Low profile boots/ trail runners for Achilles tendonitis

[heathers]

Hi
Perhaps someone can recommend some good low profile boots/ trailrunners. I have Achilles tendonitis, but it is manageable unless I wear boots with ankle support (tried artificial fabric and leather, no difference), which after about 10km is agonising. I can walk 20km + easy in my Asics/Brooks joggers, but I need something better for multi day trekking with a relatively light backpack (<20kg). They need to be GoreTex, suitable for both wet and cold conditions, and preferably double as trail runners for other activities (i.e. adventure racing). Ankle support is not essential as I use hiking poles, but they have to have good grip. Any suggestions? I'm female, about 60kg, size 7.5 US.

[clarence]

I have found the asics trabuco and similar models to be excellent (for trail running and occasional trail walking), however I would not use them on more than a daywalk. In my opinion, the flexibility and light weight required of a dedicated trail running shoe will not be very compatible with the support and rigidity required by footwear (shoe OR boot) for mutliday walks.

There are several companies which make "approach shoes" and specific hiking shoes which have a low top like a shoe, but which are usually more rigid and sturdy than a trail running shoe. La sportiva, Five-ten and scarpa have made them for years, and there are several other brands that are probably worth a look.

Clarence

[wayno]

with all footwear you need to go round the shops and see what fits you best, individuals can vary quite a lot for their fit requirements.
i like columbia nd salomon footweat, as much because they fit me better than other brands i've tried...

[Hallu]

Funny you should mention this, I had the exact same problem on the Razorback to Mt Feathertop. I'm not sure if it's a tendinitis, but it's certainly the area where it hurt. Any low cut shoe works, although some hug the area too much, such as my Asics kayano. The Zamberlan Zenith that I have work great though, no pain. But I think any good low cut hiking shoe would work. It still hurts a bit when your feet aren't warmed up on steep tracks, but nothing compared to the pain of a boot hanging on your tendon when you lift the foot. Just avoid the one that pinch the tendon, and for this you need to try them on.

[Hallu]

If you do find boots (probably light ones, like Keen) that don't hurt your tendon, please let me know, I'd be interested, thanks.

[stuey69]

I have a similar problem and have managed it easily with a range of low cuts.
As mentioned the Zamberlan Zeniths are a good shoe that will present no hassles for weight up to 18-20kgs.
Salomons have also worked for me, although they can tend to be on the "soft" side.

[Hallu]

Yup, with Zamberlan shoes after a long walk my right big toe is usually numb for some reason, and it lasts from 12 hours to several days. The shoe is definitely not too small : on the contrary Zamberlan have large toe boxes. My foot isn't sliding in the shoe and hitting the end, so it must have something to do with the overall stiffness. But they're the only brand that give me such grip, comfort, and (almost) no blisters. I'll have to try Salomon trail runners sometime.