We know how important shoes and footwear are to get you through a busy day and through tons of errands. Shoes are especially important for individuals dealing with health issues like sciatica.
Our top pick for the best shoes for sciatica is the Skechers Go Walk Joy Shoes. This has premium cushioning throughout each pair for premium support, which in turn eases strains on feet and lower backs. To top it all off, it has just the right heel height of 1 1/2 inches.
Of course, different sciatica patients have different needs and would have varying shoe requirements. The perfect shoes for you would depend on what your condition asks for and what gives you the most relief. That’s exactly why we listed five of our favorite sciatica shoes so you have plenty of options. Most of these options are also available in both men’s and women’s sizes and variations.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into what sciatica is, our top five favorites, and a buying guide to make sure you get the best pair for your feet.
What is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in the human body. This is located in the lower back and runs down your buttocks and down each leg.
When this large and long nerve is compressed or pinched, it causes pain along that area. This is what’s known as sciatica.
Sciatica is pain that runs along that sciatic nerve’s pathway along the lower back, then runs down the buttocks and each leg and thigh. In some cases, sciatica patients also experience pain down their feet.
Sciatica often occurs when the sciatic nerve is pinched or compressed due to herniated disk in the spine. An overgrowth of bone or bone spurs can also cause this pain.
Sciatica is most common in older people, usually those in their 40s to 50s. Young folks can also experience it but very rarely and such cases are mostly due to injuries or some other factors.
Sciatica nerve pain symptoms
Any pain along the sciatic nerve pathway can be traced back to sciatica, so it’s pretty easy to self-diagnose.
Pain along the lower back to the buttocks is an indication. There might also be pain down the thighs, calves, and feet. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of the body.
This pain can either be mild or severe. It can be a sharp, jolting pain or a painful burning sensation along the affected areas.
Pain isn’t the only clear indicator of sciatica though. Sometimes, it can be total numbness. And other times, it can be a combination of both – you can have jolting pain in one area while also dealing with numbness in another.
Sciatica and Walking
Sciatica often presents itself as pain when one is walking or standing. Again, it can be mild and easily manageable but at other times, it can be debilitating leg pain.
When a patient with sciatica experiences pain while walking or standing, they need to stop, rest, and wait for the pain and symptoms to subside. It’s important to stop and wait before resuming any activity to prevent further aggravating symptoms.
Sciatica Pain Relief and Reducing Symptoms
Sciatica usually goes away and resolves on its own within a month or two without much medical intervention. Most people who experience this fully recover from it, even without treatment. But this doesn’t mean you can just leave it alone.
Sometimes, sciatica pain can be so severe it can leave patients immobilized for long periods. If you’re dealing with sciatic pain, it’s important to know a few know-hows in managing the pain that comes with it.
To relieve pain, use cold packs and hot packs, one at a time. For either of these home remedies, place them on the painful area until the pain subsides or decreases.
Anti-inflammatory medications can also be a big help in sciatica relief. A series of stretching exercises targeting the lower back can help alleviate it as well.
You can also always seek professional help and physical therapy so your healthcare provider can design a therapy program specially tailored for you.
Can sciatica come back after it’s gone?
As mentioned above, the body is fully capable of recovering from sciatica even without treatment. But this doesn’t mean it’s gone for good and that there’s no chance of it coming back.
If you put yourself back in the same position that caused it in the first place, it can likely come back and even develop into chronic pain.
This is why it’s important to find out your condition’s underlying cause so you can target it from there. When the worst comes to worst, surgery can help you deal with it.
Sciatica and Footwear
Believe it or not, your footwear and shoes can affect sciatica symptoms.
The right footwear can help alleviate sciatica pain. The best shoes for sciatica should help relieve pressure and lessen the impact when you make a landing on the ground. All these can help ease pressure on the sciatic nerve.
If you’re dealing with sciatica and are hoping to relieve some of the pain with a new pair of footwear, we’ve got you covered right here!
Our Top Picks for the Best Shoes for Sciatica
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best Overall  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best for Orthotics Inserts  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best for Active Lifestyles  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
The Best Shoes for Sciatica
- Skechers Go Walk Joy Shoes– Best Overall!
Our number one pick for the best shoes for sciatica is the Skechers Go Walk Joy Shoes! Designed with the brand’s GOga Max insoles, this provides premium cushioning and support for your feet. This level of cushioning eases strains on feet when walking, perfect for foot issues like arthritis and other injuries.
This promises total support and comfort thanks to its next-generation cushions. This also helps alleviate pain associated with sciatic nerve pain. The shoe’s support also helps ease lower back pain. It’s reliably responsive and helps your feet land even on rough surfaces.
On top of the insole features, this comes with Skechers’ 5Gen midsole cushioning. A combination of both these features makes sure each pair protects your feet from harsh impact and prevents foot fatigue no matter how far you walk or how long you stand.
Constructed with a mesh upper, the shoe’s material is breathable even if your feet sweat through the day. This also comes with soft fabric lining and a padded collar on each shoe to ensure comfortable all-day wear.
With a round toe, this provides a roomy toe box so as not to restrict your toes and feet. This has a 1 1/2-inch heel height and a high-traction outsole.
The Ortholite comfort foam insole layer further adds premium cushioning for foot support and breathability for all-day comfort. This is all-around lightweight and flexible too so you won’t even feel like you have shoes on.
These Walk Joy Walking Shoes are slip-on shoes, meaning you don’t have to worry about laces or straps to adjust. Rest assured though that the shoes will still fit your feet closely. The slip-on design is convenient for those with mobility issues and those who can’t bend down to lace up. There’s also a pull loop at the back of the shoe’s collar, making it easier to slip on and off.
The only drawback to these shoes is they can look plain. Though they come in many monochromatic colorways that are easy to match, there’s not much to them fashion and style-wise.
Pros:
- Premium cushioning and support
- Eases pain associated with sciatica and other foot issues
- Helps lessen the shock and impact
- Lightweight and flexible
- Breathable and comfortable
- Convenient slip-on design
Cons:
- Looks plain
- Orthofeet Orthopedic Shoes – Best for Orthotics Inserts!
If you have orthotics inserts and are looking for sciatica-friendly shoes to wear, check out the Orthofeet Orthopedic Shoes! This has removable insoles and provides enough space for custom-made orthotics. This is the #1 podiatrist-recommended footwear brand so you can have peace of mind.
If you don’t have custom-made orthotics, this also comes with extra inserts so you can still customize whichever fits your foot’s needs best. With anatomical arch support, this improves foot and leg alignment all the while easing pain in feet and heels.
The shoes are currently available in a wide range of widths and fitting spacers, allowing you to customize and get the perfect fit for your feet. For the ultimate customization, you can also add arch boosters to enhance foot support while you walk and stand.
With multilayer cushioning foam, this provides comfort and works to ease feet pain, heel pain, knee pain, hip pain, and lower back pain as a result of a variety of foot concerns, including sciatica.
This was constructed with a roomy and wide toe box and extra depth to ensure it isn’t at all binding your feet. This ensures there’s zero pressure on feet, especially for those suffering from bunions, hammertoes, and swollen feet.
This has seam-free interiors, preventing irritations on the skin. The interiors plus the premium cushioning make for very comfortable all-day-wear shoes. This promises you don’t end the day with very sore and fatigued feet.
The uppers on this shoe promise breathability and comfort no matter how long your feet are wearing it. This has DryPlex anti-odor fabric and PlyU foam not only to wick away perspiration and keep your feet dry but also to fight foot odor.
This has both stretchable uppers and ergonomic soles for the perfect fit.
One downside to this a few shared is the inconsistent sizing. While some reported true-to-fit sizes, others found theirs either too small or too big. For the best sizing results, it’d be better to rely on both the brand’s sizing guide and others’ reviews.
Pros:
- Orthotics inserts-friendly
- Eases pain in feet and legs
- Comfort for a variety of foot concerns
- Roomy toebox and extra width
- Breathable and comfortable
- With anatomical arch support
Cons:
- Inconsistent sizing
- ASICS Gel-Contend 5 Running Shoes – Best for Active Lifestyles!
Having sciatica doesn’t mean you can’t go running, go to the gym, or you can’t have an overall active lifestyle. You still can, but with the right shoes on your feet. And our top pick for the best sciatica shoes for active lifestyles is the ASICS Gel-Contend 5 Running Shoes!
With both the brand’s Rearfoot Gel technology and AmpliFoam midsole, this gives your feet and heels enough cushioning and support. These two construction choices make it an ideal pair of shoes for those with sciatica. This ensures comfortable all-day use for people dealing with a variety of foot issues too.
This boasts durability, flexibility, comfort, and adaptability so you can take on any terrain head-on. This not only gives your feet comfortable but also the protection it needs to reduce shock and impact when your feet make a landing on the ground.
These best running shoes for sciatica come with the Ortholite X-40 Sockliner which features high rebound properties. This means it’s highly responsive to whatever your feet need, no matter your activity. It’s also removable, so you can replace it with a custom-made insert if it’s what your foot and condition need.
The sock liner technology has excellent breathability and wicks away moisture and perspiration. This plus the athletic mesh design keeps your feet dry and comfortable.
The midfoot of the shoes has added structure for even more support. And the rubber outsoles are durable enough for daily activities. This has a lace-up closure design so you can customize the fit according to your feet,
With a padded collar and tongue, this keeps feet feeling comfortable while providing extra protection. This has a heel height of 21mm.
What a few didn’t love about this pair is that sizes can run small, especially feeling tight on the toes. If this is the case for you, try getting at least half a size larger. There are also wide-size varieties available.
Pros:
- Athletic shoes applicable for exercises and active lifestyles
- Adequate cushioning and support
- All-day comfort for sciatica pain
- Lessens the shock and impact on the ground
- Breathable and moisture-wicking
- Durable and flexible
Cons:
- Size runs small
The next item to make it into our list of the best shoes for sciatica is the Brooks Addiction Walking Shoes! The brand’s BioMoGo DNA soft cushioning provides full support and comfort, especially important elements for those dealing with sciatica and other foot-related issues.
This boasts great arch support, which further supports your stance and stability no matter how long you walk or stand in these shoes. This has cushioned heels that ensure you keep your balance with each step, preventing injuries.
This comes with an extra wide toe box, giving your feet and toes enough space for movement. Your feet won’t feel restricted in these at all.
The shoe’s arch offers strategic support to keep both your feet securely planted on the ground you walk on.
The interiors of the shoe are lined with breathable fabric. This wicks away moisture and perspiration and keeps feet feeling comfortable. Though this is the case, many still found their feet feeling hot and warm, especially during the hot summer months.
This comes with padded tongues and plush collars to prevent skin irritations all the while keeping a nice, tight but comfortable fit around your feet thanks to the lace-up closure.
Each pair from the Brooks brand has anti-slip outsoles, promoting stable and balanced landing of feet on the ground each time.
Available in a variety of solid colors, many found this a solid pair of shoes to pair with almost anything. Though some still found it not particularly attractive in terms of style and design.
Pros:
- Full support for sciatica and other foot issues
- Stance and stability support
- Breathable and wicks away moisture
- Skin-friendly interiors
- Slip-resistant outsoles
- Ach support for feet landings
Cons:
- Can still get warm and hot, especially in the summer
- Not a particularly attractive pair
And our last favorite shoes for sciatica are the Ryka Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoes! These are shoes specially designed for women – keeping in mind women’s unique foot shape and movements.
If you find other women’s versions of shoes not adequate for your needs, this might be what you’re looking for. You can rest assured that these are not only sized-down versions of men’s shoes.
The brand’s Re-Zorb technology boasts responsive cushioning to help absorb and reduce shock and impact when your feet make a landing on the ground.
The insoles have an anatomical design, ensuring proper fit and extra arch and heel support. This keeps your feet and stance stable no matter how long you stand or how far you walk in it. The midsoles also promise soft cushioning and are lightweight for that all-day comfort.
This comes with a rubber eight-piece outsole, increasing traction for a no-slip performance no matter the terrain. This has a heel-to-toe drop of 11mm.
This is overall lightweight and comfortable. The mesh and material used for the construction are sure to be well-ventilated and breathable. The tongues and collars are lined and have built-in cushions. This prevents skin irritations and protects your feet while ensuring a comfortable fit.
This comes with the traditional lace-up closure to give you the perfect fit. It has a round toe and gives your toes enough room for free movements.
For sciatica and other foot-related foot pain, many would agree this helps alleviate and manage some of that pain so walking and activities are more bearable.
The one drawback to this a few have shared is that it lacks durability. Some noticed it could easily break down after some use so future buyers better keep that in mind.
Pros:
- Designed for women
- Absorbs shock and impact
- Increased traction
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Well-ventilated and breathable
- Extra arch and heel support
Cons:
- Lacks durability
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Shoes for Sciatica
Shoes and footwear are very important when you’re dealing with sciatica and the pain that comes with it. But with the many options out in the market, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you.
To help you, we have a guide on what you should look at in sciatica shoes:
Stable midsole and rigid heel counter
The right shoes help reduce the strain on your sciatic nerves when you’re walking or standing.
When looking for new sciatica shoes, take into consideration its midsole and heel counter. It should have a stable midsole and a rigid heel counter for adequate support.
You can check this by bending the shoe where your arch would be. If the shoe bends fully in half, you should look elsewhere. Stable and rigid midsoles and heel counter shoes shouldn’t do this and shouldn’t be too flexible.
Shock absorption
Good sciatica shoes should absorb shock and reduce the impact when your foot makes a landing on the ground. It should be able to lessen the stress of walking or running on your feet, knees, and lower back.
You can ensure shock absorption when shoes have proper cushioning from heels to toes.
Soft footbed and arch support
With the right shoes, your feet shouldn’t feel fatigued even after hours of wearing them. You can ensure this doesn’t happen to your feet by getting shoes that have a soft footbed but with the right arch support according to your feet. These factors help reduce the pain from sciatica.
Heel height
Another very important factor to consider when you’re shopping for shoes is heel height. For sciatica sufferers, a pair of shoes with no more than two inches of heel height is highly recommended. For the best walking condition for your feet, consider a heel height of about one to two inches.
Basically, avoid heels that are too high but don’t wear entirely flat shoes either. Go for something with moderate height to walk better with ease.
Size and fit
Ill-fitting shoes are a big no-no. Make sure your new shoes fit comfortably and aren’t too snug. Your shoes should have enough moving room and shouldn’t restrict your feet and toes.
Comfort and breathability
Shoes should be comfortable, no matter the foot issues you’re dealing with. The best shoes should make you forget you’re even wearing shoes. Breathability is also an important factor so your feet don’t get hot and sweaty.
Lightweight and flexible
Good shoes should be lightweight and shouldn’t make your feet and ankles work twice as hard. Heavy shoes put more pressure on your feet, knees, and lower back.
Flexible shoes should increase mobility. But remember, they shouldn’t be too flexible, just the right amount.
Durability
Lastly, good shoes are durable. They should be able to withstand walking on different terrains without breaking down completely and too fast.
Conclusion
For some people, footwear and shoes are more than just fashion statements. For individuals dealing with foot issues, shoes can either make or break the condition they’re dealing with.
For sciatica, the same reasoning applies, and our pick for the best shoes for sciatica is the Skechers Go Walk Joy Shoes. This pair has premium cushioning that provides stable support for the feet. It has a high-traction outsole and comes with a 1 1/2 heel height that’s just right for sciatica patients.
And that has been our list of the best shoes for sciatica. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach us below!
