Achilles tendinitis is irritation of the large tendon at the back of the heel. Overuse and repetitive strain are the main causes, and the shoes you wear can add to that strain or take some of it away.
This guide explains what the condition is, what MedlinePlus and OrthoInfo say about footwear and seventeen shoes for men and women that are in stock on the web US.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have heel or tendon pain that gets worse with activity. Go to a doctor straight away if you feel a sudden pop in the back of your calf or heel.
Achilles tendinitis basics
- OrthoInfo says Achilles tendinitis comes from repetitive stress, often from doing too much too quickly, and that a change in shoes can also increase the strain.[2]
- MedlinePlus lists shoes that do not give your feet proper support, hard surfaces and tight calf muscles among the factors that make it more likely.[1]
- For footwear, MedlinePlus lists heel lifts under the heel and shoes that are softer over and under the heel cushion.[1]
- Treatment is mostly without surgery, and MedlinePlus says it may take at least 2 to 3 months for the pain to go away.[1]
- See your doctor immediately if you felt a sudden pop in the back of your calf or heel.[2]
About Achilles Tendinitis
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body. It connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, and you use it when you walk, run, climb stairs and jump.[2] Tendinitis means the tendon becomes irritated and inflamed, and the pain can sit in the middle of the tendon or where it attaches to the heel bone.[2]
- Overuse – A sudden increase in the amount or intensity of exercise is a common trigger. Running too often, running on hard surfaces and jumping a lot (such as in basketball) add to it.[1][2]
- Tight Calves – Tight calf muscles put extra stress on the tendon, especially where it attaches to the heel.[2]
- Footwear – A change in shoewear can increase strain on the tendon, and shoes that do not give proper support make it more likely.[1][2]
- Foot Structure – Flat feet put more tension on the tendon, and a bump of bone at the back of the heel can rub on it.[1][2]
What Helps Achilles Tendinitis
MedlinePlus says the main treatments do not involve surgery. It suggests ice for 15 to 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day, less activity that causes pain, softer and smoother surfaces and low-impact exercise such as biking or swimming. A provider or physical therapist can show you stretching and strengthening exercises.[1] It also says that pain medicines such as ibuprofen can help, and that you may need a brace or boot, heel lifts or softer-heeled shoes.[1] The pain can take at least 2 to 3 months to go away, so ask your doctor for a plan that fits you.[1]
Features of a Good Shoe for Achilles Tendinitis
- Heel Cushioning – MedlinePlus lists shoes that are softer in the areas over and under the heel cushion among the footwear changes that may help.[1]
- Heel Height – Placing heel lifts under the heel is one change MedlinePlus lists, which is why many people look for a shoe with a modest heel rise.[1]
- Heel Counter and Collar – A heel counter that grips your heel, and a padded collar, keep the foot steady.[3]
- Fit – Leave about a half inch in front of your longest toe, and try shoes on at the end of the day.[3]
- Arch Support – Match the arch support to your arch, whether it is low, neutral or high. Flat feet put more tension on the tendon.[1]
- Fresh Cushioning – Cushioning becomes less effective over time, even without use, so avoid pairs that have sat unused for years and replace worn pairs.[3]
How We Chose These Shoes
We do not test shoes ourselves. We compared each model’s heel cushioning, support and fit using the makers’ descriptions and The web product pages, and we kept only pairs that are in stock on the web US. Brands do not pay to be included, but we may earn a commission from purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Shoes for Achilles Tendinitis
- What causes Achilles tendinitis?
OrthoInfo says it results from repetitive stress to the tendon, often when you do too much too quickly. A sudden increase in activity, a change in shoes and tight calf muscles are common factors.[2] - How long does Achilles tendinitis take to heal?
MedlinePlus says it may take at least 2 to 3 months for the pain to go away, and that most cases improve with changes in activity and care.[1] - Can shoes treat Achilles tendinitis?
No. Shoes are one part of the plan. MedlinePlus lists heel lifts and shoes that are softer over and under the heel cushion among the footwear changes your provider may suggest.[1]
Key Specs
| No. | Shoe | Type | Closure | Width options | Drop / Cushion | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asics Nimbus 28 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | PureGEL | – |
| 2 | adidas Adizero Pacer | Running | – | Medium | – | – |
| 3 | Asics Gel Contend 10 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | GEL technology | – |
| 4 | Mizuno Wave Legacy | Running | – | Medium, Wide | Mizuno Wave | – |
| 5 | New Balance M1540v3 / W1540v3 (women's) | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | – |
| 6 | PUMA Voltaic Evo | Training | – | Medium | – | – |
| 7 | Propet Stability Walker | Walking | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | – |
| 8 | Propét Stability X Fly / Stability Fly (women's) | Shoe | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | EVA | – |
| 9 | Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 | Dress/casual | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | 10.2 oz |
| 10 | New Balance 608 V5 | Casual sneaker | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | ABZORB | – |
| 11 | Under Armour Charged Assert 10 | Trail/hiking | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | 10 mm drop / Charged Cushioning | 9.5 oz |
| 12 | adidas X_PLR Path | Running | Lace-up | Medium | Cloudfoam | – |
| 13 | Under Armour Charged Surge 4 | Shoe | – | Medium | 8 mm drop / Charged Cushioning | – |
| 14 | Skechers Go Walk Flex Hands Up | Casual sneaker | Hands-free slip-in | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | ULTRA GO | – |
| 15 | Orthofeet Lincoln Center / Celina (women's) | Dress/casual | Strap | Medium, Wide | – | – |
| 16 | AVIA Avi-Union | Casual sneaker | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | MEMORY FOAM | – |
| 17 | adidas Own The Game 3.0 | Basketball | – | Medium | LIGHTMOTION | – |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
Reviews: Shoes for Achilles Tendinitis
Here are our picks. Each pair is in stock on the web US. We may earn a commission if you buy through the links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Running Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis
1Max-Cushion Neutral Trainer
Asics Nimbus 28 - Men
Currently unavailable
Asics Nimbus 28 - Women
Currently unavailable
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is a neutral, max-cushion trainer. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The engineered knit upper is light and breathable, with few overlays.
- Rearfoot PureGEL and FF Blast Plus foam give a soft landing and a responsive ride.
- An OrthoLite X-55 sockliner manages moisture, reflective details add visibility, and the Hybrid Asicsgrip outsole grips on varied surfaces.
2
Lightweight Cushioned Road Shoe
adidas Adizero Pacer - Men
Currently unavailable
adidas Adizero Pacer - Women
Currently unavailable
The adidas Adizero Pacer is a lightweight road running shoe. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- A full-length Lightstrike midsole gives responsive cushioning on the road.
- The engineered mesh upper lets heat escape, and the upper flexes with your foot.
- The Adiwear rubber outsole grips roads, tracks and treadmills.
3
Asics® Men's Gel Contend 10 Neutral Trainer with Wide Fit
Currently unavailable
The ASICS Gel-Contend 10 is a neutral trainer at a lower price than the brand’s flagship models.
- Rearfoot GEL technology absorbs shock, and the Amplifoam Plus midsole gives a softer ride.
- The engineered mesh upper is light and breathable, and the OrthoLite sockliner manages moisture.
- It comes in an extra-wide fit.
4
Neutral Training Shoe
Mizuno Wave Legacy - Men
Currently unavailable
Mizuno Wave Legacy - Women
Currently unavailable
The Mizuno Wave Legacy is a neutral training shoe for running, travel and coaching. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The Mizuno Wave plate spreads impact over a wider area for a stable, cushioned platform.
- Enerzy foam keeps the midsole soft and resilient, and the engineered mesh upper is breathable and durable.
- The X10 carbon rubber outsole is made to wear longer. A wide width is available.
5
Motion Control Running Shoe
New Balance M1540v3 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance W1540v3 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance 1540 v3 is a motion control running shoe built for stability.
- An Encap midsole combines light foam with a polyurethane rim for support and impact absorption.
- A Rollbar stability post controls rear-foot motion for a steadier stride.
- The mesh and synthetic upper is breathable. New Balance has stopped making the 1540v3 in the US, so stock is limited.
Walking Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis
6Cushioned Cross Trainer
PUMA Voltaic Evo - Men
Currently unavailable
PUMA Voltaic Evo - Women
Currently unavailable
The PUMA Voltaic Evo is a cross trainer that works for running, walking and casual wear. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The SoftFoam+ insole has an extra-thick heel, and the 10CELL midsole absorbs impact.
- A built-in TPU shank keeps your stride steady, and the TPU toe cap adds durability.
- The full-length rubber outsole grips. The men’s pair is made to fit wide feet, and the padded collar and heel hold the foot.
7
Stable Walking Shoe with a Wide Base
Propet Stability Walker - Men
Currently unavailable
Propet Stability Walker - Women
Currently unavailable
The Propét Stability Walker is a walking shoe with a wide forefoot and heel base. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The wider base adds stability. The men’s pair has a rocker profile, and the heel pad and cushioning ridges in the insole add comfort.
- The footbed is removable, so you can fit a custom orthotic. The men’s pair is approved under the Medicare Therapeutic Shoes for Persons with Diabetes Benefit.
- The upper is supple leather, with a rigid heel counter and a heel stabilizer on the women’s pair. The women’s pair runs small, so order a half size up.
8
Knit Walking Sneaker with Roomy Toe Box
Propét Stability X Fly - Men
Currently unavailable
Propét Stability Fly - Women
Currently unavailable
The Propét Stability Fly is a knit walking sneaker. The men’s pair is the Stability X Fly, and the women’s pair is the Stability Fly.
- The knit mesh upper on the men’s pair has a roomy toe box so toes can spread out.
- The men’s pair has a PU insole with comfort ridges and a gel insert in the heel, and both pairs have a removable footbed.
- The men’s EVA midsole and rubber outsole last, and the women’s pair has a speed lacing system. Both come in wide widths.
Everyday Sneakers for Achilles Tendonitis
9Trainer with Wide Options
Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 - Men
Currently unavailable
Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 is a neutral trainer that balances cushioning and flexibility. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The mesh upper has leather overlays that add midfoot support, and at least 30% of the upper is recycled content.
- Charged+ midsole cushioning is soft, and the rubber outsole has flex grooves for toe-off.
- It weighs about 10.2 oz and comes in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
10
Casual Cross Trainer, Wide Widths
New Balance 608 V5 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance 608 V5 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance 608 v5 is a casual cross trainer that works as an everyday walking shoe. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- An Abzorb heel crash pad absorbs impact, and a molded insert adds cushioning underfoot.
- The suede upper breaks in to your foot, and dual-density collar foam steadies the ankle.
- A Phantom Liner interior has few seams to rub, and the EVA midsole has an internal shank for midfoot stability.
11
Light Trainer with Wide Options
Under Armour Charged Assert 10 - Men
Currently unavailable
Under Armour Charged Assert 10 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 is a light everyday trainer. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The breathable mesh upper has synthetic overlays for durability and support.
- An EVA sockliner adds soft step-in comfort, and the Charged Cushioning midsole uses compression-molded foam.
- The solid rubber outsole covers high-wear zones, the offset is 10 mm and the shoe weighs about 9.5 oz.
12
Lightweight Everyday Sneaker
adidas X_PLR Path - Men
Currently unavailable
adidas X_PLR Path - Women
Currently unavailable
The adidas X_PLR Path is a lightweight, running-inspired sneaker for everyday wear. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The mesh upper is light and breathable, and the textile lining feels soft.
- A Cloudfoam midsole gives step-in comfort and cushioning.
- The rubber outsole has good grip and a low-profile look.
13
Cushioned Everyday Shoe
Under Armour Charged Surge 4 - Men
Currently unavailable
Under Armour Charged Surge 4 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Under Armour Charged Surge 4 is a light, cushioned everyday shoe. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The breathable mesh upper has synthetic overlays for structure, and extra padding around the ankle collar.
- A Deluxe Comfort System sockliner molds to your foot, and the Charged Cushioning midsole is responsive.
- The rubber outsole grips well and flexes at toe-off, and the offset is 8 mm.
14
Skechers® Men's Go Walk Flex Hands Up Hands-Free Slip-In Sneaker
Currently unavailable
The Skechers Go Walk Flex Hands Up is a slip-on sneaker that you step into without bending down.
- Hands Free Slip-ins technology and a built-in heel pillow let you slide in without using your hands.
- An Ultra Go midsole and an Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole give light, springy cushioning.
- The mesh upper is machine washable, and the sole has Flex Pillars traction for walking and cross training.
Dress Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis
15Strap Leather Dress Shoe
Orthofeet Lincoln Center - Men
Currently unavailable
Orthofeet Celina - Women
Currently unavailable
The Orthofeet dress shoe has an adjustable strap and a wide toe box. The men’s pair is the Lincoln Center Oxford, and the women’s pair is the Celina Mary Jane.
- The adjustable strap makes the shoe easy to put on and take off, and it lets you adjust the fit for swelling or sensitive feet.
- The leather upper looks polished for work or formal events, and each pair includes an orthotic insole with arch support and multilayer cushioning.
- Both pairs are true to size and have a wide toe box.
Work Shoes for Achilles Tendinitis
16Slip-Resistant Work Shoe
AVIA Avi-Union - Men
Currently unavailable
AVIA Avi-Union - Women
Currently unavailable
The Avia Avi-Union II is a slip-resistant work shoe for people who stand all day. The men’s pair laces up, and the women’s pair closes with hook-and-loop straps. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The thick rubber sole has an oil- and slip-resistant tread that resists trapping oil and liquid.
- A removable memory foam sockliner conforms to the foot, and a compression-molded EVA midsole and a heel cradle absorb shock.
- The synthetic leather upper is treated to resist water and stains.
Basketball Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis
17adidas® Men's Own The Game 3.0 Lightweight Court Shoe
Currently unavailable
The adidas Own The Game 3.0 is a lightweight basketball shoe.
- The mesh upper is light and breathable.
- Lightmotion cushioning feels light underfoot, and the rubberized heel adds support and durability.
- The Adiwear outsole is built for high wear.
Summary Table: Top Rated Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asics® - Max-Cushion Neutral Trainer |  |  |
| Asics |
| 2 | adidas® - Lightweight Cushioned Road Shoe |  |  |
| adidas |
| 4 | Mizuno® - Neutral Training Shoe |  |  |
| Mizuno |
| 5 | New Balance® - Motion Control Running Shoe |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 6 | PUMA® - Cushioned Cross Trainer |  |  |
| PUMA |
| 7 | Propet® - Stable Walking Shoe with a Wide Base |  |  |
| Propet |
| 8 | Propét® - Knit Walking Sneaker with Roomy Toe Box |  |  |
| Propét |
| 9 | Under Armour® - Trainer with Wide Options |  |  |
| Under Armour |
| 10 | New Balance® - Casual Cross Trainer, Wide Widths |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 11 | Under Armour® - Light Trainer with Wide Options |  |  |
| Under Armour |
| 12 | adidas® - Lightweight Everyday Sneaker |  |  |
| adidas |
| 13 | Under Armour® - Cushioned Everyday Shoe |  |  |
| Under Armour |
| 15 | Orthofeet® - Strap Leather Dress Shoe |  |  |
| Orthofeet |
| 16 | AVIA® - Slip-Resistant Work Shoe |  |  |
| AVIA |
| No. | Shoe | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Asics Men's Gel Contend 10 - Neutral Trainer with Wide Fit |  |
| Asics |
| 14 | Skechers Men's Go Walk Flex Hands Up - Hands-Free Slip-In Sneaker |  |
| Skechers |
| 17 | adidas Men's Own The Game 3.0 - Lightweight Court Shoe |  |
| adidas |
Sources
- MedlinePlus (NIH). Achilles tendinitis. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Achilles Tendinitis. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Athletic Shoes. Accessed October 26, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around MedlinePlus and OrthoInfo guidance on Achilles tendinitis, removed the curcumin supplement section, regrouped the shoes under correct headings, relabeled the mislabeled Under Armour and Skechers shoes, replaced the unavailable Skechers Go Walk Flex Hands Up listing and changed the ASICS Gel-Contend 10 to a men’s-only entry because the women’s pair is unavailable
- Oct 2026: Updated Asics Nimbus 26 to Nimbus 28; replaced Adidas UltraBoots with adidas Adizero Pacer; updated Asics Gel Contend 7 to Gel Contend 10; replaced Mizuno Creation 21 with Mizuno Wave Legacy; replaced Puma Cell Surin 2 with PUMA Voltaic Evo; replaced Clarks Unstructured Un.Bend with Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11; replaced Asics Gel Resolution 8 with New Balance 608 V5; replaced Adidas Ilation Mid with adidas Own The Game 3.0; replaced Dr. Comfort Ranger with Under Armour Charged Assert 10; replaced Propet Galway with Propét Stability Fly; replaced AVIA Avi-Union with AVIA Avi-Union; replaced Orthofeet Avery Island with adidas X_PLR Path; replaced KT Tape Pro 20 Pre-Cut 10-Inch Strips with
- Oct 2026: Removed Skechers Shape Ups and Dunham Burlington (unavailable)
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs table and a Sources section; checked availability of every product
- Jul 2015: Published
