Last Updated: 4/ 17/ 2022
When afflicted with sciatica or lower back pain, even thinking about standing or walking causes sobs. In 90% of cases, it can be attributed to non-ergonomic shoes that exert severe compression on your lower limbs and lumbar herniated discs.
As a result, you feel unbearable pain while walking, running, or even standing for long periods. It is impossible to engage in professional or personal life with zeal; therefore, chances to participate in sports activities are almost nonexistent because of the strain on the sciatic nerve.
However, the simple solution lies in wearing the best shoes for sciatica that support your feet, equally distribute the shock waves, and maintain your spine’s natural curve. [1]
Over the past two weeks, our team tested 50+ shoes for different use cases and shortlisted the following 10 worth trying.
Whether you’re looking for sciatica shoes for all-day work, walking, playing tennis, running, getting Plantar Fasciitis, or just moving around at home, we have some fantastic discoveries.
What are the Best Shoes for Sciatica Nerve Pain?
What kind of shoes should I wear if I have sciatica?
Your Usage: Apart from all other factors, it all comes down to your use case and what you are trying to accomplish. You need a highly cushioned shoe with a springy nature if you want to run a long mile, just like FuelCell Rebel V2. In contrast, if all you want to do is walk around the house, Birkenstock Unisex sandals are a perfect choice.
Orthopedic: A pair of orthopedic shoes is important if you suffer from nerve compression. These shoes have arch support or a shank to support your legs.
Arch Support: During walking and standing, nerve compression occurs due to the shank or arch support in these shoes. The arch support will reduce pressure on the lower back while supporting your feet when you have this pain.
Shock Absorbers: By wearing shoes that absorb shocks and distribute them evenly, you can relieve the extra pressure pinching your sciatic nerve.
Wider Toe Box: The ideal shoes for sciatica must have a roomy toe box to allow easy movement and present additional strain on the nerve. [2]
Hear what Dr. Janowitz has to say about this:
An In-depth Look at the Best Shoes for Sciatica & Back Pain
Under Quick Stuffs unbiased product review policy, here are in-depth reviews of the above recommendations based on our testing, customers’ feedback, and recent updates among competitors.
1. ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 18 Running Shoe
✅ Good FOR: This Asics GEL-Nimbus 18 offers ultimate cushioning and reduced weight, making it our favorite shoe for sciatica sufferers. We discovered it to be the most comfortable running shoe, equally suitable for walking and wearing all day long.
Features a range of sizes from 6-16 inches and a decent color selection for men & women to match their style. I also appreciate it because its narrower heel molding made a slightly tighter fit. As a result, your walking posture is more upright.
We found that the rearfoot and forefoot gel cushioning worked with sole support to absorb shocks during ground contact.
The ASICS FluidFit shoe makes an excellent training footwear choice with its multi-directional stretch and meshed upper.
Toe-offs are more effective with Durasponge technology on the forefoot.
I felt significant relief in my knee and sciatic strain with consistent use, thanks to its Fluidride technology, which increases the comfort of this pair.
Besides the excellent stability, ASICS offers good lateral support, which means you can stay away from specific injuries. Thick upper builds are great for enhancing resilience.
However, compared with Nimbus 16, this pair of shoes is a little uncomfortable due to the pointy toe box.
These shoes are specifically designed for training and racing but have also been used in smaller distance races. With a neutral to overpronation arch support, it relaxes your arch for road running.
2. Orthofeet Verve Orthotic Sneakers
✅ GOOD FOR: When you need an all-in-one women’s shoe for plantar fasciitis, sciatica, arthritis, diabetes, or lower back pain, then Orthofeet Verve is the ultimate footwear solution.
We recommend this shoe because the brand consistently brings all ortho-cushioning systems under one product. Its unique biomechanics soothes all types of painful feet and allows you to participate in everyday activities.
Another reason to love these shoes is the ergonomic soles powered by professional-level cushioning that allow the shoe to adapt to the shape of your foot.
The product provides extra-ordinary arch support no matter your back or feet problem (including flat feet).
Talking about the orthotic insoles are so smooth due to their gel-padded build. Cushioned interior under the heels absorbs pressure/shocks exerted by hard surfaces, which often cause unbearable foot pain.
It features an advanced tie-less lace system based on an easy release and tie-back facility. This is amazing for people who don’t like to play with their laces too often (especially toddlers).
Its stitchless interior makes it the best shoe for diabetics and people with neuropathy.
Bruising? Chafing? Corns? Calluses? Or got sensitive feet? With Orthofeet Verve, you have matchless cushioning at your feet to handle it all.
One problem: the lack of styling compared to Vionic Kona.
Lastly, we found it to improve mobility and comfort, making it an excellent option for walking, running, and casual activities.
3. Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe
✅ GOOD FOR: Skechers Go Walk Joy is rated as the best walking shoe for women with sciatica on a budget. The shoe has a 5Gen midsole design with comfy mesh fabric, which is extremely comfortable for people who stand all day.
In addition to the smooth ride on rough roads, the 5GEN midsole technology provides shock absorption, making walking a pleasant experience, especially for people with back pain and foot conditions.
A second reason to love this product is its Goga Max insole technology (with orthotics integration), which provides extra comfort and support during extended periods of wear.
The shoe impressed us with its fashion-forward design and comfort, especially considering the price tag. They’re versatile for all sorts of outfits, and you can wear them anywhere, anytime, whether you’re chilling with friends or working in the office. THE WHITE SOLE GAVE US A YOUTHFUL VIBE.
They are considered most appropriate for sciatica and lower back pain sufferers because their firm grip and traction prevent foot fatigue and sciatica pain while walking.
4. Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 8
✅ GOOD FOR: Based on the testing, it appeared to be a modern, fully cushioned, lightweight shoe, which is highly reliable for running, training, or playing tennis with sciatica.
With their lightweight design, Under Armour’s Charged Assert running shoes offer flexibility and comfort. They’re made of 86 percent polyester and 16 percent elastane, so they feel light and comfortable.
We enjoyed the low-top design crafted with soft, bendable material, giving us more grip, mobility, and flexibility.
In addition to the breathable mesh linings, the upper is finished with three-color digital prints. Leather overlays also help stabilize the midfoot by securing it in place.
They feature EVA sock liners, which make the sneakers comfortable to wear. You can feel the charged cushioning midsole all over the shoe, which offers the most responsiveness and durability.
The UnderArmour Assert 8 is an affordable training shoe that provides a lot of support. The shoes from this budget line fall into the cross-trainer category and are not designed for long distances or extreme runs.
5. Orthofeet Sprint Men’s Sneakers
✅ GOOD FOR: Like Orthofeet Verve, this sneaker brings the same ergonomic features for healing or reducing foot, heel, and ankle pain with its advanced insole technology.
Specially designed to relieve the pressure caused by bunions and hammertoes, these shoes will be ideal for people suffering from neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, or diabetes.
Although the product looks like a regular laces shoe, it features an advanced tie-less laces system ideal for people in a hurry.
Moreover, we found that the biomechanically engineered deep and soft insoles had deeper heels with gel cushioning. You can also use these in conjunction with your customized orthotics, which anatomically provide arch support.
It also has rear straps to fit your comfort level. The air-filled cushion pads make stepping forward easier, even for sensitive feet.
Combined with the heel strap, the broad base ensures a tight fit and prevents the feet from slipping off the shoes.
The lightweight sole will make it easier to lift your feet during high jumps and sprints. That is why we attributed the success to the best men’s athletic shoes for sciatica.
6. Orthofeet Asheville Arch Support Men’s Slippers
✅ GOOD FOR: If you are looking for sciatica slippers to help you move around the house, these Asheville slippers from OrthoFeet are a great option.
Asheville slippers for men feature three layers: a sheathing cover, cushioning foam in the middle, and a heel and arch supporter at the bottom to provide superior comfort and support. Its faux-fur interior also keeps feet warm and comfortable.
The adjustable strap offers a pressure-free fit and plenty of space for your toes to move.
In addition, these slippers are wide enough to accommodate men with wide feet. You can wear these slippers in the morning or the kitchen because the rubber sole increases durability and prevents slipping. It’s especially important when you wake up early, and the ground is slippery from dew or ice.
Although the slippers are lined with wool-like material, they are made from synthetic fabric, which can be prone to sweat accumulation (that’s the only problem we could find.)
The product has also been endorsed by many people who experienced improved back pain and Plantar fasciitis after wearing these slippers for a few days.
Spacers come in every shoebox, so you can tighten up the fit with 1/16″ or 1/8″ removable spacers. Both sides of the slipper feature hook and loop straps that can be adjusted so that you can find the perfect fit. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure of your size!
7. New Balance Men’s FuelCell Rebel V2
✅ GOOD FOR: The Rebel v2’s FuelCell is built for race scenarios, a preferred option for long runs. This lightweight shoe is rated as a great daily trainer with a pleasing blend of appealing looks and catchy color.
This shoe is highly bouncy and squishy, featuring a FuelCell midsole (which we liked in New Balance). We experienced some cool bounciness with a soft ride and gained some energy back. The midsole is slightly larger than the previous version, but we consider it a welcome change.
Its softness doesn’t compromise any responsiveness, so the wearer can pick up the pace when desired.
The Rebel V2 features a new NDURANCE outsole for improved traction on the road. Underfoot is protected from road impact by 30 mm of soft FuelCell foam. While it may not be the best shoe for long distances, you will be able to run comfortably in it for distances around the half-marathon mark.
The upper of the shoe has been completely redesigned with breathable, super stretchy, durable mesh. It has a semi-transparent quality, which is very useful in hot weather.
Another advantage of this product is the lacing system, which is more detailed than the single problematic layer found in the previous version. As a result, the midfoot is more tightly locked down (helps relieve sciatica nerve pain), while the heel is more cushioned.
Overall, the shoe looks weird yet funky. You’re guaranteed to feel lightweight and springy!
8. BIRKENSTOCK Arizona Unisex Leather Sandal
✅ GOOD FOR: Are you looking for a sandal to relieve lower back pain? These Unisex sandals from Birkenstock ensure a snug secure fit to prevent stress on your feet. Comfortably walk, shop, and run errands!
The anatomical cork footbed fits into the foot naturally; feels great all day long with its soft, breathable lining.
With their conforming footbeds and sturdy soles, these sandals will keep you from slipping in light, rain-perfect for walking in all kinds of weather.
Besides this, you have a raised toe bar on the front to lock your foot into place as you walk.
On the bottom, they have an adorable EVA outsole with the tread pattern on to help keep you nice and steady so got a really good flex and shock absorption.
In addition to a deep heel cup and prominent arch, the footbed will conform to the shape of the toes.
It took us a couple of days to fully adjust to but found it the most ergonomic sandals for sciatica after that.
This Arizona footwear will keep your feet secure whether you walk for hours in the city or light hiking in the park. The open-toe design isn’t conducive to sports or hiking in the woods. However, these sandals can be worn all day without caring for normal terrain or conditions.
9. New Balance Womens’ 990 V4 Sneakers
✅ GOOD FOR: The New Balance 990 V4 is the best shoe for nurses with sciatica because it can help them stand for long periods.
Designed to be easy to use and suitable for every age group, the New Balance 990 has a solid rubber outsole. The simple design makes them easy to install on the legs and suitable for older people who love to walk as part of their daily routine.
A traditional rubber outsole provides stability even during lateral movements. This New Balance shoe works well on most surfaces.
Durable rubber is also quite long-lasting, so you can use them for several seasons.
Features a 12 mm drop and ENCAP midsole technology that provides all-day support. Most people will find that these shoes offer additional shock absorption for their feet but limit their sprinting performance.
The shoe’s lacing system is highly versatile and can be worn with a wide range of casual outfits for the upper quality.
The mesh upper allows air to flow in and out to prevent odors.
These shoes have ENCAP polyurethane rings with ethynyl vinyl acetate on the heel for additional support and shock absorption.
During walks or trips to the store, casual shoes can be replaced with shoes that appeal to a broader range of runners. With various customers in mind, the shoes are made to be practical.
10. REEBOK Men’s Rb4041 Cushion Shoe
✅ GOOD FOR: A good pair of work shoes that can help you deal with the challenges of the environment or protect you from hazards, such as compression or impact. These Reebok shoes are ideal for workers with lower back pain.
Reebok boots are ergonomically designed to meet the needs of people on construction and industrial sites who require comfort, mobility, and safety at the same time.
Despite being equipped with protective features, the shoes look like training boots for athletes with contrasting white soles.
Due to the lightweight materials used in their construction, the shoes will provide a comfortable, flexible, lightweight, and convenient fit. The shoes are ASTM-certified for safety.
Every detail gives the shoes a touch of finesse and detailing, from the glue to the stitching, using Reebok’s advanced technology and time-tested craftsmanship.
The athletic design of these shoes is perfect for the hotel industry, property management, or engineering and allows you to work, play, or deal with hazardous conditions.
The mesh upper and lining wick away sweat and keep your feet cool when hot and humid outside. Therefore, these boots can be worn on any surface for long hours.
4 Things that Worsen your Sciatica Nerve Pain
1. Wearing High Heels
High heels are a significant trigger for sciatica, so avoid wearing them. You pinch your sciatic nerve with heels that force your pelvis out of its natural position.
2. Putting Stuff in Back Pocket
Putting stuff in your jean’s back pocket feels convenient but puts pressure on the Piriformis. Therefore, we advise you to avoid putting things like wallets and phones in your pockets for an extended period.
3. Taking too Much Stress
Stress develops in our bodies and minds and heavily triggers sciatica and slows down the healing process from injury.
Says Dr. Andrew C. Cohen (the famous acupuncturist in SF)
4. Overweight
According to many studies, there is a strong connection between obesity and sciatic problems. If your weight is not up to your BMI, you will suffer from sciatica. Since being overweight puts more pressure on your feet, your lifestyle may be negatively affected.
Do You Know Sciatica can be managed without surgery? CLICK TO LEARN HOW
FAQs
Does flat footwear cause sciatica?
According to this research, flat shoes are 30% more inclined towards causing sciatica pain than other footwear. Flat shoes cause rotational stress from your feet to your hips and lower back. As a result of this stress, your walking gait becomes imbalanced and puts enormous pressure on the sciatic nerves that lead to sciatica.
Are Custom Orthotics helpful in Sciatica?
Yes, custom orthotics are recommended because they perfectly fit your feet’ anatomy and provide an ergonomic posture with a balanced gait.
What is the best brand of shoes for sciatica?
Among New Balance, Othofeet, Skechers, Birkenstock, and Reebok, we found that Asics was the most appropriate shoe manufacturer for every use case. From formal to casual, whatever you’re looking for, they have you covered with high ergonomic standards yet affordable prices.
What side do you put a shoe insert in for sciatica?
Pinch the sides of the new insulin after you remove the old one. Place it in the shoe. Make sure that it touches the end of the toe here.
What is the best new balance shoe for sciatica?
The New Balance 990 V4 Sneakers are the best shoes for sciatica for multiple uses. The shoe provides excellent arch support, cushioning, and a durable midsole and is styled for training and casual purposes.
Is walking good for sciatic nerve pain?
Absolutely YES, regular walking reduces inflammation and releases pain-fighting endorphins, surprisingly effectively relieving sciatic pain.
What is the Best Sciatica Shoe for Me?
- For Men: ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 18
- For Women: Orthofeet Verve Orthotic Sneakers
- For Walking: Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy
- For Tennis: Under Armour Charged Assert 8
- For Athletes: Orthofeet Sprint Sneakers
- Best Slippers: Orthofeet Asheville Men’s Slippers
- For Runners: New Balance FuelCell Rebel V2
- Best Sandals: Birkenstock Arizona Sandal
- For Nurses: New Balance Women’s V4 990
- For All-Day Workers: REEBOK Men’s Rb4041
In conclusion, if you have any kind of pain in your back, it’s best to get some proper orthopedic shoes to help you with the pain. By doing so, you’ll relieve the pressure on your sciatic nerve and support your feet. In addition, it will ensure the natural and smooth movement of your lower body.
However, many other treatments are available for sciatica, including medications, physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and surgery. But the most significant thing that stands out is self-care. If in doubt, talk to your physician first.
Keep your kicks on!
