Choosing shoes when you suffer from sciatica can be tricky. There are some shoes that offer great support, but they are boring, and there are some that are fashionable, but the latter almost always worsen your condition.
We spent 63 hours researching 38 websites, looking at 21 shoe brands, and reading 220 reviews and customer feedback in order to bring you this list. Our team of experts researched the entire market to find the 15 Most Comfortable Shoes for Sciatica, so you can enjoy high levels of comfort and style. Take a look at them and pick your favorite! Be sure to read the buyer’s guide before purchasing.
We’ve compiled the Most comfortable Sciatica shoes below that offer complete protection, support, and pain relief!
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How to Choose the Right Shoes to Help Treat Sciatica?
Cutting to the chase, here are all the primary factors you should look for when buying yourself a pair of shoes for your Sciatica.
1) Comfort
It is very important to wear comfortable shoes for your foot condition. You should be able to support your feet, hips, and back with utmost comfort. When you wear shoes that don’t provide adequate comfort, you could develop blisters and other conditions that will add up to your painful affair with Sciatica.
2) Fit
Choosing the perfect fit for yourself, as a badly fitted shoe, can do a great disservice to your feet and your problem. You will have to focus on the toe and heel of the shoes that you are eyeing. Make sure you do not experience any sort of rubbing or pinching in your feet when you wear them. With the friction that a rub of your shoe against your skin can bring, you can easily develop painful blisters.
3) Effectiveness
Your shoe needs to provide enough cushioning, support, comfort, and shock absorption to truly deal with your Sciatica. If your shoes do not offer you all these key elements, their effectiveness is going to be adversely affected here. The options that we have shortlisted in the list have been carefully chosen to provide you with a great level of effectiveness.
4) Shock Absorption
Whenever your feet hit the ground, there is a surge of kinetic energy. When you are suffering from foot problems, every step you take needs to be supported with shock-absorption qualities. EVA materials and foam can help you absorb this impact and force, while also offering you with enough comfort.
5) Support
The arch area of your foot is delicate and needs to be supported when you’re dealing with Sciatica. Your foot carries all of your weight, and that can lead to your arch collapsing very easily. The discomfort in the arch area can soon lead up to straining in your hips, legs, as well as lower back. Therefore, find shoes that have a supportive quality.
As per the podiatrist’s recommendation, these are the best sciatica shoes of 2023
Vionic Women’s Kea Orthotic Trainers
As we discovered in our review, The Vionic Women’s Kea Orthotic Trainers are capable of providing you with a great solution to your severe sciatic pain. Many people suffering from this condition can turn to it as a powerful magic arsenal. Customers love this pair of footwear because it addresses this problem and creates a special place in their hearts.
Many people tend to look for and limit themselves to footwear with arch support for their back, knee, and hip pains. However, they require a lot more rigid solution to this. And this pair of Vionic shoes can turn out to be a great choice for them. What is so unique about this pair is the amazing comfort and compatibility they offer with many types of situations. Whether you want to use them for work or casual events.
Our test found that these shoes provide protection and support whether you keep them on your feet all day or take them out for a quick walk. With these shoes, you don’t have to worry about the mesh area being durable, as you have a gore panel. This prevents the shoe from splitting open. Sufficient capacity, adaptability, as well as durability has been promised to you with this product.
Apart from that, the product offers you great balance and stability with the help of its roomy toe-box. It is also extremely breathable and evaporates sweat within minutes. No build-up is noticed to have to occur. This makes it a lot more suitable to wear throughout the day without a worry in your mind.
Here’s why you should consider these shoes:
- Great breathable capacity
- Compatible with all situations, and durable
- Offers great arch support and rigidity
Keep in mind (Drawbacks):
- Might need to add a pair of socks for allergies
Crocs Classic For Men and Women
When you think about comforting footwear, you have to mention Crocs, especially Crocs Classic. This product is known to offer you with 180° comfort and support. It has been made with a unique Croslite midsole material that adds to the overall support and cushioning structure of the product and makes sure your lower back irritation is curbed. This material is indeed an innovation that can save lives.
The ideal amount of rebound and cushion is also offered with the help of the closed-cell foam resin. It gives kind of a lightweight and bouncy feeling to the foot. The product comes with a memory foam core along with great arch support which aids to the overall comfort level when you wear them out.
These clogs can provide a great deal of comfort with the help of its roomy as well as lightweight design. Because of this, almost anyone can wear these shoes and have a comfortable and supportive experience. A secure non-slip fit is offered with the pivoting heel straps and the upper material aids to the overall breathability of the shoe. Therefore, making them a great pair of shoes for anything water-related.
The product is fast-drying, easy to clean, as well as resistant to very foul odors which makes it superior to its predecessor, Thereby if you look at the overall features of these shoes then you can say that they are a great choice for people who are suffering from Sciatica. These lightweight shoes come in a total of 20 color variations.
Here’s why you should consider these shoes:
- Croslite Midsole ensures complete comfort
- Comes with a memory foam pillow
- Enough stability with the heel straps
Keep in mind (Drawbacks):
- Might come loose in narrow feet
Clarks Women’s Ashland Bubble Slip-On
The brand value of the footwear you buy is important. The brand Clarks has been in the running since 1825, and they have a great reputation for serving people with high-quality footwear. Therefore, Clarks Women’s Ashland Bubble Slip-On has made the top five of this long list.
You need footwear that is compatible with your feet when you have to work for long hours. You require maximum comfort, otherwise, you will end up with tired and aching feet. Instead of ruining your day and getting distracted at work with your footwear issues, get this comfortable pair of slip-on for yourself! They aren’t only extremely cozy, but they add a classy punch to your entire look too!
You can certainly add a spark of professionalism with this pair of slip-on with your choice of outfit. They go very well with pants, jeans, and even pencil skirts. We know customers that have used them for two years without hassles. These can easily be identified as one of the best loafers for Sciatica.
This product has been made out of pure leather, so you must not be concerned about the quality or the performance of the product. The quality of the sole and the leather can be easily noticeable. You can sport this pair of shoes in all kinds of weather, be it snow or rain. You never have to worry about harming the leather.
What is amazing about the height of the heel is that it’s neither too flat, nor too high. It is almost the perfect height for Sciatica. Many people prefer this footwear in general due to its average height, especially with semi-formal and formal looks! Keeping all of this in mind, we believe this pair to be one of the best shoes for Sciatica.
Here’s why you should consider these shoes:
- Can go with many of your outfits
- Constructed with pure leather material
- Great wear for all kinds of weather
Keep in mind (Drawbacks):
- Might seem a little heavy
Orthofeet Sprint Men’s Athletic Shoes
The Orthofeet Sprint Men’s Athletic Shoes cannot be stopped. These are one of the most versatile shoes, of course, great for Sciatica, but they’re also wonderful shoes for Plantar Fasciitis. Even bunions and heel spurs can be soothed and healed with the help of these athletic shoes.
However, we are sure you must be wondering how a simple sneaker can manage to do all of this. Well, there are certain features to this product that are promising! First, the material used in this product has been sourced from the softest synthetics. Therefore, they aren’t too bad for your skin, and won’t rub against it with use. Another thing is that it has been heavily meshed, along with the tongue. This ensures that the shoes do not collect heat.
It is important to note that if your shoe lacks ventilation, then it could lead to overheating and even encourage the growth of bacteria and microbes. This not only creates more foot problems but also leaves your feet stinky,
Another one of the reasons why the Orthofeet is among the best men’s sneakers to deal with Sciatica is because it can soothe your painful feet with its unique biomechanics. With the help of its arch support, not only normal feet but flat feet, people can benefit from it as well. To ensure that your walking session is fuss-free, extra padding has been added to the whole construction. It is better than its previous version.
Here’s why you should consider these shoes:
- Orthotic shoes which work great for Sciatica
- Comes with premium insoles
- Multiple layers of cushioning help the wearer
Keep in mind (Drawbacks):
- Midsoles wear off gradually over time but can be replaced
Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker
The Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker is one of the most beautiful and bold shoes for Sciatica. Although this is a simple walking shoe, it comes with many features that need some credit. One of the newest technologies here does not only cushion the shoe properly but also offers a lot of support.
Because of the low arches that the shoe features in this model, with this you can easily control overpronation while also maintaining comfort. With all these materials, you never have to worry about bad experiences with shoes again, like stuffiness or unbearable noisy squeaking.
You cannot compare these pairs of shoes with any other regular shoes that you find on the market. Especially when it comes to their look as well as feel. Because of the cushioned and heavily padded tongue as well as a collar, your feet are going to feel well-supported throughout the day. Therefore, no more tired feet and no more pain.
So breathable material, check! Apart from this, the shoes also offer you MoGo midsole and according to our finding it is one of the best slip-resistant outsoles on the market. You can easily walk for hours on all kinds of surfaces without ever losing your traction and feeling the pain.
Here’s why you should consider these shoes:
- Made with man-made materials
- MoGo midsole helps conserve energy
- The product comes with massive padding
Keep in mind (Drawbacks):
- Slip-resistant qualities can lose over time
Asics Gel-Contend 4 Men’s Shoes
The Asics Gel-Contend 4 is the ideal footwear for anyone suffering from the dreaded condition of Sciatica. They are a great example of a pair that is both comforting and also helps relieve the painful symptoms of the condition. They can quickly absorb all shock waves that come their way through the steps that you take.
All the bad impacts on your body because of the impact can be reduced with the help of these shoes. It also comes with a removable sock liner, which can help provide glove-like support through the orthotic inserts. You can also expect it to remove or wick away all the collected moisture in your feet through sweat. This can prevent your feet from becoming stinky and also save you from blisters and other infections.
Because of the rubber sole, you will also receive a great deal of traction on all types of surfaces. With the help of this feature, you can move freely without risking slips or skids and injuring yourself. The product is currently available in a total of 20 styles, helping you make a choice that matches your wardrobe and taste. You have many color options to choose from including Pink Glow and While Aruba.
Here’s why you should consider these shoes:
- Comes with a gel cushioning system
- Shock-absorbing abilities
- Removable sock liner helps with comfort
Keep in mind (Drawbacks):
- Not ideal for wide-feet
Skechers Women’s Flex Appeal 2.0-Stratosphere
The Skechers Women’s Flex Appeal 2.0-Stratosphere is one of our best picks for women who are suffering from Sciatica. These shoes come with Skechers’ proprietary technologies that offer you a comfy footbed that you can wear for hours. The product has been made out of synthetic components, including mesh and rubber. What this does is it holds up to the majority of the outer shell, thereby, keeping it light and ventilated for the wearer.
You also get a lace-up system here and it starts from your toes to the insertion point, this creates a complete lockdown that can be adjusted easily for added support as well as comfort. There is a paper-thin elastic layer around the insertion point which helps it stretch out according to the user’s foot.
The product has been built to provide ultimate support with the help of the outsole and midsole, in combination with other components made out of rubber. It relieves all the right pressure points and takes in all the shocks.
There is an outsole layer right under the midsole, what this layer does is it provides stability and comfort to the user. When you’re wearing a shoe that knows how to diffuse all the pressures, your Sciatica is bound to get better within time. Many efforts have been put into making sure the product adds to your balance and does not aggravate your foot issue. One feature that does this properly is the hike into the heel counter.
Here’s why you should consider these shoes:
- Full lace-up system for increased lockdown
- Elastic surrounding for simple fitting
- Memory foam footbed for increased comfort
Keep in mind (Drawbacks):
- Offers some give due to its lightweight shell construction
Vionic Agile Kea For Women
If you are looking for a comfortable slip-on shoe that has got the seal of acceptance by the APMA or American Podiatric Medical Association. The product comes with an upper that is both breathable as well as lightweight, and the best part is that it has been man-made. The shoe can help increase overall support and comfort in all different kinds of ways. Making it ideal footwear for walking and running errands.
With the help of the Vionic Agile Kea, you can prevent all types of back, hip, and leg pain. This is made possible with innovative biomechanical technology. The product also features an EVA footbed that is covered with mesh, allowing air to flow and preventing sweat to get collected. You will not be disappointed with this product in this regard.
You can avail of this product in many different color combinations including light blue, grey, as well as darker shades of black. The product is versatile, and you can match it with different attires and clothes of your choice.
Here’s why you should consider these shoes:
- Comes with a comfortable EVA Footbed
- Has the APMA seal of acceptance
- Biomechanical technologies support the foot properly
Keep in mind (Drawbacks):
- The heel is too wide
Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk 4 – Pursuit Walking Shoe
Many people claim that this model by Skechers’ has offered them a solution that no other footwear could, for their Sciatica. This product sports a 5GEN midsole and it provides excellent shock and impact absorption, as well as a type of cushioning that is highly responsive. With the help of the Goga Max technology, you can rest assured that your feet are going to achieve the utmost comfort and care. The sole can offer you great support as well as comfort within the shoes.
The shoes also look great. You will appreciate how they look on your feet when you wear them with different outfits. You can wear them everywhere, whether you’re headed to a full-blown party with friends or even at your office. The shoes can offer you with great traction and grip that you require when you’re dealing with Sciatica.
With this product, you will get a pure mesh fabric that has a lightweight feel to it. This ensures you a comfortable and easy fit. The Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk 4 – Pursuit Walking Shoe will last you for a long time, while keeping things flexible and manageable for you with smoother natural movement. The toe box offers you great space for movement too!
Here’s why you should consider these shoes:
- Lightweight and simple design
- Offers great deal of traction
- Flexible enough for everyday use
Cons:
- Not breathable
- Arch support lacks effectiveness for some
Merrell Encore Q2 Breeze For Women
This brand was founded around 30 years back! The brand has a strong belief in providing great durability, design, and comfort to its customers. However, above all of them, the thing that matters most to them is the versatility of the product. This brand has a history and experience of creating footwear for all kinds of occasions. With the Merrell Encore Q2 Breeze, you can be sure you will find your comfort as they have been known to be one of the best clogs for Sciatica.
The product’s upper has been created out of mesh fabric. The breathability of the product is ensured with this along with the mesh lining for the ventilation. Your feet are no longer going to collect sweat or even overheat with this product. The product also features a Kinetic Fit Tri footbed that is removable, and it manages to conform to the shape of your feet and support your arch.
Q FORM dual-density along with the heel-centering technology has been utilized in the midsole of this product. You need this to perfectly align your feet as you walk and gradually treat your Sciatica problem. Not only that, but these shoes also provide a whole lot of traction to its users, making sure you do not bear a slip or a skid.
Here’s why you should consider these shoes:
- Has a ventilated mesh upper
- Comes with a heel-centering technology
- Q FORM dual-density
Keep in mind (Drawbacks):
- The fit is not reliable
NATURAL SOUL Women’s Girly Ballet Flat
These ballet flats from the NATURAL SOUL have been in the shoe development business for a very long time. They have a knack for offering oomph to your sense of style. You can easily wear these slender designs with many of your outfits, they are a pair of shoes that you can club with a dress too!
A thick memory foam coating is what the product’s inner sole has been lined with. With the assistance of this coating, you will be ensured with enough stability to make strides into the day without pressuring your feet. You get a wide toe box as well, however, it still comes with the much-loved pointed design.
The best kind of shoes for Sciatica are the ones you don’t have to push yourself hard into. They should be easy to wear and take off, without compromising on the grip of the product. With these girly ballet flats, that’s exactly what you receive! It is like they have listened to all our prayers, as the product flaunts a small rubberized base for a balanced walk too!
Here’s why you should consider these shoes:
- Offers a great look for all kinds of outfits
- Comes with a wide-toe box
- Generously padded
Keep in mind (Drawbacks):
- Has a limited arch-support
Under Armour Women’s Speed Tire Ascent Low Running Shoes
The Under Armour Women’s Speed Tire Ascent Low Running Shoes have been created out of materials and fabrics that include rubber, mesh, and even vinyl. With the help of all the rubberized materials, the product allows you to catch the maximum grip on all kinds of tough pavements and terrains.
A smooth finish has been maintained due to mainly two materials—acetate and rubber. This helps the shoes in resisting water and keeping you shielded against all elements. Although the shoe is low-profile, you can expect it to have features that any high-end brand does. If you are someone who deals with painful episodes of Sciatica, the design of these shoes would suit you well.
Within the shoe are some features like a removable insert and liner. This allows you to either stick with the memory foam technology, or replace it with the kind of rise you require. With the help of the footbed has an even distribution all through the shoe.
Here’s why you should consider these shoes:
- Removable insert and liner
- Actual rubber technology that is used in car tires
- Memory foam technology for comfort
Keep in mind (Drawbacks):
- Not ideal for high-arch people
New Balance Women’s W1260v6 Running Shoe
This product comes with all the new innovative technologies that the footwear industry knows today. We can certainly suggest the New Balance Women’s W1260v6 Running Shoe without a worry in our minds, and they are sure to bring you the best supportive and pain-relieving solution to your Sciatica problem.
This product comes with a combination of two materials, and these two materials are Mesh and Synthetic. While Mesh consists of 25% of the product, Synthetic stands at a whopping 75%. Therefore, the shoe is a sure-shot durable piece to wear. These shoes offer all the necessary qualities that you must look for in Sciatica shoes—support, traction, and long life.
The insole present in these shoes is a soft and long-lasting affair. All your aches and pains are going to be removed within only a few weeks of wearing these shoes. The brand is proud of its cushioning system that keeps your ankle and heel area together. And it is not heavy as it contains all lightweight properties.
Here’s why you should consider these shoes:
- Combination of Mesh and Synthetic material
- Offers a pain-relieving solution to Sciatica
- Provides support, traction, and durability
Keep in mind (Drawbacks):
- Pricey in comparison to other products on the list
HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Vanquish 3 Running Shoe
The shoes that offer you a bounce in all your steps are by far one of the best shoes for Sciatica and one such model that promises that is the HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Vanquish 3 Running Shoe. Although this is a running shoe, you can easily wear them for various kinds of activities including running errands and walking. They offer great cushioning.
One of the things that you will love about the product is the breathtaking design. You are surely going to notice some of the colorful 3D prints that have been plastered right from the top. The upper also flaunts a mesh design that manages your feet temperature and breathability when you’re busy making strides into your way. This means your feet are going to stay fresh and happy, and bye-bye to smelly feet.
Many of the previous customers have suggested this shoe saying it is one of the finest shoes for sciatica, however, if you don’t believe them then simply look at the features! The product comes with a heavy cushioning and a roomy construction that can relieve all the bad ache that comes with your foot condition seamlessly.
Here’s why you should consider these shoes:
- Great for almost all kinds of activities
- Amazing EVA cushioning aids to the comfort
- Comes with a dual-layer midsole
Keep in mind (Drawbacks):
- Not many color options
- Not insulated enough for winters
OLUKAI Women’s Nohea Moccasin Slipper
If you are looking for a pair of slip-on that is easy to wear and comes with the promise of durability? Then the OLUKAI Women’s Nohea Moccasin Slippers is a product you should consider once. This product is what you call the perfect summer footwear. Summers are all fun and games till your feet start giving up on you with the overheating. This comforting pair is going to make sure your feet stay fresh and dry, while also providing you with enough cushioning to go through your day with a smile on your face.
The product is also cruelty-free and completely vegan, so you never have to worry about causing harm to gain comfort. Many great quality synthetic materials have been combined to come up with the creation of this pair of wonderful shoes. They are a great way for nature lovers to connect with the environment with their choices.
The brand comes with an EVA footbed that has been compression-molded, and let me tell you what that means. This means it is going to reshape itself according to the shape of your foot, and what is better than this for people going through the debilitating pain of a foot condition? Whether you have flat feet or are high-arched, you can lock the worries away and get these shoes today for perfect wear.
Here’s why you should consider these shoes:
- Upper made from Neoprene/Nylon
- Great for all kinds of feet
- Cruelty-free and vegan construction
Keep in mind (Drawbacks):
- Toe might curl upwards
When you’re scheming through the internet for the perfect pair of shoes for Sciatica, remember that some factors make them suitable for you! We have created this buying guide to prepare you for the perfect choice!
Your sciatica condition could be caused by a number of things
1. Wearing High Heels Is A No-No!
Sciatica can be triggered by wearing high heels. If you are a heel-enthusiast, be prepared to lock your favorite possessions up for at least a few months down the road. The reason why heels are such an enemy to your feet, especially your Sciatica is that they push all the weight of your body on the forefront of your foot. This can cause you to constantly flex forward with the hips.
Putting your body through so much pain is of no use, you can find many fashionable shoes on the market that are Sciatica-friendly. Many of them we have mentioned in our list, do check them out!
2. Putting Stuff In Your Back Pocket
Most of us have lived an entire life putting things in the back pocket of our jeans. Although this can seem convenient, you could be causing a lot of harm to your anatomy with it. Some experts suggest that sitting with things like wallets and phones in your back pocket for long periods can irritate a muscle called the Piriformis. And guess which nerve comes under this muscle? Of course, the Sciatic nerve! Avoid pressuring this nerve directly with this habit. Get yourself a handbag!
3. Stressing Yourself
A professor called Dr. John Sarno suggests that a lot of stress that develops in our minds, and even in our bodies can heavily trigger Sciatica. This professor has been working relentlessly for years into creating an approach to this problem in a rather holistic and mindful way. And trust us if you will, these things can easily be picked up by a simple MRI!
4. Being Overweight or Obese
Being overweight can bring a lot of pressure on your foot, and this is because your legs carry all your weight. Many studies suggest a link between being obese and Sciatic problems. All said, if you are way over your BMI, you are likely to also be at a higher risk for this disease. While gaining weight with an existing condition can aggravate it.
Why Are Your Shoes Worsening Your Sciatica?
Here are some of the ways your regular shoes and slip-on could be triggering and worsening your Sciatica:
Reason 1: Bad Fitting & Lack of Support
Your body’s balance can be affected massively if your shoe does not fit you properly. A bad-fitting shoe can mean it is either too small, too big, too short, too long, too tight, or too wide. If your regular shoes are causing discomfort to your feet then you need to pay attention to their fitting first, more than anything else.
While another problem can be a lack of support. Support in shoes plays a very important role when it comes to your feet health. Your arch should be supported enough to save you from all unwanted impacts.
Reason 2: Wrong Type of Shoe
With shoes, you must wear the correct pair for the appropriate occasion. This goes way beyond over etiquettes but also for the health of your feet. For example, you need to wear running shoes when you go for running as that will provide you with support and shock-absorbing capacities. If you don’t, you might bear an injury.
Reason 3: No Toe Room
Your shoes must have enough toe room for you to relax and flex your feet into. When you only focus on the looks and the fit of the product and skip on the toe room, then you might be in for a bad deal.
Reason 4: Lack of Traction
When you’re dealing with foot problems, a lack of traction or grip on the ground can turn out to be a bigger problem than you can imagine. Not only can you suffer a fall with a lack of stability on surfaces, but constantly adjusting your feet in the fear of it can do massive harm to your feet health. For instance, flip-flops with no traction are a big no-no for Sciatica.
Can losing weight help with sciatica?
Yes, many doctors suggest that being overweight can lead to Sciatica pain. And if you are dealing with this condition already, then losing some of those extra pounds can sure be fruitful in healing your condition faster. A balance diet and a well-structured exercise plan can be a great way to get you started!
Are there high heels that are better for your back?
High heels should be skipped when you’re dealing with back problems. However, if you need a little rise in your shoes then many types of Sciatica-friendly shoes can offer you that without worsening your condition.
How much do shoes for sciatica cost?
You should expect a decent pair of shoes for Sciatica to cost you anywhere between 70 to 90 USD. However, the bracket can change depending on the materials used, style, size, and brand.
Last Note
Sciatica is not a problem that will be solved overnight, or with the incorporation of a pair of shoes. However, the attempt here is to manage your pain and keep your condition from spiraling out. Follow the buyer’s guide and make your pick!
Dr Kristine has a Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from New York College of Podiatric Medicine, and currently assists our team of shoe experts by fact-checking and confirming the information presented to the readers. As a podiatrist, she has previously worked with numerous athletes, working professionals, and high to low activity individuals on the impacts of a lifestyle on their feet. She has submitted many research papers on the role of the correct footwear in foot health and how to take adequate care of your feet.
Previously, she worked in a foot clinic attached to a hospital, before she decided to have a private practice in 2012. She has more than 15 years of experience in foot health and has been incredibly gracious in providing her expertise to the Wearsty team! Her patients have ranged from ordinary people ailing with foot problems regarding obesity, old age, and foot stress—to athletes, runners, and workers who have demanding routines.
