The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body it is a tough band of fibrous tissue that connects the bones of your heel to your calf muscles.
This tendon helps us to walk, jump, and run. Whenever you push off from your toes, the Achilles tendon will transmit about three times your body weight.
It is common for this tendon to get injured especially for runners because during running you create more stress on your tendon. If you want to know more about Achilles tendonitis injury you can watch this short video:
The proper running shoes can support a lot in overcoming the injury and soreness associated with tendonitis which is why it is important to find more suitable shoes for Achilles tendonitis injury.
The best running shoes for Achilles tendonitis always provide the best heel cushioning, heel height, firmness, and proper arch support to a runner.
So, in this article, we are here to tell you symptoms, causes of Achilles tendonitis, and what is the criteria we used to evaluate the best running shoes for Achilles tendonitis.
So, let’s get right into it without wasting any time!
Comparison Table Of Best Running Shoes For Achilles Tendonitis
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
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| Our Top Pick
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| Saucony Triumph 4 (Men) |
| Check On Amazon | |
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| Check On Amazon | ||
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| New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V7 (Men) |
| Check On Amazon | |
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| Check On Amazon |
Table Of Contents
10 Best Running Shoes For Achilles Tendonitis 2020
1.) ASICS GEL-NIMBUS (Men/Women) – (Best Asics Running Shoes For Achilles Tendonitis)
Gel-Nimbus 18 is considered to be the best running shoe to address the various problem associated with Achilles Tendonitis and has many great features.
They feature many technologies for comfortable running the FlyteFoam midsole technology give runners a more responsive ride.
ASICS shoes are designed to provide proper support especially for the heel and the forefoot cushioning they offer the technology of REARFOOT AND FOREFOOT GEL® Cushioning which is the best feature for the Achilles tendonitis injury. Read reviews here: Click Here
UPPER
Fluidfit®: FluidFit™ technology provides a breathable upper which is made up of an elastic and non-elastic part that offers stability and proper comfort. FluidFit™ increases the running efficiency, improve the responsiveness to the foot movement and create a truly customized glove-like fit
MIDSOLE
Heel Clutching System™ Technology: One of the main reasons to add this technology is a heel displacement and when the heel is displaced the shoe tracking becomes weaker. Heel clutching system is designed to improve the fit between the shoe and the heel by restricting the displacement which enhances the performance and stability.
Rearfoot Gel Cushioning System®: During running or walking when our heel hits the ground the total weight of our body goes on the heel which is painful for the people suffering from a heel injury. The GEL Cushioning System in the heel attenuates the shock and provides you a responsive and comfortable ride.
Forefoot Gel Cushioning System: Decreases the loading forces that would commonly be implemented as the foot moves in momentum.
Fluidride®: FLUIDRIDE is the twin-layer structure is made of lightweight Solyte™ and high bounce SpEVA™. When your feet hit the ground, Solyte™ will absorb the impact, and while the rebound properties of SpEVA™ enhance flow into the next step.
Flytefoam®: It is the midsole foam which is developed in the ASICS Institute of Sports Science, it is not just a little bit lighter but it is 55% lighter than other midsoles in the market they are not only super lightweight, but they also consist of flexible fibers which bring the foot closer to the ground on every impact and rebound quickly, providing perfect adaptive cushioning from the start of your run till the end of your run.
OUTSOLE
The Gel-Nimbus 19 features a rubber outsole. The outsole of the sneakers uses Asics High-Abrasion Rubber which is placed in the heel of the shoe to improve the durability. The dura sponge outsole is also made up of durable carbon rubber which will enhance the responsiveness and flexibility of the shoe.
2.) SAUCONY TRIUMPH ISO 4 (Best Saucony Running Shoes For Achilles Tendonitis)
Saucony Triumph ISO 4 is a neutral running shoe that offers a smooth and comfortable ride with the help of its advanced EVERUN cushioning and support.
It is a great shoe that offers all features which are the requirement of a runner with Achilles tendonitis. Its upper is super stretchable and provides amazing support and breathability.
The Saucony Ride ISO has an 8mm heel offset, which helps to ease Achilles’ pain. Read reviews here: Click Here
UPPER
Mesh Upper: Mesh upper enhances the support and breathability which helps with the bad odors and keeps the feet drier as moist evaporate better and helps to reduce the bacterial activity that causes the bad odor.
ISOFIT: Saucony uses ISOFIT upper which is a super stretchable material that increases the running efficiency, improves the responsiveness to the foot movement, and creates a truly customized glove-like fit.
MIDSOLE
EVERUN: Everun gives a runner a more flexible and more durable ride with a livelier feeling from the first step to last. EVERUN sits between the ground and your foot for the springy takeoffs and provides a highly responsive fit for the runner. The EVERUN midsole is designed to protect the foot from bad impacts and works as a shock absorber. EVERUN offers a resilient ride and offers plush cushioning for the runners who suffer from injury, this material helps to protect them from unwanted muscle discomfort and joint pain.
OUTSOLE
TRI-FLEX: Saucony Tri-Flex outsole that is constructed to provide extra flexibility and a natural running cycle. This outsole delivers the right amount of support and traction while running without affecting shoe responsiveness and cushioning.
3.) HOKA ONE ONE BONDI 5 (Men/Women) (Best Hoka Running Shoes For Achilles Tendonitis)
After researching a lot about best cushioned running shoes for achilles tendonitis we found that 80% to 90% of people really love Hoka One One Bondi 5 for Achilles tendonitis injury.
So I’m going to tell you everything that you need to know about the Hoka One One Bondi 5.
Hoka One One is very well known for that cloud-like feel in all of the running shoes. However, the Bondi 5 is a game-changer in the Bondi legacy being the most cushioned shoe in all of HOKAS row specific lineup.
It is designed for hard surfaces. The Bondi 5 offers a ton of updates, so don’t limit your runs now, the improved rubber placement on the outsole provides better long-term durability so you’ll run with confidence. Read reviews here: Click Here
Now comfort is simply not an issue with this shoe, you will not get any Achilles rubbing in these shoes. Thanks to the Hoka EVA midsole, the meta rocker technology, and the updated comfort frame upper and padded tongue. Your feet might feel like they’re on vacation.
Plus the Bondi 5 dropped a lot of weight compared to its previous version you’ll enjoy the same level of comfort but with the benefit of those quick takeoffs. Hoka added a more accommodating toe box and significantly different style for the Bondi 5, it’s much edgier.
Remember you can run in these shoes for 90 days so if you don’t like them simply send them back. I want to make sure you get the perfect shoe for you.
UPPER
Air Mesh – Air Mesh material is breathable which keeps the feet drier as moist evaporates better and helps to reduce the bacterial activity that causes the bad odor.
3D Puff Print Frame – Overlays of 3D Puff Print allow the upper to wrap the entire foot for a comfortable and secure fit. Due to its 3d Puff Print technology the upper wrap your foot in a luxurious feel, with the capability to move and expand your stride. The Adjustable Saddle works in conjunction with the 3d Print overlays to offer a comfortable and solid feel.
MIDSOLE
EVA Midsole: EVA material is made up of thousands of tiny bubbles joined together during walking when they are compressed they provide fantastic shock absorption and cushioning as many customers said that shoes with EVA midsole provide an amazing comfort as they are walking and running on clouds and that’s why this comfort level makes it an excellent material for any footwear.
Meta-Rocker: Meta rocker has 2 categories: early-stage and late-stage early-stage Meta-Rocker, the transition zone is placed behind the metatarsal heads. This helps create a smoother ride and a faster transition to the forefoot. Styles with a late-stage Meta-Rocker have the transition zone placed in front of the metatarsal heads, which provides a more stable base of forefoot support.
J-Frame™: J-Frame™ support your foot without the use of heavy or rigid material. J-frame support inside of your heel and foot and provide stability.
OUTSOLE
Rubber -The Bondi 5 outsole is made up of rubber that is much lighter and offers better traction than other track outsoles on the market.
4.) NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM 1080 V7
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V7 is a neutral running shoe excellent on the track terrains, gravel, and road. The New Balance 1080 comes with mesh and fantom fit upper to deliver good comfort and breathability.
It has EVA Fresh Foam to provide a smooth, comfortable, and cushiony ride. Ndurance Rubber is used in lateral and heel portions for maximum durability used in high wear areas.
UPPER
Mesh Upper: Mesh upper keeps your feet dry and comfortable. When you walk and run, the air is circulated through the mesh material which allows the skin to keep breathing and keeps your feet dry and your sneakers humidity free.
Fantom Fit: The Fantom Fit technology, a skeletally engineered upper which provides a high level of support and breathability which is made up of lightweight synthetic performance mesh and a thicker, supportive synthetic layers which enhance the comfort and breathability while maintaining the lightweight.
MIDSOLE
EVA Fresh Foam: EVA fresh foam is highly useful for the footwear most of the shoes offer EVA midsole to provide better cushioning and stability. It helps to protect the foot from sharp objects or feeling hard and reduce the impact of hard landings and provide you with an amazing experience for walking and running. For personal customization, the shoe also offers the feature of a removable insole.
OUTSOLE
The shoe is made of two types of rubber.
Blown Rubber Outsole: One type of rubber is made of Blown Rubber. A new balance uses a durable blown carbon rubber for the outsole. The brown rubber pods and the coverage of tracky carbon rubber on the outsole make shoes more responsive for the users and provides an extensive amount of shock absorption and stabilizing.
NDURANCE Rubber: The other rubber featured in the outsole is a specially designed Ndurance Rubber for maximum durability used in high wear areas.
Omega Flex Grooves: Omega Flex Grooves allow some good flexibility, for more natural forefoot movement and fluidity.
5.) BROOKS GHOST (Men/Women) (Best Brooks Running Shoes For Achilles Tendonitis)
Brooks Ghost 10 upper is made up of mesh material which helps to maintain the comfort, durability, and breathability its Gore-Tex membrane delivers waterproof protection.
Its’ DNA Loft & BioMoGo DNA technology can provide you amazing cushioning this means that your Achilles’ won’t be stressed as much, which will help decrease soreness and pain.
Its segmented crash pad technology absorbs the shocks when your feet hit the ground. Brooks Ghost has a prominent midsole drop of 12mm, which will help to relieve pressure on your tendon.
UPPER
Mesh Upper: Engineered upper which provides a high level of support and breathability.
Gore-Tex®: To keep your feet dry the Gore-Tex membrane delivers waterproof protection and high breathability which keeps the feet drier and helps to reduce the bacterial activity.
MIDSOLE
DNA Loft & BioMoGo DNA: DNA Loft is for runners, actually they want the ultra-soft running experience without an extra weight because extra weight holding them back.
DNA Loft offers an ultra-soft running experience without extra weight, provide runners a smooth and comfortable ride.
BioMoGo DNA midsole offers customized cushioning and offers 30% more cushioning than any other midsoles (Gel or EVA).
DNA Loft & BioMoGo DNA cushioning works together to provide the right amount of softness underfoot without losing durability and responsiveness.
OUTSOLE
Segmented Crash Pad: Brooks uses a segmented crash pad that is made up of a fully integrated shock absorber to provide the best cushioning and smooth heel to toe transition throughout the run.
Omega Flex Grooves: Omega Flex Grooves allow some good flexibility, for more natural forefoot movement and fluidity.
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Criteria Used To Evaluate Best Running Shoes For Achilles Tendonitis
Shoe therapy is one of the best therapy and most preferable method for the Achilles tendon injury. After doing research on the criteria for the best running shoes for Achilles tendonitis we found the most important factors which you should consider before buying any shoe.
The main intention is to reduce the continuous stress on the tendon which is possible only when your shoes can provide the required comfort. If shoes do not have the following criteria then you should not include them on your personal choices. The best running shoes for Achilles tendonitis should have the following features:
Heel Drop
Heel Drop is the most important factor that you can’t ignore. Research shows that shoes with the proper heel lift can help to reduce the Achilles tendonitis, and the condition may get worse faster with low heeled running shoes. You should avoid low heeled shoes and stick to more traditional shoes with a higher heel until your tendon gets healthy again. The proper heel height of shoes for Achilles tendonitis should not be too low or too high.
The proper heel height of the shoes should be slightly high (8mm+) and should provide enough support to the heel and can help take the tension off your Achilles tendon while you walk, run or perform other physical activities so that feet can move easily. But in a few cases, low heel drop works well for a patient as compared to high heel-to-toe transition.
ARCH SUPPORT
Choosing the right shoe for the Achilles tendon is necessary for foot health. Choose the shoes which can provide good arch support because it has a direct link with the Achilles tendonitis. And if you are a runner you should notice whether you are an overpronator or under-pronator.
When the foot rolls inward more than fifteen percent it is called “overpronation.” It means the foot and ankle have problems stabilizing the body, and shocks aren’t absorbed as efficiently. Overpronation causes stress and tightness in the muscles, so do some extra stretching. Too much motion of the foot can cause calluses, bunions, runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinitis.
If you’re an overpronator, here are a few tips that will help you find the right shoes for your feet.
-Wear shoes with straight or semi-curved lasts
-Look for motion-control or stability shoes with firm, multi-density midsoles and external control features that limit pronation
-Use over-the-counter orthotics or arch supports
A high arch is a rigid foot that sits higher from the ground. Well defined arch. Excessive pressure on rearfoot and forefoot. It results in heel pain, arch strain, and claw. So if you are an under pronator you always look at a shoe with a lot of cushioning.
Heel Cushioning
Investing in shoes with good heel cushioning can save your heel from bad impacts and provide support and comfort to your heel during walking and running. More cushioning is preferred for running and high impact activities. If your Achilles tendon feels pain after sports or running then you should take it seriously before the condition get worse.
The shoes which we mentioned are the best running shoes for Achilles tendonitis. Every shoe has its own comfort level and protects you from stress and further injuries. Some brands are offering Gel cushioning, some are offering air cushioning and some are providing foam cushioning. All of the brands provide maximum shock absorption and always protect your heel from the bad impact to provide you a smooth and comfortable ride.
Frequently Asked Questions About Achilles Tendonitis
Q.) What are the causes of Achilles tendonitis?
A.) Achilles tendonitis is caused by a continuous repetition of activity involving the Achilles’ tendon. This tendon is used commonly when you run, walk, jump, and do some exercises which put extra stress on the Achilles tendon. Due to this continuous stress on the tendon, it can become inflamed and lead to a painful condition called Achilles tendonitis.
These causes also can give you this kind of injury:
- Overpronation causes stress and tightness in the muscles, too much motion of the foot can cause the Achilles tendonitis.
- Wearing high heels daily or for a long period of time can stress the tendon.
- Due to weak or tight calf muscles.
- Stair climbing or hill climbing also put stress on the tendon.
- Rapidly increasing the amount or intensity of exercise.
Q.) How do you know if you have damaged your Achilles tendon?
A.) Common symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:
- You might experience pain, soreness, and stiffness in the morning.
- Severe pain the day after exercising.
- The skin on your heel overly warm to the touch.
- Swelling in the backside of your heel after running, walking or exercising.
- Pain increases when climbing or running for a long time.
Q.) My new shoes are hurting my skin over the Achilles tendon.
A.) If your shoes are made up of leather then make it smooth by rubbing the area from the sandpaper and after rubbing you can use the oil of nut or mustard to make it softer. There are some other hacks also to help you find relief in all of your shoes.
Double Socks: Try wearing thinner socks before wearing your normal socks so the two socks can slide over one another and can reduce the amount of friction on the skin.
Moleskin: Cut a piece of moleskin and put it on the ankle area or on the heel area to reduce the rubbing.
Duct Tape: You can also use duct tape to reduce friction and rubbing.
Q.) How long does it take to recover from a ruptured Achilles tendon?
A.) Once you have an Achilles tendon injury, it takes time to recover ruptured Achilles tendon some people need several weeks usually 6 to 8 weeks, and for athletes to return to sport it takes 4 to 12 months. It is the slow healing process, the condition will get worse from overusing the tendon-like continued running and playing.
Q.) Can I keep running with Achilles tendonitis?
A.) Keep running with the damaged tendon makes the condition worse. The first step you should take to modify your running program by decreasing the distance, decreasing the number of sessions per week or reducing your hills and stairs running. Running in the normal routine can also increase swelling around the tendon which interferes with healing. Don’t increase your running until you have the go-ahead from your therapist and doctor, or you could re-injure your Achilles tendon.
Q.) How do I prevent Achilles tendonitis while running?
A.) There are some exercises and stretching for Achilles’ tendons but the best way to prevent yourself from Achilles tendonitis while running is to choose the best running shoes for Achilles tendonitis. Investing in a proper shoe can save you from a lot of pain and injury. So do yourself a favor and get proper running shoes.
Watch this video to know more about it
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