Are you looking for the best shoes for peroneal tendonitis? You are at the right place!
On the sides of the foot on the outside that run parallel to the ankle bone. Due to various reasons, these tendons can become inflamed.
You will know your peroneal tendons are injured when you feel a sharp pain or a consistent ache on the outside of your foot.
But don’t worry. Many people in America and elsewhere suffer from this condition, but it is heavily under-diagnosed.
If peroneal tendonitis is not treated or it continues too long, it can lead to permanent injury of the peroneal tendons. However, it does not have to be that way if you get the right shoes for this condition.
In the past, we have reviewed shoes and insoles for different types of foot conditions. For instance, we have looked at the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, best work boots for flat feet and best shoes for wide feet with bunions and many others.
In the same spirit, we bring you shoes that can give you relief if you have injured peroneal tendons.
Best Shoes for Peroneal Tendonitis: Reviews
Table of Contents
Tens of shoes can help you with pain of the peroneal tendons. We will bring you just a few of them so that you can see the features to look for.
1. ASICS Men’s GT-1000 9 Running Shoes
The main selling point of this shoe is the incredible cushioning, which is just the thing that you need when you have pain in the peroneal tendons.
The last thing that you want is to have the shock of the impact getting to your aching tendons, especially when you are walking or running.
Neutral pronation shoes
You should note though that despite their thick soles, these are neutral-pronation shoes. Thus, if you have the aching peroneal tendons as a result of under or overpronation, you should see the ASICS running shoes made specifically for that.
Also, these shoes are designed with the unique ASICS technology called I.G.S – Impact Guidance System. It is designed to improve your natural gait from the toes to the heels.
Mesh and synthetic upper
The upper of the ASICS Men’s GT-1000 running shoes is made with synthetic, meshed material. It dries faster and it is super breathable.
However, if you are caught in a shower or a drench, they are not going to keep your feet dry because they will allow in water. Thus, it is best to wear these shoes for running in summer.
Designed to help you gain a natural posture
These shoes are also great for people with flat feet. However, if you are flat-footed, you will experience some discomfort at first, as your feet get used to having arch support.
Remember, a good pair of shoes offers a three-point contact system with the foot. This means that the foot is well supported at the ball of foot area, the arch as well as the heel.
FlyteFoam Midsole
ASICS has employed this unique technology to create their mid-sole. It gives you the soft bounce back that you would get from a softer, low-density foam. However, the mid-sole is really firm and supportive at the same time.
Outsole with Asics High Abrasion Rubber
Also referred to as AHAR, the outsole is super supportive and it gives incredible traction on different surfaces.
However, these shoes are not designed for running off the beaten trail. The AHAR rubber is used to enforce the outsole in the areas that are most likely to wear out faster.
Downside
The only downside is that these shoes are not waterproof. They are breathable, so they will keep your feet dry and comfortable. Just don’t go wading into a puddle.
2. New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v3 Running Shoe
Again, the superb cushioning of this pair of running shoes makes it a good choice for people with foot issues. In addition, it is perfect for running short and long distances.
These shoes have many admirable features, which we are going to look at below:
Mesh and synthetic upper
The upper of the New Balance Zante V3 is mesh. Now, this makes the shoes super breathable, which helps keep the feet cool, dry and comfortable even when you wear them as your all day shoes.
The upper is made of 50 percent synthetic material and 50 percent mesh. This also contributes to the minimal weight of the shoes.
Rubber sole
Rubber sole is the Holy Grail of running shoes. It is light in weight and it is firm without being hard. This is why it adorns many running shoes.
It is designed with a technology that bounces the energy back to your step so you feel more empowered to run longer and harder.
Thick midsole
In the interior, the shoes are nicely lined and the collar has a nice padding. The mid sole is made of Fresh Foam, so it is firm and gentle on your feet at the same time.
The most important thing for a person suffering from peroneal tendonitis is cushioning. That is why every running shoe comes with a thick and supportive midsole because it is the main protection for your foot from the outsole.
This is a responsive shoe that conforms to your gait and to your foot. You just need to give it time to break-in nicely. It will also take longer to correct your feet posture and gait, especially if you have been wearing the wrong shoes.
Many people complain that the shoe has a low drop profile, but this too has its benefits. For instance, it helps to maintain balance and stability as well as great foot engagement.
Once you get used to such running shoes, you will never want to try others.
3. Mizuno Women’s Wave Inspire 17 Running Shoe
The Mizuno Wave Inspire running shoes are made with the responsive and supportive Enerzy Foam that is exclusive to this brand name. It has a better springy response as compared to the more traditional EVA foam technologies.
Rubber outsole
Like most other running shoes, the Wave Inspire is made with a rubber outsole. Combined with a U4ic midsole, you get all the support that your feet need especially if you will be spending a long time in the shoes.
Good support also helps to alleviate pain that comes with peroneal tendonitis. Remember, the outsole is made with carbon rubber, which lasts longer than most other forms of rubber.
Mesh upper
When you run, your feet are bound to generate a lot of heat. To prevent excessive sweating, running shoes come with a meshed upper. It is very breathable and it allows air in and out to keep your feet cool, dry and comfortable.
Removable insoles
All Mizuno running shoes come with removable insoles and so do these ones. Thus, if you would like to use your custom insoles such as Protalus or Super Feet, you can just remove the stock ones.
However, before you do so, just know that they too are made to address certain foot issues, including Peroneal Tendonitis.
Other features
These shoes have the regular shoe laces instead of bungee style laces. This is better for running shoes since once you tighten the laces, they will stay that way through the entire run.
These Wave Inspire shoes are made for women. They run true to size and they come in many colors so you can choose your favorite one.
Like all the running shoes that come with mesh and synthetic upper, they are not very protective of liquid spills. So, you have to be careful about wearing them in rainy weather.
4. Adidas Performance Men’s Energy Boost 3 M
Adidas is a well-known brand name for running and other shoes. It is also very popular in the sports. Their prowess can be seen in all of their sports shoes. In addition, they are not to expensive as you will see with the Men’s Energy Boost 3 M.
Here are the features that you can look forward to:
Stitch-less upper
Stitched shoes have seams that affect the way that the shoes bend with the feet. That is probably why Adidas left out seams with these running shoes.
Instead, you get welded overlays, which make the shoes better looking. The style also enhances your stability when you are walking or running.
The upper is also meshed and synthetic. While this means it is not waterproof at all, it does a great job at allowing airflow from over your feet. This prevents the development of foot odor and it keeps you dry and comfortable.
Adidas says that the upper mesh material has a 4-way stretch. This means that no matter how your foot rolls, or how it lands, the shoe is ergonomic enough to conform to the feet.
They have Boost cushioning
Many shoe companies come up with different technologies for superior cushioning. Adidas calls their Boost Foam. They say that with every strike, this foam returns the energy to your feet, so you can spend a longer time on your feet.
The Boost Foam is accompanied by an incredible Torsion system that sits between the heel and the forefoot. This enhances balance and stability with every strike, when you are running or walking.
Superb support for heavy people
If you are on the heavy side of things, you know very well that most running shoes do not handle the pounding very well. However, the Energy Boost 3 are superb. People as heavy as 250 pounds wear these shoes and they last a long time.
If you are not heavy, you will feel as if you are walking on air with these shoes. They also come with a thick platform, so the drop is good for alleviating the pain that comes with peroneal tendonitis.
Rubber sole
In addition to the Torsion system that returns the energy to the foot, the outsole is thick and it is made of rubber. You get a springy responsiveness when you walk or run in the shoes. In addition, the sole protects you from rocks and hard surfaces as it absorbs all the impact.
5. Slow Man Women’s Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers
Despite coming in at number five on our list of the best shoes for Peroneal tendonitis, this is one of the most highly reviewed shoes online today. For us, the superb comfort wins it a spot here. Keep reading to see the features:
Mesh fabric upper
These are not running shoes, as you can no doubt tell from the thick platform. However, they are light in weight and the elevation that they offer is especially for the three important parts – the heel, arch and ball of foot.
MD Outsole with Air cushion
These shoes come with an air cushion. Just as its name suggests, when you wear these shoes, you feel as if you are walking on air. It feels gentle and firm at the same time. If you stay on your feet a long time, you will find this type of sole very supportive.
In addition to the air cushion, the outsole is made with rubber. The traction is incredible and the rubber is durable, so it does not wear out too fast. In addition, the raised arch is also perforated to enhance ventilation.
EVA footbed
The footbed is made of EVA foam, so you can expect it to be supportive. The perforation at the arch area enhances airflow, and prevents excessive sweating. However, if you like, you can swap these insoles with your podiatrist-approved ones.
Downside
These shoes are not waterproof. Thus, you should keep an eye on the weather when walking in them. They do an incredible job of supporting you and alleviating pain associated with peroneal tendonitis.
Best Shoes for Peroneal Tendonitis Buying Guide
With so many shoe manufacturers proclaiming to offer the best footwear for peroneal tendonitis, it can be hard to choose the really best one.
You need to consider the following factors:
Weight
These shoes should be as lightweight as possible. When you have foot issues such as this one, you do not need to strain your feet any further by making them lift too much weight when you are walking.
That is why all of the shoes that we have reviewed here have rubber outsoles and meshed uppers. They are super lightweight.
Cushioning and drop
Drop is not something that we consider too much when buying regular shoes. However, for some relief from peroneal tendonitis, you must consider the drop.
We recommend that you get shoes with a drop of about 12mm. Some will have theirs lower than that, but the very best one for this condition is 12mm.
Something else that helps someone with a foot issue such as this is cushioning. The midsole material is so important.
In fact, today, shoe manufacturers are shunning traditional materials such as EVA foam in favor of their own midsoles.
Comfort
Again, when you have a painful foot issue, you need to keep the feet comfortable and supported. Thus, look for a comfortable footbed , probably made with memory foam.
You should also consider the insoles. If stock inserts are not good to support you at every point of your foot, try custom ones.
The collar padding, padded tongue and a soft lining are the other comfort features that a good pair of shoes should come with.
Design
All of these shoes might look the same because they come with meshed uppers. However, they are very different. For instance, those that come with seamless uppers are better since they conform to the foot easily. Also, they retain their shape very well despite all the flexing your foot experiences when walking.
In the design, manufacturers incorporate their unique technologies for stability, comfort and energy return.
Best Shoes for Peroneal Tendonitis FAQ
If you still cannot make up your mind what shoes to buy or whether they can help with peroneal tendonitis, these frequently asked questions might help you.
Can bad shoes cause peroneal tendonitis?
If you are training in the gym with bad footwear, it is going to exacerbate the peroneal tendonitis condition.
So yes, bad shoes are going to aggravate this and other foot conditions. If you increase your training level suddenly and your shoes are not okay, they will aggravate this condition. Also, if you wear very tight shoes, they are going to cause this condition.
Do stability shoes help peroneal tendonitis?
Stability shoes have their benefits, but they also have their downsides. Thus, using them when you have peroneal tendonitis is a double-edged sword kind of scenario.
These shoes prevent your feet from rolling inward. Their main job is to keep your feet and legs aligned.
When the feet roll inward, the body responds by over-correcting itself. If this continues for a long time, you might experience runner’s knee and achilles tendinitis.
Are Birkenstocks good for peroneal tendonitis?
Birkenstocks help with many foot issues because of their features. For instance, they come with a cork sole, which is very comfortable and firm.
They are also light in weight. Birks support a natural arch. However, these sandals have zero to minimal drop, and when you wear shoes for peroneal tendonitis, you need a shoe with a drop of at least 12mm.
In that regard, we would recommend that you do not wear Birks too much if you have Peroneal Tendonitis because they can aggravate the condition.
Final Thoughts on Best Shoes for Peroneal Tendonitis
By now, you know that many running shoes are great for Peroneal Tendonitis. However, consider the technology that the manufacturer has incorporated in their shoes.
Also, consider the price because some of these shoes sell at extravagant prices and some are affordable. Be ready to spend between $50 and $150 for a good pair of shoes.