What’s worse than stepping out of your apartment looking like a hobo and catching a glimpse of your ex approaching you? Suffering from a deep pain along the back of the heel known as Achilles tendonitis, there’s no question about that. But with the right sandals for Achilles tendonitis, you can chase the pain away (and perhaps your ex, too).
If you’re dealing with a tremendous amount of pain and pressure every time you walk, run, or work out, chances are you’re grasping at straws to figure out what to do. Achilles tendonitis negatively affects your everyday life, but you’re not the only one.
Rest assured that the Achilles tendon gets irritated and inflamed without any rhyme or reason. More times than not, Achilles tendonitis happens due to overuse – you’re probably putting too much pressure on your tendons. The right footwear, however, can make a world of difference.
Read more down below!
What is Achilles tendonitis?
The Achilles tendon is the band that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. When you overuse or overstimulate your Achilles tendon, the area between your calf and your heel may become irritated, inflamed, and swollen.
We know what you’re thinking – what were you doing that made your Achilles tendon that angry? Worry not, you’re not the one to blame. Your Achilles tendon gets to work every time you walk, run, work out, or, you know, use your feet and legs to move about the world.
What can you do to ensure you don’t cause more damage to your Achilles tendon? Work on strengthening your tendons the same way you would strengthen your muscles, adapt your workout routines to your current needs (and shortcomings), and opt for appropriate footwear.
What to consider when choosing sandals for Achilles tendonitis?
Sure, running sneakers like Asics Gel Nimbus 25s or Brooks Ghost 15s are perfect for Achilles tendonitis, but you might be on the hunt for something a little lighter for your summer strolls around the city. Sandals sound like a dream, but you’re not sure which ones to opt for.
When shopping for sandals that can offer you the right amount of support, comfort, and stability, you might want to keep a few tips in mind that promise to keep your feet happy and healthy. What do we mean by that?
Well, get your hands on sandals that offer a great balance of cushioning, arch support, and heel support, and you’ll notice a change right away. Moreover, you can opt for added support with a heel lift or custom orthotics to ensure you’re getting the most out of your sandals.
We’ve gathered a few of our favorites to help you get your feet into the right sandals for Achilles tendonitis.
What are the best sandals for Achilles tendonitis?
1. Hoka One One Ora Recovery
Who’s surprised to see Hoka One One sandals at the top of the list? Hoka seems to know what’s up when it comes to comfortable, supportive, and protective footwear. Whether you opt for Hoka running sneakers or Hoka sandals, your feet are bound to sing for joy.
Hoka One One Ora Recovery slides are perfect for Achilles tendonitis because they’re made with a cushy midsole and a Meta-Rocker design. On top of that, they’re pretty freakin’ cute combined with your favorite workout set or a casual “I’m hitting the nearest Target” type of ‘fit.
2. Teva Zymic
On the hunt for environmentally-friendly sandals for Achilles tendonitis? You might want to give Teva Zymic sandals a go. They are cushioned and supportive, and provide a lighter footprint in more ways than one. What’s not to adore?
Teva Zymic sandals are equipped with an easy hook-and-loop closure, responsive midsoles, and comfortable footbeds, which pretty much means they’re going to become your BFFs from the moment you put them on.
We love them because they’re attractive enough to get away with wearing everywhere you go – combine them with a flowy, floral dress when grabbing brunch with friends or a workout set when going for a stroll.
3. Vionic Keomi
We understand that Teva Zymic sandals might not be everyone’s cup of tea considering that they’re “maximalist,” but that’s why we’re over the moon to suggest Vionic Keomi sandals.
With a simple, sleek design and a myriad of favorable features, these sandals are bound to make your everyday life easier. Vionic Keomi sandals are designed by a podiatrist and equipped with stellar arch support, built-in orthotics, and Orthoheel technology.
4. Native Ellis Sugarlite
Native Ellis Sugarlite is among the best sandals for Achilles tendonitis for a reason. From the moment you put them on, you’re going to love that they’re made with contoured footbeds.
Furthermore, you’ll appreciate that they’re environmentally friendly (we suppose) because they’re made with a proprietary material called Sugarlite, a sugarcane-based material that changes the greenhouse gas emissions game.
Sure, when you take a closer look at them, you might think they’re on the thin side, but thanks to the contoured footbeds, they’re one of the most comfortable sandals you’ll ever wear. Give them a go!
5. Oofos OoLala Lux
The name sounds strange, but these sandals are guaranteed to keep your feet happy and healthy.
Whether you’re suffering from Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, or other foot problems, your feet are going to adore the biomechanically engineered OOfoam footbeds with arch support.
Ooofos OoLala Lux sandals are made with closed-cell foam that promises to reduce foot odor, a synthetic upper, lining, and soles, and a frame that promotes natural motion to relieve pressure on your Achilles tendon.
Whether you wear them on the regular or put them on after a run or a workout, we’re sure you’ll welcome the cloud-like comfort.
6. Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed
On the hunt for comfortable footwear? Then Birkenstocks are a must.
We’re rooting for Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed sandals because they’re the embodiment of classic, chic Birkenstock sandals, but you can get away with wearing whichever style works for you. Birkenstocks are comfortable, wearable, and on-trend which makes them a crowd favorite.
Whether you combine them with a structured suit set for the office or a silky slip dress for a date, you’ll attract attention and keep your feet safe and secure at the same time. Achilles tendonitis won’t ruin your day when you’re wearing these trusty Birkenstocks.
7. Chaco Townes
We can’t forget about Chaco Townes sandals!
Even though they’re not as popular as Birkenstocks, Chaco Townes sandals are some of the best leather sandals for Achilles tendonitis we’ve stumbled upon. They’re supportive and comfortable enough to tend to your tendons’ needs and stylish enough to work with whatever you decide to wear.
Dress them up or down – you’ll enjoy the slight curve on the bottom of the sandal that creates a smooth transition, arch support galore, and more than enough shock absorption to get you through the day pain and pressure-free.
We do need to mention that these sandals are a little bulkier and heavier than the ones mentioned above, but don’t let that sway you from trying them out.
8. Merrell Bravada Backstrap
When comfort is your number one concern, we can’t recommend Merrell Bravada Backstrap sandals enough.
With cushy support at every step, midsole arch support that keeps pronation and achy arches at bay, and breathable, lightweight materials to keep your feet comfortable throughout the day, these are the best sandals you’re ever going to wear.
We do need to comment that they’re not the most attractive sandals on the market. But on the chance that that’s not something you’re concerned with, we urge you to check them out.
9. Oofos Ooahh Sport
Oofos sandals made the list twice! We could go on about how these sandals are going to cure your Achilles tendonitis, but they’re not. Oofos sandals might not be miraculous, but they’re guaranteed to make your footsteps lighter.
With patented footbeds that reduce stress on your knees, ankles, and arches, OOfoam technology with superior shock absorption, and closed-cell foam that’s designed to keep foot odor at bay, you’re probably going to rock these sandals for years to come.
Oofos are known to produce high-quality, hard-wearing footwear, and Oofos Ooahh Sport sandals aren’t any exception.
10. Kane Revive
Okay, okay, Kane Revives aren’t necessarily sandals, but we couldn’t pass on the opportunity to rave about how amazing they are at soothing the pain that comes with Achilles tendonitis.
Made from a fancy-schmancy material known as RestoreFoam, they’re breathable, durable, wearable, and quick-drying.
Moreover, they’re cushioned enough to offer both structure and support. Other than that, we can’t help but mention that they’re made with a million small openings that make up for the fact that Kane Revives aren’t sandals.
Whether you decide to go for Kane Revives, Oofos, or whatever other footwear snatches your attention, we’re keeping our fingers crossed that you get relief from your Achilles tendonitis!
Read more: A Step-By-Step Guide To Different Types Of Sandals
