Best Shoes for Lower Back Pain

All walking, exercising or running footwear must provide you with necessary protection, absorb pressure and keep the entire body balanced. Right? The shoes you wear should allow your feet to roll outward (under pronate) or roll inward (overpronate) naturally.

An imbalance in the feet can be caused by wearing the wrong heel, flip-flops, or vans affecting the natural gait motion changing the natural posture leading to muscle strain and lower back pain.

Some shoes are designed to control the feet from rolling inwards while others are designed to assist the feet in rolling inwards.

Therefore, ensure that your everyday footwear matches your specific biomechanical make. To help you make the right decision and maximize your exercise or walking, here’s a guide to buying the best shoes for lower back pain for both men and women.

First, let’s look at this comparison table to give you an insight of appropriate walking, running and exercise footwear before we can have a closer look at each.

Best Shoes for Lower Back Pain

1. HOKA ONE Hoka Bondi 5 Running Shoes - SS17 for Athletic Men with Added Cushion

According to reviews from experts, the Hoka Bondi 5 running shoes for men are #7 best footwear recommended for athletic men with lower back pain.

This shoe features an ortholite insole for additional cushioning for arch support and comfort. The fabric materials that characterize this footwear is a rubber sole and a breathable mesh that keeps the feet cool and dry.

The Hoka Bondi 5 offers a secure fit with a 3D puff print frame and helps the feet to overpronate accurately and naturally.

The EVA midsole of this slowly upcoming and reputable brand of HOKA ONE model provides a low profile cushioning. Let’s get an in-depth of the attributes of Hoka Bondi 5 running shoe.

Key Features

Ortholite Molded Insole for Extra Cushion and Support

Unlike previous versions of the HOKA ONE brand, the Bondi 5 comes with an added cushion and support. The ortholite molded insole gives the athletic man a luxurious underfoot feel and comfort.

Amazing Cushioning with Rocker Technology

The Bondi 5 offers runners with full coverage cushioning that runs from heel to toe. The Early Stage Meta-Rocker midsole is specially designed to work like a rocking chair to your feet allowing a natural gait cycle.

Great Support for a Balanced Stroke with 3D Puff Print Frame

The Bondi 5 is supportive in every aspect lowering the pain in your back. The shoe features a 3D puff print frame that gives it shape and additional detailed support for a balanced stride.

ComfortFrame Upper for Unmatched Comfort

Designed with a smooth and sleek, seamless engineering mesh for an extreme amount of flexibility. The broad toe box allows the toes to spread naturally and the breathability is second to none.

Pros

• Has right amount of balance
• Super plush cushioning
• Smooth ride with compression properties
• Balanced stroke that helps to reduce back pain
• Unmatched comfort with an Ortholite insole
• Moderate heel level that promotes natural inward rolling

Cons

• The mesh is not very durable, but the overall durability is great
• Not very flexible though we appreciate the comfort and support

2. ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 19 Running Shoe with FlyteForm Technology

This shoe is best for neutral and under-pronators with FlyteForm midsole technology to provide excellent comfort and a responsive ride for neutral runners and men whose feet under pronate (supination).

Gel-Nimbus 19 features forefoot and rearfoot Gel-cushioning systems that absorb shock on impact. The shoe has ‘toe-off phases' attributes that allow natural feet gait transitions in multiple planes.

The reinforced multi-directional stretch mesh adapts to the runner's foot for a customized glove-like fit.

The Gel-Nimbus 19 also features a rubber sole, Heel Clutching Technology, a FluidRide midsole and synthetic upper. Here’s more on the features.

Key Features

FlyteForm Midsole Technology for a Right Amount of Cushion

The Gel-Nimbus 19 FlyteForm midsole technology adapts to the runner's foot for a more customized fit.  The shoe also features FluidRide technology with a gel padding to provide more cushion to the runner.

Fluidfit Upper for a Glove Fit

Most runners who have worn the Gel-Nimbus 19 comment about an excellent snug fit of the shoe. The seamless upper is a breathable gradient jacquard-mesh fabric that minimizes blisters and irritation.

Heel Clutching Technology with Exoskeletal Heel Counter for Support

The exoskeletal heel support with Heel Clutching system technology helps to absorb shock from the various sources acting on the body improving support.

Organic Super Fibers’ for an Excellent Bounceback

The superorganic fibers provide a natural, responsive ride without altering the balance of the leg as well as gait. The Gel-Nimbus 19 also features reduced weight and durability.

Pros

• Glove-like fit
• Lightweight
• High- level cushioning
• Very responsive with super organic fibers
• Attenuates shock during impact
• Provides natural movement during the gait cycle

Cons

• Expensive but with excellent comfort and high performance
• Tight fit in the toe box that requires you order ½ size larger
• Narrower fitting

3. Orthofeet Proven Pain Relief  Men's Dress Shoes

The Orthofeet Proven Pain Relief Plantar Fasciitis Orthopedic Comfortable Diabetic Flat Feet Gramercy Men's Dress Shoes is specifically designed to relieve pain in the lower back by giving a natural posture and alignment in the spine.

This Orthofeet footwear is the best walking shoes for people with pain on the heel, knees, hips and back pain caused by diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, flat feet, hammertoes, Edema, corns, bunions, and neuropathy.

The shoes have Ortho-Comfort premium orthotic insoles for arch support and multiple cushioning.

The Orthofeet also features orthotic-friendly design and removable insoles, a smooth gait with Ergonomic-Stride and a soft protective interior. Let's have a detailed look at the key features. 

Key Features

Orthotic Support with Ortho-Comfort Premium Orthotic Insoles for Multiple Cushioning

This Orthofeet footwear features anatomical arch support that conforms to the contours of the foot helping to alleviate pain from the heel all the way up your lower back.

It also enhances multiple cushioning that helps improve foot and leg alignment.

Ortho-Cushion System with Easy Gait for a soft step

The Ortho-cushion technology on this footwear comes with air cushioning to add that light feel to your stride. It also relieves stress on the joints and helps to propel the foot forward by enhancing stability.

Non-binding Upper with an Extra Full Toe Box

The non-binding upper with additional depth design reduces pressure and friction for relaxed feet. The extra-wide toe box provides room for hammer and toes with bunions for superb comfort.

Adjustable Fit with Two Sets of Removable Spacers

The adjustable fit allows space modification for a more comfortable fit.  The spacers are 1/16 inches and 1/8 inches thick.

 Pros

• Keeps the diabetic, rheumatoid arthritis, flat feet,  and other foot conditions safe
• Muscular Dystrophy arch for relieving pain
• Extra gel pads for extra cushion
• Deeper ample footbed
• Works well for amputees
• Additional support for weak ankles
• Extra cushion to ease pressure for maximum comfort

Cons

• Can be too broad so be careful to buy the exact size
• Not very durable as some have noticed but great for a variety of foot conditions

4. Brooks Men's Addiction Walker Walking Shoes Podiatrist's Choice for a Comfortable Pain-Free Step

Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes with HydroFlow technology that boosts midsole cushioning providing maximum support for low arches and control for feet that roll inward. (Overpronate)

This Brooks has notable features such as the MoGo midsole compound that contains a soft plush feel and increased cushioning best for long walks and extended periods of standing.

The Addiction Walker also features supple full-grain leather, a removable sock liner, and an Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar for a more robust step. This Brooks footwear allows progressive pronation for foot control and an engineered MC Pod Configuration for leg balance.

The shoe is durable and comes with a slip-resistant outsole for a wet-dry grip. The Brooks Men's addiction walker is durable with an eco-friendly silica compound. Let's discuss the feature in more details here.

Key Features

 HydroFlow Technology Midsole for Better Cushion and Support

The combination of dynamic gooey fluid units in the heel and the forefoot/midsole technology on the Addiction Walker provides more shock absorption and energy return.

This Brook’s model also features the MoGo midsole cushioning making it your everyday general walking shoe.

A Durable, Energy Efficient S-257 CushSole

The Durable, Energy Efficient S-257 CushSole on the Addiction Walker, provides a flexible cushioned ride. The engineering of the midsole and outsole this footwear sets foot in a supportive balanced position.

Skid-Resistance for a Wet-Dry Traction

The HPR Green outsole is durable and offers excellent wet-dry traction. This Brooks footwear is made of leather with a thick insole for men with flat feet.  It also features a full-grain leather velvety upper for a soft feel.

Linear Platform Technology for Overweight and Obese Men

Many overweight people have pain on their heels, shin or lower back.  Unfortunately, there're not many available options for them in the shoe market.

This broad Addiction Walker offers a Linear Platform technology that takes off body pressure and reduces risks of injury for overweight people.

Pros

• Well balanced providing support for low and high arches
• Great shock absorption and resistance
• Slip-resistant
• Stable and comfortable
• Soft cushy soles
• High-quality full-grain leather
• Humanmade midsole cushioning

Cons

• Not very breathable but with feet support
• Select the size carefully that adjusts to your toe

5. Vionic with Orthaheel Walker Women’s Walking Shoe

The Vionic Women’s Walker features a remarkable in-built Tri-Planar Motion Control Technology that helps correct rearfoot alignment. The flexor-zone function improves forefoot mobility and gait.

The American Podiatric Medical Association recommends the Vonic Orthaheel Walker as functional footwear for women with arthritis and other medical condition affecting the knees, hips, and ankles. 

The Vionic Orthaheel Walker features built-in orthotics for excellent shock absorption. The shoe provides adequate support with a non-slip toe, a sizable toe box and proper support that grips the heel.

Other widely observed benefits include a leather upper, rubber sole, a leather upper and a removable textile-covered EVA footbed with an in-built five inches elevation that provides a balanced heel-t0-toe strike zone. 

These widely observed features are discussed below.

Key Features

Active Motion System (AMS) Technology for a Flexible, Cushioned Outsole

Vionic active footwear AMS technology is designed to deliver a flexible cushioned outsole for work, play and running. The podiatrist-designed outsole is lightweight with a breathable upper.

Firm Thermoplastic Heel for Stability and Support

The Vionic active footwear provides increased stability and support and accommodates women’s size seven to ten. This world-class podiatrist’s designed Vionic footwear hugs your arches for all-day comfort and durability.

Orthotics Inserts to Reduce load and Improve Function

Stiffness in the big toe joint could be an indication of arthritis. Vionic Women's Walker has orthotics inserts that reduce pressure and improves function. The shoe features a stiff sole to combat advanced cases of big toe joint pain and stiffness.

Sufficient Arch Support for a Perfect Fit

Heels with pointed toes are generally uncomfortable; your shoe must fit perfectly every time with the forefoot fitting comfortably.

The wider forefoot and the narrow snug fit designed in the Vionic provided sufficient arch support and perfect fit.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Breathable
• Durable rubber outsole
• Stylish
• Functional everyday shoe
• Sufficient arch support for overpronators
• Thermoplastic heel with increased comfort and stability

Cons

• To allow a snug fit, order ½ size bigger

6. Saucony Women's Redeemer ISO 2 Running Shoe with TPU Pillars For Enhanced Support

The Redeemer ISO is one of Saucony’s footwear versions that provides structure in the medial midfoot area for greater foot support.

The engineered ISOFIT upper with a sock-like fit for severe overpronators. The heel stack height which is twenty-nine millimeters increases stability to accommodate orthotic athletes.

The Redeemer ISO attributes PWRGRID+ midsole making it the first sole-based stability and cushioning- system footwear. It also features IPR+ rubber outsole and has a synthetic and nylon construction to offer a combined feel of fit, and performance.

The Redeemer is the most light motion control footwear with SRC impact zone that begins from the heel extending to the under midfoot. The SCR technology is designed to provide shock absorption. Here is a closer look at the key features of the Redeemer ISO.

Key Features

PWRGRID+ Cushioning Material for Extra Cushion and Resiliency

The combined engineering of the PWRGRID+ cushioning material and the shock attenuation GRID offers a 20% cushioning compared to standard cushioning materials for fantastic stability and shock dissipation.  

ISOFIT Upper with a Sock-like Fit

The ISOFIT upper in the Redeemer ISO fashions a dynamic fit system for increased stability and support.  The breathable upper located inside the shoe features synthetic overlays for a perfect snug fit.

Antimicrobial Sock Liner for Comfort and Natural Fit

Most commentators have alleged that the Redeemer ISO feels like wearing a sock. Considering the advanced features in this model of the Saucony’s, the shoe weighs 11.9 ounces only. The Antimicrobial sock liner keeps the feet fresh and gives it a natural fit.

TPU Pillar for Midfoot Stability

The Saucony’s Redeemer is an excellent shoe for people suffering from acute overpronation. The TPU pillar technology enhances support and midfoot stability.

Pros

• A solid stability footwear
• Plenty of flexibility
• Thick and extremely durable outsole
• Comfortable sock-like upper
• Supportive ride
• High stability road running shoe

Cons

• A bit costly but with features that offer more than worth the value
• Heel seepage though with excellent stability

7. Brooks Women’s Glycerine 14 for an Ultra-Comfortable Ride

Brooks Women’s Glycerine 14 combines a plush interior with full-length super DNA midsole for enhanced energy return, superior cushioning and support.

The segmented crash pads on the Glycerine 14 attenuates shock for optimal plush and improved efficiency best for women with foot or knee issues. The segmented crash pads give smoother transitions while the highly cushioned midsole absorbs impact.

A good number of neutral and under pronator runners have been impressed by the glove-like fit and the responsiveness that the Glycerine 14 offer.

This 14^th edition of the Brooks brand is an ounce lighter than the previous model with excellent traction and can accommodate orthotics. Let's get an in-depth look at some of the critical features of the Glycerine 14.

Key features

Sock-like fit to Accommodate Orthotic Runners

The ideal pressure zones in the outsole of the Glycerine 14 advances pressure distribution from heel to forefoot. The rounded heel helps to reduce ankle joint stress while the 3D Fit Print overlays offer structural support.

Articulated Outsole for Heightened Stability

The Glycerine 14 features a durable outsole and a segmented crash pad for shock absorption on impact providing smooth transition and support

Full-Length Super DNA Midsole for Maximum Cushioning

The Full-Length Super DNA Midsole technology is cleverly innovated to deliver maximum cushioning, energy return and support for a mile after mile plush ride.

Articulated Outsole for Heightened Flexibility

The soft blown rubber forefoot combined with the articulated outsole provides flexibility, grip and lightweight cushioning.

Pros

• Adaptable fit
• Maximum cushioning
• Heightened flexibility
• Synthetic and mesh
• Rubber sole
• Great cushioning and support for

Cons

• Tight fit and runs a bit small forcing you to buy ½ a size larger
• Not well ventilated as many would have expected

Most people experience some back pain that results from uncomfortable footwear. This pain that runs from your heel and up to your lower back can limit you from doing your regular exercise.

Wearing the right kind of footwear that provides you with a function instead of fashion will save your back from hospital visits.

The footwear we've discussed here is the #7 Best shoes recommended by Podiatrist and reviewed by various experts for lower back pain suitable for both men and women.