We Asked Podiatrists About Their Favourite Shoes for Sciatica—This Is What They Said

From eatingwell.com

KEY POINTS

• Podiatrists agree that Asics and Brooks are top brands for sciatica.
• Shoes won’t cure sciatic pain, but they can minimize motion that irritates the sciatic nerve.
• More podiatrist-recommended shoes for sciatica are the Vionic Walk Max Skyline Sneaker and Hoka Bondi 9.

Sciatic pain—commonly called sciatica—refers to pain that occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, inflamed or compressed. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and originates in the lower (lumbar) spine, travels through the pelvis and buttocks and runs down the back of each leg to the foot. 

“What people feel is usually a burning, shooting pain that runs down the leg, but sciatic nerve pain rarely starts where it hurts. The source is often a compressed lumbar disc or a tight piriformis muscle,” says Mikel Daniels, D.P.M., President and Chief Medical Officer at We Treat Feet Podiatry. 

The shoes you wear won’t cure sciatica. But sciatic pain can be affected by how the feet strike the ground, so the right shoes can minimize the kind of motion that irritates the sciatic nerve. “Because sciatic pain can be influenced by how forces travel up from your feet to your hips and lower back during activity, shoes that support alignment and absorb shock can be a useful tool in controlling sciatic pain,” says Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., FACFAS, founder of Solely Podiatry.

                                                                                             Credit:  ASICS. Vionic. EatingWell design

The Best Shoes for Sciatica, According to Podiatrists 

• Asics Gel-Nimbus 28, $99 (was $164) at dickssportinggoods.com
• Vionic Walk Max Skyline Sneaker, $175 at vionicshoes.com 
• Revitalign Gaia Sneaker, $120 at nordstrom.com 
• Brooks Glycerin 23, $175 at brooksrunning.com 
• Asics Gel-Kayano 32, $165 at asics.com 
• Brooks Ghost Max 3, $160 at brooksrunning.com  
• Hoka Bondi 9, $140 (was $175) at hoka.com 

So, what should you look for in shoes if you have sciatica? 

Cushioning and shock absorption are important. “The midsole is key—it determines biomechanics, shock absorption and energy return. A shoe with good shock-absorbing capabilities will reduce repetitive stress transmitted up the kinetic chain along the course of the sciatic nerve, thereby decreasing pain,” says Sharkey. “The best midsole materials that are both durable and shock absorbing are EVA, TPU and supercritical foams.” 

Another consideration is heel-to-toe drop. “Look for a medium drop—around 6 to 10 millimeters. A higher heel drop can tilt the pelvis forward and choosing a 0 drop or lower can increase strain through the calf and hamstrings,” says Sharkey. 

Other factors to consider are arch support and stability to lessen pronation and supination and a firm heel counter for stability and alignment. 

When we asked podiatrists which shoes they recommended for sciatic pain, two brands were consistently recommended—Asics and Brooks. But they also gave us other options.

Full details are here...

https://www.eatingwell.com/podiatrist-recommended-best-shoes-for-sciatica-11931065