It is estimated that 1 in 10 people will experience plantar fasciitis pain at some point in their lifetime. If you’ve ever been one of those people, you know just how painful and debilitating the condition can be. While there is no actual cure for plantar fasciitis, there are a number of steps you can take to alleviate your foot pain and carry on with your day.
One of the best ways to manage pain from plantar fasciitis is to wear foot compression sleeves or socks. These work to grip the foot and provide extra support for the heel while walking. We took some time to research and review the compression socks and sleeves currently on the market to identify the ones that seem to work the best.
After over 20 hours of test runs and expert interviews, we believe that the best compression sock or sleeve for plantar fasciitis pain is the SB SOX Compression Foot Sleeve. They have a breathable, comfortable design that grips the arch and increases blood flow and circulation. It is flexible and versatile with practically no downsides.
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TOP PICK |
TOP PICK
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SB SOX Compression Foot Sleeves
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CHECK LATEST PRICE |
BEST VALUE |
BEST VALUE
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Bitly Plantar Fasciitis Socks
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CHECK LATEST PRICE |
BEST FOR ATHLETES |
BEST FOR ATHLETES
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TechWare Pro Ankle Brace Compression Sleeve
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CHECK LATEST PRICE |
Why You Should Take Your Plantar Fasciitis VERY Seriously
Because this chronic pain will impact the way you walk, the pain will eventually radiate to other areas of your body that are affected by your gait: your knees, hips, and back. Before long, your initially “not terrible” foot pain has become a full-body ache that limits your ability to participate in activities you once loved.
Foot pain can cause more problems:
- Increased risk of bodily injury
- Weight Gain
- Fatigue
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Lower life expectancy
Plantar fasciitis is nothing to take lightly. It occurs when there is too much tension in the plantar fascia, leading to small tears. This results in a stabbing or burning pain in the heel. This usually occurs first thing in the morning, after exercise, or when standing up from sitting for an extended period of time.
Even if you think your plantar fasciitis pain isn’t too terrible, it will get there quickly if left untreated.
Eventually, your ability to manage and reduce the pain will become severely limited and you will be stuck with a chronic pain condition.
Hopefully, this has encouraged you to invest in a few pairs of compression socks or sleeves to get a handle on your plantar fasciitis before it’s too late. Keep reading to see what our top 7 choices are for compression socks and sleeves for plantar fasciitis pain.
Compression Socks for Relief from Plantar Fasciitis Pain
Our team worked hard to find the best compression socks and sleeves on the market today. We paid special attention to the individual attributes of each sock and sleeve to make sure we included gear for a wide range of needs as well.
1. SB SOX Compression Foot Sleeves – Best Overall
The SB SOX Compression Foot Sleeves are an incredibly popular product among consumers, with over 11,000 positive Amazon reviews at the time of this writing. We have never seen a product with such devotion, and after our independent research, we definitely see why!
These compression sleeves are FDA-registered and use medical-grade compression to quickly reduce your foot pain from plantar fasciitis. There is ribbing in the arch and an elastic opening, making for a flexible and targeted fit for feet of all shapes and sizes. The improved blood flow from the compression will not only help with plantar fasciitis pain but also reduce leg and foot cramping. These also go great along with New Balance shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Features: Anti-odor, anti-static fabric, elastic opening, ribbed arch support, nylon and spandex fabric, moisture-wicking
Pros
- Can be worn with any shoes, including flip-flops
- Ok for day or nighttime use
- Good for sensitive skin
- Thin design
- Good odor-reduction
Cons
- While we liked that the thin fabric made them easy to wear under regular socks, some users reported that their sleeves quickly developed holes. It might be advisable to wear them under other socks to reduce friction during long hours of use.
2. Bitly Plantar Fasciitis Socks – Best Value
While the SB SOX are far and away the top sellers, the Bitly Plantar Fasciitis Socks do quite well for themselves with over 8,000 positive reviews. It uses high-quality nylon compression material to improve circulation in the foot and reduce swelling. The moisture-wicking fabric keeps your feet dry and free from odor or fungal buildup.
What we like about this sock is that it comes in 5 different sizes to make sure everyone can find the perfect fit. It is important to make sure your foot doesn’t move once in the sock, so the ability to find a tight fit is a great selling point for this product.
Features: Moisture-wicking nylon material, thin design, high compression level, machine-washable, elastic ankles
Pros
- Machine-washable
- Can wear comfortably under other socks
- Multiple sizes available
- Interlocked stitching improves durability
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Some women experiencing ankle swelling due to pregnancy may find the elastic at the ankles to be too tight. If you are interested in these for use while pregnant, we recommend buying a few sizes so you can adjust as needed.
3. TechWare Pro Ankle Brace Compression Sleeve – Best for Athletes
The TechWare Pro Ankle Brace Compression Sleeve provides incredible arch and ankle support to people suffering from plantar fasciitis. It has also become very popular among athletes and active consumers looking for relief during sporting activities (such as running, biking, and rock climbing).
We like that it focuses not only on the foot and arch but also on the ankle. This helps reduce the potential for injuries that can occur when experiencing foot pain and an altered stride. And while these were made for plantar fasciitis pain, they do a great job at helping wearers heal from strains, sprains, and arthritis as well.
Features: 80/20 Nylon and spandex material, 3 unisex sizing options, 4-way ergonomic stretch design, moisture-wicking fabric
Pros
- Firm support level
- Many color options
- Fits youth sizes
- Comfortable and thin
Cons
- The compression level is pretty high on this sleeve. It would be most appropriate for someone trying to transition out of a night boot, instead of someone looking simply for injury prevention.
4. Foots Love Copper Foot Compression Arch Sleeve – Best Low-Profile Sleeve
The Copper Foot Compression Arch Sleeve from Foots Love is one of the first compression sleeves made with copper thread (they claim to be the original but we haven’t been able to verify that one way or another). The 35% copper threading is used to increase blood flow and circulation more than a normal compression sleeve would.
And this sleeve also focuses specifically on the arch, offering an incredibly low-profile design that will not stick out from your footwear. You can wear it under or over socks to help adjust the fit to your needs and comfort level.
Features: 35% copper nylon compression material; low-profile arch support; moisture-wicking, anti-itch and anti-bacterial fabric
Pros
- Stays strong while wet
- Can wear at night or during the day
- Comes in neutral colors to coordinate with your outfits
- Purchase includes access to the Foot Care Vault of resource materials
Cons
- This sleeve is hand-wash only, so you will not be able to toss it in the washing machine. It’s a bit of an inconvenience, but it is very small and lightweight and should be a quick wash.
5. CompressionZ Plantar Fasciitis Socks – Best Ankle Support
The CompressionZ foot sleeve is another compression sock that also focuses on ankle support and compression. It features a toeless design with wrap-around ankle support as well. The ankle wrap is almost a bonus feature for use with sprains and other ankle injuries as well.
In addition to the ankle wrap, we like that it utilizes graduated compression levels for different parts of the foot to maximize efficacy and circulation. It’s an incredibly comfortable compression sock that you will enjoy wearing either out and about or while lounging at home. We can even recommend wearing it as a night splint.
Features: Podiatrist-recommended, breathable moisture-wicking fabric, ankle wrap support, ribbed arch support, graduated compression
Pros
- Great ankle support
- Fast-drying and moisture-wicking
- Machine-washable
- They hold their shape well
Cons
- The compression level is lower for this sleeve than others on our list. It is best for people recovering from injuries or looking to keep their mild plantar fasciitis under control.
6. CopperJoint Compression Ankle Sleeve – Best for Sweaty Feet
The CopperJoint Compression Ankle Sleeve is another product featuring copper as a circulation tool. It is popular among athletes and people with sweaty feet because of the antibacterial properties of the copper woven into the fabric. We think that’s pretty interesting!
When testing this product, many users noticed an immediate reduction in their heel pain from plantar fasciitis. It has a very firm compression level and additional ankle wrap support to give you a wider range of stability. These also feature graduated compression to assist with muscle fatigue and recovery from injury.
Features: 88% copper-infused nylon, 12% spandex, 5 available sizes, toe and heel cutouts, ankle wrap support, anti-odor and anti-microbial fabric
Pros
- Feels cool when wearing
- Good for sensitive skin
- Supportive ankle compression
- Durable nylon material
- Doesn’t roll or bunch down
Cons
- This sleeve is a little pricier than others on our list because it is sold individually instead of as a pair. This is best for people experiencing temporary pain in one foot that are not looking for long-term everyday use products.
7. Strassburg Sock – Best for Night Use
The Strassburg Sock may be less compression-focused than the other products we reviewed, but it still provides a tight fit with the added benefit of a night splint. For people suffering from severe plantar fasciitis who find that daily compression sleeves aren’t sufficient, a night-splint can help bridge that gap between pain and recovery.
This is not a bulky night boot but rather a comfortable compressing full-length sock with an adjustable strap to ensure the right fit. Secure the strap from toe-to-calf for an entire night of light stretching and pain relief. Wearing the Strassburg Sock should eliminate mornings of intense heel pain for those suffering from plantar fasciitis.
Features: Adjustable velcro fit, therapeutic strap design, comfortable fabric, steady stretching
Pros
- Adjustable fit
- Very comfortable for wearing at night
- Full-length sock
- Relieves morning pain
Cons
- Definitely the most expensive on our list and not sold in pairs. Again, this is not fully a compression sock but it can provide the benefits of compression with the added stretching capabilities of a night splint for the highest level of pain relief.
Other Pain Relieving Aids for Plantar Fasciitis – Recommended
While compression socks and compression sleeves are amazing products for alleviating heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis, people with extreme pain often need additional treatments. There are a number of different treatment tools on the market for plantar fasciitis pain relief, and we thought it would be helpful to describe our favorites in case the compression socks aren’t quite enough.
You May Also Like: Best Athletic Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis & Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis Reviews.
These are all budget-friendly and should be used in tandem with a compression sock or sleeve to achieve maximum relief from your plantar fasciitis pain. Depending on the treatment, you may be able to use multiple at a time until your pain has been adequately addressed.
NatraCure Cold Therapy Wrap
When a daily compression sleeve just isn’t enough, you should try an ice pack for additional relief. Of all the ice packs on the market, we were most impressed by the NatraCure Cold Therapy Wrap. It’s a wide strap secured by velcro with a gel pack in the middle.
You can position the wrap so the gel pack is directly against your arch, heel, or ankle for maximum pain relief. You can even use it on other body parts as needed (such as your elbow or wrist). It’s a great therapeutic tool for pain from plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, fractures, and sprains.
To use, simply pop the gel pack in the freezer until it is cold. We recommend doing this when you come home from work and want to take your compression socks off. The NatraCure wrap does offer compression capability as well, so you won’t miss out on that feature while taking advantage of the cooling element.
ProStretch “Blue” – The Original Calf Stretcher & Foot Rocker
Foot rockers work similarly to sock splints like the Strassburg Sock. They help you stretch your plantar fascia the right way without having to guess and check with items around your house. And no more stretching on curbs in public. Unlike a night splint, the ProStretch rocker harnesses the power of your own weight to apply pressure to your foot while you gently rock back and forth.
It’s a great activity to do while reading, watching tv, or even doing dishes. If you make time to use it for a few minutes every day, you might find yourself free of pain in no time.
Nekteck Foot Massager with Heat
Any excuse to buy a massager is a good one, right? The Nekteck Foot Massager with Heat is not only amazing at handling pain from plantar fasciitis, but it’s also incredibly relaxing as well. Even people without foot pain appreciate a good foot massage!
What really makes the difference with this tool is the added element of heat. While the massaging heads take care of stretching tight ligaments, the heat helps loosen things up and improve blood flow through your foot. The only problem is you’ll have to compete with the rest of your household for time!
TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager Roller
For a more affordable massaging option, there is the TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager Roller. While the Nekteck massager is a great deal for an electric massager, sometimes manual is an easier approach. What’s nice about this massager is that it doesn’t require electricity, so you can take it traveling or easily use it under your desk at work.
With the TheraFlow massager, YOU control how much pressure to apply to your feet and where to direct it. You are able to focus on the whole foot or just the ball or the heel as needed. For lighter pressure use it while seated, but for a more intense massage, try standing up.
What Is the Best Foot Compression Sleeve/Sock for Plantar Fasciitis? – Final Thoughts
In the world of plantar fasciitis, compression is key. Having a compression sock or sleeve that you can easily incorporate into your daily attire will go a long way toward helping you recover and prevent worsening pain down the road.
If you are unsure of where to start, we recommend the SB SOX Compression Foot Sleeve. It comes in many sizes and has an outstanding track record of customer satisfaction. We found it to be moderately priced, incredibly comfortable, and heavy on the compression. It’s a simple technology that can really make a difference in your daily pain level. We say, stop whatever else you’re doing and buy these so you can start your pain-free journey today.
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK |
TOP PICK
|
SB SOX Compression Foot Sleeves
|
|
CHECK LATEST PRICE |
BEST VALUE |
BEST VALUE
|
Bitly Plantar Fasciitis Socks
|
|
CHECK LATEST PRICE |
BEST FOR ATHLETES |
BEST FOR ATHLETES
|
TechWare Pro Ankle Brace Compression Sleeve
|
|
CHECK LATEST PRICE |
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