16 Best Walking Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis

best-walking-shoes-achilles-tendonitis-tendinopathy

Today, I’ll be reviewing some of the best walking shoes for Achilles Tendonitis for men and women in 2021-2022.

There’s a question people often ask: is walking good for Achilles Tendonitis? Yes, it is provided you walk in proper footwear that’ll help protect your Achilles.

But first…

Related:

14 Best Walking Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinopathy

Brooks Addiction Walker 2 (Women’s/Men’s)

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These are some of the best podiatrist-recommended shoes for Achilles Tendonitis. They’re comfortable walking shoes that provide the stability your feet need, especially if you have low to no arches.

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Upper

The Addiction Walker is a wonderful walking shoe that has a super soft supple leather upper for added durability and a ton of style. The upper is soft from the top right through the base while the reliable traditional laces offer a secure fit.

It features a generously padded tongue and collar which is going to feel great against your ankle. The Brooks Walker has a nice Achilles notch to keep your ankle and Achilles tendon secure in place.

Inside

The inside has textile mesh for enhanced breathability and comfort and a removable cushioned foam footbed that’s lightweight and supportive, which is great for hammertoes or bunions. A removable footbed simply means it’s going to allow you to completely customize the shoe with your personal orthotic.

For this reason, the Brooks Addiction is one of the most popular duty shoes if you’re someone on their feet all day.

Progressive Diagonal Rollbar

The Addiction Walker has what we call the extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB) on the instep. I know that is a mouthful, but what it does is provide you some medial arch support for complete pronation control.

So when your foot is going from the outside and wants to roll inwards a little bit too much, the Diagonal Rollbar technology helps correct you and reduce overpronation to give you more support and guide your feet for an effortless transition.

That means when you’re on your feet all day at work or outside, you’re not going to get the same stress-related injuries if you didn’t have that stability.

Midsole

The soft BioMogo DNA midsole is going to adapt to your speed and weight allowing shock absorption to help you keep your stride. The cushioning system in the heel and forefoot makes sure you have less fatigue in your feet at the end of the day.

The shoe also uses an engineered MC Pod design in the back with the midsole and the outsole to promote efficient balance at that maximum toe-off and heel strike control.

Eco-friendly

It’s all on a durable slip-resistant HPR Green outsole that’s made of environmentally friendly silica and gives you excellent skid resistance on wet and dry surfaces.

Nothing will help get you addicted to walking better than these easy-to-wear walking shoes that are made for overpronation and comfort

If you’re into running, check out this comparison review of the Brooks Ghost 10 and the Glycerin 15.

Again, the Addiction Walker is one of the best shoes for Achilles Tendonitis and Plantar Fasciitis.

Cons:

  • Version 2 is less comfortable than version 1.

Hoka Bondi

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This Hoka Bondi is one of the best sneakers for Achilles Tendonitis. It is an amazing shoe and you’ll just love its superior cushioning and everything about it.

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Upper

There’s a more open mesh in the upper which gives you a lot more breathability.

It’s also a lot more durable because of the way it’s designed so that you’re not going to have any toes poking out anytime soon.

On the back, Hoka has redesigned the pull tab on the back and brought it a little bit higher.

So if you don’t like to unlace your shoes when you’re putting your shoes on and you like to just slip them on, this is a convenient thing to have on a shoe.

Midsole

On the midsole, you have the oversized full EVA foam which Hoka is actually famous for.

The midsole just gives you tons of cushioning that you’ll feel you’re kind of walking on pillows.

Meta Rocker

The midsole also has the meta rocker geometry which is basically like a rocking chair.

This is designed to give your foot natural movement and a little bit of a push forward when walking. Also, the rocker bottom seems to help people with forefoot conditions a lot.

So if you have Metatarsalgia (ball of foot pain), Hallux Rigidus/Limitus, or Morton’s Neuroma, the Bondi 6 doesn’t put too much stress on the forefoot when you’re toeing off because of that rocker bottom.

So, you actually spend less time putting stress on your metatarsals and that’s really beneficial.

Outsole

Last but not least, Hoka took a lot of material out of the outsole to decrease the weight from the Bondi 5.

even though the Bondi 6 is lighter, you still have the same amount of cushioning and durability.

Cons:

  • High stack height might be unstable.

Brooks Ghost

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As one of the best tennis shoes for Achilles Tendonitis on the market, the Ghost is a great cushioned shoe that offers a little bit more support.

The Ghost 12 is very comfortable, fits like a glove, and lets you have a smoother and simpler ride for those longer walks.

Midsole

This is a great shoe for walking long distances because it has a combination of Brooks’ traditional BioMogo DNA throughout the forefoot and their super soft DNA Loft at the heel.

This combination gives you that soft crash pad but at the same a nice cushioned and responsive toe-off.

With the lift at the heel, you get a really soft heel striking and then a little bit more responsiveness through the toe-off.

Upper

The upper on the Ghost 12 is an improved engineered mesh that is really lightweight, breathable, and kind of just disappears as soon as you put it on your foot.

There’s also a new layout for the 3D Fit Print upper technology to give you a nice wraparound feel.

The upper is one piece with no overlays and nothing to rub or irritate your foot.

Outsole

The bottom still has a lot of good rubber for traction and flexibility.

Great for big people, great for small people, and great for the in-betweeners, the Brooks Ghost 12 is a great shoe to just kind of stay in and make sure you’re getting out the door in them in most mornings.

Cons:

  • Non I could think of.

Asics Gel Nimbus

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Upper

Some of the updates to this shoe include the new premium jacquard mesh upper. The upper is going to give you a little bit more flexibility and a little bit more breathability.

The synthetic overlays are going to adapt to your foot and definitely give you great support.

Heel

You have a heel clutching system that’s made up of an exoskeletal heel to give you an improved fit and increased support.

The heel is equipped with the Impact Guidance System (IGS). This is it definitely going to help your foot with every stride and just kind of keep it more natural, nice, and lined up.

Inside

The interior gives you a super soft fabric lining that is nice and breathable while the sock liner is removable.

The Ortholite X40 premium insole has got higher rebound properties, great moisture management, and breathability.

Last

Asics designed the Nimbus 21 on the new legends last which is going to give you a little bit roomier toe box and more accommodating fit in the forefoot.

Midsole

The Nimbus still sits upon Asics’ FlyteFoam Lyte as well as FlyteFoam Propel. Along with the gel units in the heel and forefoot, FlyteFoam Lyte and FlyteFoam Propel make sure you get a lot of cushion, responsiveness, great bounce-back, and great shock absorption.

Outsole

The Asics High Abrasion Rubber (AHAR) outsole is going to give you cushioning, durability, and reliable traction.

Asics did reduce their Trusstic system just a little bit so you’re still going to have that enhanced stability.

The Asics Gel Nimbus 21 is really going to brighten up your look for sure while also giving your foot more ease with every stride.

Cons:

  • Expensive.

Saucony Women’s Progrid Integrity ST 2

Saucony-Womens-Progrid-Integrity-ST-2-walking-shoes

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Up your integrity with a little help from this Integrity.

This wonderful walking shoe comes in at just 11oz and it’s made perfectly for the neutral walker who wants more responsive cushioning.

Upper

It features a super soft leather upper for added comfort with each step. There’s also a breathable mesh tongue and a fully lined breathable mesh interior for comfort next to your skin.

Midsole

The midsole is comprised of full-length compression-molded EVA for lightweight responsive cushioning.

The Saucony Progrid even has a highly responsive compound in the forefoot to help optimize cushioning throughout your entire gait cycle.

The addition of the Heel ProGrid System in the heel absorbs impact and shock for even more comfort.

It has a Walk-Trac system throughout the entire midsole and outsole design giving you smoother transitions, too.

Outsole

The outsole has a non-marking blown rubber and XT carbon rubber added to high-wear areas making the shoe nice and flexible as well.

Cons:

  • Might squeak on hard flooring.

Saucony Grid Omni Walker (Men’s/Women’s)

Saucony-Grid-Omni-Walker-walking-shoes

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The Grid Omni Walker is absolutely perfect for the moderate overpronator who needs stability and cushioning.

Upper

It features a soft fullgrain leather upper which is going to be easy to clean and maintain.

The upper offers great support and flexibility, and there’s a removable sockliner you can actually replace with your custom orthotic if you choose.

However, if you’re keeping this sockliner, it is contoured, super-cushy, and has a nice heel cup for added stability as well.

The Omni Walker features an Achilles notch for comfort and enhanced mobility.

The Omni Walker has a traditional lace-up design to give you a nice snug fit and a lightly padded tongue and collar for comfort.

Outsole

There is a visible rearfoot Grid System that consists of a woven configuration of Hytrel filaments.

These provide superior cushioning and stability by centering the heel on impact.

The outsole has dual-density rubber with XT 900 and Walk-Trac rubber for a full walking experience and a shank for midfoot support.

It provides you with all the stability you need without weighing the shoe down.

Midsole

The Omni Walker is a fantastic walking shoe that features a forefoot HRC Strobel Board.

This is a high-rebound compound that is a responsive EVA rubber compound which provides cushioning to the latest stages of the gait cycle.

There’s also a midfoot support bridge and an SRC Impact zone for added support and shock absorption.

It has a nice cushioned midsole that goes really well with the Grid System to help absorb shock and provide comfort all day long.

Be sure to get all the comfort and support you need by picking up the Grid Omni Walker from Saucony.

Cons:

  • Might squeak on hard flooring.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 

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The Pegasus 35 is a really nice looking shoe and it’s got three big updates from the Pegasus 34.

It’s got the full-length Zoom Air unit, a beveled heel, and a new engineered mesh.

Upper

The upper features a new seamless full-length engineered mesh. It’s engineered to enhance stretch and support without limiting your movement.

This shoe really feels nice and snug on the foot because of an internal bootie construction.

You’ve got light padding in the tongue and some great padding around the ankle.

FlyWire Cables

You’ll love how your feet feel nice and locked in there thanks to the FlyWire cables that are around the midfoot.

The FlyWire cable technology is a staple of Nike. It’s fantastic and it really secures your foot into the shoe so that you’ll never have a problem with your feet sliding around.

On the inside, there’s a fabric lining with tons of cushioning in the footbed.

Midsole

The midsole features a full-length Zoom Air unit across the entire length of the shoe.

This unit is going to give you a nice smooth transition while feeling cushioned the entire way through.

Combined with the Cushlon foam, the Zoom unit really gives you all that extra cushioning that you could ever possibly want while still feeling really light on your foot.

Outsole

The biggest update on the outsole is the beveled heel in the back. This feature really gives you nice ground contact when you’re walking.

The Pegasus also gives you a nice transition all the way from your heel to your toe-off thanks to that beveled heel.

Then there are the Waffle Pistons on the bottom. These are designed to really help with better transition, better ground contact, better traction, and better flexibility.

The rubber Crashail also helps with that smooth transition and helps create a smooth ride.

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 is all about comfort, quick, and smooth transitions.

Literally float while you walk wearing this Pegasus from Nike.

Cons:

  • A bit pricey.

Saucony Ride ISO

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Read our review of the new Saucony Ride ISO 2

The Ride ISO is an update to the very popular Ride 10. This is the first generation of the Ride series that has the ISOFIT lacing system.

ISOFIT System

The major change that we see with this model is the introduction of the Saucony ISOFIT lacing system.

ISOFIT can bond with the engineered mesh upper, allows for the shoe to stretch, and adapts to different foot shapes.

In addition to the new ISOFIT, Saucony has upgraded the woven heel material for better heel comfort.

FORMFIT

Then there’s the FORMFIT technology. This means as soon as you’ve put your foot into this shoe, you’ll feel it contour to your foot.

In short, the ISOFIT and FORMFIT are going to adapt to your foot and provide you with a personalized fit, how cool is that!

Inside

The inside features a removable comfort padded insole that’s going to give you support all day long.

Midsole

The Ride is still featuring a full-length EVERUN top sole and a PWRFOAM midsole giving you that perfect blend of cushioning, responsiveness, and energy return.

The midsole is a little bit more contoured allowing the foot to sit just a little bit deeper in the shoe to give you a more stable ride from heel to toe.

Outsole

And on the bottom, you have a rubber outsole that’s lightweight and flexible.

The Saucony Ride ISO is a highly versatile shoe that’s perfect for walking. It is perfect for any distance and for anyone looking for a great cushioned but lightweight walking shoe.

Cons:

  • Sloppy toe box

Saucony Cohesion 12

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There is a lot to like for an amazingly low price in the Saucony Cohesion 12

What these shoes lack in technology, they make up for in a consistent and comfortable ride.

The Cohesion checks in as the cheapest neutral shoe offered by Saucony and it is designed for budget-minded people.

This shoe competes against the Adidas Duramo, Nike Winflo, Asics Gel Contend, and many others.

The Cohesion is obviously not as flashy as the Triumph ISO, but it’s a solid-looking shoe.

Upper

The upper has a lot of easily visible stitches.

When putting on the shoe, you’re going to be very impressed by the feel. The cushion is impressive and the shoe is incredibly comfortable for standing and walking long distances.

The upper fits true to size, but it is quite narrow all the way around. The heel is narrow and feels secure in locking the heel in, but it doesn’t seem to widen out too much over the length of the shoe.

Saucony still uses some of the rubber overlays to keep your feet locked in and add structure and protection.

So Saucony is using old methods in a way to keep the price down, and because of that, the upper is fully seamed.

However, the upper does use some nice breathable materials that keep your feet at a cool temperature.

Midsole

The Cohesion uses a single layer of VersaFoam cushioning, which provides ample cushioning for your feet.

Outsole

The outsole is a durable rubber material that’s decently flexible yet solid.

Again…

If you’re all about the combination of price and value, this shoe definitely delivers that.

The Cohesion 12 feels sturdy and holds up to the miles you’re going to throw at it.

It’s designed for budget-conscious people or anyone looking to log miles without paying for any flashy materials.

Walking in the Cohesion is smooth and consistent if not amazing.

Cons:

  • Colors differ in-person

Asics Gel-Tech Walker Neo 4 (Women’s/Men’s)

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Take every step with confidence and conquer the great outdoors with ease and style with this incredible shoe.

Upper

The Gel Tech Walker Neo has a Biomorphic Fit upper that features stretch materials that have been strategically placed on the upper to help reduce irritation.

The Neo is constructed of an extremely breathable mesh upper with durable synthetic overlays throughout for security.

Its lace-up closure provides a nice secure fit and its padded tongue and collar provide a ton of extra cushioning.

This shoe features 3M reflectivity for visibility during low-light conditions in case you decide to go walking when it’s dark out.

Midsole

The Neo also features rearfoot and forefoot gel cushioning that’s going to give you lots of comfort.

It’s also going to also give you plenty of support, shock absorption, and rebound when you’re walking.

The footbed is also removable and has moisture-wicking properties to keep your feet breathable and fresh all day.

Outsole

The outsole is made out of Asics High Abrasion Rubber (AHAR) to give you excellent durability and flexibility.

There’s also an Impact Guidance System (IGS) that enhances your foot’s natural gait.

Slip The Asics Gel Neo on and experience comfort like you never have before.

Cons:

  • Dated design.

Asics Women’s Gel-Frequency 3

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This walking shoe is so lightweight with a flexible design, too.

Upper

It is completely breathable with a mesh upper with synthetic overlays for support.

It also features a padded tongue and collar for comfort along with a lace-up closure for a secure fit.

Inside

On the inside, you’ll find soft fabric lining with a removable contoured sock liner that will easily accommodate orthotics if you need to.

Midsole

But what’s awesome about this shoe is that you have lightweight EVA throughout the entire midsole.

The shoe also features the updated rearfoot gel cushioning system that attenuates shock during impact phase and allows for a smooth transition to mid-stance.

Outsole

The outsole features the Asics High Abrasion Rubber (AHAR) placed in critical areas for superior traction.

Experience lightweight comfort and style on your next walk with the Gel Frequency 3 from Asics.

Cons:

  • A bit narrow.

Skechers Performance Go Walk 3 (Women’s/Men’s)

Skechers-Performance-GoWalk-3

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When you first pick up this true lace-up style walking shoe you notice it’s incredibly lightweight.

It uses the proprietary Resalyte material in the dual-density midsole to keep the weight down. It’s very flexible and gives you great rebound.

There’s generous cushioning all throughout the shoe with a port in the back for easy on and off.

Goga Mat

The interior is incredibly soft and really feels like a yoga mat thanks to the famous Goga Mat.

This Skechers’ famous for Goga Mat footbed which is different from memory foam.

It’s a high rebound footbed and provides more bounceback from heel to toe keeping fatigue to a minimum.

Outsole

The outsole features the Go Pillars which are also made of Resalyte to give you more support and energy return making you comfortable with every step.

The Pillars compact and bounce back with much rebound and compression propelling you forward with every step that you take.

If you’re on the look for a great comfortable shoe for your Achilles and bad knees, you can’t go wrong with the Skechers Go Walk 3.

Again, the Go Walk 3 is one of the best Skechers shoes for Achilles Tendonitis.

Cons:

  • Not very durable.

Skechers Performance Go Flex (Women’s/Men’s)

Skechers-Performance-Go-Flex

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Upper

Take s a stroll in a shoe that moves with you.

This Skechers is made with a soft and almost seamless knitted mesh fabric upper that is soft to the touch.

It’s got an easy slip-on design and a quick-fit portal at the heel for easy on and off.

There’s a stretch-fit collar that gives you a sock-like comfort and a smooth textile lining on the inside.

The inside has memory foam fit with memory foam padding around the heel for a customized fit.

Goga Mat

It has a soft fabric lining with Goga Mat Technology cushioned footbed for high rebound cushioning for added comfort.

Midsole

The Go Flex features an injection-molded Resalyte midsole that has memory retention properties and absorbs impact and shock.

Outsole

It all sits on a rubber GoFlex articulated segmented outsole design that provides, ultra-flexibility, stability, long-lasting wear, and anatomical movement

When they say anatomical, it means it really moves with every bend in your foot.

Get out and about in confidence in the Go Flex from Skechers.

Cons:

  • Right or left shoe might fit differently.

Rockport Men’s Chranson

Rockport-Mens-We-are-Rockin-Chranson-walking-shoes

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Upper

Soft to the touch and created with durable nubuck leather, The Chranson is great for all kinds of conditions.

It has added durability thanks to the overlays at the toe and heel with beautiful double stitching.

It has a lace-up design and a soft breathable mesh lining that feels great next to the skin and helps pull moisture away from your foot and keep you comfortable.

Footbed

It has a soft and squishy removable footbed as well that’s going to help reduce fatigue as the day goes on.

The footbed has the Kinetic Air Circulator built to push air through and keep your feet very cool.

Midsole & Outsole

It has EVA in the midsole making it pretty lightweight. It’s got some texture on the outsole which in turn has traction rubber.

The Chranson is going to have you dancing for joy.

Cons:

  • Laces come untied.

Where to buy the best shoes for Achilles Tendonitis

Brooks Addiction

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Brooks Ghost

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Walking, all-day wear, workWalking, all-day wear, running
Ful-grain leather Breathable mesh upper
BioMoGo DNA MidsoleGreat DNA Loft midsole
 Full-length rubber outsoleDurable rubber outsole
Alleviates most foot issuesOrthotic friendly
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Asics Nimbus

Asics-Gel-Nimbus-22-comparison-table

Hoka Bondi

hoka-one-one-bondi-6-comparison-table

Walking, all-day wear, running
Walking, all-day wear, running
Mesh upperMesh upper
Shock absorbing midsole
Plush oversized midsole
Durable AHAR outsoleRubber outsole
Features a spacious toe boxImproved heel-to-toe transition
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Saucony Ride

Saucony-Ride-ISO-2-comparison-table

Walking, all-day wear, running
Generous upper padding
Shock-absorbing midsole
Malleable & grippy outsole 
Orthotic friendly
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What’s Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles Tendonitis is now more accurately known as Achilles Tendinopathy.

The suffix “itis” means inflammation, and this condition is not thought to be an inflammatory condition and is more likely to be due to the degeneration of the tendon.

Recent research by physiotherapy tendon experts Jill Cook & Craig Purdam has identified three stages to Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinopathy: the Reactive Stage, the Dysrepair Stage, and the Degenerative Stage.

Symptoms include:

  • Gradual onset of pain
  • Stiffness and aching of the tendon
  • A thickened often reddened appearance.

The tendon is usually tender to touch and may contain lumps known as nodules.

Initially, any pain on exercise may fade as you continue and the tendon warms up. Without treatment, pain will become chronic.

In order to successfully treat your Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinopathy, you must determine what has caused it and the correct problem. Common causes include:

  • A sudden increase in activity
  • A change of footwear or training surfaces
  • Weak or tight calf muscles
  • Wearing high heels
  • Running uphill
  • Flat feet and overpronation.

Treatment options

Treatment includes:

  • Rest from any aggravating activities
  • Ice or cold therapy treatment
  • Ultrasound
  • The temporary use of a heel raise.

Stretching exercises and eccentric strengthening such as heel drop exercises should be incorporated into your rehabilitation program.

So there you have it. These were some of the best walking shoes for Achilles Tendonitis.

If you’ve ever owned a shoe that has really helped your Achilles Tendonitis issues, please share your own experience down below.

About Eric Barber

Eric Barber is a happy father of two little angels, a husband, and a runner. He eats, sleeps, and dreams anything foot related: running shoes, walking shoes, sneakers, you name it. It all started when Eric was a shoe store specialist watching and fitting people's feet day in and day out.

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