Whether you’re embarking on a hike, going on a run, or exploring your city, figuring out what type of feet and foot problems you have can be a huge game changer. Wearing proper, ready-made, or custom insoles can make your feet feel brand-new. What are the best insoles for Achilles tendonitis, then?
If you’re dealing with a tremendous amount of pain and pressure every time you walk, run, or work out due to Achilles tendonitis, you’d probably wear the ugliest Crocs you’d ever seen if that meant you’d be pain-free for the day. Worry not, you don’t have to do that.
With the right insoles, you can wear whichever footwear works for your feet and appreciate every step of the way. High-quality, hard-wearing insoles can ease some of the strain on your feet and add extra cushioning and arch support with little to no effort. Read more down below!
But first, what is Achilles tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis can make your life difficult, but rest assured you’re not the only one suffering from irritated, inflamed tendons.
The Achilles tendons are the bands that connect your calf muscles to your heel bones. Whenever you walk, run, or exercise, or, you know, use your feet and legs to move about the world, these tendons suffer a beating.
When you overuse or overstimulate your Achilles tendons, they’re probably going to get irritated and inflamed due to excess pressure. Red, swollen tendons are a bad, bad thing because they’ll likely lead to tendonitis.
So, what can you do to ensure you don’t put too much pressure on your tendons? Work on strengthening them the same way you’d strengthen your muscles, adapt your workout routine to accommodate your tendons’ shortcomings, and get your hands on some ready-made or custom insoles.
What to watch out for when shopping for the best insoles for Achilles tendonitis?
Firstly, when looking for the best insoles for Achilles tendonitis, you need to remember there are two types of insoles – ready-made and custom.
Ready-made insoles are the ones you can purchase over the counter or off the shelf at a store. For custom insoles, on the other hand, you need a custom consultation. Custom insoles are almost always a better choice, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get great results with ready-made ones, too.
What can you do to ensure you get your hands on the best insoles money can buy? Opt for supportive insoles that are made with semi-resistant materials, contour your arches, mold to your feet, and resist bending.
Remember that insoles come in different shapes and sizes, and the best insoles for Achilles tendonitis are different for everyone. What works for your coworker might not work for you, that’s to be expected.
Try a few options and decide for yourself. Set up a consultation with your doctor if you’re unable to decide.
With that out of the way, we’re bringing you a few of our favorite insoles for Achilles tendonitis guaranteed to keep your feet happy and healthy.
What are the best insoles for Achilles tendonitis?
1. Fulton Athletic Insole
Trying to do your work without having to worry about the amount of pain you’re in? You might want to check out Fulton Athletic Insoles. Made of cork, they are perfect for anyone suffering from Achilles tendonitis because they’re made to mold to your feet the more and more you wear them.
They’re excellent for all arch types – flat, medium, and high – and they’re slip-resistant, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant. They’re made with antimicrobial technology that prevents odor which means they’re perfect for anyone who sweats the day away. How’s that for a winner?
2. Superfeet Adapt Run Insoles
Superfeet Adapt Run Insoles are the best insoles for Achilles tendonitis for a reason. With breathable, flexible materials that mold to your feet, a responsive forefoot zone that improves energy efficiency, and a light build, they’re guaranteed to keep you on your toes no matter what you’re doing.
Whether you’re walking around the office, jogging on the weekend, or working out with your gym buddies, you can count on Superfeet Adapt Run Insoles to keep you pain and pressure-free. We do need to mention that these insoles are bought over the counter and are required to be trimmed down by the customer.
3. Walk Hero Supportive Orthotic Insoles
Walk Hero Supportive Orthotic Insoles are Amazon best-sellers with over 58,000 rave reviews, which means they’re probably worth your while.
Where do we even start? These orthotic insoles are appropriate for all sorts of activities – walking, running, hiking, and working out. And they’re made with high-quality, hard-wearing fabrics, which means you can count on them for months to come.
Moreover, they’re equipped with a deep heel cup and arch support, guaranteeing to keep you grounded throughout the day. Perfect for foot fatigue, overpronation, and discomfort, they’re designed to make your days better.
4. Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Athletic Insoles
Supportive and shock-absorbing, Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Athletic Insoles are a dream come true whether you’re suffering from Achilles tendonitis or not.
High arches, ball-of-foot pain, and similar foot problems aren’t fun, but you don’t have to worry about them when you’re wearing your Spenco insoles.
With plenty of padding, support, and comfort, these will last through daily use while staying in great condition. We do need to underline that they could offer even more support according to some reviewers.
5. Sole Performance Thin Insoles
What do you do when you have narrow feet and all your footwear runs a little too narrow for insoles?
Worry not, Sole Performance Thin Insoles are the best insoles for Achilles tendonitis for slim-fitting footwear. Made with recycled wine cork, these are the most sustainable, eco-friendly insoles we’ve come across – and they’re supportive and protective, too.
Moreover, they’re made to distribute weight and pressure equally throughout your entire foot – get ready to say goodbye to some of that tendon stress. Run, don’t walk, to get these Sole Performance Thin Insoles!
6. Redi-Thotics Flex Orthotic Insoles
Achilles tendonitis doesn’t affect everyone the same way.
While you might be dying of pain and pressure every time you set foot on the ground, others might experience slight discomfort when they’re working out hardcore. What are you supposed to do when you’re experiencing constant pain due to Achilles tendonitis?
Consult with your doctor, of course. But when you’re done with that, check out Redi-Thotics Flex Orthotic Insoles. Made with a foam base, a plush top layer, and added padding for comfort and stability, they’re perfect to soothe your tormented tendons.
7. Upstep Multi-Sports Custom Orthotics
We should’ve started with Upstep Multi-Sports Custom Orthotics because they’re the closest you can get to custom-made insoles without going for a custom consultation. Upstep Multi-Sports Custom Orthotics are made by podiatrists, tailored to the shape of your foot, and accessible to anyone anywhere.
When you order or purchase an Upstep kit, you simply cast your feet, send the cast to Upstep, and wait for your custom insoles.
Affordable, as well as FSA and HSA-eligible, these insoles come with a 180-day money-back guarantee and free shipping and returns. At the end of the day, they’re worth the money you’ll spend on them because they’re made to fit your feet to a T.
8. New Balance Orthotic Inserts
Until recently, we didn’t even know New Balance made orthotics, but they’ve managed to come out with one of the best insoles for Achilles tendonitis ever.
These orthotic inserts are designed with two different types of foam molded into an orthotic shape that promises to act as an artificial support to the limbs or spine.
Meant to replace your worn-out insoles, New Balance Orthotic Inserts are a great way to upgrade your New Balance sneakers. Not to mention that, with a little bit of trimming, you can wear them with your favorite footwear, too.
9. URthotics Active/Sports Insoles
Another custom-made option, URthotics Active/Sports Insoles are 3D-printed based on the molds of your feet and delivered straight to your doorstep. And, they’re made with a myriad of favorable features that pledge to get rid of the pain.
With a custom base for stability and custom arch support to redistribute your weight and realign your posture, there’s nothing these insoles can’t do. While that should be enough to convince you to get them, these insoles come with a deep heel cup for pain relief and protection, too.
10. Tread Labs Dash Thin Insoles
Whether you’re dealing with Achilles tendonitis or flat feet, blisters, and bunions, you can benefit from Tread Labs Dash Thin Insoles. We couldn’t pass on the opportunity to rave about them because they’re made for athletes.
With the amount of work you do on the regular, you don’t need to be an athlete to benefit from carbon fiber arch support, right?
Tread Labs Dash Thin Insoles promise to improve biomechanics and boost energy return within the first few weeks of use – and that’s all you need to know to head to the Tread Labs website.
Good luck!
