Achilles tendonitis is quite common among long-distance runners or runners who increase their intensity drastically.
Finding the right shoes for this painful condition can get quite overwhelming with all the different kinds of shoes available out there.
Whether you seeking to reduce your heel pain or to avoid developing this condition altogether, we have curated a list that offers pain relief from Achilles tendinitis.
What is Achilles tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis refers to the inflammation of tendons in the back of your lower leg. The irritation may occur at the muscle itself or near the heel bone. Normally, this condition is classified into two types: non-insertional and insertional Achilles tendinitis. The non-insertional condition involves irritation and swelling in the middle portion of the tendon while insertional Achilles tendonitis occurs in the lower heel pain.
However, as scary as this condition might seem, it can go away with proper treatment and care, one of which is wearing the right pair of shoes. The best shoes for Achilles tendonitis have heel and ankle support, a deep heel cup, and a shock-absorbing midsole. So, keeping these factors in mind, we hunted for some of the most comfortable shoes for Achilles tendonitis on Amazon and prepared the list below.
Best Shoes For Achilles Tendonitis
1. Brooks Ghost 12
Lightweight and flexible, these running shoes from Brooks offer plush cushioning to reduce heel pain and keep your feet happy.
The engineered mesh upper with 3D Print synthetic overlay promotes airflow and keeps your feet fresh without compromising flexibility. Recommended for people with high arches or supination, the Brooks Ghost 12 provides excellent arch support and reduces the risk of injuries in the Achilles tendon.
The rubber outsole is durable, reliable, and has a decent grip on different surfaces.
Moreover, the BioMoGo DNA midsole paired with crashpads absorbs shock with every step. With a roomy toe box and snug footbed, these running shoes offer an excellent fit that is ideal for people with bunions as well.
Pros
- Snug and secure fit
- Smooth heel-to-toe transition
- Breathable mesh upper
- Can be used for the gym too
- Variety of colors to choose from
- Ankle and arch support
- Responsive and durable
- Suitable for people with knee issues too
- Great for plantar fasciitis, high arches, bunions
- Crash pads for shock absorption
Cons
- Bulky feel
- Shoelaces are a bit shorter than counterparts
2. Saucony Ride ISO 2
The Saucony Ride ISO 2 is a life-saver for people with Achilles tendonitis.
Designed with highly cushioned PWRFOAM midsole and EVERUN topsole, these shoes offer shock absorption, pain relief, and lasting comfort. The ISOFIT and FORMFIT technologies ensure that the shoes adapt to the natural foot shape, allowing for a more comfortable fit.
The upper features a breathable mesh and there’s enough room in the forefoot to wiggle your toes around. Highly recommended for supinators, these walking shoes offer excellent support at the back of the heel to reduce Achilles tendon pain.
Whether you want to go running in these or show up at the next family brunch, these casual shoes have a versatile design to never compromise your OOTD again.
Pros
- Breathable mesh upper
- Adaptive and supportive fit
- Improved heel grab
- Highly cushioned PWRFOAM midsole
- Mesh toebox for structure or stretch
- Lightweight and flexible
- Durable rubber sole
- Conforms to the foot shape for a snug fit
- Suitable for people with supination or under pronation
Cons
- Not a lot of color options
- Provides moderate arch support
3. Mizuno Wave Rider 22 Running Shoes
Boasting a new upper design and improved midsole from their predecessor, these Mizuno shoes offer a smooth and responsive ride.
With soft and supportive cushioning in the heel, the Wave Rider 22 reduces heel pain caused by Achilles tendonitis. Great for everyday training, these shoes feature a mix of U4ic and U4icX foams that further add flexibility and stability.
The new and improved upper is breathable and saves your feet from melting in the heat.
Moreover, it has excellent arch support and a roomy toe box that makes it great for everything from chill morning walks to intense HIIT workouts.
Pros
- Wide toe box
- Excellent arch support
- Breathable mesh upper
- Padded heel collar and tongue
- Great for plantar fasciitis and flat feet
- Comfortable U4ic and U4icX foam cushioning
- Does not have a break-in period
- Flex grooves in the heel for a smooth landing
- Articulated Heel Zone for a smoother transition
- Cloudwave Platform for a responsive ride
Cons
- Size runs smaller
3. New Balance 990 V4 Sneaker
Available in lots of pretty colors, these trainers from New Balance will add a pop of color to your OOTD while minimizing foot pain related to Achilles tendonitis.
However, the bulky feel might throw some people off but it’s not a deal-breaker. The ENCAP midsole technology provides medial underfoot support that makes these shoes great for people with overpronation.
The mixture of Pigskin suede and mesh upper is durable and flexible while the blown rubber outsole ensures stability in the feet.
The New Balance 990v4 combines deep heel cup and a wide toe box for a comfortable experience from heel to forefoot.
Pros
- True to size
- Supportive heel cup
- Durable and reliable
- 3M Reflectivity for nighttime visibility
- Decent arch support
- Suitable for overpronation
- Comes in all possible width sizes
- Mixture of Pigskin suede and mesh upper
- ENCAP midsole technology for stability
- Padded heel collar for comfort
- Great for plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma
Cons
- Bulky design
- These shoes are a little heavy
4. Orthofeet Laguna Blue Women’s Shoes
Orthofeet is the go-to brand for all kinds of foot conditions and this pair of sandals are great at comforting Achilles tendonitis ridden feet.
These shoes are ergonomically designed to relieve pain relating to plantar fasciitis, bunions, arthritis, hammertoes, etc. The Laguna Blue sandals feature premium orthotic inserts that deliver anatomical arch support to ease the stress on the heel bone.
Moreover, the soft upper is non-binding and allows enough room to breathe.
With a smooth interior lining and extra foam padding, these sandals cushion each step and absorb shock, reducing the impact on knees and joints.
Pros
- Contoured orthotic insole
- Alleviates heel pain
- Ergonomic design
- Padded heel collar
- Ortho-cushion system for stability
- Removable insoles for custom orthotic
- Air pockets for improved breathability
- Excellent arch support
- Reduces pressure on the heel bone
- Good for standing or walking long hours
- Gel padding under the heel
- Suitable for diabetic neuropathy, arthritis, plantar fasciitis
Cons
- Looks orthopedic
5. Asics Gel Nimbus 22 Running Shoes
People suffering from Achilles tendonitis should be extra careful when it comes to running. However, these running shoes from Asics will comfort your feet from calf muscles to the heel bone and reduce foot pain.
With an innovative GEL cushioning for extra support, shock-absorbing midsole, and improved breathability, these shoes offer a responsive and energetic ride.
The soft EVA sockliner hugs your foot and provides stability while the Impact Guidance System enhances natural gait. Designed with high-mileage runners in mind, these running shoes are great for people with flat feet as well.
Reviewers on Amazon love the bouncy yet supportive heel cushioning for heel strike. However, the lack of color options can throw off your outfit but hey, anything for an out-of-this-world comfortable pair of shoes!
Pros
- Lightweight AHAR® outsole
- Rearfoot and forefoot GEL cushioning for support
- Offers a responsive stride
- Ample heel and arch support
- Suitable for long-distance running
- TRUSSTIC™ technology under the arch
- Engineered mesh upper improves breathability
- Reduces high impact on footstrike
- Offers supportive and adaptive fit
- EVA sockliner for stability
- Great for people with flat feet, plantar fasciitis
- Impact Guidance System enhances natural gait
- FLYTEFOAM® Propel technology in the midsole
- Ideal for long-distance running
Cons
- Size tends to run small
- Limited color options
6. Skechers Work Sure Track – Trickel
Don’t let your Achilles tendonitis keep you from having fun!
These shoes from Skechers not only look pleasing to the eye but also offer an excellent cushioning system to keep your feet healthy and happy. The supple leather upper paired with a traditional lacing system provides an adjustable fit.
These shoes also feature a removable memory foam cushioned footbed for all-day comfort.
If your deal with open wires at work — fret not, because these work shoes are rated for Electrical Hazard (EH). The outsole is slip-resistant and doesn’t disappoint even in wet or oily surfaces.
Pros
- Shock-absorbing midsole
- Gorgeous low-cut design
- Supple leather upper
- Adjustable lacing system
- Removable memory foam footbed
- Electrical Hazard rating
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Padded tongue and collar for support
- Ventilated lining for comfort.
- Pull tab makes it easy to put on and take off
- Suitable for all-day wear
Cons
- Heavy and bulky feel
7. VIONIC Walker with Orthaheel Technology
With the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of acceptance, the Vionic Walkers are one of the best shoes for Achilles Tendonitis.
Although these shoes have been deemed ‘old-fashioned’ by reviewers on Amazon, these walking shoes do not disappoint when it comes to comfort.
The podiatrist-designed EVA footbed offers maximum comfort and stability and is removable so you can swap it out for custom orthotics at any time.
The soft leather or suede upper along with a roomy toe box ensures there is enough room to stretch.
Moreover, the deep heel cup design takes the pressure off your Achilles tendon and relieves heel pain.
Pros
- Comfortable for long wear
- Well-fitting, true to size
- Has suede or leather upper options
- Textile Covered EVA Footbed
- Removable insole to add custom orthotics
- Smooth heel-to-toe transition
- Deep heel cup to relieve heel pain
- Active Motion System technology to enhance natural gait
- Suitable for plantar fasciitis, arthritis, flat feet
- Received APMA seal of acceptance
- Firm thermoplastic heel counter for increased stability
Cons
- May feel stiff to some
- Deemed old-fashioned
Things To Consider Before Buying Achilles Tendonitis Shoes
Good arch support
Having arch support in your shoes is of utmost importance if you are suffering from Achilles tendonitis, or to avoid the risk of developing one. Shoes with good arch support reduce pressure on Achilles tendon. If you want to buy shoes that do not offer arch support, consider using insoles that do.
Elevated heel design
Shoes with flat soles increase the movement of ankles and put more stress on the Achilles tendon. Wear shoes that have slightly higher heel or use inserts with heel lifts — these reduce pressure and keep your feet pain free. Avoid wearing shoes with a very high heel or very flat soles.
Ankle support
Ankle support is often overlooked but is crucial when selecting shoes that are good for Achilles tendonitis. Most shoes have a low-cut design but if you have severe symptoms, you might need to wear special ankle support braces. Since overpronators are more at risk, they should get motion control shoes that provide stability to ankle and reduce pressure on the Achilles tendon.
Cushioning in the heel
Proper cushioning in the heel area keeps the tissues that connect calf muscles and heel from being overstretched and strained. It further offers comfort and improves heel strike — which is essential to avoid getting this painful condition.
Shock-absorbing midsole
Almost all modern shoes offer some level of shock absorption. It helps prevent tendon ruptures from pressure and prevent other foot conditions. Also, shock-absorbing midsole means you can move naturally without feeling Achilles tendon pain.
Conclusion
Most of the time, people overlook their ‘heel pain’ and further worsen their Achilles tendonitis. If you have awfully bad heel pain, you should definitely go to your podiatrist before it worsens into tendon ruptures and permanent nerve damages.
Achilles tendonitis can go away with the right pair of shoes, exercise, and proper care. However, if left untreated, it can worsen into tendon rupture that may require surgery. From sandals to training shoes, we hope you find the right shoes for your liking. Let us know what you think in the comments below!