Did you know that back pain is the top reason behind sick days and the number two reason for visits to the doctor. In fact, back pain is high prevalent — affecting roughly 70% of all people at some point in their lives. So, what can you do today to reduce your chances of getting back pain? One preventative measure you could take is switching up your footwear. This infographic from Walsh Brothers Shoes goes into detail about how shoes affect our spinal health and lays out some of the best and worst shoes for back pain.
What Is The Connection Between Footwear and Back Pain?
There’s a grain of truth in the old saying – “when your feet hurt, you hurt all over.” Seeing as your feet act as the body’s foundation, any foot problems will spark a chain reaction throughout the entire body. So, if you wear poorly designed or ill-fitting shoes that hurt your feet you may eventually feel the repercussions in your back.
The Role of Shock Absorption
When you walk, you put the force of up to five times your body weight on each foot. Wearing uncomfortable or badly-fitting shoes can exacerbate this by negatively affects the shock absorbing abilities of the feet. For example, one study found that wearing non shock-absorbing, unsupportive ballet flats which can have 25% more of an impact on your back than high heels.
What are the Best Shoes for Back Pain?
If you are looking for footwear that supports good back health, there are a number of considerations you should keep in mind. These are:
- Good cushioning and support
- Comfort
- A good fit
- The height of the heel
- The level of shock absorption
How to Choose the Right Shoes for Back Pain
Take a look at the infographic below to find out more about how to choose the best shoes for back pain.
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