

When testing, the shoe immediately felt contoured to our feet. The adaptive cushioning also helped us avoid a “breaking in” period. The breathable mesh upper provides a snug, comfortable fit right out of the box. When testing, we found its supportive cushioning provided the super-soft, plush comfort, strong arch support, and shock absorption that those with back pain need.Īlthough the shoe's design may look bulky, during testing, we found that its cushioning dynamically adapted to each step with responsive rebound and a lightweight feel. Overall, we highly recommend these shoes for anyone looking for comfortable, supportive footwear.īrooks Glycerin 20 running shoe is our men’s top pick for the best shoe for back pain. While some may not love the shoe’s somewhat bulky design, the Bondi 8’s impressive cushioned comfort and support win people over. The podiatrist-approved Bondi 8 is available in regular and wide widths, accommodating a range of foot shapes and sizes. We love the look of these shoes, especially the breathable upper and open, flexible toe box. While these shoes may not be the most responsive, they are still great for everyday wear. The shoe is also lightweight enough to prevent any rubbing or discomfort. The heel notch is ultra-padded, so we never have to worry about forming blisters. The support is just right, providing stability without feeling too wide or loose. We would definitely feel comfortable wearing these shoes on uneven terrain, as our feet did not slide around at all.

An engineered mesh and lycra upper hugs the foot for a comfy, secure fit and also allows for good breathability. The heel is cupped perfectly, without any rubbing or discomfort. The toe box is wide and soft, allowing our toes to wiggle around with ease. It also has impressive arch support in the full-length EVA foam midsole, keeping your feet in alignment to reduce stress on your back muscles. The shoe features a Meta-Rocker design, which helps to propel the foot forward, promoting smoother transitions from heel to toe and softening the impact on joints. When testing, we found they fit like a glove and are a great option if you want a casual walking shoe, but they may be too heavy for long-distance running. Its plush cushioning and quality construction made it an easy choice for our best women’s overall pick. We tested Hoka’s Bondi 8 and found that it provides comfy support and excellent shock absorption, which is crucial for those with back pain.
SPINE ALIGN CUSHION UPDATE
We are continually testing new shoe models as they become available and will update this list with the best shoes for back pain as new models hit the market. We considered each pair’s cushioning, support, fit, design, comfort, value, and more. To help determine our list, we also consulted the American Podiatric Medical Association’s list of shoes that have earned their Seal of Acceptance. We cut each pair in half to see how well they were constructed and wore each pair while walking, jogging, and sprinting on a treadmill.Īdditionally, we spoke with foot experts to understand what shoe features are most beneficial for preventing back pain. Diana Levin Valencia, DPM.Ĭlad in our favorite workout outfits and athletic socks, we showed up at the Verywell Testing Lab, ready to test some of the top shoes on the market to find the best shoes for back pain. We also tested some of our top picks in the Verywell Testing Lab, using expert guidance from our on-site expert Dr. We chose the best shoes for back pain by researching dozens of pairs from the most popular, trusted brands. Since there’s a variety of shoes, there’s also a big range of prices, so you could expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $160 for a high-quality pair. While running or walking shoes are typically the best option for back pain, some sandals, boots, or other shoes also provide the right cushioning and support. When selecting shoes for back pain, the most important factors to consider are the stiffness of the sole, excellent support and cushioning, and a proper fit, according to Omar Yaldo, MD, a foot and ankle surgeon with Hoag Orthopedic Institute. That’s why we decided to test some of the best shoes for back pain, so you know which shoes will relieve your pain and/or keep your back strain free. Something as simple as wearing a pair of supportive, well-cushioned shoes can also make a difference in helping to alleviate the pain or keep it at bay. While there are many causes of back pain, common treatments such as physical therapy, targeted exercises, and medications can often reduce symptoms.

Back pain is an incredibly common medical condition that can be very intrusive to your day.
