Michele;

I am no doctor, but I had achilles problems for 15+ years.  I went to a pediatrist one time and in about 3 minutes flat he had me diagnosed and fitted me for a heal lift.

I thought, "This guy is a Quack and never went back."  So I suffered with Achilles Tendon problems.  Still, I ran, played baseball, football, golf everything, but I was always in pain.

One day a buddy of mine, a plumber said, "Go to the drug store and buy a Dr. Scholls Lift for your heal."  So I did.. Guess what, it fixed me.. I have not had any achilles issues in 5+ years.

Moral of the story?  Listen to your Plumber.

True story.

Anyhoot... I went and fitted for new shoes at a local runners shop.  The owner asked me why I was only wearing one lift.  I told him the story.  He said, "Okay.. but if you are going to wear one in the left, you should get one for the right shoe too.  He indicated that the uneven-ness could cause problems."  So, now I wear them in bith shoes.

That is my 2 pennies... You may ant to go see a pediatrist and not take my word for it... It is just my experience.

Edit:  HMMM.. I wonder if I miss read your Achilles Tendon issue.  I thought it was sore from being strained, not from being rubbed against your shoe.  If so, My bad:(

Take a look at this short article Achillies Tendonitis/Tendonopathy: Too Little Too Much.  Often Achillies are abnormally stretched if shoes are too long or too soft.  Double check to make sure you are in the correct size shoe.

Damien Howell PT, DPT, OCS - www.damienhowellpt.com