Many people suffering from debilitating heel pain feel the need to augment their treatment regimen with alternative options. Some of the options available are plantar fasciitis socks and compression sleeves, which help to provide tight pressure along the fascia ligament in the foot.
These socks have proven for many to be extremely valuable as a second or third treatment option in addressing plantar fasciitis. It keeps pressure on your arch and heels all day, a bit different than what you’d notice in arch support shoes and/or orthotic inserts, which maintain the stretch in the arches of your feet.
In any case, you’ll find that we have reviewed the best socks for plantar fasciitis below. They are a collection of socks and sleeves that people with heel pain have referred to online as the ones that help the most in combating their discomfort. Also below you’ll find video reviews to further help you determine which may be best for you.
Full Video Reviews Below On All Socks (+ Strassburg Sock)
Benefits Of Wearing Compression Socks For Heel Pain
While perhaps not providing the total support that a quality shoe or insert can provide, they have provided relief for countless people like yourself. Here are some of the benefits of compression socks for heel pain.
- Effective as a treatment option. Technically speaking, compression sleeves provide a very snug fit that keeps your feet stable and the fascia ligament stretched. Some online reviewers report a reduction in morning pains.
- Convenience. Compression socks can be worn all day and night with minimal intrusion. They can be worn under socks, as well as comfortably while you sleep, perhaps eliminating the need for bulky night splints.
- Comfortability. The tight, snug grip adds to the comfortability much like that of a supportive shoe that grabs and conforms to your foot.
What To Look For In A Plantar Fasciitis Sock
To be honest, there are not many qualities you need to look for in a quality sock for plantar fasciitis. But, there are a few characteristics that may help guide you to select one over another…
- A quality brand, perhaps renowned for foot ailment products
- Proper heel and arch compression
- Positive reviews from buyers with similar heel pain problems
Common Complaints About Wearing Socks To Heal Foot Pain
1. Being a sock, some people report that there is not enough arch support to alleviate pain caused by plantar fasciitis.
2. They may seem too tight for some, and take time to get used to the way they grip your arches.
Group Studies And Statistics
There have not been many professional studies proving the efficacy of these plantar fasciitis socks in the reduction of pain, or as a treatment option at all. However, there are many users in general who feel that it has been a worthwhile investment in their ability to reduce pain. Though not a controlled study, testimonials can be quite helpful in providing detailed accounts of whether these socks work for heel pain.
Being designed to strengthen and support the arch curvature, similar to the benefits that an orthotic might provide, you might be able to conclude that a compression sleeve may provide similar benefits to you. Referring to your physician is always best as an initial treatment option.
Also, in one example, a research study using the FS6 compression sleeve demonstrated the efficacy of their compression zone technology, which is similarly standard in many socks.
How We Rate The Socks
Best Plantar Fasciitis Socks
(Click Image to Enlarge – Link for Amazon Reviews)
1. SB SOX Compression Socks
Read Our Full SB SOX Compression Socks ReviewThe SB SOX compression sleeve gives support where you need it in order to improve blood flow circulation. Their premium lightweight fabric is carefully designed to provide maximum support, comfort and relief where you need it most. An elastic opening and targeted arch ribbing ensures a tight fit.
- 4 sizes to choose
- Thin enough to wear under running socks
- Provides tight arch support
- Also good for sport and activities
- Seller is responsive to some positive and negative reviews
- Seems to provide relief to many people
- Some use at night to ease morning discomfort
- Multiple color options
- Some users report swelling of feet and ankles
- Not a pain solution for many
- Several complaints the socks were just too tight for their intended size
2. Crucial Compression Foot Sleeve
The Crucial Compression arch support sock is another top selling compression sleeve geared to improve circulation and reduce swelling. Its lightweight, moisture-wicking material is breathable enough to be used in all of your footwear, while also providing the tight support you require. They also offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for replacements or refunds.
- 3 size options
- Few color options to choose from including nude option
- Return/Refund guarantee
- Great ankle support
- Some use it at night as substitution for a brace
- Seller responds to negative reviews
- Not a great solution to several plantar fasciitis sufferers
- Circulation may get cut off
- Sizing was off for multiple users (too tight)
3. Bitly Compression Foot Sleeve
The Bitly foot sleeve is another top selling sock for plantar fasciitis. Its design incorporates targeted compression to increase blood flow, and they suggest its use for athletes, pregnant moms and others who suffer foot pain. Like the others, it is made with moisture wicking material and has enough support to prevent slipping and constantly needing to readjust it.
- 4 size options – Multiple color options to choose from
- Some like to wear them at night for morning relief
- Seller is responsive to ‘random’ complaints (but not all)
- Some complaints that these are not actually eligible for return
- Doesn’t work for many plantar fasciitis sufferers
- Some early wear and tear complaints
- Many complaints that socks are too big according to size guide
4. SB SOX Compression ARCH Sleeve
The SB SOX arch support sleeve is a bit different from the compression socks above. They have an even lower profile than the socks, yet are virtually unnoticeable when wearing with most shoes and sandals. While offering zero ankle support, the amount of positive reviews lends a bit of credibility to their level of arch support for plantar fasciitis sufferers.
- multiple color choices – 4 sizes to choose from
- Easy to wear with minimal impact
- Seller is responsive with commenters (but not all)
- Can be worn at night
- Washable
- Seem to have fairly good response for many
- Can wear with or without shoes and socks
- Doesn’t work for everyone and may increase pain for others
- Some sizing complaints even using their measuring standard (mostly too big still)
- Some complaints of early wearing at the openings
5. Physix Gear Low Cut Compression Sleeve
These Physix Gear low cut compression socks are designed to improve circulation and also offer plenty of arch support for those that need it. They have 20-30 mmHg graduated compression in targeted areas to assist promoting better overall blood flow. In comparison to others on the list, the full compression coverage is a bit less, notably in the upper ankle area, but the elasticity is such that it definitely won’t be falling down or shifting while you participate in athletic activities. For arch compression, it has everything you need.
- Good for plantar fasciitis as per many reviews
- Made of moisture-wicking fabric to prevent blisters
- Lightweight and breathable fabric
- Doesn’t look like compression sock when worn with your shoes
- Durable construction, made with double-stitched fabric
- Few complaints of bunched up toe area
- May shrink a bit in wash
- Compression may be too tight for some people
6. SB SOX Low Cut Compression Sleeve
The SB Sox low cut compression sock is another lower profile option for active participants that want some arch and ankle support. They’re made with spandex and lightweight nylon so you can get them on fairly easy, but also benefit from the 15-20mmHG tension they provide in the appropriate areas. Your feet will definitely slide into your shoes easier in a compression sock like this, but more importantly, you’ll FEEL compression in the arch when you have your shoes on. They’re a very popular sock for plantar fasciitis sufferers.
- Works well to alleviate heel pain for many users
- Tight support in the arch, heel, and ankle
- Achilles protection to prevent skin rubbing against shoes
- Available in a wide variety of colors
- Has anti-odor and anti-static properties
- Compression not as much as some users would prefer
- Thin material may not offer enough cushion support
- Some complaints of sizing issues according to manufacturer recommendations
7. Strassburg Sock
The Strassburg sock is actually a night splint and its purpose is to keep the foot in a position of dorsiflexion during sleep in order to alleviate pain first thing in the morning. Soft material and some foot flexibility give some benefit if you prefer not to wear a boot-type splint.
- More comfortable than a boot
- Can still wiggle toes
- Keeps the fascia stretched
- Easy for travel use
- Pulls on toes and may cause numbness
- Sock gets too warm
- Takes time to get used to
Conclusion
As you can see, there aren’t a lot of options of plantar fasciitis socks to choose from (that are different from each other). But there are enough of them that are highly reviewed for their ability to diminish heel pain. Many users find a benefit and realize that they can get heel pain relief by adding a tight-fitting sleeve to their treatment regimen.
Plantar fasciitis socks are fairly simple in technology and effective as an all-day (or night) solution. However, they may not be the first tool to use in your fight against excruciating foot pain. There are other options , which we have also reviewed, which may be more effective overall.
