Best Plantar Fasciitis Braces & Night Splints
One of the most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis is that the first couple of steps you take in the morning are incredibly painful. By keeping your plantar fascia stretched while you sleep so that they are loose in the morning night splints help your first couple of steps be easier while also to help treat and relieve the condition over time.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Use
What is a night splint used for?
The job of night splints is to, in basic terms, maintain the length and tension of the plantar fascia while resting overnight. While sleeping the body relaxes, allowing shortening as well as restoration to more of a nonfunctional state. This is the reason why for those who suffer from this condition, experience the most pain in their first steps after waking up.
The best option needs to keep the foot in the correct position, as to maintain the appropriate tension on the plantar fascia, not allowing it to shorten and return to a form which must be stretched back to have a less painful use. A properly functioning product should keep the foot positioned in a way which applies the right amount of tension while at the same time maintaining a bearable level of comfort during use.
Remember, you’ll have to be able to get your sleep while wearing the splint whether you wear socks or not. The position in which the product keeps the foot placed overnight must be one that provides the necessary therapy which will result in less painful first morning steps.
Comfort
A good night splint won't keep you from getting a good night's sleep.
Though the splint needs to maintain a proper position, there needs to be an element of comfort which allows the wearer to get some sleep with it on. We look for products which have elements such as soft lining, enough cushioning or padding between any hard plastic portions, and a universal level of adjustability, as to work properly for feet and legs of all shapes and sizes.
The strapping system should have some protection between any hook and loop closure and the legs, preventing irritating points of contact on the legs and feet. We also don’t want to recommend products that have pinch points around the places where the splint adjusts.
Another important feature that we look at is that the products do not put the foot in direct contact with plastics forms or hard and potentially sharp or pointy sections of the splint. You can use insoles to provide some support but the splint needs to be comfortable on its own for the most part.
Size
Please be aware that boot-type night splints are quite a bit larger than the dorsiflexion type.
Many plantar fasciitis braces and splints come in different sizes, and some are even produced as one size fits all or most. The best splints will be able to give the appropriate fit to facilitate correct positioning of the leg and foot to achieve the intended results.
The straps must be placed in a way that allows proper adjustment and fitting. They cannot be located in places which do not firmly hold the leg and foot in the correct place for the right amount of tension to be applied.
If it is a universal or one size fits most type of product, the adjustability needs to be truly universal in function. It must have the ability to adjust properly to fit multiple foot and leg types.
It does absolutely no good to wear a night splint that is not able to provide tension to the correct location of the foot. In fact, wearing something that does not fit properly can create more problems, rather than helping with the intended issue. It is extremely important that the product fits precisely how it is meant to, thus allowing the appropriate therapy to be given.
Breathability
Boot type night splints can be fairly restrictive in terms of airflow but the dorsiflexion type do a better job of letting the airflow.
Like almost anything else that goes on your feet, proper airflow is an important factor. Again, you have to be able to get a good night’s rest while wearing this contraption, so it really won’t provide a great situation if your feet sweat profusely while you have it on.
The ideal night splint ought to have plenty of open spots where air can flow through. Some may have mesh or other types of breathable materials in their construction. Although many of these devices are made with material like neoprene and durable synthetics, they must also be accompanied with a design which allows enough airflow to maintain a decent amount of breathability throughout the night. Remember you will wear the device to bed so any blankets or other things you use for your feet need to accommodate the brace.
We looked for products that do not have a boot like design which completely surrounds the foot and lower leg, stopping air from circulating properly. We also steered away from those made with materials such as lower quality nylon that has almost no breathability.
Style
Before shopping make sure you know the difference between the two types of night splints and think about what you're looking for in one.
We have 2 main varieties of splints that assist athletes suffering from plantar fasciitis:
1. Dorsal
2. Boot
The basic difference in construction between the two types of night splints is the location of the support spine on your foot and lower leg. Size/bulk, breathability, tension adjustability, and comfort also vary.
The dorsal splint sits on the shin, typically leaving the back of the ankle and the heel uncovered, allowing for ample breathability. A dorsal foot splint and brace lightly pulls the toes in an upward position to stretch the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia and is used to cure Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and other heel problems. The dorsal foot brace and splint is generally more comfortable than the other night splints, which leads to longer periods of wear at night, which can potentially speed recovery.
The spine of the boot brace type is located on the backside of the calf and leg. It is often a bigger in size than dorsal splints. A dorsal foot splint does not allow the splint to be adjusted for distinct angles of stretching, whereas an adjustable boot style night splint allows the user the flexibility to adjust the amount of stretch used on the Achilles tendon. A patient may first wear the boot splint set at the lowest possible angle and then gradually increase the angle. This may help with pain management and speed recovery.
Common Concerns – Dorsal Type Splints/Braces
1. The design is prone to cause slippage of the foot therefore not able to hold onto the stretch.
2. They tend to offer increased pressure that, when exerted on the toes, causes numbness.
3. The larger straps in some brands tend to cause sweating of the foot.
Common Concerns – Boot Type Splints/Braces
1. They are bulky and most users find them uncomfortable
2. Can lack breathability
3. Users find walking with the boot on difficult.
All of these splint models have pros and cons, therefore it is important to consult with your doctor to determine which type of night splint will work for you.
10 Best Plantar Fasciitis Night Braces
1. Nice Stretch 90
The Nice Stretch 90 plantar fasciitis brace is designed for Plantar Fasciitis patients, the most commonly diagnosed source of heel pain. It provides fixed angle support with a rigid, low profile design in order to hold the flexion and permit the plantar fascia to heal. Non-skid treads on the bottom permit limited walking, while the removable ice pack and toe lift offer additional treatment.
Read moreStraps
There are three Velcro straps that can be adjusted to your comfort AND there are locking straps on the top and middle straps to keep the Velcro in place. However, the ankle strap is poorly placed. It really cuts at the ankle. I ordered a different one that has a strap above and below the ankle hopefully making it more comfortable. Those are also adjustable. I only occasionally use the ice pack that comes with it, if I’ve had a painful day. The ice pack is not so cold that it’s uncomfortable, but it still stays cold long enough to feel relief. The only thing I will say is that this plantar fasciitis brace is a little bulky and it is sometimes a challenge to get your feet positioned comfortably. The splint is light enough that I can do this sleeping on either side. Walking about when wearing the splint is not especially easy – I take it off every time I need to get out of bed. But I find it comfortable and I am able to walk if only a short distance.
Fit
I also took the advice I read from others about sizing. I wear a shoe size 10 1/2. According to the sizing information, that means I should have a large. But, I got the medium plantar fasciitis night splint, and it is perfect. It has a removable section which you can freeze if you want, or you can just take that part out. It also comes with an extra piece of Velcro in case you need it and I do because my calf is wider than most. I use it on the top section to give me a little more wiggle room.
Cost and Value
The plantar fasciitis night splint is well made, very sturdy, and comfortable. There are some “grippy” strips on the bottom so that I can make a trip to the bathroom during the night without having to take the splint off. The liner is attached to the plastic shell with hook tape so it can be removed and hand-washed. An extra piece of the hook tape is included, in case the one on the toe strap becomes worn. The ice pack is a nice feature; not too cold but enough to keep my foot cool. As one reviewer commented, the ice pack is a little hard; however, with the warmth of my foot, it gets pliable quickly. This plantar fasciitis night brace is available in all sizes, for both men and women, plus it is also a cost-effective alternative compared to most high-end night splints.
2. Bird & Cronin
Bird and Cronin plantar fasciitis brace tends to be among the best products with regards to treating plantar fasciitis. This particular plantar fasciitis night splint is very light and adjustable, making it an excellent choice for those who need some extra help with reducing pain caused by plantar fasciitis or even tendonitis.
Read morePadding
This plantar fasciitis night splint is well padded for comfort and adjusts well for most feet, not sliding around as other models may sometimes do. This helps to adjust and relax the feet as needed to reduce any form of strain or further injury.
Design and Size
The brand is not only properly ergonomically designed but comes in different sizes and they can be worn on either foot. This versatility makes it one of the most preferred brands to increase its marketability.
Cost and Value
This plantar fasciitis night brace comes with extra padding to boost its comfortability and can be worn on either feet, a quality that greatly boosts its convenience. This adds value to its price making it worth penny.
3. AlphaBrace PF Splint
This plantar fasciitis night splint has a lightweight profile that will help your leg and foot breathe through the night. The straps are padded and the interior is made up of soft Lycra padding. It can be removed and washed. You can also use the included foam wedge near the toe to help adjust the stretch provided by the splint. This splint will keep the fascia ligament stretched and relaxed to help alleviate morning pain.
Read moreLycra Padding
This feature is important in the brand's unique design to improve on its comfort and provide you with an experience that would maximize satisfaction. It is important because it helps minimize pressure to the foot that would otherwise make it uncomfortable or increase injury.
Washable and Breathable
This help in eliminating odor and maintain the quality of the brand. Its washable feature also maintains its condition and ensures your gear is clean to maintain your hygiene.
Cost and Value
This plantar fasciitis brace is quite affordable to the majority and its satisfactory features, breathable design, and extra padding improve to its value. You will definitely not regret having this plantar fasciitis night splint by AlphaBrace added to your collection.
4. Strictly Stability
This is another boot-type plantar fasciitis night splint designed to help relieve pain. It has a lightweight design with padded buckles to ensure that the foot will be completely immobilized while you sleep.
Read moreRemovable Stretch Wedges
This plantar fasciitis brace by Strictly Stability has a pair of stretch wedges that come in various sizes to improve on comfort. Additionally, these have a padding layer to reduce foot pressure and ensure you feel comfort to your feet.
Lightweight Design
Despite the padding this plantar fasciitis splint has, this improves both comfort and weight. All these improves on the quality of the brand and eases your mobility. Moreover, it contains a foot massage mechanism to improve on the comfort experience.
Cost and Value
The high-quality brand can be worn on either foot and a 1-year warranty to improve on its value no matter what budget you have for a planter fasciitis. You are definitely guaranteed a gear that works perfectly to help reduce foot pressure and serve its medical purpose. Buy this plantar fasciitis night brace by following the links above.
5. Vive
Alleviate foot pain from plantar fasciitis with the Vive hard night splint. The brace maintains a neutral position of the foot to keep a comfortable stretch of the tendons. The brace is worn throughout the night the relieve pain felt in the mornings. The exterior is rigid for support while the interior is cushioned for comfort.
Read moreExtendable Wedges
The Vive brace features customizable stretch for the optimal amount of pain relief by the use of two padded stretch wedges and dual tension straps. Made from a soft foam, the wedges extend the toes further to allow more stretch of the foot tendons.
Tough Material
The hard exterior combined with a soft interior offers ample protection and support. The hard composite of the exterior allows for walking during the night without removing the brace. The padding of the interior is made from a breathable foam. The soft lining prevents skin irritation, abrasions, and blisters.
Cost and Value
The plantar fasciitis braceis secured with three wide adjustable straps that are latex-free for sensitive skin. The material of the straps is made from a strong webbing. Additionally, the straps contain buckles so wearers do not have to readjust each night. This brace will fit both men and women as well as both the left and the right foot. It is quite affordable to many
6. AEXCare PF Day/Night Brace
It's very normal to wish for fast recovery when you have Plantar Fasciitis keeping you from running or engaging in the things you love. This day and night plantar fasciitis brace made of breathable, lightweight materials will keep your foot in the ideal position, all while making sure that the low-profile design is not distracting you from your activities during the day or while you're sleeping at night.
Read moreComfort
This plantar fasciitis brace is known to be incredibly comfortable and offer a less-bulky design than other brands and products. In this plantar fasciitis splint, you will not feel like your feet have any limitation and the materials also make the gear tolerable.
Features
A bendable aluminum strip at the instep position makes for some convenient and practical foot support. The brace can be worn on either foot, and the straps are designed so that individual may adjust and wrap them around their feet or ankles.
7. PF Posterior by Surgical Medical
This plantar fasciitis night splint has 3 padded buckles to ensure sure the foot cannot move. The straps have a bit of an awkward design and some small quality issues. You’ll have to hold the fastener into the buckle as you make the strap tighter since the fastener has a tendency to come out without too much effort. It has two tension straps to help increase flexion. It is very lightweight, though this plantar fasciitis brace can still be cumbersome if you move around a lot at night.
Read more3-padded Straps
The brand of night splints for plantar fasciitis has unique quality fasteners that ensure your feet are strapped in place and improve immobilization. This plantar fasciitis brace enables you to feel like you do not have any accessory on your feet and your movement is not limited.
Open PF Design
An important aspect for plantar fasciitis because it helps eliminate odor and keep your feet cool, aerated and dry. The open design of this brace for plantar fasciitis is also an advantage because it is made in a way to make it look stylish when compared to other models.
8. Cramer
A plantar fasciitis night splint can’t be effective unless a patient wears it. Now there is a brace so comfortable they will. it is Highly Rated by Amazon Users. these splints designed to have a low profile. They are lightweight and less bulky. The plantar fasciitis night splint from Cramer Dorsal has been constructed and designed to give a comfortable hold to the foot (neutral position), therefore helping to alleviate the morning pain and discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis (heel spur).
Read moreMaterial
Active Ankle Dorsal plantar fasciitis night splint is made of hard plastic-type material. It is very forceful so it can hold your foot in the correct position. There are no rough edges and the well- molded plastic. The plastic part that goes around the foot is truly open on the bottom, it wraps around your foot on the side with one side overlapping the other on the bottom of your foot so you can adjust it to fit correctly on your foot. There is a fabric liner inside which has a bit of padding in it, therefore, you do have a decent amount of comfort between you and the plastic. There is a small slit that goes down/up in the cushion right at the place where the foot and leg meet. I’m not sure whether it is supposed to be there or not, there are not any finished seams on it. The fabric liner on the inside goes around your foot. It is well crafted and comfortable. I have had no problems with anything rubbing me anywhere and the fabric areas cover all the hard plastic parts so your skin does not contact with it anywhere.
Velcro Straps
There are 3 Velcro straps which wrap around, two on the leg and another on the foot. There is also a separate Velcro piece which you can attach to the bottom part of the foot after you have it on. This is a non-skid type pad which is made of rubber with little bumps on it. The straps are very soft and comfortable. They do not irritate or rub in any way.
Cost and Value
It will take you some tries to get your right fit and to make sure the plantar fasciitis brace is comfortable when you sleep. Don’t get discouraged. Make sure that you get the foot part set tight enough so your foot doesn’t relax forward too much. If you make it too tight your foot will feel like it is going to sleep. The fasciitis is comfortable, made of a tough material and less bulky to improve its value.
9. Posterior Sure Stretch
This night splint is used to stretch the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia during sleeping. Two lateral hook and loop straps can easily adjust the dorsiflexion.
Read moreHard Plastic Exterior
This one has been known to also reduce heel pain, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis. The exterior of the splint is hard plastic with vents along the calf to allow for breathability. The textured rubber sole will allow you to go to the bathroom without slipping. It's on the bulkier side, so it's not the best choice for anyone who moves a lot when they sleep.
Washable Interior Lining
You can remove the interior lining to wash it and keep it hygienic. The material is high-quality, soft, and will feel nice on your skin. The padding will keep the exterior plastic from biting into your leg and foot.
Cost and Value
The straps have a tendency to stretch through the night and require adjustment. The fit is otherwise pretty solid and it is quite an affordable model.
10. FiBee
This is a great option for people who don't like the idea of a bulky night splint. It is smaller and much more compact than many options but is still effective. It comes with a spiked ball for rolling under your arches and feels fantastic. The angle of stretch is adjustable and it has a fixed strength strap for all night holding power. Most users were happy overall although there were a couple of isolated durability concerns.
Read moreUse
This product is best for people who are looking for a more streamlined and smaller night splint. When combined with the spikey ball for rolling under the arches of your foot the user typically most happy with the product will be someone who is active and engaged in their health and well-being.
Comfort
Most users found it rated highly here. Being less bulky than most night splints definitely can help the user to feel more natural and get a better night's sleep than the larger options.
Size
As we've already mentioned, this one is much smaller and more compact than a lot of other products on the market.
Breathability
Some users did find that they sweat a lot underneath the fabric.
Style
This is a dorsal type night splint as opposed to a boot. Please see our criteria section, under the style heading for more information.
Sources
- , Podiatry Today, Podiatry information website
- , WebMD, Online Clinical Information
- , Plantar Fasciitis MD, Informational website
- , Painful Feet.com, Foot care website
- , Sports Injury Clinic, Online Clinical Information
- , Do Night Splints Work For Plantar Fasciitis?, Website
- , Night Splint, Website
- , Night Splints – To Use Or Not To Use, Website
- , Plantar Fasciitis Treatment and Management, Website
