Podiatrists Recommend These Comfy Sneakers for Relieving Back Pain (2025)

Hoka’s Bondi line comes highly recommended by Oldani, Prestipino, and Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute, who previously noted that they’re “well-cushioned” and offer “neutral stability.” Prestipino also adds they’re “very durable,” while Oldani says: “This is a shoe with maximum shock absorption secondary to a thick foam sole and great support through the arch.” The latest, updated Bondi 9 sneakers boast peak, maximum cushioning and increased stack height for cloud-like comfort and a soft, resilient ride, along with a breathable knit upper and a 3D molded collar for extra stability—making them especially great for back pain.

What an editor says: Prevention’s Senior Commerce Editor Charlotte Lewis Finigan recently tested these sneakers and dubbed them “a perfectly cushioned dream” in her review. “My foot felt like it was being wrapped in a marshmallow, but somehow I didn’t lose any of the midsole support in my arches,” she wrote.

Prestipino loves that these affordable kicks from New Balance are “very lightweight” and offer “good support for the lower back and knees” as well as ventilation with their mesh upper. Featuring a sleek, versatile design, these sneakers are designed with a soft foam cushioned midsole that’s engineered to deliver a lightweight ride, as well as a durable rubber outsole. Plus, they have a wide, roomy toe box and come in wide size options.

What the reviews say: “Comfy...These are my new favorite shoes. They’re perfect for anyone on their feet all day or even for going for long walks!” one Amazon shopper wrote. “I have chronic back problems, and I never worry about back pain when I’m wearing these.”

Sharkey recommends the Brooks Glycerin 22, previously noting that it’s the “best Brooks shoe for those with neutral arches” and is known for its plush cushioning and balance of softness and comfort. (In fact, she’s recommended it for both walking and plantar fasciitis.) These comfy sneakers are designed with the brand’s nitrogen-infused, DNA Tuned cushioning that’s optimized for soft landings and responsive toe-offs with every step, as well as a broad platform to stabilize your foot for smooth and stable transitions.

What an editor says: Senior Commerce Editor Charlotte Lewis Finigan recently tested these shoes and loved the plush, maximum cushioning. “The Glycerin utilizes the most cushion available—plush level—making them feel springy and supple, almost like walking on a cloud,” she noted in her review.

Oldani recommends Brooks sneakers for runners with back pain. “Brooks shoes in general have great cushioning and shock absorption,” he says. He specifically recommends the Ghost Max line, noting that it’s “their most cushioned running shoe.” In fact, the Ghost Max 2 sneakers boast the APMA Seal of Acceptance, thanks to its super-plush, maximum cushioning that offers a smooth feeling with each step. They also feature a rocker-shaped sole that helps you easily transition from landing to toe-off, and a broad base for added stability.

What an editor says: Prevention’s Freelance Writer Mary Honkus previously tested these shoes and noted that they were a reliable, supportive walking shoe with good cushion. “The Ghost Max felt sturdy, supported, and more substantial with each step—like a hug for my foot,” she said. “Not only are they so comfortable, but I think their design is super stylish and I really enjoy the way they look. I now regularly lace up my Brooks when I’m running errands or going on leisurely strolls.”

There’s a reason why these Skechers walking shoes are a best-seller on Amazon with nearly 98,000 ratings—and why they’ve landed on our list of the best walking shoes and best shoes for walking on concrete. Made with a cushioned memory foam insole and a breathable mesh upper, they’re comfortable, lightweight, and easy to slip on and off without having to bend over or tie laces, making them especially great for those with back pain or mobility issues. “These are great for casual use. They are lightweight and constructed with Skechers’ hands free technology,” Sharkey previously said. “They also have a memory foam insole for cushioning.”

What the reviews say: “I spent 12 hours in my new Go Joy walking shoes at Disneyland and my feet felt great! I have serious back/knee issues as well as arthritis...Well these smart little tennis shoes did the trick,” one reviewer shared. “They are easy to slip on and off, are light as a feather with a simple yet attractive design, and the thick/supportive insoles are AMAZING, like bouncing on a spongy cloud of comfort!! I am most definitely going to buy these in at least 2-3 other colors!”

Recommended by Prestipino, these Orthofeet knit sneakers are specifically designed for those with back pain, knee pain, and mobility issues. Prestipino appreciates their “good arch support and cushion for the heel,” as well as the “wide toe box” for a roomy, comfortable, and secure fit and the construction with “breathable,” lightweight fabric. Designed with advanced cushioning with customizable arch support and a removable orthotic insole, these shoes also features a hands-free slip-on technology that makes them easy to slip on and off without bending over.

What the reviews say: “Love these shoes. I started a part-time job late in life which has me walking for eight hours...These are a game changer for working or needing to be on your feet for a long period,” an Amazon shopper shared. “After my first day wearing them on my part-time job, no back pain nor did my feet hurt...Oh, the best part is that they’re slip on—no bending over and tying these shoes, and they look good too.”

Hoka’s Clifton line has long been one of our top podiatrist-approved picks for the best running shoes for beginners, best Hoka shoes for plantar fasciitis, and more, with Sharkey prevoiulsy recommending it for its lightweight design and bouncy yet supportive cushioning. The updated Hoka Clifton 10s are no exception—in fact, they have the official Seal of Acceptance from the APMA for its foot health benefits. They deliver ultra-lightweight cushioning with a compression molded EVA foam midsole, along with a breathable jacquard upper and a rearfoot-focused foot frame for supportive landings.

What an editor says: “The Hoka Clifton 10s are extremely cushioned...they are absolutely perfect for walking, landing a coveted spot on my shoe rack,” said our Deputy Editor Emily Goldman in her recent review. “Whether walking or running, these provide ample cushioning while maintaining stability—something that doesn’t always go hand in hand.”

Constructed with maximum cushioning for great bounce and energy return, these sneakers from On have earned Prestipino’s stamp of approval. She notes that they are “good for the lower back and for the knees” and offer ample traction with “cloud pods at the bottom of the shoe” and a “breathable mesh toe box.” The shoes also have a cushioned collar for extra comfort and reflective accents to help keep you safe while walking or running at night.

What the reviews say: “Absolutely IN LOVE with these shoes. I suffer from a multitude of back injuries and I constantly struggle to get anything done. Running errands used to be the most painful and annoying thing to do but with these shoes on I feel like I could run a mile!” one Amazon customer raved. “These shoes have been life changing for me. They feel like walking on clouds, I could stand in my feet for at least 3-4 hours with significantly less pain than previously before I got them. They are worth every cent.”

Those with flat feet who suffer from back pain should look for a supportive, stable shoe that offers motion control, Sharkey says. The Hoka Arahi 7—which has the APMA Seal of Acceptance—is one of her top picks for those with flat feet, thanks to its stable support with the brand’s J-Frame technology that’s designed to prevent overpronation. These shoes also feature a flat knit upper for midfoot lockdown, along with a supportive midsole that helps absorb impact while walking and running for all-day comfort.

What the reviews say: “I have lower back pain, flat feet, and plantar fasciitis. Finding a pair of shoes I can walk all day in is next to impossible. I got these in wide and they are wonderful!” wrote one Zappos customer who gave them a perfect five stars.

If you’re looking for a pair of casual, stylish, everyday sneakers, consider Oldani’s pick from Naot that comes in an easy-to-wear slip-on style. These are “perfect for those with back pain and a neutral foot type,” he says. He appreciates the 1.25-inch foam and rubber sole that helps with shock absorption as well as the “cork and latex footbed that gives great support through the arch.”

What the reviews say: “Good for walking...Excellent shoe, this is my second pair in this exact style,” one Amazon customer shared. “I was told due to the cork insole they are especially good for people with bad backs. This is a great walking shoe that looks like a casual shoe.”

✔️ Look for a supportive shoe. “When someone has back pain, it is imperative that they are wearing the most supportive shoes possible,” Sharkey explains. “Because of the strong relationship between the feet and the way mechanical forces are transmitted through the joints and up the kinetic chain into the spine, the support of back pain starts at the feet.”

✔️ Opt for a roomy toe box. Wearing a shoe with an “adequate toe box ” helps to distribute weight across the foot, Prestipino explains. A shoe with a more narrow toe box can cause “the body weight to be shifted more anteriorly (forward), causing more stress on the lower back.”

✔️ Look for adequate cushioning and shock absorption. Shoes with “adequate cushion” including those made from “durable materials such as foam and rubber, Prestipino explains. These shoes provide better shock absorption than non-cushioned shoes and can help relieve back pain.

✔️ Consider motion-control shoes. Sharkey recommends shoes with motion control for those with flatter feet. These shoes “provide support to the arch and mid-foot in an effort to provide better mechanics at the foot,” thus leading to more support of the joints all the way up to the spine, relieving pressure on the back, Sharkey says.

Oldani explains that a person’s unique foot type plays a significant role in back pain and can help determine the type of shoe they should wear.

“For example, those with a high arched foot absorb shock poorly during walking and running,” Oldani says. “These people would be wise to focus on maximum cushioning and shock absorption.”

However, those with a more flat foot, or pronated foot type, tend to have alignment issues that strain the knees and the lower back more. “These people would benefit from a motion control shoe to limit pronation in combination with a custom orthotic to help with heel alignment during walking.”