There is this wide belief in the forum that achilles release should only be done as a last resort and should be stayed away at all costs. I guess due to possible athletic loss. Is there any research on this? I can't seem to find any. From what I hear there is an interview that Paley states this. Is there a link for that? Below are  two studies showing no negative consequences on a large sample size. Second one is by Rozbruch on 82 patients concluding no difference at all.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5112344/pdf/WJO-7-746.pdf

https://www.hss.edu/files/ll-what_risk_factors_predict_usage_of_gastrocsoleus_recession_during_tibial_lengthening.pdf