Best Shoes for Achilles Tendinitis and Plantar Fasciitis

Achilles Tendinitis is an overuse injury of your Achilles Tendon, the tendon connecting the calf muscle at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone. Achilles tendinitis most commonly occurs in runners or individuals who train and suddenly increase the intensity or duration of their runs or training routines.

Most cases of Achilles tendinitis can easily be treated with simple at home care strategies such as resting using prescription medication, and wearing supportive footwear.

On the other hand, Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, which is a stabbing, burning pain you will feel in the heel area, especially when getting up in the morning or having rested for a while. Plantar Fasciitis occurs when the Plantar Fascia, a thin band of tissue running at the bottom of your feet, connecting the toe to the heel bone, becomes inflamed or injured. There are not many known causes for Plantar Fasciitis; however, there are a few risk factors. Treatments are also relatively easy for Plantar Fasciitis, and good footwear makes a huge difference.

That is why in this article, we want t focus on shoes that are good in support and comfort features for both Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinitis.


Shoes for Achilles Tendinitis

One of the best types of shoes to reduce tension on the Achilles tendon is a Rocker sole shoe which is definitely a favorite for this condition. You want to aim at reducing pressure on the Achilles tendons and supporting the heel and ankle in such a method that there is no pressure or excessive motion.

  • Heel Cushioning – Heel cushioning is always a good choice as it will reduce shock on the heel and ankles, which may, in turn, place pressure on the Achilles tendons.
  • Support and Cushioning – Shoes with good arch support and semi-rigid cushioning in the midsole, such as EVA and memory foam, are ideal to provide flexible support and comfort.
  • Fit – You need a shoe with a less constricting fit with a wide and roomy toe box and a more relaxed fit than a tight shoe. With Achilles Tendinitis, you want to allow your feet a better range of motion and to be able to strike with the heel rather than the midfoot, which could aggravate Achilles tendinitis.
  • Lower Heel Lift – You want a low to no heel drop and a more solid sole rather than a high heel or a high heel-to-toe drop. A lower drop places the foot in a more natural position that will give length and flexibility to the Achilles tendon rather than a heel that will shorten it.
  • Flexibility – You want a slightly more flexible shoe that allows the foot to move more naturally; there will be a much easier heel-to-toe transitioning when you walk or run, which in turn will reduce stress on the Achilles tendon.

Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

The right shoes for plantar fasciitis will make a huge difference by relieving the symptoms and helping the condition to heal. Your shoes may, in turn, have been the cause of Plantar fasciitis. So here are a few ideal characteristics to look for in a good shoe for Plantar Fasciitis;
One of the first and most effective treatment options doctors suggest is wearing the best shoes for plantar fasciitis. Footwear can be directly related to foot pain and plantar fasciitis, which means that the right footwear can greatly affect your pain level as well as your speed of recovery. But what exactly is the right footwear? To answer that question, we’ve made a list of what to look for in a shoe if you suffer from plantar fasciitis.

  • Shoes to Avoid – Minimalist shoes and shoes with very flat soles that have little support or cushioning features should be avoided as they offer no pressure relief or support when you have Plantar Fasciitis. Shoes such as flats, flip-flops, and even high heels may cause and aggravate Plantar Fasciitis. You should also look at your shoes when they become worn out to
  • Good Cushioning – Shoes that offer soft contact to the ground, especially in the heel area, are ideal for Plantar Fasciitis. The shoes need to offer either a fully cushioned insole or additional heel cushioning to reduce the impact on the heel area.
  • Firm Heel Counter – A firmer heel counter will support the heel and Achilles, ideal for both conditions to prevent excessive motion and heel slipping that could cause pain and further aggravation.
  • More Rigid Sole – A slightly more rigid sole is ideal for reducing the impact on the heel. A thicker midsole will also help to absorb hard impact.
  • Heel and Arch Support – Good arch support for your arch type is essential for Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis to distribute weight evenly and to distribute impact. A heel cup or heel cushion will support the heel and reduce the pressure that could cause pain.

Features of a Good Shoe for Achilles Tendinitis and Plantar Fasciitis

Shoes for Achilles Tendinitis and Plantar Fasciitis

  • Uppers – Choose shoes with comfortable uppers, such as athletic and Orthopedic style shoes that have a roomy toe box and wider width fit.
  • Cushioning – Slightly firmer midsole cushioning s ideal to absorb impact, with a soft EVA or memory foam insole.
  • Support – Good arch support and a firmer heel counter are ideal for both Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis.
  • Outsole – The outsole should be slightly flexible with rubber or EVA.

Reviews: The Best Shoes for Achilles Tendinitis and Plantar Fasciitis

In our review section, we have some of the top choices in good shoes for Achilles Tendinitis and Plantar Fasciitis;


1

Running Shoe Shoes for Achilles Tendinitis and Plantar Fasciitis

  • The Asics Gel Cumulus shoes have a comfortable fit upper with a secure heel counter to support your ankles.
  • They have mesh uppers and soft insoles to reduce impact.
  • There is a rearfoot and forefoot gel cushioning for Plantar fasciitis.
  • The midsole is shock-absorbing and cushioning.

2

Running Shoe for Shoes for Achilles Tendinitis and Plantar Fasciitis

  • The Brooks Anthem 5 offer optimal support for Achilles tendinitis, and Plantar Fasciitis.
  • They are comfortable athletic shoes with mesh uppers and a supportive fit.
  • They have segmented crash pads, and plenty of cushioning to reduce the impact on your feet.
  • The sneakers are lightweight and durable.

3

Dress Boot for Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinitis

  • Here I have chosen two Orthopedic boots.
  • Firstly, the boot supports the ankle for Achilles tendinitis.
  • Secondly, they have ergonomic cushioning and arch support, with a deep heel cup for Plantar Fasciitis.
  • The Boots look stylish and have comfortable leather uppers.

4

Shoe for Shoes for Achilles Tendinitis and Plantar Fasciitis

  • The ECCO Low sneakers support your ankles and provide good cushioning for the heel.
  • They have a padded collar and comfortable knit uppers with a stretchy fit.
  • There is a PU midsole that ensures good shock-absorbing cushioning.
  • The outsole is a durable PU design with TPU.

5

Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinitis

  • The Adidas Falcon is a comfortable and supportive running shoe.
  • It offers a comfortable heel collar that is padded for Achilles tendinitis.
  • There is a fully cushioned EVA midsole and supportive arc for plantar fasciitis.
  • The shoes have breathable mesh uppers and a durable rubber outsole.

6

Shoes for Achilles Tendinitis and Plantar Fasciitis

  • The Skechers Max Cushioning Elite offers excellent shock-absorbing cushioning for Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis.
  • The shoes have a slight rocker sole to take pressure off.
  • They have an Ultra GO Platform cushioned midsole and Goga Mat insole that is air-cooled.
  • The uppers are a comfortable stretch-fit design.

Index Table: Top Rated Shoes for Achilles Tendinitis and Plantar Fasciitis

No.ShoeMen ♂Women ♀FeaturesBrandScore
1Asics® - Running Shoe Shoes for Achilles Tendinitis and Plantar Fasciitis Gel Cumulus 24 Gel Cumulus 24
  • Wide Widths
  • FF Blast Cushioned
  • Gel
  • Foam Sole
Asics98.3
2Brooks® - Running Shoe for Shoes for Achilles Tendinitis and Plantar Fasciitis Anthem 5 Anthem 5
  • Adaptive Cushioning
  • Breathable
  • Segmented Crash Pads
Brooks97.9
3Orthofeet® - Dress Boot for Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinitis Arch Boost Boot Emma
  • Layered Cushioning
  • Roomy Toe Box
  • Wider Widths
  • Ankle Support
Orthofeet97.8
4Ecco® - Shoe for Shoes for Achilles Tendinitis and Plantar Fasciitis MX Low MX Low
  • Stretchy Fit
  • Fluidform Technology
Ecco97
5Adidas® - Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinitis Runfalcon 2.0 Runfalcon 2.0
  • EVA Midsole
  • Slip Resistant Rubber Sole
  • Regular Fit
  • Cushioned
  • Supportive Heel
Adidas97
6Skechers® - Shoes for Achilles Tendinitis and Plantar Fasciitis Max Cushioning Elite Promised Max Cushioning Elite Promised
  • Rocker Sole
  • Cushioned
  • Stretchable Uppers
Skechers97


About the Author

Eliza Ward

Eliza Ward is a running enthusiast, nature lover, and full-time mother for 3 lovely kids in South Africa. She has always had a fetish for shoes and has the best product recommendations for all her friends and family. So she turned what she loved into her full-time job - by testing and recommending the best shoes for our online readers. Read her reviews to know how detailed her observations are.