you don’t have time or money for professional massage appointments, you’ll appreciate this massage ball’s ease of use. Compact and portable, it’s easy to toss in your gym bag, backpack, or work bag, so you can roll out your foot before tackling your daily routine.
Convenient
Lifetime guarantee
Moisture-wicking
Comfortable compression
More expensive than other socks
Run a little small
Relief from plantar fasciitis is as easy as putting on socks, thanks to this pair from Feetures. They provide targeted compression in three different areas of the foot to help ease heel and arch pain. Made with synthetic performance fibers, the socks wick away sweat, keeping your feet dry and blister-free.
Whether you want to wear them for running, walking, or while you’re sleeping for nighttime pain relief, they’re a convenient way to alleviate plantar fasciitis symptoms. Like all Feetures socks, this pair comes with a lifetime guarantee, so you can feel confident about the quality and durability. They’re available in four different sizes to offer the right fit and amount of compression.
How We Selected and Tested the Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spur Relief Products
To find the best plantar fasciitis and heel spur relief products on the market, we first spoke with two experts to learn more about these conditions and what type of products will provide the best support:
- Jackie Sutera, DPM, a podiatrist, and Vionic Innovation Lab Member.
- William Spielfogel, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and medical advisor to The Good Feet Store
Then, we scoured the internet for the best-selling relief products from the most popular and trusted brands. We evaluated each product for purpose, cushioning and support, and overall quality. Paying special attention to how much each product costs, we determined whether or not it is worth its price. We also pulled one product, Walk-Hero's Comfort and Support Plantar Fasciitis Insoles, from our recent insoles test in The Verywell Testing Lab where we wear-tested the insoles in our Lab and then for several weeks in our regular routines—evaluating and rating each one on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for support, comfort, pain relief, breathability, and overall value.
We used our expert interviews, extensive research, and thorough testing to determine our final list of recommendations for the best plantar fasciitis and heel spur relief products.
What to Look for in Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spur Relief Products
Purpose
Before choosing a product for relief from plantar fasciitis, you should consider your specific needs and preferences. If you only have pain first thing in the morning, you may want a massage or stretching tool to help warm up and loosen the plantar fascia and your calf muscles. For people who are on their feet all day, compression socks and sleeves are convenient and easy to get pain relief. Fitness walkers and runners may want to get insoles that are best suited for active people.
Cushioning and Support
If you’re currently dealing with plantar fasciitis or worried about a recurrence, wearing an insole or heel cup that provides good support, cushioning, and shock absorption, especially in the heel area, can make a big difference, according to Dr. Spielfogel. Cushioning not only helps with pain relief but can also prevent further inflammation and improve foot stability. Support in the arch and ankle area should be firm but flexible.
Quality
Look for high-quality products from trusted brands that have a proven track record. Consult the American Podiatric Medical Association’s list of highly-rated foot health products that have received their Seal of Acceptance/Approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people who have plantar fasciitis recover in several weeks or months with conservative treatment, including rest, icing the affected area, and regular at-home stretching. Doing calf stretches, such as a downward dog yoga pose, a few times a day can help keep plantar fasciitis at bay. Stretching first thing in the morning is crucial, too.
“After periods of rest, the plantar fascia and Achilles tighten up and when you put weight down without warming up, it starts the inflammation cycle all over again,” says Dr. Sutera. “Before getting out of bed, do a calf stretch in bed by extending your leg, locking your knee, and then using a belt or shirt looped around your ball of foot. Pull your foot back to stretch your calf, which also stretches your plantar fascia.”
Wearing supportive shoes or insoles is an easy, non-invasive way to help alleviate pain and minimize the strain on the plantar fascia.
If the underlying cause for your plantar fasciitis is something that you can’t change, such as flat feet, permanent recovery may be more difficult. You can continue to treat the symptoms with at-home remedies but may need treatment from a physical therapist or podiatrist.
“A cortisone injection could also be effective but if symptoms persist, surgery may be needed,” says Dr. Spielfogel.
Some people, especially those with flat feet or high arches, are more prone to plantar fasciitis than others. “Plantar fasciitis can be caused by and aggravated by a sudden increase in activity, an increase in body weight, improper shoes, overpronation, fat pad atrophy, tight Achilles tendons, as well as other issues,” says Dr. Sutera.
“Going barefoot with plantar fasciitis is not advisable, as the plantar fascia will not be properly supported,” says Dr. Spielfogel. “It's best to walk with adequate support when having plantar fasciitis so that the condition does not worsen.”
Why Trust Verywell Fit
As a seasoned health writer, Alena Hall understands how important it is to know exactly what you’re getting in a product intended for medical use. Over the years, she has reviewed dozens of products, from athletic recovery aids to condition-specific products to homeopathic essential oils, to help readers like you discover products that can help you live your best life.
Additional reporting by Christine Luff
Certified running coach and fitness writer Christine Luff has spent years researching, testing, and recommending fitness and athletic products and knows that the right gear can tremendously improve performance and comfort.
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