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Footwear for Ankle Pain

Best Running Shoes for Calf Pain: 2023

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Posted 2 years ago

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Last updated: 21/10/2023

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by James McCormack

James McCormack
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Do you experience calf pain running or calf tightness? The best running shoes can significantly improve your calf pain and make running more enjoyable. 

Calf pain is one of the most common causes of injury when running resulting in reduced running volume, speed and frequency. Running calf pain can be caused by muscle tightness, cramping or muscular tears, and running shoes can considerably impact how these injuries develop.

We recommend having a consultation with a medical professional if you are experiencing calf pain running. We know that running shoes play a significant role in the stress placed on the calf muscle and Achilles tendon when running, and to help you through this, we will provide guidance on the best running shoes for calf pain.

Related Article: Injuries that cause calf pain running

James McCormack is a Physical Therapist who specialises in knee, foot & ankle injuries. www.james-mccormack.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Earnings from this are used to create free-to-read content.

Best Running Shoes for Calf Pain

The Best Running Shoes for Calf Pain should have a high heel drop, responsive cushioning and stable midsole.

Responsive cushioning absorbs impact, reducing the load placed through the calf.

A stable midsole helps control the foot through the gait cycle reducing excess pronation moments and reducing torsion placed on the calf muscle.

A high heel drop is the most important aspect, as this shortens the distance between the heel bone and the floor, shortening the calf muscle and reducing the stretch-shortening cycle that can overload the calf muscle.

Best Running Shoes for Calf Pain Running – Neutral

We recommend the New Balance X 880v13 running shoes for calf pain running if you have a neutral foot type due to their high heel drop, dual-layer midsole and cushioning.

The 880v13 has a 10mm help drop that helps to offload the calf when running, and alongside their dual-layer midsole, it reduces the forces placed through the foot.

These are a good option for men and women experiencing mild discomfort or cramping in their calves when running.

Buy New Balance 880v13 on Amazon

Best Running Shoes for Calf Pain Running – Mild Stability

We recommend the Asics GT-2000 11 running shoes for calf pain running for people who require mild stability.

The GT-2000 11 have an 8mm heel raise that significantly offloads the calf muscle alongside medial arch support to help control pronation forces that can cause calf tears.

The Asics GT-2000 11 has FF Blast Cushioning technology that assists with propulsion and comfort.

Buy Asics GT-2000 11 on Amazon

Best Running Shoes for Calf Pain Running – Moderate Stability

We recommend the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 for those with very poor foot control when running and experiencing calf pain.

The 12mm heel drop on the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 considerable shortens the calf muscle when running to reduce the amount of strain on the area throughout the gait cycle.

Their unique glide ride supports in the heel help to control the ankle on heel strike, reducing pronation forces when running.

Buy Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 on Amazon

Physiotherapy with James McCormack

This is not medical advice. We recommend a consultation with a medical professional such as James McCormack. He offers Online Physiotherapy Appointments weekly.

Related Article: What injuries cause calf pain?

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