Choosing good shoes is very important, because improper footwear is one of the leading causes of back pain. To begin, it is best to determine the way your feet roll while you are walking; if your feet tend to roll inward, this is known as overpronation, and if they tend to roll outward, this is underpronation. The best shoes for back pain are often the ones that provide enough support and stability for the feet so that they strike the ground without rolling too much to either side, leading to an even and steady stride.
First, it is best to avoid shoes that are known to cause back pain. These include high heels as well as very flat shoes that don't provide good arch support. Heels tend to tilt the pelvis forward, compressing the lower spine, which can actually lead to damage over time — and pain immediately. Flats or sandals are preferable to heels, but they often do not provide any support at all, leading to a flat-footed type of walk, or one in which the feet roll excessively to one side or another, causing pain.
Sneakers are often the best shoes for back pain, though the use of orthotics in other styles of shoe can help to provide support to the feet. It will be necessary to try the sneakers on before making a purchase; stability or motion control shoes are a good choice for people whose feet roll inward, or overpronate, whereas people who underpronate will want to choose shoes with a softer insole and a tougher outsole that allow more natural movement. A salesperson in a shoe store will often be very helpful, and be sure to give the shoes a test walk around the store or on a treadmill to see if they are comfortable and supportive.
Some people made need orthopedic shoes for back pain, but this is usually not necessary unless the pain is very severe or is also occurring with sciatic or hip pain. It is best to avoid shoes such as flip-flops, which are fine for walking around at the beach or pool but can stretch the tendons in the feet as well as lead to back pain. Be sure that you can stand with good posture when wearing the shoes as well; the spine should be relatively straight without causing the shoulders and upper back to slump forward or the lower spine to curve inwards.
