Can Running Shoes Cause Achilles Tendonitis?

Too many runners are familiar with the pain and annoyance of Achilles tendonitis. This issue, also spelled as Achilles tendinitis, is one of the most uncomfortable and common ailments that keeps athletes off the trail. If you struggle with Achilles tendonitis, could your running shoes be the problem? If so, what are the best shoes for Achilles tendonitis? 

If you’re having heel pain after running, it could be due to a number of causes. But your running shoes might be playing a role. In this article, we’ll cover the best shoes for Achilles tendonitis, along with the reasons it might happen to you–and what to do if it does. 

What Is Achilles Tendonitis? 

As per its name, Achilles tendonitis is the result of excessive strain on the Achilles tendon. The Achilles is an essential tendon that joins your calf with the bone in your heel. Its name comes from a legendary warrior in Greek mythology who was vulnerable in only one part of his body–his heel.  

Runners with Achilles tendonitis will probably experience heel pain after running, as well as during their workouts. The pain and tenderness happens because the Achilles is swollen and inflamed. If Achilles tendonitis goes untreated, it could lead to a full tear in the tendon, which could require surgery to repair. 

Achilles Tendonitis: Are Shoes the Problem? 

There are many causes of Achilles tendonitis. 

Overuse is a big one. If you’re ramping up training too intensely, there’s a chance that you’ve simply put too much pressure on your Achilles tendon. Tendonitis is a possible result.  

A similar problem to overuse is inadequate rest. If your workouts themselves aren’t actually too much for your Achilles to handle, you might not be giving your tendons enough time to recover. Workouts create microtears in your muscles and tendons, and they need a chance to regenerate. 

Your running mechanics might also be putting undue strain on your Achilles. The culprit could either be overpronation, when your foot rotates too far inward as it strikes the ground and rolls into the next stride, or under pronation, when your momentum tips your foot outward. Both types of misalignment can cause chronic stress on your tendons and muscles and can lead to injury. 

Are your running shoes responsible for this misalignment? It depends on your foot, the tendencies of your stride, and, of course, the shoes you’re wearing. But sometimes, shoes that disrupt your natural stride, either with toe box compression or a high drop between the heel and toe, can create structural kinks in your stride that may lead to injuries, including Achilles tendonitis. 

How to Treat Achilles Tendonitis 

In most cases, the best treatment for Achilles tendonitis is rest. You need time for swelling to go down and for the tendon to recover. Think of the RICE acronym for treatment–rest, icing sessions, compression, and elevation can help speed up this healing process. 

But you might want to consider making changes to help prevent this foot issue from recurring. So let’s discuss the best shoes for Achilles tendonitis prevention. 

What Are the Best Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis? 

There are many causes of Achilles tendonitis, and the real reason you’re having heel pain after running will depend on your specific situation.  

In general, your muscles and tendons might be happiest when they’re free to move as naturally as possible. This is why we think the best shoes for Achilles tendonitis are wide toe box shoes for men and women that keeps the feet spread out and helps your form to stay balanced. In combination with common features found in Altra shoes, such as zero-to-low-drop alignment from heel to toe, this helps you build strength in your natural gait.  

By stabilizing your muscles and tendons with reliable footwear and facilitating a stride that avoids overpronation or under pronation, the right pair of running shoes can help avoid the kind of misalignment that causes injuries like Achilles tendonitis. 

Remember, Comfort is Different for Everyone 

In the end, a great pair of running shoes means differently to everyone. What’s comfortable for you might not be comfortable for another runner. Whatever you prefer, make sure to consult a medical expert if you’re experiencing intense heel pain after running. No matter what you’re going through, it’s always better to stick to the safer side.  

If you’d like to start your journey with Altra, begin by browsing our men's and women’s podiatrist-recommended shoes. Plus, all of our shoes are now HSA and FSA eligible. Depending on your plan, you might be able to buy our shoes from one of these health savings accounts.  

To get started, use our Shoe Finder to match with your preferred activity, color, level of support, etc. If you’re looking for the best shoes for Achilles tendonitis prevention, or foot and stride health overall, Altra is the place to be.