Top 10 Best Shoes for Degenerative Disk Disease

Back pain is one of the most common types of disability in Americans. According to the American Chiropractic Association, about 80% of Americans experience back pain at some point in their lives.

While there could be multiple causes of back pain the most common and misunderstood cause is Degenerative Disk Disease (DDD).  There can be a variety of causes behind Degenerative Disc such as Osteoarthritis, Dysfunction in the sacroiliac joint, sciatica, wearing inappropriately fit shoes could be one of them.

Hence, wearing properly fitted shoes can give relief from the Backache. Knowledge of the significant factors that can affect your back and foot is a prerequisite of  Choosing the Best shoes for Degenerative Disk Disease.

This article will help you to understand the critical factors which you must consider while you shop for the shoes, as well as, will discuss in detail the Best Shoes for Degenerative Disk Disease which you can buy in 2021.

By the end of this article, you’ll be able to pick one pair of shoes that is probably the best option available for you.

Buyer’s Guide: Factors Affecting the Selection of the Best Shoes for Degenerative Disk Disease

1.) Heels: both the height and the area of the heels affect your posture and balance significantly. Make sure that the height of the heel must not be more than 2″  in any case! Because high heels lean your body forward putting excessive pressure on your forefoot and lower back.

They also put your hip and spine out of proper alignment. The area of the heels should be more to distribute the body weight over the large area.

2) Avoid Flat Soles: they do not provide support to your arch. Which may cause pain in your foot, heels, ankles, knee, neck, and back. This may result in poor posture, joint and back problems, and an increased risk of falls.

3.) Arch Support: is essential because people are born with three kinds of arches each of which needs a different kind of support. Generally speaking, choose the arch support as given below:

• Low Arch: choose straight sole shoes with motion control.
• Neutral Arch: choose shoes that will give you firm support and moderate stability.
• High Arch: Choose a shoe with good cushioning and curved sole(rocker shoes).

4) Stability: is important for proper balance which will provide you relief from back pain is a common belief. Nevertheless, researches reveal that wearing unstable shoes(rocker shoes) decreases low back pain in patients suffering from chronic back pain.

5) Cushioning: can act as a shock absorber and reduce the impact when your foot hits the ground as well as minimizes the stress that transfers to the back.

• Low Arch:  choose shoes with a firm midsole.
• High Arch/Neutral Arch: needs shoes with a soft midsole that will absorb the shock and reduce the Impact.

6) Upper Material: The upper should be flexible and resilient that allows a good degree of flexibility. It should be breathable, lightweight, and provide appropriate support to your foot.

7) Rigidity of Soles: is crucial. The sole should be of the correct thickness and rigidity. Researchers have shown that Semi-rigid orthoses worn in supportive shoes can be an effective treatment of metatarsalgia.

Poron materials were found very good for adequate pressure distribution because they have the lowest rigidity, good for adequate while Neon showed the highest energy absorption.

8) Heel Counter:  should be firm. Shoes with a firm heel counter will help you to get rid of the pain of arthritis. On the other hand, shoes without a firm heel counter lack stability and will support.

9) Fit: should neither be too tight nor too loose. Your shoes should have a large toe-box to allow up and down movement of the toe.

10 Best Shoes for Degenerative Disk Disease

Now it’s the time to disclose the list of those shoes which has brought you to this article.

#1. Hoka Bondi One One 6 | Overall Best Men’s Shoes for DDD

These black beasts are one of the most comfortable shoes available in the market. Experience the pleasure of mind-blowing cushioning offered to you by the EVA midsole and META-ROCKER technology of the shoes. The unmatchable comfort and protection supported by the silhouette of the shoes set them apart from their rivals.

The shoes have incredible support making them a valuable asset for the flat and neutral feet but not the best support for high-arch feet. You will find the knitted upper of the shoes breathable and comfy that allows uninterrupted air circulation while you run. The upper material is flexible, durable and lightweight.

The wide fore-foot and toe-box

allow you to wiggle your toe up and down freely. If you want to put customised inserts, the shoes have enough room for you to do so.

The shoe has a well-constructed heel with an appropriate and firm heel counter to provide you with the smooth heel-to-toe transition, correct posture and enough support at the back of the heel of your foot. The Rocker sole of the shoes makes off and on the movement of the shoe smooth reducing the impact on the ankle, knees and back.

When it comes to the drawbacks, you may find the shoes squishy if you are not used to with the rocker sole. And frankly speaking, the shoes look ugly. Sad but the truth!

#2 Hoka One One Bondi LTR | Overall Best Women’s Shoes for DDD

The Women version of Hoka Women’s Bondi 6 has the same artillery which the male version is packed with. The EVA midsole and META-ROCKER technology successfully provide you with excellent comfort and support again.

The responsive cushioning of the shoes is so admirable that even the critics of the shoe have no choice except to praise it. The cushioning absorbs the shock wonderfully facilitating maximum energy return.

One of the great benefits of the shoe is that they are fit for multipurpose uses you can run, walk, hike or just wear them throughout the day without any difficulty.

Again the lower side of the shoes is their look and they aren’t recommended for people with high arches. Although the shoes are on the expensive side, the quality, comfort, and cushioning justify the price.

#3. Asics Gel-Nimbus 22 | Best Men’s Running Shoes for DDD

The great-looking Asics Men’s Gel-Nimbus 22 features Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Technology Cushioning System that helps to reduce the impact on hitting the surface and toe-off phases providing you with tremendous support.

The subtle foot transition through the gait cycle manages to distribute the body weight evenly on the foot leveraging the comfort of your feet as well as improves the posture.

The Gel-Nimbus 22 is the lightest shoe from Asics thanks to the FlyteFoam Lyte and FlyteFoam Propel 45 technology. The foam of the shoes empowers you with supreme bounce and powerful energy return. Running in marathons will be fun with these featherweight shoes which help you to wear them to cover long distances.

As the shoes are loaded with the Trusstic System technology the flexibility, resilience, and structural integrity of the shoes remain conserved.

Hold your heart to read the drawbacks. Firstly, the lack of durability. According to the customers’ reviews, they have faced issues like fading of gel and deterioration of laces. The shoes aren’t good for people with wide feet as the shoes are slightly narrower at the forefoot.

#4. Asics Gel-Kayano 26 | The Best Women’s Running Shoes for DDD

Another Asics shoe on the list is Asics Women’s Gel-Kayano 26. The shoes boast DUOMAD midsole and IGC technologies that offer you very smooth overpronation reducing both flat feet and bunions and highly enhanced gait from heel-strike to take-off.

These eye-catching shoes feature FLYTEFOAM LYTE TECHNOLOGY and Super Comfy Gel that is made to provide you with extraordinary comfort.

The wide toe-box has enough space for your toe making them perfect for running especially for wide feet. On the outsole, you’ll get insane traction that will provide you with a firm grip making the shoes equally good for workouts and walking.

The JACQUARD MESH UPPER in the shoe looks breathable but unfortunately, it fails to do its job. Apart from that, the shoes run small in size and have minimal arch support which is not so good for people with a high arch.

#5. New Balance Men’s 990 V5 Made in the US | The Best Men’s Walking  Shoes for DDD

I decided to put a US-made shoe on our list and I found New Balance Men’s 990 V5 to match the US standards. The shoe is insanely light and comfortable which helps you to wear them all day long. In the midsole, the shoes have ENCAP technology providing you with tremendous support and maximum durability.

You cannot compare the classic look of this pair of shoes with any ordinary walking shoe with a funky look. Feel free to wear them even as casual shoes as the shoes look great on denim too. But remember, these are walking shoes and you cannot wear them for running and if you do you might end up hurting your feet.

New Balance 990 V5  comes with moderate arch support which is even better than its previous version V4. The rubber outsole is pretty responsive that propels your foot from the ground as well as holds the ground firmly.

The shoes require no break-in time and you can wear them directly bringing them out of the box. As the Upper is made of pigskin suede and mesh it looks premium but lacks breathability.

#6. Brooks Addiction Walker 2 | Women’s Walking Shoes for Degenerative Disk Disease

Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker 2 reserved its place in our list as the Best Walking Shoes for Women. The shoe has effectively reduced the pain of the ankle, knees, hip, and back as reported by many users.

This medical arsenal is exceptionally comfy, supportive and works well for persons suffering from plantar fasciitis and degenerative disk disease. The genuine leather is aesthetically pretty and durable.

Apart from these, the shoes have BioMogo DNA cushioning and Progressive DNA Rollbar for excellent shock absorption, natural gait and rapid movement.

The shoes look slightly larger and feel quite heavy which can be considered as their limitations.

#7. Altra Lone Peak 4.5 | Men’s Hiking Shoes for Degenerative Disk Disease

Next on the list is Altra Men’s Lone Peak 4.5 hiking shoes. The shoes are known for their Balanced Cushioning that places your heel and forefoot the same distance from the ground that reduces impact throughout your trail run. The zero-drop is much better for your legs, back, and the gait of your step.

The Foot Shaped insole with a wide toe-box makes the shoes incredibly comfy that allows your toe to relax naturally and move freely. The contour along the foot leverages the fit, comfort, and support of the shoes.

The shoes also have a simplified lacing system for improved micro-adjustments.

The outsole has MaxTrac Rubber with Trail law that provides you with great traction on all kinds of even, uneven, and slick terrain.

As the shoes have a waterproof mesh upper they are super quick to dry which makes them a really good choice to wear even on beaches. They also save your feet from getting blisters. The shoes are lightweight which support hiking over long distances.

Now let’s discuss some cons, firstly they are not durable and start wearing after some time. Secondly, they do not provide proper support to people with high-arches. If you have true wide feet then you might find them snug at the midfoot.

#8. Merrell Siren Sport Q2 | Women’s Hiking Shoes for Degenerative Disk Disease

Experience out-of-the-box comfort with these sturdy hiking shoes for women. Made of durable genuine leather and Merrell Siren Sport Q2 Hiking shoes deliver powerful performance and comfort.

The engineered leather and mesh upper make the shoes both durable and comfortable. Move freely your toe in all directions since it has a roomy toe-box that gives ample space to your to adjust itself.

Thanks to the supportive footbed that acts as a cradle for your foot. But this might not work for you if your feet are too narrow.

The VIBRAM high-performance rubber sole performs well giving you a firm grip on the rough terrain taking the stability to the next level.

Thanks to the High-performance rubber sole that offers great durability, stability, and slip resistance features. Being lightweight they can be worn on long trails.

The shoes boast AIR CUSHION

Targeted heel cushioning to provide you with superior cushioning but unfortunately, this doesn’t meet the expectations and will hurt the wonky feet.

#9. Crocs Men-Women Classic Clogs | Unisex Slip-On Shoes for Degenerative Disk Disease

Crocs Men-Women Classic Clogs have almost everything which you desire to have for your flimsy feet which makes them the Best Unisex Slip-on Shoes. Strolling on the beach with your toddler would be an amazing experience with these comfy crocodiles. 🙂

Boasting the lightweight Iconic Crocs Comfort Ventilation ports the clogs improve breathability and help to cast off water and debris quickly. The vents in the upper don’t allow your feet to sweat. It’s really simple to put them on and off, the additional pivoting heel straps give you a more secure fit.

“They are also ugly but they are so ugly that they are cute”, reported a customer. Try them with any outfit and you’ll find that they match. But for some, they are like Clown Shoes.

Some gripes are— they SNUG at the midfoot and the material is quite hard. Another problem is that they run ½ or 1 size larger. The inside of the strap has raised letters that keep rubbing the backs of ankles which hurt and irritate.

#10. Vionic Wave Orthotic Sandal | Unisex Slip-On Sandal for Degenerative Disk Disease

Though Flip-Flops aren’t considered as good for your feet these are the exceptions. Having a Podiatrist-Designed Footbed with  Vio-Motion Support that includes Three-Zone Comfort has enabled them to receive the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) Seal of Acceptance.

The BIOMECHANICALLY Designed EVA footbed hugs your arches and provides phenomenal support to your feet for all-day comfort. 

The Nylon Webbing Upper is waterproof allowing you to wear them in wet conditions too. Thanks to the sturdy Rubber Outsole which gives you a feel as if you are walking barefoot.

The sandals work exceptionally well for the people with high arches but the people with overpronation may not find them good.

They need some days to break in according to your foot and might hurt you for that duration. They are also heavier than the usual sandals.

Conclusion

Time to wrap up now. While considering the best shoes for Degenerative Disc Disease pay special attention to comfort and the aforementioned points.

I hope that you will find the information presented here useful and this will help you to choose the best shoes according to your needs and preferences.

I also hope that the chosen shoes will give you relief from Degenerative Disk Disease. Don’t skip to consult a registered Chiropractor to get the customized list of features that you should look for in the shoes. All the Best for your purchase.

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