The Truth About How Shoes Affect Your Back
There are all kinds of people who take different stands on what the best shoe is for back pain. You have the all-natural guys who say the closer to earth your skin is while you walk and run the better. Then there are those who claim that high dollar, supportive shoes are best for your back. What drives me crazy is most of these people follow fads or reviews on websites. You have one guy who goes out and buys a pair of Vibrams after seeing someone on the treadmill wearing them. The other guy heard from his doctor the Brooks Adrenaline GTSs are the beez kneez for comfort and low back pain.
Well, I hate to burst your bubble but odds are the information youre getting from your buddy, friend, parent or doctor is wrong. There is more to a pair of shoes than asking someone else their opinion. You can go on Amazon and see tons of reviews on different shoes but you can be in a lot of pain if thats all you go off of when it comes time to make the purchase. As a matter of fact, I did a Google search Shoes for back pain this was the first thing that popped up!! So, sit back and kick your shoes off. This isnt going to be your typical shoe review! Some of the links below are affiliate links. I only suggest products that I personally have used or are currently using myself.
So, back to that google image
Which Are The Best Shoes For Bad Hips And Back
The Best And Worst Shoes For Back Pain
Experiencing back pain? Heres what two podiatrists recommend for choosing shoes that wont harm and might help.
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Back pain can be traced to plenty of sources. Maybe you overexerted yourself. Perhaps you sit for most hours of the day. Or maybe you have an underlying disease that causes back pain.
If youve had back pain for more than a month, your pain is worsening over time, or youre developing new neurologic symptoms such as numbness or weakness in any part of your body, it is best to see your healthcare professional.
But if youve cleared your symptoms with your doctor, or you want to give some commonsense guidelines a try first, its worth considering whether your footwear choices may be contributing to your back pain.
Everyday Health spoke with two New York Citybased podiatrists for their input on the best and worst shoes for back pain. Both doctors note that what works best for one person wont necessarily work the same for others. For some people, for example, significant limb length differences can lead to problems that are exacerbated by wearing the wrong shoes.
But for many people, simply identifying shoes that fit well, are adequately cushioned, and provide the right kind of support is a step in the right direction.
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Best For Comfortability: Merrell Mens Encore Gust Slip
- Run large quickly
- Not attractive design
Merrell Mens Encore Gust is a solution if you are so lazy to type laces. This Polished slip-on is casual, easygoing comfortable, and has excellent arch support.
The Merrell Mens Encore Gust upper made of full-grain leather is smooth and water-resistant. The anatomical Ortholite footbed with mesh lining offers a soft feel and maintain the right air circulation without getting sloppy
Besides, Merrell air cushion in the heel which is more than two inches thick brings a great shock absorption. The M-Select GRIP rubber sole keeps you grounded and offers stability and comfort flexibility and reduce leg fatigue.
Merrell Womens Jungle Moc Slip
The Merrell Womens Jungle Moc Slip-on is made from very strong leather and comes with a versatile synthetic sole. The heel is just the right height at 1.25 inches but is very comfortable, soft, and ready to ease back pains.
Key Features
The lining is made from high-quality Aegis material that has antimicrobial properties. It is also breathable, so your feet will stay fresh and at ease. Inside is a Merrell cushioned heel making this simple, casual, and comfortable.
This shoe is best for casual activities and not for exercising, jogging, or working out. Its easy to wear and comes with a good fit as long as you follow its sizing guidelines. The Jungle Moc Slip-On is available in six different styles and colors: Midnight, Castlerock, Gunsmoke, Navy, Taupe, and Midnight Pig Suede.
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Contact Spine Institute Of North America Today
Wearing comfortable shoes with good support and low heels can help improve posture and reduce back pain. However, back pain can happen for many reasons, and you may need more than a new pair of shoes depending on your condition.
The spine specialists at Spine Institute of North America are here to help. Our team of spine experts is prepared to get to the root of your back pain. We will find the exact cause for your back pain and use the least invasive method to relieve your pain fast and effectively with the goal to maintain long-term relief.
We understand that back pain can be debilitating, and we are committed to getting our patients back to enjoying life pain-free. To make an appointment, contact us today.
This content was medically reviewed by Baher Yanni, M.D, on February 7th, 2019.
Resources:
Can The Wrong Shoes Cause Lower Back Pain
Absolutely yes. The wrong shoes are always causing back pain since they influence your balance in a bad way. They are also leaving less room for your toe fingers that is causing extra distress when suffering from back pain.
Congratulations! Finally, You finished the guide about the best shoes for back pain. You know that a sound mind lives in a sound body. Therefore, you should wear such types of shoes which let you move with proper support and flexibility. As back pain may cause another health problem, you should care for this.
A shoe that specially designed for back pain can minimize your pain. If you get the right support and cushion in the right portion, definitely it can be a relief for your pain.
More buying guides like this:
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Advantages Of Wearing Sneaker To Relieve Back Pain
These specially designed sneakers can help relieve your back pain and allow you to move and function normally. It adds to your mobility and will enable you to perform your daily tasks with ease.
Secondly, it can also relieve you from any chronic pains that can reduce your stress levels and then alleviate your mood. It can also cut all your negative emotions and save you from feelings of suffering while providing comfort and relief.
With reduced pain and increased mobility, you are more likely to have an active and healthy life and spend more time with your loved ones rather than being frustrated.
With reduced back pain due to these sneakers, you will also find a substantial difference in your sleep quality and rest. This is so as back pain can be an exhausting process, and these sneakers will help you in relieving it.
The Best Shoes For Hip Pain In 2022 Reviews & Comparison
Hip pain might not be an issue for someone in their 20s but as I start to get a bit older my joints feel like they are tightening up. Hip pain can lead to a variety of other issues with many people that experience hip pain also having back pain. I never realized the difference that was easily noticed when switching up my shoes and its impact on my nagging hip pain. I never thought I would see the day back when I would be picking shoes based on reducing my hip pain. But now I know finding the best shoes for hip pain is very important.
People that experience back or hip pain might simply need to put an insert in their current shoes. There are shoes that will wreak havoc on your joints due to a lack of cushion. Ankle support can be important as well as I know from experience that rolling an ankle on a night out is a nightmare. A tight hip flexor could pull the spine into a weird position leading to increased pain.
Below are a few causes of hip pain that are common for many individuals:
Pain in the Hips When Going for a Run or Walking
Pain is the name of the game for many people that choose running or Treadmill Walking as their form of weekly/daily cardio. The surface that you are running on could be causing pain so opt for a track or run on the beach if possible. I understand the importance of being able to get through a workout without pain or discomfort other than slowly dying during a 5K run.
What Should You Look for in a Shoe that Helps Reduce Hip Pain?
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Best Dress Shoes For Back Pain
The Brooks® Addiction Walker shoe is loaded with support for your low arches and control for your overpronation.
This casual yet contemporary walking shoe feels great whenever and wherever your everyday takes you!
Aside from the fact that this is a pair that you can easily use when you have to attend formal events.
This will allow you to be fashionable without hurting the lower portion of your body.
- Needs Breaking In
- Size Not True to Size
Now that we have covered the best dress shoes for back pain that can be worn at special events, you would also like to know the best sandals for lower back pain that are nice to wear during the summer time or when you would like to wear your most comfortable shoes.
Here are some of the options you can check out:
Saucony Womens Guide 10 Running Shoe
A top walking shoe for women with lower back pain, the Saucony Womens Guide 10 Running ShoeShoe is made from imported materials. The sole is made of rubber, and the insole is removable. A solid top is combined with mesh, so it breathes well.
There are different sizes as well as six different colors and combinations of colors available. In addition, the shoes offer a sleek midsole, dynamic upper, and Tri-Flex outsole that provides a comfortable experience on the road.
The ShoeShoe has a 100% engineered mesh upper that offers a dynamic, lightweight fit. Saucony shoes feature the Everun top sole, which boosts energy return.
The midfoot structure provides the best position for holding and supporting your rear leg when in motion. In addition, the midsole construction helps the foot roll inward as a runner uses them, thus correcting overpronation.
The footbed does not have a shank to support your feet, so some people report that these shoes are uncomfortable.
These shoes belong to the supportive shoes for back pain category, so it is optimally suited for people with this problem. Furthermore, Saucony Guide 10 offers outstanding flexibility, beneficial to back pain sufferers thanks to its Tri-Flex sole.
In the sneakers midsole, runners will find two layers of cushioning to provide them with an enhanced ride. In addition, Saucony made the outsole flexible and breathable to increase the comfort of the ShoeShoe.
Product Details
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Brooks Mens Addiction Walker Walking Shoes
This is our third option from Brooks. This brand has added some extra features to their shoe which can be a relief for back pain. Thats why we pick shoes from this manufacturer. The shoe has a nubuck upper. This Brooks Mens Addiction Walker Walking Shoes can be considered as the best walking shoes for back pain.
Brooks Mens Addiction Walker Walking Shoes feature a synthetic sole. It can take loaded with offering the proper support. If you have low arches, this shoe is good for you. So, we recommend the high arch people not to buy this shoe.
Another thing is, if you have overpronation, this casual shoe is a contemporary walking shoe for overall uses. You feel great whenever and wherever you go with this shoe. Use these best athletic shoes for lower back pain and let us know about your experience through the comment section.
Pros
Keen Mens Austin Shoe
Now we review a shoe from KEEN. If you look forward to these brands history, you will be surprised. It is an American footwear company. It is founded in 2005 in Portland. They have served their shoes in the USA, Canada, and all over the world nowadays. When there is a question of safety, support, and comfort, you can believe in their products.
KEEN Mens Austin Shoe is made with a 100% combination of waterproof nubuck and full-grain leather. The leather makes the shoe comfort like walking on a cloud. Being waterproof, you can use them on any surface whether it is dry or wet.
The shoe has a classic Oxford lace design. It is so lightweight which gives a back-pain sufferer more comfort. However, the sizing of this shoe is not accurate. You have to order a half size larger from your usual size.
Pros
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Sandals With Arch Support
Generally speaking, sandals and flip-flops dont provide a lot of support. But special, orthopedic-style sandals are an exception, says Fu. These do provide a proper amount of arch support, says Butts.
If you love sandals as daily footwear, a podiatrist should be able to help you identify which types would be best for you.
Best And Worst Shoes For Back Pain
If you suffer from chronic back pain, you should be considering the types of shoes youre putting on your feet.
Some of the most common and popular shoe styles are actually terrible for back pain and will only make it worse. They cause you to change how you walk, run, and stand for the duration of your time wearing them. This causes muscle imbalances that can cause mystery back pain or make existing back pain worse. With time, wearing the incorrect shoes will only make the painful problem worse. With each step you take, you could be doing horrible things for your back.
Take a second to look at the shoes you wear and see if you are unintentionally hurting your back. Back pain is one of the most common health issues that bugs people, and it can be lessened by selecting the right shoes for your feet.
Worst: Flat Shoes
Surprisingly to most, flat shoes can be extremely problematic. Many flat shoes offer absolutely no support to your feed as you walk. According to research, flats can actually cause 25 percent more pressure on your food with every step than high heels do. This impact pressure builds over time and your hips and lower back take the brunt of it. The lack of padding and arch support will also cause the ligaments and tendons in your feet to overstretch. This all cumulates to produce more problems for your back and can lead to overall body pain.
Best: Tennis Shoes
Worst: High Heels
Best: Shoes with Toe Room and Support
Worst: Flip Flops
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Orthofeet Coral Heel Pain Relief Walking Shoes
This sneaker comes with orthotic support with a premium orthotic insole. There are lots of features for keeping the wearer right in comfy and support. Orthofeet Womens Plantar Fasciitis Orthopedic Diabetic Walking Athletic Shoes Coral Sneakers are one of the best options for various types of foot problems.
The shoe is very much lightweight having a light sole also. You can move with air cushioning softens step by using this shoe. The Ortho-Cushion system of this shoe will assist to alleviate stress on the joints. It also increases stability and helps to facilitate natural foot motion.
There is a non-binding, extra depth soft upper to keep the user snug. The wide toe box of this shoe eliminates pressure on bunions and toes.
You will get soft as well as seam-free interior lining which gives you superior snug. It also protects you from falling injury. But there is a sizing problem of this shoe. We recommended you order a half-size larger than your normal size.
Pros
The 7 Best Shoes For Back Pain
Many people have experienced lower back pain at some point or the other. This usually starts as a dull pain in the lower back and gets worse when you play sports or exercise. However, many people do not know that the shoes they wear can aggravate their back pain. One of the most effective ways of managing lower back pain is to put on the appropriate shoes.
The best shoes for back pain will make a huge difference in how you live your life. Handling this issue at the early stages is very important, as it can have quite an effect on your life if it becomes severe. Read on to see our reviews of the seven best shoes for lower back pain.
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Why Shoes Are Important For Back Pain
Your feet provide the base for the rest of your body. When you wear uncomfortable shoes, they create a chain reaction on your ankles, knees, hips and ultimately, your back. Your feet need adequate support to prevent pain while you stand, walk or run. Without proper support, you might adjust your gait or posture and set your spine out of alignment to compensate for the lack of support in your shoes. You also need shoes that absorb impact as your foot hits the ground so that other parts of your body do not have to bear the force of the impact.
Overall, a good pair of shoes improves and stabilizes the position of your feet, which, in turn, improves your gait and posture. Good posture helps prevent muscle strain and pain in the back because it keeps everything in correct alignment and allows muscles, bones and joints to work efficiently.
If your shoes are causing your back pain, its time to replace them. However, before you head to the shoe shop, you might want to visit your doctor if youve been experiencing back pain for more than a few days to rule out other possibilities.
