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Shoes for cushioned stability and kind on Achilles?
Mac
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Hi, just thought this may be best as a new discussion as the last one is over a year old!
I've had a while off running, partly due to the Achilles tendonitis thing, and partly other issues, during which I've bought a bike to try and keep at least some level of fitness.
So, as much I enjoy riding my bike, and will continue to do, I've also now started to pick up my running again, and as such have revisited the Achilles issue. I have now ran several short (3-4 miles) runs, and so far my Achilles is OK. My lower calves are a little tight but no injury.
I have read a lot about shoes possibly contributing to Achilles issues, and my old orthotics are over 10 years old and frankly worn so thin as to be useless, especially on the heel. I know they were originally allowing for a slight leg length difference (4-5mm) by building in a raise on the left (the side I have Achilles issues with), which, due to compression and compaction over the years is no longer there or doing anything. So my left leg is now potentially feeling that length difference when running, thus (possibly) compounding the Achilles issue, even if not actually causing it?
I'd love to ditch the old orthotics and run in support shoes, so I have tried a few pairs at the running shop and have shortlisted a few.
I'd appreciate your comments and opinions on them?
I read that a higher heel lift can help with Achilles issues (thus the Brooks and Mizuno both having 12mm)
I've had a while off running, partly due to the Achilles tendonitis thing, and partly other issues, during which I've bought a bike to try and keep at least some level of fitness.
So, as much I enjoy riding my bike, and will continue to do, I've also now started to pick up my running again, and as such have revisited the Achilles issue. I have now ran several short (3-4 miles) runs, and so far my Achilles is OK. My lower calves are a little tight but no injury.
I have read a lot about shoes possibly contributing to Achilles issues, and my old orthotics are over 10 years old and frankly worn so thin as to be useless, especially on the heel. I know they were originally allowing for a slight leg length difference (4-5mm) by building in a raise on the left (the side I have Achilles issues with), which, due to compression and compaction over the years is no longer there or doing anything. So my left leg is now potentially feeling that length difference when running, thus (possibly) compounding the Achilles issue, even if not actually causing it?
I'd love to ditch the old orthotics and run in support shoes, so I have tried a few pairs at the running shop and have shortlisted a few.
I'd appreciate your comments and opinions on them?
- Mizuno Wave 'Inspire' 19
- Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
- Brooks Glycerine GTS 20
- Hoka Arahi 6
- New Balance X 860 v13
- New Balance X Vongo v5
- Max cushioning (13st and not a graceful runner!)
- Moderate and decent stability to control pronation, but not intrusive or aggressive (like Asics Kayano's)
I read that a higher heel lift can help with Achilles issues (thus the Brooks and Mizuno both having 12mm)
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Comments
The Hokas will have lots of cushioning but the lowish drop, think it's 5mm could give your achilles a bit of a problem. I don't have achilles problems but I don't run far or too often in my Hokas as I find my calf muscles notice it after the run.
Inspire, Adrenaline and Glycerin are all very good shoes, I think I would opt for whichever feels most comfortable for you when you try them on.
I am curious if anyone on here has moved from orthotics to stability shoes without orthotics, and how that worked out for them?
You can buy off the peg heel lifts, might be worth some research perhaps.
I could cut the back bit off and place it under the new shoe insole.
Let us know how you get on.
I had an Achilles op close to ten years ago on my left leg and have tried to avoid having problems on my right: I use over the counter heel pads or do what you suggest and cut a piece off an old insole, putting them under the inner sole in the shoe. I tend use Asics Gel DS trainers for most runs, fairly light and designed for slight pronation. I do shorter runs in pretty well anything! I never wear the same pair of shoes for at least 48 hours.
Most of my running is off-road: on the road there is an argument that each footstep is similar, leading to a repetitive strain injury.
I wrote an article about calf and Achilles injuries which you may enjoy reading. Purely a lay person's experiences! Message me if interested!
And as well as joining the Shadies, feel free to join the daily thread: someone sets some song lyrics, says what their training is and why. Answer to the lyrics the next day. Very supportive group!
A quick update.
They are super bouncy and lively and so far no Achilles issue. However, only a Mike in and despite all else seeming to be ok (I know new shoes always feel weird for a while) I started to feel a burning/friction under my forefoot, just where the Torah meet the ball of the foot. Could this be a case of simply breaking them in or am I in the wrong shoes?
Could it be my orthotics did more than just control my probation, as in forefoot support? They are full length after all.
I wear new shoes around the house for a month before I run in them. Breaks them in nicely!
Shades thread here Shades Marathon Training - Page 3428 — Runner's World UK Forum (runnersworld.co.uk)
Also I wore them casually last night whilst out. I ended up with awful foot cramps!
Not sure what that’s all about but it’s not looking good. .
They feel comfy when I walk or run in them....at first. However, they soon start to make the underside of my fore foot sore when running and I end up with cramp in my forefoot/toes even when walking or standing around in them, after a while.
I'm not used to my shoes tipping me forward onto my toes in such an obvious way either, perhaps that's pushing my foot too far forward, thus the soreness?
I wonder if I need to go back to basics and get them to check my gait with my orthotics in neutral shoes (even though they are old) just to see if my orthotics still work? If they don't then sure perhaps more supportive shoes, but if they do, then I should perhaps look at neutral shoes (perhaps with some basic support) and put my orthotics into them.
I'm going to visit the running shop again soon so will let you know how I get on, if you're interested?
Mac.
One other shoe that you didn't mention is Saucony Guide, I've run a lot of marathons in Guides. They have an 8 mm drop, are a mild stability shoe with good cushioning. I have now moved towards mostly neutral shoes.
Yes, I am interested. 🙂
I think I need more than mild stability, however I will ask about them at the shop when I go.
Good to know your orthotics still function correctly.
I've got a pair of Nimbus 24's, lovely shoes, really comfortable and with decent cushioning too.
Hope the test run goes well.
My last pair (Brooks Ghost) were 12mm.
I hope the lower stack doesn’t aggravate my Achilles!
You should be fine with 8mm. A lot of my shoes are 8mm and I don't like low drop shoes.
So far so good, no Achilles issues, no arch rubbing and no sore forefoot.
I was aware of a little pressure on the underside of my forefeet, but not soreness and I think it's due to a lot of new design shoes having more of the foot rolling design that makes you more prone to rolling the foot onto the forefoot/toes? I will probably get used to it.
Otherwise, they feel very comfy and super springy compared to what I have been using.
I'll know more after a few more runs but early indications are encouraging.
Watch this space (if you're interested).
I find them very comfortable, if I had to stand all day Nimbus would be my shoe of choice.
Achilles was fine, although I did get a slight tightness at some point, but it went away and I have no tightness or tenderness as a result.
I'm about ready to throw away the box, another couple of runs and I'll be sure.
Park run on Saturday.
Some issues are probably a result of my losing so much fitness over the last year, making my gait awkward and my weight more!
As I'm picking it up, I am starting to notice my fitness improving and my gait feels less clumsy and easier.
It's early days and hopefully I won't pick up the Achilles issue again or anything else that stops me in my tracks, resulting in loss of what fitness I've got back, and starts the frustrating cycle all over.