5 Best Shoes for Extensor Tendonitis Reviewed & Ranked [2024]

If you’re suffering from extensor tendonitis, that means you wore tight shoes that pressed the tendons of your feet too hard after months of use and made them inflamed. Yes, your tight shoes might be the main culprit that caused you this suffering.

This also means you need to pick your shoes super carefully so your recovery process isn’t hampered and the same doesn’t occur again in future.

This is where we come in. We reviewed a number of shoes that are great to tackle this food condition and ranked the best performers. See which pair suits you most!

Our Top Picks on Shoes Specialized for Extensor Tendonitis

01 Women’s Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers (Editor’s Pick)

Why it stands out to us

Great for walking, standing, travelling, working and dancing- an all-rounder pair of footwear is the Women’s Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers. The high quality materials and the super light air cushioning are indeed signs of a sensational wearable. The high heel support and the sufficient toe room made them perfect for relieving bunion and back pain.

The stunning design in so many different shades and an incredibly attractive price range make this pair a must-have.

Our experience with the Women’s Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers

• The lightweight and flexible mesh material and the voluminous toe room helped our exhausted feet breathe and we could walk and move around with ease up to around 8 hours.
• The shock-absorbing deep heel cushion helps heal sore heels in a miraculously short time. The higher shoe base also helps in reducing back pain.
• We found these incredibly useful when we had to walk around at our workplaces or involved in activities that include walking for a very long time. They are also great stand-on shoes.
• The perforated arch support is great and so is the midsole. Also, the thin insoles are removable which gives you the opportunity to alter them according to your need.
• There’s an option for ladies with wide feet. This feature aided several people to help them reduce their bunion pain.
• We used these shoes for both workouts and travelling and we enjoyed wearing them. Several dancers have also found them comfy for their feet.
• The elevated shoe base is good for people who don’t mind a little extra height. This also allows you to walk in the rain without slipping and getting the inside wet.
• The soles are made of high quality water resistant material and are extremely comfortable against your feet. To find such great footwear in a reasonable price range is an absolute win.
• We were immensely pleased to see so many styles and color variations. These no lace shoes are really hassle-free to slip on and off.

What we didn’t like

• The insoles are a bit too thin.

What could be improved

• The insoles could be a bit thicker and made with a better material.

Our recommendation

• Buy these if you have a fair tolerance against high heels as they might cause your feet to tilt forward resulting in blistered toes.

Replace the insoles if they don’t provide enough comfort.

Specifications

Pros

• Comfortable
• Lightweight
• Breathable fabric
• Extra heel cushion
• Easy to put on and off
• Big toe room
• Higher shoe base
• Great stand on shoe
• Good arch support
• Wide foot option
• Decent walking shoe
• Good for bunion pain
• Water resistant
• Attractive look
• Affordable

Cons

• Thin insoles
• Not great for those with less tolerance for high heels

02 Skechers Men’s Afterburn Memory-Foam Lace-up Sneaker (Top Men’s Choice)

Why it stands out to us

Skechers Men’s Afterburn Sneaker came as the best shoes for rigorous gym workouts and extensive walking. With a sufficient toe room and a wide foot feature, this shoe has deep heel support and thick, comfy soles. The memory foam padding was an added bonus.

These surprisingly long lasting shoes provided an exceptional amount of comfort at an incredibly reasonable price range.

Our experience with the Skechers Men’s Afterburn Sneaker

• We were in awe seeing the stylish design with darker color helpful for not looking dirty for a long time, making them low maintenance.
• The wide fit feature and the spacious toe room provided a fantastic fit. The shoelaces have the right amount of length and are there for thoroughly hugging your feet.
• As they’re a true fit, you don’t need to get larger or smaller sizes unless your feet have unique dimensions.
• The huge imposing structure made them breathable but a little heavy at the same time. We preferred to do everyday activities, involving walking a lot instead of running. However, when you hit the gym, they work like magic.
• The extra heel cushioning and the intensely soft memory foam padding delivered great support to our tired soles. We could wear them all day even when we need to stand for a long period of time.
• The thick rubber soles added a bit of weight but they rendered the utmost comfort we desired.
• These shoes are particularly useful for people with fallen arches and we couldn’t help but wonder how something so versatile could come at such an attractive price range.
• We have used them almost regularly and our pairs lasted almost 3 years. However, if you are a big guy or an athlete or engaged in super heavy activities, these would last around a year or so. They’re still easily affordable – a good deal you might say!

What we didn’t like

• A bit heavy
• The memory foam wasn’t waterproof so we couldn’t wear them in the rain.

What could be improved

• The memory foam could be upgraded with water resistant properties.

Our recommendations

• Be careful not to get them wet as it’ll ruin the memory foam. If you do want to make them waterproof, use a hydrophobic coating.
• Don’t go for running as these have thick soles, making them heavy.

Specifications

Pros

• Breathable
• True fit
• Large toe box
• Extra heel cushioning
• Memory foam padding
• Thick soles
• Wide
• Comfortable
• Suitable for fallen arches
• Right length laces
• Best for gym use
• Durable
• Good for standing
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Not good for running
• A bit heavy

03 Skechers Women’s Bobs Plush-Peace & Love Ballet Flat (Top Women’s Choice)

Why it stands out to us

The Skechers Women’s Bobs came as one of our top choices due to the elegant easy to put on design and the extremely soft memory foam insoles. Featuring a highly stretchable material providing outstanding flexibility, these are undoubtedly the best flats that’s worth your money.

Not only are there options for wide feet but for sufficient toe space and heel support. Moreover, they come in a wide range of vibrant yet eye-soothing pastels.

Our experience with the Skechers Women’s Bobs

• The simple, lightweight design makes them unparalleled for all-day errands. We found them perfect for activities that involve walking, travelling or just simply moving around.
• Despite having no lace, they’re surprisingly flexible and we could put them on without any hassle, especially when we’re in a hurry.
• The viscoelastic polyurethane, known as the memory foam is a brilliant feature incorporated for utmost comfort.
• We were content with the heel and arch support for our tired soles. The toe room was just perfectly spacious and the fitting was just right.
• Made from stretchable canvas, these shoes come with wide feet options. People with flat feet found them truly convenient.
• These feet huggers contain extremely soft and comfortable insoles and stretchy wedges at the top to be gentle on the upper part of your feet, which is great for extensor tendonitis. Moreover, there’s a diverse set of colors to choose from!
• Not only are they the best work-flats in town with shock absorbing midsoles, but are helpful for people with Plantar fasciitis as well.
• Once, the pairs we owned were stained by paint and a bit of mud but they were as good as new after wash!
• Several women opted for Bobs as their pregnancy shoes.
• Another superb thing was the friction- no problem walking in the rain, no slipping on liquid.

What we didn’t like

• We faced some discomfort while standing in these for a long time.
• Not all the colors came with a wide feet option.
• Got smelly after wearing them a few times.

What could be improved

• All the available colors could have a wide feet option.

Our recommendations

• Wash them delicately when they get smelly.
• Don’t use them when you have to stand for a long time.

Specifications

Pros

• Stretchy wedge
• Soft soles
• Great for flat feet
• Suitable for Plantar fasciitis
• Wide feet option
• Memory foam footbed
• Stretchable
• Arch pillow
• Washable
• Lightweight
• Easy to put on
• Daily wear
• Affordable
• Good for moving around
• Not slippery
• Colors
• Sufficient toe box
• Heel support

Cons

• Not good for standing for long hours
• May get smelly if not washed regularly

04 Fila Women’s Disruptor II Sneaker (Best for Plantar Fasciitis)

Why it stands out to us

The Fila Women’s Disruptor II Sneaker came as the best choice for tackling Plantar fasciitis, a condition that mostly affects the heel from excessive walking. Known for their thick soles and superior heel support, the sneakers are definitely one of the best types of working shoes. The white color and retro design gave off the 90s vibes. The chunky yet cute appearance is a delight to the eye.

Our experience with Fila Women’s Disruptor II Sneaker

• These shoes brought back our childhood memories like receiving our first pair of sneakers from our parents or loved ones and going out to show other kids.
• The shoes were a perfect fit and we received several compliments due to the adorable design. Though they have a heavy look with padded tongues and ankle collars, they’re pretty lightweight.
• The cushioning was great and the removable soles were definitely an added advantage. The ability to provide heel comfort was unmatched and we found no issue in the overall support.
• Many plantar fasciitis sufferers who used this pair appreciated the design since they had no pain wearing the shoes.
• Working for hours at a stretch became surprisingly easy as they’re one of the best athletic shoes in town.
• The rubber soles are an inch thick, providing sufficient support for your feet.
• The EVA material allowed us to walk and work without any pain and fatigue. We loved how lightweight and flexible the sneakers were.
• Aside from giving high arch support, they are ideal for people with wider feet.
• The longevity is another great benefit as some customers even use their 10-year-old pairs.

What we didn’t like

• Not enough room for toe movement.
• The soles are not soft.

What could be improved

• The soles could be softer.

Our recommendation:

• Buy half a size larger for a more comfortable fit.

Specifications

Pros

• Eye catching design
• Great heel support
• Adequate cushioning
• Flexible
• Suitable for high arch feet
• Convenient for wider feet
• Thick soles
• No pain, no fatigue
• Useful work shoes

Cons

• Smaller toe box
• Soles not too soft

05 Adidas Women’s Grand Court Sneaker (For All-Day Wear)

Why it stands out to us

Unmatched amongst the work shoes, the Adidas Women’s Grand Court Sneakers are the perfect all-day wear, bringing maximum comfort to your feet. These shoes feature flexible lace closure to fit different shapes of feet. A few other amazing attributes are the comfortable cushioning, sock liners and higher heel support. Moreover, there are different attractive color options.

Our experience with the Adidas Women’s Grand Court Sneaker

• These are undoubtedly the best as an all-day wear along with their elegant three striped signature design.
• We felt a sense of relaxation in every step we took due to the thick but soft and lightweight cushioning, particularly on the midsoles.
• The wider room around the toe box was a standout and extremely convenient for us people with wider feet. Also, the outer soles are an extra inch thicker for better heel support.
• The rubber soles and synthetic leather upper makes them extremely durable and provides us with the utmost flexibility and comfort.
• We were awestruck with the absolute ease the cloudfoam sock liners delivered and the removable insoles were an added bonus.
• We found these unparalleled for usual office work and any activity that involved standing for a prolonged period.
• The tennis inspired shoes feature regular laces, giving us the chance to tie them according to our need.
• A flat base may not help with arch support but this property is perfect for the tennis court surface, preventing frequent stumbling.
• Versatility is a huge advantage and you’ll feel comfortable both with and without the insoles.
• Overall a really fashionable product with several different color options and at affordable prices.

What we didn’t like

• Some of us found them a bit slippery if the bottom came in touch with liquid.
• They lacked ventilation so the insides felt a bit hot.

What could be improved

• The shoes could be more breathable.
• The bottom could be less slippery by increasing friction.

Our recommendation

• Sometimes, even with the accurate size, shoes might not fit depending on the design. In that case, get half a bigger or smaller size for adequate comfort.

Specifications

Pros

• All day wear
• Lightweight cushion
• Sockliner
• Safety heel cups
• Great for standing
• Comfortable
• Flexible
• Good for office work
• Pretty looking
• Multiple color options

Cons

• Lacks arch support
• Lacks ventilation
• A bit slippery

Extensor Tendonitis – What Is It?

Extensor tendons are basically tissues in your hands and feet that connect the muscles to the bones. Stretching across the top of your feet, they join the toes to the front part of your legs. They assist you in pulling your feet upward and straighten your toes. The ones in hands help with fingers and wrist movements.

Due to not being properly padded by fatty tissues they’re vulnerable and inflammation of these tendons is called Extensor Tendonitis. Extensor tendonitis is also known as foot extensor tendinopathy as it rarely occurs in hands.

Causes

• Stiff Calf Muscles

Tight calf muscles cause extra strain on the bones that results in inflamed extensor tendons.

• Excessive training

Too much training, especially exercises like the treadmill, uphill or downhill running and walking puts stress on your tendons that could cause pain. Moreover, if your muscles aren’t trained enough and you take on a massive project such as changing interiors or decorating a garden, it could cause tendon inflammation.

• Wrong shoes

Even when you’re not exercising, wearing uncomfortable shoes can cause harm. Small shoes, shoes that don’t fit, tight shoelaces- all can add to an injury. Non-athletic shoes are detrimental too.

• Flat feet

Fallen foot arches or in other words, flat feet without any proper padding on heels is another cause of extensor tendonitis. It often changes the foot structure and gives rise to inflammation.

• Injury

Older injuries on feet can often contribute to this condition if not treated properly on time.

Symptoms

• In most cases, the pain is on top of your feet right under shoelaces that results in bumps on your feet and somewhere along the tendons. The affected area can become red and feel warmer.
• You’ll feel pain and discomfort while moving your foot and toes and it’ll increase over time, along with more activities you engage in.
• Standing on your feet for a long time will cause them to sore and you’ll feel weak and uneasy.
• You’d get a crackling sound or a crunchy feeling in the affected tendons.
• The joints around the tendons would feel stiff.
• There will be numbness and a tingling sensation in the inflamed area.

Treatment Options

• Wrap ice in a cloth and get cold therapy for 10 minutes every hour.
• Rest if you’re in pain and don’t engage in any activities.
• After the initial stage, applying heat might be helpful.
• Don’t tie your shoelaces too tightly
• Use appropriate footwear and change running shoes after 400 miles of running
• Consult a doctor and they might prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines
• Depending on your condition, you might need a steroid injection or a surgery on rare occasions
• See a sports injury professional
• Do strengthening and stretching exercises for improvement

Shoes for Extensor Tendonitis: Buying Guide

• Fit

Your shoes should properly fit your feet effortlessly without any pressure on your toes. Try getting one with foot hugging mesh or flexible lacing.

• Padding support

Look for shoes that have air cushioning support at the heels, toes, on the tongue and collars, adding softness. Many shoes even come with a dual-density foam for an extra comfort.

• Shock absorption

The impact on your feet as you walk or run can be reduced to relieve stress. Gel cushioning in midsoles and impact resistant materials like EVA foams can help.

• Midsole performance

For shock retention and optimal distribution of stress, high functioning midsoles are important. Due to its bouncy properties, infusion molded EVA midsoles can reduce pain and fatigue and increase comfort.

• Insoles

Your shoes need to have the footbed that your arches and forefoot need. And if they don’t, make sure they’re designed with removable inserts so you can use the orthotics depending on your need.

• Materials

Shoes made with synthetic air mesh fabric are the best for proper ventilation and are breathable for the feet. This material is also odor-resistant and soft on your feet, making it appropriate for extensor tendonitis patients. Also. Try out EVA and patented foams too.

• Toe space

Your shoes must have adequate space to move and wiggle your toes so you don’t end up with pain on your foot.

• Feet alignment

A lot of brands design their shoes in a way that helps keep your feet in an alignment, supporting natural movements. This also helps reduce pain when you can’t walk properly.

• Safety heel cups

The best shoes contain deep heel cups as part of the padding, to lessen the distress on heels from too much of ground contact.

• Fallen arch support

Fallen arches or flat feet are a common cause of extensor tendonitis. Buy shoes that can address this issue.

• Weight

Make sure that the soles and the materials aren’t too heavy for your leg to pull up your feet while walking, running and doing other activities.

• Flexibility

The shoes you choose must offer flexibility so you can move your feet every way you need to, without putting much strain on them.

• Design

Choose a design that not only gives you comfort on your soles but also matches the shape of your feet and structure.

• Color and size

The shoe size is very important as the wrong size won’t aid you in walking, dancing, running or any other work you do.

FAQs:

Q. 1: How do these shoes help relieve my extensor tendonitis condition?

Ans. Shoes designed for extensor tendonitis aid in relieving pain from the top of your feet and alongside the inflamed tendons.