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Best Running Shoes for Calf Support
Running is one of the healthiest forms of exercise there is.
Whether you run in the morning or after work, this activity is a great way to release endorphins and keep your body in shape.
But because running is also one of the most high-impact sports you can do, many people experience pain in their legs.
There are a number of ways to reduce pain when you run. One of the easiest and most important is to buy the right shoe.
An ideal shoe will give your feet support throughout the stride, cushioning you from impact. Another way to reduce calf pain is by finding shoes that reduce stress on your Achilles tendon.
This tendon is the source of a lot of the calf pain experienced while running.
Best Running Shoes for Tight Calves and Calf Strain
| Product Name | Colors | Material | Sole |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1. Asics Gel-Venture 5 Our Best Pick  Check Price | 10 | Synthetic | Rubber |
#2. Nike Air Zoom Structure 18 Check Price | 4 | Synthetic | Rubber |
#3. Saucony Shadow 6000 Check Price | 1 | Leather, nylon | Rubber |
#4. Nike Zoom Vomero 9 Check Price | 1 | Mesh | Rubber |
It’s common for runners to experience pain in their hips, knees, and shins due to stress on the joints.
However, calf pain is more uncommon and can be more serious.
If you only have a little calf pain, this might be caused by inadequate stretching and tight muscles. However, calf pain also signifies more serious health problems like Achilles tendonitis.
In addition, if you experience chronic pain in your calves when you run, it might be caused by improper technique.
If your torso isn’t shifting or moving properly with each stride, you might have more exertion on your calves, which leads to muscle tiredness and strain.
Whether you run on your road, on the treadmill at the gym, or only on occasion, finding the right shoes should be your top priority.
This is especially true if you experience pain in your legs and calves. If you’re looking for calf support, there are even some pairs of shoes that can correct improper running motion.
You’ll have potential problems fixed before they can become more serious.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is an injury that occurs when you overuse your Achilles tendon. This band of tissue is responsible for connecting your heel bone to the calf muscles in your leg.
This injury is most commonly seen in runners who increase their run duration or intensity. It can also happen in people who are just starting to run.
Sometimes you’ll see Achilles tendonitis in older people who occasionally play sports.
Many cases can be treated with simple remedies. However, if you continue to overuse the tendon without treating the underlying cause, the condition may become more serious.
This can cause the tendon to tear, which in turn means you’ll need surgical repair.
The pain of the injury usually begins as pain in your calf or directly above your heel following your run. It may intensify if you participate in heavier runs or more intense sports.
A good pair of running shoes helps to reduce the stress on this tendon by cushioning your heel and reducing the heel drop in each stride.
What to Consider When Purchasing Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis
There are a number of factors to keep in mind when you look for shoes to prevent or help with Achilles tendonitis.
One is the heel drop. A lower heel drop means your tendon won’t stretch as much, which can prevent strain and tearing.
Another is the amount of cushioning. The right cushioning can help reduce pain throughout your legs and hips from the impact.
A heavily cushioned option is a good choice if you experience frequent joint pain when running.
#1. Asics Gel-Venture 5 Running Shoe for Women
This is the best pair of shoes on the list to suit women with sharp calf pain. The shoe has gel technology that cradles the rear of your foot, helping to cushion the shock from the high impact of running.
In addition, the gel technology helps runners gradually and smoothly transition into their mid stance.
A lot of calf pain that people experience while running happens because of improper style. This shoe helps to correct your running positions and ease the transition through different parts of your stride.
The shoe is also a great choice for women with serious orthopedic problems. The removable sock liner makes this shoe capable of accommodating doctor-recommended medical orthotics.
#2. Nike Air Zoom Structure 18 Shoe for Men
This shoe is the best option on the market if you’re a person suffering from Achilles tendonitis. It also helps with other kinds of Achilles pain. The Achilles tendon can be found at the back of the heel.
It connects your foot to your calf, and many types of calf pain can be traced back to the tendon.
What makes the Air Zoom ideal is the low heel drop. It keeps your foot from encountering the kind of excessive stress that sometimes causes Achilles tendonitis.
In addition, the decoupled crash pad in the shoe lets you transition more smoothly as you run.
#3. Saucony Originals Shadow 6000 Sneaker for Men
Saucony has quickly become one of the most relied-upon brands for running shoes. With a variety of quality products already on the market, the Shadow 6000 is particularly impressive.
This shoe was designed specifically to help people who neutrally or under-pronate because there’s enhanced, extra cushioning.
On top of this, the Ionic Cushioning System inside the shoe is made of triangular pillars between the heel and middle of the shoe.
This gives you more padding and cushioning when your heel strikes the ground throughout your stride. Since a lot of calf pain can be traced to issues with your heel or Achilles, this shoe helps relieve your calf pain at the source.
#4. Nike Zoom Vomero 9 Shoes for Men
This is the last entry on the list, but no less quality than any of the other shoes. The shoe has a 12 millimeter heel drop, a measurement that helps remove stress and pressure from your heel and Achilles tendon.
Unlike many other shoes, this shoe is made from a combination of mesh and synthetic fabric. It has the highest level of breathability on the list, helping your feet stay comfortable and dry. When your feet are dry, you won’t skid or slip, which can also prevent calf pain.
Final Thoughts – Best Running Shoes for Calf Support
The Asics shoes for women are a great option for women looking for relief from calf pain. They help correct your running stride and cushion your feet from impact.
In addition, they have a removable liner that can accommodate orthotic inserts.
If you’re dealing with pain in your Achilles tendon, the Nike Structure 18 shoe is a good choice. The lower heel drop ensures your foot doesn’t suffer an excess of strain.
The Shadow 6000 sneaker is a good choice for people who neutrally pronate or under-pronate. It helps to cushion your heel as it strikes the ground, which causes less stress to your calves.
The Zoom Vomero is a good choice if you want the most breathable option. Breathable shoes keep your feet cool and wick away moisture, so you won’t skid or slip.
They’re also more comfortable than shoes that make your feet sweaty.