The 12 Best Shoes for Back Pain

Most people don’t think about the connection between your spine and your legs, especially when shoe shopping. Your legs carry the weight of your body, and which is exerted on your shoes. Therefore, it’s important to understand the footwear features that are best for those who suffer from back, foot, knee and/or neck pain.

In addition to the shoes included in this guide, you can also try adding a shoe insert for extra comfort. The impact of your body weight varies depending on the type of activity you are engaged in. When doing vigorous activities like jogging, running, hiking, playing, and jumping, the pressure is exerted on your back, legs, and feet and you need a shoe that will absorb the shock and avoid further issues.

View the Best Shoes for Back Pain, Below

• Brooks Addiction Walker 2
• Merrell Encore Gust
• Vionic Unisex Wave
• Brooks Women’s Ghost 12
• Vionic Women’s Alma
• Vionic Women’s Pacific Hightide Thong Sandal
• ASICS Men’s Gel Kayano 26
• Vionic Spark Minna
• Nurse Mates Velocity
• Vionic Serena Boot
• Alegria Essence
• New Balance Men’s 990v5 Sneaker

1. Brooks Addiction Walker 2

The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 Men's shoe gives you optimum support, long durability, and maximum comfort. It is made of leather, velvety nubuck upper, and soothing fabric lining. The footwear is ideal for shock absorption and excellent alignment of the heel and forefoot. The middle part of the shoe is enhanced with BioMoGo technology that offers a soft feel but maintains stability and energy return when making your strides.

The outsole is made from environmentally friendly silica material that offers you a firm grip preventing skids. If you are after a shoe that will provide control for your overpronation and support for your lower arch, then Brooks Addiction Walker 2 will fit your needs. The footwear is designed for casual wear and everyday walking.

Material

The outer and upper part of the shoe is made from pure leather that guarantees your durability. The inner fabric is meant to absorb shock and offer comfort to your ankles. The outsole is made of silica which provides long life and maintains your grip to keep you planted. The insole is enhanced by BioMoGo and Hydroflow technologies for a safe landing on each stride.

Gender

This is a robust shoe designed for men. The style gives it a masculine appearance that is quite endearing.

Style

This is casual wear for your arch support. It does not compromise its contemporary outlook to allow you to wear it for your everyday activity. It comes in two colors- black and white.

Arch support

The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 Men's supporting shoes are meant to support every part of your feet through its advanced technology. The feet are well aligned, and your body weight is distributed to reduce the impact on your spine. It is ideal if you have fasciitis.

2. Merrell Encore Gust

This is a slip-on men's shoe that has a thick heel. The footbed of the Men's Merrell Encore Gust is removed for aeration after a long day strolling or walking. It has air cushion that absorbs shock. The insole of the Merrell Encore Gust is made from cloth material that gives a soft feel and maintains the right air circulation. They are ideal if you spend many hours standing as you undertake your duty. You will get comfort and durability in a single package, a situation that rarely occurs.

The outer upper surface is made of leather which gives you durability guarantee. The material is water resistant because of its smooth texture. The sole with air cushion is M-Select gripped for stability when walking. It is made from rubber to offer you flexibility and reduce leg fatigue.

Material

The Merrell Encore Gust is composed of full grain leather and a rubber outsole. The two materials are durable and are modified for your comfort. The heel is more than two inches thick to absorb shock. The insert is made of cloth for a massaging feel on your foot.

Gender

The Merrell Encore Gust men's shoe has a rounded edge to give you enough space for your muscular forefoot.

Style

This Merrell Encore Gust is a slip-on shoe that saves you from tying laces. The feature makes it easy to clean or wipe. The design gives you a casual outlook and an outgoing appearance. It is ideal for standing for long hours. It comes in both black and brown colors.

Arch support

The Merrell Encore Gust men's shoe has excellent arch support, and the insole keeps you grounded. It ensures your foot is intact to keep weight distribution constant. The thick heel is ideal for absorbing the impact of your weight as you walk.

3. Vionic Unisex Wave

This is an orthotic sandal that is specially built to relieve any pain caused by strenuous gait. It is dual-layered to give you maximum shock absorption. The shoe is more than your ordinary flip-flops because it has a dotted footbed that provides you with a grip to prevent feet sliding. It is also meant to reduce pronation due to its tri-planar motion control aspect that aligns the foot to its natural position.

The woven toe post is thin and soft to ensure your toes are not strained. It has a flexible EVA midsole that reduces pressure on your heels, ankles and knees. It has a wave pattern thread that increases your traction while walking. The sandal is not ideal for rough surfaces because it is easily penetrable. It is cleaned using a damp cloth and allowed to dry in direct sunlight for a few minutes.

Material

The sole is made of rubber which is durable and soft to give you comfort. The toe post is meshed neoprene to avoid straining your holding toes.

Gender

This is your favorite flip-flop whether you are a man or a woman. It is accommodative with a neutral design.

Style

This is a casual sandal. It is ideal when you want your legs to have some freedom. They will sustain pressure when doing vigorous activities. However, you should avoid construction sites with open shoes.

Arch support

These shoes are suitable for a falling arch. They also alleviate back pains and ensure you feel comfortable. The high arch supports your feet excellently.

4. Brooks Women’s Ghost 12

This is a product that comes in a range of colors designed for women. The women's shoe is neutral to supination and has an energizing cushion that keeps you going. It has a breathable and stretchable upper part that aerates your feet and enhances air circulation. It has a fabric lining that gives your foot a soft feel. The tongue and color are plush to provide you with maximum comfort and flexibility your feet.

The insoles are easily removable to allow air circulation after a long trek. The women's shoe prepares a soft ground for foot landing with each stride you make. The forefoot is enhanced by soft blown rubber that gives you a grip and light cushion. It has Omega Flex Gloves that offers you natural forefoot movement and alignment.

Material

The upper part of the women's shoe is primarily made of fabric with some enhancement to give it a stable outlook. The inner lining is purely fabric to provide you with a massage effect with each landing. The outer sole is pure rubber that is threaded to guarantee you a firm grip even on slippery ground. The cohesion between the material and surfaces gives you a skid-free walk.

Gender

The shoe is designed for ladies. They are modified to support the exertion of a woman’s body weight.

Style

The women's shoes take a sporty casual outlook that is ideal for your jogging or walking. You will find them helpful if you need support for your knees. They come in a range of colors that are ladies' favorite. They come in shades of colors that give them a stunning appearance.

Arch

If you have a low arch, this is the best shoe for you. The women's shoes set your feet for smooth landing when you are jogging or running.

5. Vionic Women’s Alma

The women's shoe is designed with breathable human-made upper material and a durable outer sole that will give you value for your money. The shoe is also light and comes in a range of attractive single or multiple colors. The upper part is built using meshed fabricate to give you optimum comfort and allow air circulation. The insole is removable to allow air circulation after walking for several miles.

The shoes are ideal for walking, working, playing or everyday activities. If you plod your feet while walking, these shoes will offer you a light feel as you walk. That relieves the pressure exerted by the body mass reducing the effect on the spine. They have a stiff arch that supports your flat feet.

Material

This footwear is made from meshed fabric to increase breathability. The soles are made of rubber giving the Vionic Women's Alma a long life. The inner lining is also made from soft fabric to provide you with a massage effect. The inserts are removable EVA orthotic material that is flexible but firm.

Gender

The shoes are designed for women. You will have one that blends perfectly with your wardrobe.

Style

This is a sporty casual outwear that will go well with your vigorous activities. You have a wide range of colors to choose from. If you love shades, single or multiple colors, you have several options on the list.

Arch

If you want women's shoes that will ease the pain of plantar fasciitis, then these shoes will do. You do not need to buy insoles for arch support because the footwear comes with reliable inserts that will align your feet for arch support.

6. Vionic Women’s Pacific Hightide Thong Sandal

Take your comfort to new heights with the Pacific High Tide sandal from Vionic. With its soft woven toe post and foam-lined strap and molded EVA footbed that will give you a sandal, you can wear all day and feeling that support and comfort. The heel is 1.9 inches and has a Durable rubber outsole with added traction.

It has a padded insole that offers your feet optimum comfort and helps absorb shock and reduces pressure on the feet. If you have plantar fasciitis or Morton’s neuroma, then Vionic High Tide Sandal will help you alleviate the effects of the condition.

Material

The High Tide has Synthetic patent leather and fabric upper that gives it a stunning look. The outer sole is made from synthetic rubber, thus highly durable. The inserts are padded to offer you maximum comfort and arch support with each step.

Gender

The footwear is designed for women. It has a raised heel that is meant to give the shoe an elegant outlook.

Style

This is a Thong Sandal that is meant to be worn in warm-weather settings and you'll want to pack for every excursion. They are ideal for your summer dresses and causal trousers if you want to keep your feet free.

Arch

The padded insole is ideal for arch support. The shoe is suitable for plantar fasciitis and other conditions which may affect your gait. The shoe corrects the condition without any impact on your back.

7. ASICS Men’s Gel Kayano 26

If you have lower back pain or overpronation, the ASICS Men’s Gel-Kayano 26 will alleviate the pain and align your feet. ASICS uses a technology that aims at enhancing your natural gait from the heel strike to the toe-off. The ASICS Men’s Gel shoe has a fluid ride midsole that gives you a springy step and absorbs impact while walking. The upper part is made of textile and synthetic material. The rubber sole gives you a firm grip that keeps you grounded.

The ASICS Men’s Gel shoe is also ideal for heal pain and streamlines your feet to take a normal shape. You can undertake vigorous activities like running and jogging on these men's shoes. You need not worry if you have fasciitis because the manufacturer has catered for that. It will improve your trekking mileage and reduce the risk of an injury.

Material

Textile and synthetic materials are the components of the upper part of the footwear. The sole of the ASICS Men's Gel shoe is composed of rubber that gives it a long life. The insole is made from foam technology to provide you with a soft footbed to absorb shock from your body.

Gender

The shoe is designed for men.

Style

This is a sporty shoe that comes in several colors. You can choose the best triple combination for your needs.

Arch

The men's shoe will serve you excellently and align your feet to give you a typical gait. It is known to be a pain alleviator through its advanced insole technology and soft inner lining. If you have a condition that causes you discomfort, it is high time you try ASICS Men's Gel-Kayano 26.

8. Vionic Spark Minna

These Vionic Spark Minna women's shoes are comfortable slip-on with leather upper and an outer rubber sole. They give you arch support with a low heel raising and round toe box. The upper part is breathable for maximum aeration. The inner lining is made of textile to give you a plush feel as you make each step. The dress shoes are easy to remove and wear with a removable EVA cushioned footbed for maximum pressure absorption.

If you have a high arch or you have plantar fasciitis, then these Vionic Spark Minna women's shoes will do you excellent service. They also give you a dressier appearance. The dress shoe is perfect for orthotics.

Material

The outer sole is pure rubber with EVA enhancement in the insole to give you a soft landing and distribute your weight evenly. The inner lining is composed of soft textile for optimum comfort. The outer upper part is made of leather for durability and ease in wiping the ballerina.

Gender

The shoes are designed for women.

Style

The Vionic Spark Minna shoes are excellent for dresses and will also do well with your pants. They come in a range of colors offering you insurmountable choices. They are casual shoes that give you a classy outlook.

Arch

The Vionic Spark Minna dress shoes have a perfect low arch support. They are ideal for people who have plantar fasciitis because they will help in feet alignment. It eases the pain, relieving your back from excess pressure.

9. Nurse Mates Velocity

This product comes with an ergonomic design that is meant to align your feet by placing them in an optimum position. The outer material is full grain leather or polyurethane. It has playful and classy prints that give you a unique appearance. The laces will adjust the shoes to fit your feet perfectly and avoid slips while walking.

The manufacturer offers you an extra pair of traditional laces. If you have bunions or plantar fasciitis, the shoes offer you a soft heel landing and an engineered feet alignment. You will not only experience the comfort but also your pain will be relieved. They are also ideal for flat feet.

Material

The outer upper part is composed of full grain leather or printed polyurethane for long-term service. The outer sole is made from rubber while the inner lining is fabric. The insole is built with EVA cushion for a soft footbed.

Gender

The shoes are meant to be worn by women.

Style

They have a sneaker outlook. You will find your favorite color or prints. If you love them in plain colors or multiple prints, you have several options.

Arch

If you are looking for footwear that will offer your flat foot the needed arch support, the Nurse Mate Velocity will give you excellent service. It also provides you stability and keeps you planted on slippery floors.

10. Vionic Serena Boot

Our last shoe on the list is a women's ankle boot. The shoe has a suede leather upper outer surface that gives you service for years. It has a zipper on the side that provides the shoe with a unique design. It has a microfiber-wrapped EVA footbed that is easily removable.

It has a TR synthetic rubber outer sole that caps up the durability features. They are attractive with a slightly raised heel, probably 1 inch or less. If you want to have a dressier outlook, the boots are meant for you. They are engineered to support your arch and relieve any excess pressure on your feet.

Material

The outer material is suede leather that is easy to wipe and also serves you an extended period. The EVA footbed is essential in giving you a soft cushioning while walking. The outer sole is composed of synthetic rubber that is reliable in providing stability and preventing skidding.

Gender

These are women’s ankle boots.

Style

They are one of a kind on the list. A side zipper, suede leather, dressy outlook, and raised heel. If you are after something more than the ordinary to impress your wardrobe, the boot will do. It comes in three colors- black, greige and olive.

Arch support

Vionic shoes are known to provide excellent arch support, and this shoe is not an exception. Whether you have a high or low arch, the boot is generous with its support.

11. Alegria Essence

These Alegria Essence women's shoes are flowery sneakers that will steal the show. The Alegria Essence women's shoes keep the strain from your joints to the back. They are made from leather and a durable synthetic sole. They have memory foam insoles that give you maximum comfort and alight your feet to distribute pressure. If you have a condition like a bunion, these shoes will work correctly for you. They are ideal for standing all day long but offer a trendy look that competitors can only envy.

The Alegria Essence women's shoe has adjustable lace-up that allows you to tie your shoe to fit perfectly. You are guaranteed that the shoe will not slip out while walking or in your regular activities. The rocker PU outsole is sturdy and firm to absorb shock and reduce muscle, joint and back pain. It gives you a professional look without compromise to a fashionable appearance.

Material

The outer upper part of the Alegria Essence is made from durable leather that is easy to clean and waterproof. The insole is made from multiple materials like cork, polyurethane and memory foam. These materials are sturdy but maintain an ideal footbed for a soft landing. The outer sole is made with soft Nappa, metallic or leather to give you enough service.

Gender

The shoe is designed for ladies. It has elegant designs or shiny appearance that gives the footwear a feminine outlook. If you want to maintain your professional look but keep it trendy, then this is your shoe.

Style

This Alegria Essence women's shoe is a professional sneaker that comes in a range of colors. You will also have several designs of prints to choose from. If you want a plain women's shoe, the option is there with several options in the list.

Arch

If you have a flat foot, plantar fasciitis or fallen arch, then this shoe is in the market to save you the agony caused by these conditions. The shoe supports your and gives you maximum comfort without any need to buy insoles.

12. New Balance Men’s 990v5 Sneaker

Next, we have a stylish pair of sneakers from New Balance, which are designed to be comfortable enough to be worn by men with foot pain. The high quality, stylish, and youthful design is available in a range of colors, which means you can pick the pair that suits you best. It also means you can look great while wearing them, unlike many shoes made for foot pain. There is no reason to concede style for comfort.

The high comfort level of these men’s fashion sneakers comes from the breathable mesh used in the manufacture of the uppers. This means plenty of air can get through the shoe to keep your feet fresh and give you breathing space. They also use ortholite cushioning to keep the soles of your feet comfortable, which is useful if you suffer from something like plantar fasciitis.

These New Balance sneakers are the perfect bridge between comfort and style, as they look great while offering plenty of support and breathability.

What to Look for when Buying Shoes for Back Pain Management

It’s tempting to buy footwear without much thought, and everyone’s made an impulsive purchase from time to time, but that often means the product description goes unread.  Unfortunately, such purchases could cause you chronic pain if the features don’t meet your needs and/or aren’t designed for comfort or function. Adults take thousands of steps each day, and wearing the wrong shoes will have a negative impact on your spine. If you need some help finding the right footwear to help save your back, take a look at the styles above and the important characteristics listed below that you should consider before you buy.

Material

A shoe’s material determines its ability to absorb shock. The density and modification of the footwear are essential in improving support and distributing the weight exerted on various body parts. Some materials are rigid and may give your feet a hard time fitting in. Your feet should feel comfortable, and the heel should sustain the body impact comfortably. The material should be flexible to allow movement of your feed.

The material also determines the weight of the footwear, and the best material should be light yet thick enough to provide sufficient support. Keep in mind that material will also influence the durability of the shoe. If you do a lot of walking, running or other activity in your shoes, remember some materials may cause friction and result in more pain.

Gender

There are different types of footwear and shoes designed for women, men or both. This is not just based on style and fashion, but it puts into consideration the structural differences. The weight of a man is distributed differently compared to that of a woman. When manufacturers are making these shoes, they have to consider the target gender. If you wear a shoe meant for opposite gender, you will experience discomfort and probably accumulate pressure on your back.

When the impact builds up, you may suffer from back pain. However, these are unisex footwear which is made for both men and women. These walking or running shoes are designed to fit and support varying weights without any stress. Unisex footwear does not have biased designs to maintain neutrality. Gender also plays a role in determining the design of the shoe.

For those who walk a lot, see our review on the top shoes for walking on concrete. There are some which are meant for men and others for women. There are also preferred colors for each gender when you are choosing the best shoes or men’s shoes for back pain management. However, the color is not a restrictive aspect if you have found a shoe that gives you comfort.

Style

The style of footwear dictates how each part of your feet will be aligned. There are women and men’s shoes which are contracted at the tip and only fit people with short or thin forefeet. The adjustment of the footwear determines your mass distribution on the feet. Highly raised shoes can cause discomfort because the fore part of your feet carries the weight. Consequently, pressure accumulates and affects your gait.

If you have a strained posture, the possibility of back pain is high. Also, flat shoes can be the cause of back pain because they do not provide any support. Hence, the whole body weight is sustained by your legs and back. Other footwear like flip-flops increases back pain because they are strenuous to keep lifting. Having a strap that helps to keep the shoe intact will reduce back pain.

Arch Support

The shoe’s arch should match with your foot arch. The aspect ensures that your feet are aligned, and you experience maximum comfort. Some people have different left and right arch which requires a lot of sensitivity when choosing the best shoes with arch support for everyday health. If you are in this category, you should try out both shoes to make sure you have selected the best fit.

The arch determines which part of your leg carries the most weight. Therefore, you should seek shoes provides maximum support to this part. The footwear should also be cushioned to reduce your back pain and the impact of pressure when running, jogging, playing, standing or walking.

A matching arch eases your motion. After considering these factors, you can choose the right shoe to alleviate and prevent back pain as well as unnecessary foot pain. Here is a list of some of the best choices of shoes for people who suffer from back pain, followed by our definitive guide.

Conclusion

Whether you want a boot, sneaker, loafer, or an athletic shoe, your priority should be comfort. Consider footwear that gives your arch optimum support to alleviate back pain as well as foot, knee, and neck pain. Make sure that your purchase aligns with your foot to avoid straining your feet.

FAQs

Q. How long does lower back pain last?
A. If you follow the prescriptions of your physician religiously and wear the right comfort shoes for lower back pain, you should get better within 6 weeks. However, you may experience the chronic pain longer, but you should get some relief from your low back pain over time to improve your quality of life.

Q. What are the different types of back pain?
A. There are several types of back pain. Some health conditions that cause back pain are the worst shoes possible, rheumatoid arthritis, and pregnancy. The kinds of back pain include slipped disc, osteoporosis, referred pain, fibromyalgia, pregnancy, pinched nerve, rheumatoid arthritis, and sciatica.

Q. Can shoes cause back pain?
A. the answer to this question is a yes – shoe can cause back pain… But how? The wrong type of footwear will cause excess pressure on your feet. When the impact accumulates, it affects your lower back because it has to sustain the weight. However the cause of back pain can largely differ. Learn more about selecting shoes to ease back pain in this Harvard study.

Did you Know?

Initially, heels were meant for men and not women.

Expert Tip by Alexis DeSalva Kahler

Shoes play a role in your gait and determine the quality of your life because they prevent conditions like fasciitis and bunion. Therefore, buy your shoes selectively for maximum comfort.