Best Hiking Boots for Achilles Tendonitis

One of the worst injuries to have as a hiker is Achilles tendinitis. This is an injury to the tendon that connects muscle on the calf to the heel bone. This is an injury that makes walking pretty difficult. As a hiker, you need a nice pair of boots that will prevent you from getting Achilles tendonitis or one that will make your hiking easier if you already have Achilles tendonitis. 

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What should you look out for?

When buying a hiking boot that is good for Achilles tendonitis, there are a number of factors that you need to keep in mind and look out for as well.

Height of the heel

You should look out for a boot where the heel is not too high or too low when shopping for the best boot for Achilles tendonitis. Go for a heel that is a little bit high and comfortable for you. It should also offer the heel enough support as well as freedom of movement.

Cushion

A boot with good heel cushioning protects your heel from Achilles tendonitis better than one with no cushioning. This is because cushioning on the heel reduces the pressure your heel feels when moving. This is good especially when hiking. Your heels need as much cushioning as possible for your comfort and prevent you from getting Achilles tendonitis, too.

Arch Support

You are likely to suffer from Achilles tendonitis if your feet do not have the right arch support. When shopping for the best hiking boots for Achilles tendonitis, look out for boots that march the arch of your feet. This will help in adding more arch support for your feet, as well as preventing Achilles tendonitis and helping with the pain.

Insoles

The insoles for the boots you finally settle for should offer your feet perfect height as well as cushioning. This ensures that the insoles of the boots are offering your feet enough arch and heel support.

Bending on the Ball of Foot

To prevent Achilles tendonitis, your boot should bend at the ball of foot and no other place. Going for a boot that is very firm and does not bend exactly at the ball of your foot means that your movement will be affected. In the long run, this causes Achilles tendonitis.

​3 Best Hiking Boots for Achilles tendonitis

​ KEEN Men’s Revel III Hiking Boot

Outdoor Veteran Rating: Great

Price:

Bottom Line: ​This is a comfortable boot that offers you excellent comfort and cushioning and will not need any break-in period.

The Lowdown

​Shaft measurement

The shaft is 6’’ from the arch providing the perfect height that is comfortable and durable. 

​Waterproof

​The upper-body is made of Nuback leather that keeps your feet from getting wet in case the terrain is wet or it is winter time.

​Foot-bed

The insole of the boots provide excellent arch support. 

Rubber sole

Has a rubber outsole that provides excellent stability, and are flexible.   

Pros  

  • They are fitted with an insole for arch support.
  • They are lightweight. 
  • They are waterproof thus preventing your feet from getting wet.

  Cons

  • They have little ankle support.

​KEEN Men’s Revel III Hiking Boot Review

​Revel III Keen Hiking boot’s shaft is 6’’ form the arch. This is within the right measurement for anyone suffering from Achilles tendonitis, or if you want to prevent from your feet from getting Achilles tendonitis. The insole of the boot also provided great comfort and support for your feet. No break-in period is needed with this boots so you can go hiking in them straight out of the box.

The rubber outsole of the boot is dual-compound making them good for hiking even during a snowy season. The boot is insulated and will keep your feet warm all the time. They are waterproof and breathable with a dry membrane and a plush padded collar.

If you are looking for a boot that will be worn straight out the box, has enough cushioning and support for the arch, this is the boot to go for. They are also durable.  

See it in Action

​Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot

Outdoor Veteran Rating: Great

Price:

Bottom Line: They are lightweight and very comfortable and you can hike in them for long hours without hurting your feet. 

The Lowdown

Shaft measurement

​The shaft is 5.25’’ from the arch and provides good support.

Waterproof

​The upper-body is made of leather and mesh preventing the feet from getting wet.  

​Foot-bed

​The insole of the boot offers excellent cushioning needed for Achilles tendonitis.  

​Rubber sole

​The rubber sole is good for traction on rocky grounds and offers enough stability.

Pros  

  • The sole is comfortable and provides good cushioning.
  • They measure 5.25’’ from the arch good enough for comfort.
  • They are light in weight for comfort even with a heavy backpack.

  Cons

  • You need a break-in period before taking them out on a hiking trail.
  • They get slippery on wet surfaces so are not ideal for wet trails.

​Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot Review

​The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus boots are ideal for long hiking trips. They are light in weight and very comfortable for your feet. The measure 5.25” from the arch, which is not too high or too low. This offers excellent arch support, ideal for Achilles tendonitis. They also have a Techlite midsole for more cushioning.

The upper-body of the boot is made of leather and mesh fabric. This makes the boot waterproof thus preventing your feet from getting wet incase the hiking trail is wet or there is a downpour. The rubber outsole of the boot is strong for a rocky trail and provides maximum support. The only problem is that it is a little slippery on wet grounds and one needs to be a little bit more careful.

See it in Action

​Mishmi Takin Kameng Mid Event Waterproof Hiking Boot

Outdoor Veteran Rating: Great

Price:

Bottom Line: ​This boot is worth getting because its OrthoLite foot-bed for maximum cushioning and support, which are good if you have Achilles tendonitis as well as preventing it.

The Lowdown

​Shaft measurement

​Measures about 6’’ which is not too high or too low for proper support of your feet. 

​Waterproof

​They are waterproof and have an eVent membrane that is air permeable keeping your feet dry.  

​Foot-bed

​They have an OrthoLite foot-bed that provides excellent cushioning and support.   

Rubber sole

​The sole is made of Vibram Megagrip and Vibram Gironda to help with abrasion on wet trails and grip on rocky trails.  

Pros  

  • They have an OrthoLite foot-bed for cushioning and comfort.
  • Have about 6’’ shaft height for comfort.
  • A Vibram megagrip sole for excellent traction on wet trails.

  Cons

  • They are not very comfortable straight form the box.

​Mishmi Takin Kameng Mid Event Waterproof Hiking Boot Review

​What we love about these boots is that they are manufactured by a new start up that has not been around for long like Keen but are of perfect quality.

The boots are light in weight and will not weigh you down when on the trail. The foot-bed of the boot is made of OrthoLite. This provides the feet with maximum cushioning and comfort to help with Achilles tendonitis and even in preventing you from getting Achilles tendonitis. The shaft of the boots measures about 6’’, which is not too high or too low for your feet. The height is comfortable enough and offers support. ​

They have a rubber sole made of Vibram Megagrip, which offers excellent traction when hiking on a wet trail. For excellent grip on a rocky trail, the outsole of the boot is made of Vibram Gironda. The cupsole is high for stability on uneven ground. The boots are also waterproof and are fitted with air permeable event fabric. They might take a while to dry, but they will keep your feet from getting wet. They are also highly breathable. You might need to take them for breaking in before going on long hikes in them because they are not very comfortable straight from the box compared to Keen boots.

See it in Action

Final Note

Getting a hiking boot for Achilles tendonitis is no easy task like getting a hiking shoe for Achilles tendonitis. All you just need is to keep in mind the necessary features to look out for in a boot for Achilles tendonitis such as arch support, cushioning and the height of the heel among others. With the above three choices, you are good to go.

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AUTHOR
Justin Archer
Hi, I'm Justin Archer a family man with 2 boys and a wife. I'm an outdoorsman who loves hunting, fishing, hiking and lots of other outdoor activities. I love testing new outdoor gear, learning new things and passing on the knowledge I have gained. Feel free to contact me anytime - justin@outdoorveteran.com

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