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.
Table of Contents
The Best Shoes for Back Pain Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Merrell Men’s Encore Gust Slip-On |  Top Pick |
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| 2. Brooks Women’s Ghost 12 |  |
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| 3. HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Bondi 6 |  |
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| 4. Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker |  |
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| 5. Propet Women’s Helen Sandal |  |
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| 6. Vionic Men’s Astor Preston Slip-on |  |
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| 7. Vionic Women’s Tide II Toe Post |  |
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1. Merrell Men’s Encore Gust Slip-On Shoe — Best Shoes for Lower Back Pain
The Merrell Men’s Encore Gust Slip-On Shoe is one of the best shoes for those suffering from back pain. This slip-on shoe has a pretty thick heel and air cushion that absorbs shock. The shoe provides great support and it is very comfortable on the foot. It comes with an insole that is made with cloth material, and this gives it a very soft feel. The material of the insole also helps to maintain the right air circulation.
With these shoes, you can stand for hours and carry out any duty without feeling any back pain. It provides great comfort and it is highly durable. The surface of the outer upper is made with leather, and this adds to the durability of the shoe. The shoe is made with 100 percent full-grain leather. It also has a very smooth texture, and this makes it completely water-resistant.
It comes with an M-Select grip sole, and it provides great grip, traction, and stability. The shoe helps to reduce leg fatigue and it is highly flexible. It also has great arch support, with an insole that keeps you well-grounded.
Specs
- Material: Full-grain leather
- Gender: Male
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 7 – 15
Pros
- Easy to put on and take off
- Provides great arch support
- Reduces leg fatigue and back pain
- Made with highly durable and flexible materials
Cons
- Available in only two colors
2. Brooks Women’s Ghost 12 Running Shoe
If you are looking for the best running shoes for women suffering from back pain, we recommend you go for the Brooks Women’s Ghost 12 Running Shoe. This is a great pair of running shoes, and it is designed to help reduce lower back pain. This running shoe is available in a variety of colors, allowing you to choose the color that best suits your style.
This shoe boasts of energizing cushion and it is neutral to supination. The upper part of this shoe is stretchable and highly breathable. The design of the upper part keeps your feet dry, cool, and healthy, enhancing adequate air circulation. It is very comfortable and it gives your feet a soft feel, thanks to its fabric lining. The shoe has a luxurious tongue that provides maximum flexibility and comfort.
It comes with removable insoles that allow for the free flow of air. The shoe is super lightweight and you can use it to run for hours without feeling any back pain or leg fatigue. You can use it for cross-training, road running, and the gym. It also boasts of great responsiveness and durability, thanks to this blend of DNA LOFT and BioMoGo DNA cushioning. It provides a stable, smooth ride with a secure, soft fit.
Specs
- Material: Fabric
- Gender: Female
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 5 – 12
Pros
- Super lightweight and comfortable
- Available in different colors and sizes
- Made with highly durable fabric
- Helps to relieve foot pain
Cons
- It is expensive
3. HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Bondi 6 Running Shoe
Next on our list is the HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Bondi 6 Running Shoe. This is another great pair of running shoes for men experiencing lower back pain. These shoes are one of the most supportive and cushioned running shoes on the market. When it comes to absorbing shock, you can rely on these shoes. It offers great motion control and it absorbs shock pretty well.
The great motion control of these shoes is attributed to the Meta-Rocker technology it comes with. The shoe is made with mesh with an upper that is made with synthetic. The upper is highly breathable and it allows for adequate airflow. The appropriate air control helps to keep your feet fresh, odor-free, and healthy. It also comes with a full EVA midsole that is well-cushioned.
It comes with a synthetic outsole that is equally thick and durable. The shoe is available in 21 different colors and designs, with sizes ranging from 7 to 14 wide. It also comes with breathable textile lining for abrasion-free wear. The shoe is highly durable, flexible, and comfortable. You can get the female version of this shoe here.
Specs
- Material: Mesh
- Gender: Male
- Sole: Synthetic sole
- Size: 7 – 14
Pros
- Provides a balanced and smooth ride
- Well-cushioned EVA midsole
- Provides great motion control and shock absorption
- Highly breathable upper
Cons
- Some users complain about its durability
4. Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes — Best Walking Shoes for Back Pain
If you are looking for the best walking shoe for back pain, you should consider the Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoe. This is a very nice pair of shoes that you can use to walk a very long distance and for a very long time. You can also wear these shoes as casual shoes. The shoes provide a high level of comfort and stability. They provide great support and help to reduce back pain and foot pain.
The shoes are made with full grain genuine leather, and it enhances the durability of the shoes. The upper is also made with leather and it provides a secure fit. It comes with a BioMoGo midsole that returns energy to the feet, providing you with luxury cushioned comfort.
The shoe features a synthetic outsole that is thick and durable, and it provides great balance while walking. In addition to helping with back pain, this shoe also provides great arch support, especially for people with overpronation. The innovative outsole and forefoot MC Pod construction will always keep your foot in a stable, balanced, and efficient position. It is slip-resistant, and it provides a firm, secure fit.
The shoe is both durable and comfortable, and it also features a great look. It is available in three different colors, with sizes ranging from 7 to 15 X-wide. The shoe is a little bit pricey, but it is worth the money. You can get the women’s version of the shoe here.
Specs
- Material: 100% leather
- Gender: Male
- Sole: Synthetic sole
- Size: 7 – 15
Pros
- Thick and durable synthetic outsole
- Provides a great grip and absorbs shock
- Slip-resistant and long-lasting
- Soft cushioning for more comfort
Cons
- Complaints about the quality
5. Propet Women’s Helen Sandal
The Propet Women’s Helen Sandal is for the sandal lovers. This sandal provides great support and it helps to lessen back pain. It is super lightweight and you can wear it all day without any issues. Propet designed this casual sandal for lower back pain sufferers. It features a high-performance rubber sole that does a great job of absorbing shock. It also has extra padding to provide your feet with all the support they need.
The sandal is made with premium quality Nubuck leather and it is highly durable. It comes with microfiber EVA midsole and insole and they are contoured for better cushioning. They offer a high level of comfort, thanks to the soft padding. It is also highly adjustable, thanks to the hook-and-loop straps. The straps are on the heel, forefront, and instep, and they help to make the sandal more comfortable.
The outsoles of this sandal provide great traction and support, and they are made from durable, high-performance rubber. The design of the shoe allows for great airflow, keeping your feet dry and cool at all times. It also provides excellent heel and arch support. The sandal is available in four different colors, with sizes ranging from 6 to 10.
Specs
- Material: 100% leather
- Gender: Women
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 6 – 10
Pros
- Made with 100% Nubuck leather
- Allows for free and constant airflow
- High adjustable and comfortable
- Soft padding for extra support
Cons
- Some complaints about the comfort
6. Vionic Men’s Astor Preston Slip-on Leather Loafer
The Vionic Men’s Astor Preston Slip-on Leather Loafer is one of the best shoes for bad back. This leather loafer for men provides concealed orthotic support. One of the most notable features of this pair of shoes is the Orthaheel technology. With this feature, you can use this shoe all day without feeling any discomfort.
The shoe features a slip-on design, which means you can wear it and take it off with ease. You do not have laces to deal with, which means no more delays when trying to wear your shoes. This feature also helps to reduce the pressure from your foot without issues. It features a great design and looks, and it matches common outfits. The shoe is made of leather and it comes with a rubber sole.
The upper of the shoe is made with leather, and it provides a firm and secure grip. It also features leather linings for an abrasion-free foot environment. The footbed is leather-wrapped cushioned, and you can easily remove it for more comfort. The heel is also well padded to ensure you remain comfortable regardless of how long you wear the shoes.
Specs
- Material: Leather
- Gender: Male
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 7 – 13
Pros
- Plush look and design
- Reduces lower back pain after weeks of use
- Made with genuine leather
- Removable, leather-wrapped footbed
Cons
- Not true to size
7. Vionic Women’s Tide II Toe Post Sandal
The Vionic Women’s Tide II Toe Post Sandal is the last on our list, and it made it to our list because of its simple design. This sandal features a simple, yet stylish design that separates it from other sandals from the market. Well, it is truly different from other regular sandals because it provides great support and alleviates lower back pain.
This women’s sandal is designed to provide the stabilization that you need while walking. You can also use it to stand and walk all day without any pain or discomfort. The design also helps to reduce pressure on the legs and feet, and this makes your back stop hurting so you can walk comfortably.
The sandal is made with synthetic and leather and it comes with a TPR outsole. The midsole is made with EVA and it is well-cushioned to be more comforting. The upper features a dual-layer leather, and the design allows for the free flow of air. It features a deep heel cup for more support with biomechanical orthotic footbeds. You can get this sandal in any color of your choice, as it is available in 14 different colors, with sizes ranging from 5 to 12.
Specs
- Material: Leather and Synthetic
- Gender: Women
- Sole: TPR sole
- Size: 5 – 12
Pros
- Available in a variety of colors
- Great for those with injuries
- Super lightweight and durable construction
- Keeps the feet dry and cool always
Cons
- Cannot be worn when cold
How to Choose the Right Shoes for Back Pain
To begin, here’s a video on how to determine what could be causing your back pain.
Material
The material of a shoe plays a key role in the level of support it provides. The shoe’s material determines its ability to absorb shock. You should avoid rigid materials, as they give your feet a hard time fitting in.
Your Style
We highly recommend you consider your style and needs before venturing into the market. You should go for shoes that suit your style and dress pattern. There are many back pain-relieving shoes out there, and this gives you the liberty to choose an option that suits your style.
Arch Support
Another vital thing you should consider is the support the shoe offers. The arch of the shoe should match the arch of your foot. This helps to keep your feet aligned, providing you with all the comfort you need. You should also go for shoes that are well-cushioned, as this helps to reduce back pain as well as the impact of pressure when jogging, running, walking, and standing.
Secure Fit
Saggy and loose shoes can alleviate back pain, as you would need to apply more strength to carry them along. The shoe you opt for should fit firmly and securely. It should grip your foot very well. The shoe should not be too tight or loose.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are looking for loafers, sneakers, boots, running, or walking shoes, your major focus should be on comfort. You should go for shoes that provide a high level of comfort and arch support to help reduce back pain, foot pain, neck pain, and knee pain. The shoe should also align with your foot properly.
While all the shoes on our list are great for back pain sufferers, our top pick is the Merrell Men’s Encore Gust Slip-On Shoe because it is comfortable and provides excellent arch support.
