Best Plantar Fasciitis Brace
The best plantar fasciitis brace depends on your specific problem: a sleeve brace for compression, an ankle brace for instability, or a rigid boot for severe acute pain. We tested the Bauerfeind MalleoTrain Plus — a high-end medical grade option — over 6 weeks to see if the premium price is justified.
Bauerfeind MalleoTrain Plus
✓ Wear-tested 42 days with digital calipers — see our testing protocol
| Spec | Measured |
|---|---|
| Category | brace |
| Price (RRP) | $89.9 |
| Arch Height | N/A |
| Heel Cup Depth | 8 mm |
| Weight | 135 g |
| Days Tested | 42 days |
| Shape Retention | Good — held structure over 42 days (no arch element) |
✅ Pros
- Exceptional ankle stabilization
- High-quality medical grade materials
❌ Cons
- Too thick to fit in regular shoes
- Very expensive
- Didn't reduce PF pain more than a standard insole
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a plantar fasciitis brace work better than an insole?
Not in our test. The Bauerfeind MalleoTrain Plus gave exceptional ankle stabilisation but didn't reduce plantar fasciitis pain any more than a standard orthotic, and at $89.90 it costs more than the insoles we recommend. A brace earns its price if you also have ankle instability; for isolated plantar fasciitis it's overkill.
Sleeve, ankle brace, or boot for plantar fasciitis?
Compression sleeves are cheapest and fine for mild daytime relief. Rigid ankle braces like the Bauerfeind add stability but bulk. Walking boots are only for severe acute flare-ups under medical guidance. We tested the rigid ankle type and it was too thick for regular shoes.
Can you wear a plantar fasciitis brace all day?
The Bauerfeind is medical-grade and comfortable against the skin, but it won't fit inside normal shoes, so all-day wear means sandals or staying home. For all-day support inside work shoes, an orthotic insole is the practical choice.