Whether you’ve been diagnosed with this painful Achilles tendonitis because you’re a fitness enthusiast or you simply have it because of your active lifestyle, the right pair of shoes goes a long way towards healing Achilles tendonitis.
Achilles tendonitis has several possible causes. It can be linked to a lack of stretching in athletes, to an unexpected acceleration that puts the ligament under brutal tension, to the taking of certain antibiotics. Generally speaking, it results from a deficiency in the flexibility and elasticity of the tendon involved. Changing shoes from a slightly elevated heel position to a flatter position (e.g. from stiletto heels to flip-flops) can lead to Achilles tendon pain.
If you are looking for the best women’s shoe that can alleviate your Achilles tendon pain, then you have came to the right place. Below are the list best running shoes for women with Achilles tendonitis in UK 2023.
What is Achilles tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis occurs when the long tendon running down the back of the lower leg becomes inflamed and irritated. This condition can happen to anyone, whether young, old, active or inactive, as a result of an injury to the elastic band of tissue above the heel at the back of your ankle. However, it’s commonly found among runners.
The tendon is one of the longest and hardest in the human body and bends tightly to the heel bone. It helps the movement of the leg when running and also allows us to stand. Now let’s introduce all the innovative shoes that the world’s leading brands can offer you the best shoes for Achilles tendonitis and more.
Dysfunction of this tendon is usually expressed as local inflammation in the back region of the lower feet, a situation known medically as Achilles tendonitis. The results are extreme pain in the lower leg, ankle and heel and of course limited movement as there is a lot of pain involved.
Anti-inflammatory drugs are taken orally, hot baths and physical therapy can reduce the consequences of tendonitis, but the root of the problem is the running activity itself. Nowadays, shoe manufacturers have developed new and improved technologies to protect tendonitis from occurring in the first place or reduce its severity after it has occurred.
What is the impact of the Achilles tendon?
Scientific researchers have found that the energy stores in the Achilles tendon alone, if exercised correctly, can increase an athlete’s speed by 80 per cent, so for runners this injury can significantly interrupt a training program. Even if you are not an athlete, an injury can affect your daily movements.
How to Choose Best Shoes or Trainer for Achilles tendon
A good pair of shoes can make a big difference in pain management and treatment. In addition to choosing a shoe that fits, the following criteria are essential for the well-being of the Achilles tendon.
Good support of the arch of the foot
Flat feet (feet with a low arch), or feet with an arch that is too curved, are both implicated in the possibility of an Achilles tendon injury. The arch of the shoe should match the arch of the foot. This can be done by choosing the right shoe or by adding an insole.
The shoe should flex at the same point as the foot.
The foot only flexes in two places: the ankle joint and the toe joint. The same should apply to the shoe. A shoe that is too rigid or too soft does not play its role properly and can cause pain in the Achilles heel. This is the case with some sandals, moccasins or espadrilles.
Mid-High Heel Drop
Achilles pain relief will be more effective if your heel drops higher. For long-term relief, however, researchers agree with the recommendation to strengthen the tendon and surrounding muscles. For those who want to take control of their recovery, a 6-10mm heel drop is ideal.
Heel pad
If the heel pad is very soft due to over cushioning, it will cause the heel to slide lower than the forefoot. . On the other hand if it lacks any cushioning it will lead to excessive contracture of the Achilles heel. The best shoes for Achilles pain is the one which have suitable cushion.
Heel height
A heel that is too flat (less than 12 or 15mm) can cause tension in the Achilles tendon. A heel that is too flat is even worse for the Achilles heel. The higher the heel, the less the Achilles tendon plays its role as an extensor with each step, and the same applies to the calf muscle, whose range of motion is greatly reduced.
A reduced range of motion too often leads to a weakening of the muscle and eventually to a shortening of the Achilles tendon, which can lead to injury. However, after an Achilles tendon injury has occurred, it is recommended to walk on raised heels for a while to give the Achilles tendon some rest. The height of the heel should be reduced quickly as healing progresses.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
What is the best shoe for me if I have Achilles tendonitis?
A good shoe is first and foremost a shoe that will last over time, but that will also adapt to your foot. If the shoe is so solid that its rigidity hurts you, then it is not a good shoe. In general, a shoe should have a heel counter. It is the back of the ankle, the part that takes the heel. This heel counter must be rigid, shoes with a soft heel counter should be avoided.
The sole should be relatively thick and the inside of the shoe should have a relatively soft lining that provides good cushioning when walking, especially in the heel area. Finally, the materials should be as breathable as possible to prevent the foot from macerating and skin diseases from developing. The most commonly used material is leather; thick synthetic materials that do not allow the foot to breathe should be avoided.
My ankle is painful, what kind of shoes can I wear?
In order for the ankle to be painful, it has to engage in movement, so the solution is to reduce movement around the ankle. To do this, it is best to wear shoes that fit the ankle well. The more rigid the shoe material, the less movement there will be in the ankle and the less pain you will experience.
In cities, leather boots or ankle boots are recommended. Beware of high shoes made of fabric such as Converse, which are in fact too soft and do not allow the ankle to be stabilised. If the pain only occurs over longer distances, then you can try wearing thicker or thinner hiking boots that will stabilise the ankle well. Finally, sport-specific basketball shoes are often high-top and can be used for moderate sports activities.
Can heel lifts help reduce Achilles strain?
Heel lifts are a great way to reduce the stress of wearing shoes. To have an impact, they must be at least 1 cm high. Research suggests that they should be at least 1cm high. However, this is not practical as the heel can slip out of the shoes.
I want to look good but my hallux valgus prevents me from wearing nice shoes, what can I do?
When hallux valgus occurs, it is a widening of the forefoot. This is because it is not a ball that grows, but the two bones of the first column (big toe) that deviate inwards. As the forefoot is much wider, it is sometimes difficult to fit into city shoes. In this case, you should avoid so-called Italian shoes, i.e. relatively thin shoes with a pointed toe.
It is better to choose shoes from Northern European or German brands that tend to make wider models. There are also shoe manufacturers who create shoes dedicated to feet deformed by hallux valgus. Finally, some shoe brands can offer to loosen the leather a little to adapt the shoe to your foot. If the shoe brand does not offer this, do not hesitate to go and see a shoemaker who will be able to soften the leather and modify the shoe so that it does not hurt you and that this modification does not make the shoe too obsolete.
I have pain at the base of my big toe, what shoes can I wear?
Pain at the base of the big toe is related to movements of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. It is therefore important to reduce these movements as much as possible to avoid pain when walking. To reduce these movements, it is necessary to avoid rolling the step forward, i.e. the sole of the shoe must not be able to bend, as for example with flip-flops or when walking barefoot.
It is therefore necessary to favour shoes with very rigid soles, for example when you are at home, it can be interesting to wear shoes like clogs with a wooden sole. This type of shoe is sold in pharmacies. For the summer, Birkenstock-type shoes with a sole that cannot be bent can be recommended. Finally, for everyday footwear, men should prefer shoes with very thick soles and women should prefer wedge shoes.