Achilles Rupture - Best shoe for recovery

[Tim Bereika]

I noticed a few older threads on this subject, but was wondering if anyone had some updated suggestions they could provide? I ruptured my right achilles on April 30th and am hoping to get back on the court by early fall. Obviously I have plenty of time to research shoes, but figured I'd get the ball rolling now. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

I should also mention that I ruptured my achilles wearing a pair of Adidas Barricade 2015 Boosts. I don't think that shoes had much to do with the injury, but I probably won't purchase another pair simply because of what happened to me while wearing them.

Was thinking:
Asics Resolution 6
Diadora Speed Pro EVO II (wish TW would do a review's on this brand)
Lotto Stratosphere
New Balance 996 (might be too wide though based on TW review)

-Tim

 

[srvnvly]

I completely tore my right Achilles almost 3 years ago, and Asics GR 6 is THE best shoe, IMHO. I also had a torn meniscus in my left knee (the tennis gods are not funny!), and this show is the best.

 

[texastornado]

I wore NB 1296's after my ATR injury. I also wore some K swiss bigshot II's that we're bad.

Mainly I noticed my laces tended to get looser as I played and this would cause my heel to slightly come out of my shoe. This motion tended to aggravate my achilles. I would strongly recommend getting a shoe with a lacelock eyelet, not too heavy with good cushion.

My gait was noticeably off after finishing with the walking boot for 3 mo and my footwork was significantly lazier.

Currently wearing Nike Lunar Ballistecs 1.5s and Asics Gel Resolution 6's. I like the LBs better and they do a pretty good job staying tied. NB 996v2s are on the narrower side.

 

[QuadCam]

it may look ridiculous but you could go with the Kobe Elite High Backs. Those were the shoes designed for Kobe after his achilles injury. Most basketball shoes work very well for a tennis shoe. Depending on your playing characteristics, they may not be durable on hard courts though.

 

[Tim Bereika]

Thanks for all the great feedback! I'm seriously eyeing the Asics Gel Resolution 6's as a replacement show for my Barricade Boosts. QuadCam, nice tip on the basketball shoe idea...I plan to wear some sort of achilles support brace on my right foot similar to the image below. Hopefully it'll provide the same type of support that a high top would.

 

[Ramon]

The GR6 is one of 3 shoes I rotate, and it's my favorite overall. However, I wouldn't pick it if I had heel or ankle problems. It's a great shoe, but the ankle support is minimal. On top of that, many people experience heel slippage problems and have to use the extra eyelets to keep their feet locked in (at the expense of comfort). I think one of the problems is that it's too low cut. For it to hold your heel down, your heel needs to be set deep into the heel cup. I notice the heel slippage gets worse the higher you raise your heel with insoles or devices like ankle braces. You might want to try them on with ankle braces first.

 

[NLBwell]

Best shoe was the Babolat Propulse - up through the 4 version - where they had the strap around the heel of the shoe. It's what I wore recovering from Achilles problems. Unfortunately, they don't have the heel strap on the newer versions (and they aren't as good).

 

[FluidTennis]

I find the Gel Resolution 6 good for my Achilles when compared to Gel Resolution 2 or 3. I have added a green superfeet insole and the combination works for me both in recovery phase and now when fully healed. There are times when I feel I need a little more ankle support and I wear a sleeve but normally just the shoe with insole does fine.

 

[Tim Bereika]

Looks like the Gel Resolution 6 is a the clear winner on this thread so I'll give them a try. Headed to the doc this morning...hopefully he'll tell me to ditch the boot and to start physical therapy ASAP. Fingers crossed.

 

[naturallight]

I have been in the same boat. Work hard on the PT and you'll be back on the court in no time. Here's what worked for me:

- I kept my cursed shoes (Barricade 7's) and used them as my PT shoe. I had to cut out part of the back of the shoe because my achilles was still quite swollen during PT, and it rubbed when I was doing my exercises. So it was nice to cut up an older shoe for this.

- I bought an ankle brace (I think it's the one that Roddick used with the laces and velcro) with the thought of giving the achilles more support. However, the ankle brace really only helped with side to side support, not front to back, so it didn't really do much for achilles protection. Plus it's a pain to put on. I don't use it now.

- When I buy shoes now I don't really consider achilles support. I'm not even really sure how the shoe would do that. That said, I have the GR6s now and they are pretty good. I also liked the Nike Cages.

Good luck!

 

[prjacobs]

I ruptured my Achilles' tendon in 1991. I was out on the court, five months later and I've won tournaments since then. Absolutely shouldn't be an issue if your surgeon did a good job. For what it's worth, it you can, try to find a physical therapist that works with the dance community. They are SO much more knowledgeable than doctors! Also, if you insurance covers it, acupuncture may help. My favorite exercise when I was rehabilitating was to write out the entire alphabet with my big toe. Gets the area moving in all directions. It you have any questions, feel free to message me. I'm terms of shoes, I don't use anything more supportive. I like lightweight shoes. The Asics GSS2 is my favorite clay court shoe.


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[Tim Bereika]

For those who replied that had ruptured an achilles, when did you make it back on to the court to casually hit? I realize it will be about 5 months before I can perform any ballistic movements, but did any of you venture out for some light hitting with limited movement earlier in the recovery process?

 

[ev79sf]

Asics Gel Resolution 6 are one of my faves. A little wide. I loved the Propulse with the heel strap. Barricades fit great but feel bulky. What about the Asics Speed line?

 

[prjacobs]

For those who replied that had ruptured an achilles, when did you make it back on to the court to casually hit? I realize it will be about 5 months before I can perform any ballistic movements, but did any of you venture out for some light hitting with limited movement earlier in the recovery process?

Not me... It was 5 months before I stepped onto a court.


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[Tim Bereika]

Not me... It was 5 months before I stepped onto a court.


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Started using the bike at the gym today with an easy 15 minute warm up and cool down without any pain or discomfort. I'm feeling optimistic...shooting for 4 months, no chasing down balls, just some light rallying.