The 4 Best Braces for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a disorder that results in pain affecting heel and bottom of the foot. In fact, plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, and it occurs due to inflammation of a thick band of tissue running across the bottom of the foot and connecting heel bone to the toes. This band of tissue is called plantar fascia.

Numbers show that 10% of people will suffer from plantar fasciitis at some point in their life. In addition, plantar fasciitis accounts for 10% of all injuries that occur due to running. Since plantar fasciitis can have a negative impact on your quality of life, you need to manage it correctly, and braces can help you make it happen. This guide will focuse on braces worth considering for people with plantar fasciitis.

The Benefits of Plantar Fasciitis Braces​

When bone fractures occur, patients get a cast to immobilize and protect the affected site. Plantar fasciitis braces have a similar function. While they are not as rigid as casts, they alleviate pain and discomfort in heel and arch. The best braces for plantar fasciitis tackle symptoms of this condition and improve a patient’s quality of life. Plantar fasciitis braces also align the foot and are beneficial for people with flat feet and high arches too.

Not all braces are equal, and we can divide them into dorsal and boot braces.

Dorsal Braces

Dorsal braces for plantar fasciitis are usually made of plastic, and their primary function is to make sure your foot has a 90-degree angle when you are lying down, sitting, and standing. The brace runs along shin down the foot, but it doesn't cover arch and heel.

Boot Braces​

On the other hand, boot brace supports back of the leg and calf while covering the foot underneath. Of course, boot braces are bigger than dorsal counterparts.

Most people get confused and don’t know what type of brace to buy. The reality is that the choice is entirely up to you. Some people find boot braces impractical and prefer dorsal ones, but there are also those that like the support boot braces provide underneath the foot. It all comes down to personal preferences and convenience. Go for the brace that will allow you to move more easily.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Brace​

Before you purchase a plantar fasciitis brace, you need to consider some factors. After all, you can't pick the first brace you come across. You need to make some effort in order to get the brace that will genuinely make a difference. Below, you can see some factors to bear in mind before you buy the best brace for your needs:

​Comfort

Regardless of whether you’re buying a plantar fasciitis brace for daytime or for nighttime, you need to consider the level of comfort it provides. Uncomfortable braces don’t provide enough support and chances are you won’t want to wear them eventually.

Budget​

Take a few moments to determine the amount of money you’re willing to spend on your brace. This will help you narrow down the choice.

Right Fit​

The brace shouldn’t be too loose but not too tight either.

Freedom of Movement​

Besides support and pain relief, the brace should also offer maximum mobility regardless of the type you choose. If a brace doesn’t improve your mobility, then move on to the next one.

Quality of Straps​

You don't want to buy a brace whose straps don't provide much-needed support. Always make sure straps stay in their position as you wear the brace, so you don't have to readjust it all the time.

​The 4 Best Braces for Plantar Fasciitis

Now that you know the advantages of plantar fasciitis braces and how to buy them let's take a closer look at the best options to consider.

1. Sleeve Stars Professional Plantar Fasciitis Foot Sleeve

Sleeve Stars is a compression garments brand founded by brother and sister from Sweden, but their products are available across the United States, Canada, and Europe. The brand is committed toward their customers and design which is why they develop innovative products that allow people to perform better and be more active. They have expert partners in leading industries that assist in product designing process to make sure garments are compressive, comfortable, breathable, and effective.

Their foot sleeve also comes with a plantar fasciitis support wrap to ensure maximum support and comfort. Regular use of the brace decreases swelling, stabilizes ligaments, and soothes achy feet and heel spurs. The brace provides fantastic compression that improves blood circulation which is vital for proper recovery.

What makes this garment so practical is that you can wear it wherever and whenever you want because it’s so comfortable. Running, spending a day in the office, or in bed while you sleep, regardless of where you go or what you do, this garment is equally comfortable and effective in relieving plantar fasciitis symptoms.

A strap that comes with the sleeve provides additional support and compression to prevent new injuries. The garment is made from a high-quality fabric that allows for fast absorption of sweat and keeps your feet odor-free to minimize the risk of awkward moments caused by a bad smell.

2. FOOTIU Compression Copper Arch Support Brace

FOOTIU is a brand of compression garments for athletes and active men and women. Their arch support brace is a best seller in foot arch supports, and that says a lot about the quality of this garment. These arch support braces provide much-needed relief to people with plantar fasciitis. The brace is made from breathable elastic cushions that alleviate pain to improve your quality of life. In addition, the brace features 30% copper content to reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, and boost your energy for optimal performance during workout sessions.

This plantar fasciitis day splint is also useful for people with flat feet because it alleviates heel discomfort while providing a gentle compression with a snug band. The high-quality material absorbs sweat and moisture fast without leaving a bad odor. It’s needless to mention the brace doesn’t cause itchiness and it exhibits antibacterial effects.

3. Mars Plantar Fasciitis Posterior Night Splint

Mars Wellness is a leader in developing and manufacturing compression garment, orthopedic, and medical products. Their night splint is specifically designed to treat problems such as Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. Judging by its appearance, it's easy to assume this boot brace is heavy and impractical. The reality is much different, though. The brace is lightweight and is created to keep your ankle in a neutral position while you sleep.

The night splint passively stretches the plantar fascia and your calf when you sleep in your bed. The purpose of this gentle stretch is to decrease inflammation, reduce muscle contracture, and alleviate pain and discomfort. Even though it may seem humongous and heavy, the splint is breathable and easy to get used to. Immobilization is ensured via three padded straps.

4. Foots Love Compression Plantar Fasciitis Brace

Foots Love is a brand dedicated to helping athletes, active men, and women, and all other people take proper care of their feet and discomfort they experience due to different reasons. They created one of the best braces for plantar fasciitis that can help you improve range of motion and perform everyday activities without spending a fortune. This brace has a 35% copper content that allows it to provide ultimate compression.

Bearing in mind that modern lifestyle is hectic and people are constantly on the move, Foots Love made sure their plantar fasciitis brace is comfortable for all-day use. You can wear the brace directly on the skin or over your socks, depending on the footwear choice at that moment. For greater convenience, the brace comes in three colors (tan, black, and pink) to match your outfits.

Bottom Line

Plantar fasciitis is a common problem that causes pain and discomfort. Although this condition can have a negative impact on quality of life, it can be managed. Braces provide much-needed support and pain relief, but you need to shop wisely. When you know what to look for, buying a brace becomes easy. This guide featured some of the best plantar fasciitis braces on the market. The reason Sleeve Stars were rated #1 is due to a combination of quality of material, versatility, and affordable price together with featured strap for additional support.