10 Best Insoles for Achilles Tendonitis: Step up Your Recovery
Published April 12, 2023
Suffering from Achilles tendonitis and eager to step up your recovery? Discover the top 10 insoles that alleviate pain, enhance support, and get you back on your feet faster.
Achilles tendonitis, an all-too-common overuse condition among athletes and active individuals, can hinder mobility and cause pain at the back of the ankle. In fact, a staggering 81.9% of all Achilles tendonitis cases result from strenuous activities.
Pain in the heel and along the Achilles tendon is the most typical sign of Achilles tendonitis. This pain may be dull or sharp and get worse when you move about. But don't let this condition stop you from enjoying the activities you love. One of the most effective ways to manage Achilles tendonitis pain is by using insoles. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a list of the top 10 insoles for Achilles tendonitis.
Our Top Picks for the Best Insoles for Achilles Tendonitis
A Closer Look at Our Top 10 Insoles for Achilles Tendonitis
- Best Insoles Overall - Upstep Achilles Tendon Custom Orthotics
- Best Insoles for Pain Relief - Superfeet Run Pain Relief Insoles
- Best Thin Insoles - Tread Labs Dash Thin Insoles
- Best Cushioned Insoles - Protalus T-100 Elite Insoles
- Best Shock-Absorbing Insoles - SOLE Performance Thin Insoles
- Best Athletic Insoles - Superfeet Flex Insoles
- Best Comfort Insoles - URthotics Sports Custom Orthotics
- Best Foam Insoles - FitMyFoot Insoles
- Best Firm Insoles - Tread Labs Pace Thin Insoles
- Best Sports Insoles - Upstep Multi-Sports Custom Orthotics
1. Best Overall Insoles for Achilles Tendonitis
Footora Score: 9.9
- Intended use: Reduce the damaging forces
- Material: Polypropylene
- Support: Customized arch support
- Cushioning: Entire foot, varying thicknesses
- Sizes: Custom-made
Upstep's Achilles Tendon Custom Orthotics stand out due to their tailor-made design that caters to the unique size and shape of your feet. Made by podiatrists using a durable polypropylene material, they effectively reduce the shock transmitted through your foot and, ultimately, your Achilles tendon. The customized arch support ensures a comfortable fit, while the varying thicknesses of cushioning throughout the entire foot provide additional relief.
What We Love
- Customized for individual needs
- Durable material
- Good force distribution
- Suitable for work and sport
- 180-day money-back guarantee
What to Consider
- Long customization process
- Costlier than some alternatives
2. Best Insoles for Achilles Tendonitis Pain Relief
Footora Score: 9.5
- Intended use: Pain Relief
- Material: Carbon fiber, polymer blend
- Support: Medium to high arch support
- Cushioning: Therapeutic foam
- Sizes: M5.5-13 / W4.5-14 / Kids 2.5-4
Ideal for runners, these insoles feature a carbon fiber and polymer blend material, providing medium to high arch support. The therapeutic foam cushioning offers comfort and pain relief, while the removable heel stabilizer ensures proper foot alignment. The sensitive forefoot zone improves energy efficiency and helps relieve pressure on your Achilles tendon.
What we Love
- Added protection from ground impact
- Medium to high arch orthotic support
- Upto 12 months or 500 miles warranty
- Reducing friction and hot spots
What to Consider
- Need to be trimmed and customized
- Not suitable for low arches
3. Best Thin Insoles for Achilles Tendonitis
Footora Score: 9.5
- Intended use: Enhanced biomechanics
- Material: Carbon fiber, polymer blend
- Support: 1.25mm thick arch support
- Cushioning: 3mm thick top cover
- Sizes: M4-13.5 and W5-12.5 with 4 arch heights
Tread Labs' Dash Thin Insoles cater to performance athletes, individuals with flat feet, and those who tend to overpower regular insoles. The 1.25mm thick, 100% carbon fiber arch supports are uniquely designed to enhance biomechanics, providing greater energy return, improving performance, and reducing the risk of injury. The thin design, complemented by a 3mm thick ventilated top cover, allows for a comfortable fit in bicycle shoes, cleats, and other footwear with thin, full-length removable inserts.
What we Love
- Resilient, long-lasting top cover
- 100% recycled polyester fabric
- Antimicrobial to keep feet feeling fresh
- Molded arch support
- Replaceable top cover
What to Consider
- Might feel too firm for some
- Not suitable for narrow feet
4. Best Cushion Insoles for Achilles Tendonitis
Footora Score: 9.6
- Intended use: Cushioned support
- Material: Polyurethane
- Support: Tri-Planar Alignment System
- Cushioning: 3mm cushion at forefoot and heel
- Sizes: M5.5-15 / W4.5-12.5 / Youth 13.5-4
Protalus T-100 Elite Insoles are perfect for those who require both cushioning and alignment, making them ideal for Achilles tendonitis sufferers. They're optimal for low-profile, standard-volume shoes and feature the unique Tri-Planar Alignment System, which promotes proper body alignment and improves physical performance. The patented high-rebound polyurethane molded body offers full-length cushioning and comfort.
What we Love
- Guides foot into the proper position
- Higher on the sides of the foot
- Great for stiff footbeds
- Anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, moisture-wicking fabric
What to Consider
- Might be too thick for some
- Does not fit all arch types
5. Best Shock-Absorbing Insoles for Achilles Tendonitis
Footora Score: 9.3
- Intended use: Cushioned support
- Material: Recycled Cork
- Support: Strong, flexible arch support
- Cushioning: Medium Softec
- Sizes: M3-16/ W5-18
SOLE Performance Thin Insoles boast an eco-friendly design using ReCORK recycled wine corks for their footbeds. These insoles provide strong, flexible support that minimizes stress on the arch while allowing for natural foot movement. Their deep-heel cups help prevent lateral movement by repositioning the natural cushioning beneath the heel bone, which contributes to relieving pain and pressure in the ball of the foot. By reducing shock and strain, these insoles effectively alleviate Achilles tendonitis discomfort.
What We Love
- Promotes natural foot alignment
- Improves balance
- Suitable for any arch height
- Heat and wear moldable for a customized fit
What to Consider
- Less suitable for wide feet
- Less cushioned than other insoles
6. Best Athletic Insoles for Achilles Tendonitis
Footora Score: 9.1
- Intended use: Cushioned support
- Material: Carbon fiber, polymer blend
- Support: Medium to high arch support
- Cushioning: Therapeutic foam
- Sizes: M5.5-13 / W4.5-14 / Kids 2.5-4
Superfeet Flex Insoles feature a unique flex design that cradles your heels and cushions your feet, making them perfect for athletic shoes. The flexible heel cradle provides structure and stability, while the 4mm thick Aerospring comfort foam delivers heel-to-toe comfort. This design effectively relieves pressure from the feet, ankles, and knees, making it suitable for easing symptoms of Achilles tendonitis.
What we Love
- Up to 12 months or 500 miles warranty
- Responsive carbon fiber blend
- Improves air circulation and breathability
- Delivers reliable support and comfort
What to Consider
- Not for low arches
- Might not fit all shoe types
7. Best Comfort Insoles for Achilles Tendonitis
Footora Score: 9.4
- Intended use: Shock absorption
- Material: Polypropylene
- Support: Personalized support
- Cushioning: Optimal comfort
- Sizes: Custom-made
URthotics Sports Custom Orthotics are designed for individuals with a more active lifestyle, making them an excellent choice for those with Achilles tendonitis. The impact-absorbing orthotics offer a customized design that provides shock absorption and comfort, ideal for walking, running, hiking, sports, and more. The Polypropylene foundation is custom-mapped to the patient's foot, aiming to alleviate discomfort, reduce the strain on the Achilles tendon, and improve overall foot health.
What We Love
- Available in 3/4 length
- Custom-made for your needs
- Metatarsal pads and Heel lifts are available
- A 3D imaging process & software for advanced customization
What to Consider
- Few specialized features
- Long waiting period
8. Best Foam Insoles for Achilles Tendonitis
Footora Score: 9.8
- Intended use: Stability enhancement
- Material: Premium foam
- Support: Custom-positioned arch support
- Cushioning: Balanced, distributed
- Sizes: Custom-made
FitMyFoot Lilac Insoles provide customized arch support, helping to alleviate discomfort, enhance stability, and improve comfort for those with Achilles tendonitis. These insoles are an efficient, cost-effective alternative to medical-grade orthotics. Crafted using 3D printing, they're tailored to fit your specific foot characteristics. The dynamically tuned arch design offers flexible support in specific parts of the foot while providing custom-positioned support in others, effectively reducing strain on the Achilles tendon and promoting recovery.
What We Love
- Customized arch support
- 3D-printed insoles
- Dynamic-tuned arch design
- Deep contoured heel cushion
- Breathable fabric
What to Consider
- Might take time to adjust to your foot
9. Best Firm Insoles for Achilles Tendonitis
Footora Score: 9.2
- Intended use: Impact reduction, stability, balance
- Material: Polyurethane foam
- Support: Precise fit arch support
- Cushioning: 3mm thick top covers
- Size: M4-13.5 and W5-12.5 with 4 arch heights
These insoles offer a deep heel cup and precise arch fit, reducing impact and enhancing stability. The firm support provided helps to minimize stress on the Achilles tendon while allowing for natural foot movement. With 3mm thick, full-length top covers, these insoles are ideal for low-volume footwear like cycling shoes, soccer studs, golf shoes, and other shoes with thin removable inserts.
What We Love
- Deep-heel cup
- Fits various footwear types
- Fit Tool for easy selection
- Multiple firmness options
What to Consider
- May feel too firm for some
10. Best Sports Insoles for Achilles Tendonitis
Footora Score: 9.8
- Intended use: Pain Reduction
- Material: Polypropylene
- Support: Customized arch support
- Cushioning: Entire foot, varying thicknesses
- Sizes: Custom-made
Fully customized and designed for all-around support, Upstep Multi-Sports custom orthotics combine cushioning materials and your foot shape to absorb impact and reduce injury. By balancing support and cushioning in one orthotic design, these insoles help reduce foot strain and soreness, enabling individuals with Achilles tendonitis to continue enjoying their favorite sports and activities.
What We Love
- Custom support and protection
- Durable and moisture-absorbent top layer
- Suitable for sports and high-impact activities
What to Consider
- Longer customization process
- Higher price point
How We Choose
Drawing upon our extensive experience treating patients and evaluating the benefits of various insoles, our team has established a set of criteria to help identify the most effective solutions for individuals with foot issues. We rate a number of factors on a weighted scale and aggregate them to create a single metric called the Footora Score, which reflects the overall usefulness of the product. Do note that the score may vary depending on the specific purpose it’s being reviewed for.
Here are the factors we considered for Achilles tendonitis:
- Fit
- Support
- Comfort
- Durability
- Value for money
- Customer reviews
Conquer Achilles Tendonitis with Confidence
Finding the right insoles is crucial for managing Achilles tendonitis. By choosing insoles that provide adequate cushioning, shock absorption, support, and alignment, you can reduce strain on your Achilles tendon, alleviate pain, and prevent future injury. Take this simple but essential step towards a healthy, active lifestyle by selecting the perfect insoles for your needs.
