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Our editors love this Cariuma style for its support, versatility, and durable outsole. Ideal for daily wear, these sneakers are well-cushioned enough to keep your feet comfortable and stylish enough to pair with just about anything. While only one width is available, our commerce editor, Braelyn Wood, confirms that these are accommodating for a wide foot. The shoes are made with a cushioned, ankle-hugging heel collar and the brand’s signature memory foam, which helps keep back pain at bay. Many reviewers with back and hip pain note relief from the cork insole, which provides just the right amount of cushion for long days.

Not only is the sustainable shoe made of leather sourced from LWG-certified Gold Rated tanneries (rather than cattle ranches on deforested lands), the brand also uses a more ethical rubber sourcing process, packages its products in recyclable boxes, and offsets its carbon emissions for shipping. Plus, two trees are planted for every pair of shoes sold. So you can feel as good about your impact as you do about your dissipating back pain.

One of our favorite walking shoes for back pain, this lightweight pick features a moisture-wicking insole that makes it ideal for workouts or daily wear. The brand is known for its highly-cushioned sneakers, and this design has even received a stamp of approval from the APMA. It has a full-length EVA foam midsole that offers significant cushioning, shock absorption, and stability, but still manages to not feel heavy on your feet.

These podiatrist-approved sneakers have more than 1,000 perfect five-star ratings from Dicks shoppers. Most reviews call out how comfortable they are, with many saying they came recommended from their doctor to help with foot pain.

If you’re prone to back pain and you spend all day on your feet, it’s particularly important that you pay attention to the shoes you’re wearing. Dankso clogs have become a favorite pick among healthcare workers who put in some serious steps during a long shift. The shoes have a supportive structure, waterproof material, and comfortable design. This model comes recommended by the APMA and features an EVA midsole to provide additional stability and shock absorption. 

These clogs have racked up more than 9,000 five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers alone, with nurses touting them as the only shoes they’ll wear.

When you’re heading out the door in a hurry, or in need of a house shoe to throw on for added support, a slide-on option makes life easier. A wide toe box and spacious fit makes this one of our favorite shoes for people with bunions, and we’ve also chosen it as one of the best walking shoes for women. The brand uses a proprietary foam that absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear, reducing stress on knees, ankles and joints—and, thus, reducing and preventing back pain. The stretchy, lightweight fabric is comfortable any time of year.

The overwhelming consensus is that these shoes are comfortable and supportive, and they’re particularly loved by people with plantar fasciitis. Our commerce editor wears these, too, and recommends going up one half size.

This everyday pick is stylish enough for casual wear, but boasts the same supportive design you’d expect from a gym shoe or running sneaker. The APMA seal of acceptance confirms that they meet podiatrist standards, with a rubber sole, deep heel cup, and superior forefoot cushioning. Your arches will breathe a sigh of relief thanks to the ultimate arch support midsole, which will keep you pain-free from the feet up.

It’s no surprise that people with plantar fasciitis, back pain, and foot pain rave about these sneakers. Reviewers say they’re comfortable, supportive, and versatile.

Runners know having the right pair of shoes can make a huge different in avoiding aches and pains—and ASICS makes some of our favorite running shoes for every experience level. Whether you’re running distance, sprints, or keeping it at a brisk walk, you’ll love the shock-absorbing design of the Gel Cumulus 24. The lightweight shoe features a rear foot and forefoot cushioning system that reduces impact and encourages proper gait with each stride. Plus, the mesh upper is breathable in any temperature. The signature ASICS reflective accents are an added bonus for those who train outdoors in low-light conditions.

Reviewers agree that these shoes are great for running and for casual wear. A few mention that, while they’ve tried to switch it up, they tend to regret it because no other shoes are as supportive as these.

With a simplistic design and a platform just under two inches, these recovery slide sandals may seem like an unlikely candidate to land on a list of shoes for back pain. But, thanks to the soft foam material, molded cushion footbed, and easy to wear design, reviewers have called these out as “lifesavers,” particularly for people with plantar fasciitis or back pain. While they work great as a summertime slipper for arch support, you can wear them out and about, too. Rest assured, your feet will be comfortable no matter where you wear these sandals.

Shoppers with low back pain and sciatica issues say these shoes keep them comfortable even while standing and walking on concrete floors.

The iconic Max Air cushioning of the Air Max 90 Sneaker adds just the right amount of shock-absorption to keep back pain away, while maintaining its timeless silhouette. We love that they can be worn right out of the box, with no time needed to break them in—and reviewers agree.

They’re versatile and sleek, with a footbed that contours to your feet to maintain proper alignment and comfort. Bonus: the insole is removable, so if you require custom orthotics, these are a great pick. You’ll feel the buoyant cushioning with each step, reducing the impact on your joints to prevent any pain or discomfort.

Pain can be one of the most frustrating things for runners, especially if you’re having trouble pinpointing the cause. It’s important to find a shoe with stability and support, like this pick from Brooks. It’s a podiatrist-approved design meant specifically for those who tend to overpronate while running.

Reviewers with knee and ankle pain confirm that these shoes are comfortable and supportive, even through longer runs. They’re great for road running, cross training, or for use at the gym. The brand says this newest iteration was designed with knee injury in mind, and has even more cushioning for a softer, smoother landing with each stride.

If hiking is your activity of choice, you’ll want a boot that’s designed to keep your feet and body supported. These are made with the brand’s signature air cushioning in the heel, meant to absorb shock and add stability to prevent you from experiencing back pain. The lace-up design is sturdy and secure, and truly feels as though it will stand the test of time.

Real adventurers will love the superior traction and waterproof material, which reviewers confirm is breathable and lightweight.