6 Best Running Shoes For Achilles Tendonitis in 2025

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
6 Best Running Shoes For Achilles Tendonitis in 2025

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The burning sensation in the Achilles tendons is annoying, especially when it comes and goes or happens when you're supposed to be at your training peak. There are a few running shoe features that may help in this case, next to resting or taking things slower (moving to daily trainers for sure). We discuss these features here, and we highlight the best running shoes for painful Achilles tendons. 

How we test running shoes for Achilles tendonitis

To make our shoe reviews as objective as possible, we make sure to: buy all the running shoes on our own, test them on our test runs in various weather conditions and surfaces, and test them in our lab. 

We standardized our lab tests, so each shoe is treated the same. When doing durability tests, we always apply the same pressure, RPMs, and time duration; when freezing the shoes to measure how their softness changes in cold weather, we keep all the shoes in the freezer for the same amount of time. We always use the same tools and publish our reviews on the website, along with all the lab data we gather. 

Best running shoe for Achilles tendonitis overall

Hoka Mach 6
87
Great!

What makes it the best?

This shoe delivers on all fronts when it comes to painful Achilles tendons, which is why it's our #1 pick here. It offers a perfect balance of support, stiffness, and comfort that is much needed when experiencing Achilles tendinopathy. 

Most runners who are dealing with Achilles tendonitis enjoy cushioned running shoes, specifically the heel. Focus is on the heel and not the forefoot because landing on the forefoot asks for more work from those tendons, so running slower can help, and walking as well (instead of running). Fortunately, Mach 6 features 36mm of lively foam at the heel and this high-stacked foam is surprisingly super stable! 

In the lab, we don't like seeing big variations between what the brands advertise and what we measure, but in the case of Mach 6, this is a welcome change when we put it in the Achilles tendinopathy scenario. The drop is not 5 mm but 9.6 mm! This is exactly what we recommend (heel-to-toe drop higher than 9 mm) for Achilles pain. 

To perfectly hug the heel, there's a heel counter that scored 4/5 on our stiffness test. It's not just stiff but also nicely padded. This heel cup does not irritate the heels but locks them securely. 

Hoka Mach 6, unfortunately, has a tapered toebox. This works well for some runners, but those who need more room in the toebox around the toebox (who need less pointy toeboxes) should look elsewhere. 

Pros

  • Really lightweight
  • Fantastic outsole
  • Exciting ride
  • Highly cushioned
  • Great for heel strikers
  • Handles faster paces
  • Superb lockdown
  • Excellent value at $140

Cons

  • Drop varies from stated
  • Tapered toebox
  • Thin tongue
Full review of Hoka Mach 6

Best running shoe for Achilles tendonitis and wide feet

What makes it the best?

The Wave Rider 28 sticks to its well-established identity while introducing subtle refinements. We found that Mizuno added a small dose of Enerzy NXT foam in the heel, slightly improving cushioning without drastically altering the ride. The fit remains consistent with past versions but now provides a bit more room up front. However, the shoe still feels somewhat firm underfoot and features one of the steepest drops we’ve measured, making it far from ideal for midfoot and forefoot strikers.

Pros

  • Enerzy NXT foam in the heel
  • Versatile for daily miles
  • Secure lockdown
  • Stability-focused Wave plate
  • Nice room for toe splay
  • Amazing for high-volume feet
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Great for dirt roads

Cons

  • Sky-high drop
  • Outsole durability could be better
  • Lacks the energetic pop of some rivals
  • Narrow heel
Full review of Mizuno Wave Rider 28

Running shoes for Achilles tendonitis with the best shock absorption

What makes it the best?

It's high-stacked, it's responsive, features a high drop and unobtrusive support: that's why we found Brooks Glycerin GTS 21's cushioning to be the best one for runners dealing with Achilles tendinopathy. 

With 36.2 mm at the heel, we could expect it to be unstable, but Glycerin GTS 21 delivers the opposite, proudly justifying the name (Go To Support). The nitrogen-infused EVA used here is softer than we expected but remarkably stable and durable. Our shore A durometer showed 20.9 which matches the average for road running shoes, a lovely surprise for those who need some stability but don't want firmer platforms. This stability also comes from torsional rigidity. Glycerin GTS 21 scored 4/5 on that test and, given that 5/5 is given to the most rigid shoes, it's a great result. 

A great thing about this cushioning is the balance between softness and energy return, but also it's durability. This foam shines on longer distances but, with Achilles tendonitis, runners may want to take things slower and shorter. 

One thing we wish was improved in Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 is the upper. It's soft and pliable because it's made of knit, but it's not as breathable as we'd need for running in hot weather. On our smoke test, it scored 3/5. The comfort here paid the price so if you plan to run in hot weather or if you have sweaty feet, look for shoes that scored at least 4/5 on our breathability test. 

Pros

  • Improved energy return
  • Fantastic value
  • Great durability
  • Breathable upper
  • Outsole grips well even in wet surfaces
  • Doubles as a walking shoe
  • Excels at easy paces
  • Superior stability
  • Ready for long runs

Cons

  • Would benefit from softer foam
  • Clunky for heel strikers
  • A bit heavy
  • Non-gusseted tongue
Full review of Brooks Ghost Max 2

Best stability running shoes for Achilles tendonitis

What makes it the best?

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 remains one of the easiest recommendations for heel strikers needing stability, and after testing it, we’re convinced it’s more refined than ever. It keeps its reputation as an ultra-reliable trainer while introducing key upgrades like the DNA Loft v3 midsole, which offers a firmer yet more responsive feel. We found that the revamped upper strikes a great balance between comfort and breathability, making it a fantastic choice for daily miles. However, the firmer foam and steep drop won’t suit everyone, but for most runners with stability needs, it’s a no-brainer.

Pros

  • Stack height upgrade!
  • Reliable support
  • Breathable mesh with oversized vents
  • Price remains unchanged
  • Available in 4 width options
  • Good durability
  • Plush tongue for top comfort
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Foam upgrade to DNA Loft v3

Cons

  • Firmer-than-expected midsole
  • High drop may feel too steep
  • Toebox height is a bit low
  • Non-gusseted tongue
Full review of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24

Running shoes for Achilles tendonitis with the best durability

Hoka Bondi 9
90
Great!

What makes it the best?

The Bondi 9 arrived after a long wait, and we found Hoka prioritized consistency to maintain the v8’s winning formula. In our lab tests, we discovered it to be a better version in every way—lighter, more durable, and packed with improved cushioning. The new supercritical foam is definitely bouncier, while the upper materials provide a premium fit. However, its narrow toebox, oversized frame, and hefty build still limit its appeal for many runners.

Pros

  • Endless cushioning
  • New supercritical EVA midsole
  • Amazing step-in comfort
  • Doubles as a walking shoe
  • Stable for its height
  • Built to last
  • Excels at slow-and-steady paces
  • Well-designed heel collar
  • Lighter than v8

Cons

  • Not for wide feet
  • Still feels heavy and clunky underfoot
  • Drop measurement differs from stated
  • Non-gusseted tongue
Full review of Hoka Bondi 9

Best tempo running shoes for Achilles tendonitis

What makes it the best?

The Launch 11 stays true to its heritage with a lightweight feel and a go-fast design we really liked. We were impressed by the responsive DNA Flash midsole that gave each stride a lively push, especially during faster sessions. Still, we found unexpected trade-offs—reduced flexibility, a heavier build, and a price increase that edges away from its budget-friendly appeal. We believe Brooks improved the tech here, but the soul of the Launch starts to feel slightly at risk.

Pros

  • Revamped nitrogen-injected midsole
  • Great upper breathability
  • Still fairly priced
  • Snug and secure fit
  • Improved for heel strikers
  • Agile and nimble ride
  • Works for daily miles and speed workouts
  • Improved stability

Cons

  • Price increase from v10
  • Low-volume toebox
  • Firm ride
  • Minor weight gain
Full review of Brooks Launch 11

This guide serves its educational purpose and is in no way here to give medical advice. If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain, consult a specialist. 

Here we cover the features of shoes that might help runners experiencing pain in the Achilles tendons. However, we must highlight that dealing with Achilles tendonitis is all about rehab, not shoes. That is why it is important to get properly diagnosed and treated. 

Painful Achilles tendons 

Pain in the Achilles tendon is also known as Achilles tendinopathy or Achilles tendinosis (shortened AT). This tendon, which connects a calf to the heel bone, starts hurting because it is being overused. If a runner insists on running with the Achilles tendinopathy, this can lead to the tendon rupture, which may need to be fixed with surgery. 

lower-leg-muscles-anatomy-RunRepeat.png

When runners experience AT, it’s usually non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. The injury and pain occur around the middle of the tendon, which is why it is sometimes called midportion AT, and it mostly happens due to repetitive trauma (stress), exactly like running. We also have insertional Achilles tendinopathy, which occurs where the tendon inserts into the heel bone. It’s often caused by wearing the wrong footwear or having calcifications. 

Based on a study that looked at 1,700 runners, the Achilles tendon injury is the 2nd most frequent one, with 23.5% runners experiencing it. It’s also interesting that the highest frequency of injury was found in runners who run in carbon-plated shoes (19.3%). 

achiles-tendonitis-running-shoes-cut-into-pieces.jpg
In our lab, we cut all the shoes into pieces to be able to test them thoroughly 

Just how important is Achilles tendinitis and why should you care about its healing process?

Not talking about the obvious - like not being able to move at all without our Achilles tendons - it’s also interesting that one study looked at the energy returned from the tendon itself and concluded it was higher in a stiffer shoe. The difference was very similar to those 4% Nike talked about: a 3.9% difference in the mechanical energy required per step. So, stiffer running shoes might improve the running performance because the energy returned from the Achilles tendon is increased! 

Achilles-tendon rupture-RunRepeat.png

Even if you’re not into chasing PBs or running competitively, it’s important to focus on rehab and therapy because 5% of people with Achilles tendonitis end up with a tendon rupture as well. Then, it’s surgery time and, potentially, an even longer recovery period. 

achilles-tendon-pain-running-shoes.jpg

6 shoe features to look for if you’re experiencing Achilles tendinopathy

As mentioned at the beginning, rehabilitation is a priority when dealing with the AT. Sure, shoes can help to a certain degree which is why we will discuss the next features throughout the guide: 

  1. Cushioned running shoes - heel stack height of 30mm and above
  2. High heel drop - 9mm or higher
  3. Torsionally rigidity - running shoes that scored 4/5 or 5/5 on our lab tests 
  4. Stiff heel counters - heel counters that scored 4/5 or 5/5 on our lab tests 
  5. Firmer midsoles - those that scored 20 or higher on shore A durometers 
  6. Daily trainers without a carbon plate - avoid tempo and race shoes. 

1) Cushioned running shoes for Achilles pain are great for heel strikers

If you’re experiencing Achilles tendinopathy, we recommend using running shoes that have a heel stack height of at least 30 mm (we classify these running shoes as cushioned). Having more foam below your heels helps means better shock absorption and it feels good because less stress is sent from the heels to the Achilles tendons that way. 

stack-height-running-shoes-for-achilles-pain.jpg
Measuring forefoot and heel stack height according to the WorldAthletics guidelines (at the center of the shoe and at 75% and 12% of the internal shoe length, respectively)

If you are a heel striker who runs in cushioned running shoes and you intentionally switch to minimalist or barefoot running shoes and, therefore, change your foot strike to the forefoot one, this change may increase the risk of tendinopathy. Another study confirmed this, showing that, for heel strikers, the peak Achilles tendon loading rate is significantly higher in minimalist shoes than cushioned shoes. 

minimalist-vs-cushioned-running-shoes-runrepeat.jpg
Minimalist (barefoot) running shoe that we don't recommend for Achilles pain vs. a cushioned running shoe. The difference in the amount of cushioning is obvious

Why forefoot strike is good AND bad for Achilles tendinopathy

A few bullets you should know when it comes to the foot strike and Achilles tendinopathy: 

  • The majority of runners who experience painful Achilles are forefoot strikers, which makes sense given that the forefoot strike puts the most stress on the Achilles tendons, as found in this study
  • The majority of AT-affected runners run in carbon-plated shoes, which makes sense as most carbon-plated shoes are made for fast runs and forefoot strikers. Slower runs are actually better for the Achilles so no wonder fast shoes made things worse. 

A forefoot strike can do your Achilles both good and bad. It depends on your goals. 

The bad

If you’re already experiencing Achilles tendinopathy, forefoot strike may harm you even more. Many studies have shown that forefoot strikers put more stress on the Achilles tendons (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

One study looked at 550 runners with running-related injuries and found that midfoot strike had the highest correlation with Achilles tendon injuries.  

The good

What many of these studies also show is that a gradual transition toward a forefoot strike can help with strengthening the Achilles tendons which is important if you want to prevent (another) injury. It’s important for the transition to be gradual so that your whole body adapts to the new strike and what it brings - different landings, toe offs, foot muscles being activated (much) more, higher-leg muscles being utilized less, your overall body position, etc. 

We recommend a heel drop of 9 mm or more. This higher drop usually means a heel strike because there’s a lot of foam at the back that can come between you and your forefoot strike, so you land on the heel. But, it also means that higher-leg muscles are utilized more! 

different-heel-to-toe-drop-comparison.jpg
Both of these running shoes are cushioned, but one has a zero drop (up) and the other one has a high drop (down)

Thanks to our stack height measurements, we calculate the heel drop by subtracting the forefoot stack height from the heel stack height.

In contrast, in zero- and low-drop running shoes, more stress is put on foot muscles and lower-leg muscles. And that’s exactly why we recommend higher-drop shoes, to let the Achilles tendons work less and let the thighs, hip muscles, and glutes work more.

We have covered this topic (heel to toe drop and it’s effect on runners, be it a foot strike or muscle use and injuries) in great detail in our guide Heel to Toe Drop: The Ultimate Guide. We highly recommend reading it! 

One study focused on the heel drop specifically by using 2 cm heel lifts. The study showed that the lifts immediately reduced the pain in people with insertional AT and that they significantly improved symptoms after 2 weeks of wearing the lifts.

3) Torsional rigidity is good for AT

Torsionally rigid running shoes are those shoes that you can’t twist easily. They fight back. As a contrast, torsionally flexible running shoes are twisted easily and a lot. 

Shoe that got a 4/5 torsional rigidity rating 

Shoe that got a 1/5 torsional rigidity rating

For painful Achilles tendons, we recommend rigid running shoes. Ideally, those that scored 4/5 or 5/5 on our assessments. And here’s why, such shoes won’t have your feet wobbling on uneven surfaces, when cornering, and similar. They will give extra support and stability that are much appreciated by the Achilles tendons! 

It’s important to note that, while shoes can be quite torsionally rigid, they can still be longitudinally flexible. This flexibility helps with the natural running feel because our feet are flexible on their own and many runners prefer a similar feel, not a stiff platform (like many approach shoes and hiking boots have). 

Measuring the longitudinal flexibility of running shoes in RunRepeat lab

In the lab, we use a machine to clamp the forefoot to the surface, adjust for the rocker, and then bend the shoe 30 degrees. The more force the machine needs to do that, the stiffer the shoe and the higher the number on the display. Knowing this, it’s easier to decide how rigid and stiff/flexible you want your platform to be. 

4) Stiff heel counters but not harsh heel cups

Stiff but not harsh? What we mean is actually heel counters that offer support but do not hurt your heels and Achilles even more. To cradle the heel, running shoes often have a lot of padding. 

different-heel-padding-running-shoes.jpg
Running shoes for painful Achilles with less padding around the heel (left) and more padding (right)

Now that we know your heels should be hugged, that hug should be firm. This means that the heel counter should be stiff. The stiffer it is, the better the lockdown of the heel. This immobility makes the tendons work less or, at least, not overwork. 

This heel counter got the highest rating: 5/5, meaning it is as stiff as it gets 

This heel counter got the lowest rating: 1/5, meaning it is as flexible as it gets 

We found that the heel counters who scored 4/5 or 5/5 give the best support for painful Achilles. This stiffness comes from internal and/or external heel counters. Internal ones are noticed when shoes are cut in half and external ones are easy to see. 

internal-external-heel-counters.jpg
Left: internal heel counter is noticeable on a shoe cut in half (white layer behind the heel); Right: external heel reinforcement is always easy to notice

Padded and stiff is usually a great combination, until it isn’t. Even with the padding, some heel cups can be very harsh and irritate your tendons. 

different-heel-tab-shapes.jpg
Different heel (tab) designs in running shoes for Achilles tendinitis

If you notice discomfort in this area, we recommend choosing a different pair of shoes. 

5) Extremely soft midsoles are a NO

Some foams are very soft and they feel great but, in the long run, they are not so great for Achilles tendinitis. Softer foams also mean more movements and more muscle work in our feet, however small. That’s why we recommend slightly firmer foams: those who got at least 20 on the shore A durometer

midsole-softness-shoes-for-achilles-pain.jpg
Measuring the softness of the midsole in RunRepeat lab. The lower the number on shore A durometer, the softer the foam 

We always perform this test on running shoes cut in half because the durometer needle needs to be stuck into the raw foam. If we were doing it on the outside, on shoes that are not cut in half, the numbers would also reflect protective overlays, colors, and similar factors, and the results would be wildly inaccurate. 

Given that the current midsole softness average for road running shoes sits around 20 HA, this is not a big restraint, but more like a word of caution. 

Keep in mind that we measure the softness of the midsole itself. Many running shoes for painful Achilles feature a cushy insole. 

insole-thickness-achilles-tendinitis-running-shoes.jpg
Measuring the insole thickness with a digital caliper

If this is your cup of tea, here’s a selection of shoes with the thickest insoles: 

6) Running slower can help with Achilles tendonitis 

Running at faster paces seems to increase the stress on the Achilles tendons for heel strikers, as shown in this study. Specifically, the study looked at the runners running on a treadmill at 2m/s to 5m/s. 

If you own tempo and race shoes, it might make sense to move to the daily trainers while recovering from Achilles tendonitis. We also recommend shoes with no carbon-fiber plates when you’re dealing with Achilles tendonitis. 

Rocker technology might help runners dealing with painful Achilles

When researchers worked with people who have been suffering from non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy for at least 3 months (although the average duration was 22.5 months), they discovered that rockered shoes reduced the plantar flexion moment by 13%, both when walking and running. The Achilles tendon load rises proportionally to the plantar flexion moment, which is why this is related to Achilles injuries. 

This 13% reduction is significant and tells us that rockered shoes might help runners dealing with Achilles tendinopathy. 

rockered-running-shoes-comparison.jpg
Different forefoot rocker angles in running shoes 

Rockered running shoe rocks back and forth smoothly, unlike those with no rocker that just fall flat onto the ground

Arch support in running shoes for Achilles tendon pain

Regardless of the foot condition, runners still overpronate (or not). In case you do overpronate, you might enjoy the support and stability that is found in stability running shoes. These running shoes are made for runners whose ankles collapse inward at the landing, which is why they use the inner side of the shoe more, which can be easily noticed when looking at the bottom of the shoes. 

pronation-types-achilles-tendinopathy-running-shoes.jpg

The majority of runners who overpronate have flat feet. 

different-arch-heights-achilles-pain-running-shoes.jpg

Running shoes that are made for overpronators offer extra arch support by integrating a) trademarked technologies, or b) geometrical shoe elements. These running shoes are always clearly marked as stability shoes and brands love promoting these specific elements. 

stability-running-shoes-for-achilles-tendinopathy.jpg
Here we can see stability shoes and the technologies used to help with overpronation: GuideRails, tall side walls, wide platforms, heel bevels, and stiff heel counter enforcements  

Super-stable running shoes for AT

One of the features that makes all running shoes stable, regardless of the pronation, is a wide platform. This is something we always measure in our lab so you can always check the numbers and compare to the averages, at least.

platform-width-running-shoes-for-achilles-pain.jpg
Using a digital caliper to measure the width of the running shoe platform

Daily trainers often have a wide platform, unlike race-day shoes which are narrow and often so tall that they are unstable. 

different-platform-widths-runrepeat-comparison.jpg
Narrow platforms are usually found in competition shoes (up) vs. wide platforms that are mostly found in daily trainers (down)

If this stability matters to you, look for the widest platforms found in running shoes for painful Achilles tendons. 

Wide, narrow, or a tall toebox? 

We all have different needs because we all have different feet and toes. Here, we offer running shoes for Achilles tendonitis that have a wide toebox, a narrow toebox, and a tall toebox. While the first two might be self-explanatory, the 3rd option is here because no one should have black or bleeding toenails! 

In our lab, we pour gel into the shoe and freeze it to create a perfectly fitting cast. This allows us to precisely measure the volume of the toebox

Once the cast is ready, it is easy to measure the width of the shoe and the width of the toebox. 

toebox-volume-achilles-tendinitis-running-shoes.jpg
Measuring the width of the toebox at the big toe (left) and the width of the shoe where it is the widest (right)

Given that you may need more room around the ball of the foot or at the big toe, we will offer both options. 

different-foot-toe-shapes-runrepeat.jpg

If your big toe is pointing up, look for more vertical space in the toebox. 

toebox-height-achilles-tendinopathy-running-shoes.jpg
Measuring the height of the toebox in running shoes for Achilles tendinitis

Avoid a lace bite when dealing with painful Achilles tendons

We all know a superb lockdown is a must when running. However, when runners struggle with painful Achilles, they might tighten the laces even more, because they want to be extra sure that their heel won’t slip or that their feet won't do any extra work. This may lead to a lace bite though. 

tongue-thickness-running-shoes-for-achilles-pain.jpg
Measuring the thickness of the tongue using a digital caliper

If you’re one of these runners and you feel like you need thicker tongues for tighter knots, these running shoes have the fattest padding in the tongue that you may enjoy: 

What happens if you keep running with the Achilles tendinitis 

We’ve all been there. There’s a race you want to participate in, and the Achilles start flaring up. But you really want to do the race, maybe even at the cost of harming your Achilles tendons even more. You try to calm them down with ice packs. But the pain persists. 

So, what will it be, ibuprofen or rest+rehab? 

If you keep running through the pain, 3 things may happen: 

  1. Injuring the tendons even more (more pain, more rehab needed)
  2. Injuring the tendons to the point where they rupture, which is usually taken care of surgically 
  3. Altering your gait biomechanics because you’re favoring the uninjured leg, makes things even worse for the injured Achilles tendon. 

We recommend visiting a specialist, getting a proper diagnosis, and doing rehab! 

Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.