Footwear
The 5 Best Shoes for Peroneal Tendonitis Reviews & Guide 2024
May
Your ankle hurts and your tendon is sore. It may even be warm, swollen, or red. The more you try to use that foot, the worse you feel. Maybe the symptoms started after you sprained an ankle or perhaps they flared when you started a new exercise program or a job that requires more time on your feet. In any case, you’ve got to deal with inflammation and still somehow live your life.
If the doc told you that you’ve got peroneal tendonitis, they probably also told you it’ll take a few weeks to heal. You’ll need to rest and take it easy to reduce the inflammation. If you don’t take time off from heavy physical activity, the tendon may rupture and you’ll likely need surgery (1).
It’s crucial to rely on rest, ice, and compression to calm the inflammation. You might require anti-inflammatory medication.
Switching to better footwear, like the best shoes for peroneal tendonitis, may also help you heal and allow you to stay mobile.
Risk factors for peroneal tendonitis
The people most likely to suffer from peroneal tendonitis are over age 40. But anyone who carries excess weight, has high arches, or a tendency for tendon injuries is at risk. Persons with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis and other chronic conditions are also prone to tendonitis.
However, if you stretch before physical activity, it lowers your risk. And the type of footwear you use can also protect you.
What is the fastest way to cure peroneal tendonitis?
The fastest way to cure tendonitis is to rest and follow the doctor’s orders. We’re not kidding. Think about the last time you had a paper cut or some other kind of superficial injury. We bet you didn’t pick it open and make it bleed every day. Instead, you probably put a bandage on it and tried not to get it wet or use it too much. Tendonitis is an injury under the surface that needs the same kind of TLC. The tendon needs to be protected and rested.
If you want to know what aggravates peroneal tendonitis, all you have to do is keep trying to do too much and you’ll find out the hard way.
But can shoes cause peroneal tendonitis? You should probably ask a podiatrist or an orthopedic specialist. In our experience, having the wrong kind of shoes when you have high arches might contribute to the problem. High heels are notorious for causing tendonitis or you might need specially-made orthotics to prevent the issue.
What kind of shoes is best for peroneal tendonitis?
We recommend wide, stable shoes that fit properly and have a firm sole. As comfy as flip-flops might be, they aren’t restful for your feet. Avoid high heels and platform shoes. And don’t try to break in a new pair of Birkenstocks while you’re recovering from peroneal tendonitis. Ouch!
We’ve seen recommendations for wearing cross trainers, walking shoes, and running shoes. Whichever you choose, make sure it has plenty of room for your toes to wiggle but not have a sloppy fit. You need to be able to take the stress off the peroneal tendons.
Take into account the extra space you’ll need for an ankle brace inside your shoe or custom-made orthotics for a high arch or flat feet if you use those supports. An ankle brace may limit the range of motion but may help you rest the tendon (2).
In any case, always get medical advice. And please remember to do slow, gentle stretches before walking or exercising.
Find yourself a new pair of shoes and start feeling better today:
[table id=3 /]Best Shoes for Peroneal Tendonitis in 2024
Dansko Women’s Pace Walking Shoe
[su_amz asin=”B08BS6JVD7″]Among the best women’s shoes for peroneal tendonitis, this pair from Dansko really stood out. Like pretty much everything from this brand, they feel a little heavy with their thick soles. But that’s only because they are sturdy, stable, and offer excellent support.
The insole features Dansko’s Natural Arch Plus technology for extra arch support. In the rear, it has a plush shock-absorber cushion and collar so that every heel strike feels softer. Even the front is designed to propel you forward with plenty of energy.
Meanwhile, the Dri-lex sock liner keeps your feet dry and prevents odors. The outside is treated with 3M Scotchgard to ward off stains.
Pros:
- Excellent arch support and heel strike cushioning
- Firm sole with good traction
- Soft sock liner reduces odor and keeps feet dry
- Exterior is treated with 3M Scotchgard against stains
Cons:
- May feel a bit heavy at first
Brooks Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe
[su_amz2 asin1=”B08QVHC43B” asin2=”B08QTXCJW1″]If you’re looking for the best running shoes for peroneal tendonitis , check out this pair. Choose between the men’s or women’s versions – both come in a wide range of colors.
While this is an athletic shoe for dedicated runners, it also carries the APMA Seal of Acceptance as a certified diabetic shoe. It provides neutral support with a medium amount of cushioning balanced by excellent responsiveness. (For the curious, it has a midsole drop of 12 mm, meaning the heel is a little higher than the toe. If you prefer less drop, check out the Brooks Levitate 5 or Ricochet 3. If you like more drop and a higher heel, try the Glycerin 19 with extra cushioning).
Furthermore, the shoe feels very light yet stable. That’s thanks to its Segmented Crash Pad, a series of shock absorbers with DNA Loft from the heel to the toe. It’s suitable for cross training, gym workouts, and running on the road as the cushioning returns energy with every step you take.
Lastly, the soft, breathable mesh uppers offer the 3D Print Fit like a glove over the top of your foot. That’s the only downside – be sure that you have plenty of wiggle room for your toes if you have wide feet.
Pros:
- Neutral support with medium cushioning and a medium amount of midsole drop
- Stable and lightweight
- Well-cushioned yet responsive
- Carries the APMA Seal of Acceptance as a diabetic shoe
- Available in a wide variety of colors and both men’s and women’s styles
Cons:
- Snug fit for those with wide feet
Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoe
What about the best walking shoes for peroneal tendonitis? We’re fans of this pair designed for light outdoor hiking. They are sturdy but soft and shaped to fit women’s feet. They have a roomy toe box and narrow heel.
The cushioning is provided by RE-ZORB LITE that offers plenty of shock absorption without loss of stability.
The interior has a padded heel collar to protect the tendons and the shoe is lined with a soft knit fabric. Reviewers with plantar fasciitis and fallen arches say that the shoes are very helpful and comfortable because of their stability and proper fit.
Pros:
- Good shock absorption and excellent stability
- Padded heel collar to keep pressure off tendons
- Roomy toe box and narrow heel to fit women better
Cons:
- A very wide color selection makes it hard to choose a single pair!
HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7
[su_amz asin=”B099881R5C”]Would you like to know what it feels like to walk on a cloud? Then slip on this pair of shoes. They have a very thick sole for a reason. They are downright plush, with a special EVA midsole and memory foam liner. The liner encircles the heel to take pressure off the tendon.
All this cushioning has turned many people with foot problems into diehard fans. One reviewer with Morton’s neuromas said they won’t go back to anything else. Others who spend the day walking on hard surfaces find the pair to be the perfect solution for knee and back pain.
The thick mesh upper isn’t as breathable as you’ll find on most running shoes, but it’s water-resistant. Moreover, the outsole is designed to take a pounding. That’s just as well as these are a bit pricey.
Pros:
- Plush cushioning on a thick, stable sole
- Memory foam liner keeps pressure off tendons
- Good color selection and water-resistant upper
Cons:
- More expensive than some options
- No removable insole, so they may not be compatible with custom orthotics
New Balance Women’s 877 V1 Walking Shoe
Pros:
- Casual walking shoes with a removable padded insole
- Decent arch support and cushioning with good stability
- Available in wide and narrow widths
- Eligible for Medicare reimbursement
Cons:
- Basic appearance and small color selection
Ankle/Sport Foot Ice Therapy Wrap
[su_amz asin=”B07HFS6VVF”]While we’re on the topic of recovering from peroneal tendonitis, you can’t go wrong with an ice pack to reduce inflammation. Put down that bag of frozen peas and pick up this gel wrap with an elastic Velcro strap. You can attach it to your ankle or any other body part that needs pain relief.
The reusable wrap consists of non-toxic gel pearls inside a no-leak, medical-grade plastic pack. It’s nice because it stays flexible even when frozen. Or if you prefer a hot pack, you can put it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer
[su_amz asin=”B00TZTO0VM”]Instead of encasing your ankle in a bulky wrap, try this American-made ankle brace. It’s used by athletes and recommended by professionals for when an injured ankle or tendon needs to be stabilized.
Unlike elastic braces or compression socks, it’s designed to limit the range of motion. It provides stability without cutting off circulation. Plus, the low-profile fits inside most shoes – at most you might need to loosen the shoelaces a bit.
Slip your foot inside the ballistic nylon boot and tighten the laces. Then, cross the stabilizing straps underneath your heel. They fasten in place with Velcro. Lastly, pull the Velcro cuff closed over the laces. It indeed takes a little while to put on. But the solid protection and support may be just what you need to maintain some activity without aggravating the condition.
Hint: There is no need to pull the laces and Velcro extra tight. Experiment with the fit so that it’s comfortable but firm.
Conclusion
We hope our reviews helped you find a comfortable pair of shoes for peroneal tendonitis today. Be sure to get your doctor’s advice about how to care for the condition so that you may enjoy a quick recovery.
If you have other questions about footwear for various activities or situations, feel free to leave us a comment below.
Sources:
1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22003-peroneal-tendonitis Peroneal Tendonitis
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31082670/ Dewar RA, Arnold GP, Wang W, Drew TS, Abboud RJ. The effects of wearing an Ankle Stabilizing Orthosis (ASO) Ankle Brace on ankle joints kinetics and kinematics during a basketball rebounding task. Foot (Edinb). 2019 Sep;40:34-38. doi: 10.1016/j.foot.2019.05.003. Epub 2019 May 7. PMID: 31082670.
