Last Updated on October 25, 2022 by admin
Achilles tendonitis is one of the most common ailments that many athletes suffer from, especially those who do a lot of running. It affects your Achilles tendon, which is the tendon that you can visibly see protruding from the back of your ankle.
It is an extremely important piece of tissue that connects your calf muscle to your ankle, which is why most runners suffer the most from the issue. It is also one of the thickest and strongest tissues in our whole body, which is why it or any other injuries surrounding the Achilles tendon are often quite painful.
Achilles tendonitis is a complex issue that is still being studied with new information yet to be discovered. When you have Achilles tendonitis, the fibers in your tendon that are supposed to be parallel become tangled and can sometimes produce a visible lump on the back of your ankle. This completely changes the structure of your Achilles tendon and is described as a degenerative process in this area.
There are two different kinds of Achilles tendonitis that you can get. The first type is insertional Achilles tendinopathy, which is pain where the Achilles tendon connects to your heel. It will primarily cause heel pain at the back of your heel but could also hurt on the bottom of your heel depending on how often you are on your feet.
The second kind is known as midsubstance Achilles tendinopathy, which is where you feel pain towards the center of the Achilles tendon. This is the type where you may notice a visible lump on the back of your ankle that can be easily irritated and difficult to deal with daily.
There are no cures to completely fix Achilles tendonitis, however, there are many treatments to help reduce the pain for both types. These range from at-home remedies, to over-the-counter medications, to extreme measures such as surgery for more painful cases.
If you are someone who suffers from Achilles tendonitis, wearing the proper footwear is an easy and effective way to help reduce everyday foot pain. Especially for those who suffer from this ailment and play sports or run often, investing in a quality pair of shoes that will feel comfortable against your Achilles tendon is highly recommended. You want to look for a walking shoe or running shoe that will decrease the Achilles tendon load which will, in turn, reduce pain.
Today we will go over some of the best and most comfortable shoes to wear if you have Achilles tendonitis, so you can feel more comfortable walking and running every day. We will compare features of different running and regular everyday shoes that can help reduce Achilles pain, including heel cushioning, foot support, and more.
Best Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis
1. Skechers Women’s Shape Ups Strength Fitness Walking Sneaker
- Two-tone sneaker with breathable leather and mesh upper
- Padded tongue and collar
The first shoe on our list of the best shoes for Achilles tendonitis is the Skechers Women’s Shape Ups Fitness walking shoe. They provide a ton of foot support with a thick cushioning and sole which makes walking much more comfortable. They also do not rub up against your Achilles tendon. The rubber sole is extremely high and thick which provides a lot of cushioning and support while walking or running. They are easy to slip on and off and are made with 100% pure leather.
The thick sole is great for shock absorption and it has a padded collar for extra comfort. This shoe is also perfect for people with a wider foot who suffer from Achilles tendonitis since it is built with a toe box that has plenty of room. You can purchase this shoe on Amazon US, and it comes in two different colors.
Pros
- Has a thick and high rubber sole which provides a ton of comfort while walking
- Has a padded collar that won’t rub against your Achilles tendon when walking or running
Cons
- Some people may find that the sole is too thick
2. PUMA Men’s Cell Surin 2 FM Cross-Trainer Shoe
- Clean Synthetic leather upper with perforations for breathability.
Next on our list is the Cell Surin 2 FM Cross Trainer by Puma. These shoes are very comfortable and made of breathable, synthetic leather. The heels are reinforced with extra support which is ideal for walking or working out for people who suffer from Achilles tendonitis. The rubber outsole was made with durability in mind and for those who are on their feet for several hours.
They are lightweight shoes without a ton of cushioning, which may not be ideal for some people with more severe pain. These shoes have a nice design and are versatile since you can wear them for running or working out, or for everyday wear at work. You can purchase these Puma shoes through Amazon US for under $100, and they are available in eight colors.
Pros
- Versatile and lightweight
- Extra cushioning on the heel helps reduce pain of the Achilles tendon
Cons
- Cushioning is only in the heel and sole, no inner cushioning for extra comfort and foot support for Achilles tendonitis
3. Clarks Men’s Portland 2 Tie Casual Shoe
- Leather and synthetic upper
- Removable Ortholite footbed
- Rubber outsole
- Mesh and synthetic lining
- 26066038 and 26066039
The next pair of shoes is the men’s Portland 2 Tie Casual shoe from Clarks. They are made of pure, soft leather which provides a snug and comfortable fit. They have a padded collar for additional comfort and support and are designed to be worn as an everyday work or casual shoe. These shoes provide a great amount of stability which is ideal for people who suffer from Achilles tendonitis and work long shifts.
They have a simple lacing system and are built with a synthetic lining that helps eliminate any rubbing or uncomfortable friction against your Achilles tendon. You can find these shoes on Amazon US in either black or brown leather.
Pros
- Built-in liner helps reduce friction and rubbing against Achilles tendon
- Made of pure leather which results in a snug and comfortable fit
Cons
- Don’t have a lot of built-in cushioning
4. Saucony Ride ISO Women’s Shoe
- A running shoe built for the neutral runner who requires enhanced cushioning
- Open mesh upper promotes maximum breathability
- Synthetic overlays deliver durable, targeted support and help lock the foot over the midsole for a more secure fit
Next up is the Ride ISO women’s running shoe from Saucony. This shoe is built with a ton of support and comfort in mind, using ISOFIT technology to give the best and comfortable fit. It has two insole layers, a top sole, and a midsole, which provide double the cushioning when running and walking. It has a woven heel texture which is known to have a good structure and provide stability, and a lightly padded tongue and collar for extra comfort. They are easy to slip on and off and provide the necessary foot support for people with Achilles tendonitis. You can find these shoes on Amazon US in nine available colors.
Pros
- Built using ISOFIT technology to increase comfort and form to the foot
- Has two insole layers which provide amazing support for the foot and heel
Cons
- Can run on the more expensive side, but are known to last a long time
5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Roav Trail V1 Sneaker
- Comfortable Trail Running Shoes: Thanks to the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, which is precision-engineered to deliver a cushioned, lightweight ride, these shoes are great for any run on the trails
- Supportive Running Shoes With a Great Fit: These stylish trail shoes feature an Ultra Heel design, which hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Traction That’s Built for Adventure: This durable pair of outdoor running shoes includes an AT Tread outsole with aggressive lugs to provide versatile traction during off-road activities
- Strong and Durable Running Shoes: The rubber sole on these New Balance trail running shoes offers not only traction but lasting durability for your adventurous life
- An Attractive Look: These cushioned running shoes feature a knit upper that acts as a perfect complement to the premium suede overlays, to give you a pair of shoes that look as great as they perform
This is the women’s Fresh Foam Roav Trail V1 sneaker by New Balance. These shoes are lightweight and built with a multi-directional tread pattern which is great for durability while running outside on trails and other terrains. It has precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning which provides lots of comfort and support, especially for people who suffer from Achilles tendonitis.
For additional comfort and foot support, it has a cushioning midsole and forefoot fins, which also help with balance and stability. It is made of a mixture of synthetic and lightweight mesh materials to ensure breathability. They are easy to slip on and off and can be purchased in four different colors. You can find these shoes on Amazon US.
Pros
- Built with forefoot fins to increase balance and stability
- Has a specially formulated midsole for lots of comfort and foot support while walking or running
Cons
- Expensive
6. Vionic Men’s Walker
- Leather or Suede Upper. Removable Textile-covered EVA Footbed. Built in .5″ elevation for a smooth transition in heel-to-toe strike zone. Durable Rubber Outsole.
- Received APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) Seal of Acceptance
- YOUR NEW FAVORITE SNEAKERS: Make a move in our perennial customer favorite Walker featuring a leather or suede upper and dual-density EVA technology for maximum stability.
- EVERYDAY SUPPORT: A podiatrist-designed footbed built into every pair of Vionic sandals, slippers, active shoes and flats promotes stability from the ground up.
- Vionic active footwear features Active Motion System (AMS) technology, combining our podiatrist-designed orthotic with a flexible, cushioned outsole and a lightweight, breathable upper. Step into support for work, play and everyday.
The final shoe on our list of the best shoes for Achilles tendonitis is this men’s shoe from the brand Vionic. This shoe has a built-in, podiatrist-designed footbed that provides stability and comfort. It has even received the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) Seal of Acceptance.
The footbed is also removable and has a built-in half-inch elevation for the ideal heel-to-toe ratio. You have the choice of leather or suede upper, which is both comfortable and lightweight.
These shoes are easy to slip on and off and great for walking, running, and everyday casual work shoes. A special feature about these shoes is that they use Active Motion System (AMS) technology, so they are very flexible and lightweight for longer use. You can find these shoes on Amazon US in six different colors.
Pros
- Great for wearing anytime throughout the day
- Received the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) Seal of Acceptance
Cons
- We can’t seem to find any cons about this product!
Buyer’s Guide
Now that we have gone over some examples of the right shoe to wear if you are suffering from Achilles tendonitis, let’s look at some of the important factors you should consider when choosing which running shoe is right for you.
Level of Cushioning
People who suffer from Achilles tendonitis need a shoe that has a good amount of high-quality cushioning. This is what provides the comfort and stability that you need, and different brands will use different materials for their cushioning. You especially want to look for extra padding or cushioning in the heel area if you suffer from the first type of Achilles tendonitis which affects the area where the tendon meets the heel.
The Heel-to-Toe or ‘Drop’
Next, you will want to look at the measurements for the heel-to-toe ratio, which is also known as the ‘drop’. A running shoe has a heel-to-toe ratio which makes the heel higher and goes down on a slope towards the toe, fitting the arch of our foot nicely. Some have a bigger heel-to-toe ratio than others, so it is a good idea to consider this depending on how much of a slope you want and how they support your Achilles tendon.
Support
As someone with Achilles tendonitis, you want a good quality support system within your shoe. Whether you are using them for running or everyday wear, you will likely be wearing them for hours at a time. Support goes alongside comfort level, so you need to find the right amount of foot support to effectively reduce Achilles tendon pain throughout the day.
Price
Finally, you will need to decide how much you are willing to spend on shoes for your Achilles tendonitis. Some shoes run on the more expensive side, but it can be worth the investment if you are wearing them every day and they help with your pain.
Conclusion
Achilles tendonitis is a painful issue that a lot of athletes who run live with. It can come in two different types, one affecting the middle of your Achilles tendon and one where the tendon meets your heel, which is where the pain is located.
There isn’t a cure for Achilles tendonitis, which is why so many people’s pain-relieving solution is finding a comfortable and supportive shoe. Whether they are for walking and running or for everyday wearing at work, investing in shoes with the proper amount of cushioning, support, durability, and comfort can change your entire day for the better.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can bad running shoes cause Achilles tendonitis?
A: Yes. If runners wear poor-quality running shoes, then they are much more likely to develop this type of Achilles injury.
Q: Can I still run with Achilles tendonitis?
A: You can, but most people would not advise it. Give your body time to heal for a week or two before going for a run. Perhaps try some light jogging or a brisk walk so long as neither is painful.
Q: What are some of the most popular treatments for Achilles tendonitis?
A: There are home remedies you can try, but we recommend rest as the best treatment.