Back pain is very common among Americans – it is among the most common reasons for which people visit their doctors. Nearly 65 million Americans have back pain recently.
16 million adult Americans — 8 percent of all adults — suffer from chronic back pain. Moreover, back pain is a leading cause of missing work and wage loss.
Common causes of back pain include injuries, muscle strain, bulging or ruptured disks, arthritis, and osteoporosis. People who are above 30, sedentary, overweight, obese, or smokers have elevated risk of developing back pain.
While there are many treatment options for back pain including drugs, physical therapy, and surgery, wearing the right shoes for back pain is a critical part of any back pain regimen.
In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top 5 Choice
HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi 6
This HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi 6 Running Shoe is an exceptional shoe for back pain sufferers. It offers outstanding cushioning, shock absorption, and arch support. It also provides great stability and motion control. It comes with a removable insole so that you can swap in your own custom orthotics should you want to. If you are looking for a pair of shoes for your back pain you can’t go wrong with this one.
Who is this for?
This is the best option available for any woman who suffers from back pain. It has outstanding cushioning and arch support to protect your feet and back. You can wear these for hours and forget you ever have back pain.
User Experience
Users love this shoe. They praise its exceptional cushioning and comfort: one says “the comfort is orders of magnitude greater than any other shoes I have tried. Sometimes I don’t want to take them off at the end of the day.” Others find it perfect for wearing on their long shifts standing on their feet for hours. Users also rave about its pain-relieving ability.
FAQ: How tall is the heel? A. About 1 to 1.5 inches. Best shoes I’ve ever bought
FAQ: How is the fit of the Bondi 6? Do you have to size up in it? A. The fit of the Bondi 6’s were perfect and actually more room than shoes I normally buy in my size.
FAQ: Are they slip resistant? A. I wear them daily and have never slipped on treadmill or step aerobics class.
Verdict
HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi 6 Running Shoe is the best choice for back pain sufferers. It offers exceptional cushioning, arch support, and comfort. You can’t go wrong with this shoe.
Vionic Unisex Wave Toe-Post Sandal
- Podiatrist-designed
- biomechanical orthotic footbed with deep heel cup helps support and realign the...
- Clinically shown to help relieve common causes of plantar fasciitis heel pain...
- Has the American Podiatry Association Seal of Acceptance.
Absolutely certain to be your favorite pair of flip flops after only one wear, from front to back these Vionic Unisex Wave Toe-Post Sandals were designed to provide absolute comfort in a way no other pair of sandals on the market can match.
Designed with an EVA footbed and a nylon webbing upper; these high-quality and durable flip flops have received the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of approval.
A unisex design that is meant to fit your foot all over, these flip flops literally provide stability from the ground up.
What We Like:
- Available in several classic colors as well as a range of full sizes to best fit your feet.
- Remarkably comfortable to wear and designed to last through daily use with ease.
- Voted best flip flops for back pain, these amazing sandals keep you moving in absolute comfort all summer long.
New Balance Women’s 928v3
- Leather upper
- Removable polyurethane footbeds
- Rubber outsole
This New Balance Women’s 928v3 Walking Shoe is specifically designed for women with foot problems. It offers great support, stability, and helps to reduce your back pain.
Who is this for?
These shoes are perfect for women who suffer from back pain. They are great at making walking and standing pain-free. A removable footbed makes it easy for you to swap in your own orthotics.
User Experience
Users in general like New Balance Women’s 928v3 Walking Shoe. They find it comfortable and well designed. They love its roomy toe box. They also find it great at relieving pain.
FAQ: Have you wore these for work on concrete floors? If so, how do your feet feel after 8-9 hours of standing and walking on concrete floors? A. I have worked retail on concrete floors for 10 hours-They were the best I found.
FAQ: Do these shoes run big or small? A. I think they run a little big because of the large toe box
Verdict
The New Balance Women’s 928v3 Walking Shoe is great for both walking and standing. If you suffer from back pain and you need to stand for hours at work, give this a try.
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Sneaker
- Truly Unique: The New Balance Fresh Foam Roav v1 running shoes are the ultimate...
- Fresh Foam Midsole: Feel like you're running or walking in the clouds. The first...
- NDurance Outsole: Step up your game without wearing out your favorite running...
- Ultra Heel: These neutral running shoes boast a head-turning heel that performs...
The perfect pair of shoes for spending all day exploring the world around you, when you slip on these sneakers, you’ll be ready to hit the trail, or the town, for as long as you need.
Voted the best men’s walking shoes for back pain, these New Balance Men’s Roav V1 Sneakers feature a comfortable foam midsole that is precisely engineered to provide a lightweight form and an ultra-cushioned design.
A truly fashionable casual athletic style, these bold and high-quality shoes are made to ensure you experience as little back pain as possible as you move throughout your day.
What We Like:
- Available in an amazing array of stylish color options to choose from.
- Created in both medium and wide with fits, as well as an impressive range of both full and half-sizes as well.
- Perfectly cushioned and remarkably comfortable from the inside out.
HOKA ONE ONE Mens Clifton 6 Running Shoe
This HOKA ONE ONE Mens Clifton 6 Running Shoe is an amazing shoe for back pain sufferers. It provides them with the comfort and arch support they need. Its cushioning is especially praiseworthy.
Who is this for?
These shoes are perfect for men who suffer from back pain but need to walk or stand for hours during their days. The pain-relieving ability of these shoes won’t leave them disappointed.
User Experience
Users praise the comfort of these shoes. One describes the user experience as “like walking on air!” They also love the arch support.
FAQ: Do these shoes run skinny? A. They run true to size and not all that skinny
FAQ: Is this shoe good for running 5k, 10K, and longer runs? A. Yes. Over all it has amazing cushion and is lightweight. It would be great for long runs!
Verdict
This is the best choice if you need shoes to lessen your back pain while you go about your everyday life. Its cushioning and arch support go a long way to soften impacts on your feet and your back, giving you a pain-free experience.
New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1
- These shoes have a performance fit. We recommend ordering a 1/2 size bigger than...
- Midsole Cushioning: These New Balance sneakers feature a REVlite midsole that...
- Underfoot Comfort: With an NB Memory Sole Comfort Insert that offers a plush...
- Sleek Design and Supportive Fit: Stay comfortable and stylish as you go about...
Incredibly comfortable to wear and amazingly simple to slip on and off for wear; these amazing shoes provide incredible comfort as well as truly responsive cushioning as well.
Designed with a modern upper with clean lines and a truly fashionable appearance, these New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneakers boast an amazingly fashionable look unlike any other style on the market.
Voted best overall shoes for women with back pain, from front to back these sneakers provide impressive cushion in the midsole and a perfect fit all over.
What We Like:
- Available in a stunning range of colors as well as full and half-sizes to best fit your feet, and your style.
- Perfect for pairing with any especially casual outfit in your wardrobe.
- Truly transform your day with a pair of these sturdy and comfortable sneakers on your feet all day long.
Brooks Women’s Ghost 12
These running shoes will minimize the impact on your feet and back while you run. Their amazing arch support and cushioning are great at making your pain go away.
Who is this for?
They are perfect for avid runners who want to keep running despite their back pain. Soft cushioning and strong arch support make for a complete package.
User Experience
The Brooks Women’s Ghost 12 Running Shoes are well received by users. Many love these shoes’ comfort and cushioning. Others praise the pain-relieving ability of these shoes. The roomy toe box is another strong point mentioned by users
FAQ: Are these shoes stable? A. I’d say they are stable. There is just enough flex in the toe box to keep them from being too stiff but they are very supportive.
FAQ: Are these slip-resistant? A. This shoe has rubber “spikes” which make it quite slip-resistant.
FAQ: Is this a good shoe for walking on concrete? A. Yes.
Verdict
For women who are passionate about running but suffer from back pain, Brooks Women’s Ghost 12 Running Shoe is an excellent choice. Its impressive cushioning and arch support will keep your back free all day. Its excellent shock absorption will make you feel like you are floating on a cloud.
ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe
- Rearfoot GEL Cushioning System: Attenuates shock during impact phase and allows...
- Removable Sockliner: A sockliner which can be removed to accommodate a medical...
- Trail Specific Outsole: Reversed lugs provide uphill and downhill traction on...
- AHAR Outsole: Acronym for ASICS High Abrasion Rubber. Placed in critical areas...
A remarkably high-quality running shoe that allows you to do anything from jog to race without risk of discomfort of any kind.
Complete with a rearfoot gel cushioning system that reduces the shock upon impact each time your feet hit the ground; these ASICS Men’s Gel Venture 6 Running Shoes were voted best men’s running shoes for backpain.
Offering a removable sock liner within it, these durable shoes allow you to insert a required medical orthotic if it’s needed for overall comfort and health.
What We Like:
- Designed in an array of classic color combinations to choose from and a range of full and half sizes to pick from.
- Created with a trail ready outsole and high-abrasion rubber that gives you traction upon any surface desired.
- A durable, high-quality shoe that boasts the ability to hit the track or trail every single day, any day of the year.
Skechers Work Sure Track – Trickel
- Memory foam insole
- Soft fabric shoe lining. Padded collar and tongue
- Slip-resistant rubber traction outsole with oil resistance
A fashionable and practical pair of shoes designed to ensure a long day on your feet is as comfortable as it can possibly be.
Designed with a high-quality leather upper, a shock-absorbing midsole as well as a slip-resistant nitrile rubber traction outsole; these Skechers Work Sure Track Shoes allow you to seize your day without risk of discomfort or a fall.
Boasting a remarkably low-cut design with a Sketchers relaxed fit form, these sneakers were voted the best work shoes for back pain.
What We Like:
- Created with a ventilated lining for true comfort and a padded tongue and collar for protection and support.
- Available in an amazing array of colors and both full and half sizes to pick from.
- The traditional lace-up style closure provides a custom fit you’ll want to wear all day long, every day.
Clarks Women’s Cheyn Madi
- Low-Heel
- Heel Height: 1.25 inches
This Clarks Women’s Cheyn Madi Slip-On Loafers is a great comfort shoe for formal or semi-formal settings. Its Ortholite cushion technology keeps your feet super comfy just like wearing a pair of sneakers.
Who is this for?
This shoe is for women who suffer from back pain but don’t want to wear sneakers all the time. Want a dress shoe you can wear to the office or a nice restaurant but that’s comfy like a sneaker? This is the perfect choice for that.
User Experience
These Clarks Women’s Cheyn Madi Slip-On Loafer get very good reviews. Users love that they can wear loafers that look dressy but offer the comfort level of sneakers. Many remarked on how their pain went away after wearing these shoes. One called these “the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn.”
FAQ: Are these shoes durable? A. Yes, I think they are. I’ve had mine for about 6 months now, and they’ve held up nicely.
FAQ: Is the insole removable? A. No it’s not removable.
FAQ: How is the arch support and cushioning? A. Very nice! I’m on my feet all day so I need cushion.
Verdict
A very comfortable and stylish design, suitable for women who prefer or need to wear dress shoes instead of sneakers. Relieves pain and provides comfort for all-day wear. Highly recommended for back pain sufferers.
What to Look for
Looking for the best shoes for back pain? Here is what you need to look for.
The Right Size Shoe
Find out the real size of your feet and make sure that you get shoes of that size, or half a size bigger. Wearing shoes that are too tight can make your back pain worse.
Avoid High Heels
Wearing high heels forces your lower back to arch more than is normal. This can put extra stress on the discs of your spine, forcing your spine into misalignment. Not to mention, wearing high heels can cause a myriad of foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, overpronation, supination, and Achilles tendonitis. These foot problems can force your back into unnatural movements as a coping mechanism, putting further strain on your back and leading to a higher risk of injury.
So it is important to avoid wearing shoes with heels that are too high. Choose shoes that have no more than 2-inch heels to avoid back pain.
Avoid Flip Flops
Wearing flip flops can cause or compound back pain. Flip flops’ lack of arch support and cushioning can lead to increased impact and stress on your feet and back, resulting in foot and back pain.
Avoid Flat Shoes
Like flip flops, flat shoes do not have enough arch support. This increases the impact and stress on your feet and back when you walk, leading to foot and back pain.
Good Arch and Heel Support
Shoes with good arch and heel support can act as shock absorbers and lessen the impact on your back when you walk, protecting you from back pain. Arch and heel support also helps to prevent foot problems such as Achilles tendonitis, overpronation, supination, and plantar fasciitis, resulting in further reduced risk of back pain.
Shoes with Extra Cushioning
Extra cushioning protect your feet. It also lessens the impact on your back when your feet hit the ground, thus reduces stress on your back. Good cushioning combined with good arch and heel support will reduce your risk of foot pain and back pain.
Shoes with a rocker sole
Shoes with a rocker sole reduce pressure on your feet and back, promote better walking and standing posture, resulting in reduced stress on your back and reduced back pain risk.
Removable Insoles
For more serious back pain you might want to get custom orthopedic insoles prescribed by a podiatrist. In that case you would want shoes with removable insoles so that you could swap in your custom orthopedic insoles.
Shoes that Provide Motion Control and Stability
You want shoes that regulate and stabilize the movement of your foot muscle while you walk. This promotes good posture and reduces foot and back injury risk. Running shoes are a good choice in this regard.
Who is likely to Suffer from back pain?
Back pain is one of the most common ailments affecting Americans, and one of the most common reasons why people go to see their doctors.
According to the American Chiropractic Association, as many as 80 percent of people have back pain at some point in their lives and half of all workers experience back pain symptoms every year.
16 million adult Americans — 8 percent of all adults — suffer from chronic back pain. Moreover, back pain is a leading cause of missing work and wage loss.
While there are many causes of back pain, commonly speaking most back pains result from:
- Injuries to the spine
- Muscle strains
- Bulging or ruptured disks
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
While there are some highly effective treatments that can both relieve and heal your back pain, finding the best shoes for back pain is important both during the healing process and to protect you from the condition returning.
If you suffer from back pain just know that you are far from alone. Anyone can develop back pain. However some segments of the population are more likely to suffer from it. These segments include:
- Older people: as you get older you are more likely to develop back pain, starting around age 30
- People who lack exercise or have weak muscles: weak, underused muscles in your back and abdomen could lead to back pain
- People who are overweight or obese: excess body weight puts extra stress on your back
- People with flat feet
- People who lift with improper technique: lifting with your back instead of your legs could injure your spine or muscle and lead to back pain
- People who wear inappropriate shoes
- People with foot problems such as overpronation, supination, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis
- Smokers: Smoking reduces blood flow to your spine, which can cause damage and slow healing
- People who suffer from arthritis
Symptoms of Back Pain
Common symptoms of back pain include:
- A persistent, dull ache in your back
- Sharp, shooting or stabbing pain in your neck or back that could radiate down your legs to your feet
- Pain that gets worse when you stand, walk, bend, sit, or lift things
- Inability to sit or stand without pain
Back pain can be very painful and disruptive. It stops some people from enjoying everyday life. Some find it too painful to even walk or go to work. While there are various options for treatment, choosing the right shoes for back pain is a critical part of any regimen to fight this potentially debilitating condition.
More Help for Your Back Pain
If you have back pain do not despair. Besides choosing the best shoes for back pain there are many other treatment options for you:
- Reduce the volume and intensity of your physical activities to allow your back to heal
- Apply ice packs and heat compresses to your back can reduce inflammation and lessen your pain
- Take anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen
- Physical therapy to strengthen your back and core muscles through exercises and stretches
- See a podiatrist, who can prescribe you custom insoles and other medical interventions.
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Austin is the author of loveatfirstfit.com and a personal trainer with extensive knowledge in nutrition. Austin is passionate about helping others to find a suitable healthy lifestyle and feel good about themselves. Austin’s goal is to help people push their limits and achieve their physical performance.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
