Back Pain Shoes

Do back pain shoes help reduce or prevent back pain? There is a possibility.

Many experts believe that wearing orthotic footwear, or a shoe fitted with custom made orthotic inserts, can be beneficial. Not only in relieving back discomfort...

...but also in alleviating other problems caused by imbalances in the feet, resulting in poor posture.

Since poor posture is one of the biggest reasons for upper back, middle and lower back pain, it is vital that correct posture begin from the ground up, with proper footwear.

Orthotics Shoes for Back Pain

Choosing the best orthotic shoes is most definitely a personal matter, as foot structure and painful foot problems vary from person to person.

However, good orthotics shoes should have...

• suitable cushioning
• great arch support
• a low heel
• support that allows for proper spine alignment
• adequate length and width

In order to comfortably accommodate your toes, orthotic footwear will most likely have somewhat of a box shaped toe.

Although many styles of orthotics shoes are more functional than fashionable, it is possible, with the use of orthotics shoe inserts, to have orthotic dress shoes.

Orthotic Inserts

A trip to a podiatrist or foot specialist, and a 15 minute casting, or molding, of your feet, can produce a pair of custom made orthotic insoles that can turn everyday footwear into back pain shoes.

The beauty of orthotic inserts is that although they are expensive, if not covered by medical insurance, they can often be used in more than one pair of shoes.

I have had several pairs of custom made orthotics and find that the only limitation as to what shoes I can wear them in is the shoe width. Before wearing a new pair I have them sized to my workout sneakers. Even though this can make them wide for dress shoes, they are of use in most other shoes.

Over-the-counter orthotics, such as Dr. Scholl's Pain Relief Orthotics, can be useful as well. However, the best support typically will come from something that has been custom made.

And if you do a lot of running, jogging, or hiking? You are most likely a good candidate for orthotics shoe inserts.

You may also be interested in:
Back Pain Products
Painful Foot Problem
Prevent Back Pain

Back Pain Shoes Buying Guidelines

Guys have it easier, lots easier, when it comes to finding back pain shoes. Why?

Because, men don't have nearly the same tempting footwear selection to choose from as women do. And, the shoes that are available to men, for the most part, are much more practical for everyday wear than a majority of the shoes designed for women.

Basically, they will have many of the same qualities as good orthotics shoes...

...a low heel, sufficient cushioning, arch support consistent with your needs, proper sizing for length and width that will allow for any foot deformities, and provide a foot bed that is supportive for correct spine alignment and good posture.

Based on my own experience, one thing I cannot emphasize enough...

Do not scrimp on what you pay for back pain shoes. I did just that for years, and finally decided to splurge. What a world of difference it has made in how my back feels - not to mention my feet!

For a really decent pair of back pain shoes, you will probably need to spend at least $80.00, usually more. However, if your budget will allow, it should be money well spent.

Stores such as The Walking Company specialize in selling shoes that are designed for long-term comfort. Whether you are off to work or looking for orthotic sandals, brands such as...

Naot, Dansko, Earth, Mephisto, Ecco, Clarks, Merrell, Ariat, Pikolinos, New Balance, MBT, Ryka, Asics, Brooks and Saucony, among many, many others,

...may make good back pain shoes, for you. Also, companies such as Footsmart (one of my favorites)...

...provide not only great footwear for problem feet, but also foot devices and aids to help make walking easier.

Because of their negative heel technology, Earth shoes have become my favorite. Read more about my experience with them, and with New Balance sneakers, for both my back pain and painful foot problems.