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Top 6 Best Shoes for Sciatica

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Written by Andrew Le, MD.
Medically reviewed by
Last updated July 31, 2024

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Sciatica is a very widespread issue that many people experience in their lives, and there is a lot of information available about it. It is a medical condition that is a result of compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve that passes from the lower back to the legs. This can lead to sensations of pain, tingling, and numbness in the lower back, buttocks, and legs. However, there are many treatment options that are available including the use of drugs and physiotherapy, but the proper footwear can also be of some help.

If you are in search for the best shoes for sciatica, there are certain aspects that one needs to look at. First and foremost, it is crucial to ensure that the shoes are comfortable to wear and offer maximum support to the feet, ankles, and the back. They should also be comfortable and be made from good quality materials that can easily withstand wear and tear.

Another important factor is the type of shoes that one has to use while exercising. Although there are various types of shoes such as sneakers, sandals, and boots, they are not equally good. When it comes to the choice of shoes for people who have sciatica, it is recommended that they choose shoes with low heels and a wide toe area. This design will ensure that the weight is evenly distributed across the foot and hence alleviate pressure on the lower back.

Having gone through a series of comparisons and putting on various types of shoes in the market, these are the best shoes for people with sciatica. These shoes offer ample support and shock absorption to ensure that anyone with sciatic pain will find relief while wearing them.

Top 3 Best Shoes for Sciatica

  1. Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 22 Supportive Running Shoe
  2. ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes
  3. New Balance Women's 574 Core Sneaker

We understand how much pain a person can have with sciatica and that is why the right shoes can help. We have gathered and compared some of the best shoes that can help you alleviate the discomfort caused by sciatica. These shoes provide adequate support and shock absorption to help reduce the pain and discomfort that you experience and therefore enable you to go about your daily activities comfortably. Have a look at the list below to see which shoe will suit your requirements.

Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 22 Supportive Running Shoe 7.5 Alloy/Blue/Green

The Editor's Choice

Find comfort and relief from sciatica with these Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 22. Made with comfort and support in mind, ensure every step you take is free from sciatica pain.

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One of the most comfortable running shoes that support your feet well and have good cushioning are the Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 22. All in all, we would recommend this shoe to any runner who wants to have a calm and secure running experience.

Pros

  • The shoe provides just the right amount of stability and support, making it great for overpronation.
  • The updated midsole is now 100% DNA LOFT cushioning paired with the Segmented Crash Pad for an even softer, smoother ride and easier flow from landing to toe-off.
  • The 3D Fit Print upper technology offers the structure and proven fit the Adrenaline is known for without excess bulk.

Cons

  • Some users may find the shoe to be a bit heavy.
  • The shoe is a bit expensive compared to other options on the market.
  • The shoe may not be suitable for those with wider feet.

I must say that we have been using the Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 22 sports footwear for a while now and it has done well for us. With so many features incorporated into the shoe, it offers proper support and good cushioning which is ideal for the long runs. We also have to commend the designers for the upgrade of the midsole, which has made it more cushioned and less abrasive on the feet. The remote use of 3D Fit Print upper technology provides support and flexibility owing to the firm grouned thus makes it light and comfortable especially for those that prefer small boot designs.

There is likely a drawback to the shoes, which is the weight. It is a little on the heavier side compared to other models which might pose a problem to those who are looking for speed. Furthermore, the shoe is relatively expensive compared to other running shoes. Nonetheless, it is our opinion that the usage of better quality material and high durability for this shoe offsets this fact significantly.

In conclusion, this shoe is a great fit for women who need a shoe for their long runs and more, specifically: It should suit those who strive for stability and shock absorption best.

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For general comfort and support, the recommended shoes which you could use for sciatica include the ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes.

Pros

  • The GEL Technology provides excellent shock absorption and cushioning for your feet, reducing discomfort caused by sciatica.
  • The re-engineered outsole lugs offer better off-road traction, making these shoes suitable for running on different terrains.
  • The wide fit of these shoes accommodates different foot shapes, ensuring a comfortable fit for everyone.

Cons

  • Some customers reported that these shoes run small, so you might need to size up.
  • The shoes might take some time to break in, especially if you're not used to wearing ASICS shoes.
  • The shoes are only available in one color, which might not suit everyone's preferences.

Now that we have spent some time running with the ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes, we can vouch for their effectiveness. The GEL Technology offers superior shock absorption that minimizes pressure in our feet and the lower back muscles. It feels comfortable when walking or even running for a long time something especially importance when you are suffering from sciatica.

The outsole lugs have been redesigned for improved ground grip for those who may want to use these shoes for running or hiking. The shoes also come in a wide range to suit different feet types and this makes it easy to wear them without risking blisters or any deformity regarding the feet.

However, a few customers noted that there are issues with size, namely, the shoes may be too small, and therefore, you should try a larger size. Moreover, it is also reported that it may take some time to get used to the new type of the shoes if you have never worn any ASICS shoes previously. Last but not least, the particular shoes come in a single colour, which could be a disadvantage to many users.

In conclusion, if you are in search of shoes for sciatica and require maximum support and comfort, we suggest you consider the ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes. They are soft to the touch and provide flexibleness to help for varied activities and different shapes of feet.

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This sneaker has chic design that is courtesy of New Balance and is perfect for women who are suffering from the pain related to sciatica.

Pros

  • The midsole foam is made from renewable sources and helps reduce our carbon footprint.
  • The ENCAP midsole cushioning provides all-day support for your feet.
  • The vamp, collar, and tongue mesh are made from 100% recycled polyester, making it an eco-friendly option.

Cons

  • The rubber outsole may not be as durable as other materials.
  • The shoes may feel a bit snug at first, but they will stretch out over time.
  • Some users have reported that the shoes are not suitable for high-impact activities like running.

We have been using the New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker for some time now and we can say that the shoe feels quite comfortable and chic. The responsive midsole foam complete with the ENCAP design offers exceptional cushioning support to the feet. The use of friendly material in the production of the shoe is also seen as a plus to environmental conscious potentials buyers.

But there is a negative aspect for the particular shoe – the rubber outsole may not be rather long-lasting comparing with the other materials. However, we have not felt any such problems regarding use or tear up to date. Also, they come to fit the feet perfectly in their initial years as it feels a little tight until it adapts to the contours of the feet.

In summary, we have highly endorsed the New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneaker for anyone that desires a shoe, which is comfortable and stylish enough to ease sciatica pain.

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For a comfortable shoe for run or walking for patients with sciatica, one good option is the Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 23 Supportive Running Shoe.

Pros

  • The Guiderails Holistic Support System aligns your body in its natural motion path while keeping excess movement in check, providing excellent support for those with sciatica.
  • The new midsole features soft and lighter weight DNA LOFT v2 cushioning for a comfortable and smooth ride.
  • The engineered air mesh upper provides comfort and breathability with 3D Fit Print for added structure, ensuring a secure fit.

Cons

  • Some customers may find the shoe to be a bit too narrow or too wide, so make sure to check the sizing chart before purchasing.
  • The shoe may feel a bit heavy for some users, especially those used to lighter shoes.
  • The price point may be a bit high for some buyers, but the quality and support provided make it worth the investment.

After reviewing the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23, we were able to confirm that it meets the requirements of being a PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has even received the APMA Seal of Acceptance, which is perfect for those with sciatica or other foot issues.

Holistic Support System Guiderails are a distinctive technology that allow your body to move about within its optimal path while still limiting additional movement, making this particular technology perfect for patients with sciatica. DNA LOFT v2 cushioning on the midsole are soft and lighter in weight as compared to previous models providing comfort and a smooth surface feel. The technology accustomed in the uppers eye is the engineered air mesh for comfort and breath ability 3D Fit Print simply gives the boots a rigid support to fit into the foot.

The shoe may be slightly narrow or wide for some buyers the sizing chart should be checked. Some time the shoe may be heavier than the normal shoes that a user has been using in case the latter have used light shoes. It is quite expensive for some users, but the quality of the product and the support, which is offered, compensates for this.

All in all, it is for this reason that we highly endorse the Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 23 Supportive Running Shoe for the Sciatica patient who would like a supportive ASICS scholar running/walking shoe.

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Are you in search of a comfortable and fashionable shoe that can aid in treating sciatica? Look no further than the STQ Slip On Breathe Mesh Walking Shoes.

Pros

  • Slip-on design with elastic cuff for easy on and off
  • Lightweight and flexible with a durable knit upper and smooth fabric for all-day comfort
  • Thick sole with air cushion for great traction and shock absorption

Cons

  • May run a bit tight around the collar
  • Not true slip-on shoes, as they require a bit of pulling to get on
  • Some users may prefer a more traditional sneaker design

We have been trying these shoes for a couple of weeks now, and in terms of the comfort level that it provides to our feet and the support, these are amazing. The absence of laces and a quick-release elastic band at the cuff means they can easily be pulled on and off, while being lightweight and knitted to conform to the shape of the wearer’s feet comfortably. However, one feature that we particularly liked is the air cushion in the sole as this ensures great shock absortion and is well suits for those who have to spend a lot of time standing or walking.

A possible drawback of the shoe is that it collars may slightly reduce snugly for many of its users but we realized that they stretched slightly when frequently used. Still, it’s not a completely slip-on shoe since to put it on, you need to pull it, so better bear it in mind if you need a true slip-on shoe. Lastly, some users may not wish for a unique heel design and therefore the traditional sneaker would be ideal to consider however, we believe that these shoes are stylish and fashionable.

In conclusion, we would recommend the STQ Slip On Breathe Mesh Walking Shoes as an excellent product for anyone experiencing sciatica discomfort since they provide immediate comfort and support to feet when walking.

See Price on Amazon

Are you in search of a comfortable and fashionable shoe that can aid in treating sciatica? Look no further than the STQ Slip On Breathe Mesh Walking Shoes.

Pros

  • The knit upper material is breathable and flexible, making these shoes comfortable to wear all day long.
  • The soft insole fits perfectly and protects your ankles, tongues, and feet from injury.
  • The rubber outsole provides shock cushioning, anti-distortion, abrasion resistance, and anti-slip properties, making them safe to wear on any surface.

Cons

  • The shoes may not have enough arch support for some people.
  • The sizing may run a little small, so you may need to order a half size up.
  • The shoes may not be suitable for people with wide feet.

We have been trying these shoes for a couple of weeks now, and in terms of the comfort level that it provides to our feet and the support, these are amazing. The absence of laces and a quick-release elastic band at the cuff means they can easily be pulled on and off, while being lightweight and knitted to conform to the shape of the wearer’s feet comfortably. However, one feature that we particularly liked is the air cushion in the sole as this ensures great shock absortion and is well suits for those who have to spend a lot of time standing or walking.

A possible drawback of the shoe is that it collars may slightly reduce snugly for many of its users but we realized that they stretched slightly when frequently used. Still, it’s not a completely slip-on shoe since to put it on, you need to pull it, so better bear it in mind if you need a true slip-on shoe. Lastly, some users may not wish for a unique heel design and therefore the traditional sneaker would be ideal to consider however, we believe that these shoes are stylish and fashionable.

In conclusion, we would recommend the STQ Slip On Breathe Mesh Walking Shoes as an excellent product for anyone experiencing sciatica discomfort since they provide immediate comfort and support to feet when walking.

Buying Guide

To determine the best shoes for sciatica, there are some important factors that you need to consider. It is therefore our recommendation that one should look for shoes that will offer good support, cushioning and stability. Here are some features to keep in mind when shopping for shoes for sciatica:

Arch Support

There is a lot of comfort that comes with having good cushioning as it helps in absorbing shock and reducing the pressure on the feet and legs. Ensure that the shoes have thick and comfortable soles and good cushioning in the heel and forefoot of the shoe.

Cushioning

Proper support shoes are very helpful in keeping one from over pronating and thus decreasing chances of injury. To prevent the shoe from rolling, it is advisable to look for shoes that have a firm heel counter and a wide base.

Stability

Shoes that are very rigid may not allow free movement and may also be uncomfortable to wear. Search for the shoes that can bend and thus permit the foot to move freely.

Flexibility

Shoes that are too rigid can prevent natural movement and may bring discomfort. When shopping for shoes, it is advisable to buy shoes that have enough wiggle room for your feet.

Fit

When looking for shoes, fit is crucial regardless of the purpose, but for sciatica, it is crucial to get the right size. When shopping for shoes, it is advisable to look for shoes that have a comfortable fit, without being too tight, with enough space in the front part of the shoe for the toes to move freely.

Material

The best type of shoes should be made of materials that are free to let in air to the feet to prevent the growth of bacteria that causes foot odor and other related diseases.

Therefore, it is always helpful to consider these features when searching for shoes for sciatica to ensure that you get the most comfortable and supportive shoes that will enhance the comfort of your feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some recommended shoes for sciatica pain?

When it comes to sciatica pain, it is recommended to wear shoes that are comfortable and has good support as well as cushioning. Some of the recommended shoes that can be useful for relieving sciatica pain include athletic shoes that offer proper arch support, walking shoes that have a cushioned sole, and shoes that have a rocker sole which can help reduce the pressure on the lumbar region.

Can wearing the wrong shoes worsen sciatica symptoms?

Yes, it is because wearing the wrong type of shoes may aggravate sciatica symptoms. It is also important not to wear shoes that lack proper support and shock absorption for the feet as this can lead to more pressure on the back, especially in case of sciatica. It is advised to choose the shoes that are specially made for the people who are suffering from the sciatica pain.

Are there any specific features to look for in shoes to alleviate sciatica pain?

Yes, there are certain things to look for in shoes that can help reduce sciatica pain. Some of the features that these shoes should have include good arch support, cushioning, rocker soles, and wider toe box to accommodate feet swelling. It is also important to consider the fit and support that a particular shoe offers to the wearer’s feet.

Are there any shoes to avoid if you have sciatica?

Yes, there are certain types of shoes that are not recommended to be worn if one has sciatica. To aggravate sciatica pain, one is advised not to wear high heels, flip flops or any shoes with a flat base. Good and comfortable shoes are the ones that have good support and cushioning for the feet.

Do different types of shoes help with different types of sciatica pain?

Yes, different shoes can be helpful in managing different kinds of sciatica pain depending on the exact area that is affected. For instance, shoes that have a rocker sole are useful for individuals with pain in the back and hips as well as shoes that have good arch support are useful in cases where an individual has pain in the feet and legs. When buying shoes, it is crucial to ensure that the shoes you are purchasing are suitable for your type of sciatica pain.

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Jeff brings to Buoy over 20 years of clinical experience as a physician assistant in urgent care and internal medicine. He also has extensive experience in healthcare administration, most recently as developer and director of an urgent care center. While completing his doctorate in Health Sciences at A.T. Still University, Jeff studied population health, healthcare systems, and evidence-based medi...
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