Achilles Tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles Tendon, the tendon connecting the calf muscle at the back of the lower leg to the heel bone.[1] 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 be easily treated with simple at-home care strategies, such as rest, 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.[2] Plantar Fasciitis occurs when the Plantar Fascia, a thin band of tissue running at the bottom of your feet, connecting the toes to the heel bone, becomes inflamed or injured.[3] There are not many known causes for Plantar Fasciitis; however, there are a few risk factors. Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis are also relatively easy, and good footwear makes a huge difference.
That is why, in this article, we want to share helpful information on shoes that offer good support and comfort for both Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinitis, so you feel more in control of your foot health.
If you have a foot condition or ongoing foot pain, talk to a doctor or podiatrist. Shoes can add comfort and support, but they are not a medical treatment.
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 reduce pressure on the Achilles tendons and support the heel and ankle to limit 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 can make a big difference by easing the symptoms while the condition heals. 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;
Supportive footwear is often one of the first things suggested for plantar fasciitis, alongside advice from your doctor.
- 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 impact on the heel.
- 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.[4] 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
- 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 is 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.[5]
- Outsole – The outsole should be slightly flexible with rubber or EVA.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| No. | Shoe | Type | Upper | Cushioning (as listed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ASICS Gel-Excite 11 | Running Shoe | Mesh | PureGEL |
| 2 | Brooks Addiction Walker Suede | Walking Shoe | Suede | BioMoGo DNA |
| 3 | Orthofeet Emma Orthopedic Ankle / Arch Boost Boot (men's) | Boot | Leather | Not stated |
| 4 | ECCO Barentz / ST1 Hybrid Plain (men's) | Not stated | Mesh | Not stated |
| 5 | adidas Duramo SL 2.0 | Running Shoe | Mesh | LIGHTMOTION |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing. Specs as stated by the listing, not tested by us; check the listing before you buy.
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
Cushioned Lightweight Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The ASICS Gel-Excite 11 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for shoes for achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis.
- PureGEL technology: softer, updated version of the brand’s GEL technology. Approximately 65% softer vs standard GEL technology, a useful trait in shoes for achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis.
- Engineered mesh upper: a lightweight, breathable meshmaterial helps reduce the need for additionaloverlays, which helps feet stay comfortable through running.
- Midsole cushioning that provides a more soft and comfortable ride than standard AMPLIFOAM cushioning, a useful trait in shoes for achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis.
- Designed to help improve visibility OrthoLite X-30 sockliner: Sockliner that provides cushioning performance and moisture management for a cooler, dryer environment, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- Designed to help improve visibility.
- Sockliner that provides cushioning performance and moisture management for a cooler, dryer environment.
- This comfortable heel tab makes the shoe easier and more comfortable to put on and take off.
2
Supportive Cushioned Walking Shoe for Everyday Walks
The Brooks Addiction Walker Suede comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this walking shoe is worth a look for shoes for achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis.
- Maxiumum support for stability and alignment, it features the brand’s Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB), this motion-control system supports your entire body by guiding each stride into its natural path.
- Designed with a durable, textured outsole that helps provide confident grip and steady footing for everyday walking comfort—indoors or out, helpful on the surfaces you meet during walking.
- Made with premium materials and sturdy construction, this walking shoe offers long-term durability without compromising comfort—making it a reliable addition to your daily routine.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
3
Cushioned Leather Boot for Cooler Days
The Orthofeet Arch Boost Boot (men’s) and Emma Orthopedic Ankle (women’s) are matching boots from Orthofeet, and both are worth a look for shoes for achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis.
- Sneaker-Level Comfort in a Dress Boot: Advanced cushioning evenly distributes foot pressure and absorbs impact so you can wear a heel all day without sacrificing comfort.
- Includes premium orthotic insole with anatomical arch support for proper foot alignment, even weight distribution, and multilayered cushioning in every pair, which helps keep long stretches of everyday wear comfortable.
- Versatile Leather Boot: premium leather upper delivers excellent ankle stability with a refined look that transitions from casual outings to work settings with ease, a feature worth weighing when comparing shoes for achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis.
- Ergonomic sole gently propels your stride forward, reducing impact and muscle effort while promoting a smooth, natural roll through every step, which helps keep long stretches of everyday wear comfortable.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
4
Cushioned Lightweight Shoe for Everyday Wear
The ECCO ST1 Hybrid Plain (men’s) and Barentz (women’s) are matching shoes from ECCO, and both are worth a look for shoes for achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis.
- Available in supersoft ECCO nubuck leather or soft, elegant ECCO full grain leather, a useful trait in shoes for achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis.
- Casual, convertible design that can be styled both chic and casual.
- Thin, lightweight sole made using ECCO Fluidform Direct Comfort technology and provides excellent flexibility and cushioning, a useful trait in shoes for achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis.
- Soft mesh shaft for added comfort, which helps keep long stretches of everyday wear comfortable.
- Textile lining and a removable insole for softness and breathability, a useful trait in shoes for achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis.
- Leather sourced from a tannery that achieved a Gold Rating from the Leather Working Group (LWG).
- The ECCO ST1 Hybrid Plain Toe Tie delivers comfort and formal style in equal amounts.
5
Mesh Lightweight Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The adidas Duramo SL 2.0 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for shoes for achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis.
- Women’s lightweight running shoes for short-to-mid distance training, so the shoe does not feel heavy during running.
- Midsole drop: 8 mm (heel 31 mm / forefoot 23 mm), which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- Synthetic and textile mesh upper offers breathable durability, which helps feet stay comfortable through running.
- Adidas LIGHTMOTION provides super-light cushioning for a great step-in feel, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- Adiwear outsole offers the ultimate in high-wear durability.
- Midsole drop: 9 mm (heel 33 mm / forefoot 24 mm).
Index Table: Top Rated Shoes for Achilles Tendinitis and Plantar Fasciitis
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ASICS® - Cushioned Lightweight Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| ASICS |
| 2 | Brooks® - Supportive Cushioned Walking Shoe for Everyday Walks |  |  |
| Brooks |
| 3 | Orthofeet® - Cushioned Leather Boot for Cooler Days |  |  |
| Orthofeet |
| 4 | ECCO® - Cushioned Lightweight Shoe for Everyday Wear |  |  |
| ECCO |
| 5 | adidas® - Mesh Lightweight Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| adidas |
Sources
General background on foot health and footwear. This is not medical advice; see a doctor or podiatrist about foot pain or a foot condition.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo): Achilles Tendinitis
- NHS: Heel pain
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo): Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs
- MedlinePlus (NIH): Plantar fasciitis
- NHS: Plantar fasciitis
Update History
- Oct 2026: Updated Asics Gel Cumulus 27 to ASICS Gel-Excite 11
- Oct 2026: Updated Brooks Anthem 5 to Brooks Addiction Walker Suede
- Oct 2026: Updated Orthofeet Emma to Orthofeet Emma Orthopedic Ankle
- Oct 2026: Updated Ecco MX Low to ECCO Barentz
- Oct 2026: Updated Adidas Runfalcon 2.0 to adidas Duramo SL 2.0
- Oct 2026: Removed Max Cushioning Elite Promised (unavailable)
- May 2025: Added Asics Gel Cumulus 27
- Dec 2022: First published
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