If you suffer from serious back pain, and you’re looking for a footwear option to alleviate the ache of the condition, then we’re happy you’re reading this. What are the best shoes for degenerative disc disease? Well, you’re about to find out.
Degenerative disc disease is a medical condition in which a spinal disc wears down. Spinal discs are rubber-like cushions located between the bones in our spinal column. In a way, they’re like shock absorbers; they help us move, twist, and bend in a more comfortable way.
But it’s to be expected that they will wear over time. That’s a normal part of getting older! And once they do, the bones start to rub together, which then causes pain and discomfort.
This condition is not life-threatening. However, if left untreated, it can cause some serious damage. Treatment usually includes physical therapy, certain medications, radiofrequency neurotomy, or steroid injections. In rare cases, it is also surgically treated.
But something what you can and should do is to get yourself a pair of supportive and high-quality shoes to help make your steps easier and less painful. To learn about the best shoes for degenerative disc disease, keep on reading.
The best shoes for degenerative disc disease
1. Altra Provision 6 Road Running Shoes
We are starting off strong with a pair of very special shoes that happen to bear the title of Runner’s World 2022 Award Winner: Best Stability Shoes. They’ve also previously been included on our list of the best motion-control shoes for the right type of support.
These Altra Provision 6 shoes are super lightweight and breathable. Their outsoles are made of durable rubber, ensuring outstanding traction on many challenging surfaces.
The foot-shaped toe box allows your toes to naturally spread and not be cramped together. This means no pain in your feet, legs, and back, and better stability overall.
When it comes to their cushioning, the Altra EGO foam promotes comfort, a soft feel, and excellent energy return. And their InnerFlex midsole technology increases flexibility to ensure better performance.
All in all, these shoes are truly amazing! They come in several color options and cost around $140 a pair.
2. Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 Running Shoes
The second place on our list of best shoes for degenerative disc disease goes to Asics Gel-Nimbus 25. It’s the same model that many podiatrists recommend for this condition.
These shoes feature an engineered knit upper for a snug fit and a soft feel while also being very lightweight and breathable. But what we appreciate the most is that around 75% of the upper material has been recycled in order to reduce waste and carbon emissions.
Their durable rubber outsoles are outstanding for traction. However, their most prominent feature is by far their shock absorption capability thanks to the gel cushioning in the forefoot and heel area.
These shoes fit true to size, have a wide toe box, come in multiple colors, and will set you back around $159, which is pretty good, considering all of its incredible features.
3. Brooks Glycerin 20 Neutral Running Shoes
Made of 100% synthetic materials, Brooks Glycerin 20 Neutral running shoes feature a plush, lightweight, and breathable mesh upper and a soft textile lining which both ensure secure fit and outstanding comfort.
They feature foam midsoles that provide great cushioning and DNA LOFT Crash Pads which are there to absorb the shock and reduce stress on your joints and spine. The outsoles are made out of durable rubber to guarantee good traction and provide a stable base.
With a price tag of around $160, these shoes are a solid option for those suffering from degenerative disc disease.
4. Hoka One One Clifton 8 Shoes
Hoka One One – a brand that has your back no matter what you’re going through. From foot fatigue caused by 12-hour hospital shifts to degenerative disc disease – this brand seems to cover all!
Clifton 8 boasts a superior cushioning system. It does an amazing job at shock absorption to reduce impact on the joints and spine. It also comes with a rocker sole which encourages a more natural gait and minimizes spinal stress.
With breathable mesh and synthetic uppers, these kicks are lightweight and flexible. And their durable rubber outsoles afford outstanding grip and traction – they even come with grip pads to take slip resistance up a notch.
Clifton 8s are available in many colors and cost around $160.
5. Mizuno Wave Rider 24 Shoes
For those who want to reduce the stress on their spine, Mizuno has your back (literally) with Wave Rider 24s.
The upper is made out of Mizuno’s engineered Air Mess, which makes them extremely breathable and light on the feet. As with the other models thus far, their outsoles are made out of durable rubber, providing ample traction on various challenging surfaces.
Wave Rider 24s come with the brand’s signature Wave technology midsoles, affording excellent cushioning and even better support, together with the U4icX heel wedge for additional shock absorption.
In a nutshell, these super soft, supportive, and comfortable kicks are totally worth the $130 you can expect to pay for them.
6. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Shoes
New Balance is one of those brands that just can’t seem to disappoint. So, no wonder it has found its place among the best shoes for degenerative disc disease.
Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 features a Hypoknit upper which is very lightweight, supportive, and stretchy. It conforms to your feet offering a customizable fit, thus reducing the pressure on certain areas, ensuring long-lasting comfort.
These shoes come with durable rubber outsoles which ensure amazing traction on challenging surfaces. They are also decently cushioned. They feature Fresh Foam X technology in the midsoles that provides a stable and comfortable ride.
They come in many fun colors to choose from and cost around $160.
7. Nike Air Zoom Vomero 16 Shoes
When most people hear the word sport, their mind automatically pictures the infamous swoosh. Nike as a brand has rightfully earned global popularity, so no wonder we included their Air Zoom Vomero 16 shoes on our list today.
Made out of improved engineered mesh, the upper feels a lot softer and more comfortable than its predecessor. The tongue is padded for added comfort, and the collar is also suitably plushy.
The high-abrasion rubber outsole is very durable and ensures great grip and traction on different surfaces.
When it comes to cushioning, Nike uses their trusty “super foam” Zoom X and combines it with the Zoom Air unit under the forefoot. This means exceptional shock absorption, stability, and support.
Nike Air Zoom Vomero 16 is a great shoe option if you’re struggling with degenerative disc disease. They provide a springy stride and extreme comfort at a price of around $155.
8. Orthofeet Coral Sneakers
One thing is certain: Orthofeet always means business! Period. And these shoes are here to prove it.
Made out of stretchable knit fabric, these Orthofeet Coral sneakers perfectly follow the contours of your feet, relieving the pressure you might be feeling and providing a customizable fit. And their softly padded fabric interior ensures outstanding protection from external influences of any kind.
These shoes come with rubber outsoles that provide great stability and advanced grip, and premium orthotic insoles that feature anatomical and removable arch support that re-aligns your foot and improves your entire body posture.
Coming in at around $105 a pair, these shoes come in 9 different colors and several width options.
9. Saucony Guide 13 Shoes
Saucony as a brand has never disappointed us, and neither does their Guide 13 model now. These high-performance shoes are designed with engineered jacquard mesh, which is extremely durable and decently breathable.
The outsoles are made out of crystal rubber, which is a special type of rubber that’s a lot thinner, yet still fairly durable. It can also withstand different weather conditions, provides good traction and slip resistance, and is sufficiently flexible.
These shoes also feature PWRRUN+ cushioning technology in their midsoles to reduce the impact on your spine and ensure a very responsive stride.
Saucony Guide 13 is a great option for someone who suffers from degenerative disc disease. They are available in several fun colors and cost around $100.
10. Umyogo Athletic Shoes
There are plenty of reasons these Umyogo shoes have been featured on our list of the best shoes for degenerative disc disease.
Firstly, they are incredibly lightweight and breathable, with super soft and flexible material and great cushioning to guarantee maximum all-day comfort.
These kicks feature a walking blade sole design which ensures great stability and provides remarkable support to your foot and ankle, thereby minimizing impact on your spine. They also come with decent arch support, allowing the weight of your body to be distributed evenly.
Umyogo kicks are great for various activities. They come in multiple color options, but the best thing about them is definitely their price point – at around $45, they’re by far the most affordable on this list.
