Runner’s knee, Achilles heel (or tendinitis), blisters — at the top of any runner’s mind, these would probably be the most common injuries that you know and try to avoid getting. While you’re trying to focus solely on Running and enduring until the finish line, it is simply frustrating to be sidetracked by any injury.
There is one kind that catches most runners or trainers by surprise, and it’s called Peroneal Tendonitis. The fact that it’s uncommon is the reason it isn’t talked about as much. However, It can definitely make your running sessions difficult.
Peroneal tendonitis is felt at the back of the foot, ankle, and a little at the lower leg. Nevertheless, it can be prevented with the right pair of shoes. Below, I’ve compiled a list of the best running shoes for peroneal tendonitis, so you don’t have to. These have been reviewed by purpose as rated by other users on the internet.
Best Running Shoes For Peroneal Tendonitis Compared and Reviewed
| Image | Name | Brand | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASICS Gel Nimbus 22 Running Shoe | ASICS | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19 | Brooks | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Nike Men’s Air Zoom Structure 21 Running Shoe | Nike | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Saucony Men's Triumph 17 Running Shoe | Saucony | Check Price on Amazon | |
| New Balance Men’s M1540 | New Balance | Check Price on Amazon |
#1 - ASICS Gel Nimbus 22 Running Shoe
Check Prices, Images and Reviews on Amazon by Clicking Here
Asics started in a humble home on a small island in Japan about 70 years ago. The first few shoes that were made by the founder Kihachiro Onitsuka, were actually basketball shoes, but very soon he expanded to running shoes.
In 1953, the Marathon Tabi was released and the events that transpired following that only led to making Asics one of the most premier brands in the world of running to date.
The Gel Nimbus is a line intended for long-distance running and its promise is a cushioned experience with maximum bounce all thanks to their technology. I think this is where their main advantage lies. The cushion of the 22 takes all pressure off from your tendons which is critical if you have peroneal tendonitis.
Adding to the comfort that the cushion brings is the mesh on the upper part of the shoe that incorporates what Asics calls the “FluitFit” technology. It basically stretches or shrinks to perfectly fit the foot width of the wearer. This also provides added arch support and stability.
The FlyteFoam technology is also an added feature that will help people recover easier from peroneal tendonitis or totally prevent it. This makes sure that you get the most responsive ride.
I also wanted to focus on the midsole that’s lined with the brand’s Gel technology to ensure that impact is absorbed. The pre-shaped EVA midsole sock liners provide yet another layer of comfort and help your gait cycle to be more efficient.
While the shoe is packed, some users say it landed short on durability, needing to be replaced after a year of intense use.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Superb comfort
- Shock absorbent
- Topnotch cushioning
CONS
- Durability
- Some found it to be very expensive
#2 - Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19
Check Prices, Images and Reviews on Amazon by Clicking Here
No doubt Brooks will be on my list as this brand has proven to be a great contender. Brooks began with ballet shoes and bathing shoes (yes, that was a thing in the 1900’s). Things changed when an American athlete won the Olympic marathon and they started to focus on running shoes.
The GTS 19 has been constructed with different technologies that target serious runners or marathoners; especially for battling peroneal tendonitis. One of its major root causes is poor posture, and to combat that the Guide Rails Holistic Support System targets to check the knees ensuring proper posture, which is a great technology if I may say so.
Also, to make sure you have ultimate comfort during your run, the BioMoGo technology was applied, adding a layer of softness on your heels while maintaining the appropriate bounce.
The overall design of the GTS 19 aims to hold your feet as if it were a glove, which I think is necessary in order to avoid peroneal tendonitis or any other injury. Another favorite feature segmented crash pads underfoot that provide the smoothest heel-to-toe transition each time you land.
Lastly, the 3D fit print saddle keeps your heel in place and hugs your midsole so securely, you’ll definitely feel like it’s a second layer of your own foot. The GTS 19 has a cult-like following and it isn’t hard to see why.
PROS
- Built for maximum stability
- Ultra-comfort through the BioMoGo technology
- Secure fit with the 3D fit scale
- Great response
CONS
- Users say that the shoe is a bit pointer than desired
#3 - Nike Men’s Air Zoom Structure 21 Running Shoe
Check Prices, Images and Reviews on Amazon by Clicking Here
Nike is a brand that needs no introduction. It has made its name for almost all sporting activities. That may be a good thing or bad; let’s test that on the Structure 21 running shoe.
Designed to be the direct competition of the Brooks GTS, many runners say that Structure 21 is more for short to mid-distance runs. The sole is the exact make of the Structure 20’s using a mix of Phylon and Cushlon foams.
Nike’s Dynamic Support provides a great lining on the internal medial of the shoe but is softer on the outside part. The upper portion of the shoe is made of a Flymesh fabric that provides that much-needed breathability, especially for longer runs. You’ll definitely feel the fit with the loop-style lacing.
The major issue I have for this shoe based on user reviews is that its predecessors’ 20’s, 19’s and 18’s actually had a snugger heel fit. This one had a looser heel which implies more unnecessary movement that may not be a good thing especially if you’re trying to target peroneal tendonitis.
Another thing is that the insole is flat; which explains a lot about the loose-heel fit. Personally, I would like my insoles to at least have a slight arch as it adds to the stability of the shoe. Maybe, that’s just me.
PROS
- Midfoot fit is great
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Comfort
CONS
- Users say it has a bit of a height from the ground
- Upper mesh not as structured
- Loose-heel
#4 - Saucony Men's Triumph 17 Running Shoe
Check Prices, Images and Reviews on Amazon by Clicking Here
Saucony is a brand known for its racing shoes: from tracking spikes to cross countries. They boast of incorporating the latest technology in their running shoes to address the needs of the modern day runner.
The first impression on the Triumph 17’s is that it is forgiving on the legs and endures longer runs. This is all because of the 360-degree softness it provides. Some claim that you’ll feel like you’re running on clouds which is a testament of the brand’s promise to be lighter, springier and more flexible than any other shoe they have.
Users say that you’ll definitely feel the springiness and bounce on each step. The PWRRUN+ foam that encases the whole shoe allows more cushioning, protecting the foot and knees from the hard impact as you hit the ground.
While most shoes that have exceptional cushioning might give you a feeling of ‘sinking’, the underfoot is not compromised despite the PWRRUN+ foam. In fact, when your heel lands, you feel bouncier and the response is exceptional. This is all because it absorbs 5% of the impact.
The exterior is made of the Saucony’s signature mesh and synthetic fabrics that ensures breathability while still providing security on your feet to avoid unnecessary movements. Overall, the Triumph 17 is a great choice when it comes to battling peroneal tendonitis.
PROS
- Cushioning is exceptional
- Made for long runs
- Ultra comfort
- Breathable
CONS
- Some users say the toe box is a bit narrow
#5 - New Balance Men’s M1540
Check Prices, Images and Reviews on Amazon by Clicking Here
One of the things that you need in order to prevent peroneal tendonitis is a shoe that provides stability.
New Balance is known to make shoes that deliver the utmost stability and comfort to make you last longer on the pavement.
The 1540’s is a great combination of the firm midsole and reliable structures. The midsole is made of EVA material that provides enough cushioning but doesn’t sink your foot as you land. The midsole is encased with polyurethane for that extra support and durability.
On the midsole, New Balance used the combined efforts of their ACTEVA LITE and ENCAP technologies to ensure stability. While this delivered its purpose, it fell short on landing comfort. The transition from toe-to-heel was quite rough as most users say and the rubber outsole was not as flexible to help a smoother land.
For the upper, you would expect a little bit more comfort but as expected on a sturdier and bulkier shoe, it fell short on that as well. While it provides the stability that you may look for, there are more comfortable options. And as expected, it’s not as breathable as it is made of layers upon layers of mesh, padding, and overlays.
While this shoe is a tad bit heavier than the Brooks and Nike Structure, it made up for it with its durability. It may not be as breathable but it can be a great choice for protection in cold weather.
