Step Into Comfort With the 10 Best Shoes for Back Pain, Expert-Tested

Best Women’s Overall

Brooks Women's Glycerin GTS 20

View On Zappos $120 View On Dick's $160 View On Brooksrunning.com $100

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Cushioning/Knee Protection
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Responsiveness
  5/5
• Stability
  5/5

Key Specs

Size Range: Women’s 5–12 | Weight: 9.1 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Best For: Walking, running | Our Overall Rating: 5/5  

Who They’re For

Best for runners, walkers, or anyone who spends prolonged periods on their feet. 

Why We Love Them

Brooks’ Glycerin GTS 20 shoes are designed for stability, making them a safe choice if you have back pain. Beyond that, we found that the well-cushioned midsole provides protective shock absorption and strong arch support—helping us to stand, walk, and run pain-free. These features helped the Glycerin GTS 20’s earn the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, meaning a group of podiatrists has determined that they help promote healthy feet. 

The plush foam midsole feels soft and responsive, helping to put a spring in our step. Meanwhile, we found that the lightweight and breathable mesh upper (that makes warm-weather wear bearable) provides a snug yet flexible fit. And the rubber outsole adds overall stability thanks to its reliable grippy traction.

During testing, we confidently traversed uneven surfaces and textured terrains without the risk of worsening back pain. Plus, the lateral stability system within the shoe helps promote a natural gait, which contributes to protecting your back. We also love that these versatile shoes come in regular and wide widths, with plenty of room if you need to use orthotics or insoles.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Brooks, and Zappos. 

Potential Flaws 

• We wish that the shoes came in more color options for wide sizes.

Best Men’s Overall

Saucony Men's Guide 16 Sneaker

View On Amazon $80 View On Zappos $98 View On Dick's $140

Key Specs

Size Range: Men’s 7–15 | Weight: 8.8 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Best For: Walking, running | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for walkers and runners who want the perfect balance between support and comfort.  

Why We Love Them

For optimal support, stability, and comfort, we love Saucony’s Guide 16 Sneakers. This pair stands out for its plush cushioning that protects us from impact, therefore helping to alleviate and prevent back pain. When testing on a variety of surfaces, we felt confident and worry-free. 

The medial post on the inside of the shoe promotes a natural gait without feeling too stiff. And the impressive arch support keeps our feet in alignment, helping to reduce stress on our back muscles. Despite its ample cushioning and support, the Guide 16 doesn’t weigh us down. 

The shoe’s lightweight, breathable mesh upper hugs our feet for a custom-like fit. Plus, there are extra loops on both sides of the midfoot for even more customization and added support. And thanks to the durable, grippy rubber outsole, this shoe can handle walking and running in slick, slippery conditions. 

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Saucony, and Zappos.

Potential Flaws

• While the perforation on the mesh upper allows for great ventilation, the shoes may not offer sufficient warmth in colder conditions.
  

Best for Walking

Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit Shoe

View On Amazon $110 View On Zappos $140 View On Orthofeet.com $120

Our Ratings

• Cushioning
  5/5
• Responsiveness
  5/5
• Stability
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Key Specs

Size Range: Women’s 5–12 | Weight: Not listed | Materials: Knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Best For: Walking, casual wear | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for fitness walking and casual wear, especially if you have wide feet. 

Why We Love Them

Tired of back pain slowing you down on your daily walks? Meet Orthofeet’s Coral Stretch Knit Shoe, your solution to comfortable, pain-free strides. Its well-cushioned midsole and targeted support in the arch, heel, and ankle areas deliver soft landings and stability to help protect your back and joints. We noticed that the shoe’s mild rocker shape sent us into our next stride, providing easy transitions between every step. 

A soft, stretchy upper contours to the shape of your foot for a customized fit and the roomy toe box provides ample space for toe movement. Meanwhile, the durable rubber outsole adds to the overall safety and stability, with dependable traction. This pair is also APMA-approved. 

Potential Flaws

• We love that these shoes have a roomy toe box and come in wide and extra-wide sizes, but they may be too spacious if you have narrow feet.

Best Budget

Asics Gel-Venture 9

View On Amazon $60 View On Zappos $60 View On Dick's $75

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Cushioning/Knee Protection
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Responsiveness
  5/5
• Stability
  5/5

Key Specs

Size Range: Men’s 7–15 | Weight: 10.6 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, gel and foam midsole, rubber outsole | Best For: Walking, running, hiking | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 

Who They’re For

Best for walkers, runners, and hikers who need a versatile sneaker to take them from treadmills to trails. 

Why We Love Them

Asics’ Gel-Venture 9 Running Shoe impressed with its exceptional support, shock absorption, and traction—all at a budget-friendly price. From the moment we slipped into the shoes, we felt pillow-like comfort. The well-cushioned midsole provided immediate relief, while the blend of foam and gel delivered shock absorption and a responsive bounce in every step.

Essential to alleviate and prevent back pain, firm arch support and a deep heel cup keep us aligned and prevent sliding around in the shoe. The padded collar and tongue add stability and comfort. We also appreciate the durable rubber outsole which provides a reliable grip on pavement and rocky trails, ensuring stability even on challenging terrains. The Gel-Venture 9’s breathable mesh upper kept our feet comfy and blister-free. Plus, the shoes come in medium, wide, and extra-wide options.  

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Asics, and Zappos. 

Potential Flaws 

• We noticed that the shoes are heavier than other options we tested, which might make them suboptimal for speed workouts.
  

Best for Running

On Running Cloudsurfer

View On REI $160 View On Dick's $160 View On On-running.com

Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.9/5
• Cushioning/Knee Protection
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Responsiveness
  4.7/5
• Stability
  5/5

Key Specs

Size Range: Women’s 5–11 | Weight: 7.2 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Best For: Walking, running | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 

Who They’re For

Best for short- and long-distance running, especially if you’re working on speed. 

Why We Love Them

Running can exacerbate back pain, so choosing the right shoe is essential. We love On’s Cloudsurfer Running Shoe because it offers the ideal blend of support and speed that runners need. On test runs, we discovered that the plush, full-length midsole provides immediate cloud-like comfort, bouncy energy return, and protective shock absorption.

Despite all that support, the shoes feel shockingly lightweight, helping to reduce strain on your feet and back. Made with a breathable mesh upper, the Cloudsurfer offers a snug yet flexible fit that we found prevents slipping, chafing, and foot blisters. Whether you prefer short or long distances, this is an excellent pick for outdoor and treadmill running.

Also available in men’s sizes at On Running, REI, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. 

Potential Flaws 

• We wish that the shoe came in more width options to accommodate very narrow and wide feet, though we didn’t have any issues with finding the right fit.
  

Best for Road Running

Hoka Mach 5

View On Zappos $140 View On REI $98 View On Dick's $140

Key Specs

Size Range: Women’s 5–11 | Weight: 8.0 ounces | Materials: Jacquard upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Best For: Running, racing | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 

Who They’re For

Best if you’re a neutral runner who needs a responsive shoe for short- and long-distance runs at varying speeds.

Why We Love Them

To ensure safe road running, especially for individuals with a history of back pain, a shoe with maximum cushioning and support is essential. Hoka’s Mach 5 Running Shoe features a thick foam midsole that delivers plush cushioning to absorb shocks and minimize the impact on your joints. In testing, we found that this ensures a smooth and comfortable run, regardless of the distance or speed.

What sets the Mach 5 apart is its innovative design, featuring an embedded plastic polymer plate that delivers a soft and snappy ride. This, combined with the rocker shape common to Hoka running shoes, propels our strides and seamless heel-to-toe transitions. The flexible upper and spacious toe box also contribute to an overall comfortable fit that we found is suitable for most runners. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Hoka, REI, and Zappos.  

Potential Flaws 

• We’d love to see this shoe in more width options, such as wide and extra-wide, but we didn’t have any issues with finding the right fit.
  

Best Lightweight

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13

View On Amazon $203 View On Zappos $165 View On REI $165

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Cushioning/Knee Protection
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Responsiveness
  5/5
• Stability
  5/5

Key Specs

Size Range: Women’s 5–13 | Weight: 7.7 ounces | Materials: Synthetic and mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Best For: Walking, running | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 

Who They’re For

Best for exercise and all-day wear, especially if you live in warm to cool climates. 

Why We Love Them

Despite its feather-light feel, New Balance's Fresh Foam 1080 v13 Running Shoe delivers unparalleled support and impact protection, addressing the specific needs of wearers with back pain. The generous cushioning provides a plush underfoot experience, effectively softening each stride. And the incorporation of a rocker shape ensures seamless, quick, and effortless transitions, alleviating pressure on lower back muscles.

We also appreciate the wide toe box, which you’ll find in most New Balance shoes. The extra space, along with a grippy rubber outsole, proves invaluable for maintaining balance and minimizing the risk of back tweaks. The sturdy heel counter is pivotal in securing your feet and preventing undue lateral movement that may lead to injuries. For even more room, the shoe comes in wide and extra-wide options.

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon, Dick's Sporting Goods, and New Balance.

Potential Flaws

• We love the shoe’s lightweight and breathable upper, but the material may be too thin to offer enough protection in very cold conditions.
  

Best for Flat Feet

Hoka's Men's Gaviota 5

View On Zappos $175 View On Dick's $175 View On Hoka.com

Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.9/5
• Cushioning/Knee Protection
  5/5
• Comfort
  4.9/5
• Responsiveness
  4.5/5
• Stability
  4.8/5

Key Specs

Size Range: Men’s 7–15 | Weight: 9.1 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Best For: Walking, running | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5  

Who They’re For

Best if you have flat feet and need a walking or running shoe that’s comfortable enough for all-day wear.  

Why We Love Them

One of our favorite shoes for flat feet, Hoka’s Gaviota 5 Running Shoe is a standout choice for its well-cushioned midsole that excels in comfort and shock absorption. The stabilizing H-frame design is particularly beneficial for individuals who overpronate or roll their feet inward while running, and often rely on insoles for flat feet. During testing, we observed an impressively stable base, thanks to the wide toe box and deep heel support.

The shoe's snug and secure fit also stood out during testing, providing a locked-in feel without any slipping or sliding. Enhanced support and comfort come from the plush, padded collar and tongue. And the outsole features a rocker shape that facilitates a natural gait and smooth heel-to-toe transitions. Notably durable, the shoe features rubber on the bottom to cover high-wear areas, ensuring long-lasting performance for runners with flat feet.

Also available in women’s sizes at Hoka, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and REI. 

Potential Flaws 

• All the stability and support come with a heavier weight, so this pick isn’t the best option for speedwork. 
• Hoka shoes typically run wide, so this pair may not work if you have narrow feet.
  

Best Slip-On

Skechers Slip-Ins Ultra Flex

View On Amazon $90 View On Zappos $90 View On Zappos $90

Our Ratings

• Cushioning
  5/5
• Responsiveness
  4/5
• Stability
  4.5/5
• Fit
  4/5
• Value
  5/5

Key Specs

Size Range: Women’s 5–11 | Weight: Not listed | Materials: Engineered mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Best For: Walking, casual wear | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5 

Who They’re For

Best if you want a comfy and casual slip-on sneaker for walking, traveling, and daily wear. 

Why We Love Them

Skechers' Ultra Flex Brilliant 3.0 Shoes boast a convenient slip-on design and a budget-friendly price, making them an excellent choice for those seeking comfortable and supportive shoes for walking, travel, or casual wear. In testing, we appreciated that we were able to slip into them completely hands-free—a huge plus if you have difficulty bending over from back pain. 

Once inside the shoe, we immediately appreciated the plush, cloud-like cushioning that delivers hours of comfort. Throughout our test walks, the shoes felt lightweight and responsive, effortlessly propelling us to the next stride and minimizing foot fatigue. The stretchy mesh upper provides a secure, foot-hugging fit without compromising flexibility. Plus, we love that these shoes can go right in the washing machine when it’s time for a refresh—adding to their overall convenience. 

Potential Flaws 

• While we love these shoes for walking and casual wear, they’re not suitable for running or other cardio-based exercise.