Best Running Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis: Top 9 Tendon-Friendly Picks

Source: Amazon.com

ASICS Gel Nimbus 18 Running Shoe

Why would I opt for the Gel Nimbus 18, when ASICS already came out with the Nimbus 22?

Well, even though it's no longer ASICS' latest release, the Gel-Nimbus 18 still has a loyal following in the running community. Even more so, it's hands down the best running shoe for addressing problems associated with Achilles tendonitis.

Designed as a neutral counterpart to the ASICS Kayano line, it's both highly cushioned and highly structured.

The outsoles feature ample amounts of rubber, save for the vertical "guidance line" groove, which is there to encourage area-specific flexibility. Added to it is the Trusstic System that adds mid-foot structure and improves gait efficiency.

Then, you have the rear- and forefoot GEL cushioning coupled with FLUIDRIDE technology for shock absorption in critical areas, along with improved bounce-back.

As for the upper, the FLUIDFIT multi-directional stretch mesh with cleverly placed reinforcements and the so-called "Heel Clutching System" – a robust external heel counter – ensure a snug, glove-like fit.

The shoes adapt to your feet, but at the same time, they feel supportive and structured.

The toe box could be somewhat narrow, but you can address that by picking the right size.

Source: Amazon.com

Brooks Ghost 12 Running Shoe

The Brooks Ghost 12 comes with a promise of a soft ride with just enough bounce to it – ideal for both recovery and high-mileage runs – and delivers on it with a plush midsole and a snug upper.

These 12-mm offset shoes will make your feet feel at home, which is why they rank this far up in my best running shoes for Achilles tendonitis round-up.

The lofty sole unit features a dual midsole, where the BioMoGo DNA foam adds the responsiveness, with the DNA Loft foam integrated into the "crash pad" for plushness and support underneath the heel.

The flex grooves in the forefoot area of the outsole ensure enough flexibility at toe-off.

Ghost 12's upper is every bit as comfortable as the underfoot area, feeling secure without being overly restrictive.

The 3D Fit Print complements the engineered mesh upper for well-balanced, strategically-placed stretch and structure.

The heel counter, coupled with padding in the tongue and collar, hugs the ankle and provides a soft step-in feel. More foam around your Achilles tendon is always a plus.

They could run a bit hot in the summer, but other than that, I've got no complaints.

Source: Amazon.com

ASICS Gel-Kayano 25 Running Shoes

Now, for my pronation-prone gang, I present to you the ASICS Gel-Kayano 25 – a reliable, ultra-soft, motion control running shoe designed with over-pronators in mind.

If you need that extra bit of control to keep your feet from rolling in paired with a high heel and forefoot cushioning, you should consider these running shoes for Achilles tendonitis.

The dual-layered midsoles contribute to the stability and responsiveness, with the FlyteFoam Lyte in the heel area adding the extra bounce. The FlyteFoam Propel layer in the forefoot propels you forward more efficiently.

Even more so, the GEL cushioning in both the rear- and forefoot areas improves shock absorption and protects the joints.

As for the upper, you get a comfortably snug feel, especially around the heel and in the mid-foot area, for maximum support.

Plus, the stretchy mesh material is much better at adapting to the natural flexing of the foot – and is incredibly breathable, too.

They can feel a bit bulky – if not flat-out heavy – at times, but I don't consider this a deal-breaker.

If stability and support are what you're after – along with cushioning, responsiveness, and motion control – the Gel-Kayano 25 is your shoe.

Source: Amazon.com

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Running Shoes

After 36 years – yes, it's been that long since the original Pegasus came out – it seems that Nike finally perfected the formula.

Other than the few tweaks to the shoe's upper, there aren't that many changes compared to its recent predecessors.

The updates, albeit minor, made a massive difference in how the Pegasus 36 feels on foot.

If Peg 35 rubbed you the wrong way, you – and your Achilles tendons – are going to love the thinned down, asymmetrical tongue combined with the pointed-lip heel collar.

Oh, and it breathes well, too, thanks to the extra perforations integrated into high-heat – mainly forefoot and mid-foot – areas.

Nothing has changed underfoot, though.

The Cushlon ST midsoles work with full-length Zoom Air units – low-profile airbags of sorts – for the familiar blend of rigidity, cushioning, and responsive shock absorption.

Even the hard-wearing outsole rubber retained its signature segmented geometry with the "crash rail" design and the so-called crash pad for form-friendly rear-foot landings.

The traction, again, feels solid on most surfaces.

I like that the laces don't reach that far down, as it frees up the forefoot. It will take a few runs to get used to the lack of tongue padding and adjust your lacing accordingly.

Source: Amazon.com

Brooks Glycerin 17

Talk to a few long-distance runners; the chances are that at least one of them has Brooks' Glycerin in their regular rotation.

So, why not give these shoes a shot yourself?

The Glycerin 17, Brooks' top-tier neutral running shoe was designed to be plush and comfy, inside and out.

If you're big on comfort, you're going to love the full-length DNA LOFT midsole, a combination of EVA foam, rubber – and air.

It maxes out on cushioning – which feels fantastic underfoot – but still offers enough energy return, so you don't get the feeling that the softness is holding you back.

Even more so, the so-called transition zone helps keep the heel-to-toe transitions smooth.

The grooves increase the flexibility and responsiveness, so they don't feel clunky despite the extra-thick cushioning.

The upper is where the Glycerin 17 shines, though.

The internal stretch bootie works hand in hand with the engineered mesh top – and the 3D Fit Print technology – to provide a tight, snug fit. They're structured and supportive, but oh-so-comfortable.

It's a great running shoe, regardless of the terrain and distance, but I do think that they're best suited for colder weather.

The extra padding takes away from their breathability and even traps moisture on rainy days.

Source: Amazon.com

Nike Air Zoom Vomero 13 Running Shoe

Another Nike Air Zoom running shoe worth considering for Achilles tendonitis is the Vomero 13 – one of Nike's most popular, well-cushioned neutral trainers with a 10-mm offset.

First off, the sole unit as a whole works hard to keep everything centered and supportive.

The Lunarlon layer in the midsoles provides consistent cushioning, while the single-density EVA foam, so-called Cushlon, adds firmness and toe-off responsiveness.

The two Air Zoom bags – one underneath the heel and the second in the forefoot area – further add to the shock-absorbing cushioning.

Simultaneously, the pressure-mapped design of the outsoles – one of my favorite things about the Vomero 13 – allows for plenty of flexibility throughout your stride.

As for the upper, the mesh-like knit fabric – except for the synthetic overlay that wraps around the heel – and Nike's Flywire technology gives you that locked-in feeling.

The padded heel collar and tongue were a welcome surprise, too.

The first row of laces doesn't have Flywire, but that's a good thing. It eases the forefoot fit and contributes to the generally roomy feel of the Vomero 13.

My only gripe is that they come with a break-in period – and you're left dealing with blisters.

Source: Amazon.com

HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 6 Running Shoe

HOKA ONE ONE may not be the most popular footwear brand out there.

But if you ask around, you'll soon find that, in the running community, they're valued for creating fast, responsive, and stable shoes without sacrificing much-needed comfort.

I mean, everyone knows that HOKA ONE ONE Bondi is the softest, most cushioned running shoe out there!

Their flagship maximum-cushioning shoe has seen quite a few updates over the years, and the Bondi 6 is no different, kicking things into overdrive with a few notable upgrades.

The entire upper's been redesigned with engineered mesh and Lycra for improved breathability. Also, the heel collar feels enhanced and offers an even better, locked-in, supportive fit.

The early-stage Meta-Rocker has seen some changes, too, enhancing the overall balance and smoothness and encouraging natural gait cycle transitions.

One thing that hasn't changed is the cloud-like cushioning of the full-length EVA midsole.

If running on clouds sounds like a dream-come-true, wearing Bondi 6 running shoes is pretty much as close as you'll ever get to make it happen.

They don't come cheap – but then again, the Bondi 6 packs enough high-performance running shoe features to justify its price point.

Source: Amazon.com

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18

Another pick for the ladies, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18, is a running shoe with a 12-mm offset, padding in all the right spots, and much-needed shock absorption for those long, 10-mile runs.

Adrenaline GTS 18 comes with DNA Loft foam underneath the heel, where the "crash pad" is, and uses the responsiveness of the much springier BioMoGo DNA foam in the forefoot area.

But aside from the relatively responsive cushioning, which is already a welcome feature in running shoes for Achilles tendonitis the Adrenaline GTS 18 has one more trick up its sleeve – the so-called GuideRails support.

It keeps excess movements in check by gently guiding your feet into a neutral position, supporting not only your feet – as most stability shoes do – but your knees, as well.

The fit of the engineered mesh upper feels secure enough around the heel and in the mid-foot area, where it matters the most.

The Brooks 3D Fit Print adds structure to this foot-accommodating fit.

Furthermore, the well-structured heel counter, with ample tongue and collar padding, provides a locked-in, no-slip feel.

And while I wouldn't necessarily label these as sluggish, they're not as bouncy as I hoped.

Source: Amazon.com

Mizuno Wave Rider 21 Running Shoes

In the spirit of long-distance running, let's finish strong, shall we?

My final pick, the Wave Rider 21, happens to be one of the best running shoes for Achilles tendonitis in Mizuno's Wave Rider line.

And trust me; this oldie-but-goodie still has its charms.

Underfoot-feel-wise, a Mizuno, stays a Mizuno.

Offering a blend of support and stability, the Wave Rider 21 combines their proprietary Wave Plate with the U4ICX compound in the midsoles. That way, you get that cushioned, shock-absorbing feel but with an added springiness to your step.

Plenty of cushioning underfoot, coupled with a 12-mm heel-to-toe drop and just a touch of firmness to it to ensure responsiveness – even though Wave Rider 21 is considered "outdated," it falls in line with other popular offerings.

The dual-layer DynaMotion Fit upper, a combination of mesh and synthetic materials, offers the same balance by locking in your feet and adding support in specific areas without putting too much pressure or creating hot spots.

And while I typically welcome breathability with open arms, especially during the summer, I have to say that I found these a bit too breathable in colder weather – but that's more of a preference than an actual downside.