7 Best Walking Shoes For Achilles Tendonitis Of 2023
If you’re suffering from Achilles Tendonitis, finding the right footwear can make a world of difference. The correct pair of shoes can provide the necessary support, cushioning, and comfort to reduce strain on the Achilles tendon, aiding recovery and preventing further damage. This guide aims to help you navigate through the best walking shoes for Achilles Tendonitis, exploring their unique features and benefits.
Understanding Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles Tendonitis is an overuse injury causing pain along the back of the leg near the heel. The Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in your body, connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It’s essential for most of your daily movements, including walking, running, and jumping. When this tendon is overstrained, it can result in inflammation, causing pain and swelling known as Achilles Tendonitis.
The condition is common among runners and athletes who have suddenly increased the intensity of their workouts. However, it can also affect individuals who are less active. The symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, affecting mobility.
Check out other Achilles Tendonitis-related guides:
- 5 Best Basketball Shoes for Achilles Support: A Baller’s Guide
- 6 Best Basketball Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis: Ultimate Guide for Comfort and Support on the Court
- 6 Best Running Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis in 2023
Why do you need the right shoes?
The correct footwear plays a crucial role in managing Achilles Tendonitis. Shoes that provide adequate heel cushioning, arch support, and stability can alleviate the strain on the Achilles tendon. They can absorb shock, minimize overpronation (excessive inward roll of the foot after landing), and promote proper gait and foot alignment. Now, let’s delve into some of the best walking shoes for Achilles Tendonitis.
7 best walking shoes for Achilles Tendonitis of 2023
These 7 best walking shoes for Achilles Tendonitis can provide the necessary support and comfort for your feet, but they are just one piece of the puzzle.
1. New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6
Starting with a shoe designed for the adventurous, the New Balance Hierro v6 is a trail shoe offering a balance of comfort and support. It’s less rugged than most trail shoes, which makes it suitable for regular walkers as well.
The Hierro v6 uses New Balance’s Fresh Foam technology, which offers plush cushioning that contours to your foot. This enhances comfort and reduces pressure on the Achilles tendon. The shoe’s durable outsole provides reliable traction, making it ideal for off-road terrains.
2. Brooks Addiction Walker 2
The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is another excellent option for individuals with Achilles Tendonitis. Known for its exceptional support and cushioning, this shoe caters to the needs of those looking for comfort and durability.
The Addiction Walker 2 features Brooks’ BioMoGo DNA technology, which adapts to your stride, weight, and speed to provide personalized cushioning. This can help deflect the impact away from your body, reducing the strain on the Achilles tendon.
3. Vionic Men’s Bond Jackson
The Vionic Men’s Bond Jackson Sneaker is a top pick for men suffering from Achilles Tendonitis. The shoe is designed with the Vio-Motion footbed, which is engineered to provide superior arch support and cradle each part of your foot. This design helps promote natural alignment from the ground up, reducing the strain on the Achilles tendon and offering relief from pain.
4. Vionic Women’s Curran Rechelle
For women, the Vionic Women’s Curran Rechelle Sneaker stands out as a beneficial option. Similar to the men’s version, it features the Vio-Motion footbed that provides excellent arch support and aligns the foot naturally. Its sleek, modern design doesn’t compromise on comfort, making it a popular choice among women dealing with Achilles Tendonitis.
5. ASICS Gel-Kayano 28
The ASICS Gel-Kayano 28 is a well-known shoe for its comfort, support, and stability. It’s engineered with FlyteFoam Propel Technology, which offers supreme bounce-back characteristics and responsiveness, reducing the load on your Achilles tendon during walking or running.
The shoe also features the DuoMax Support System, a dual-density midsole system that enhances stability and support. This system can aid in correcting overpronation, a common cause of Achilles Tendonitis. The shoe’s unique blend of technologies makes it an excellent choice for those looking for both performance and comfort.
6. Reebok Ultra V DMX
The Reebok Ultra V DMX stands out as a reliable walking shoe for men suffering from Achilles Tendonitis. This shoe offers remarkable cushioning, flexibility, and support to reduce the strain on the Achilles tendon. The Ultra V DMX utilizes DMX moving air technology for targeted cushioning and adapts to your stride for personalized comfort.
7. Nike Free RN Flyknit
For those who prefer lightweight shoes, the Nike Free RN Flyknit is worth considering. The shoe is designed to enable natural foot movement, promoting a healthier gait and reducing the risk of further injury. Its Flyknit upper provides a snug fit, while the soft, responsive cushioning in the sole protects your Achilles tendon from excessive impact.
How to choose the best walking shoes for Achilles tendonitis? A buying guide
When selecting the best walking shoes for Achilles Tendonitis, there are several key features to consider:
Cushioning
Good cushioning in a shoe absorbs the impact when you walk or run, reducing the strain on your Achilles tendon. Look for shoes with specialized cushioning technologies.
Arch Support
Proper arch support in a shoe helps distribute pressure evenly across your feet, preventing excess strain on your Achilles tendon. Shoes with poor arch support can lead to overpronation, a common cause of Achilles Tendonitis.
Stability
Stability in a shoe helps control motion and prevent excessive foot rotation. This can be especially beneficial if you overpronate, which can put extra stress on your Achilles tendon.
Raised Heel
Shoes with a slightly raised heel can help reduce stress on the Achilles tendon. By elevating the heel, these shoes lessen the stretch on the tendon during walking or running.
How to manage your Achilles tendonitis when walking?
In addition to the best walking shoes for Achilles Tendonitis themselves, certain additional factors can contribute to managing and preventing Achilles Tendonitis.
These include maintaining a healthy weight to reduce strain on your tendons, regular stretching and strengthening exercises for your calf muscles to support your Achilles tendon, and finally, gradually increasing the intensity of your physical activities to avoid sudden strain on your tendons.
What to consider when running with Achilles tendonitis?
Correcting Biomechanics and Posture
Another crucial factor to consider when managing Achilles Tendonitis is your biomechanics and posture. Poor biomechanics and incorrect posture when walking or running can put undue stress on your Achilles tendon.
Therefore, it’s important to learn and practice correct biomechanics and posture. This can involve engaging your core muscles, maintaining an upright posture, and ensuring a proper foot strike when walking or running.
Regular Rest
While staying active is important, so is ensuring regular rest for your feet, especially if you have Achilles Tendonitis. Rest allows your body to heal and recover from the strain of physical activities. So, ensure to balance your active periods with adequate rest to prevent overstraining your Achilles tendon.
Complementing with Appropriate Socks
The socks you wear can also impact the comfort and support you receive from your shoes. Socks that are too tight can restrict circulation and exacerbate foot problems, while socks that are too loose can cause blisters. Therefore, consider investing in good quality socks that fit you well and complement your shoes in providing comfort and support.
Exploring Other Treatment Options
In addition to the right footwear, other treatment options can aid in managing Achilles Tendonitis. These can include physiotherapy, medication for pain relief, and in severe cases, surgery. Always consult with a healthcare professional to understand the best treatment options for your specific condition.
Preventing Achilles Tendonitis
Prevention is always better than cure. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help prevent Achilles Tendonitis. This can include regular exercise, a balanced diet, and wearing the right footwear. Also, always warm up before engaging in physical activities and ensure to increase the intensity of your workouts gradually.
Adapting to Your Environment
The environment in which you walk or run can impact your Achilles Tendonitis. Uneven or hard surfaces can put extra strain on your Achilles tendon. Therefore, try to walk or run on even surfaces, and if possible, choose softer surfaces like grass or trails over concrete or asphalt.
Listening to Your Body
Finally, always listen to your body. If you feel pain or discomfort in your Achilles tendon when walking or running, stop and rest. Ignoring the pain and pushing through it can lead to further injury. It’s better to rest and recover than to exacerbate the problem.
Proper fit
Even the best walking shoes for Achilles Tendonitis won’t be of much help if they don’t fit you properly.
A shoe that is too tight, too loose, or doesn’t support your foot’s unique shape can exacerbate foot problems instead of alleviating them. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure a proper fit.
Your shoes should have enough room in the toe box, offer firm support, and not pinch or squeeze your feet. A professional fitting can be beneficial.
When should you replace your shoes?
Like any other footwear, walking shoes for Achilles Tendonitis also wear out over time. Worn-out shoes lose their cushioning and support, which can put additional strain on your Achilles tendon.
As a general rule, consider replacing your walking shoes every 300-500 miles. However, this can vary based on factors such as your walking style, weight, and shoe quality.
Should you consider orthotic inserts?
In some cases, you might benefit from using orthotic inserts along with your shoes. These are custom-made devices placed inside your shoes to correct biomechanical foot issues such as problems with how you walk, stand, or run
They can provide extra cushioning, support, and comfort, further helping to manage Achilles Tendonitis. However, they should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
When to seek medical advice?
If you have Achilles Tendonitis and it’s causing significant pain or affecting your mobility, it’s crucial to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can diagnose your condition, recommend suitable treatments, and provide advice on preventive measures. This can include guidance on choosing the best walking shoes for Achilles Tendonitis and whether you might benefit from orthotic inserts.
What are the best walking shoes for Achilles Tendonitis?
Achilles Tendonitis can be a painful and debilitating condition, but with the right care, you can manage it effectively.
Investing in the best walking shoes for Achilles Tendonitis is a significant step toward relieving pain, promoting recovery, and preventing further injury.
Remember, the best walking shoes for Achilles Tendonitis should offer a good fit, provide ample cushioning and support, and suit your lifestyle needs.
With the detailed insights provided in this guide, you’re now equipped to make an informed decision on the best walking shoes for your Achilles Tendonitis.
However, never hesitate to seek professional advice if you’re in doubt or if your symptoms persist despite your best efforts.
Take care of your feet, and they will take care of you!
Read more:
