Best Running Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis in 2024 (Reviewed and Buying Guide)
Achilles tendonitis is an injury caused excessive use of the Achilles tendon. Achilles tendon is the longest tendon in the body. When injured, it is normal to feel mild pain or a dull burning sensation that can make walking difficult.
The pain can become so intense to the point of making it totally impossible to walk. That is why it is recommended to use the best sneakers for Achilles tendinitis.
Sneakers for Achilles tendinitis not only help you alleviate the pain, but also prevent it and hopefully help you cure it. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about the Best Running Shoes for Achilles pain.
We will help you understand the different features of Achelies tendonitis shoes so you can purchase the best one for your needs.
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Our Top Picks
Shoes For Achilles Tendonitis Reviews Below for Men and Women
The ASICS Gel-Kayano 25 is a perfect option for runners who need more weight on their shoes for strength purposes. It weighs 11.85 ounces and it is designed for road or street surfaces terrain.
The Gel-Kayano 25 comes with all the features you need from the amazing cushioning for extra comfort and support to better bounce down and shock absorbance.
The shoe comes with a special ASICS High Abrasion Rubber outsole for enhanced traction and durability.
The high heel and forefront cushioning protects your heel and forefront from every bad impact, making it one of the best Achilles tendonitis running shoes for injury and pain.
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The Adidas ultraBoost 19 is a flexible and well-engineered shoe, making it an ideal option for those looking to combat Achilles pain.
The shoe stands out from the competition due to its incredible construction, flexibility and durability. While it might be cheap, it has all the leading technology embedded in a single shoe.
The shoe’s midsole is made with the Adidas Boost Technology to give you a springy and comfortable ride that lasts for hundreds of miles.
It comes with a flexible Primeknit upper that allows the show to easily move with your feet while you are running. The Primekit upper and the Boost midsole are features that will help you with your Achilles Tendonitis.
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The Under Armour Charged 8 Running Shoe doesn’t disappoint. It is a perfect option for runners who need flexibility and cushioning. Comfort is guaranteed with the Under Armour Charged 8 running shoe.
The shoe is specially designed to not only protect your feet, but also allow airflow keeping your feet cool and dry. The lightweight mesh upper and an EVA sockliner make this shoe ideal for people with Achilles tendonitis.
The softness of the insole helps people with Achilles tendonitis to overcome their feeling of pain and soreness and perform running training.
The lightweight sole is enhanced with air cushioning to give a pleasant feedback when walking. The outsole is made of solid rubber for maximum durability. The high quality laces provided ensures that the shoe remains firmly on your foot at all times.
The rubber outsole provides maximum traction in different trail conditions. It also features a non-slip to cope with wet or slippery terrain.
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The Mizumo Wave Rider 23 is specially designed for high mileage and tough running. For enhanced breathability, the shoe comes with a mesh upper that allows it to be flexible and protective.
The upper unit also has a fit-in motion to provide extra flexible support, which has great flex and high drop ideal for Achilles tendonitis.
I feel that the Wave Rider 23 is not only a running shoe for those with Achilles tendonitis, but also all types of runners.
The shoe boasts the Mizuno Wave and cloud, which has the right amount of softness and cushioning so you feel comfortable and pain free as you run.
The sock liner provides the needed support to reduce the flare-ups and prevent injuries as you run. Its laces will lock down your feet for enhanced stability and reducing pressure on them.
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The HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 6 Running Shoe comes with a 6 mm heel to toe drop that helps to decrease the amount of stress put on the Achilles.
The gel pad on the heels and the front helps to keep the runner’s feet feeling less shock from each stride.
The shoe is extremely lightweight and boasts plenty of cushioning and a natural heal to toe transition. It also offers an excellent roll-through feel giving you flexibility as you move through your routine.
This makes it a perfect option for those who like walking, jogging or running a lot.
The HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 6 Running Shoe is a high quality, water resistance shoe that will certainly give you a better and comfortable experience when jogging or running that its proper midsole and wonderful cushioning.
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If you are looking for a reliable all-rounder running shoe, then you’ll discover much to like about the Nike Pegasus 36.
The shoe comes with a neutral platform with a 10mm offset and weighs 9.9 ounces in men’s size 10. Within the sole of the Pegasus 36 are the “Zoom Air” and a “Premium Cushion Foam” in the heel and forefront.
The Zoom Air is basically a low-profile airbag that helps to lower the weight of the shoe and provide a more cushioned pad to land on.
The Premium Cushion Foam, on the other hand, contains some rubber additive to make the shoe lightweight and responsive. Its fly-wire cable provides extra support and will secure your feet at the arch area.
The shoe boasts a fly mesh that is more breathable and a bit lighter. The perforations on the upper unit help to increase breathability in the arch and forefoot.
All these features explain why the Pegasus 35 is an ideal option for people looking for an Achilles Tendonitis running shoe.
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Brooks is one the most popular manufacturers of running shoes. The Adrenaline GTS 19 comes with a prominent 12mm midsole to help relieve pressure on your tendons by providing an amazing support, great fit, smooth transitions and a high drop.
The Adrenaline GTS 19’s BioMoGo DNA midsole feature an adaptable cushioning that enhances comfort.
The shoe is specially designed to withstand a lot of strain, while the engineered seamless mesh provides proper breathability and flexibility. This makes it an ideal option for runners looking to get healed from Achilles tendonitis.
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The Zante Pursuit V1 running is another great running shoe for Achilles tendonitis due to its high quality and comfortability. These shoes are ideal people with wide or flat feet.
They are completely affordable and of a very high quality. The shoe’s custom Fresh Foam midsole makes it feel reasonably cushioned by not clunky.
Its lightweight design makes it a go-to option for those looking to pick up the pace. Apart from its featherweight feel, the Zante Pursuits shoes offer a great traction, even in icy and wet conditions.
The outsole features slightly raised ridges and grooves that offer a surprising amount of traction for the minimal appearance. The midsole feel too soft to help you relieve pressure on your tendon.
In addition, the Fresh Foam cushioning adapts to your stride, giving you a smooth foot fall with every step. For people with high arches, the midsole cushion your foot while running.
This means that your Achilles tendonitis will not be stressed as much, which consequently reduces pain and inflammation.
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The Skechers Go Run Ride running shoes comes with a high quality and responsive Flight Fen cushioning that provides relief to people with Achilles tendonitis.
The outsole has a rubber material that is very elastic with no stiffness. The shoe is a perfect option for those recovering from tendonitis due to its ability to provide an excellent support, a high drop and a great fit.
The Go Run Ride running shoe is one of the best –selling running shoe from Sketchers for the past several years.
The shoe is specially made to give return energy to the runner by its solid construction, breathable two-toned knit upper, and the use of exceptionally flexible and lightweight materials.
The Flight Gen cushioning provides a springy liftoff and cushions your foot while running, especially for people with high arches.
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10. Brooks Launch 6
Brooks is known for making quality roads, especially in their “energized or cushioned” category. The Brooks Launch 6 is classified as an “energize ”shoe.
It comes with a 10mm drop, a more modern upper and is a slightly heavier compared to other Brooks running shoes. The upper of the Launch 6 features a seamless fabric that gives the shoe a clean look and proper breathability.
The Brook Launch 6 carries all the essentials of a great running shoe for Achilles tendinitis: a segmented crash pad, a springy midsole and a flexible outsole offers stability for a smooth heel to toe transition.
The shoe keeps your foot snug while propelling it forward. Its lightweight and energized design makes the shoe ideal for treadmill and road running.
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The ASCIS Gel-Nimbus 21 running shoes are shoes anyone suffering from Achilles tendonitis or bad knees will find useful. If you like walking, running or jogging a lot, these shoes will be perfect for you.
They will help you feel more comfortable and offer the necessary support for your feet to prevent further injuries in your heels.
The Gel Nimbus 21 uses the Gel System technology for enhanced comfort. The FluidRide midsole ensure maximum responsive and a bouncy feel while the new external clutching system offers extra support in the medial side of the shoe and in the heel.
The outsole is made of the ASCIS High Abrasion Rubber for enhanced durability and structural integrity. The shoe’s sockliner has higher rebound properties and a high level of breathability.
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The Air Zoom Structure 22 is perfect for those looking to accomplish high-mileage running.
As Achilles tendonitis running shoes, they provide good responsiveness so that the impact from your heel rebounds quicker. This helps to reduce pressure and shock for a less painful and more comfortable run.
The shoe is made of quality materials for enhanced longevity. It also comes with a beautiful, eye-catching design and a very responsive feel, thanks to its springy midsole and flexibility.
If you are looking for a nice looking shoe that is soft and great for Achilles pain, you certainly need to try out the Nike Men’s Air Zoom Structure 22 Running Shoe.
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The Saucony Kinvara 10 is a neutral running shoe that offers a smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to its advanced EVERN cushioning and support.
It comes with all the essentials of a runner with Achilles tendinitis needs. The engineered mesh upper ensures that the shoe is breathable in the arch and in the forefoot.
The shoe only weighs 7.8 ounces and is one of the lightest everyday training shoes on store shelves. To achieve the minimal weight, Saucony has removed unnecessary weight underfoot by using an exposed EVA foam outsole with minimal rubber.
The shoe comes in both modern color schemes and a throwback edition, featuring black, red and white colors schemes that launched the original model.
The Saucony Kinvara 10 will do a great job over a marathon distance, but would a perfect pick for half-marathons as well due to its ability to balance weight, comfort and cushioning. This makes it ideal for long races.
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If you’re looking for an affordable running shoe for Achilles tendonitis, then you should definitely try the SALOMON Amphib Water shoes. The shoes are made to help ease Achilles pain.
It is a great that can be used in nearly every situation. The collapsible heel allows you to use it a shoe or slide, while the quick lacing system makes adjusting the fit fast and easy.
The shoe features a super breathable upper mesh that ensures your feet is comfortable in hot weather conditions. The upper feels soft and will keep your feet in place without a tight, uncomfortable fit.
The synthetic sole provides great traction and added flexibility for a natural running feel.
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The Reebok Men’s Floatride Run Fast Shoe boasts the high quality Floatride Foam technology that provides soft and comfortable cushioning for a responsive feel.
The outsole features a rippled rubber material that provides traction. The shoes offer the best comfort and support for runners with Achilles tendonitis.
They are breathable and provide a variety of movements while also being reliable when it comes to maintaining a proper position in order to avoid further injuries.
The Floatride technology gives cushioning energy to each footfall of the runner and springy liftoff. The shoe is extremely lightweight and super comfortable, making ideal for a wide range of situations.
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Buyer Guide To Best Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis
Buying the best shoes for Achilles tendonitis is very essential. This can be a daunting task, since there are many factors that you need to take into account when choosing the best Achilles tendonitis running shoes.
In this buyer’s guide, we have me things easier by providing the valuable tips on how to choose the best running shoe for Achilles tendonitis.
Tip 1: Consider the Shape and Size of Your Feet
When most people buy new shoes, they only consider the size and not the shape. Thus, when purchasing running shoes for Achilles pain, you need to ensure they conform in both size and shape to keep your foot problems at bay.
Be sure to learn what your foot size is and ensure that you get one that corresponds to it, or considerably a half size larger. I personally recommend that you go for lightweight shoes so that you can run faster with less pain.
Tip 2: Ventilation and Cushioning Are Essential Too
Comfort is one of the top priorities when buying running shoes for Achilles pain. That’s why I recommend that you buy shoes with extra cushioning as this lowers the impact your feet receive as your running, which consequently helps to reduce pain.
In addition, running shoes with a breathable upper provide more ventilation for your feet, which heat up while running, especially in hot weather.
Tip 3: Consider the Amount Support and Cushioning
People suffering from Achilles tendonitis should always buy shoes with more arch support to help reduce the pain during and after their run.
Thus, I recommend you go for shoes with a considerable amount of arch support in order to lower the pressure and discomfort as you run. The insole should provide a proper cushioning and height to your feel.
More importantly ensure that the shoes offers proper heal cushioning so that your heel feels less pressure during brusque movements.
Tip 4: The Shoe’s Design is a Priority
While it is good to buy shoes that match your style, it is imperative to consider the design if you’re looking for relief from Achilles tendonitis. Avoid buying shoes that are too narrow or too wide. In addition, pay attention to the shoe’s toe box.
Make sure it is roomy enough to accommodate your toes and does not restrict your movements. Going for shoes with a wrong design and fit can cause problems like bunions, hammertoes, blisters and calluses.
Now that you have a great understanding of the best running shoes for Achilles tendonitis and how you can buy the right pair for your needs, lets know discuss some of the FAQ about running shoes for Achilles tendonitis.
Additional Information: FAQ
Why Do Runners Suffer From Achilles Tendonitis?
First, Achilles tendonitis occurs due to an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon. It occurs in runners who have suddenly increased the duration or intensity of their runs. It is mostly common in runners who land on their toes or forefoot when running.
Can Achilles Tendonitis Be Caused by Running Shoes?
Yes, runners who use the wrong pair of running shoes are more likely to suffer from Achilles tendonitis. This is especially true if the running shoes are inflexible and poorly constructed.
That why I recommend that you always wear the best running shoes for Achilles pain. Regardless of whether you’re a neutral runner or an over pronator, you should make sure that you go for running shoes with features such as a soft insole, well-balanced and stable, a wide forefoot, a high heel to toe drop, a springy midsole and a flexible outsole.
What Are Some of the Primary Signs of Achilles Tendonitis?
Some common symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:
· Swelling at the back of the ankle
· Pain that gets worse when moving your feet or ankle
· Continued pain and stiffness in the legs and ankle
· Presence of bony growths near the heel bone
If the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis are mild, you don’t require medical treatment. However, it is recommended that you consult a doctor for severe Achilles pain or injuries that prevent you from continuing with your normal daily functioning.
What Are Some Treatment Options and Preventative Measures of Achilles Tendonitis?
For runners with mild injuries, the treatment may entail taking over-the-counter pain relievers, applying ice packs or cold compress on the tendons for up to 20 minutes at three times a day and resting your foot and ankle while the tendon heals.
Most doctors will also recommend physical therapy to strengthen your calf muscles and lessen pressure on the tendon.
To prevent Achilles tendonitis, always wear best running shoes for Achilles tendonitis, avoid sudden changes in running intensity, maintain a good physical shape, avoid training or excising on uneven surfaces or hard surfaces and be sure to warm up before exercising.
Does Changing My Technique or Form Help in Preventing Achilles Pain?
Yes, if you are used to exercising or training on hard surfaces or uneven grounds, then moving to a better ground can help prevent the problem.
More importantly, remember that Achilles pain occurs more frequently in cold weather. Thus, if you are running on hilly terrains you can expose yourself to the problem.
Can Achilles Tendonitis Worsen If I Keep Running?
If you have Achilles tendonitis, it is advisable that you stop running for a while. Even if you’re able to run with it, chances are that you’ll ruin the recovery process with just a single run. You will be able to recover quickly if you do not run with Achilles injuries.
When Should I Start Running After an Achilles Tendonitis Injury?
Two weeks are enough to recover, but this may vary from one runner to another. Be sure to check your injury and if you’re comfortable enough, then you can resume your runs.
How Do I Start Running After Recovering From an Achilles Injury?
Rather than resuming your training at full speed, I recommend you begin with a slow run for only 10 to 15 minutes.
After finishing the run, wait for at least 24 hours and evaluate how you feel. If you’re pain free, then you can resume your normal exercise program.
Why is Cushioning Important for Runners?
Different manufacturers use different types of cushioning in their shoes. Some use gel cushioning while others offer foam cushioning.
The cushioning technology used largely determines the comfort level and protection offered to your feet. All brands offer maximum shock absorption to lessen impact on your heels while running.
The Final Verdict
Achilles tendonitis is a common condition affecting many runners across the world. You may be suffering from the condition if you are feeling pain in the area above your heels or below the calf muscles. The condition is common in long-runners as well as people who stand for long periods of time.
The best way to prevent Achilles pain is by wearing shoes that are specially designed for the condition. In this guide we have discussed everything that you need to know about the best running shoes for Achilles tendonitis.
We have also provided a well detailed buyer’s guide on how to choose the best running shoe for your specific needs and budget.
It is evident that there are many types and models of running shoes for Achilles tendonitis, all with different features pros and cons.
It is important that you take your take to choose the running shoes that will offer the best and experience and comfort while providing relief for Achilles pain and eventually curing the condition.
