A plantar fasciitis night splint holds your foot gently flexed upward (dorsiflexion) while you rest or sleep, so the plantar fascia along the bottom of the foot and the Achilles tendon stay in a light stretch overnight. The main choices are a boot-style splint that wraps behind the leg, a dorsal splint that sits on the front of the shin and top of the foot, and splints with a built-in air bladder or strap mechanism that let you fine-tune the stretch. The right one depends on your shoe size, how you sleep and how much adjustment you want. If a doctor or podiatrist has recommended a night splint, ask them which style and angle suit you before you buy.
Night splint types at a glance
| Type | How it works | Good to know | Examples we carry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boot-style (posterior) | A rigid shell runs behind the calf and under the foot; straps hold the foot at a set angle | Simple and sturdy; bulkier in bed | Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint in small, medium and large |
| Dorsal | A shell sits on the front of the shin and top of the foot, leaving the heel and arch open | Lower profile; often feels cooler; adjustable hinge | Aircast Dorsal Night Splint |
| Inflatable (pneumatic) | An internal air bladder is pumped up or let down to change the amount of stretch | One-hand adjustment with no loose parts on Darco models | Darco Pneumatic Night Splint, small to X-large |
| Windlass-style | A mechanism lifts the toes to tension the plantar fascia | One size fits all | Night Splint Body Armor |
Boot-style splints
Our basic Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint holds the foot in gentle dorsiflexion while you sleep. It comes in three sizes based on shoe size: small fits men's 4 to 6 and women's 5 to 7, medium fits men's 6 to 10 and women's 7 to 11, and large fits men's 10 to 13 and women's 11 to 14. Boot-style splints are a straightforward place to start if you want a set angle and do not need much adjustment.
Dorsal splints
The Aircast Dorsal Night Splint sits on the front of the leg and foot. It has a flexible hinge for adjusting dorsiflexion, a soft, pliable liner that is removable and washable, and an optional toe strap that keeps the toes in place. It fits either the left or right foot. Sizes are small/medium (men's 5 to 9.5, women's 6 to 10.5) and large/X-large (men's 7.5 to 11, women's 9 to 12.5). People who find a full boot warm or bulky often look at dorsal designs.
Inflatable and windlass-style splints
The Darco Pneumatic Night Splint has an integrated inflation and deflation system that works with one hand, so you can increase or ease the stretch without removing the splint. It has a cotton terry liner and comes in small, medium, large and X-large. The Night Splint Body Armor uses a windlass mechanism that positions the toes to tension the plantar fascia, and it is one size fits all.
Checklist: choosing a night splint
- Size by shoe size. Each splint lists a men's and women's size range. If you fall between two sizes, check the product page or ask the manufacturer's sizing advice.
- Left, right or either. Most splints we carry fit either foot. Buy two if you need one for each foot.
- Adjustability. Fixed-angle boot splints are simplest. Hinged and inflatable models let you start with a light stretch and increase it gradually.
- Comfort in bed. Think about how you sleep. Dorsal splints are lower profile; boot-style splints give a firmer base.
- Liner care. A removable, washable liner is easier to keep fresh with nightly use.
- Daytime support. Many people pair a night splint with heel cups and gel heel cushions or insoles and arch supports for their shoes.
Tips for wearing a night splint
- Follow the instructions that come with your splint for putting it on and tightening the straps.
- Start with a gentle stretch. If your splint is adjustable, increase the angle a little at a time.
- Straps should be snug but not tight. Loosen them if you notice numbness, tingling or color changes in your toes.
- Night splints are made for resting and sleeping. Check the product instructions before standing or walking in one.
- If you have diabetes, poor circulation or reduced feeling in your feet, check your skin each morning and ask your doctor before using a splint. Our diabetes foot care shopping guide covers other foot care basics.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a night splint for each foot?
Only if both feet are affected. Most of our splints fit either the left or right foot, so you can buy one or two.
What size night splint should I order?
Use your shoe size and the men's or women's range listed on the product. Ranges differ by brand, so check each listing rather than assuming a medium in one brand matches another.
Are night splints FSA or HSA eligible?
Many foot care products are commonly FSA/HSA eligible. Check with your plan administrator for your specific plan.
Browse every style in our night splints collection, or see the full foot care range.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor or podiatrist about whether a night splint is right for you and how long to wear it.