11 Best Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis in 2021

bestchoice image
ASICS-MENS-GEL-NIMBUS- Best Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis

ASICS Men’s GEL Nimbus 21

premium image

ASICS Women’s GEL Cumulus 20

great image

Skechers Women’s Shape Sneaker

Show Contents

Hide Contents

Achilles Tendonitis is a heel injury that can happen to anyone. It occurs between the calf muscle and heel bone. However, it is familiar for runners and middle-aged sportspeople. This injury could cause severe pain if unattended to. It affects mobility and stability. There are different ways used to treat the Achilles Tendon when it gets affected, and one of those ways is putting on the right shoe.

When your Achilles Tendon is affected, all you can think about is how to walk. For this reason, some set of shoes have been designed for that sole purpose. Today, if you have an Achilles Tendonitis, some shoes would restore you to normalcy. They would put you back on track until it gets healed.

This review is of the 11 best shoes for Achilles Tendonitis. They are into several forms and styles for men and women. Also, there are unisex shoes. These shoes have various features and specialties, which is why it is essential that you check what is suitable for you. Moreover, a buying guide will help you check all the necessary features and factors you have to so that the perfect selection is made. Overall, this article would have served its purpose in the end.

11 Best Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis Reviewed

1

ASICS Men’s GEL Nimbus 21: Best Men’s Shoe

ASICS Men’s GEL Nimbus 21 is a perfect shoe to push your run further, but most importantly, to treat Achilles tendonitis. It is extra wide in size for the sole purpose of comfort and support. This pair of shoes is exceptionally stable and fit to male runners. Also, it is stylish in appearance and classic in style. Currently, this footwear has been improved with a set of tech. for maximum performance – Heel Clutching System, and FlyteFoam Lyte/Propel Technology.

ASICS Men’s GEL Nimbus 21 has ultimate features that make it pleasant to the feet. One of its unique features is the high abrasion rubber sole, which is only custom-made from ASICS. This sole enhances movement and makes sure durability is at its best. FlyteFoam Propel Technology gives the shoe a nice bounce against surfaces due to the presence of a special built-in elastomer compound. In the same vein, FlyteFoam Lyte Technology provides cushioning to the midsole using nanofibers. Also, Heel Clutching System Technology gives the heel all the support needed for movement. Overall, it is an ideal choice of shoe for any environment.

Key Features:

  • Fabric and Synthetic Material
  • FlyteFoam Lyte Technology
  • Heel Clutching System Technology
  • High Abrasion Rubber Outsole
  • FlyteFoam Propel Technology
  • Reflective Material

Specification:

  • Men’s Shoe
  • Brand name: ASICS
  • Black/Dark Grey Color
Pros
  • Excellent system for comfort and cushioning
  • Available in various colors
  • Gives a good bounce while running
  • Firm and stable
  • Breathable and durable
  • Reflective body material to enhance visibility
  • One of the best men’s walking shoes for Achilles tendonitis
Cons
  • Design may be too tough

2

ASICS Women’s GEL Cumulus 20: Best Women’s Shoe

ASICS didn’t only stop with men, concerning shoes for Achilles Tendonitis, there is also something for women. ASICS Women’s GEL Cumulus 20 is a suitable shoe to ensure natural foot gait. It enhances the good walking experience while treating the injury at hand. This pair of footwear has a lasting system and good technologies to enhances its durable use. This is why it is one of the most preferred choices when it comes to best women’s walking shoes for Achilles tendonitis.

ASICS Women’s GEL Cumulus 20 has an impact guidance system to help maintain stability and good heel strike to toe-off. FlyteFoam Propel Technology, on the other hand, ensures that a high bounce is given when running or walking with this pair of shoes. A unique feature of this shoe is the Spevafoam 45 Lasting material – a 45-degree full length for comfort and support. Also, it is made of reflective fabric material that enhances visibility even in low light. This pair of shoes is breathable, with the help of the inner ortholite sockliner.

Key Features:

  • Rubber Outsole
  • Impact Guidance System Technology
  • Ortholite Sockliner
  • FlyteFoam Propel Technology
  • SpevaFoam 45 Lasting
  • Fabric Upper
  • Lace-up Closure
  • Reflective Material

Specification:

  • Women’s Shoe
  • Brand name: ASICS
  • Azure/Blue Print Color
Pros
  • One of the best women’s walking shoes for Achilles tendonitis
  • Flexible shoe to wear
  • Improved with good features for excellence
  • Fit and tight to wear
  • Durable and breathable
  • Reflective in the dark
  • Bounces nicely
  • Secure with the lacing
Cons
  • Insole feels a little hard

3

Skechers Women’s Shape Sneaker: Best for Overweight Runners

Are you an overweight runner? Suffering from Achilles tendonitis? Skechers Women’s Shape Sneaker is an ideal choice to go for as it combines quality features to make sure you get the best. This pair of shoes is above the edge based on its supreme sole and improved body tech. It has one of the best leather materials and mesh-paneled upper. This makes it super easy and comfortable to walk in anywhere. However, this is only a shoe to wear for activities under a limited time.

Skechers has always shown a positive attitude towards making some of the best shoes with maximum performance. Here, both heel and arch are supported by the low-top shaft. The rubber outsole is fantastic in quality, as it ensures stability and support. In the same vein, it has a contoured midsole that provides the right cushioning for comfort. Breathability is enhanced with the help of the mesh-paneled upper material; therefore, the feet are kept dry and pleasant all day long. This footwear has XF Accelerators that improve agility, speed, and response when it hits the ground.

Key Features:

  • 100% Leather and Mesh Upper Material
  • Rubber Outsole
  • Contoured Midsole
  • Lace-up Closure
  • XF Accelerators

Specification:

  • Brand name: Skechers
  • Women’s Shoe
  • Silver Blue Color
Pros
  • One of the most comfortable shoes
  • Suitable for overweight runners having Achilles tendonitis
  • Made from a top brand in the industry, Skechers
  • Reflects and bounces well
  • Provides exclusive arch and heel support
Cons
  • Sole feels too big

4

Birkenstock Arizona: Best Sandal for Achilles Tendonitis

Usually, sandals are much more comfortable than shoes. They have an open foot system that enhances breathability; hence, they are a good choice for serious foot/heel injury. In a case where Achilles tendonitis looks severe, BirkenStock Arizona Unisex Sandal is suitable to use. This sandal is simple and flexible. It relieves the pressure and pain of the foot, making you able to walk comfortably. It also introduces you to put on shoes as you heal.

BirkenStock Arizona has a few features but makes them a good choice for anyone seeking comfort. For instance, the natural leather upper is durable and flexible. This footwear has a synthetic sole that enhances stability and support while walking. You could slip it anytime, anywhere, due to its open accessibility. Also, it has an EVA Midsole, which performs the role of a shock absorber – even though, it is minimal. This sandal maintains security with its strap system that has double adjustable metal pin buckles.

Key Features:

  • Synthetic Sole
  • BirkenStock Footbed
  • Natural Leather Upper
  • EVA Midsole
  • Strap with Double Adjustable Metal Pin Buckles

Specification:

  • Brand name: BirkenStock
  • Unisex Shoe
  • Stone Birkibuc Color
Pros
  • One of the best sandals for Achilles tendonitis
  • Simple and durable
  • Breathable and pleasant to wear for casual occasions
  • Available in several colors
  • Has a mini shock absorption quality
  • Suitable to use by both men and women
  • Good choice for middle-aged people
Cons
  • Limited in use; it can only be worn during healing process

5

Saucony Women’s Cohesion 10: Best Shoes for Jogging

Want to take an early morning jog and dealing with Achilles tendonitis, at the same time? Saucony Women’s Cohesion 10 is an incredible choice of shoes. It is comfortable and breathable, which is why it is highly recommended. It could receive optimum impact from the ground and still protect the underfoot. This pair of shoes is one of the top-selling products from the brand, and it would be worth the money.

Saucony Women’s Cohesion 10 has a 100% Mesh upper material that makes it breathable and pleasant. This feature prevents the build-up of moisture around the feet, unlike many other sports shoes. It provides arch support with its low-top shaft design. This means mobility and control are enabled. Also, the footwear has a unique Injection EVA Midsole that does dual work – cushioning, and shock absorption. Just in case you want to try a few runs, this shoe would support you through the activity. Lastly, it has a Heel GRID System that maintains a stable cushioning.

Key Features:

  • Open Air Mesh
  • Heel GRID System
  • Injection EVA Midsole
  • Rubber Sole
  • Shaft is low-top from Arch
  • Fabric Material

Specification:

  • Brand name: Saucony
  • Women’s Shoe
  • Grey/Coral Color
Pros
  • Breathable shoe for women
  • Perfect for jogging and treating mild Achilles tendonitis
  • Shock absorption functions
  • Made of quality materials
  • Good stability and durability
  • Easy to maintain
  • Can withstand an optimal level of impact
  • Provides good arch and heel support
Cons
  • Feels too big

6

Dansko Professional XP: Most Popular Shoe for Heel Injuries

On so many occasions, Dansko Professional XP shoe has been used to treat minor and significant heel/foot injuries. It shouldn’t be a surprise that it is perfect for Achilles tendonitis as well. This footwear is sturdy, pleasant, and incredible in performance. It works effectively, based on reviews from previous users. If you are susceptible to foot injuries, either from standing too long or walking, owning this shoe will be a good investment.

Dansko Professional XP has a superior-grade padded instep collar that provides comfort and enhances stability. The reinforced toe box built into the shoe allows more room for the toes; thus, a good choice for people with wide feet. Also, the PU Outsole is premium in quality, as it is durable and acts as a shock absorber. This sole with rocker bottom allows forward movement.

The leather or fabric upper material ensures that it is durable and breathable. The most significant feature is the wide heel strike that is responsible for keeping the foot stable at all times.

Key Features:

  • Leather or Fabric Upper Material
  • Padded Instep Collar
  • Roomy Reinforced Toe Box
  • PU Outsole
  • Wide Heel Strike
  • 2” heel size

Specification:

  • Brand name: Dansko
  • Women’s Shoe
  • Black Tooled Color
Pros
  • Lightweight body
  • Ideal choice for people with wide feet
  • Provides a superior Traction
  • Offers ultimate arch support
  • Durable and slip-resistant sole
  • Comfortable with a snug fit
  • Breathable with shock absorption qualities
Cons
  • Takes a little more time to break-in

7

Clarks Men’s Portland 2 Tie Shoe: Best Casual Shoe for Achilles Tendonitis

Clarks is one of the men’s choices of shoe brands. They have a superior leather material that can be used to wield any shoe. These shoes are top-notch in durability and performance. With Clark Men’s Portland 2 used to alleviate pain from Achilles tendonitis, there is so much to expect. This shoe has a casual style, but it is comfortable. You can decide to use over some time; the quality will always remain.

Clarks Men’s Portland 2 Tie Shoe provides good heel support with its 1.5 inches height. There is a whip stitch on the soft leather material that adds a better style to the shoe. Also, the built-in padded Tongue and Collar that has an excellent cushioning. It is even responsible for the comfort derived from the footwear. Similarly, the rubber sole has a superb traction across different surfaces. It can withstand a good amount of impact. The security of this pair of shoes is dependent on the lace-up closure.

Key Features:

  • Rubber Sole
  • Casual Style
  • Padded Tongue and Collar
  • Whip Stitch
  • Manmade Lining
  • 5” Heel
  • 100% Leather Material

Specification:

  • Brand name: Clarks
  • Black Color
  • Men’s Shoe
Pros
  • Clarks is one of the oldest brands that still produce quality shoes; therefore, Clarks Men’s Portland is a good investment
  • Provides optimum heel support
  • Excellent cushioning and comfort
  • Durable and Stable
  • Reduces pressure and pain
  • Casual style; thus, it can be worn anywhere
Cons
  • Sometimes, size is not true to fit

8

Ecco Yucatan: Best Stability Sandal

Also, one of the most popular sandals men wear generally is the ECCO Yucatan. The purpose of this footwear is to ensure maximum stability and breathability. It has an open body design, giving it a smart look. It can be worn for casual occasions. Fortunately, you could call this sandal one of the best supportive shoes for Achilles tendonitis. It is a worthy alternative for close-up shoes.  This is a good value for money too.

Ecco Yucatan is a fresh-design pair of sandals. It has a limitless number of features for performance. First on the list is the Nubuck Leather Upper with stretch-fit lining for breathability and style. Next is the Dual-density Footbed that provides cushioning for the underfoot. Also, there are triple hook-and-loop straps for security and accessibility. This feature holds the foot together. Ultimately, this footwear offers fantastic arch support; hence, mobility and support are both at maximum.

Ecco Yucatan allows you to walk all day without getting uncomfortable or tired. It is available in different sizes and colors.

Key Features:

  • Dual-density EVA Footbed
  • Triple Hook-and-Loop Straps
  • Arch Support
  • Rubber Sole
  • Direct-Injected PU Midsole
  • 3-Point Adjustability
  • Full-Length Receptor Technology
  • Leather, Nubuck Material

Specification:

  • Brand name: ECCO
  • Irridescent Color
  • Women’s Shoe
Pros
  • Shock absorption qualities
  • Offers arch and heel support
  • Breathable and free to wear
  • Convenient and easy to access
  • Durable body material
  • Perfect shoe alternative
  • Soft, fresh design
Cons
  • Plastic holds are the first to break

9

Mizuno Wave Ride 22: Best Snug Fit

Mizuno is a brand that combines good craft and sportsmanship to form athletic shoes. With Mizuno Wave Ride 22, comfort when having Achilles tendonitis is confirmed. This pair of shoes have a sporty style and classic design. It has a snug fit and holds well to the legs when jogging or running. This shoe has a beautiful sole structure that handles impact when it hits the floor. It is indeed a fantastic choice of shoe worth the investment.

Mizuno Wave Ride 22 is low-top from the arch, but it offers excellent heel and arch supports. It has unique features that make it usable in various ways. For instance, this footwear has a U4icX Strobel Lasting Board, which is present under the removable footbed – its purpose is for comfort and support. U4icX Midsole Cushioning, on the other hand, ensures there are absolute shock absorption and stability of the foot. This shock-absorbing attribute is in conjunction with Cloud Wave Technology. Also, flexibility and breathability are due to the Wave Knit Upper Material. Overall, it is a terrific quality shoe.

Key Features:

  • Wave Knit Upper
  • Rubber Outsole
  • 100% Synthetic Material
  • U4icX Strobel Lasting Board
  • Cloud Wave Technology
  • U4ic Midsole Cushioning

Specification:

  • Brand name: Mizuno
  • Men’s Shoe
  • Nautical Blue-Red Orange Color
Pros
  • Improved with good tech
  • One of the best shoes after tendonitis surgery
  • Lightweight and breathable in quality
  • Offers excellent Traction and shock absorption
  • Stable and Flexible to wear
Cons
  • Hard plastic at the heel ridge support is inconvenient

10

PUMA Men’s Cell Surin 2 Shoe: Best Shoe for Workout

PUMA is one of the best brands to go with when you need fast shoes for workouts. Their shoes are classic in style and appearance. It is no surprise that they offer shoes good for treating Achilles tendonitis – Puma Men’s Cell Surin 2. There are many things provided by this shoe, especially its Visible Technology. This reason is why it is worth the price it is being offered.

PUMA Men’s Cell Surin 2 has a synthetic sole that ensures good stability and movement. Traction provided by this sole is extraordinary, making it possible to move along impossible terrains. This footwear also stays as breathable as it can be with the help of its synthetic leather upper with perforations. All-day, the foot is kept dry and odorless. Additionally, the cushioning of this pair of shoes is excellent. Your foot is well-placed so that you can walk with ease without feeling pains. However, this shoe doesn’t have a wide toe box; it is the perfect shoe for people with a narrow foot.

Key Features:

  • 100% Synthetic and Leather Material
  • Synthetic Sole
  • Visible Technology
  • Athletic Running Style

Specification:

  • Brand name: PUMA
  • Men’s Shoe
  • White/Black Color
Pros
  • Very comfortable to wear all day long
  • Available in several colors
  • Athletic in design and function
  • One of the best alternative shoes
  • Suitable for workouts and exercises
Cons
  • Narrow toe box; hence, it is not a good choice for people with wide feet
  • Arch Support is minimal
  • Cheap plastic at the heel

11

Nike Zoom Pegasus 35: Best Speed Achilles Tendonitis Shoe

Are you looking for a shoe to provide you speed even with a heel injury? Nike Zoom Pegasus 5 is an ultimate lightweight speed shoe that gives you what you want. It is simple yet fantastic in performance and quality. This shoe has an attractive body design that offers major benefits to the foot. For instance, breathability and arch support are their distinct attributes. The body is lightweight too. It is a footwear worth the money; if your injury isn’t so serious.

Nike Zoom Pegasus 35 uses a secure fit flywire cable to ensure maximum security and accessibility. It provides arch support with its one-of-a-kind midsole. The footbed, i.e., Nike ZoomX Foam ensures unlimited support is removable and adjustable. This feature offers all the comfort the foot deserves, even while treating Achilles tendonitis. Most importantly, it has a translucent upper that enhances durability and gives the shoe speed, you could even use these for intense indoor soccer as they do have the required flexibility and support, and best of all they’re super lightweight.

Key Features:

  • Translucent Upper
  • Nike ZoomX Foam Sole
  • Lace-up Closure
  • Arch Support
  • Secure Fit Flywire Cables
  • Adjustable Support

Specification:

  • Brand name: Nike
  • Black/Lime Color
  • Men’s/Women’s Shoe
Pros
  • Breathable and translucent upper for excellent performance
  • Fits great on the foot
  • Suitable choice for people with narrow foot
  • Available in several colors
  • Usable by both men and women
  • Adjustable and Removable support for optimum maintenance
  • Secure and stylish
  • One of the shoe that provides an excellent speed
Cons
  • Narrow toe box

Buying Guide Questions

Do you feel you need a little help choosing what would be suitable for you from the list above? Here is a guide section that answers all your questions. This part of the article discusses the factors and features to be considered before picking footwear for Achilles tendonitis. Below are a few of the issues and their independent answers.

What conditions after the Achilles Tendon?

Achilles Tendon is one of the vital parts to enhance movement from one place to another. However, it is susceptible to injury. When this happens, a thorough physical examination is needed for diagnosis. The conditions after Achilles Tendon, include – Tendonitis, Peritendonitis, Tendinosis, Retrocalcaneobursitis, Tendon Rupture, and so on.  The degree of this heel pain varies, i.e., from mild to severe.

The most occurrent is Achilles Tendonitis. It spans two joints, affecting the largest and strongest muscles of the legs. This affects the supply of blood. If it is diagnosed early, local methods are used to treat it; late diagnosis could require surgery.

How will wearing the right shoes help in prevention and cure of Achilles Tendonitis?

You are lucky if an Achilles Tendonitis is detected early. This means you could use local methods to treat it. Methods such as reducing physical activities, icing affected area and elevating the foot to decrease movement are the common ones. However, wearing the right pair of shoes would do more than all of these. This is because the shoe has features different from regular shoe to provide arch and heel support. Its supportiveness has to be superior, coupled with other attributes, such as comfortable and flexible.

Above is a review of the best shoes to use. Ultimately, these shoes will help in the prevention and cure of Achilles Tendonitis.

What are the features of a good shoe for this condition?

Some features make the difference between a shoe for Achilles tendonitis and just a regular running shoe. These features are premium-grade; thus, the performance is at its maximum. Below is a list of the top features to look forward to.

Motion Control

First of all, walking is limited, you might have some lower back pain as well when there are problems with the Achilles tendon. Therefore, to enhance movement, shoes with good motion control are advisable. It is a significant feature to check.

Support and Comfort

Your legs probably feel heavy from having to adjust to comfort. With the right shoes having features, such as padded insoles and non-slip rubber outsole, support and comfort are undeniable.

Heel Height

Most importantly, always look for the heel height. An optimum height is suitable to use; however, choosing what to use depends on the magnitude of the pain. Once you decide what is suitable, movement is made easy.

Should you wrap your ankle if you have Achilles Tendonitis? Does it help?

Sometimes, you may want to try out other methods, aside from wearing the right shoes. This is not because it won’t be effective. Other approaches for faster healing are welcomed. For instance, you could decide to wrap your ankle; it helps.

Insider Tip: can you still tap dance with a wrapped ankle? The anwer is YES!

Try out laying a thin towel over the back of your ankle. When this is in place, apply an ice pack over the towel and leave for some minutes. This method would reduce swelling.

Also, you could decide to wrap the affected ankle with an elastic bandage. This is the most preferable when you sleep at night. This process is called the Compression method.

Can I walk with a sore Achilles Tendon?

You may not be in the best of positions to walk with a sore Achilles Tendonitis. The soreness is even what makes it impossible to move from one place to another. Once this happens, all you need is to get the leg checked. If it is any of the conditions after Achilles Tendon, then using a suitable shoe for the pain is bliss. It would help alleviate pain and pressure, as well as enhance movement.

What is the fast way to properly heal Achilles Tendonitis?

There is no fast way to heel Achilles Tendonitis because the degree of pain varies. However, combining all kinds of methods would make the healing process faster and easier. For example, you could buy a suitable shoe from the list, and make use of compression methods. In less than a few weeks to months, your foot should have healed.

Insider Tip: what are the differences between achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis?

Are Birkenstocks bad for Achilles Tendonitis?

The answer is No. The pair of sandals is one of the best in using to treat heel pain. A perfect Birkenstocks to use has been reviewed above, i.e., BirkenStock Arizona Unisex Sandal.

Conclusion

Conditions with the Achilles tendon always needs to be attended to. Although they may vary in area of impact, and degree of pain, it is vital that early examination and diagnosis is made. Through the process, all you need to focus on is taking care of your legs. This includes avoiding walking for too long and putting on the right pair of shoes.

As long as you take time to take care of your legs, you will be in the best position to walk and even run around the hospital as a nurse or doctor freely again. This is why this review of the 11 best shoes for Achilles tendonitis is critical to help you with the suitable shoes. You can choose from the list and compare it with the factors/features in the buying guide. Ultimately, you should have something worth your money, and perfect to keep the feet stable.