When the rainy season starts, people with plantar fasciitis might feel a familiar ache in the soles of their feet and would rather bundle up than enjoy the chilly rain and outdoor adventures. The truth is, many gumboots aren’t built with arch support or a fit that prioritises comfort. After all, one can only layer so many thick socks before they realise their boot doesn’t offer the support they need.
Luckily, you can put insoles in some rubber boots, like the Darcy Mid-Calf boot and Bobbi boot from Merry People. Unlike many other gumboots, our boots come with a sturdy, natural rubber arch support and removable insole.
When you have plantar fasciitis or any other condition that makes walking and moving on your feet uncomfortable or painful, having the right footwear for every occasion allows you to enjoy life to the fullest.
What to Look for In Boots When You Have Plantar Fasciitis
When choosing shoes to help alleviate your symptoms of plantar fasciitis, there are several features you should look for to maximise your comfort, including:
Arch Support
When the plantar fascia is inflamed, it can make walking and running painful and can make it difficult for your foot to absorb shock as you move. Boots with arch support can help your plantar fascia absorb shock when you move, which might help to alleviate pain.
Flexibility
Boots are, by nature, a little more restrictive than the average shoe because they provide additional protection from the elements. Ankle gumboots are the perfect solution to keeping your feet protected, warm, and comfortable.
Shock Absorption
Boots with thick soles naturally absorb more shock than boots without. When you have multiple layers between your feet and the ground, you reduce the amount of stress on your plantar fascia and support your entire foot.
Some boots have midsole and insole cushioning, allowing for support from your forefoot to your heel. Over time, these soles can wear down and stop providing you the benefits you need, which brings us to our next point.
Removable Foot Bed
Whether your comfortable insole has worn down or you need to replace your existing one with one with more support, a removable foot bed will come in handy. Just because your insole wears out doesn’t mean you need to chuck your favourite boot in the bin!
With Merry People boots, you can remove your insole easily and replace it with an insole that provides the additional support your foot needs.
Slightly Elevated Heel
High heels and flat shoes can increase the strain on your feet and joints. A slightly elevated heel hits that sweet spot where it lowers strain and alleviates the pain you may experience in your heel. Look for boots and shoes with a heel height between 0.25 centimetres and 3.8 centimetres.
Our Top Picks
Our Bobbi and Darcy boots check every box for what you need in supportive, comfortable boots! While other boots may not have every one of these features, the Darcy and Bobbi rise to the occasion (specifically, between 0.25 and 3.8 centimetres)!
With an all-natural rubber exterior and soles with built-in arch support, these boots are lined with neoprene to keep your feet comfortable and dry. The best part? These boots will be your best friend through all of life’s expeditions and adventures, because they are built to last and you can easily remove the existing insole and replace it with new ones to offer continued support.
Our boots are also 100% vegan and never tested on animals, so these are boots you can feel good about, and look great in. Find your new favourite pair of boots now.
