The Best Shoes For Achilles Tendonitis in 2022

Achilles tendonitis is incredibly tough to deal with. As such is considered one of the most stubborn injuries to get rid of, which is no doubt why you’re looking for the best shoes for tendonitis.

Achilles tendonitis will mean you’re not walking very far anytime soon, which if you’ve got an “on your feet” kind of job, it leaves you with a bit a problem.

In this post we’re going to share a little bit about achilles tendonitis and how it’s caused, then recommend some of the best shoes for achilles tendonitis as well.

It’s incredibly important to have the right footwear in this situation, or risk making the situation worse. So sit down, pay attention and take note, because this may just be the most important post you read this year.

Achilles tendonitis can rear its ugly head at pretty much anytime. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a professional athlete training every single day for hours, or just an everyday guy or gal.

It can also affect you on different levels, from being just an annoying pain on the back of your heel, to a pain that’s so excruciating you can’t walk.

Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to your heel bone (the calcaneus). This is often caused by repetitive or intense strain on the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. This tendon is used when you walk, run, jump or push up on your toes.

Achilles Tendonitis

So in other words, it’s pretty darn hard to avoid putting any pressure on the injury, which is also why it’s so difficult to heal in the long run.

But what’s that? I can hear you getting excited about the shoes you’re going to go and buy for those poor feet of yours already. But before I share some of the best shoes for tendonitis, let me explain why footwear is the first, and often best course of treatment for your tendonitis.

How Wearing the Right Footwear Helps Achilles Tendinitis

There are so many courses of treatment for achilles tendonitis, including but not limited to:

  • Pills and potions (not literal potions, but you get the point)
  • Therapeutic treatments including massage and Physical therapy
  • Special heat patches

You get the picture.

But the first step should always be the shoes you’re wearing. By wearing the correct footwear for you, you should be able to massively reduce the pain caused from achilles tendonitis. This is by reducing the irritation on the inflamed tendon as you walk, and although complete rest from putting any weight on the heel is the best solution, it certainly isn’t practical.

So the right sort of shoe will also keep you in the game of life, so to speak, and will allow you to at least move around at a slow pace and continue doing your thing.

The best shoes for achilles tendonitis have:

  • plenty of cushioning for the heel,
  • the correct shoe arch (one that doesn’t collapse),
  • a decent firmness to them so there isn’t any unnecessary movement from the heel bone,
  • and the correct heel height too, so you’re not over-stretching an already inflamed and painful achilles tendon.

The key is to find a shoe that works for YOU. I can give you a selection of great shoes to choose from, but they might not necessarily be right for you. They give your feet enough room to move and expand as they heat up during activity, whilst giving you adequate support for the middle of the foot, and the heel itself.

They also promote optimum movement as well, so when you’re walking, your feet aren’t being put through any strange movement patterns.

I’ll go into the specifics of what makes the best shoes for achilles tendonitis, but first you need to know the shoes to avoid like the plague if you’re ever going to recover fully from your troublesome heel pain.

The Shoes You Need To Avoid With Achilles Tendonitis

Given I’ve explained what the characteristics of a good shoe for achilles tendonitis are, it should come as no surprise that the worse types of shoes are the stark opposite.

Shoes that offer no cushioning for the heel or middle of the foot are often the cause for achilles tendonitis. So continuing to wear shoes like this will only exacerbate the pain, possibly even to the point of full rupturing of the tendon. This is your worst possible scenario, and very much a surgical path to follow.

You should also take care to avoid shoes with a thin sole, especially if you play any kind of sport, or walk long distances every day. Thin soles can cause excessive damage to the fascia on the bottom of the foot, and put a lot of pressure on the achilles itself.

What You Should Be Looking For When Choosing the Best Shoes For Tendonitis

Proper Arch Support

If you have flat feet (very low arches) or extremely high arches, then you’re already predisposed to getting achilles tendonitis.

The foot shape itself is enough to put undue stress on the heel, meaning you’ll need a shoe that provides plenty of support for your arches.

It all comes down to the specific type of arch you have, and you should keep this in mind before choosing the right shoe for you.

Ball of Foot Bending

When deciding on the right shoe for you, you also need to consider bending form. In other words, where does the shoe actually bend from as you walk?

If the shoe doesn’t have adequate firmness, providing much needed support, you’re going to develop poor movement in the feet. This means you’re far more likely to develop Achilles issues, or worsen an existing injury.

Heel Height

The heel of the shoe shouldn’t be too low or too high, only slightly lifted to promote good movement of the foot, and also take the stress out of impact with the ground.

This is a difficult one to contend with because most shoes have a neutral heel position, so you must choose very carefully in this instance. More on this with the reviews.

Insoles

Having the correct insoles is vital in providing cushioning to the connective tissue on the bottom of the foot.

Remember I said earlier that thin soled shoes are a nightmare for achilles tendonitis sufferers? Well having a well cushioned insole can solve this problem by providing a soft impact with the floor. Less stress on the plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot, will also mean less stress on the achilles.

So, with all of this said, let’s take a look at the best options available to you.

1. ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 17 Running Shoe

ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 17

If you are looking for a perfect footwear brand that is designed from 100 percent textile/synthetic materials, you should not look beyond ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 17 Running Shoe. These stylish shoes come in three different colors-black, silver and onyx-to choose from.

In fact, they are designed primarily to give your foot that much comfort it needs. That is why its sole is made of AHAR rubber materials and the shafts measure at approximately low-top right from the arch to keep you safe and comfortable throughout. On top of that, its glow-in-the-dark GEL cushioning and an all over the reflective upper side will enable you to enjoy walking or running during the night, thanks to its state of the art night ready trail running feature.

ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 17 Running Shoe has other additional features like the FluidFit upper technology, discrete eyelet lacing, and heel clutching systems and removable moisture-managing comfort X-40 insole that are all included to guarantee your safety and style while helping you to deal with Achilles tendonitis.

[letsreviewunique title=”Our Verdict” pros_title=”Pros” pros=”Very comfortable,Durable,Excellent for walking/running,Light,Comes in various sizes (wide/narrow)” cons_title=”Cons” cons=”Super stiff,Expensive” affiliate=”Check Latest Price,https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KOLO7Z4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00KOLO7Z4&linkCode=as2&tag=thisiswhyimfi-20&linkId=fc79e1d381a6ac204cfebe94a3b7d9cc” accent=”#f8d92f” final_score=”93″ format=”2″ skin=”1″ animation=”1″ design=”1″][/letsreviewunique]

 

2. Saucony Women’s 5259-1 Sneaker

Saucony Women's 5259-1

Saucony Women’s 5259-1 Sneaker is what you need if you value style and elegance while trying to mitigate all symptoms of Achilles tendonitis.

The 100 leather and synthetic shoes complete with a rubber sole is designed primarily for women who understand the need to keep themselves fit and healthy.

Essentially, this is the right shoe for you if you want to have an everlasting experience and unmatched comfort that Saucony Women’s 5259-1 Sneakers bring along.

These walking sneakers have an engineered asymmetrically sole that will help you achieve better results faster due to its biomechanical fit. So, who doesn’t like a smooth transition and stability?

Of course, you do and that is the main reason your sneaker has a Walk Track with a patented outsole to assure you of that smooth transition that will keep you going. In addition to that, the visible rearfoot grid-system is included in the design to cushion and keep you stable while taking your daily walking or running exercise.

[letsreviewunique title=”Our Verdict” pros_title=”Pros” pros=”Keeps feet stable,Stylish and comfortable,Great for long/narrow feet,Good support,Suitable for those with metatarsal pain” cons_title=”Cons” cons=”A little stiff,Lower than expected,Too narrow for some” affiliate=”Check Latest Price,https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001HX48M0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001HX48M0&linkCode=as2&tag=thisiswhyimfi-20&linkId=c7bc43e651aa00d31fec4afe471be92c” accent=”#f8d92f” final_score=”89″ format=”2″ skin=”1″ animation=”1″ design=”1″][/letsreviewunique]

 

3. PUMA Men’s Cell Surin 2 FM Cross-Trainer Shoe

PUMA Men’s Cell Surin 2 FM Cross-Trainer

When you think of a shoe that is skillfully designed to provide you with a fresh look, what should come into your mind is the Cell Surin from PUMA brand.

This is a stylish shoe that is suitable for casual athletic running and it can really help you to overcome Achilles tendonitis within the shortest time possible.

Cell Surin is sleeker and lighter to assure you of a modern feel while giving you that wonderful and successful heritage look for your money.

As a matter of fact, this type of shoe is perfect for you and you can comfortably wear them before, during and immediately after your workout. And when it comes to performance, Cell Surin is second to none due to its synthetic sole and great features that define its uniqueness.

You can choose either a black or white Puma depending on your taste and preference.

[letsreviewunique title=”Our Verdict” pros_title=”Pros” pros=”Stylish and versatile,Comes in different sizes,Light,Comfortable” cons_title=”Cons” cons=”No arch support,Feels unstable” affiliate=”Check Latest Price,https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MQCVTK0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01MQCVTK0&linkCode=as2&tag=thisiswhyimfi-20&linkId=30f58325498a81e7db69748d20f80a31″ accent=”#f8d92f” final_score=”87″ format=”2″ skin=”1″ animation=”1″ design=”1″][/letsreviewunique]

 

4. Clarks Men’s Portland 2 Tie Casual Shoe

Clarks Men’s Portland 2 Tie Casual Shoe

Clarks Men’s Portland is here for you if your dream is to wear a brown leather shoe that has a rubber sole to keep your feet comfortable.

With its heel measuring 1.5-inches and a platform measuring approximately 0.5- inches, this pair of shoes will give you good support and stability when taking a stroll. For maximum comfort on your feet, Clack’s Men’s Portland is made of breathable leather upper with a flexible sole for a better fit.

In the real sense, this is a classic example of a whip stitched moccasin that comes in many widths for different sizes of feet.

[letsreviewunique title=”Our Verdict” pros_title=”Pros” pros=”Great cushioning,Comfortable,Well fitting,Stylish leather shoes” cons_title=”Cons” cons=”Sizes run a little larger,Lack of materials to hold toe top firmly” affiliate=”Check Latest Price,https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BAWVF4M/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BAWVF4M&linkCode=as2&tag=thisiswhyimfi-20&linkId=0a76662980a69441536bf7aa2029efb9″ accent=”#f8d92f” final_score=”92″ format=”2″ skin=”1″ animation=”1″ design=”1″][/letsreviewunique]

 

5. ASICS Men’s Gel-Resolution 6 Tennis Shoe

ASICS Men’s Gel-Resolution 6 Tennis Shoe

The ASICS Men’s Gel-Resolution 6 is exceptionally stylish.

This shoe has a packed technology that is combined to give you greater performance on different types of surfaces. Furthermore, ASICS Men’s Gel Resolution 6 will enhance your flexibility and consistency leading to greater performance.

This is due to the inclusion of a heel clutching system that is designed to provide you with an extra skeletal heel-counter for support as well as fitting. On the other hand, ASICS Men’s Gel-Resolution 6’s biomorphic technology allows the upper part of your shoe to move harmoniously with your foot thus keeping it comfortable while in motion.

In the end, you will not experience any irritation or blisters due to its good fit.

[letsreviewunique title=”Our Verdict” pros_title=”Pros” pros=”Stylish and elegant,Comfortable,Fits perfectly,Light” cons_title=”Cons” cons=”Heel wears quickly,Inner-sole is not durable” affiliate=”Check Latest Price,https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q776F7M/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00Q776F7M&linkCode=as2&tag=thisiswhyimfi-20&linkId=35ee45f733b38609aa9bf7ef88914bc0″ accent=”#f8d92f” final_score=”91″ format=”2″ skin=”1″ animation=”1″ design=”1″][/letsreviewunique]

 

Final Verdict

It is evident that you can get rid of Achilles tendonitis symptoms by simply choosing the right shoes for your feet. Essentially, these are examples of the ideal shoes for exercising to keep you fit and healthy throughout, but you still have to find the right one for you.

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James Dixon

James Dixon is a fully qualified personal trainer and award winning writer, with a decade’s worth of experience under his belt. Throughout his career, he has helped hundreds of people to meet their dietary and fitness goals, writing exercise and nutrition plans to suit any and every requirement.

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