Best Running Shoes For Peroneal Tendonitis In 2022

It is crucial to give yourself enough time to relax when you suffer from injuries like peroneal tendonitis. But you also need to make sure that you don’t stop or give up on your activity completely. So, it is essential to find the best running shoes for peroneal tendonitis to prevent further injuries.

Peroneal tendonitis is a pretty common injury in athletes like runners. It causes pain outside the ankle due to an inflamed peroneal tendon. Thus, performing your other daily activities like running or jumping gets tough.

So, going for well-cushioned and supportive shoes can be a huge help. It will not only soothe your ankle pain but will also make your running comfortable. 

Let us look into some of the best running shoes for peroneal tendonitis to ease your ankle pain. 

But if you’re in a hurry, I suggest going with Asics Gel-Nimbus 24. It is a well-cushioned and versatile running shoe with excellent stability and support.

Top 3 Favorite Picks:

Best Running Shoes For Peroneal Tendonitis:

1. Asics Gel-Nimbus 24 – Best Overall

The Asics Gel-Nimbus 24 is now one of the lightest, most bouncy max-cushioned running shoes. Someone who suffers from peroneal tendonitis would appreciate this cushioning.

It features a FlyteFloam Blast+ cushioning in the midsole, much better than the FF Blast in the Nimbus 23. This soft and bouncy foam makes the shoe lighter and provides a good energy return.

Gel technology cushioning in the forefoot and rearfoot provides more comfort. This gel design absorbs shock during impact and helps correctly align your gait. As a result, you’ll experience pain-free running in these shoes.

A high heel drop is very crucial in running shoes for peroneal tendonitis. In Nimbus 24, the heel drop for men’s shoes is 10mm, while it is 13mm for women. The AHAR rubber in the outsole helps improve the shoe’s durability and control.

Besides, the new breathable engineered mesh upper wraps the foot gently. It can also fit a variety of foot shapes comfortably as the upper mesh is stretchable.

So, if you’re looking for stable, comfortable, and well-cushioned daily trainers, then Asics Gel-Nimbus 24 fits the profile.

2. Brooks Glycerin 19 – Best For Comfort 

Brooks Glycerin 19 is the most cushioned and comfortable neutral everyday running shoe. Most runners prefer a comfy shoe when suffering from this painful Peroneal Tendonitis.

It is packed with a super soft DNA Loft cushion in the midsole to provide comfort no matter what type of run you do. It offers maximum comfort and a smooth heel-to-toe transition, even for lengthy runs.

This extra cushioning provides support and stability and helps absorb shock during impact. So, it provides much-needed relief if you experience pain while running.

It also offers neutral support, perfect for the peroneal tendonitis condition. Neutral support shoes help in correcting your gait, which reduces overall discomfort. 

It also features a durable blown rubber outsole which offers excellent traction. This helps in improving midfoot stability, making it suitable for most terrains. The upper mesh in Glycerin 19 feels soft and seamless, giving a secure yet comfortable fit.

3. Mizuno Wave Rider 25 – Best For Wide Feet

The Wave Rider 25 is Mizuno’s most popular neutral shoe for runners with wide feet. It comes with a sleek design and provides a well-cushioned structure and flexibility. Thus, it is an excellent pick for people suffering from peroneal tendonitis. 

The main highlight of Wave Rider 25 would be Enerzy foam throughout the midsole. It provides not only next-level cushioning and support but also higher energy return.

Despite being categorized as a neutral shoe, the Mizuno Wave Plate between Enerzy foam midsole provides a highly stable base. It helps absorb impact energy while providing a stable base and improved cushioning.

The shoe’s outsole is made with abrasion-resistant X10 carbon rubber. It is highly durable and grippy. This outsole also has tiny flex grooves built to boost flexibility and mobility. Thus, it provides an excellent foundation for recovery from a peroneal tendon injury.

Furthermore, your foot will hit in the proper position and transition quickly to push-off, thanks to high heel drop. 

The engineered upper mesh is breathable while giving you ultra-soft comfort. The toe box has plenty of wiggle wrong while the fit is true to size (no worries if you have bunions or wider feet). 

So, if you’re searching for a comfortable and smooth shoe that can handle long distances, the Mizuno Wave Rider 25 is a great option.

4. Brooks Ghost 14 – Best For Stability

The Brooks Ghost 14 is a comfortably reliable training shoe, especially if you have peroneal tendonitis. This shoe is exceptionally lightweight, comfortable, and responsive.

Like Glycerin 19, Ghost 14 is packed with DNA loft in the midsole. It offers softer cushioning and a smooth transition without losing its responsiveness. It also features a Segmented Crash Pad on the forefoot to provide flexibility for toe-offs and smooth transitions.

A blown rubber outsole provides the ideal balance of stability and flexibility. It offers a very durable grip on different surfaces, making your run slip-free! A 12mm heel drop shifts the weight to the forefoot, which helps relieve discomfort and strain on the back of the foot.

The new streamlined mesh top is softer, thinner, and more stretchy. It provides a comfortable and secure fit from head to toe to reduce discomfort on your tendons.

So, if you’re looking for a versatile and comfortable trainer for your recovery runs, then Brooks Ghost 14 is the one for you.

5. Saucony Cohesion 15 – Best Fit

The all-new Cohesion 15 from Saucony is a budget-friendly stability shoe. When treating peroneal tendonitis, the significance of proper cushioning cannot be ignored.

The midsole of the Cohesion 15 features a VERSARUN cushioning technology. It absorbs impact and reduces pressure for a smooth and comfortable ride at every step. 

It is designed to reduce stress on the foot and provide plenty of feel-good cushioning. Besides, someone with peroneal tendonitis will enjoy the cushioning and 12mm heel drop.

The outsole is made from the same durable and trustworthy XT-600 rubber that they usually use. It has abrasion resistance in the front and heel to provide a smooth feel that will last for miles. It also includes more lug patterns for improved grip and flexibility.

The upper is constructed of a lightweight and breathable mesh. It wraps wonderfully around the foot, providing support from every aspect.

As a result, this shoe provides excellent lateral stability to your feet. This reduces the likelihood of ankle rolling and further damage. So, if a no-frills budget running shoe is all you need, the Cohesion 15 is hard to beat.

6. Asics Gel-Cumulus 24 – Best For Durability

The Asics Gel Cumulus, just like the Gel Nimbus, is named after clouds to reflect a soft and smooth sensation.

The new Cumulus 24 comes with the combination FF Blast and Flytefoam cushioning in the midsole. It keeps the shoes lightweight, soft, and responsive underfoot. The GEL technology from ASICS is located in the rearfoot and forefoot to reduce stress during landings.

The ASICSlite and AHARPLUS Rubber Outsole are placed on the forefoot and heel. These outsoles are placed strategically for better durability and grip. They are also lighter and more robust than typical rubber outsoles.

Gender-Specific 3D Space Construction provides a more personalized and supportive fit. Along with this, the Trusstic System adds even more stability to the Nimbus 24. So, runners suffering from peroneal tendonitis will appreciate it.

The newly designed mesh upper wraps around your foot pleasantly while offering gentle support. It also has a redesigned heel counter that delivers a secure fit.

So, when you put on the shoe, it hugs your heel and ankle nicely. It is helpful for runners with peroneal tendonitis as it improves their natural gait.

7. Saucony Triumph 19 – Best For Flexibility

The Saucony Triumph 19 running shoe is all about comfort. It is ideal for runners who want a highly cushioned, go-to everyday trainer with a premium underfoot feel.

Saucony seems to have perfected the recipe for a midsole that provides both cushioning and responsiveness for long-distance runners. It is packed with plush, responsive PWRRUN+ midsole cushioning for a comfortable step-in sensation. However, it is not too clunky and gives you good impact protection.

The Triumph 19 also features an XT-900 blown rubber outsole to improve durability. It also provides the grip and shock absorption you need for a comfortable run.

The new engineered mono-mesh upper wraps around your foot comfortably. But, the upper may feel narrow in the toe box for some, especially those with wider feet. 

It also comes with a comfortable FORMFIT sockliner for better support and guidance. Besides FORMFIT technology, it features a well-padded heel collar. It helps you by holding your foot over the PWRRUN+ midsole when running.

So, if you’re looking for a max cushioned, go-to everyday trainer for recovery runs or long slow runs, go for the Saucony Triumph 19.

How to Pick Best Running Shoes For Peroneal Tendonitis?

It is recommended to stretch and have enough rest to ease your pain from peroneal tendonitis. But, a good running shoe can also help you avoid further injury. This will help you get back to doing what you love without feeling discomfort while running. 

Hence, consider the following factors before buying running shoes for peroneal tendonitis:

1. Ample Cushioning:

Every step you take running places a 3 to 4 times your body weight pressure on your peroneal tendons. So, to absorb shock during impact, ample cushioning is essential for your tendons. It also assists in pushing off and relieving stress on your foot’s outside edge.

The materials used in the midsole unit determine the running shoe’s shock-absorption capability. But, you also need to make sure that the cushion is not too rigid but soft to avoid joint pain.

2. High Heel Drop:

Heel striking is recommended instead of forefoot striking when you’re suffering peroneal tendonitis. Heel striking simulates pronation which promotes a roll through. As a result, it aids in relaxing the peroneal tendons on the outside of the foot.

So, your shoes should have a high heel-to-toe drop for striking the heel first. This high heel drop helps you by providing a smoother stride during push-off. It also prevents you from running on your toes, which reduces stress on the tendons. Thus, shoes with 8-12mm high heel drop are good for peroneal tendonitis. 

3. Neutral or High-Arch Support:

People with low or neutral arches are more prone to peroneal tendonitis. Sideways or twisting movements while running may strain the irritated tendons more.

So, it would be best if you went for shoes with neutral or high arch support. It will assist you in realigning your foot, guiding your stride, and reducing strain on the outer foot.

4. Support & Stability:

You’ll need running shoes with good support and stability to run injury-free. If your shoes are not stable, you risk twisting your ankle. Naturally, it will lead to injury only to worsen your peroneal tendonitis.

A snug-fit ankle collar and good heel counter will give you plenty of support. It will also lower the risk of injury and improve your running mechanics. So, look for shoes with good support & stability to reduce strain on your peroneal tendons.

5. Flexibility:

You’ll need shoes with flexible soles for a better range of motion instead of shoes with rigid soles. The idea here is to wear shoes that stress your tendons and ankles less.

So, a high amount of flexibility in the forefoot and midfoot provides the ideal range of motion. It reduces the risks of injury on ankles and tendons and reduces the pressure on them.

Hence, look for running shoes with a segmented rubber outsole for better flexibility.

Putting It All Together

Overuse injuries like Peroneal tendonitis are very common in runners. So, it should not prevent you from doing your favorite activity like running. Apart from resting and stretching, it would be best if you went for good running shoes. It will keep your peroneal tendonitis condition at bay and help ease your pain.

This post has looked at some of the few best running shoes for peroneal tendonitis. You may have found the shoes which work best for you from our list. Our buying tips may make your hunting for the best shoes for peroneal tendonitis easier. 

Asics Gel-Nimbus 22 is a good pick of supportive shoes that may provide a lot of relief to your tendons. They stand out the most since they are more comfy, responsive, and supportive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What does peroneal tendonitis feel like?

When you suffer from peroneal tendonitis, you’ll feel discomfort around the ankle and outside your foot. You’ll also see swelling and have an aching sensation around your ankle. Other signs include frequent popping and ankle joint instability.

This is a common injury among runners as it involves frequent ankle movements. It causes mild discomfort at the start and worsens over time if you continue doing stressful activities. So, you may only feel pain when you are active in the early stages of peroneal tendonitis. But as the problem advances, you may feel pain even when you are resting.

2. What causes peroneal tendonitis?

Peroneal tendonitis is caused due to inflamed or irritated tendons. It happens when tendons are overused, which leads them to rub against the bone. This usually occurs when you increase the intensity of your workout suddenly.

Runners with high arches are more vulnerable as they have heels inclining inwards. It forces peroneal tendons to work harder to shift the ankle to the outside. Thus, the more stress you put on your tendons, the more you will suffer from tendinosis.

Other causes that can lead to peroneal tendonitis are:

• Not stretching or warming up before the workout
• Tight calf muscles (puts more stress on tendons)
• Unsupportive footwear
• Poor running form
• Muscle imbalance in the lower limbs

3. Can shoes cause peroneal tendonitis?

It can be caused by running shoes with poor support and stability, mainly if you use them frequently. This makes peroneal tendons work extra hard to support the feet. As a result, it causes inflammation and discomfort within and around the tendon.

It is more common among runners who run on hills with poorly designed shoes. It increases the chances of injury by promoting rolling out of the foot. Hence, always wear running shoes with good support & stability for your regular workout.

4. How do you fix peroneal tendonitis?

Simple treatments are often effective for peroneal tendon injuries. Since the main reason for tendon injuries is overuse, rest is essential for healing. With rest and medicine, many runners see relief from peroneal tendonitis within 3 to 4 weeks.

It is important to avoid intense activities that produce pain in your lateral ankle during recovery. You can try other less taxing activities on your ankle, like swimming or biking.

If you feel extreme pain, anti-inflammatory drugs can help soothe pain and swelling. Besides, physical therapy is vital to strengthen the tendons and improve flexibility. 

You can also use orthotics suggested by your physical therapist. They help you by providing arch support and reducing stress on your peroneal tendons.

If common treatments don’t relieve pain, you may need surgical treatment in rare cases. The primary purpose of surgery is to repair the damaged tendons. After surgery, physical therapy is an essential part of the recovery process. It often takes up to 4 months to recover after surgery.

5. What exercise can I do with peroneal tendonitis?

Your physical therapist may recommend gentle exercises and stretches during the recovery phase. This goal is to strengthen your tendons and surrounding area and aid recovery. 

Some of these exercises are:

• Standing calf stretch
• Heel raises
• Ankle inversion and eversion
• Plantar fascia stretch
• Ankle flexion

If you feel considerable discomfort while performing these exercises, you should stop doing them right once.