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Shoes That Are Good for Your Back

If the shoes you wear do not offer proper support to your body, you will notice pain in your joints and your back. Shoes affect posture, which can put stress on the body and thus leave you in pain. While supportive orthotic shoes can provide comfort and stability to your body, you may not find them stylish enough for everyday use. As an alternative, look for shoes with certain characteristics that provide relief for your back and joints while complementing your wardrobe.

  1. Cushioning

    • Your feet are naturally designed to absorb shock by moving in a heel-toe motion. If your feet have high arches or are not very flexible, that natural motion may be impeded. According to BigBackPain.com, the type of shoe most suitable for you is one with extra cushioning. If you walk a great deal on hard surfaces, extra cushioning may be essential.
      You may have everyday tennis shoes that fit well but do not provide enough cushion. In that case, add gel or memory foam inserts to your shoes as shock absorbers. Athletic shoes are ideal for reducing back pain, but different styles feature varying degrees of cushioning. When shopping, you can find the pair that's best for you by trying on and walking around in a number of styles. If you're still unsure, you may want to consult a podiatrist.

    Support

    • When shopping for a comfortable yet sturdy shoe, it's important to find one that offers arch and heel support. One type of walking that causes back pain is called underpronation. Underpronation occurs when the foot flattens the arch and rolls the ankle outward, causing pain in the heel and arch muscles, in addition to knee or back pain. Finding a shoe with an arch support helps stabilize the arch while you're walking. It also helps keep the heel in place to reduce excess movement of the foot. When shopping for shoes, look for those that feature "stability" or "motion control" to keep foot bones properly aligned.

    Shape

    • Whether you wear flat shoes like flip-flops or high-heeled shoes, you may experience back pain. In part, this is because both types of shoes may be the wrong shape for your feet. The shape of shoe you choose should help reduce unnatural foot motion while you're in motion. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are three basic shoe shapes--curved, semi-curved and straight. For those who have a slight arch, the most suitable type of sole is a semi-curved style, which cradles the foot and provides arch stability. If you have no arch or flat feet, choose a sole that is straight to provide stability to your arch muscle. Finally, for those who have a high arch, the Mayo Clinic suggests a curved sole with cushioning to absorb shock.

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