Best Shoes for
ACHILLES TENDONITIS

WELL ROUNDED, DEEP HEEL CUP SHOES FOR ACHILLES TENDONITIS.

If you feel an ache at the back of your leg or just above your heel, especially after you’ve been active, you may have Achilles tendonitis. Your Achilles tendon runs down the rear of your leg to connect your calf muscles to your heel bone.

Repetitive stress can cause irritation and swelling, which leads to aches and pains. This common injury is usually caused by overuse and is a regular foe for runners and basketball players. Fortunately it responds well to at-home treatments, and wearing supportive shoes can help you heal.

woman stands on stairs wearing KURU ATOM shoes for achilles tendonitis.
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EXPERTS GUIDE TO THE BEST SHOES FOR ACHILLES TENDON PAIN

WHAT IS ACHILLES TENDON PAIN?

Achilles was known for having a vulnerable heel, but he’s not the only one with good reasons to protect this crucial connection! The Achilles tendon attaches your calf muscles to the back of your heel, and it gets put to work each time you walk, run or jump. Wear and tear is natural, especially as we age, and overdoing it physically can cause swelling and irritation. This swelling and irritation (called tendonitis) leads to aches and pains just above the heel.

It is rare for a single injury or incident to cause Achilles tendonitis. This kind of heel pain usually shows up after repeated stress and overuse. This makes it a regular issue for runners, or people who jump a lot—like basketball and tennis players. And it’s easier to overdo it when you are sedentary most of the time with bursts of activity, like “weekend warriors” who are active only a few days out of the week.

TOP SELLING SHOES FOR HIP PAIN

OUR CUSTOMER FAVORITES

Beautiful and comfortable

These are such a beautiful design and color that I get compliments every time I wear them. I literally already want to buy more shoes from Kuru and I just got them. They are also helping my Achilles’ tendon feel better!"

- ALR79

"LOOK GREAT, VERY COMFORTABLE

The most comfortable shoes I have ever worn already and I have just started to wear them this week. I am excited to see how much the help out my problems with my Achilles tendons."

- JUST IN

TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERED FOR ACHILLES TENDONITIS RELIEF

KURUCLOUD

We all want to feel like we’re walking on clouds, and now it’s never been easier. Simply slip into KURUCLOUD comfort and let the premium foam cushion your every step. This blend of foams delivers a bouncy stride in a lightweight package, so you can feel light on your feet—even at the end of a difficult day.

KURU Footwear's KURUCLOUD base layer delivers superior cushion and shock-absorption with every step

KURUSOLE

Patented to protect your heels, nothing feels quite like KURUSOLE. Ample cushion and supreme support are just the beginning: our technology works with your natural biomechanics to reduce stress on the Achilles tendon.


Nature gave you a pillow of fat beneath your heel that acts as a cushion. This fat pad can get worn down and stretched out over time, but the dynamic flexing action of KURUSOLE cups and contains this pad of fat to maximize your natural cushion and reduce heel pain.

KURU Footwear's patented KURUSOLE technology cups your heel and dynamically flexes with each step

ULTIMATE INSOLE

ULTIMATE INSOLES come in every pair of KURUs, so you can skip the hassle of purchasing inserts and moving them from shoe to shoe. We use dual-density foam that offers support where you need it and cushion just where you want it.


Even better, the foams adapt to the unique shape of your feet over time for a more-custom fit. The result is all-day comfort you can count on—month after month.

KURU Footwear's ULTIMATE INSOLE features high-quality arch support and dual-density foam that molds to the shape of your feet

ACHILLES TENDON PAIN CAUSES & SYMPTOMS

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF ACHILLES TENDONITIS

The most common symptom of Achilles tendonitis is pain at the back of your leg or just above your heel. This generally begins as a dull ache but can get worse after time if left untreated, and the pain is generally more intense just after you finish physical activity.

Another possible symptom of Achilles tendonitis is tenderness or stiffness. This extra sensitivity and the reduced mobility are usually at their worst first thing in the morning, and but they tend to improve as you begin to move around.

If the pain shifts from a dull ache to severe pain, you may have a tear in your tendon and should consult a doctor.

Achilles tendonitis is almost always an overuse injury, which is to say it develops over time due to repeated stress rather than after a single traumatic injury. Running on hard surfaces, jumping, or other high impact exercises are the most likely culprits. You are at an even greater risk if you do these kinds of activities sporadically, as your body is not used to that much stress. Suddenly increasing the intensity or frequency of your workouts can also increase your chances of Achilles tendonitis, so start slow and ramp up to doing more!

woman skips in KURU QUANTUM shoes for achilles tendonitis.

ACHILLES TENDON PAIN FACTS AND STATS

WE TAKE A LOOK AT SOME FACTS AND STATS YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE KNOWN ABOUT ACHILLES TENDON PAIN.
READ ON TO FIND OUT MORE!

ACHILLES TENDON PAIN TREATMENT

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM ACHILLES TENDON PAIN? CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE FOR EXERCISES AND TREATMENT OPTIONS.

Achilles tendonitis recovery time can vary by person and depending on how you treat it. One of the most common starting points for treating pain in your Achilles tendon is the RICE method.

Rest: Stop high-impact activities and try to limit your time on your feet. Consider switching from running to swimming or cycling.

Ice: Apply ice to the injured area for 15-20 minutes at a time.

Compression: Apply pressure to the tendon with tape or wraps.

Elevation: Put your feet up (above your heart) to increase circulation and promote faster healing.

Achilles tendonitis treatment exercises, and stretches for Achilles tendonitis can both help you recover. A regular routine also makes you less likely to hurt yourself again in the future. Because Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury, the problem usually occurs when you push your body farther than it’s used to going. When you aren’t active, that threshold is lower and easier to cross. But even a few minutes of stretching and exercise each day can strengthen the tendon and the muscles around it for better flexibility and health!

Stretches and exercises that target the back of your calf can all help prevent or treat Achilles tendonitis. One of the most helpful is called a runner’s stretch. To perform a runner’s stretch:

- Put your hands on the wall or against a chair.

- Extend the leg you wish to stretch behind you and place the back of your heel flat on the floor while pointing your toes.

- Bend the opposite knee toward the wall or the chair, but keep the back leg straight.

- Extend until you feel gentle stretching in your calf. If you feel pain, you’ve extended too far.

- Hold this stretch for about 30 seconds and repeat up to three times each day.

In some cases wearing a splint at night can help with Achilles tendonitis. These splints extend your leg as you sleep so the tendon stretches out rather than contracting and getting tight.

One key part of the equation is shielding your body from stress and impact. Wearing supportive shoes can reduce the wear and tear on your Achilles tendon so it is less likely to suffer an injury, and this extra cushion and support can also reduce pain as you recover.

woman performs achilles tendonitis treatment exercises.

In some cases wearing a splint at night can help with Achilles tendonitis. These splints extend your leg as you sleep so the tendon stretches out rather than contracting and getting tight.

One key part of the equation is shielding your body from stress and impact. Wearing supportive shoes can reduce the wear and tear on your Achilles tendon so it is less likely to suffer an injury, and this extra cushion and support can also reduce pain as you recover.

WHY OTHERS WITH ACHILLES TENDON PAIN LOVE KURU

See What Our Customers Are Saying About Us

"IMMEDIATE COMFORT

I took seriously the recommendation to have a "break in" period with my Kurus. But the shoes were comfortable right away. The fit was perfect. My problem was heel pain due to a weak achilles tendon, and the support around that area was excellent. The arch was a bit more than I like initially, but after wearing them for a while, that has become more comfortable. I am normally a barefoot shoe wearer, but barefoot shoes outdoors on uneven surfaces was providing discomfort. These Kurus are perfect for just going out to walk my dogs daily. Excellent service as well. Fast delivery, even to Canada."

-- KIM S

"KURU ATOM

The KURU ATOM is the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn. In my position as a high school principal I am constantly on my feet! Following a three month bout with Achilles tendonitis , this shoe has allowed me to return to full capacity."

-- WILLIAMPATRIOT

"COMFORT PLUS

I had been dealing with Achilles’ tendon pain for 6 month just no relief. Dr told me to look for a shoe specific for this issue and or planter fasciitis. Without a doubt best tennis shoe out there. After even one day wearing these shoes my feet were 90% better. They’re a must in my closet. And I’ve never received such thoughtful personal service. I would order a half size up I did find they run a little bit small. Easy effortless exchange or refund. Great company"

-- SISTLG

FAQS

Answers to the most frequently asked questions are just a click away.

WHY DO RUNNERS GET ACHILLES TENDONITIS?

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If you’re a runner or know people who are, you’ve probably heard of Achilles tendonitis. What makes this condition so common for those who pound the pavement? Well, it’s just that: pounding the pavement. Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury, and high impact activities like running put intense stress and pressure on your Achilles tendon. This leads to inflammation and irritation that causes pain.

You are more likely to suffer from Achilles tendonitis if you suddenly increase how often or how far you are running. Gradually work up to any new fitness routine, and make sure to wear supportive shoes to protect your body and help it recover!

WHAT ARE THE BEST SHOES FOR ACHILLES TENDONITIS?

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Treating Achilles tendonitis is all about giving your damaged tendon the space and rest it needs to recover. You may not be able to stay off your feet entirely, so what do you do when you have to be on your feet for work or to finish your to-do list?

Shoes with plenty of cushion at the heel and support for the full length of the foot can reduce your risk of injury, and protecting your body from impact helps it heal more quickly if you’re already hurt. You also want to reduce strain on the tendon, so avoid high heels!

CAN I USE CUSTOM ORTHOTICS WITH KURU SHOES?

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We build our technology into every shoe we make, so you never have to worry about aftermarket inserts. Many of our customers find they don’t need their previous orthotics because of the superior support they get from their KURUs.

If you do want to combine our shoes with your existing solutions or a heel lift, you’ll find that equipment with rounded bottoms fit best inside our shoes, since they feature a rounded shape to match nature.

ARE KURUS ORTHOPEDIC SHOES?

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While KURU shoes are not currently considered orthopedic by a medical standard, we have received thousands of positive reviews from customers who say their KURUs helped reduce or eliminate their pain—from plantar fasciitis to flat feet.

In fact, many of our customers find that after switching to KURU they can leave their clunky inserts or unsightly orthopedic footwear behind for a more stylish option with just as much—if not more—comfort!

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