Back pain is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. In fact, it’s one of the most common causes of daily discomfort in the world. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as poor posture, injury, or overuse. The pain can range from mild to severe, and can have a significant impact on your daily life, affecting both your physical and mental wellbeing. Many people turn to medication or physical therapy to manage their back pain, but often overlook the importance of proper footwear.
Wearing shoes that don’t provide adequate support and fit can put excessive stress on your back, leading to pain and discomfort. In this blog post, we will explore the role of footwear in preventing and managing back pain, and provide you with the information you’ll need to find the best footwear for back pain.
We’ll also go into a bit of detail about some of the brands we stock, and how they can help you if you are suffering with lower back pain or any other posture related discomfort.
Understanding back pain.
Footwear can go a long way in helping to ease your lower back pain.
Back pain is a common problem that affects many people, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. While poor posture, injury, or overuse can contribute to back pain, sometimes it can be caused by underlying medical conditions. Regardless of the cause, back pain can have a significant impact on daily life, making it difficult to complete simple tasks and impacting mental health.
When it comes to back pain, it’s important to understand that it can manifest in different ways. Some people may experience a dull ache, while others may feel a sharp pain. The pain can be constant or intermittent, and it can vary in intensity. Regardless of the specifics, however, back pain can affect your quality of life, making it hard to move around, and even sleep.
Proper footwear can play an important role in preventing and managing back pain. Footwear that provides the correct support and has the correct components can help to redistribute pressure, ease the stress on your joints, and reduce the chances of developing lower back pain.
Should I see a medical professional?
It’s important to note that while proper footwear can help prevent and manage back pain, it’s not a substitute for medical treatment. If you have chronic back pain or are concerned about your back pain, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional. They can help to diagnose the root cause and provide you with the best course of action. Your healthcare professional may also be able to recommend specific footwear or insoles that can help with your condition, which you can pass onto us to get the best possible outcome.
If you are coming to us as a result of a medical referral, then we recommend booking a free personal shopping appointment with one of our expert shoe-fitters.
It can be scheduled at your own convenience, and you will benefit from the valuable advice that will change the way that you shop for footwear.
The importance of proper footwear.
Wearing shoes that do not have enough structure will impact your overall foot alignment, which will have an affect on your ankles, knees, and spine. Your entire core is connected; if one part of it is off-balance, it will impact the rest of it. Shoes need to offer enough structure to keep your feet stable so they can relax and function correctly, and they need to have enough cushioning at the heel to ease the impact of walking and standing.
Having the correct footwear is essential to maintaining good posture and avoiding lower back pain. Two important features to look for in a shoe are a heel counter and arch support. A heel counter provides stability to the back of the foot, helping to keep you steady as you move. Arch support, on the other hand, helps to keep your feet in a neutral position, reducing stress on your feet, ankles, and lower back.
With both of these features working together, you can experience improved posture, reduced pain, and greater comfort throughout the day. So, when you’re shopping for shoes, make sure to look for a pair that has a sturdy heel counter and arch support to help keep you moving pain-free.
What are the best footwear brands for back pain?
When it comes to managing lower back pain, finding the right pair of shoes can make all the difference. That’s why we have carefully selected a range of brands that have been tried and tested by our team through hands-on shoe-fitting experience. We know from our experience that these brands offer footwear that has the essential features needed to help with lower back pain and posture.
Xsensible.
Xsensible shoes can help with your back pain as their unique design is based on traditional Japanese balance technology, which aims to improve overall physical well-being through balance and stability. Xsensible shoes are engineered to encourage a more natural foot movement and gait, which combined with the cushioning in the heel and forefoot and rocker sole design, can help ease your lower back pain. These features work together to reduce the impact on the joints and spine, and enable a more efficient stride.
Additionally, the shoes are designed with a stretchable leather which adapts to the natural shape of your foot, and provides a comfortable and personal fit. Overall, Xsensible shoes are an excellent choice for anyone looking to manage lower back pain.
HOKA.
HOKA shoes are a top pick for those who suffer from lower back pain, thanks to their innovative design features. The meta rocker sole, for example, promotes a natural stride, reducing strain on your lower back and improving posture. The lightweight construction of HOKA shoes makes it easier to walk and move, minimising the impact of each step on your back.
Additionally, HOKA’s superior cushioning provides a comfortable and supportive surface for your feet, taking the pressure off of your lower back and allowing you to move more freely. Whether you’re looking for relief from chronic pain or simply seeking a more comfortable walking experience, HOKA shoes are a great choice for anyone looking to improve their posture and ease lower back pain.
Joya.
Joya shoes are designed to alleviate lower back pain by reducing the impact of walking and heel striking. They use surface mimicry technology, which helps to replicate the sensation of walking on a softer, natural surface such as sand. This technology works by cushioning the feet with each step, providing a more comfortable and natural walking experience. The result is a reduction of shock on the joints and spine, which can help to ease lower back pain.
With its unique technology and design, Joya shoes are an excellent choice for managing lower back pain. Every Joya shoe has been certified to help with back pain by German Health organisation Aktion Gesunder Rücken (AGR) – or Campaign for Healthier Backs.
Asics.
Asics is a well-known brand that produces high-quality running and athletic footwear. They are a popular choice among individuals who experience back pain because of their focus on cushioning and support. The Asics Gel Kayano, for example, features a gel cushioning system that absorbs shocks and promotes proper foot alignment. This can help to reduce the stress on the spine and alleviate back pain. Additionally, the shoe has a supportive structure that helps to keep the foot in a neutral position, which can also help to improve posture and reduce the risk of back pain.
Ecco.
Ecco is a brand that is well-known across Europe for high-quality shoes that are well-built, supportive, and comfortable. The sole is cushioned to help reduce the impact of walking, and most Ecco styles feature a heel counter and sturdy midfoot support, so your feet will be able to relax and sit in a neutral position inside the shoes.
Ecco create a nice stable environment for your feet, support the use of custom orthotics, and are a lightweight profile. They’re a great everyday shoe to help alleviate your lower back pain and any other foot health conditions you may be suffering with.
Vionic.
Vionic is a brand that is known for creating shoes that are specifically designed to alleviate lower back pain. They feature a variety of technologies that are designed to improve comfort and support, such as their patented Orthaheel technology which is an orthotic arch support built into the shoe.
Although we only offer a few styles from Vionic, it is worth considering if you’re looking for an arch supportive sandal for the summer. Their sandals are designed to provide the same level of support and comfort as their other shoes, but with the added breathability and open design of a sandal. The combination of support, comfort, and breathability makes Vionic’s sandals an excellent choice for managing lower back pain during the summer months.
Using orthotics to help ease your back pain.
As part of your treatment plan from a medical professional, you may be required to use custom orthotics in your footwear. They’re a common way of correcting your alignment and making sure your feet have enough support.
Using custom orthotics in shoes can be a good pain-reliever, though you need to consider what shoes you are using them in. If you use good orthotics in bad footwear, you will not be getting the true benefit of them, and they more than likely will not help ease your pain. We have written more in-depth about using your own orthotics in shoes, and the things you should be looking for to make sure you get the most out of them.
Final thoughts.
Back pain is a common problem that affects many people, and it can have a significant impact on daily life. Proper footwear can play an important role in preventing and managing back pain. Footwear that provides the correct support and fit can help to redistribute pressure and reduce the risk of lower back pain, or help manage it if you already suffer with this condition.
We’ve highlighted some of the features to look for in shoes that can help prevent and manage back pain, as well as some popular brands like Asics and Ecco that offer a combination of style, comfort, and support. We also advised that if you have chronic back pain or are concerned about your overall health, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional.
At ShoeFit.uk, we’re dedicated to helping you find the correct footwear to improve your posture and alleviate back pain. If you need additional help or still are not quite sure where to start looking, book a free personal shopping appointment so we can give you some suggestions.
It can be scheduled at your own convenience, and you will benefit from the valuable advice that will change the way that you shop for footwear.
