Ease Back Pain With These Expert-Recommended Shoes for Relief

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The best shoes for back pain (including the best shoes for lower back pain) can be difficult to find. Especially when looking for options that are stylish, supportive, and practical—and that help take some of the pressure off of your back.

But how can the right kicks keep your back from aching? “Generally speaking, those with a history of back pain would be wise to focus on shoes with maximum cushioning and shock absorption,” explains Timothy Oldani, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., a podiatrist at Missouri Foot and Ankle. “A shoe that will absorb maximum shock at impact will help to dissipate shock up the legs, through the pelvis, and eventually the back.”

Meet the experts: Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute; Melissa Prestipino, P.T., D.P.T., licensed physical therapist and owner of Maize & Blue Rehab in Sparta, NJ; and Timothy Oldani, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., a podiatrist at Missouri Foot and Ankle.

The wrong shoes can do more harm than simply clash with your outfit. “I always tell my patients that the feet are everything,” says Melissa Prestipino, P.T., D.P.T., licensed physical therapist and owner of Maize & Blue Rehab in Sparta, NJ. She uses an analogy of the Leaning Tower of Pisa to explain the importance of wearing proper shoes for pain relief.

“The position of the feet on the ground and the cushion [of the shoe] are like the foundation of the building,” and if that foundation is uneven or crooked, the building won’t be level. “Shoes that aren’t the proper fit or cushion for the feet will cause all the joints or key anatomical structures above (such as the hips, knees, and back) to have unnecessary strain and pain.”

Our top picks:

Ready to keep your feet comfy and your back pain at bay? Check out these top-rated picks that podiatrists and physical therapists recommend below.

Bondi 8

These Hoka shoes are highly recommended by Oldani, Prestipino, and Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute. “This is a shoe with maximum shock absorption secondary to a thick foam sole and great support through the arch,” Oldani explains. Prestipino agrees and adds that the shoes are “very durable.” Plus, Prevention’s senior commerce editor put these shoes to the test and loves wearing them while “walking or standing for long periods of time.”

Fresh Foam Arishi V4

Prestipino loves that these affordable kicks are “very lightweight” and offer ventilation with their mesh upper. Plus, they have a wide, roomy toe box and offer “good support for the lower back and knees.” Reviewers love the cushioned midsole and appreciate the sleek look and feel.

Glycerin 20

Not only is the Brooks Glycerin 20 a shoe that Jennifer Garner herself is “devoted” to, but it’s also Prestipino’s top pick for a “durable” shoe for back pain. It offers ample “cushion” and “arch support” with a sturdy rubber sole. While it’s a great running shoe, reviewers on Amazon note they are perfect for “walking and light exercise,” too—all while keeping their feet and ankles supported all day.

Ghost Max

If you’re a runner struggling with back pain, consider this pick recommended by Oldani. “Brooks shoes in general have great cushioning and shock absorption,” he explains. “This model offers even more and is their most cushioned running shoe.” The shoes are supportive and stable with a raised sidewall so you can feel confident wherever you run.

Knit Sneakers

Recommended by Prestipino, these Orthofeet knit sneakers are made from “breathable,” flexible, and lightweight fabric. Prestipino appreciates their “good arch support and cushion for the heel” as well as their “wide toe box” for a roomy, comfortable, and secure fit. Plus, while the shoes have laces for a secure fit, they were also designed to easily slip on and off.

Arahi 7

Those with flat feet who suffer from back pain should look for a supportive, stable shoe that offers motion control, Sharkey explains. The Hoka Arahi 7 is one of her top picks for those with flat feet, and reviewers on Hoka’s website agree that the shoes help with “overpronation” (when the arch of the foot collapses) and that their feet “stay put” while wearing them. The midsole also helps absorb impact while walking and running for all-day comfort.

1540 V3 Running Shoe

Not only are these New Balance shoes “very lightweight” and offer great “ventilation,” but Oldani emphasizes that they offer ample “support for low back and knees.” In addition to their notable level of support (due to their rollbar stability system), they also offer serious cushioning with a lightweight foam midsole. Plus, reviewers appreciate their stylish design.

On The Clock Clog

If you’re looking for a simple and easy slip-on shoe, look no further than this pair of Crocs previously recommended by Asim Sayed, D.P.M., A.A.C.F.A.S., a podiatrist based in Kansas City, MO, for those who are on their feet for long periods. These shoes have an enclosed and reinforced heel to help protect your feet while offering arch support, cushion, and comfort. Plus, a handful of Amazon reviewers note that their foot and back pain “reduced significantly” after trying out these shoes.

Cloudmonster

Constructed with extreme cushioning and “cloud pods at the bottom of the shoe,” these sneakers from On have earned Prestipino’s stamp of approval. She notes that they are “good for the lower back and for the knees” and offer ample traction plus a “breathable mesh toe box.” The shoes also have a cushioned collar for extra comfort and reflective accents to help keep you safe while walking or running at night.

Adonis Sneaker

If you’re looking for a pair of casual, stylish, everyday sneakers, consider Oldani’s pick from Naot that comes in a slip-on style. These are “perfect for those with back pain and a neutral foot type,” he says. He appreciates the 1.25-inch foam and rubber sole that helps with shock absorption as well as the “cork and latex footbed that gives great support through the arch.”

Original Sandal

These sandals from Oofos have nearly 20,000 five-star ratings on Amazon and are “a personal favorite” of Sharkey’s. “These are patented to remove 37% of shock from the joints while providing support,” she says. “They are marketed as a recovery shoe for athletes, but everyone can benefit.” Plus, they offer excellent ankle and arch support thanks to their patented footbed, and reviewers say they are great for those “who suffer from back pain.”

The Starling

These Megan Markle-approved flats have earned over 35,000 ratings and nearly five stars on the brand’s website—and we can see why. These stylish flats come in a wide array of colors and patterns, and they have a sleek design that the brand says molds to each foot. Plus, they are crafted with a satin-lined footbed with seven layers of cushioning. “These are not only stylish, they are really comfortable with nice arch support and cushioned insole,” one Birdies reviewer wrote. “I’ll definitely be buying more of these shoes.”

Siesta Burst Slide

These slides have a cork orthotic footbed and memory foam, providing support and shock absorption, Sharkey points out. That’s why she recommends this pair for people with back pain shopping for slides. They’re ideal for wearing around the house and come in three colors available in regular and wide widths.

Carmel Heel

When it comes to dress shoes, Sharkey recommends shopping at Vionic. They are “constructed with a supportive orthotic footbed for all-day comfort and support,” she says. Though she picked this block heel, she notes that “all of their dress shoes are great options.” You can expect cushioning, arch support, and stability from any pair.

How to choose the best shoes for back pain

✔️ Look for a supportive shoe. “When someone has back pain, it is imperative that they are wearing the most supportive shoes possible,” Sharkey explains. “Because of the strong relationship between the feet and the way mechanical forces are transmitted through the joints and up the kinetic chain into the spine, the support of back pain starts at the feet.”

✔️ Opt for a roomy toe box. Wearing a shoe with an “adequate toe box ” helps to distribute weight across the foot, Prestipino explains. A shoe with a more narrow toe box can cause “the body weight to be shifted more anteriorly (forward), causing more stress on the lower back.”

✔️ Look for adequate cushioning and shock absorption. Shoes with “adequate cushion” including those made from “durable materials such as foam and rubber, Prestipino explains. These shoes provide better shock absorption than non-cushioned shoes and can help relieve back pain.

✔️ Consider motion-control shoes. Sharkey recommends shoes with motion control for those with flatter feet. These shoes “provide support to the arch and mid-foot in an effort to provide better mechanics at the foot,” thus leading to more support of the joints all the way up to the spine, relieving pressure on the back, Sharkey says.

What kind of shoes should you wear for back pain?

Oldani explains that a person’s unique foot type plays a significant role in back pain and can help determine the type of shoe they should wear.

“For example, those with a high arched foot absorb shock poorly during walking and running,” Oldani says. “These people would be wise to focus on maximum cushioning and shock absorption.”

However, those with a more flat foot, or pronated foot type, tend to have alignment issues that strain the knees and the lower back more. “These people would benefit from a motion control shoe to limit pronation in combination with a custom orthotic to help with heel alignment during walking.”

Do cushioned shoes also help with knee pain?

The best shoes for those with back pain and knee pain are those with cushion and support, Oldani explains. He recommends a shoe “with a thick sole that absorbs shock through the heel, as well as a cushioned midsole and support through the arch.” He adds that the shoe should be “minimally flexible.”

How we chose the best shoes for back pain

We consulted Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute, Melissa Prestipino, P.T., D.P.T., licensed physical therapist and owner of Maize & Blue Rehab in Sparta, NJ, and Timothy Oldani, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., a podiatrist at Missouri Foot and Ankle. We also evaluated countless online ratings and reviews to find the best shoes for back pain available.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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