Asics Gel-Nimbus, Wave Rider 15, or the Nike Free 3.0

Wave Rider is a firmer shoe- nimbus might be to your liking if you were in the structure previously. It has a fair amount of cushion like the structure, but without the stability posting of the structure.

Orthotics in a neutral shoe is often enough stability on its own so I wouldn't be that concerned about switching away from mid-stability.

The Nike Free isn't supposed to be an everyday shoe and I certainly wouldn't recommend it to someone who is already struggling with achilles issues.

I know a lot of people who use the Free as an everyday trainer. It really isn't crazy minimalist or anything.

Thanks, one vote for the Nimbus.

So the Wave Rider being a firmer shoe, does that include the heel counter? My problem is insertional, the reason I'm asking.

I'm curious though why so many people claim that the Free's helped their achilles. It seems counter-intutitve to me, so where is that coming from?

this is the issue with the runner community from the point of a view from someone who has been working in the specailty shoe store for the past 5 years.

All runners think because it will work for them that it will work for everyone else.

My advice, go talk to your local speciality running store and get properly fitted for running shoes. Not one person on here will be able to tell you excatly what you need.

Your talking about a high end cushioning shoe, a firmed cushioning shoe and then a flexibile shoe in the free run.

That's fine but let's speak generally in terms of shoe design and biomechanics. Does the Nike Free compromise the Achilles or can it actually prevent that sort of injury?

OK, in general terms ... the Free will help some runners and cause problems for others.

No one here can see your feet. No one here can see what your running form is like. No one here can see the wear pattern on your old shoes. Go to a good running store.

If pressure on the achilles is the problem, once you have found the best fitting shoe at your local specialty store, don't be afraid to cut it up a bit in the back to take away any pressure points. I did this to help get over retro-calcaneal bursitis and it MAY help you to.