Buying guide for Best plantar fasciitis socks
Written by Jennifer Blair
Updated November 2024
If you’ve ever woken up with a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel, you may have experienced plantar fasciitis. It’s one of the most common causes of heel pain, and it can affect the way you walk, leading to additional foot, knee, hip, and back issues. Fortunately, plantar fasciitis socks can help minimize your pain.
To get long-term relief from the pain, however, you must choose the right plantar fasciitis socks. Arch support, compression, and the material with which the socks are made all play a role in their effectiveness.
One in ten people suffer from plantar fasciitis at some point in their lives. Women are more likely than men to suffer from plantar fasciitis.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that arises when the thick ligament that connects the heel bone to the toes, the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed. Because this tissue supports the arch and muscles of the foot, the inflammation causes a shooting, stabbing pain in the heel.
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, the pain will probably be worse when you first get out of bed. It may decrease as you move around during the day and the plantar fascia stretches out. Unfortunately, plantar fasciitis pain usually returns if you stand or sit for prolonged periods because the ligament again stiffens up.
Who’s at risk for plantar fasciitis?
While plantar fasciitis can occur without any clear reason, certain risk factors make you more prone to the condition.
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Individuals between the ages of 40 and 60 are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis.
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Individuals who regularly participate in exercises like running, aerobic dance, and ballet are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis, as these activities place considerable pressure on the heel.
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Individuals who are more than 20 pounds overweight are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis.
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Individuals who have flat feet, high arches, or an abnormal walking gait may be more prone to plantar fasciitis due to added stress on the heels.
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Individuals who spend long periods of time on their feet are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis. This includes teachers, factory workers, retail workers, hair stylists, and food prep workers.
"Over time, plantar fasciitis socks can change shape, become thin, and lose compression qualities. Replace your socks every three to six months for best results."
STAFF
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How plantar fasciitis socks can help
Plantar fasciitis socks calm pain and inflammation by delivering compression to specific areas of the foot. The snug fit exerts extra pressure on the plantar fascia, keeping the foot in a stable position and creating a more beneficial arch.
The socks work especially well for individuals who stand for prolonged periods during the day, though they’re designed to be worn both day and night. Sleeping in the socks may actually prevent you from feeling plantar fasciitis pain in the morning.
People who wear plantar fasciitis socks find them both convenient and comfortable. You can wear them alone or under your regular socks.
Arch support, compression, and sock material
As mentioned above, arch support and compression are two of the most important features to consider when choosing plantar fasciitis socks. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you likely need lots of arch support to alleviate the stress on your plantar fascia ligaments. Because the ankles and balls of the feet can be affected by plantar fasciitis, be sure to select socks that deliver compression to those areas.
Plantar fasciitis socks should fit the arch snugly without feeling too tight. A close-fitting design can also help boost blood circulation, which helps promote faster healing.
The most effective plantar fasciitis socks use a combination of moisture-wicking nylon and spandex that makes them snug, durable, and comfortable. Look for socks that offer a 75/25 or 80/20 ratio of nylon to spandex for the greatest comfort.
Size and length
Most plantar fasciitis socks come in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes. These sizes typically correspond to shoe size, but you’ll want to consult the manufacturer’s sizing chart to make sure you choose correctly.
You can get plantar fasciitis socks in a variety of lengths, too. The most common option hits just a few inches above the ankle, but there are also some knee-high styles available. If you have severe plantar fasciitis, a pair of knee-high socks may also serve as a night splint. Plantar fasciitis knee highs can help align the ankle so the foot is closer to the shin and the ligament is lightly stretched. This can help alleviate the typical morning pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
A note about padding
Some plantar fasciitis socks include extra padding to remove pressure from the heel and alleviate pain. The padding helps keep the feet in a neutral position, which can be especially helpful if you spend a lot of time on your feet.
Plantar fasciitis sock prices
How much a pair of plantar fasciitis socks costs depends largely on sock length, size, and material composition. In general, you can expect to pay between $10 and $36 for a pair of plantar fasciitis socks.
If your budget is somewhat small, consider a pair of 75/25 (nylon to spandex) socks between $10 and $15. For a slightly better composition ratio of 80/20, you might pay $13 to $22 for ankle-length socks.
Knee socks with a 80/20 ratio are likely to cost the most. During our research, we found plantar fasciitis knee socks that cost from $15 to $36.
For an even more effective treatment, plantar fasciitis socks can be coupled with inserts and other orthotics designed to address the condition.
FAQ
Q. Is it normal to have a difficult time putting on plantar fasciitis socks?
A. Because plantar fasciitis socks are designed to compress the foot, they will feel fairly tight the first time you wear them. As such, you may have a hard time putting them on at first. However, most socks adjust and expand to the contours of your feet over time without losing their compression properties. After three to five wearings, most people find the socks are easier to put on.
Q. Are plantar fasciitis socks designed to be worn over or under traditional socks?
A. Most manufacturers recommend wearing plantar fasciitis socks under your regular socks. That way, no other fabric will interfere with the compression of your foot. But you don’t have to wear socks over your plantar fasciitis socks; you could also wear them alone.
Q. Can I wear plantar fasciitis socks for workouts and other athletic activities?
A. Yes. If you have plantar fasciitis, you may get some benefit from wearing the socks while running, dancing, or playing sports. The socks work to keep your feet in proper alignment and improve circulation, which can reduce the pain and inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis.
Q. Can I wear plantar fasciitis socks while I sleep?
A. Most plantar fasciitis socks are designed for daytime and nighttime use. As mentioned above, plantar fasciitis pain can be worse in the morning. Sleeping in the socks can help.
