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If you experience heel pain in the mornings or after being in the same position for too long, wearing the best socks for plantar fasciitis can help. These socks use compression to gently apply pressure to aid in stretching out your plantar fascia ligaments in the center of your feet and ease pain and discomfort. Available in a wide range of styles, they offer arch support and overall cushioning to reduce pain, whether it’s day or night.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, "more than 90 percent of patients with plantar fasciitis will improve within 10 months of starting simple treatment methods." These include ones you can do at home like rest, rolling your foot over a cold water bottle or ice for 20 minutes, stretching exercises, wearing supportive shoes, and supportive orthotics like compression socks or night splints. However, others like cortisone injections, physical therapy, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy require a specialist or doctor.
While the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons doesn't specify that compression socks will help (though quality footwear is key, according to the University of Michigan) plantar fasciitis, anecdotal evidence suggest that compression socks can help alleviate discomfort.
Compression socks provide targeted pressure and support to the arch of your foot to increase blood flow, boost circulation, and relieve inflammation. Many plantar fasciitis sufferers have pain in the mornings, too, because while they sleep, their feet are pointed down, causing tension in the tender area. Wearing night-specific socks can help stretch the plantar fascia muscle and keep the foot in the right position, preventing pain upon rising.
So, when you’re looking for the best socks for plantar fasciitis, you’ll want something with arch support, heel padding, and overall cushioning for extra support. It’s also essential to choose the right size. If your socks are too tight, it can limit your circulation and cause more discomfort. Too loose, and you won’t get the benefits of some light compression. However, it's always a good idea to consult a doctor first, especially if the pain is on-going and/or intense.
To help you find the right pair, here’s my list of the best socks for plantar fasciitis.
1
The Overall Best Socks For Plantar Fasciitis
With an overall rating of 4.4 stars after more than 36,000 ratings to date, the SB Sox Compression Foot Sleeves are a top pick with compression woven into the socks. These compression foot sleeves deliver relief to both your arch and heel by adding just the right amount of pressure to increase your blood circulation and relax your tight ligaments. They are form-fitting and made with a light breathable fabric that won’t limit your movement.
These therapeutic foot sleeves can be worn under your socks with shoes or alone while lounging at home. Plus, the fabric is anti-odor and antistatic to help keep your feet dry and fungus free. They're also available in nine different shades from baby blue to black to pastel pink.
- Available sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
What fans say: “I freaking love these socks! I've been dealing with a terrible case of plantar fasciitis, and work on cement floors all day. I bought one pair to try out at home, they brought me instant relief! I loved them so much I purchased another pair to wear to work, and wow! What a difference it has made! Between these socks, exercising my feet, a foot roller, and insoles for my high arches, I'm feeling so much better(the socks are definitely my favorite purchase!)”
2
The Best Socks For Running And Hiking
For support during the day when you're active, the Physix Gear Sport compression socks are a good choice. These compression socks are designed for running, working out, hiking, or wearing during long flights to aide your circulation. They’re calf height and made with washable Lycra fabric to be both durable and stretchy during intense activity. These socks also help with shock absorption. "They have helped tremendously with plantar fasciitis and shin splints," says one customer.
With compression and support for your calves, foot arch, and heels, fans say these help with leg swelling and some even say these help with shin splints. Others say these socks are great to wear if you’re pregnant to alleviate swollen feet or leg discomfort.
- Available sizes: Small/Medium, Large/X-Large
What fans say: “These compression socks are amazing for my long runs AND for work. Great for my plantar fasciitis pain and to avoid calf cramps on really long runs. If you’re looking to avoid all the really pricy brands but still want the quality, these socks are the ones!”
3
The Best Socks For Plantar Fasciitis That Look Like Average Socks
When you need all-around support while you're walking around, these Iseasoo compression socks are worth considering. The moisture-wicking ankle socks provide support to your ankle, heel, arch, and toes, as well as 15 to 20 mmHg of compression. You can wear them with supportive shoes without anyone knowing you're wearing compression socks. Plus, these socks are available in packs of five and 10, and in a variety of stylish colors and styles (including a no-show silhouette) — and they’re all available at a great price so you can stock up for everyday wear.
- Available sizes: Small/Medium, Large/X-Large
What fans say: “Help for light support and with my plantar fasciitis. Still alternate with my compression sleeves for more support and circulation. But good for the price!”
4
The Best Cold Therapy Socks For Plantar Fasciitis
If you want to use the icing method to reduce swelling, NatraCure Cold Therapy Socks are here to help. These specialty socks feature full and half-size gel packs that you can chill and insert for cooling relief in seconds. Multiple sizes let you choose how much ice you want and where.
Cold therapy helps reduce inflammation and pain, and with a 4.4-star review after more than 1,500 reviews, customers seem to attest that it works. These socks are design as booties and are easy to wear around the house. Plus, they can be worn at night, too. For additional support, you can also get them with an arch strap.
- Available sizes: Small/Medium, Large
What fans say: “These are really comfortable, soft, and easy to use while laying in bed or sitting on the couch. Glad I purchased these to give me the relief I need after in my feet for hours. I have plantar fasciitis and these definitely ease some of the pain.”
5
The Best Night Sock For Plantar Fasciitis
The Powerstep Ultrastretch Night Sock provides relief much like a night splint. It helps prevent morning pain, common with plantar fasciitis, by keeping your foot stretched overnight, easing discomfort. This night sock features an adjustable dorsiflexion strap to position your foot so it’s pointed up while you’re sleeping instead of down.
The sock reaches up to your mid-calf in length — the Regular size fits calves measuring up to 16 inches around, and the Large fits calves measuring 16 to 21 inches. You only get one sock per package, so may need to buy two if both feet require support.
- Available sizes: Regular, Large
What fans say: “I got this sock for my plantar fasciitis. My podiatrist gave me a boot & I hate it. This sock keeps your foot in the right position in your sleep & much easier to sleep in [...] I noticed an immediate difference the very first morning after I used it - my heel wasn't sore!”
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