If you feel pain on the outer side of your ankle and foot, it’s likely that you’re suffering from peroneal tendonitis.
Choosing to wear the best shoes for peroneal tendonitis can help to both alleviate the pain and stabilize your foot.
The ASICS Gel-Kayano 28 is the top shoe we recommend. It has Flytefoam Blast cushioning with GEL in the heel and the forefoot, an external heel counter, and sturdy, thick padding around the ankle.
Compare all the shoes on this list to find the shoe that works best for you.
Top 3 Best and Favorites
Best Overall
| Best Overall |
ASICS GEL-KAYANO 28
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| CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE |
Best for Walking
| Best for Walking |
New Balance 847v4
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| CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE |
Most Comfortable
| Most Comfortable |
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2
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| CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE |
Best Overall
1. Asics Gel-Kayano 28
With a supportive ankle collar, stability features, and exceptional cushioning, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 28 is the ideal choice for those with peroneal tendonitis.
What We Like
The ASICS Gel-Kayano 28 features excellent shock-absorbing cushioning, which not only protects the feet, but also the peroneal tendon.
In the midsole, a layer of gel cushion is sandwiched between two pieces of foam—Flytefoam and Flytefoam Blast, which is lightweight and springy.
Stability features in the shoe are fairly subtle and while it’s designed for overpronators, it works well for people with a neutral gait.
The men’s shoe has a 10 mm heel drop, while the women’s has a 13 mm heel drop. ASICS’ research has shown that men and women strike the ground differently, so this difference aims to provide gender-specific cushioning and increase the durability of shoes.
A plush engineered mesh upper and thick ankle collar helps to keep the foot aligned and prevent unnecessary movement of the ankle that could aggravate the peroneal tendon.
Why We Like It
The Gel-Kayano 28 is a supportive and stable shoe that holds the ankle in place. It also has exceptional cushioning that reduces vibration along the peroneal tendon that could cause pain.
What’s New
The 28th version of this shoe features full ground contact rubber, which adds a bit more shock absorption and increases the durability of the shoe.
While the 27 used Flytefoam Propel foam, the 28 uses Flytefoam Blast. Also, on both the men’s and the women’s shoes, an extra millimeter has been added to the stack height.
There’s also a slightly more roomy fit in the toe box from the previous version. The external heel counter has been moved slightly lower than the last one for more comfort and support.
PROS:
- Advanced GEL cushioning technology
- External heel counter for stability
- Thick and sturdy ankle collar
- Gender-specific heel-to-toe drop
CONS:
- These shoes are a little heavy at 11 oz for the men’s and 10 oz for the women’s
Top Runner-Up
2. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Like the previous shoe, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is an ideal shoe for running, walking, or just wearing around. It’s got a good balance of softness and responsiveness with enough support to protect your feet.
What We Like
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 offers a balanced mix of softness and light responsiveness. To keep the foot stable and the ankle supported, it uses a GuideRails support system.
The GuideRails run along the sides of the heel to create a stable bucket-seat feeling in the midsole, with your foot sitting low down in the shoe and the GuideRails actively supporting the medial and lateral sides of the heel.
A plush ankle collar, gusseted tongue, and an internal heel counter work with the GuideRails to lock the foot down and support it from the ankle to the heel.
3D Fit Print technology also helps to reinforce the arch support and gets a great lockdown when you tighten the laces. Just note that some people may find that the laces are not long enough to tie a runner’s knot.
DNA Loft foam in the midsole is slightly on the firmer side. It has a 12 mm drop, so the heel is well-cushioned and absorbs shock that could hurt the peroneal tendon.
Why We Like It
This shoe provides lateral support and gets a great lockdown, keeping the ankle firmly in place without being restrictive.
It’s ideal for those who need to protect the peroneal tendon but don’t want too much softness underfoot.
What’s New
The changes to the Brooks Adrenaline 22 are subtle. The upper has been simplified, and the GuideRails have been moved ever so slightly to offer better coverage. A slightly negative change seems to be shorter laces than the 21.
PROS:
- GuideRails support system
- Soft and smooth underfoot cushioning
- Full-length Segmented Crash Pad
- Ideal for everyday runs
CONS:
- The laces aren’t long enough to tie a runner’s knot
Best for Walking
3. New Balance 847v4
For those who enjoy long walks, the New Balance 847v4 is a motion control shoe that offers all the support you need for your peroneal tendon to be comfortable.
The stability features will keep you from turning your ankle and aggravating your tendon more.
What We Like
The strong synthetic overlay at the heel of the 847v4 helps to keep the foot firmly in place and stops the ankle from moving around and causing peroneal tendonitis pain.
This works with the ROLLBAR posting system, which is a heel plate connected to two posts, one on either side of the heel.
This system stops the shoe from twisting motions as you overpronate or underpronate, which could damage the tendon.
A high and plush ankle collar also keeps the ankle from moving more than it should. New Balance’s classic wider fit also means that this shoe is comfortable for most shapes and sizes of feet.
The foam in the midsole provides excellent shock absorption when walking. You should note that despite the new, lighter foam, these shoes are somewhat heavy for walking shoes, at 14 oz for the men’s and 12 oz for the women’s.
Why We Like It
This is a motion control shoe that offers effective support in the heel and around the ankle. It comes in various different widths as well, to cater for all people.
What’s New
The most noticeable update is likely to be the midsole foam. Instead of the Abzorb foam found in the v3, the v4 features TRUFUSE foam, a combination foam that delivers lightness, responsiveness, and excellent shock absorption.
The v4’s upper is made of synthetic mesh instead of the leather in the previous version. This new version also features a TPU insert for better stability.
Also, the rubber tread has been redone and now covers the full sole for better traction and increased durability.
PROS:
- ROLLBAR posting system for stability
- Comfortable Ortholite sockliner
- Compressive and cushioned midsole foam
- Breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays
CONS:
- These walking shoes are fairly heavy
Most Comfortable
4. Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2
Nike’s React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 has a combination of high-quality, lightweight foam, and rocker shape making it extremely comfortable and easy to wear.
What We Like
Nike is a much-loved running shoe brand and the React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 is one of their most comfortable shoes.
React foam in the midsole is lightweight and responsive. This shoe can be used for easy walks or peppy runs. Another feature that makes it so comfortable is the rocker shape, which reduces foot fatigue.
A redesigned upper eliminates some of the heel slip problems that came with the previous version of this shoe. The classic fit and the addition of Flywire technology helps the wearer to get a great lockdown, which increases comfort.
Also, the forefoot is wider than usual for Nike. This allows for a better fit on most feet, but also adds an element of stability and helps to keep the ankle more stable. The cushioned ankle collar helps to hold the ankle in place comfortably.
Why We Like It
The Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 is extremely comfortable and although it’s a neutral shoe, it has enough support to keep the ankle and the peroneal tendon stable, reducing the chance of pain.
What’s New
This 2nd version gained almost an ounce of weight from the original. Runners will notice that the design of the shoe has changed, and the sock-like fit has changed to a more classic fit.
Flywire has been added for a better lockdown. Although the upper is still made of Flyknit material, it’s more breathable than the previous version.
PROS:
- Wider forefoot for increased stability
- Redesigned upper provides excellent lockdown
- Durable lightweight React foam in the midsole
- Increased durability and traction on the outsole
CONS:
- This shoe runs small and the manufacturer recommends going a half size up
Best Dress Shoe
5. Apex Lexington (men’s)
6. Apex Ambulator (women’s)
Both of these shoes are made from professional-looking leather. However, they also both have features that make them more stable than other dress shoes, ideal for those who have peroneal tendonitis.
What We Like
These dress shoes are quite stable, with sturdy leather uppers, firm heel counters, built-in shanks, and soft, padded collars that offer better stability around the ankle than most dress shoes.
Both the men’s and the women’s shoes have EVA footbeds that offer good shock absorption to protect the peroneal tendon as you walk.
The insoles can be removed to allow for a custom orthotic. The men’s shoe has a ¼-inch removable depth, and the women’s has a ½-inch depth in two removable layers.
A reinforced shank in the midsole of both shoes provides torsional stability, preventing the shoe from twisting and keeping the foot stable.
The PU rubber outsoles also help the wearer to stay safe on their feet on smooth surfaces, preventing slipping and jolting of the painful tendon.
Why We Like It
Not only do they look smart enough for formal occasions, but these dress shoes also have built-in features that help to keep your feet stable and protected. They’re better for your feet than other dress shoes.
PROS:
- Stable and safe polyurethane outsole
- Removable insoles for custom orthotics
- Reinforced shank for stability
- Shock-absorbing EVA footbeds
CONS:
- Sole not durable as expected
Top Slip-On
7. Dansko Wayne (men’s)
8. Dansko Franny (women’s)
These shoes are professional-looking but they’re easy to slip on and off. Although they are loafers, they are still supportive for those who have peroneal tendonitis.
What We Like
Although these shoes are easy slip-on styles, they still offer good support for your feet.
The men’s shoe has gorings on either side of the foot for easy slipping on, and the women’s has a strap and elastic lace.
Both shoes have a cushioned footbed with good arch support. The footbeds are also shock-absorbing to protect the ankle and peroneal tendon.
They also both have slip-resistant rubber outsoles to prevent slipping on smooth surfaces, which also protects the tendon from jarring.
The men’s shoe—Wayne—has a ¾ tuckboard in the midsole with a shank, which increases the stability of the shoe.
Both have leather uppers that are durable. However, these shoes are slightly on the heavy side.
Why We Like It
These shoes are easy to slip on and go. Despite the ease of use, they are supportive and comfortable.
PROS:
- Good arch support
- Durable slip-resistant rubber outsole
- Smooth but breathable leather uppers
- Shock-absorbing midsole
CONS:
- These shoes may feel heavy on the feet
Best Velcro Closure
9. Propet Stability Walker Strap
Those who prefer the ease of Velcro will find that the Propet Stability Walker Strap offers plenty of stability, easy on and off, plus comfort.
They are only available in black and white, but they have an athletic style that can be worn in many different situations.
What We Like
The Velcro closure on these shoes is easy to use and helps to provide a strong lockdown on the feet without the pressure of laces.
Aside from the strap, the Propet Stability Walker has many features that make it excellent for supporting those with peroneal tendonitis.
The sturdy leather upper protects the feet and offers ankle stability with a thick collar and a padded tongue. A rigid heel counter assists with keeping the ankle in place when walking, preventing the tendon from overexerting itself.
In the midsole, molded EVA foam not only contours to the foot to provide custom arch support, but also absorbs shock on every step.
There’s also gel cushioning in the heel for extra impact absorption and comfort. However, some may find the rest of the shoe to be fairly stiff.
Another excellent feature of Propet shoes is that they’re available in a range of different widths, so there’s something to suit everyone and they can accommodate orthotics easily.
However, they do tend to run narrow so you may need to order an extra width size.
Why We Like It
They’re easy to use, comfortable, and supportive for those who suffer from peroneal tendonitis. Their black and white colorways also work for both casual and smart occasions.
PROS:
- Rigid and stable heel counter
- Excellent arch support
- Comfortable padded collar and tongue
- Easily adjustable hook-and-loop closure
CONS:
- These shoes run slightly narrow
Best Casual Shoe
10. Orthofeet BioFit Sprint (men’s)
11. Orthofeet Sandy (women’s)
Orthofeet shoes are biomechanically designed to provide the best possible support for your feet, while looking like a casual sneaker.
Because these shoes are specifically designed to reduce pain from foot conditions, they are an excellent choice if you have peroneal tendonitis.
What We Like
Both the Sprint and the Sandy have casual, athletic designs that can be used at home or when going out. But underneath their casual exterior, they have plenty of excellent support.
Breathable knit uppers keep your feet cool and provide ankle support with the padded collars and tongue.
They have a wide and comfortable toe box, as well as a seam-free interior that reduces the chances of chafing and blisters.
Although these shoes come with premium orthotic insoles, they can be removed to make room for your own insoles.
There are also two extra spacers within the shoe, which can be removed to make extra depth in the shoe. Almost any orthotic or sized foot can fit into these shoes. If you choose to leave the spacers in, they provide good cushioning.
The sole is ergonomically designed and has a mild rocker shape, reducing foot fatigue and taking strain off your peroneal tendon.
Additionally, there’s an adjustable arch booster, which will bolster the support under your foot. It’s ideal for almost any foot with any support needs.
Why We Like It
These shoes look casual, but they have many different supportive features. They’re also very customizable so you can get almost the exact support you need from the shoe.
PROS:
- Ergonomically-designed and lightweight
- Features unique and convenient arch booster
- Mild rocker bottom design
- Orthotic-friendly with removable insoles
CONS:
- These shoes run small and you should order a half size larger
Top Office Shoes
12. NAOT Leader (men’s)
13. NAOT Terehu (women’s)
Taking care of your feet shouldn’t only happen when you’re at home. These are the shoes we recommend for office wear, that will take strain off your peroneal tendon and ease foot pain.
The men’s shoe—Leader—is available in black and brown, while the women’s shoe—Terehu—comes in a few more shades. Also, the men’s is a lace-up shoe while the women’s is a slip-on.
What We Like
Both shoes feature comfortable and durable leather uppers that are smart enough for wearing to the office. They also have soft leather linings which are easy on the feet.
The Leader has a metal shank in the sole, providing extra stability and stopping the foot from turning and hurting the ankle tendon. However, the women’s shoe doesn’t have this shank.
It does have a more sturdy ankle collar, coming up higher than the men’s, which is low-profile. This can help to keep the ankle safely in place.
Cork and latex footbeds mold to the feet to provide good arch support, however, some may be sensitive to the latex. The footbeds are removable to allow for custom orthotics.
Both have slip-resistant PU rubber outsoles for better traction.
Why We Like It
They both look smart, provide underfoot support, and keep the ankle properly aligned, taking stress off the peroneal tendon.
PROS:
- Removable anatomical footbed
- Breathable leather lining
- Exquisitely comfortable leather upper
- Durable slip-resistant outsole
CONS:
- Some may not react well to the latex in the footbed
Buyers Guide – Shoes for Peroneal Tendonitis
Ankle Support
Those who suffer from peroneal tendonitis need stable ankle support to keep the ankle aligned and supported.
A lack of ankle support will place more pressure on the tendon, possibly leading to increased pain and longer-term damage.
Support
Although you don’t need a support shoe unless you’re an overpronator, the shoe you choose for peroneal tendonitis should be supportive for your foot.
This includes sturdy arch support, rearfoot support in the form of a deep heel cup and a heel counter, and a slightly stiff midsole to prevent twisting.
FAQs
What Is Peroneal Tendonitis?
Peroneal tendonitis is inflammation of the thick tendon that runs down the outside of the ankle and the outside of the foot—the peroneal tendon.
As the tendon becomes inflamed, it may cause swelling or it may rub against the bone, causing pain.
Causes
Peroneal tendonitis is most often as a result of overuse of the tendon. This may be from excessive exercise, or repetitive high-impact activities.
In some cases, it can be caused by an ankle injury such as a sprain or other trauma to the ankle, like a fall or a vehicle accident.
Symptoms
The first sign of peroneal tendonitis is pain on the outer side of your ankle and on the outside of your foot. There may be slight swelling or puffiness around the outer ankle and it could be warm to the touch.
The pain will get worse with activity and ease when resting the affected foot. You may also feel pain when turning your ankle.
Who Is Likely to Get Peroneal Tendonitis?
Peroneal tendonitis can affect anybody, however, there are some people who may be more susceptible to it than others.
Those who play high-impact sports that involve a lot of ankle movement are more at risk of peroneal tendonitis.
Runners are more likely to develop peroneal tendonitis, especially if they run on uneven ground or sloped ground often.
People who have had previous injuries to their peroneal tendon are more likely to develop the condition.
Also, those who suffer from medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout are more at risk of developing peroneal tendonitis.
If you have high arches, tight tendons, are over 40 years of age, or don’t warm-up properly before exercising, you will be more at risk of developing peroneal tendonitis.
How Do You Prevent It?
The first step to preventing peroneal tendonitis from occurring is to wear supportive shoes that keep the foot and ankle aligned.
When you’re wearing the right shoes, you should make sure you warm up correctly before doing any form of exercise. Stretch the calf muscles properly before starting your activity.
If you take part in a high-impact activity, try alternating between your regular activity and a low-impact activity to give your peroneal tendon some time to rest.
If you still have pain during activity, rest the tendon until it’s fully healed before continuing your normal activities.
Try to stay lightly active during your off-season to keep the tendon working. When you get back into training, increase your training load gradually until you’re back at full capacity.
