Plus, all that padding is balanced by a curved sole that keeps you moving (I never feel like I’m sinking into the shoe’s insole).
Best Budget Pick: Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 Big League
Don’t sleep on Skechers when looking for functional footwear. The Arch Fit 2.0 Big League buoys every step with an airy memory-foam midsole. Its insole is designed to support your arch and disperse your weight evenly across the shoe (so you’re not putting too much pressure on any one point of your foot), but if you prefer to use a separate insole or a custom orthotic insert, it’s also removable.
Best Lightweight Option: Ryka Devotion X
When I want a little extra spring in my step, I turn to Ryka’s Devotion X. It’s designed for fitness walking, so it’s noticeably flexible and lightweight. However, it’s still highly supportive. I have flat feet and don’t notice any arch pain while wearing my pair.
I love how nimble I feel while strolling the neighborhood in these sneaks—they aren’t the plushest option on this list, but they have a pleasant bounce when I pick up the pace. The best part, though, is I can still bend and twist my remarkably loose back when I get back home.
Best for Long Periods of Standing: Vivaia Urban
When I say these sneakers are battle-tested, I mean it—I’ve worn my pair of Urbans to countless live events and concerts, including a two-hour show on concrete floors in the middle of an especially annoying low-back pain flare-up. Miraculously, around the halfway mark, I realized my back and hips were starting to feel better. This is likely thanks to the Urban’s well-padded footbed, which has extra cushioning under the heel, and its just-right heel drop (at least, it was just right for me—I didn’t feel pitched forward or totally flat-footed).
Best for Lots of Walking: Keen WK400 Walking Shoe
When I mentioned shoes with extreme rocker soles, the Keen WK400 is what I meant. Its outsole has a pronounced curve that keeps me moving when I’m walking all over town: My weight glides smoothly from my heel to my toe as I walk, and my strides feel steady yet propulsive. The sole is thick and relatively firm, while the built-in arch support provides some welcome structure.
I will say, even standing for a few minutes in the checkout line feels a little wobbly in these shoes, so take that into consideration if you have balance issues or want a more versatile pair of sneakers
Best Zero-Drop Option: Altra Paradigm 8
If you find that shoes with little to no heel drop feel best (for your back and feet), Altra’s Paradigm is an excellent choice. It has thick, shock-absorbing cushioning that definitely gives the shoe a soft ride, but it isn’t so squishy that it’ll throw you off your stride.
The Paradigm isn’t just a good fit for people with back pain—it’ll also feel comfy if you need some extra room through the toe box. Whether you have wide feet, deal with bunions, or just want space to spread your toes, Altra’s signature shoe shape will feel fantastic.
Best Trail Shoe: On Cloudsurfer Trail
Highly padded (especially through the heel), with a slightly curved sole and a protective exterior, On’s Cloudsurfer will save you from having to cut your hike short due to a cranky back. One SELF staffer’s husband loves his pair, noting that they help relieve his pain related to a herniated disc.
For safety on the trails, stick to easy-to-moderate terrain when you head out in your Cloudsurfers. Rocker-bottom shoes are designed for relatively flat surfaces—if the ground is really rocky or uneven, you may risk tripping or falling.
As SELF’s senior commerce writer and a longtime back-pain-haver (although copious amounts of PT and stretching have made it more manageable), I’m always on the lookout for new, good-for-your-feet shoes. Many of the pairs listed here are from my personal collection—I slip them on for errands, concerts, commutes, dog walks, and long days where I simply forget to sit down, and they keep me feeling fresh from my back to my feet. The rest of the shoes come highly recommended by other SELF staffers, their loved ones, and podiatrists. A handful are even approved by the APMA which, again, means experts consider them great picks for overall foot health.
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Sara Coughlin is a writer and editor with ample experience covering health and wellness trends. As SELF's senior commerce writer, she's written about skin care, outdoor recreation, sleep, fitness gear and apparel, and more. In this role, she's also reported on sales and deals during major shopping events like Black ...
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SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
