7 Best Shoes for Degenerative Disc Disease 2024
Are you suffering from Degenerative Disc Disease? Are you looking for shoes that would help alleviate your disc-related spinal condition? You’re right on time! This article will focus on Best Shoes for Degenerative Disc Disease.
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition that occurs as you age. As you get older, your discs can start to degenerate or breakdown causing a lot of pain. However, young people can also suffer from this spinal condition.
The Degenerative disc disease can affect your neck, low back, mid-back, and lower extremities of your spine (tailbone). With this condition, You’re likely to experience frequent episodes of severe pain, numbness, hot shooting pains, and weaknesses.
Related: Best Walking Shoes for Lower Back Pain
Review: 7 Best Shoes for Degenerative Disc Disease
1. HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Bondi 6 Running Shoe
People with Degenerative Disc Disease require comfortable, supportive, and well-cushioned shoes. The HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 6 is one of the best shoes for Degenerative Disc Disease.
The shoe features excellent cushioning technology, great shock absorbing properties, and unmatched comfort.
The midsection of Bondi 6 features a soft EVA form that acts as the cushioning unit of this shoe. Bondi 6 is the most cushioned footwear in the Hoka One One’s brand. The Meta-Rocker Geometry technology gives the midsole a rocker shape configuration that allows a smooth heel to toe transitions.
Hoka One One Bondi 6 features an engineered mesh upper. This cloth-like fabric features an open-weave construction that allows the free flow of air into the shoe. The air ensures your feet remain dry and fresh as you walk, run, or stand.
The internal heel counter helps to hold the foot securely in place, hence, prevent unintended shoe removal or foot wobbling.
The outsole of Bondi 6 features a Hi-Abrasion Lightweight Rubber compound that prevents wear and tear. The Full Ground Contact design on the external pad of the outsole allows you to have close contact with the surface to increase your stability while walking or running.
This design also allows the shoe to provide excellent traction on various surfaces. It also encourages smooth transitions during the gait cycle for a more responsive and pain-free walking or running.
- Excellent cushioning
- Ideal for walking or standing for prolonged periods
- Stylish color schemes
- Alleviates discomforts on lower extremities, muscles, joints, and tendons
- Breathable upper
- Some customers complained that the rubber outsole wears off a few months of use
Read also: Best Shoes for Pain On Top Of Foot
2. ALTRA Men’s Olympus 3.5 Trail Running Shoe
ALTRA Men’s Olympus 3.5 is a trail running shoe that offers a comfortable fit, excellent cushioning, and support. It’s ideal for people who suffer from back pain or have degenerative disc disease.
The shoe features Inner Flex grooves within the midsole section that ensure extra flexibility. The grooves encourage the feet to bend naturally, thus, improving your walking or running sessions.
Altra Olympus 3.5 also features FOOT SHAPE design. The design utilizes a foot-shaped last that encourages natural foot movement. The design allows the toes to spread out naturally. Thus, encouraging proper foot mechanics for a more responsive run or walking experience.
The heel and forefoot sections feature a Balanced Cushioning mechanism that enhances correct running or walking form. Altra Olympus 3.5 also has an A-Bound that works to provide underfoot protection.
The upper features a new Quick Dry Trail Mesh that provides extra durability. The Strobel Last on the upper section stretches throughout the shoe for a more comfortable wearing experience. The Gaiter Trap uses the hook and loop tab to prevent debris from accumulating below the outsole.
Furthermore, the TRAILCLAW are canted lugs placed strategically below the section of the metatarsal of the shoe. The aim of these lugs is to offer needed grip during toe-off especially on harsh surfaces.
The outsole of Altra 3.5 features Vibram MegaGrip. This durable compound provides excellent traction on most surfaces including harsh trails.
- Has wide toe box
- Comfortable
- Well-cushioned
- Provides reliable traction
- Snug fit
- Expensive
Related: Best Dress Shoes For Back Pain
3. Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker 2 Walking Shoe
Brooks Addiction Walker 2 has received massive updates from the previous version (Brooks Addiction Walker). Hence, it’s designed using exceptional cushioning technologies and comes with reliable features that make the shoe ideal for persons with degenerative disc disease.
The midsole of walker 2 is equipped with a thick layer that delivers reliable cushioning. The midsole also features BioMoGo DNA cushioning which has the ability to adjust to the wearer’s weight, speed, or stride. Thus, helping to decrease the ground impact on joints or the feet.
The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 also comes with a removable insole. These insoles are lightweight and provide underfoot cushioning. However, you can remove them and insert your custom-made orthotics for extra comfort and support.
The midfoot section also has an Extended Progressive Diagonal Bar that aids in motion control. It also provides crucial arch support to prevent overpronation (inward rolling of the foot).
The upper is full-grain leather that lightweight yet durable. This material holds the foot securely and adapts to its shape. The interior of the shoe features a mesh fabric that ensures breathability while providing a comfortable feel.
The outsole of Walker 2 is slip-resistant. It features a durable rubber compound that delivers reliable traction. Therefore, if your job involves walking in slippery, wet, or hard surfaces, the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 got you covered.
The heel counter at the rearfoot section holds the heel in place preventing accidental shoe removal or side to side wobbling of the foot. The padded tongue and collar provide extra rearfoot support while the lace-up system allows to tighten or loosen the shoe for extra comfort.
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Excellent cushioning
- Best women’s walking shoes
- Comfortable
- Delivers excellent support
- Durable leather upper
- Alleviates foot pain
- Some customers have found the Addiction Walker 2 less comfortable than the previous version
4. Gravity Defyer Proven Pain Relief Women’s Shoe
Gravity Defyer is a proven back pain relief shoe that comes with amazing features and technologies to soothe your back and painful legs. People with degenerative disc disease will benefit from this pain relief shoe.
The shoe features VersoShock Technology, which is a Patented Spring technology that helps in shock absorption and converts the shock into a renewed positive energy. Thereby, reduce undesired foot impact.
The roomy toe box provides enough room for the toes to wiggle naturally. It also helps to relieve stress on arches and toes. People with bunions, diabetes, and wide feet will benefit from the spacious interior.
The Ergonomic Rocker Design helps to reduce pressure on toe joints and the feet. It ensures a low heel to toe gap for an enhanced ground reaction. This improves your overall stability during walking or running. Hence, it lessens the strain caused by walking.
The Gravity Defyer shoes are diabetic orthopedic shoes that help to restore diabetic foot health or prevent injuries. The soft interior of the shoe is ideal for those with conditions like diabetic neuropathy and sensitive feet. The soft interior prevents foot irritation.
Other health conditions that would benefit from these diabetic-friendly shoes include back pain, ankle pain, knee pain, ingrown toenails, and Morton’s neuroma among many other conditions.
- Best diabetic shoes
- Relieves back pain and foot pain
- Comfortable
- Roomy toe box
- Reduces pressure on toe joints
- Front rocker sole relieves plantar fasciitis and other conditions
- Best shoes for all-day standing
- Expensive, but worth it
Read: Best Sandals for Lower Back Pain
5. ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 26 Running Shoes
ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 26 is well-cushioned, supportive, comfortable, and stable running shoes that’s ideal for road running. The features and technologies of the shoe make it ideal for persons with back pain and degenerative disc disease.
The upper of Kayano 26 features a JACQUARD MESH fabric that facilitates excellent breathability. The upper also provides unmatched comfort and support throughout the day.
The Impact Guidance System Technology improves your foot’s natural movement as you walk or run. The rearfoot and forefoot areas feature GEL technology that provides shock absorption for a more comfortable and injury-free run.
The EVA sockliner delivers extra cushioning and excellent rebound. The SpEVA 45 enhances the bounce-back rate improving every step you take. The Guidance TRUSSTIC SYSTEm is a technology that provides unmatched stability while preventing your feet from twisting during running or walking.
The midsole has FLYTEFOAM LYTE TECHNOLOGY that delivers continuous cushioning. The midsole also features a DUOMAX system that provides smooth overpronation control. It does this by combining two thick materials to eliminate the risk of bunions or flat feet.
The outsole of Kayano 26 utilizes the AHAR rubber compound. This durable compound provides excellent traction while reducing the wear and tear of the shoe.
- Excellent cushioning
- The platform provides exceptional support
- Durable outsole
- Durable construction
- Breathable upper
- Comfortable relieves flat-footedness
- Runs big
- The laces unravel quickly
6. Saucony Men’s Zealot Iso 3 Running Shoe
If you’re looking for comfort, cushioning, and support for your back pain, then the Saucony Men’s Zealot Iso 3 got you covered. The shoe comes with amazing features and technologies to soothe your spine while providing comfortable wear experience.
The midsole features Everun technology that contributes to the shoe’s high responsiveness. It also provides additional underfoot cushioning for a seamless heel to toe transition. The footbed has an elastic sockliner that provides extra cushioning. However, you can remove the footbed and insert custom orthotics for a more supportive and comfortable walk or run.
The collar lining of Zealot Iso 3 helps to absorb excess moisture. The lining feature a Rundry material that wicks moisture away.
The upper has an engineered mesh that allows free air circulation inside the shoe. The isofit, which is a sock-like construction, and the lacing system ensures you have a secure fit.
The outsole features two kinds of rubber the IBR+ and XT-900. The two rubbers enhance flexibility and durability. Beneath the outsole, you’ll Tri-Flex tread patterns, which encourage the foot to move naturally while providing reliable traction.
- Great shoe for walking and running
- Excellent cushioning
- Responsive upper
- Roomy toe box
- Durable construction
- Limited color options
7. Clarks Women’s Cheyn Madi Slip-On Loafer
If you need to look professional and are looking for comfortable and supportive shoes that would take you through the day pick Clarks Women’s Cheyn Madi. This can pass as perfect dress shoes for anyone with back pain or spine issues.
The upper of the shoe features a durable leather that promises value for money. The OrthoLite® footbed provides excellent underfoot cushioning and protects your feet against hard ground impact.
The OrthoLite® footbed also provides excellent moisture-wicking properties that ensure you remain dry and fresh throughout the day for a comfortable wear experience.
The soft textile lining ensures you have a soft in-shoe experience while protecting you from any foot irritation. The TPR outsole provides excellent traction while the slip-on design makes wearing or removing the shoe easy.
- Excellent cushioning
- Comfortable
- Slip-on design
- Leather upper
- Durable outsole
- Inaccurate sizing, you might need to get a half size higher usual size
Important features for Best Shoes for Degenerative Disc Disease
Excellent Arch Support
When picking the best shoes for degenerative disc disease it’s crucial you consider the arch support of the shoe. Choose a shoe that matches the natural arch and shape of your foot. Types of arches include; high, low, or neutral. Flat-footed individuals may experience overpronation (inward rolling of feet). Shoes with good arch support can help to ease back pain, degenerative disc disease, and other discomforts.
Avoid High Heels
Wearing high heels continuously is linked to lower back pain and changing the natural alignment of the body causing your spine to hurt. As a result, you may experience muscle overuse and back pain issues. High heels also affect the arch support and ball of the foot causing severe back pain.
Consider Cushioning
Well-cushioned shoes help to reduce excess ground impact during walking or running. Excellent cushioning attenuates shock and relieves stress on the back section of your body. Ensure you buy shoes that feature midsole that have good cushioning technologies. Some of the midsole technologies include polyurethane foam, EVA, and many others.
Therefore, individuals with high arches need to choose shoes with softer midsole. Those with low arches should pick shoes with firmer midsoles to facilitate enhanced motion control.
Consider Orthotics
If you require extra support or comfort, consider getting custom-made orthotics for your shoes. Individuals with high arches or flat feet can benefit from using an orthotic insert to support their arches.
Orthotics provide extra support, cushioning, and great shock absorption especially on hard surfaces.
Which Specific Shoes Should You Consider For Degenerative Disc Disease?
- Prescription Orthotics
- Running Shoes
- Ergonomic Shoes
- Rocker Soles
- Talk to your doctor
Conclusion
I hope this detailed guide on the best shoes for Degenerative Disc Disease has been helpful. Always remember to choose comfortable, supportive, well-fitting, and cushioned shoes to help ease the pain on your spine. All the above-reviewed shoes are some of the best available on the market for sufferers of Degenerative Disc Disease. Go through the list and make your choice.
