At some point in your life, you will experience sciatica pain. Wait; the fact that you bumped into this article means either you or another member of your family has this condition. Let’s give you the excellent news then-there is a solution to this problem.
Sciatica is simply the pain you feel anywhere from the neck to the lower legs. This is not a condition; rather, it is a symptom that shows possible problems to the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is the longest and widest nerve in the body and runs from the neck and ends just below the knees. Any strain on it results in sharp, unbearable pain.
Quick Facts About Sciatica
- It’s the longest nerve in the body
- Its most caused by a slipped disc
- It’s not a condition but a symptom of nerve problems
- Sciatica pain can be managed through cognitive behavioral therapy and other back pain practices
Sciatica pain can get severe with extended sitting and standing periods. There are many possible solutions to dealing with this condition. However, one thing is for sure- proper footwear is the first step to healing your sciatic nerves.
After countless hours of research, we have compiled for you a list of all the best shoes for Sciatica for quick relief. Furthermore, there is additional info on the best way to do your shopping and further precautionary practices.
Without wasting a minute, let’s jump right in and sample out some cool and comfortable sciatica shoes. If you are short on time, check out our top recommendations- Adidas Ultraboost Pb Shoes and Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker. These top picks are super comfy and affordable as well.
Best Shoes for Sciatica
| Name | Price | Made of | Sole |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adidas Ultraboost Pb Shoes | Check Price | Textile | Rubber |
| Orthofeet Sprint Men's Athletic Shoes | Check Price | Mesh | Ortho-Cushion |
| Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker | Check Price | Leather | Synthetic |
| HOKA ONE ONE Women's Vanquish 3 Running Shoe | Check Price | Synthetic and Mesh | Rubber |
| Orthofeet Gramercy Black Men's Oxford Shoes | Check Price | Leather | Ortho-Cushion |
| Merrell Women’s Bare Access Arc 4 Trail Running Shoe | Check Price | Mesh | EVA Midsole |
| Gravity Defyer Men’s G-Defy Athletic Shoe | Check Price | Fabric and Synthetic | VS-2 VersoShock |
| Dr. Comfort Performance-X Men’s Shoe | Check Price | Leather/Mesh | Rubber |
| ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 19 | Check Price | Synthetic | Rubber |
| Saucony Women's Guide 10 Running Shoe | Check Price | Mesh | Rubber |
| New Balance Men’s MW928V2 Walking Shoe | Check Price | Leather | Rubber |
1. Adidas Ultraboost Pb Shoes
You have not experienced superior comfort until you try something from Adidas’ Ultraboost line of shoes. This category is where top athletes, distinguished trainers, and other showstoppers get their comfy shoes from. While almost every Ultraboost sneaker could do for you, Ultraboost Pb Shoe bears features that are unique to those with unending sciatica pain.
Purely from the looks, it’s clear this sneaker carries with it a huge midsole. Well, it’s not too big to deform the shape but just the right size for impressive shock-absorption. Unlike other Ultraboost, this could be ideal because of the extra 20% boost technology. Every step you take will be cushioned and given some energy back for effortless walking and running.
Rock on with the lightweight Celemesh upper, which is super light, and offers ample air circulation. So yeah, Ultraboost PB could be your best friend during your longest and fastest runs. The shoe has sufficient internal support and will guarantee maximum traction thanks to the premium StretchWeb Continental rubber.
Top features
- Lightweight Celemesh upper
- Stretchweb Continental rubber outsole
- Responsive Ultraboost midsole
- Lace closure
- Multiple color options
You probably want to give a damn about the $100+ price tag on Ultraboost Pb Shoe. But the question is, just how bad is your sciatica? Are you aware that the Utraboost technology, the lightweight, breathable uppers, and all other unique features on this sneaker have been designed just for those with tenderfoot conditions like you?
Oh, have we mentioned that the shoe has an overwhelming number of positive reviews and awesome ratings? Long story short, this is a good deal; actually, it’s a great one.
2. Orthofeet Sprint Men’s Athletic Shoes
There is no limit to what Orthofeet Plantar Fasciitis Sneaker can do. Being of unmatched versatility, you can get this one for all painful conditions beginning with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bunions, and everything else you can think of.
But we know you are probably wondering how this sneaker manages to do all that. Well, here is the answer. First, its material makeup features the tenderest synthetics that don’t dig or rub on your skin. To the top, the fabric is densely meshed (including the tongue) to ensure there is little to no heat accumulation.
Note that if your shoe lacks proper ventilation, then you will not only suffer from overheating, but there is a possibility of microbial growth. This is not only unhealthy to your feet but can get your shoe stinking more than skunk farts.
Another reason why Orthofeet ranks as one of the best men’s sneakers for sciatica is because of its unique biomechanics that is solely designed to cater to painful feet. Its arch shape favors those with normal and flat feet. The extra padding and seamless construction ensure a smooth, fuss-free walking or running session.
Top features
- Sprint orthotic shoes
- Premium orthotic insoles
- Multiple cushioning layers
- Leg alignment technology
- Spring back midsole and outsole
- Extra-depth footbed
- Lightweight padding
We strongly recommend Orthofeet Plantar Fasciitis Sneaker for those with the foot, nerve, and muscle problems. This sneaker’s design borrows so much from those made by podiatrists. Everything from insoles overlays to the midsole sport premium materials to make walking and running more fun.
3. Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker
Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker is bold, beautiful, and ready for action wherever the road leads you. As a day to day walking shoe, this sneaker contains the latest technology that not only cushions optimally but offers support as well.
For those with low arches (aka flat foot), this shoe features an arch model that not only controls overpronation but cushions it as well. Thanks to humanmade materials, you can forget about nasty experiences like overheating, stuffiness, squeaking, and inflexibility.
The fit and feel of this Addiction Walker are almost incompatible to what you get from ordinary work shoes. It’s heavily padded with the tongue, collar, and footbed receiving a big chunk of “meat.” No matter the level of soreness-be it from sciatica or plantar fasciitis-this shoe makes you feel nothing. No pain at all.
Apart from breathable fabrics, you also get a top-quality, energy-returning MoGo midsole, and a slip-resistant outsole name it as best shoes for walking with sciatica. Talk of walking for long hours without experiencing any pain-marvelous, isn’t it? This women’s Addiction Walker comes in a few more color choices.
Top features
- Low arch support
- Humanmade materials
- Synthetic outsole
- Energy-returning MoGo midsole
- Massive padding
If you are looking for a shoe that gives you the strongest support and comfort for painful feet, you should try out Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker. These shoes not only affordable but effective in combating lower back pain and feet problems.
4. HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Vanquish 3 Running Shoe
No shoe feels great like the one that provides a springy and responsive ride. One such kick is HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Vanquish 3 Running Shoe. This is a running shoe, and like the rest, it sports the best cushioning you could ever ask for.
The design is hands down breathtaking. You can see colorful 3D prints running across the top to meet the dual-layer midsole. The seamless top features one of the most breathable meshes for temperature regulation. Do you know what that means? It means your feet will stay fresh and the shoe won’t become smelly.
Previous reviewers recommended that an appropriate shoe can prevent pain for those with plantar fasciitis, peroneal tendonitis, and other feet problems. Thanks to the proper support and generous cushioning, this magnanimous sneaker could be what you need to curb sciatica.
Given the impressive tech Vanquish 3 comes with, its value ranges from mid to high-end. If you get the sizing right, you are up for a perfect time. Any setbacks? Nothing serious about the shoe quality.
Top features
- Synthetic and mesh
- Top-quality EVA cushioning
- Dual-layer midsole
- Zonal 3D printing
- Seamless upper
Despite being an effective solution to sciatica and other nerve and muscle issues, HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Vanquish 3 Running Shoe name as the best running shoes for sciatica for any event. Its subdued colors can go pretty well with jeans, spandex, khaki, and even shorts. Anyone would look fantastic in them-for sure.
5. Orthofeet Gramercy Black Men’s Oxford Shoes
The obsession of formal workplaces with rules-aah! Anyway, as it’s frequently said in John Wick, without rules, we live with the animals, right? Now if your workplace insists on wearing formal shoes and you happen to have painful feet that necessitate top-notch comfort, here is the top solution- Orthofeet Gramercy Black Men’s Oxford Shoes.
Appearing in black and brown color choices, this shoe is the ultimate weapon for making people either love or respect you. It takes its true oxford spirit a notch further by integrating the latest comfortable technology you could ever imagine.
The top features a soft rubber with laces for achieving a secure fit. Inside, this kick is a sneaker-layers and layers of foam padding. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Further in, this loafer packs impressive Gramecy insoles with antimicrobial treatment. Furthermore, the orthotics sport an extra-depth design for proper arch support.
The heel is usually the most troubling part of any human’s feet, and that’s for a good reason. When landing, much of our weight gets supported on the heel. That translates to more pressure. Orthofeet Plantar Fasciitis Men’s Loafers not only comes with EVA cushioned outsole but reinforces the heel with gel padding.
Top features
- Heel pain and arch support men’s loafers
- Premium Gramercy orthotics
- Non-binding uppers
- Extra-depth design
- Wider toe box
- Seam-free interior lining
Orthofeet Gramercy Black Men’s Oxford Shoes has a proven record of helping millions of users with sciatica pain, plantar fasciitis, bunions, heel spurs, and other feet and muscular ailments. The design and material used softens every step and minimizes pressure.
This is obviously one of the few best shoes for sciatica pain. However, with the hefty tech it packs, you need to have around 100 bucks or more. It will be worth every penny.
6. Merrell Women’s Bare Access Arc 4 Trail Running Shoe
Low top sneakers with a minimalistic design seem to be a favorite among many ladies. This is because they not only exude cuteness but carry less weight as well. One similar offer that provides the best performance without sacrificing on quality and design is Merrell Women’s Bare Access Arc 4 Trail Running shoe.
If you’ve owned something from Merrell before, then you know there is absolutely nothing to worry about. With Arc 4 running shoe, all your troubles will exist no more. The interior is optimally padded and lined with skin-friendly synthetics that allow for breathability as well.
The surface bears a removable decent quality EVA footbed. This, in addition to the flexible outsole and midsole, provides for a hyper-responsive and smooth ride. The subtle nature of this sneaker’s material makes it ideal for those with sciatica, heel spurs, back pain, and other problems associated with long runs and walks.
Top features
- Mesh and TPU upper
- Breathable mesh lining
- Vegan-friendly footwear
- EVA footbed
- Traditional lace closure
- Reflective top for easy visibility in low light
- Multiple color choices
- Hyper responsive insole
If you would love to run, walk or jog for many hours without worrying about sciatica pain, get yourself Merrell Women’s Bare Access Arc 4. This zero-drop sneaker provides both adequate comfort and full support.
Most reviewers commend it for providing relief to higher arches. Anything to worry about? Unless if you don’t prefer a shoe with a slightly wider toe box, then there is nothing to be concerned about.
7. Gravity Defyer Men’s G-Defy Athletic Shoe
Gravity Defyer is all about maximum protection. So if you are an athlete looking for something durable but with up-top comfort, do not miss out on this one.
Unlike most sneakers in this review, this one features a reinforced toe end. For some, this may not be important, but if you work in hazardous environments or frequently hit the gym, you need toe protection.
The breathable soft uppers are a beautiful addition that prevents chafing and scuffing. Furthermore, the overlays feature a lightweight web-last technology that turns the top into a tough protective exoskeleton.
Gravity Defyer’s outsole quality can restore faith in your walking, running, or exercising abilities. How is that so? Because the VersoShock tech it includes not only adds a layer of comfort and protection but can return energy to the foot for effortless movement. Thanks to the excellent shock absorption, this sneaker qualifies as one of the best shoes for sciatica problems.
Top features
- A mix of fabric and synthetic
- Breathable uppers
- Removable insoles
- VersoShock sole
- Lace garage
- Reinforced toe
- Heel guard
- Energy-returning outsole
Gravity Defyer is a worthy contender and a must-have for those who are obsessed with comfort and maximum protection. However, the company behind it sometimes fail to owner their warranty.
8. Dr. Comfort Performance-X Men’s Shoe
When it comes to unique styling, you will agree that Dr. Comfort Performance-X Men’s Shoe is indeed a rare species. Some of us just like wearing a shoe that you know one else near you or at the workplace has one. You get to stand out.
Being the exceptional one aside, Dr. Comfort shoes are of premium quality and thus ideal for extreme cross-training workouts. But it’s not just that. It doubles up as a therapeutic shoe that caters to conditions such as neuropathy, bunions, corns, sciatica, and a few more.
Like most sneakers, this one too is moderately padded with breathable fabrics that allow air circulation. Furthermore, the insole features gel cushioning-a material that is known to offer unbelievable comfort. The heel has an extra-depth design for those in need of extra volume and proper stability.
Is it simple to wear and remove? Of course, it is. In fact, it’s so easy to wear that even an 80-year old elder would have no fuss with it. This is made possible by two things; one, the wider opening and second the loop at the heel. You grab it and push the foot in. The lacing is elastic and provides the best fit.
Top features
- Leather and mesh fabric
- Elastic lace closure
- Dr. Comfort Gel insert
- Extra-depth design
- Seamless, padded lining
- Heel pull tab
- Lace garage
- Lightweight cross-trainer shoe
As the name suggests, Dr. Comfort Performance-X Men’s Shoe is designed with podiatrists who know the right design and material for relieving pain. You stand to gain a lot from it than other varieties made by marketers. As one reviewer said, “this shoe has the same admirable comfort you get from the likes of New Balance and Nike.” Please go check it out for yourself.
9. ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 19
Women’s Gel-Nimbus 19 from ASICS boasts of stunning aesthetics that includes lovely streaks of colors on different sections-including the logo. As a respected and widely known brand, ASICS has done a marvelous job trying to reinforce this sneaker with the best tech.
The synthetics used are soft on the foot, and that feeling is further intensified by the premium-level cushioning. To calm discomfort and foot pain, this kick bears an insole that is made from two top-grade materials: Flytefoam and Fluidride.
Flytefoam brings relief to those with Achilles tension while Fluidride provides the ultimate bounce back and an extra layer of cushioning that makes landing as soft as possible. Given the comfy nature of Women’s Gel-Nimbus 19, anyone with sciatica pain can finally heave a sigh of relief.
Top features
- 100% synthetic
- Rear and forefoot gel cushioning
- Fluidride midsole
- Fluid fit upper
- Lace garage
- Supportive heel clutching system
Women’s Gel-Nimbus 19 is one of the few medium-level shoes that bear medical-grade features for pain relief. So if you seriously need relief from arch pain, muscle pain, back pain and other aches related to walking, you better get this kick. Furthermore, it comes with a heel clutching system that improves support by creating a perfectly fitting shoe.
You might be like our review about shoes for arch support.
10. Saucony Women’s Guide 10 Running Shoe
Saucony Women’s Guide 10 is one of those few creatively designed running shoes that deliver impressive performance. Thanks to the company’s vision to supersede competitors, this shoe has been built with the comfort of a top athlete in mind.
Now, think about this for a moment; if it can effectively cater to diehard athletes with extensive and demanding workouts, won’t it provide relief to your sciatica? Of course, it will. With Everun cushioning, you get an extremely comfortable shoe with a lightweight design.
The overlays are made from light Flexfilm synthetic for a seamless, flexible feel. On the bottom, Saucony Women’s Guide 10 integrates a Tri-flex rubber outsole for both shock absorption and better traction. But that’s not all; this kick’s cushioning doesn’t wear down faster. To add to that, the 8mm offset in cushioning between the forefoot and heel provides for a more balanced landing.
Top features
- Synthetic mesh
- Lightweight design
- Seamless Flexfilm material
- EverRun Topsole cushioning
- Rubber outsole
- Tri-flex treads
- Lace closure
Saucony Women’s Guide 10 is a versatile beast that can stick with you on your walks, runs, and other workouts. You get the best from it-comfort, support, flexibility, and even stability. And guess what, all this comes at favorable prices — hundreds of motivating reviews back the shoe’s reputation.
11. New Balance Men’s MW928V2 Walking Shoe
When it comes to social media, people are addicted to mostly Facebook, Insta, and Twitter. Can you guess the top names that pop up in the shoe industry? New Balance, Nike, ASICS, Adidas, Puma, and a few others. New balance has a massive number of loyal fans thanks to their dedication in providing quality over anything else.
One of their best versions for those with sciatica nerve pain and other conditions is New Balance Men’s MW928V2 Walking Shoe. As a predecessor to version 1, this model sports a lot of improvements.
For instance, it comes with motion control tech that helps those with pain manage comfortably. While leather tends to go hard on tender skins, the one on this sneaker is so soft. Additionally, the seamless linings have been adequately padded, living no room for discomfort.
Athletes are the biggest fans of this walking shoe because its outsole, insole, and midsole work together to not only absorb the impact but provide some of that energy back for another stride. And here is something you want a hear-the sneaker comes in both affordable and high-end offers-both are categories are well-built by the way.
Top features
- Rubber outsole
- Leather overlays
- Lace closure
- Padded tongue and collar
- Motion control system
- Narrower toe box
In comparison to the first model (MW928), New Balance Men’s MW928V2 Walking Shoe sports a slightly smaller toe box and this is bothering some people. So if you have wider feet, try the original version. That’s the only difference. Comfort and quality-wise, they are the same.
Major Causes of Sciatica Pain
Sciatica pain occurs when there is compression of the sciatic nerve. When this happens, a sharp sensation of pain rushes to your lower back, legs, and feet. It’s a debilitating condition that if left unchecked, can bring major problems.
Do you know what causes this condition? Check them out below:
Wearing heels
We know how much you love your heels. They make you look more appealing than a damsel in distress. So what the issue? They push your weight forward, and your hip has to do the same so you can stand upright.
The flexing of the hip twists the hamstrings-which lie next to the sciatic nerves. This could, in turn, bring about sciatic pains.
Too much weight
Lately, there is so much obsession about weight loss with dieticians coming up with weird diet plans for combating weight. The thing is, weighing too much isn’t healthy. Besides developing blood pressure and heart problems, most of those pounds strain the spine. And when the spine takes a hit, you’ll start having all kinds of pain-sciatica will be the least of them.
Start doing something today to cut some of that weight. Try squats, presses, jogging, rope jumping, treadmill riding, riding, dancing…you know the drill. Check this out our review about treadmill walking shoes for those who like to be treadmill exercise every day.
Tight and pants
Tight jeans will make you look at points like Justin Timberlake or Jennifer Lawrence. However, while your sense of fashion will possibly earn you a good spot in the fashion department, health-wise, you are getting nothing.
Aren’t you unreasonable, now? Not at all. Quick question; after wearing tight jeans or underwear, have you ever felt the urge to scratch or rub those tiny depressions where the pants pressed too hard? Aha! That’s a sight that too much is being applied to your veins and nerves. If you wear such clothes all the time, you will be a candidate for sciatica pain.
Putting phones or bulky wallets in the back pockets
Yes, most of us have a habit of keeping huge wallets in our back pockets, and when invited to sit, we don’t bother to remove them. We sit. If you remain seated for long hours, you could irritate the piriformis muscle that sits above the sciatic nerves. Once this nerve gets strained, you might feel some sharp sensation.
Things to Consider While Buying Sciatica Shoes
No one ever buys shoes blindly. Most of the time, when purchasing offline, we have to try out to see if it fits appropriately. If it does we flip it over and check the quality of the sole, the design, flex the sole to make sure it bends and releases almost immediately.
The same level of precaution must be applied while shopping online. If you are looking for shoes that will bring relief to sciatica pain, the following pointers will help you to arrive at the best choice.
Comfort
Comfort should be the main factor to consider while scouting for sciatica shoes. The rest can wait. A shoe that lasts only a month but is effective in mitigating pain is worth more than that which lasts for a year and doesn’t offer the best experience.
Just so you know, comfortable shoes sport thicker midsoles, heavy cushioning on the tongue, collar, and insoles. Presence of memory foam insoles, EVA and gel-cushioning, make the inside of your kick a haven.
Fit
Given that so many people purchase goods online these days, we can all agree that the experience is not as ugly as others might like you to think. When it comes to shoes, however, you need to be a bit cautious with the sizing. If you order a big pair, it won’t fit and might leave your leg unprotected at a wrong time.
If it’s too small, you will sustain unwanted blisters that send you back into open shoes. Make use of online reviews before you click the buy button. If over 5 previous reviewers say that they ordered their footwear in a half size up, do the same. Otherwise, order your exact sizing for those that are true to size.
Shock absorption
No matter how thick some sections of your body are, you will never get the softest landing. Soft landings are only possible through highly shock-absorbing outsoles and midsoles. With either EVA, memory foam padding or gel-cushioning, you can hit the ground with a thud but still never feel a thing.
Alongside shock absorption, it’s ideal that shoes have a spring mechanism that gives a boost to your step. This could be relieving to those with heel pain as that is the first part that arises when you start walking.
Support
Arch support is also another essential part of a shoe you need to give some attention to. Those with normal feet may have an easy time in any shoe. However, if you have those that sit too high or too low, then make your choice accordingly.
Failure to consider arch support may result in extreme pain, and you will be forced to donate or shelve away an entirely new pair of shoes. That’s a loss you should try to avoid.
Durability
It’s economical to buy an expensive shoe once than to buy the cheapest model four times. Most of the best versions reviewed in this article are extremely durable and cost around $100. Now, if you buy four or even 5 that cost around $30, their cumulative lifespan may not be as long as that of a high-end class. Remember the old wisdom “cheap is expensive.”
Wider toe box
Unless you have narrow feet, never buy shoes that bundle your toes together. This is not healthy for anyone with bunions, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, and hammertoes. Even if the mesh network is wide and expansive, you will not get the relief you were seeking in the first place.
So next time you go shopping, try to prioritize shoes with a roomier front end — other things you need to pay attention to include better traction outsole, lightweight, and design.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we’re going to cover some of the burning questions people with sciatic pain ask and their relevant answers. Here are a few major ones:
Q. What kind of shoes are best for sciatica?
A. Anything with superb cushioning and extreme shock absorption can provide the needed relief. The top options include Gravity Defyer Men’s G-Defy, Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker, HOKA ONE Women’s Vanquish 3, Orthofeet Plantar Fasciitis Men’s Loafers and Saucony Women’s Guide 10.
Most of the shoes for sciatica problems feature premium quality material like EVA insoles, memory foam midsoles, breathable and healthy fabrics.
Q. Can shoe insoles help with sciatica?
A. Heck yeah. In fact, you should make it a habit to replace your insoles after a short while to keep your shoes comfortable. Given that some of the best shoes for sciatica pain may not be cheap, you might need to invest in custom insoles to give those budget shoes a comfort boost. However, we don’t encourage penny-pinching, especially for painful conditions.
Q. What flares up sciatica?
A. As pointed before, sitting on your huge wallet for long hours, wearing heels and tight pants and being overweight are the real culprits. However, any kind of straining that affects the spine can cause sciatica pain as well. For overweight using the proper shoes can be best to avoid foot pain and other feet condition.
It should be common knowledge that improper shoes can flare up back pains and feet problems. Most of the body aches come from lifestyle choices-choosing fashion over healthy practices. By adhering to proper habits, we could live healthy and fulfilling lives.
Q. How long does it take for sciatica problems to vanish completely?
A. Frankly, it depends on many things. For instance, how severe is your condition? For minor pain, it could take a couple of days to up to 8 weeks to heal completely. If your condition is in the chronic levels, it might take more than 8 weeks to get permanent relief.
While buying a good pair of sciatica shoes might accelerate healing, you still might need therapy sessions in case of severe pain.
Conclusion
It’s not easy to live with sciatic pain. You will not enjoy the causal dog walks. It won’t be long into your jog before you start complaining about feet and back pains. Imagine how those you are training with will feel if you bail out on a scheduled run, walk or adventure.
To avoid putting your life to stop and frequently annoying workout partners, you need at the very least- to invest some money in the best shoes for sciatica. The key terms here are “best” and “shoes.” You need a kick that packs the most comfortable technology, so you don’t have to feel the pain every time you land on the ground.
Now, while one shoe is okay in case your wallet is not as hefty as those from a kingly background, you need to try your best to have at least two pairs. This way, both of them will serve longer. Take a look at some of the offers we have reviewed and go with the ones you like. Happy hunting.
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