Ease Back Pain With These Expert-Recommended Shoes for Relief (2024)

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.