If you frequently run uphill or speed train, then you are prone to Achilles tendonitis. Likewise, the risk of getting this injury is also high for those landing on their toes or forefoot. Whether you are doing these risky habits or already have inflammation on your Achilles’s tendons, having the right running shoes for this concern is a must.
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There are hundreds of running shoes (e.g shoes for painful hip, shoes for the overweight people and shoes for tarsal tunnel treatment) out in the market and before you get soaked up, make sure you have read our quick buying guide to choose the right running shoes for Achilles tendonitis. Typically, the shoe must have a flexible and comfortable cushion, high heel-to-toe drop, and excellent ankle support for this matter.
We made this guide so you won’t have a hard time choosing what shoe is right for your Achilles inflammation. Likewise, we have a comparison chart and an in-depth product review for the top 8 best running shoes for this purpose.
Running Shoes For Achilles Tendonitis 2019: Buying Guide
Do you know what to consider for getting the right shoes for your Achilles inflammation? Below are the important features you need to consider for getting the best running shoes.
Shoe Cushion
This feature is related to the stack height or thickness of the shoe cushion. It is expressed in millimeters which are measured from the toe and heel of the shoe. Each rubber shoe in the market has a varying thickness of cushion placed in its inside compartment.
Shoes with thinner cushion are low stack height while those with thicker cushions are called high stack height.
Heel-to-Toe Drop
This simply refers to the height of the heel in comparison with its toe height. You can compute this one by getting the difference between the heights of the shoe’s heel and toe. A shoe with a high drop is around 12-mm making your foot inclined forward.
High drop for running shoes is common because it cushions your heel upon landing. This ensures a smooth gait cycle. Some brands even offer a drop of 13-mm.
Good Foot Alignment
A good running shoe (like cleats for ultimate frisbee, which can be used in football matches) must be able to effectively align your foot even when running at high speeds. The shoe’s structure must be firm and corrective so your foot does not roll inward. There must be a right balance between stiffness and comfort for this matter.
Top 8 Best Running Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis 2019 : Recommendation
Asics Men’s Gel-Nimbus 18 : Best For Overall
- Rating: 9/10
- Dimension- 16”x 10”x 6”
- Drop- 12-mm
- Material- textile, rubber sole
- Cushion- GEL cushion system
- Weight- 2.4 lbs
What We Like About
This model is our top pick for its overall features to support Achilles tendonitis. It has sufficient drop to fully cover your ankle. The rear and forefoot are supported by its GEL cushioning system which absorbs substantial shocks to avoid rolling inward and misalignment of the foot.
The fabric material of this shoe is made from ASICS Fluidfit upper technology which works as expected in aiding the varied directional motion of your foot. It also has a Heel Clutching system which supports when you land on your heel. Prevents further injury.
This comes for a reasonable price for the quality you won’t regret. It aids in the recovery of your inflamed tendons.
What We Don’t Like About
All works well
Pros
- GEL Cushioning system for the rear and forefoot
- Heel clutching support
- Breathable mesh fabric
Cons
- None so far
Brooks Men’s Ghost 10 : Best Runner Up
- Rating: 8.9/10
- Dimension- 14” x 8” x 6”
- Drop- 12-mm
- Material- fabric and rubber sole
- Cushion- high energy cushion system
- Weight- 1.59 lbs
What We Like About
Most runners who land on their heels must have enough shock absorption on that part. This runner up running shoe has good heel cushioning system that helps prevent your heel from being injured. The arc structure and midsole material of this model are comfortable and supportive.
Its soft fabric lining works well in providing a comfortable fit for your rear and forefoot. The drop is enough to fully support your ankle and prevent the worsening of your Achilles tendonitis. Moreover, it has a full-length segmented crash pad system for a more secure landing.
What We Don’t Like About
Regular color, tight lace holes
Pros
- Excellent medium to high arc and comfy midsole
- Great ankle and heel support structure
- Comfortable fabric lining with corrective feeling
Cons
- Regular color
- Tight lace holes
Adidas Men’s Ultraboost Running Shoes
Best for Arch Support
Rating: 8.8/10
Features
- Dimension- 11” x 4” x 7”
- Drop- —-
- Material- rubber sole, flexible knit fabric
- Cushion- energy return cushion pads
- Weight- 3 lbs
What We Like About
This shoe from Adidas has an excellent arch support structure. Likewise, the corrective drop and cushion pads on the heels work in preventing the worsening of Achilles tendonitis. It might cost higher but the solid construction and comfortable knitted fabric is already a great trade-off for the price.
Its rear and forefoot is protected by a GEL cushioning system while there is the FlyteFoam midsole for the arch. The rubber tread designs on the exterior rubber sole provide excellent grip on dry and wet surfaces.
What We Don’t Like About
Pricey
Pros
- Durable and comfortable midsole material
- Comfortable fit even for people with a narrow foot
- Highly responsive heel and arch support structure
Cons
- Pricey
Hoka One Men’s Bondi 5 Running Shoe : Best for Ortholite Insole
Rating: 8.7/10
Features
- Dimension- —–
- Drop- —
- Material- breathable mesh fabric, rubber sole
- Cushion- EVA midsole, ComfortFrame Upper, Meta-Rocker
- Weight- —-
What We Like About
This has an excellent Ortholite insole which starts from the heel up to the forefoot. It has a 5” ComfortFrame upper, crash tongue pad, and EVA midsole to provide a sufficient arch cushioning support for all types of terrain.
Its mesh fabric ensures your foot is kept cool even through excessive running. The 3D Print is a lightweight material which ensures snug fit even for those with a narrow foot figure. For those with Achilles tendonitis, this model has its Meta-Rocker cushion structure which guides your foot throughout the gait cycle.
Overall, this is quite amazing and effective for those with tendon pains. Perhaps the price is the main setback for this one.
What We Don’t Like About
- Slightly pricey
Pros
- Ortholite midsole cushion and support
- Meta-Rocker for safe and accurate gait cycle
- Breathable mesh fabric
Cons
- Pricey
Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 19 : Best GuideRail Support
Rating: 8.5/10
FeaturesDrop- 12-mm
- Material- breathable mesh fabric, rubber sole
- Cushion- balanced cushion pads
- Weight- 311.8-g
What We Like About
Aside from providing highly responsive cushioning support for the Achilles tendons. This improved model has GuideRail Support system which corrects the alignment of your knee and foot in your daily running session.
The cushion pads running from the heel to the forefoot serves as corrective and support for tendon injuries. Its estimate cushioning effect is around 70 percent. There is medium arching on the sole and the DNA Loft crash pads for a responsive shock-absorbing system.
What We Don’t Like About
The upper portion seems to be not that snug fit for some users
Pros
- Functional GuideRail Support
- Breathable mesh fabric
- Highly responsive crash cushion pads
Cons
- The upper section of the shoe might not fit for all consumers
Mizuno Men’s Wave Rider 22 : Best for Lightweight and Flexibility
- Rating: 8.4/10
Features
- Dimension- 14” x 8” x 6”
- Drop- 10-mm
- Material- 2-layer breathable mesh fabric, rubber sole
- Cushion- neutral
- Weight- 12 oz
What We Like About
This running shoe is an excellent option for those with Achilles Tendonitis because of its 10-mm drop and responsive cushion crash pads. It is lightweight but functionality is never a problem. Despite having a snug fit, 2-layer mesh fabric, it ensures proper airflow so heat doesn’t get stuck inside.
For its midsole, you have their Cloudwave Platform padding which guarantees a smooth and flexible running experience. The drop and arch of the heel and sole are suitable for guiding a perfect gait cycle that won’t harm your ankles.
What We Don’t Like About
For some users, the cushion pad may not be enough for them.
Pros
- Lightweight and flexible arching structure
- Good grip on dry and wet surfaces
- Snug fit breathable mesh layers
- Workable heel crash pads
Cons
- Neutral cushion pads
Saucony Men’s Triumph ISO 4 : Best for Daily Running
- Rating: 8.3/10
Features
- Dimension- 11” x 4” x 7”
- Drop- 12-mm
- Material- ISOFIT fabric
- Cushion- EVERUN sole
- Weight- 3 lbs
What We Like About
To ensure great comfort for your Achilles tendonitis and you can still do your daily run, this shoe is your best pal. It has a nicely engineered mesh fabric to cool of your foot despite long-distance running (like i run around the goft places with my spikeless goft shoes) . The ISOFIT lacing system works as expected in making sure all types of foot size is snug fitly to the shoe’s size.
No matter how much pressure you create on your foot in your run, there will be less fatigue on your tendons and foot because of its responsive midsole and topsole cushion pads. The heel support structure can keep your foot in place and reduce pressure on heel landings.
The EVERUN insole of this model is capable to fairly ensure balance cushion no matter how harsh the terrain will be. The rubber tread patterns of this shoe exhibit effective dry and wet traction.
What We Don’t Like About
Its tongue pad can bunch when running for longer distances
Pros
- Highly responsive and flexible cushion pads
- ISOFIT lace system for a snug fit wear
- Comfortable and breathable mesh fabric
Cons
- Its tongue pad can bunch for distance running
Nike Men’s Air Zoom Pegasus 36 : Best for High-Speed Running
Rating: 8.2/10
Features
- Dimension- —-
- Drop- 12-mm
- Material- perforated mesh fabric
- Cushion- ST cushion foam
- Weight- 1.87 lbs
What We Like About
If you want your Achilles tendonitis not to get in the way for your high-speed running pursuit, this shoes from Nike is your best option. Its Flywire cables will secure your foot in place along with its heel crash pads to support any heel landing.
There are small perforations around the upper fabric section of the shoe to keep a cool environment for your foot. Its cushion ST foam has the right blend of rigidity and flexibility to make a smooth glide on your foot in your high-speed running (like i’m using the shoes for my restaurant work). Nevertheless, it provides good prevention for rolling inwards. The full-length Zoom Air also contributes to its responsive shock-absorbing system.
There is excellent gripping both for dry and wet surfaces for this model. The beveled heel pads help in accurate gait cycle to prevent stressing your Achilles’s tendons.
What We Don’t Like About
Some customers complained about product deformities upon the arrival of the shipment, yet it was successfully replaced.
Pros
- Durable and responsive ST cushion foam
- Cool breathable fabric with small perforations on the upper section
- Nice design and snug fit for high-speed running
Cons
- Factory deformities for shipment from customers but were replaced