Best Walking Shoes for Lower Back Pain

Who knew that lower back pain could be attributed to the wrong shoes? Don’t let healthy endeavors such as walking cause you problems in the long run due to a lack of arch and back support. Luckily, there are plenty of walking shoes for back pain available on the market.
All it takes is good shoes for lower back pain, and you can go back to enjoying your daily walks without aches and pains.

Below is a list of the top 10 best walking shoes for lower back pain, including options for both men and women to help you get back on your feet.

Our Top Picks of the Best Walking Shoes for Lower Back Pain

Gravity Defyer Proven Pain Relief Women’s G-Defy Mighty Walk– Best Overall

Comes in different colors VeroShock patented technology Mesh exterior Removable insoles Seamless interior

Skechers Men’s Afterburn Memory-Foam Lace-up Sneaker– Best Budget

Affordable price Memory foam Many designs Padded collar Mesh and leather construction

HOKA ONE ONE Rincon– Best Premium

Different colors Superior cushioning Full compression EVA midsole Full ground contact Breathable material

Best Walking Shoes for Lower Back Pain

The right footwear is integral to the enjoyment of physical movement. We often find the best activity-specific shoes, but we forget that shoes with good back support are vital to walking.

Below are our 10 best choices to help alleviate your pain.

Gravity Defyer Proven Pain Relief Women’s G-Defy Mighty Walk – Best Overall

As a brand that specializes in the best walking shoes for back pain, heel pain, and any other type of pain, the Gravity Defyer G-Defy Mighty Walk is our top choice for both men and women. The brand creates models for both genders equipped with VeroShock patented technology, which relieves your pain from the ankles all the way up to your lower back.

The interior is excellent for preventative pain measures for people with diabetic neuropathy, and the insoles are replaceable for more orthopedic support.

There are also a wide variety of colors to choose from so you can look good and feel good at the same time. The perforated finish makes this pair of the best women’s walking shoes for lower back pain breathable and lightweight.

Skechers Men’s Afterburn Memory-Foam Lace-up Sneaker – Best Budget

Who said comfort has to come at a high cost? This pair of the best men’s walking shoes for lower back pain is affordable and comfortable. The stylish shoes come in a variety of patterns and are constructed of a leather and synthetic hybrid material.

To give you the support you need, the sneakers have a mesh upper, supportive overlays, and a padded collar. The cushioning even extends to the tongue of the shoe and the insole consists of memory foam, which conforms to the arches and grooves of your feet.

The laces are stretchy enough to be slip-on and the shoes also feel great for people with wider feet. More room doesn’t mean more space. Sketchers create adequate padding that won’t overwhelm your feet.

Hoka ONE ONE Rincon – Best Premium

Many think that more cushioning always equates to more comfort and support – this is not always the case. The Hoka One One Rincon is adequately cushioned at just the right level for balance. With a mesh upper, the shoe is incredibly lightweight, and it is fully breathable.

The padded parts of the shoe are the collar, heel, and tongue. Everything is bound securely to your foot through traditional lacing methods. The midsole is full-compression EVA which gives your arch complete support.

The shoe provides the wearer with full ground contact that helps distribute the weight evenly across the sole. The manufacturer also considers high-contact areas and reinforces them with high-abrasion rubber.

Alternative Best Walking Shoes for Lower Back Pain:

Didn’t see something you like? No problem! We have a few more back support shoes below for you to check out.

Vionic Women’s Drift Tokyo Leisure Sneakers – Three Zone Comfort

For women who like colored leisure sneakers and not just the traditional black or white, the Vionic Women’s Drift Tokyo Leisure Sneakers have soft pastel colors that can amp up your wardrobe. These are very comfortable sneakers for ladies who need more support for lower back pain.
The mesh and synthetic uppers are soft, flexible, and breathable, making these shoes very lightweight and stress-free. The insole is an EVA orthotic for arch support. Another excellent thing about these Vionic shoes is the 1st Ray Technology that makes it feel like you’re walking barefoot and helps correct gait issues.

The footbed of these Drift Tokyo Leisure Sneakers is designed by a podiatrist – a specialist for feet who made sure to create three different comfort zones.

Skechers Men’s Max Cushioning Elite-Performance Walking & Running Shoe Sneaker – Maximum Cushioning

While having a lot of cushioning isn’t something everyone wants, it is desirable among some, which is why we included these best back support shoes for men from Sketchers. The craftsmanship and engineering that go into each of these shoes are carefully planned.

You get a blend of fabric and synthetic material that weave together in a contrasting pattern to give the shoe a unique look. The cushioning in the shoes has been increased to its maximum potential but not at the sacrifice of breathability or comfort.

The midsole features an Ultra GO comfort platform, and the rest of the insole is cushioned with an air-cooled ‘goga mat’ insole that will absorb shock from the ground and dampen its effects.

Men’s Athletic Shoes Mesh Blade Running Walking Sneaker– Multi-purpose Shoes

For people looking for a sleeker and sportier design, the Mosha Belle Blade Sneakers have bright color options that will spice up your look. The seamless construction of these men’s athletic walking shoes uses one piece of mesh vamp that brings ultimate breathability and air circulation to your feet.

The round toe design is also a great fit for wider feet thanks to the wider toe box that will give your digits a broader range of motion. You won’t feel oppressed with these shoes and the honeycomb insole is highly absorbent, soft, and deodorizing.

The identifying feature for these men’s shoes is the blade rubber outsoles. The way they are hollowed out in the curvature of the design extends twist-prevention to your ankles with high flexibility, abrasion-resistance, and more.

STQ Slip On Breathe Mesh Walking Shoes – Slip-on Design

In a fast-paced world, convenience is of the utmost importance, which is why a slip-on design is appreciated by many. The next one on our list is a lace-less design that brings maximum efficiency. The shoe was constructed for back pain, with walking comfort, support, and durability in mind.

The mesh walking shoes are lined with knitted fabric. They also have arch support and an ultra-light sole. It won’t wear down your feet, and the air cushioning in the sole is excellent for shock absorption. This also provides cushioning for your ankles, knees, and back.

The memory foam insole will mold to the contours of your feet, support your gait, and balance out your walk. These shoes are excellent for walking, running, and working out. They also come in multiple colors and are very affordable.

Rockport Men’s World Tour Classic Walking Shoe – More Formal Style

Everyone owns multiple pairs of shoes that suit different occasions. There are times when the situation calls for a formal aesthetic – that’s where the Rockport Men’s World Tour Classic Walking Shoe comes in. It mimics the design of a leather shoe, but it’s really made with a mix of fabric and synthetic materials.

The fit is comfortable because the inners and outers of the shoe will slowly conform to your feet over time, therefore creating a custom fit.
There is no one-size-fits-all shoe option for back support because everyone is different. For this reason, Rockport has created removable

insoles so that you can replace them with orthotics.
Even though these shoes look formal, the World Tour Classic Walking Shoe from Rockport is sufficiently padded.

WHITIN Men’s Minimalist Barefoot Sneakers – Barefoot Sneakers

If minimalist is more your style, as opposed to the above more formal style, then the Whitin Men’s Minimalist Barefoot Sneakers are the best choice for you. Aside from their highly affordable price tag, they also come in multiple colors and suit any circumstance.

If you have wide feet, look no further – these shoes were made to fit you. While the exterior may look minimalist, there is nothing simple about the construction. They have built-in arch support that allows you to move around all day in comfort.

The uppers are made from knit materials to deliver a secure covering of your foot without being overwhelmingly tight and stiff. The soles are zero-drop to provide the best aid for support and posture.

Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoe– Anatomically Precise

The synthetic and mesh design of the Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2 boasts that it’s anatomically precise. You can choose from basic white to a four-way gradient pattern, depending on your preferences. The lace-up front with secure and stretchy laces will hold your foot tightly, but it also allows for movement.

The shoes have less padding, with only a lined tongue. The collar has a built-in cushion, and the insoles offer extra heel and arch support with an Anatomical Precise-Return insole.

These shoes were also designed to support your lower back by evenly spreading out your weight along the base of your foot.

FAQ’s About Best Walking Shoes for Lower Back Pain

How to Choose the Right Sneakers for Walking or Running?

How should you choose a shoe for lower back pain? The key is to find the right fit. Once you find the right size – narrow, wide, or regular fit – you can then go on to look for special padding, cushioning, and technology. Aside from the buzzwords, like orthotic or memory foam, you should specifically look for options that have adequate arch support, cushioning, and a conforming fit.

Lastly, you should find a style you like. It doesn’t matter how well constructed the shoes are, if you don’t like how they look, you won’t wear them.

Why Does Wearing Flat Shoes Hurt My Back?

Flat shoes hurt your back because they lack arch support and usually cushioning as well. The impact on the ground is absorbed by your heel and ball, which can lead to aches and pains. Aside from the pain in your feet, the discomfort can also travel to your lower back and hips due to poor posture from flat shoes.

Over time, this can lead to more acute problems throughout your body. Flat shoes are okay from time to time, such as sandals in the summer. However, when engaging in more strenuous activities such as work, running, and even walking, you should look for shoes made for the part.

Can Shoes Help Lower Back Pain?

Yes, shoes can more than help with lower back pain. In fact, the right shoes can help alleviate back pain and eliminate the chances of developing more aches from ill-fitting footwear.

If you have a medical condition, we recommend prescription shoes – at the advice of your healthcare professional. However, if it’s just regular posture correcting or aches, look for cushioning and support above all else.

How Can I Alleviate Lower Back Pain?

You can alleviate lower back pain by checking your shoes. If you have flat feet, you require a different kind of support than those with high arches. Identify the type of feet you have and try to find the right shoes. There are footwear options advertised for wide feet, narrow feet, high arches, low arches, back support, and more.

The Effect that Lower Back Pain has on Your Life

Back pain can become a chronic issue over time, especially if it’s not treated. Back pain can affect your quality of life, and this can be corrected by simply changing your shoes. Back pain is usually accompanied by other muscle problems and poor posture. With the correct footwear, you can tackle many of these problems at the same time.

Causes of Lower Back Pain

There are many reasons for back pain. If you have prior lower back injuries, you could develop chronic pain. Poor posture over a short-term or long-term period can result in backaches. Another issue is your footwear. Wearing ill-fitting shoes regularly can cause lower back pain as well.

Many people do not realize the effects poor footwear has on their overall health. This is a good time to identify the type of feet you have and review your shoes.

Features of a Good Shoe for Lower Back Pain

What does it take to be defined as a good shoe for lower back pain? First off, you need proper cushioning and padding. Support is key, especially in the arch area. If you can find soles that are shock absorbing and can stabilize your feet, it will lead to better posture and weight distribution to prevent lower back pain.

Aside from the support, you also need durability and comfort. The materials need to be strong and robust but not too thick or restricting. For comfort, look for a lightweight shoe that is breathable.

How to Manage Lower Back Pain

If you already suffer from some level of back pain, switching your shoes can put you on the road to recovery, but it will take time. Meanwhile, how do you deal with back pain? There are yoga moves and stretches you can try to alleviate back pain.

If the problem is more serious, there are over-the-counter muscle relaxants and topical ointments to help relieve the pain. Getting a massage from a professional masseuse is also a short-term solution. The key to managing lower back pain is to identify the problem and nip it in the bud.