The 7 Best Women’s Running Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis [2025 Reviews]

Avoid pain when running, jogging and walking, we examine this year's top running shoes for achilles tendonitis

Our Editors independently research, test, and rate what we feel are the best products. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases.

Achilles tendonitis can be incredibly painful and make you avoid running, jogging, or even walking due to the discomfort associated with it. However, the good news is that it’s also very avoidable.

What you need is a pair of good running shoes for Achilles tendonitis. These shoes will help absorb impact and cushion these tendons to keep them well-protected.

We’ve taken our own first-hand experience along with the feedback from countless other runners to bring you the top women’s running shoes for Achilles tendonitis on Amazon.

Best Women’s Running Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis

Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 19ALTRA ALW1959F Olympus 3.5ASICS Women's Gel Venture 6
editorschoice
Uppers:Synthetic / MeshReinforced MeshSynthetic / Mesh
Sole:RubberRubberRubber
Sizes:5 to 13 Wide5.5 to 115 to 11
Colors:20328

For more of my running gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Women’s Workout guide links: Running Jackets, Running Shorts, Running Sunglasses.

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Running Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis

  1. Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 19
  2. ALTRA Women’s ALW1959F Olympus 3.5 Trail Running Shoe
  3. ASICS Women’s Gel Venture 6 Running Shoes
  4. Saucony Women’s Cohesion 13 Running Shoe
  5. New Balance Women’s 410 V6 Trail Running Shoe
  6. Brooks Ghost 12 Running Shoe
  7. Under Armour Women’s Charged Impulse Running Shoe

Our reviews to the top rated running shoes for Achilles tendonitis with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right shoes for you.


Women’s Running Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis Reviews

Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 19 at a Glance:

  • Uppers: Synthetic and Mesh
  • Sole: Rubber
  • Sizes: 5 to 13 Wide
  • Colors: 20

To start things off, we have the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19: easily one of the best shoes for injury prevention.

Complete with a notable 12mm midsole to relieve pressure on the tendons, it also provides excellent support and smooth transitions perfect for any type of athlete.

Moreover, it features a brand-new GuideRails holistic support system designed to limit excess movement.

What’s so great about that?

Well, if you are overly pronating, this can have a serious strain on your ankles, knees, and essentially affect your spine all the way up to your neck.

While you should slowly transition into these being your regular workout shoes, they will absolutely help properly align your body for less fatigue and pain.

DNA Loft cushioning is luxurious yet quite lightweight, offering a soft and snug fit that will feel comfortable even after the most intense workouts or long runs.

The uppers are incredible and appropriate for short HIIT workouts just as well as extended routines. The uppers are comprised mainly of a soft and flexible material, complete with mesh to allow for excellent airflow.

FlexFilm overlays offer just enough support to provide structure and protection without adding much bulk or weight.

The streamlined, low-profile appearance looks sleek and fashionable and won’t get in your way nor weigh you down.

A BioMoGo DNA midsole is super soft and will work with all kinds of strides, while the GuideRails gently help correct any out-of-place movements.

Overall, if you want a wonderful balance of cushioning and stretchiness combined with structure and guides, the Adrenaline GTS 19 is the pair for you.


ALTRA Women’s ALW1959F Olympus 3.5 Trail Running Shoe at a Glance:

  • Uppers: Reinforced Mesh
  • Sole: Rubber
  • Sizes: 5.5 to 11
  • Colors: 3

While the previous model is ideal for your overall general workouts, gym use, and cross-training, the ALTRA Women’s ALW1959F Olympus 3.5 Trail Running Shoe is ideal for the outdoors and uneven terrain.

If you’re someone who enjoys running or jogging in the fresh air, then we can’t recommend this edgy model enough.

Coming in unique colorways and featuring a chunky design, they are just as functional as they are trendy.

The Olympus has already been around for a while, though ALTRA has made some significant improvements to the upper.

You’ll find the upper is slightly more durable while still keeping the stretchiness and flexibility that we love so much in the original.

A 3mm reduction in stack height in the midsole also aids in responsiveness, creating better energy feedback for springier runs.

One of the most visually obvious features is the widened platform and grooved outsole which will help provide more traction on slippery terrain and stability on uneven surfaces like rocks, dirt, etcetera.

The Vibram MegaGrip rubber only aids in this increased security to allow you to move with complete confidence.

Designed specifically for a woman’s foot, the unique shape lets your toes fully splay comfortably and naturally for less blisters and added stability – particularly when climbing up or down hills.

Trailclaw canted lugs are perfectly located under the metatarsals to add traction at toe off for a smoother transition as well.


ASICS Women’s Gel Venture 6 Running Shoes at a Glance:

  • Uppers: Synthetic and Mesh
  • Sole: Rubber
  • Sizes: 5 to 11
  • Colors: 28

Wearing the wrong kind of shoes can not only cause Achilles tendonitis, but lower back pain, knee pain, and more.

The Asics Gel-Venture 6 has proven time and time again that it helps to avoid all of these maladies, taking you anywhere you want to go without pain!

Asics is easily one of the most well-reputed brands of running shoe, and you’re about to find out why.

With gel cushioning in the back and the heel, it perfectly protects the Achilles tendon, even with regular use. The gel substance in the rearfoot and forefoot helps absorb shock so your tendons don’t have to, while also creating a more smooth transition.

The removable sockliner only adds to the level of comfort, and as it is removable it’s perfect if you want to use orthotics inside.

Uppers are nice and protective and come comprised of synthetic materials and mesh to allow for excellent airflow so your feet are always nice and dry.

If you enjoy running on trails, reversed lugs will help move you up and downhill while keeping you steady on your feet.

The rubber outsoles are nice and tough and won’t get torn up while moving through rocks, twigs, and other debris.

Pods on the bottoms of the soles are reversed to the direction of your movement while running to also keep you from slipping on wet surfaces.


Saucony Women’s Cohesion 13 Running Shoe at a Glance:

  • Uppers: Synthetic and Mesh
  • Sole: Rubber
  • Sizes: 5 to 12 Wide
  • Colors: 10

The Saucony Women’s Cohesion 13 isn’t anything flashy or cutting edge, but what it does offer is a reliable, functional shoe that you’re sure to get countless miles out of.

If you want a high-functioning, neutral shoe but are on a budget, it’s hard to beat the Cohesion 3. No matter if you’re running on a treadmill, trails, or pavement, these will ensure your feet are well-protected.

Coming in 12 different colors, you do get a pretty nice selection of options. Each colorway is pretty tame and follows more muted/neutral tones that will look great with any kind of workout wear in your closet.

Made of synthetic and mesh materials, the uppers are flexible and soft, allowing for air to move in and out with ease.

The mesh is just slightly rough but very lightweight and offers some of the best breathability we’ve seen.

The overlays add an extra bit of protection and structure to the mid-foot and rearfoot while the toe box offers the freedom of a full toe splay.

Midsole VersaFoam cushioning offers protection at slower paces and for longer distances, though if you’re extra-speedy you may want to select a model with more lofty foam/cushioning available.

The tongue and heel cup, however, do have some thick padding which helps protect the Achilles and heels very well.

Durable rubber outsoles are perfect for regular, heavy use as well so you can use them on daily runs.


New Balance Women’s 410 V6 Trail Running Shoe at a Glance:


  • Uppers: Synthetic and Mesh
  • Sole: Rubber
  • Sizes: 5 to 12 Wide
  • Colors: 9

Next up we bring you yet again another great trail running shoe: the New Balance Women’s 410 V6. This pair is incredibly durable and designed for consistent use.

With Memory Sole Comfort inserts along with CUSH+ midsoles, you are going to feel like you’re running on clouds throughout the entire foot.

Following the classic New Balance look, you have relatively minimal, streamlined uppers with slightly chunkier soles to accommodate trail running.

All come in different shades of grey and black, so they aren’t visually all that exciting but they do pair well with all different colors of clothing.

With ACTEVA outsoles, they’re comprised of EVA cushioning which is neither too soft nor hard. This makes them ideal for trail runs as they are protective yet not too firm on the foot.

EVA is known to be lightweight, and that’s exactly what you have here. On trails, it’s particularly important to keep light on your feet and the 410 V6 offers just that.

Their AT Tread all-terrain outsole is tough, with rubber pods strategically located on the bottom with deep grooves to help with mud and slightly uneven terrain though we wouldn’t recommend them for notably unstable or slippery surfaces.

However, when it comes to comfort it’s nearly perfect.

Uppers are airy and breathable, though incredibly durable. You can really be rough on these and not have to worry about fraying or tearing.

They are just slightly narrower than the other trail runners we’ve tried out so if you don’t already have narrow feet, you may want to go up a size.


Brooks Ghost 12 at a Glance:

  • Uppers: Synthetic and Mesh
  • Sole: Gum Rubber
  • Sizes: 0 to 12 W
  • Colors: 36

The Brooks Ghost 12 is made to be a daily trainer and perfect for longer runs. Consistent cushion, comfort and smoothness is what you’ll find here and is a slight update to the ever-popular Ghost 11.

With 3D printed overlays and airy mesh, it offers an excellent combination of protection, durability, and light weight that will feel like they’re a part of your body.

With almost 40 different colorways to choose from, there’s sure to be something that suits your tastes perfectly. The style is more of a classic, with an 80’s feel to it but will look great no matter where you sport them.

The Ghost 12s are great for neutral runners, offering energizing cushioning made for road running, cross-training, gym usage, and even a bit of trail running!

The pair features a mix of both BioMoGo DNA and DNA Loft cushioning which offer a softness that’s not to forgiving yet not too hard. The responsiveness was very impressive, offering a bit of spring while remaining light on the feet.

Segmented Crash Pads help absorb shock and a large amount of impact to create smooth transitions and help protect the balls of the feet. The snug upper fits just right but allows a bit of stretch and flexibility to promote natural foot movement.

With very durable blown rubber, the outsole offers a certain adhesiveness that works wonders for smooth and slippery surfaces so you can use them even during the rainy seasons.

Finally, the high stack height helps reduce tendon stretch to help keep your feet in their best shape possible.


Under Armour Women’s Charged Impulse Running Shoe at a Glance:


  • Uppers: Synthetic
  • Sole: Rubber
  • Sizes: 5 to 12
  • Colors: 15

Last but not least is the Under Armour Women’s Charge Impulse Running Shoe. Under Armour is a world-famous brand known for outfitting pro athletes due to their consistently high level of quality and fashion sense.

The Charged Impulse is exemplary of that, providing a nice combo of flexibility and cushion for every type of runner out there.

As far as appearance goes, this model is a bit more flashy than the others we’ve covered on our guide.

You’ll get neutral grays and blacks along with interesting shots of colors like Breathtaking Blue, Lipstick Pink, Pink Quartz, and more. The almost bootie-like aesthetic is very trendy right now, but it’s not just a pretty face.

Made of 100% synthetic materials, the uppers are super soft to the touch, allowing for just the right amount of flexibility and stretchiness.

Slightly larger holes are placed on each side to allow heat and moisture to escape efficiently, making them great for summer use as well as colder seasons.

Thanks to this construction, we found the pair to be very lightweight and breathable, with the bootie style that stays snug against the midfoot and forefoot.

Dual-layer charged cushioning in the midsole is ideal for neutral runners and lends excellent support – even for long runs.


Women’s Running Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis Comparison Table

Running ShoesUppersSoleSizesColorsRating
Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 19Synthetic / MeshRubber5 to 13 Wide204.7 / 5.0
ALTRA ALW1959F Olympus 3.5Reinforced MeshRubber5.5 to 1134.5 / 5.0
ASICS Women's Gel Venture 6Synthetic / MeshRubber5 to 11284.5 / 5.0
Saucony Women's Cohesion 13Synthetic / MeshRubber5 to 12 Wide104.4 / 5.0
New Balance 410 V6Fabric / MeshRubber5 to 12 Wide94.5 / 5.0
Brooks Ghost 12 Running ShoeSynthetic / MeshGum Rubber0 to 12 W394.7 / 5.0
Under Armour Charged ImpulseSynthetic FabricRubber5 to 12154.6 / 5.0

How to Choose the Best Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis – Buying Guide

Best-Achilles-Tendonitis-Running-Shoes-for-women

Now that you’ve been able to go through all of the top performing models currently available, have you decided which women’s running shoes for Achilles tendonitis will be the best for you?

We know that it can be hard to choose just one sometimes, especially when there are so many attractive options out there!

We’ve decided to go ahead and write up a handy buying guide to ensure that by the time you’re finished reading, there will be no question which pair are just right for you and your feet.

Cushioning

While it’s not a rule, the most common cause of Achilles tendonitis is due to repeated impact from hitting the ground.

This means that when your heel strikes the ground while running or other types of exercise, your Achilles tendon is taking the brunt of that shock. Over time, it can become seriously inflamed, which causes pain and discomfort.

What we need to avoid that from happening then, is adequate cushioning in the rearfoot and heel area. This type of cushioning will vary depending on the brand of shoe and model.

You’ll find anything from gel to foam, to air cushioning. The most common of the bunch is foam. Foam is typically the thickest of the 3 though any good model will ensure it doesn’t weigh your shoe down.

Look for the foam to cushion and protect around the tendon area and heel cup.

Keep in mind that cushioning isn’t solely delegated to these areas, though. You should look for it throughout the midfoot and under the forefoot as well.

The faster you’ll be running, the thicker the cushion should be to accomodate the extra impact.

Support and Stability

If you’re wobbling all over the place, overpronating, experiencing excessive movement, etc. this can really aggravate your tendons.

What you need is an adequate amount of support and stability to correct your movements so that you’re running in proper alignment, and smoothly. Not only will this minimize the risk of tendonitis, but it will also reduce fatigue and discomfort associated with these situations.

You could see these corrective features in the form of guardrails, extra cushioning, and more.

Uppers

The uppers of your running shoes should be lightweight, breathable, yet protective. This of course, will vary a bit depending on the type of running you’re doing.

For example, if you prefer trail running then your uppers will be a bit rougher, more protective, and durable. You’ll find slightly thicker uppers here, and perhaps additional overlays to add toughness and protection.

If you like road runs or on treadmills, then your uppers can be thinner and lighter. Just make sure that you have adequate breathability to let heat and moisture out to be evaporated.

One of the biggest sources of discomfort while running is wet feet though this is easily avoidable with the right pair of shoes.

Soles

Every single model on our guide features rubber soles. Rubber is the best choice for many soles as it transfers energy well, is responsive, and highly durable. You’ll need durability if you run regularly, or on uneven terrain.

Now, it’s important to look into where you’ll be running again. If running on roads, pavement, etc. then you still want durability but you don’t need heavy lugs or deep grooves as you would if running on slippery surfaces or uneven terrain that is involved with trail running.

Midsoles

Midsoles provide a large part of protection, comfort, and affect performance greatly. The best option here is EVA as it’s not too soft, not too hard, and is very lightweight.

This allows the shoe itself to be lighter so you don’t feel bogged down while trying to get a good run in. They also provide stability and cushioning, ensuring you have a smooth transition.

Fit

Every woman’s feet are different, however, generally speaking women do have narrower feet than men. You may find many shoes on our guide that are narrower for this reason. If you do have wider feet, you’ll find that most have Wide sizing as well.

Regardless of the width of your feet, you want the uppers to be snug and sleek around your feet. You don’t want a lot of space around them as this creates instability and can make tendonitis worse.

However, they should still be flexible and stretchy enough that your toes aren’t squashed and you have natural movement happening from push off to landing.

Price

How much are you willing to spend on one of the best pairs of women’s running shoes for Achilles tendonitis?

We highly recommend you come up with a budget for yourself before you really start shopping around as it can be all too easy for people to spend more than they’d originally intended on doing.

On top of that, we have shoes made for just about any budget out there.

FAQs About Women’s Running Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis

Q: Can running shoes cause Achilles tendonitis?

A: The wrong running shoes absolutely can, yes! The lack of proper cushioning and protection is the main culprit here. When running, jumping around, cross-training, etcetera you’re experiencing impact on this tendon. If you’re a regular runner, fast runner, or love going for extended runs then you’re at a greater risk of developing it. What you need is a pair of running shoes with the right amount of cushioning and shock absorption.

Q: Is barefoot running good for Achilles tendonitis?

A: In recent years, many people had claimed that barefoot running created a more natural experience and thus was the safest, healthiest choice. We now know that this is quite the opposite. Barefoot running offers little to no shock absorption, leaving your Achilles to be the one which takes the impact. Take note that if you have been barefoot running for a while, make your transition to properly cushioned running shoes gradual.

Q: Do compression socks help with Achilles tendonitis?

A: They definitely can if used properly! Compression socks can help take the stress off the Achilles tendon which can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Q: How do you know if you have hurt your Achilles tendon?

A: There are an array of different symptoms to look out for.

1. Pain in the back of the legs and or calves

2. Pain which worsens when you start walking or running

3. Tendon pain during, right after, or the day after running

4. Heel pain

Tips For Choosing Women’s Running Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis

#1: Remember that you must also strive to improve your running form to minimize the risk of developing Achilles tendonitis.

If you’re a heel striker, the best way to do this is to keep your chin tucked, shoulders back, and pelvis tilted just slightly forward.

#2: If you’re a heel striker, try to avoid shoes with a high profile.

These kinds of footwear create a significant distance between the heel and the ground, which can create excess stretching of the Achilles. Over time, this can cause serious inflammation and pain. Not only that, but they tend to have way too much cushioning which is unnecessary and creates instability, further putting you at a greater risk of injury.

#3: Try to ease into your new running shoes made for preventing Achilles tendonitis.

You should gradually start getting your body acclimated to them. A great way of doing so is to start out by wearing them around the house for a couple of hours. Then, a week or so after you can go on a 10-minute run. The week after that, you can increase that to 20 minutes and finally start running for your regular amount of time.

Summary

Now that you know just about everything you could ever need to about choosing a good pair of women’s running shoes for achilles tendonitis, do you know which pair is just right for you? No matter which one you select, know that it will be one of the best pairs on Amazon.

However, you still need to make sure that you are making the best decision based on your environment and body. We hope that our guide has helped you to do just that. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you again soon!

How We Researched

To come up with the top running shoes for achilles tendonitis, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as REI, Walmart, Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods along with our own personal experience.

The authors consulted sources such as online magazines for research and reviews unbiased information.

By using Fakespot.com we tried to eliminate fake reviews and use only genuine ones.

With so many options available, the authors narrowed down the selections by using products they felt were the best value for the money.

The staff authors have a wide and varied background as fitness trainers, yoga instructors and runners. The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

In order to narrow down the options, we used personal experiences plus recommendations from other trainers and instructors.

Sources


Notice:

BestWomensWorkouts is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. BestWomensWorkouts earns fees from products sold through qualifying purchases by linking to Amazon.com. Amazon offers a commission on products sold through their affiliate links.

Shayanne Weeks

Shayanne is a freelance writer and personal trainer based in LA, California. Describing herself as a nomad, she has lived in Boise, Idaho and Seattle, Washington as well as Guadalajara, Mexico. As an extremely active person, she loves to train people, teach yoga, and ski. She enjoys sharing her love for teaching others through her “how to” fitness guides and workout equipment reviews. Shayanne is addicted to surfing and yoga and practices both everyday.
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