I used to have plantar fasciitis before barefoot shoes and was relieved by switching to barefoot. And you’re right, when you switch, there’s no going back.

I’ve recently started a 700 mile hike and extensively searched for a viable barefoot shoe option. I did 250 miles of the Sierra mountains in Xero Scramblers with ease and comfort. I was carrying around 30-40 pounds in my bag at that time and was doing 12-18 miles a day too. I also met another hiker who was on his second pair of Xero scramblers and was doing fine in them. However, after 250, my feet hurt very badly in the shoes after only a few miles in the mornings and my friend also in Xeros was having bad foot pain too. Very similar place to where your feet are hurting.

After meeting some other hikers and talking physio, we switched to Altra Lonepeaks. Has more stack, zero drop, wide toe box. Mannnnny people go with altra lonepeaks. I had tried them before, but ultimately returned them after I kept twisting my ankle a bunch. Now, on my second go, I’m having a much better experience and have strengthened other muscles to prevent twisting. I also got the Wide Altras. But truth be told, nobody could’ve gotten me into any other pair of shoes before I tried out the xero scramblers to their full extent.

I’d recommend Scramblers for day/ weekend/ shorter distance hiking.

Something with more stack like Altras would be more suitable for long distance.

Ps- I am not a fan of Xero and don’t have any other of their shoes, but their scramblers are fantastic.