Back pain is something that people rarely think about until they get a slight twinge while bending down to tie their laces. Then it becomes an all-consuming issue. There are many things that can be done to improve back pain. One of which is finding the right shoes to walk in. In this article, we will be looking at the best walking shoes for back pain.
There are many different causes of back pain, and sadly, the right walking shoes cannot cure all of them. However, a common cause of back pain is overpronation of the foot while you walk, and there are absolutely walking shoes that can correct this.
By wearing shoes that can counter overpronation, you are able to reduce your back pain. Provided that it was the cause of your back pain in the first place.
In a Hurry? Here is our top pick:
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Best Walking Shoes for Back Pain
- Hoka One One Arahi 4 – Editor’s Choice
- Nike Air Zoom Structure 20 – Most fashionable
- Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Waveknit Road Running Shoe – Most durable
- Saucony Guide 13 Running Shoe – Best for exercise
- ASICS GT-2000 7 Running Shoes – Best value for money
- ASICS Gel-Kayano 26 Running Shoes – Best stability
- Adidas Solar Boost 19 Sneaker – Best traction
- Saucony Hurricane 22 Running Shoes – Best cushioned
Reviews – The 8 Best Walking Shoes for Back Pain
Here are 8 of the best walking shoes for back pain that are currently available. All 8 are from well-known running shoe companies and are stability shoes that can help with overpronation.
1. Hoka One One Arahi 4 – Editor’s Choice
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Although they may not look like it, the Hoka One One Arahi 4 shoes are surprisingly stable. Really helping overpronators to walk or run properly. Reducing back pain in many.
The shoes are ridiculously comfortable, they are by far the most comfortable walking shoes for back pain on this list. Another surprise, considering how large the cushioning, is how lightweight these shoes are. Making them ideal for long walks or even runs.
Pros:
- Amazingly comfortable shoe
- Excellent for stability
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Surprisingly lightweight
Cons:
- Quite expensive
- Not the best traction
2. Nike Air Zoom Structure 20 – Most fashionable
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You say the word stability shoe, and the number one word associated with it is unlikely to be “stylish”, but the Nike Air Zoom Structure 20 is an incredibly stylish looking shoe. In fact, on this list it is by far the most fashionable walking shoe for back pain.
It also has a removable insole, meaning that you can add your own custom-designed insole to improve stability even further. The shoes offer excellent traction and thanks to the cushioning, you will really enjoy the sensation of walking in them.
Pros:
- Amazing aesthetics
- Removable Insoles
- Great traction, meaning you can walk on any surface
- Quality cushioning
Cons:
- Tight fit for many users
- Quite expensive for walking shoes
3. Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Waveknit Road Running Shoe – Most durable
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While the Nike Air Zoom Structure 20 shoe focuses on looking great, the Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 is all about lasting as long as possible. It is by far the most durable walking shoe for back pain on this list. The shoe uses a premium sockliner, which helps to increase comfort as well as cushioning.
What makes the shoe so durable is the X10 outer sole, the Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 also uses a Waveknit upper to increase cushioning as well as to improve support even further.
This shoe will survive lots of miles of walking in almost all conditions. It is also sold at one of the more reasonable price ranges. The only real downsides are that it can be a little tight and the design is not the most aesthetically pleasing.
Pros:
- Most durable shoe on the list
- Well cushioned
- Excellent support from the Waveknit Upper
- Great value for money
Cons:
- Tight fit for many users
- Not particularly fashionable
4. Saucony Guide 13 Running Shoe – Best for exercise
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After the Nike Air Zoom Structure 20, the Saucony Guide 13 running shoe is the most beautiful shoe on this list. The colour schemes available are fantastic, and the shoes just ooze cool.
But that is not all, the shoes are excellent all-round walking shoes. The Saucony Guide 13 running shoe is the best walking shoe for exercise. You can use them in the gym, on the street, cross-country, and on the roads.
The shoes utilise PWRRUN cushioning, which delivers superb comfort without negatively affecting performance, they also use FORMFIT which surrounds the foot and also helps guide your foot and improve cushioning.
The only downside is that they are not as durable as some of the shoes on this list, which is a pity because in almost every other way they are leading the pack.
Pros:
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Excellent cushioning
- Multi-functional when it comes to exercise
Cons:
- Not as durable as some on this list
5. ASICS GT-2000 7 Running Shoes – Best value for money
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After witnessing the prices of the previous shoes, the ASICS GT-2000 running shoes are a welcome change. They are the best value for money walking shoes for back pain on this list.
They are well cushioned, yet still noticeably light. This is thanks to the FlyteFoam Lyte Technology that ASICS uses. The midsole is ridiculously light and uses nano fibres to provide structure without causing much weight.
There is also Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL technology which can really reduce shock while you run or walk on hard surfaces. This will reduce pain in your back from impact. All of this for a reasonable price. The shoes are not as durable as some on this list but considering the price this is to be expected.
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Lightweight
- Well cushioned
- Breathable
Cons:
- Not as durable as some on this list
6. ASICS Gel-Kayano 26 Running Shoes – Best stability
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Another ASICS running shoe hot on the heels of the last one, this time we are looking at the ASICS Gel-Kayano 26 running shoe.
This is the best stability walking shoe for back pain on this list and it will really help you, particularly if you overpronate a lot.
Like the ASICS GT-2000, the Gel-Kayano uses FlyteFoam Lyte Technology to provide the lightest midsole around. It also uses Impact Guidance System technology to help improve your foot’s natural gait as you walk or run.
Pros:
- Incredible stability
- Well cushioned
- Lightweight
- Impact Guidance System technology improves running gait
Cons:
- Not as durable as some on this list
7. Adidas Solar Boost 19 Sneaker – Best traction
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What is particularly good about the Adidas Solar Boost 19 sneaker is the traction, they are the best traction walking shoes for back pain. The shoes use Continental rubber for the outsole, meaning that traction is improved massively. You can walk in rain, mud, or any surface with confidence.
The cushioning is fantastic too, with the shoes using temperature-independent cushioning. This means that cushioning is the same in hot or cold weather.
Unusually for an Adidas running shoe, the Solar Boost is not a particularly attractive shoe, with poor colour schemes and an ugly-looking cushioning system. It is a small price to pay for excellent traction and decent comfort.
Pros:
- Amazing traction
- Well cushioned
- Decent value for money
Cons:
- Not very attractive
8. Saucony Hurricane 22 Running Shoes – Best cushioned
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The final shoes that we are going to look at are the Saucony Hurricane 22 running shoes. These are the best cushioned walking shoes for back pain. Which is quite surprising, usually Hoka One One win this battle, and rarely Saucony who tend to focus on running performance over comfort.
The shoes use PWRRUN+ an upgrade on the PWRRUN cushioning used in the Saucony Guide 13 shoes we looked at earlier. This cushioning provides a very luxurious feel as you walk or run, and yet the shoes are lighter than many on this list!
These shoes combine structure and comfort very well, and it is mostly down to the cushioning. They are a little expensive, but you are paying for a very good shoe.
Pros:
- Shoes look great
- Amazing cushioning
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Quite expensive
What Type of Walking Shoe is Good for Back Pain?
The first thing that you need to do is stop thinking about hiking boots. They are a vastly different prospect, and actually are not all that comfortable for people who suffer from back pain.
No, the type of walking shoe that is good for people with bad backs is actually running shoes! The shoes on this list have all been developed to curb excessive pronation – a leading cause of back pain.
Granted, this will not solve all forms of back pain. No single shoe type can. But these shoes are going to all be comfortable, supportive, and provide that stability that you need. This should translate to a reduction in back pain for many sufferers.
You can use them for walking, running, or for going to the gym. It all depends on your abilities and goals. They are multi-functional running shoes.
What to Look for When Purchasing Walking Shoes for Back Pain
There are several questions that you should be asking yourself whenever you look at finding the best walking shoes for back pain.
What is the traction like?
When you are walking long distances, you may encounter different terrain types and weather patterns. Shoes with bad traction could cause you to slip, and there may be several jarring movements. This is not great for the health of your back.
For the most part, running shoes have decent traction. All of the shoes on this list have good traction, but the ones with the best traction are the Adidas Solar Boost 19 Sneaker. This is thanks to their Continental rubber outsole.
How Effective is the Stability?
All of the shoes on this list are stability shoes, this means that they are made to prevent you from overpronating (which can lead to back pain). There are different levels of stability though, with the ASICS Gel-Kayano 26 running shoes outshining the other shoes on this list.
How stable your shoe is depends on how badly you are currently overpronating. You can get this assessed at most reputable running shoe shops (then you can buy the shoes a lot cheaper online if you want).
Or you can test yourself, check out the bottom of your shoes. If they are mostly worn out along the inside of the sole, then you are an overpronator.
If you only overpronate a bit, then the Saucony Guide 13 or Nike Air Zoom Structure 20 might be a better option for you.
How Durable are the Shoes?
Walking long distances can place a lot of pressure on your shoes, this can impact on their lifespan. Shoes that are more durable will last longer and can end up saving you money in the long run. A $200 pair of running shoes that lasts for 3 years will work out cheaper than a $100 pair of shoes that only lasts 8 months!
The Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Waveknit Road running shoes are the most durable running shoes on this list, easily outlasting the others in the long run. If your main priority is to save money over the long term then the Mizuno Wave shoes could well be the right choice for you.
How Much Are These Shoes Worth?
Speaking of money, the cost of the shoe should also be considered. Good walking shoes for back pain are quite a big investment. Combining durability, comfort, and performance, and then comparing them to overall price is a great way to evaluate shoes.
In our list, the shoes with best value for money are the ASICS GT-2000 7 running shoes. They are well-priced and well made. We also like the Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 shoes as even though they are more expensive, they have a longer lifespan due to their superior durability.
What are the Best Walking Shoes for Back Pain?
After comparing all 8 of the walking shoes on this list, we have decided that our personal favourite are the Hoka One One Arahi 4 shoes.
They just have something to please everyone. They are amazingly comfortable, which will help to reduce back pain. Their stability is superb, which can prevent overpronation. And they look gorgeous!
They are also pretty durable, well-priced, and as with all Hoka One One Arahi 4 shoes they have incredible cushioning.
Of course, it really depends on what it is that you are looking for in a walking shoe. Some people may prefer the gorgeous looking Nike Air Zoom Structure 20 shoes, as they can be worn in a non-exercise setting without looking out of place.
Or, you may be more interested in durability, price, or any of the other features we have highlighted in this article. There is a shoe here for each of you.
Final Thoughts
This article has looked at the best walking shoes for people who suffer with back pain. But shoes are not the only way to improve back pain. Many sufferers tend to be overweight, as the more weight you are carrying, the more strain there will be on your joints, muscles, and bones.
This means that diet and exercise will play a much more crucial role in preventing or reducing your back pain. For that, you need walking shoes that allow you to exercise with as little pain as possible.
Hopefully, this explains why we picked the shoes that we did. One of the most common aggravators of a bad back is overpronation. Finding shoes that can minimise overpronation through the use of stability and cushioning is a great way to help.
Finding the right shoe is a very important first step (no pun intended) to following an effective exercise regime. All of the shoes on this list are perfect for that. Shoes such as the Saucony Hurricane 22 are great if you want to progress from walking to running.
Or you have our personal favourite (the Hoka One One Arahi 4 shoes) that will make walking into the most comfortable experience ever. It is really up to you.
