Research has shown that a heel lift can help to minimize Achilles Tendonitis. Put simply, a low heel drop (heel-to-forefoot height differential) may be too low to offset the load-rate stress experienced by runners.

Will you be better off with a low heel drop or a higher heel drop? It’s going to be different for everyone, but it’s important to note one powerful factor: Often wearers of new models of sneakers think they are buying the same heel drop they had in their previous pair, but the reality is otherwise.

For example, over the past several years, a number of manufacturers have created a minimal version of a shoe or product line. And in that process, it has been noted that one particular sneaker which, originally, featured a 12-millimeter heel drop, now, has only an 8-millimeter drop. If you are making a change to another shoe, then this is an important factor to consider. It can make a huge difference to have that 4 millimeters back in your shoe of choice. In spite of the fact that 0–2 millimeters are often a suggested range, but certainly, not for everyone. The best solution is to find a shoe that has a heel drop that is perfect for your particular comfort needs. Many runners find that changing the heel offset can make all the difference in their foot health.

If you have a podiatrist-prescribed orthotic for a foot problem, you will want to use it with the sneakers to reduce the stresses on the tendon, due to the ‘whipping’ action. It’s important to know that the Achilles Tendonitis shoe that you select has room for your orthotic insert without causing a problem for comfort or fit.

The proper orthotic insert will reduce the reaction force you experience and minimize unwanted rearfoot motion. The effect of your orthotics on foot motion and impact will make all the difference in your workout or workday use. Your orthotics has been prescribed by your doctor to align your feet properly to avoid injury. Or they could be prescribed and designed to protect your feet from moving within the shoe improperly, due to a previous injury. Whatever the reason, there must be room in the sneakers to accommodate them.

Some of the sneakers mentioned have a removable footbed but you should, also, look for plenty of room and width in the toe box to accommodate any orthotic your podiatrist has designed for your particular foot problems. If your sneaker does not allow for the orthotic to be comfortably inserted, then you can have a serious problem that may cause you to develop further tendonitis issues.

More cushioning is desirable for running or high-impact activities if you suffer from Achilles Tendonitis, to decrease that ‘3-times your body weight’ factor on toe-off. If your Achilles tendon feels pain after running, then you know you must begin to take it seriously before further injury might occur. And that’s exactly what any of these shoes will protect you from – further injuries and stress to your foot.

Some prefer gel, some prefer foam, and some prefer air. Every step you take can make or break your activity when you have an Achilles tendon weakness or sensitivity. They will give you a good flow between heel-strike to toe-off but, also, maximum protection for foot movements. You’ll find that you can walk or run much further than you, usually, can with greater comfort.

Choosing the right shoe for overpronation is essential for foot health, as it is directly linked to developing Achilles Tendonitis. But how do you know whether you have underpronation, overpronation, or if you are in the neutral category? If you see that the outside of your shoes often shows the most wear, then you are adjusting to the outer side of your shoes, as you walk or run. This wear pattern will pinpoint you as an underpronator. If you are neutral, then the soles of your shoes will show wear in an S-shaped pattern. Lastly, you will see extra wear under the ball of the foot and the inside of the heel if you are an overpronator. Once you or your doctor have determined what our general tendency is within these categories, you can find a shoe with the exactly right support and cushion for your foot, to avoid tendonitis.

If you’re an overpronator, you should look for sneakers that provide more stability. You will need maximum support and cushion that is structured to distribute the impact of your footfall and minimize your pronation. This is the condition that most often leads to tendonitis.

If you’re an underpronator, you are often more prone to shock-related injuries, so you should always look at a shoe with a lot of cushioning.

If you have read only a few testimonials from shoe purchasers online, you will often see that someone says they wish they had known they needed to order a somewhat larger size of a sneaker than they, normally, do.

With the Achilles Tendonitis shoes discussed above, users of the sneakers do not always need to order one size larger, especially with some of the softer sneaker sock top styles.

It could be that you, also, may need to purchase a size of shoe that is half to one size larger; as well as, one width size up from your normal width. And in the case of orthotics, this is even more of a consideration.

So, the sizing will vary, accordingly. Be sure to check the testimonials of the Achilles Tendonitis support shoe you have selected, in order to see if the shoe you have chosen has users who say, “They should have ordered one size up,” per se. Afterward, you will know the tendency of that particular brand, in terms of sizing, and can order with confidence.
Sneaker Weight

Naturally, from the materials with which they are constructed, some sneakers are going to be much lighter than others. Though it may seem like a few extra ounces would not make a difference, it’s something to consider; depending on the main purpose that you have in mind for your arch support sneakers.

Are you planning to use your sneakers for hours and hours of extensive hiking? Or are you planning to use your sneakers more for the purpose of having to be on your feet for eight hours a day, walking around indoors assisting customers, or warehousing, for example?

Recent studies have shown that running with heavier shoes increases energy expenditure; as well as, causing slower times.

As you look at the difference in weight on the shoes you are considering, now’s your chance to compare. A few hours, or even a day of wearing an extra 5, 10 or even 20 ounces, could make a big difference in your foot health over time. Look for synthetic materials that are especially light for the upper part of your sneakers.