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The same goes for a rubber heel or wedge-style shoes, says Fu.Īnd both doctors agree that the sweet spot lies in the middle: a shoe that isn’t too hard or too soft. The problem can be exacerbated in those wearing dress shoes, but Fu and Dr. Some people strike the ground with their heel harder than others while walking, sending a shock up their legs and toward their backs. In addition to heel height, how well the shoe’s heel absorbs shock is important to how your back feels. That said, she also points out that most men’s shoes are neutral in heel height, so the heel and toe are on the same level - and that men have a lower incidence of back pain than women. While heel height is more typically a concern when it comes to women’s shoes, the concept of heel height as a positive applies to men as well, Fu says. Anything over that will not be kind to your back. The ideal range, she says, is between 1 and 2 inches. What qualifies as a “slight” heel? Bryon Butts, DPM, a doctor of podiatric medicine at Performance Footcare of New York, points out that the guidelines from the American Podiatric Medical Association recommend something under 2 inches, and never anything higher than that.įu notes that 2-inch heels have been shown to alleviate the pressure on your feet while walking. That, then, will affect your spine and lower back and cause back pain, Dr. The fact that your heels are slightly elevated allows your ankle to turn a little bit and rotate differently.Ī heel that’s the same height as or lower than the toe of the shoe, on the other hand, affects the way your leg - and, in turn, your pelvis - turns. To raise your chances of finding a comfortable fit, here are some shoe characteristics to look for: Moderate Heel HeightĪccording to Pauline Fu, DPM, a doctor of podiatric medicine and an assistant clinical professor of orthopedics at Mount Sinai hospital in New York City, shoes with a slight heel are best. No matter how good they look, don’t buy shoes that are too tight, too loose, unsupportive, or in any way uncomfortable. When you try on shoes, spend some time walking around in them and paying attention to how they feel. Shoes, sneakers, and other footwear should feel comfortable and not pinch or irritate any part of your foot even when new. For some people, for example, significant limb length differences can lead to problems that are exacerbated by wearing the wrong shoes.īut for many people, simply identifying shoes that fit well, are adequately cushioned, and provide the right kind of support is a step in the right direction. Both doctors note that what works best for one person won’t necessarily work the same for others.

If you’ve had back pain for more than a month, your pain is worsening over time, or you’re developing new neurologic symptoms such as numbness or weakness in any part of your body, it is best to see your healthcare professional.īut if you’ve cleared your symptoms with your doctor, or you want to give some commonsense guidelines a try first, it’s worth considering whether your footwear choices may be contributing to your back pain.Įveryday Health spoke with two New York City–based podiatrists for their input on the best and worst shoes for back pain. Or maybe you have an underlying disease that causes back pain.

Perhaps you sit for most hours of the day. Back pain can be traced to plenty of sources.

Comfortable black wedge booties with arch support