The 7 Best Shoes for Lower Back Pain of 2022

Anyone that has experienced back pain in their lives they know now all too well the levels of discomfort. Both annoying and frustrating, back pain puts a limitation on your mobility.

From a dull, constant ache to excruciating pain, back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor. The reasons for back pain remain unclear but can be prevented or significantly reduced.

Wearing the proper supportive shoes have proven to be very useful in relieving lower back pain. Offering the support with each step taken the 7 best shoes for back pain in 2022 are the beginning of experiencing life without pain in your lower back.

Of all the shoes reviewed the ASICS Men’s GEL-Nimbus 20 Running Shoe comes highly recommended.

When suffering from intolerable levels of back pain slip on these shoes and begin to experience a life free of pain and begin to experience life as it was meant to be.

Related: Living with hip pain, you may try these shoes for hip pain to relief your pain.

Best Shoes for Lower Back Pain

1. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 20 Men’s Running Shoe

ASICS Men's GEL-Nimbus 20 Running Shoe

All of these premier running shoes continue on the long legacy of performance and comfort, celebrating the 20th anniversary of one of the best men’s running shoes on the market.

The features on these shoes far surpass all other competing styles or models. From the Fluid Fit Uppers to the highly crafted construction, it is clear to see why these shoes are continually running by and around the competition.

Seamless construction makes these shoes not only supportive but very durable. Seamless construction reduces the chances of annoying irritations caused by traditional stitches and seams.

The heel clutching system of these shoes gives you the excellent arch support and improved heel fitting comfort that will keep you running past your goals.

Find that perfect fit with the adjustable discreet eyelet lacing system that places just the right amount of tension for a superior fit.

Flytefoam technology provides a bounce back responsiveness that is essential in a perfect running shoe. Rearfoot and forefoot gel protects your feet from shocks allowing for more significant movement in multiple directions.

Pros

  • Caters to neutral runners
  • Dura sponge outsole
  • Specialized high abrasion rubber outsoles
  • Better gait (step) efficiency
  • Comfort dry sock liner

Cons

  • Poor quality and fit
  • Wider than average toe box
  • Higher heel to toe drop

Additional Considerations

These premiere running shoes are currently rated low on Amazon. Low rating should not be considered a sign of inferior shoe quality, but merely a few reviews posted by consumers — excellent price point with a selection of a rainbow of colors.

2. Brooks Women’s Glycerin 14

Brooks Women's Glycerin 14

Designed for those that push the limits, these shoes for lower back pain offer one of the best support systems in active footwear. Running, walking, trail hiking, or working out in the gym; these shoes keep you supported and comfortable.

3D Fit prints provide structural support to all areas of your feet to reduce and eliminate the possibility of back pain. Stretch TPU cage offers a better more advanced fit.

A full-length Super DNA midsole delivers the maximum amount of cushioning with the minimum amount of effort required. Segmented Crash Pad absorbs shocks for peak smoother transitions with greater overall efficiency.

Rounded heel aligns ankles joints reducing stress on your back. The fully joined outsole provides good flexibility with adequate lateral foot movement.

Soft rubber forefoot enhances the lightweight feel of the superior cushioning of these women’s shoes.

Pressure zones in the outsole equalize pressure throughout the heel and forefoot with equal weight distribution. The universal platform combines fit and function into one well-designed pair of shoes.

Pros

  • Adjustable fit
  • Molded/padded tongue
  • Lightweight 9.2 oz per shoe
  • Mesh and synthetic uppers
  • 25% more cushioning

Cons

  • Foot tight in the middle
  • Hard insole, no cushioning
  • Poor arch support

Additional Considerations

These shoes currently rank high on Amazon with a near perfect rating. These shoes are a good pair of running shoes that are affordable and dependable. Price may be a bit high for others. The bold and striking color selection which emphasizes the overall high-quality of these shoes.

Looking for your next pair of good, supportive shoes? Look here

3. Dr. Comfort Performance-X Men’s Double Depth Shoe

Dr. Comfort Performance-X Men's Double Depth Shoe

The doctor is in and ready to introduce to you one of the best shoes for lower back pain. Trust the doctor when selecting therapeutic shoes that are designed to relieve not only lower back pain but other foot conditions associated with diabetic conditions.

These shoes are perfect for those requiring extra volume due to broader foot conditions. These shoes are ideal in a variety of applications from walking to running and more.

The addition of a unique arch stabilizer offers the support required for severe many foot conditions including plantar fasciitis.

Perfect for the active man that likes to set their parameters, these hoes offer the performance needed and required. These shoes are a one-quarter inch deeper in depth to accommodate larger feet.

These shoes help eliminate bunions, corns, and calluses due to increased depth and more room for your feet to expand. Removable footbeds are an excellent feature allowing insertion of preferred or customized inserts.

Pros

  • Excellent arch support
  • Non-skid, slip outsole
  • Seamless design
  • Double depth comfort
  • Aids in the reduction of hammertoes

Cons

  • Tighter than expected
  • Only one color
  • Expensive

Additional Considerations

Although currently ranked high on Amazon, there are limited reviews available to offer additional support on the performance of these shoes. These shoes are made by those with many years of experience in constructing shoes for a variety of foot conditions.

Stop suffering. More information is available at

4. Orthofeet Proven Pain Relief Breeze Women’s Walking Shoes

Orthofeet Proven Pain Relief Breeze Womens Walking Shoes

Just the name alone pretty much defines the intended use of these shoes.

Designed for women who suffer from a multitude of foot conditions, these shoes offer the anatomical support needed to reduce heel, knee, hips, and pain in the lower back. A lightweight ortho-cushion system softens each step taken with relief that is felt immediately.

Biomechanically engineered to alleviate pain and stress on all joints, these back-support shoes improve stability and help in assisting with the natural motion of your feet.

The soft, non-binding uppers of these shoes provide an extra depth design and a wider toe box relieving pressure on hammertoes and bunions.

Soft, comfortable, and seam-free lining with an extra layer of padded foam not only support your feet better but provide superior comfort for additional sensitive feet. Built to encompass a broader spectrum of women’s foot conditions, walking in these shoes brings back the pure enjoyment of mobility without severe pain.

Pros

  • Contoured orthotic insole
  • Gel padded heel-seat
  • Lightweight cushioning sole
  • Ergonomic-stride™ design
  • Protective interior

Cons

  • Appearance of men’s shoes
  • No color options
  • Narrow

Additional Considerations

Available with Velcro strap closure or frontal lace closures, these shoes are rated less than expected on Amazon.

Affordability cannot be a factor as these shoes are very affordable on any income level. Shoes with the same quality and design would cost hundreds of dollars more when ordered from a foot specialist.

Look for other features of these specialized shoes at

5. New Balance Men’s MW877 Walking Shoe

New Balance Men's MW877 Walking Shoe

Designed for fit, function, and fun these classic men’s walking shoes beat fatigue, joint pain, and lower back pain.

All leather construction makes these shoes very durable and dependable for long-lasting wear. With premium cushioning, these are the perfect shoes for the moderate walker or anyone that spends hours on their feet.

ABZORB midsole construction with Walking Strike Path Technology absorbs shocks better than other traditional walking shoes.

The wider toe box is newly designed for increased room, allowing your toes to move freely, preventing blisters, bunions, pinching, and cramping.

These shoes are ideally suited for those individuals that continually suffer from lower back pain. With superior arch support and a thicker outsole, bodyweight is evenly distributed across your feet, relieving pressure and stress on joints and muscles in your lower back.

With sizes from 7 M US to 15 XW US, you are assured that the size is the perfect fit for you.

Pros

  • Hook and loop closure
  • Leather uppers
  • Polyurethane Midsole for stable cushioning
  • Reflective detailing
  • Solid rubber outsole

Cons

  • Lack of styling/colors
  • Not comfortable
  • Poor insoles

Additional Considerations

These shoes remain one of the most widely selected waking shoes on Amazon. With a high rating and listed as an “Amazon Choice,” these shoes continue to be a preferred choice over other competing styles.

The lower price is attractive, but the quality of these shoes is what makes a good shoe a great shoe.

There is more information on these premier walking shoes at

6. Merrell Men’s Jungle Moc Slip-On Shoe

Merrell Men's Jungle Moc Slip-On Shoe

It is a jungle out there, and these shoes will keep you moving through it in style.

These shoes are featuring a smooth suede upper with needed air cushioning underfoot support for all who suffer from lower back pain.

Durable Select Fresh prevents sweaty feet keeping you in stride and cooler.

Keeping shoe odor-free has always been a problem with all shoes. Antimicrobial agents of these shoes fight off odor-producing bacteria and the reproduction of future odor-causing microbes.

High slip resistance on any surfaces keeps you stable and in balance. Molded nylon shank gives just the right amount of support to reduce lower back pain throughout the day.

If you are suffering from lower back pain, the last thing you want is to deal with laces every time you put your shoes on. These shoes offer slip-on design for easy on and off. No more bending over to tie or untie clumsy laces again. Lycra Neoprene collar makes these shoes easy to slip on an off.

Pros

  • Lightweight and flexible
  • Strobel construction
  • Pig suede leather uppers
  • Ortholite anatomical EVA footbed
  • Air-cushioned heel

Cons

  • Squeak
  • Awkward arch support
  • Not slip resistant

Additional Considerations

You will have to look long and hard to find a better pair of shoes worn not only all year but anywhere. An incredible high rating on Amazon. Unbeatable affordability factor with an extensive color selection, these shoes are the answer to many questions.

Look at all the additional features of these shoes at

7. Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear Men’s Liberty Tennis Shoe

Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear Men's Liberty Tennis Shoe

With over one-million pair sold, these shoes were designed for one purpose, to alleviate lower back pain.

Through years of research and clinical studies, these shoes feature design elements that reduce heel impact by fifty-percent, reducing foot, leg, and primarily lower back pain. Built-in rigid orthotic supports your feet better, eliminating foot pain, plantar fasciitis, and relief heel spurs pain.

Placing extra cushioning in the front of these shoes protects the balls of your feet and toes. With a wider toe box and an improved flex line, the redesigned rocker bottom creates a natural walking motion with less joint pain and pressure on ankles, knees, legs, and especially the lower back.

Soft full-grain leather with an overabundance of breathable mesh makes these of the 7 best shoes for lower back pain in 2022.

There is plenty of room in the toe box for those with a wider than average foot. Every one of these specialized shoes has a patented spring coil under the heel for a cushioning effect that you will not find on any other similar competing style.

Pros

  • Built-in -Z-Orthotic®- protects plantar fasciitis ligaments
  • Felt lined removable insole
  • Padded tongue/collar
  • High-quality leather
  • Higher durability factor

Cons

  • Requires custom adjustments
  • Expensive
  • Hard and heavy

Additional Considerations

Lower than expected ranking on Amazon. Primarily due to limited submitted reviews by previous consumers. These shoes may be somewhat expensive, but if you are suffering from lower back pain daily, these shoes are worth it.

Look for more information and get the relief you have been looking for at

What to Look for Before Buying Shoes for Lower Back Pain

Support

Wearing shoes with the proper arch support relieves lower back pain. Improving your natural gait or walking stride, shoes with the appropriate support will keep you off the couch and active.

Shoes for lower back pain should have a roomy toe box, firm heel counter with a flexible sole. Shoes with a higher than two-inch heel should not be considered.

Always look for shoes that have a slightly elevated heel of approximately one-quarter to one-half inch for the best results. Check out our guide to the top 7 ankle support shoes.

Fit

Buying shoes with a proper fit are often one of the most overlooked aspects of buying good fitting shoes. Purchasing the latest styles and hoping that they will fit causes blisters, bunions, and calluses. Improper fitting shoes can also have a direct effect on the biomechanics of your feet triggering back pain or more prominent other joint issues.

Look for shoes that not only fit in size but in width as well. Shoes for back support should fit snugly but not be overly tight.

Comfort

No one wants to wear shoes all day that are uncomfortable. Sore feet make your whole day seem longer than it is. Comfortable shoes should have adequate cushioning with shock absorbing qualities. Thicker outsoles not only provide superior traction but give a “bounce-back” responsiveness with each step taken.

Lightweight shoes allow your lower back to relax with muscle releasing tension that will make a gloomy day even brighter. Comfortable shoes should feel good right out of the box or when trying on for the first time at a retail outlet.

Features

The 7 best shoes for lower back pain of 2022 offer a never-ending selection of features that are designed to alleviate pressure on your lower back. The characteristics of today’s shoes have come a long way from the midsoles to the rear and forefoot cushioning systems since the initial introduction to the consuming public.

Decide on the best shoes for you with the features that give you the best possible comfort with the support required. The intended use of your new shoes will often dictate which shoe features will work best for you.

Flexible

Shoes need to have a certain amount of flexibility. Stiff shoes do not allow your feet to move when needed. Flexible shoes should allow your feet to move laterally as well as to the front and rear without noticeable slipping of your foot forward. Bend your new shoes at the toes towards the laces. A remarkable amount of resistance indicates a shoe with reduced flexibility.

When buying shoes for lower back pain, flexible shoes reduce pressure on your spine and keeps your back in alignment with the rest of your body.

Cushioning

Cushioning of your new shoes should absorb the pressure applied to your feet. Shoes with proper cushioning carry the majority of your body weight. These shoes provide the appropriate amount of cushioning for daily mobility never before thought possible.

Orthotic inserts are also available to provide additional support and cushioning to particular areas of your feet. These inserts relieve pain on the bottom of your feet, bad knees, legs muscles and especially on the lower back area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What should I look for in a pair of shoes for back pain?

A. That is a broad question that may cover many areas when looking for shoes. Shoes for lower back pain should have full arch support. Shafts made of fiberglass, steel or composite materials all offer excellent arch support.

Extra cushioning will help in reducing impact shock to the feet which are typically transmitted directly to the lower back region.

Q. What types of shoes should I avoid?

A. If arch support is needed for good, back-friendly shoes, then a lack of cushioning or support is your worst enemy. Avoid wearing higher heels or any footwear that angles the foot forward, placing more pressure on the heel or ball. These shoes drastically change your center of balance and may create sharp jolts as you walk which transmits pain directly to your spine. OUCH!

Shoes with proper sole protection should have enough protection to the bottom of your feet from stones or any obstacle that is stepped on.

Q. Can I buy some orthotic insoles for my current shoes?

A. You could but why? Adding insoles to shoes that already may have a higher degree of wear is wasting time and money. Adding insoles won’t fix a poorly designed shoe or make them more comfortable. If your present shoes are not larger enough to accommodate the insertion of orthotic insoles, you could be doing more damage to your feet than you may realize.

Orthotic insoles are best with roomier shoes that already have some degree of protection and allow your foot to rest flat upon the ground.

Q. Do Orthotic shoes help with plantar fasciitis pain?

A. Orthotic shoes feature premium orthotic insoles with a higher degree of anatomical support which prevents overpronation.

With a reduction in tension, those that suffer from plantar fasciitis often feel a reduction or lessening of pain in the arch area of the feet. Foam padding found in these specialized shoes eases pressure on the heel which is often a common painful area associated with plantar fasciitis.

Related: The 15 Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis of 2022

Q. I’m on my feet for over 8 hours a day and have pain in the ball area of my feet and lower back. Will wearing these shoes get rid of this pain?

A. That would depend on the extent of the damage that might already be done to the areas of your feet that you have mentioned.

It might be a good idea to see a qualified podiatrist to determine the present condition of your feet before buying any shoes. He or she may recommend inserts to protect the areas of your feet that are the most painful.

Look at the shoes that you are currently wearing. If the outsoles are wearing to the outside, there is a possibility that you have supination a condition where your feet tend to roll more to the outside. This condition is corrected over time with the right shoes and special inserts.

Conclusion

Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability. Back pain affects more than four million individuals annually. Chronic pain in the lower back is painful and may result in permanent disability depending on the extent of the condition. There remains no known immediate cure for this aching, stabbing or persistent pain.

Back pain may happen suddenly or gradually develop over time. Years of clinical research have indicated that lower back pain is often associated with wearing shoes that do not offer the support required. Shoes for lower back, when worn correctly have proven to not only relieve pain but to improve the overall condition of the lower back.

The best shoes for lower back pain previously reviewed, will provide not only the support required but your chance to live a life without pain. The time to make a difference is now!

Leave a Comment