Best Tactical Boots for Plantar Fasciitis in 2022: Complete Reviews With Comparisons

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Whether you’re in the middle of a mission or the final stretch of a trek, the last thing you want is for your feet to give up.

When you start to feel that stabbing pain in the heel associated with plantar fasciitis, the last few steps of your journey can seem impossible to complete.

Comfortable tactical footwear helps prevent this physical issue from taking hold and determining the course of your mission or ability to enjoy the outdoors.

In particular, the best tactical boots for plantar fasciitis should keep flare-ups at bay enough for you to complete the tasks at hand efficiently and pain-free.

We won’t keep you waiting! Let’s dive head first into our list of top five tactical boots for addressing plantar fasciitis.

Comparison Chart

Reviews of Best Tactical Boots for Plantar Fasciitis

1. Oakley LT Assault 2 Boots

The perfect combination of looks and functionality goes to the Oakley LT Assault 2 Boots.

It holds all the qualities of a military tactical boot in a stylish shell.

Review

What qualities does the Oakley LT Assault 2 hold that makes it better than other tactical boots? Get the full lowdown below.

• Military Boots + Training Sneakers

Our list of best tactical boots for plantar fasciitis would not be complete without this all-powerful entry.

It is arguably the best pair of boots of the bunch, combining the functional qualities of the 5.11 ATAC with the aesthetics of the upgraded UA Valsetz.

So, you get a solid, multipurpose military boot in the beautiful, maneuverable shell of a top-notch training sneaker.

What more could you want?

• Ultra-Comfort

Apparently, Oakley decided that you do need more.

That comes in the form of a broken-in piece of tactical footwear constructed with bovine leather and a robust 1,000-denier Cordura for ultimate comfort.

The boots’ EVA midsole takes arch support to the next level and eliminates any extra pressure on your midfoot.

The outsole’s divots make navigating even the most uneven paths a piece of cake.

Then, we have the molded EVA insole for long-lasting cushioning that keeps your feet fresh even when you stand or walk for hours.

• Easy On and Off Access

These boots use Lace Lock technology and follow a speed-loop system for lacing.

Thanks to this combination, you can focus on the mission without worrying if your boots may come off at any point.

2. Under Armour Valsetz Mid Military and Tactical Boots

When it comes to tactical boots for PF, Under Armour delivers a standout entry with the UA Valsetz Military and Tactical Boots.

Let’s have a look at the areas where it delivers.

Review

Anyone who loves footwear is no stranger to Under Armour. Here’s why the Valsetz Military and Tactical Boots is a good contender for those with plantar fasciitis:

• Fashionable

It’s not as tough as the other boots on this list, but what it lacks in functionality, it more than makes up for in looks.

That said, it can still address PF relatively well, but more as a fortified sneaker than an actual military tactical boot.

This newer version of the OG UA Valsetz comes with upgrades meant to improve the experiences of PF-afflicted individuals and ordinary users alike.

• Lightweight and Breathable

It’s a lightweight, abrasion-resistant boot with a rough-side-out cattle hide upper and 1,000 D nylon panels.

This gives it a fantastic look and a breathable, flexible design.

• Designed for Plantar Fasciitis

The shock-resistant midsole and anti-fatigue footbed are two of the best features for addressing plantar fasciitis.

They help deliver unmatched comfort in many situations. That said, some tasks and environments could be too tough for this shoe.

Consider the other four options if you are in the market for a pair of PF tactical boots that can withstand harsh environments.

3. Reebok Work Duty Rapid Response Tactical Boots

Reebok may not necessarily be one of the top brands for tactical boots on paper. Still, it does have a habit of upstaging more popular pairs by other brands from time to time.

Here, Reebok is at it again with the Work Duty Rapid Response Tactical Boots.

These boots will win you over for a lot of things. However, you’ll especially be blown away by the amount the brand puts into addressing the needs of those afflicted with PF.

Review

From the more comfortable and shock-absorbing heel to the foot-force cushion footbed, the Work Duty Rapid Response covers a lot of bases where plantar fasciitis is concerned.

• Designed for Plantar Fasciitis

Ample heel cushioning isn’t often something straight-out-of-the-box boots offer.

Normally, it takes time (at least a couple of days or weeks) for wearers to experience that benefit.

The Reebok Rapid Response goes against that trend for the benefit of plantar fasciitis sufferers.

In fact, you may wear this boot as is without having to use an orthotic insert to help address PF problems.

Another standout feature is the one-and-a-half-inch heel built with EVA midsole for excellent shock absorption and comfort.

Plantar fasciitis is an issue with the heel, and this structure is specifically designed to keep it at bay.

With the foot-force cushion footbed, you get a piece of tactical footwear that offers exceptional physical health support and comfort.

• Easy On and Off Access

Additionally, it has an easy-zip side zipper and a wider-than-usual toe box for easy on and off access.

Even users with bigger and wider feet won’t have trouble slipping these boots on.

• Safety Capabilities

These boots are built to protect from electrical hazards and falling objects and remove disturbances from security screenings.

That said, they are some of the more expensive boots on the market, so be prepared to pay the price if you have set your eyes on them.

Although, we will say they are very much worth it!

4. Thorogood GEN-Flex2 Tactical Boots

Like other brands on this list, Thorogood is a household name in the tactical gear industry.

Tactical boots like the Gen-Flex2 are what have allowed them to scale these heights of popularity.

Review

The Gen-Flex2 is a full-leather boot that offers great value and checks almost everything users look for in a pair of tactical boots.

They are reliable, robust, and great for all-around use. They are even equipped to survive all kinds of weather conditions.

• Aesthetically Appealing and Comfortable

Full-grain leather means these boots are a great-looking pair by any standard.

Combined with its storm-welted construction, you get an aesthetically appealing, water-resistant pair of boots to bring comfort to those sore heels.

Thorogood is as solid as tactical boots get.

The Gen-Flex2 proves that from its classic jump-boot construction for easy cleaning to the full-leather design that delivers that authoritative, sophisticated look.

If you want to look great or are in a profession that requires you to look polished from head to toe, choosing the Gen-Flex2 would be a huge step in the right direction.

• Easy to Clean

Another thing we love about this Thorogood model is that, true to its military-inclined design, it is easy to clean and polish.

Many tactical boots are the opposite and can be incredibly difficult to maintain.

Pay attention to the boot’s material, especially when you are buying a pair you hope to address plantar fasciitis.

It always helps to acquire a pair that cleans easily because one that doesn’t could exacerbate any condition going on with your foot.

• Good Waterproofing

The combination of full leather and Gore-Tex means superior waterproofing.

Keeping water from infiltrating the inside of your boots is vital.

This is true not only because of the added friction between your feet and the walls of the boot but also because wet boots can facilitate bacterial growth.

Plantar fasciitis or not, you don’t want your feet exposed to potentially harmful germs.

It has a relatively decent composite outsole. It’s not great by any stretch of the imagination, but it gets the job done.

If this is at the top of your priority list, you may want to check out other top manufacturers like LOWA, Salomon, and Rocky.

• Good Work Boot

Lastly, any pair of boots that uses Goodyear welt construction will always be fantastic in our books.

Why wouldn’t it be? That means you have a boot that’s sewn instead of glued together, making for a reliable work boot.

5. 5.11 ATAC Military Tactical Boots

5.11 Tactical is one of today’s leading providers of tactical gear, and this here is one of its best pairs for addressing plantar fasciitis when out on the field.

It is a great pair of boots that does justice to its manufacturer’s namesake, 5.11, which represents the highest difficulty level in rock climbing.

Review

Indeed, this pair of military tactical boots delivers some hardcore features that address the needs of soldiers and outdoor enthusiasts suffering from plantar fasciitis.

Let’s look at what else this piece of tactical footwear has in store.

• Military, Law Enforcement, and Civilian Use

The 5.11 ATAC Military Tactical Boots is one of the best-reviewed of 5.11 Tactical’s line of tactical boots.

That means you should consider getting your hands on it if you are a military or law enforcement personnel or an outdoorsman, regardless of whether or not you have plantar fasciitis.

• Appealing and Functional

The impeccable combination of nylon and premium leather gives this pair of tactical boots an appealing look.

At the same time, it enhances its waterproofing capabilities and wear-and-tear resistance.

That’s top-notch aesthetics and incredible functionality from the get-go, and we haven’t even gotten to the best part.

You will also love that this super-supportive piece of outdoor tactical footwear is built with a synthetic sole. This gives it an incredibly lightweight feel and excellent durability.

That’s a vital combination for outdoor adventures, as you want to be able to keep moving effortlessly without ruining your boots.

• Safe

Let’s not overlook its safety capabilities. This boot has a long shaft that provides considerable ankle protection.

Many of us know how vulnerable this part of the lower body can be, especially when navigating uneven terrain.

These boots offer lasting comfort thanks to their dual-density footbed.

Wearers will feel the difference from other tactical boots when they put on this pair. It’ll literally chase your anxieties about your condition away.

• Breathable

Another feature that benefits heel issues is ventilation. This pair is designed for optimal boot airflow, so users never feel cramped or sweaty inside their boots.

• On-the-Go Pair of Boots

Slip these amazing boots on and off quickly thanks to the easy-zip side zipper.

They are the perfect on-the-go multipurpose pair for civilian and military use, plantar fasciitis or not.

Which Pair of PF Tactical Boots Should You Get?

If you’re shopping for a pair to address plantar fasciitis issues, four out of the five models on this list should be able to address your needs across the board.

The upgraded UA Valsetz has a great look, but it may not be able to hold up when stretched to the limit.

Considering that outdoor activities test your limits often, we would advise against choosing this pair if your adventures are more of the serious, high-risk types.

That said, this would be an excellent choice if you are after nothing more than looking fashionable on a short hike or trek.

For serious outdoorsmen and military and law enforcement personnel, the Oakley LT Assault 2 offers the perfect balance of looks and functionality.

As such, we declare it our winning boot overall.

The 5.11 ATAC is also a good choice because while it matches the Oakley in terms of pure performance, it’s not nearly as trendy or ideal for civilian use.

That said, both pairs should address plantar fasciitis issues well.

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