How to Find the Best Shoes for Peroneal Tendonitis

Peroneal tendonitis can be a frustrating ailment to experience—you’re in a lot of pain, and even resting can make you uncomfortable. It’s essential that you take the proper steps to recover, which includes wearing the best shoes for peroneal tendonitis.

We’ve put together a comprehensive review to ensure you get the optimal footwear for you.

 

There are the Best Shoes for Peroneal Tendonitis in 2020

1. Brooks Men’s Ghost 11 Running Shoe

The men’s Ghost 11 running shoe from Brooks features a thorough cushioning system, consisting of two technologies—BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT. These work to provide a perfect softness for the footbed without compromising responsiveness and durability.

 

2. ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7 Trail Running Shoes

The Asics men’s Gel-Venture 7 is a trail running shoe ready for going off-road. It features a comprehensive support system consisting of rearfoot GEL technology. This effectively reduces shock during the impact phase of your gait cycle, allowing for a smoother transition.

 

3. ASICS Men’s Gel-Cumulus 20 Running Shoes

Another example from Asics is the men’s Gel-Cumulus 20 running shoe. This option comes with Impact Guidance System technology (I.G.S). It’s a system working to enhance the foot’s natural gait cycle from heel-strike to toe-off.

 

4. Vionic Women’s, Rest Farra Sandal

The Vionic Rest Farra sandal is a stylish option offering ample support. It’s built with a biomechanically designed footbed, which helps to decrease plantar fasciitis symptoms, over-pronation, and other aches and complaints. It has three hook and loop straps, enabling you to create the perfect fit for your feet.

 

5. New Balance Men’s MW877 Walking Shoe

The men’s MW877 walking shoe from New Balance has the right balance between casual and comfort. It features a suede and mesh exterior with a rubber sole. For support, it includes an ABZORB midsole cushioning and Walking Strike Path technology.

 

6. Ryka Women’s Sky Walk Walking Shoe

The women’s Sky Walk walking shoe from Ryka is an option designed specifically for female feet. It features a memory foam sock liner and a lightweight molded EVA midsole. For additional support, it has a TPU midfoot shank.

 

 

Reviews of the Recommended Peroneal Tendonitis Shoes

1. Brooks Men’s Ghost 11 Running Shoe

If you’re looking for a comprehensive running shoe, we suggest the Brooks Ghost 11. It comes with a number of technologies, working to optimize your comfort throughout your feet.

 

The shoe is worth considering if you have medium to high arches. It’s also recommended for those seeking neutral support.

In addition to this, it offers soft cushioning using two methods—BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT. These work together to create a “just-right” softness in the footbed, delivering a practical balance between responsiveness and durability. The footbed will revive itself after use, regaining its cushioning effects.

Brooks includes a Segmented Crash Pad, which adapts to how your feet fall in the shoe. So, even if you land differently during your walk or run, your feet still receive the appropriate cushioning. It will also improve your transitions during your stride, resulting in a smooth and efficient run.

Lastly, there’s the newly engineered upper, consisting of breathable mesh. It’s soft, yet secure around the ankles and provides stretch and structure where it’s needed the most.

 

The Ghost 11 running shoe from Brooks has a lot to offer for avid runners. It features several technologies to ensure optimal comforts, such as the BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT. You can expect smooth transitions during your gait cycle for an efficient run.

 

Pros

• Comprehensive cushioning.
• Segmented Crash Pads adapting to your feet.
• Supportive structure.
• Medium to high arch support.

Cons

• The width is considerably wider than previous versions.

 

 

2. ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7 Trail Running Shoes

If you’re looking for the best trail running shoe for peroneal tendonitis, consider the men’s Gel-Venture 7 from Asics. This shoe offers both stability and support for an optimal experience on the path.

 

For starters, it comes with Asics AHAR outsole, which is an acronym for Asics High Abrasion Rubber. This is essentially panels of exceptional durable rubber placed in critical areas prone to breakage on the outsole. It allows the shoes to last for longer and enable them to withstand harsh trails.

For your comfort, the shoe includes a rearfoot gel technology cushioning system. When you run, the impact generated as your feet hit the ground sore through the gel cushion, minimizing wear on your joints. The system also allows for a more consistent transition to midstance during your gait cycle.

You can wear the shoe in any weather thanks to the premium Ortholite X-40 sock liner. This feature offers practical moisture management as well as higher breathability, making it a great summer shoe.

The upper consists of durable synthetic leather, delivering support for the lower ankles, minimizing your chances of twisting while you run. At the back, there’s also an internal heel counter that gently holds your foot in its natural position, streamlining your strides.

 

The men’s Gel-Venture 7 from Asics is one of the best trail running shoes for peroneal tendonitis. It has a shock-absorbing midsole, enforced by an internal heel counter that together delivers footwear with optimal support.

 

Pros

• Good cushioning.
• Moisture controlling Ortholite sock liner.
• Supportive material.
• Internal heel counter.

Cons

• Sizes are small.

 

 

3. ASICS Men’s Gel-Cumulus 20 Running Shoes

The Gel-Cumulus 20 from Asics made it to the list of the best running shoes for peroneal tendonitis 2019. It has a lot to offer, whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting started.

 

The shoe comes with Asics I.G.S. that reduces impact and pressure on your feet as you run. Instead, it optimizes your natural gait cycle, improving your stride from heel-strike to toe-off.

We appreciate the cushioning included. Asics fitted it with the SpevaFoam 45, which employs a 45-degree full-length platform. This effectively improves your overall comfort, making it an attractive shoe for road running.

In addition to this, you’ll have the FlyteFoam Propel Technology. This is a specially formulated energetic foam, providing supreme bounce back due to its elastomer compound. It gives you a lighter feeling, which could potentially enable you to run for longer.

On the inside, there’s the Ortholite sock liner, offering moisture management, reducing odors and slippage. One feature we’re appreciative of is the reflective materials attached, allowing you to run more safely during low-light hours.

 

For a road running shoe, we recommend taking a closer look at the Gel-Cumulus 20 from Asics. It’s a comprehensive shoe, to say the least, including several good-to-have features. There are the full-length platform and FlyteFoam Propel Technology that effectively increases your comfort.

 

Pros

• Stable platform.
• Energetic foam footbed.
• Asics I.G.S technology.
• Reflective materials.

Cons

• Sole appears to be less flexible than previous models.

 

 

4. Vionic Women’s, Rest Farra Sandal

One of the best women’s shoes for peroneal tendonitis is the Rest Farra sandal from Vionic. It’s a stylish option, suited with adjustable hook and loop leather straps and exquisite detailing.

 

The sandal includes a thick rubber sole with a treaded outsole, providing traction on different surfaces. On the footbed, you’ll have a soft microfiber lining wrapped around EVA material. This works to prevent slippage, absorb shocks and reduce overpronation and plantar fasciitis symptoms.

Lastly, you have 15 colors to choose from, ranging from beige to blue.

 

If you want a stylish women’s shoe for peroneal tendonitis, we recommend the Rest Farra sandal from Vionic. The brand is well-known for producing supportive footwear, practical if you’re suffering from a painful foot ailment. These sandals come with a shock-absorbing EVA sole with microfiber lining for optimal comfort.

 

Pros

• Stylish sandals.
• Thick EVA sole.
• Microfiber lining.
• Treaded outsole.

Cons

• Sizes run long.
• Dye on the straps may transfer to the skin.

 

 

5. New Balance Men’s MW877 Walking Shoe

If you’re looking for the best casual shoes for peroneal tendonitis, the men’s MW877 from New Balance is worth considering. It’s a combination of vintage style and modern technology, delivering a comfy walking shoe.

 

The shoe consists of suede and mesh upper, providing a breathable yet supportive exterior. The classic athletic appearance makes it a fantastic shoe to wear while running errands or the occasional gym day.

New Balance states that it’s the same sole like the one used on the iconic 577 shoe. This sole includes the ABZORB midsole technology as well as a premium insert for optimal comfort. In addition to this, there’s the Walking Strike Path technology, which stabilizes your feet throughout your natural gait cycle.

If you want to know more about sizes, read all about how New Balance shoes fit.

 

Casual shoes for peroneal tendonitis can be challenging to find. But the MW877 from New Balance has a lot to offer in terms of support and looks. It’s a vintage-styled shoe with a supportive sole featuring ABZORB midsole and Walking Strike Path technology.

 

Pros

• Supportive sole.
• Fashionable design.
• Premium insert.

Cons

• Arch support is disappointing.
• Better sole durability would be an improvement.

 

 

6. Ryka Women’s Sky Walk Walking Shoe

The best women’s walking shoes for peroneal tendonitis is the Sky Walk shoe by Ryka. It consists of 100 percent leather and mesh with a synthetic sole and a low-top upper. It’s also lightweight, weighing approximately 7.9 ounces.

 

Ryka stresses that the shoe is designed specifically to suit the female foot. Inside, there’s an EVA and TPU midfoot shank to provide structural support for optimal comfort as you walk.

At the base of the insole, there’s a memory foam footbed with a latex bottom, preventing the sock liner from remaining compressed. This, in turn, provides all-day support.

Under the shoe, you’ll have a durable rubber outsole. It features medium lugs and offers ample traction when walking on the road and through wet surfaces.

The shoes are quite stylish, as well. You have 12 colors to choose from, ranging from navy/lilac to black/aqua.

 

If you want a stable walking shoe, the Ryka women’s Sky Walk is worth a second look. It offers great structural support thanks to its built-in EVA and TPU shank. There’s also a durable outsole, ensuring a secure grip on multiple surfaces.

 

Pros

• Ample structural support.
• Specifically designed for women.
• Lightweight.
• Several color options.

Cons

• Toe box is narrow.
• Upper material may wear down quickly.

 

 

About Peroneal Tendonitis?

Peroneal tendonitis is a condition causing pain in the area around the back and outside of the foot. It’s usually due to overuse, injuries or damage to the tendon.

The symptom relates to the peroneal tendons. These link the muscles in the calf to the bones in the foot. Tendonitis happens when damage or injuries cause microtears in the tendon, leading to inflammation and pain, making it difficult to walk.

 

How to Tell If You Have Peroneal Tendonitis

When a flare-up of tendonitis occurs, you can expect to experience swelling and pain in the area around the back and outside of your foot. You may also feel “popping” and loss of stability in the ankle.

The pain isn’t always excruciating, but it tends to worsen with activity. It generally comes on in a subtle manner and then progressively gets worse. Overuse and injuries are common causes of peroneal tendonitis, especially in athletes who engage in high-impact sports.

To treat the symptom, you can use the RICE principle—rest, ice, compression, elevation. If pain and swelling are severe, try anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen. Other remedies include physical therapy, massage, strengthening exercises and stretching, which we’ll expand on further below.

 

Finding the Best Shoes for Your Needs

1. Cushioning

When you stand and walk, your body weight is transferred down into your ankles and feet. Since the peroneal tendons run through your ankles down to the midsection of your feet, proper cushioning is imperative. Without this, you’ll risk placing excessive stress on the already strained tendons, leading to a flare-up.

Rubber or EVA are two excellent materials to search for—these absorb and successfully distribute your body’s weight. This, in turn, reduces the amount of stress placed on your heel and midsection.

 

2. Shock Absorption

Shock absorption and cushioning aren’t the same, so ensure that you include both in your search. Having a shock-absorbing sole will reduce pressure from impact as you walk and run, potentially enabling you to go further without pain.

Manufacturers generally offer either air pockets or gel for this feature. Gel pads are usually more effective and are what you’ll see in running shoes and other high-impact footwear. However, they can be heavier and more expensive, so that’s something to consider.

In addition to this, ensure that you’ll have about half an inch of shock-absorbing padding around the heel area. This is where you will experience the greatest level of impact, so you want to make sure you reduce it as much as possible.

 

3. Support

Wearing a supportive shoe can help reduce your symptoms. It’s especially important to look for good heel support since this is where the tendon connects to. Some shoes include a particular heel lock-in structure that conforms around the back, securing your heel in place.

If the shoe doesn’t include heel support, you can use insoles or extra padding to create your own mold for your feet. However, if you do this, look for a shoe with a high shank. When you add bulk underneath your feet, they naturally won’t reach as far into the shoe. This, in turn, can cause them to glide out as you walk.

 

4. Weight

If footwear for recreational purposes is your main priority, the weight is worth considering. For starters, lightweight shoes require less energy when walking and running, which optimizes your stride, enabling you to run efficiently.

Another pro of lightweight shoes is that they’ll put less stress on your tendons around the heel and ankles. Heavier footwear will place unnecessary strain on your feet, which is likely to result in a flare-up of pain and swelling.

 

5. Size

Using the right size is crucial for optimal comfort. Wearing shoes that are either too small or big will not only result in blisters, but you’re also likely to aggravate the tendon, causing pain. For more information, read our guide on the effects of wearing shoes that are too big.

During your search, don’t assume that you’ll need the same size in every shoe. The most challenging part about finding footwear is that sizes differ between brands and manufacturers—even models. Some are structurally built wider than others, which may not be suitable if you have narrow feet, and vice versa.

Because of this, we suggest that you re-measure your feet and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Ensure that you include the socks you’re going to wear as well as special insoles, if you use them.

If you’re looking for athletic shoes for gym days, check that you’ll have additional wiggle room in the toe area. This depends on the brand—some suggest that you leave at least half an inch between your longest toe and the shoe.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Peroneal Tendonitis Take to Heal?

Predicting exactly how long peroneal tendonitis takes to heal isn’t easy. It depends greatly on severity and how much rest you give it.

When you have this condition, it’s essential to rest as much as possible to prevent further damage. Limiting the amount you walk and even stand can potentially speed up the recovery process. However, even minor injuries can take longer to heal, so it really does depend.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to hasten your rehabilitation besides rest. You can try stretching to help the tendons and then apply ice or cold wraps for 10 minutes every day. This reduces inflammation and swelling.

Still, we recommend that you consult your doctor for advice. What applies to one person may not work best for you.

 

Can Stretching Make Tendonitis Worse?

Using stretching exercises to improve flexibility is a common practice among recreational and competitive athletes. Stretching increases the range of motion in your joints.

Studies also reveal that stretching the tendons can improve the symptoms of tendonitis. It restores elasticity, helping you recover quicker and without feeling stiff.

Still, consult a medical professional before—if your tendon is severely damaged, stretching could worsen it.

Watch this video for some stretches to help relieve your symptoms.

 

Best Shoe Inserts for Peroneal Tendonitis

Insoles can help decrease pressure on the feet and, in turn, improve stability, gait and even foot alignment. We’ve found two examples of the best shoe inserts for peroneal tendonitis.

The Physix Gear Sport Full-Length Orthotic Inserts consists of durable EVA and works to balance the structure of your foot. It’s designed to help relieve symptoms of plantar fasciitis, flat feet, heel pain and peroneal tendonitis as well as lower back pain.

 

Another example is the Plantar Fasciitis Feet Insoles from Walk Hero Comfort and Support. It consists of premium EVA material, providing shock-absorption and pain relief for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions and different types of tendonitis. You’ll find ample arch support and a deep heel cup to minimize strain at the back.

 

 

What Causes Tendonitis to Flare Up?

The most common cause of peroneal tendonitis is repetitive movements of the same muscles or tendons. For example, many people develop it from a hobby or job that involves repetitive motions, which places additional stress on the area. It can also occur in athletes who repeat the same exercises, like running.

Injuries are also a possible cause, although not as common as repetitive motions. To avoid flare-ups, it’s necessary to utilize a proper technique to avoid adding additional stress on tendons. Rest is another key point in recovery, especially if it’s from an injury.

 

Our Takeaway

Finding the best shoes for peroneal tendonitis can help improve your symptoms and minimize pain and strain. It’s essential to look for footwear that provides enough cushioning, shock absorption and support. Choosing one that’s lightweight can also help minimize the stress placed on the tendon.

If you have peroneal tendonitis, rest is crucial for recovery. You want to minimize pressure on the area as much as possible. If your doctor allows, do some light stretching or apply ice and cold wraps.

We hope you found today’s review helpful. If so, please let us know in the section below and share it with friends and family.