The Worst Shoes For Back Pain

Back pain is a common problem for adults. Oftentimes, a contributing factor to pain is wearing the wrong shoes for back pain. Our everyday footwear can have a large impact on our nerves, muscles, and spine. The shoes we wear during physical activity or during long periods of walking have an even bigger impact. 

Wearing appropriate shoes for the activities you are participating in will help limit symptoms of back pain. In this blog, you will find a list of the worst shoes for back pain and why they can cause symptoms of back pain. These are options that chiropractors and doctors alike recommend you avoid when you are already experiencing back pain. 

1- High Heels

The worst type of shoes for back pain are ones that offer you no support, and high heels are one of these types of shoes. Wearing heels can cause ankle problems, and heel pain, and ultimately lead to back pain. Anything higher than 2 inches will not be kind to your back because it can affect how your leg and pelvis turn. 

While some men wear higher-heeled shoes, more women experience back pain caused by improper shoes. If your symptoms are flaring up, find shoes with a neutral heel. 

2- Shoes Without Shock Absorption

All people walk differently and some people strike their heels on the ground harder than others. For these people, shock absorption shoes will help avoid shock waves from traveling up your legs and into your back. 

Choosing a shoe with proper shock absorption may be harder than it sounds because you will need to find one that is not too soft or too hard. If you are an avid runner or have a high arch, one with maximum shock absorption is the best shoe for back pain. Any shoe with shock absorption will be good for those who put extra strain on their feet. 

3- Converse Or Other Casual Sneakers

Completely flat shoes can be just as damaging to your body as those with high heels. Converse, Vans, or other flat sneakers can put 25% more pressure on your foot than heels. The impact of walking or running puts more stress on your legs and back than you might realize, so if you are playing sports or participating in other physical activities, you should wear shock-absorbing shoes.

The lack of padding in these flat shoes causes ligaments and tendons to stretch beyond their normal limits which leads to pain in the lower extremities and your back.

4- Flip-flops Or Other Minimalist Sandals

The ease and comfortability of sandals make them an easy choice for many people but are the worst shoes for back pain because of their lack of support. Flip flops or other sandals reduce your ability to use the front of your foot to move forward because your hips and toes are working hard to walk without the shoe falling off. This will fatigue your body and lead to stress pains in your back. 

With no support for the toes and no cushion for your heel, sandals or minimalist shoes cause the most damage to your body. They can often cause the heel to be lower than your toes, which is what is called a negative heel. Having a negative heel means your foot has no support or cushion for walking on hard surfaces. 

5- Memory Foam Shoes

Since shoes without support are not good for your back or legs, people assume that extra cushioning is the best option. This is not the case though and in fact do not provide the right support that your feet need. 

Memory foam or air cushion shoes can be too soft to help support the heel as it comes down while walking or running. When these types of cushioning are combined with a supportive heel, they are not as bad for you. 

Chiropractic Combined With Shoes For Back Pain

Wearing the right shoes is not the only step you should take to limit your back pain. Working with a chiropractor can help stop misalignment in your spine and provide some relief for your lower back. Wearing the right shoes for back pain, having proper posture, and working with a chiropractor are the best ways to limit extreme pain. 
Our team at the Health And Wellness Clinic treats many patients each year who are experiencing back pain. Not all back pain is the same though, so we work to understand your medical history and daily activities to provide you with the best care. Each member of our team takes your pain seriously and provides relief to patients of all ages.