People who suffer from degenerative disc disease know how toiling it can be to just move around. It is an age-related condition but can strike damage people in their late teens to early 30s as well. Degenerative disc disease occurs when the disc between the vertebrae in the spinal column breaks or weakens.
This deterioration induces pain that slowly creeps up to become severe pain. The worst that happens in this disease is that the agony slowly turns to feeling weak and numb in the lower back, gradually spreading down the legs.
If you like to run and be active, you will need the best shoes for degenerative disc disease to alleviate your pain.
Can the wrong shoes cause Degenerative disc disease?
A straight-away Yes. Wearing incorrect shoe types can lead to excruciating pain. Every human being has different types of feet and shapes. To accommodate the feet comfortably, you will need a shoe that fits your arch type and sits at a workable angle.
Unstable shoes like flip-flops can lead to back pain. People with high arches must grab a pair that supports the arch and healthily distributes weight. If you wear flat sandals, in this case, the weight distribution will be more on the frontal part and heel part, leading to minimal pain that can peak afterward.
We recommend you pick shoes that embrace your arch and body weight fittingly.
Best Running Shoes for Degenerative Disc Disease
Let’s check out some of the best running shoes for degenerative disc disease
Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 20
The Brooks Men’s GTS 20 is a reliable running shoe that you must have. If you are looking for a shoe that has good support to take the edge off your back pain, this has to be it. Not only does it carry your weight gracefully, but its cushioning is also something worth mentioning.
The DNA LOFT crash pad cushioning on the shoe can take all the hits, keeping your feet safe and sound. It protects and adapts to your steps using the BioMoGo feature. The construction is very lightweight which lets you wear this shoe without feeling extra bulky.
Its top is crafted with streamlined high-quality mesh. It comes with a 3D fit print to complement the outlook. It has a guardrail holistic support system that works on your knees as well. You have seen it right. This shoe is not restricted to your feet only. It is even engineered to keep your knees in a healthy state.
This is a shoe that is soft yet protective due to quality cushioning. The mesh outer body makes it lightweight and provides breathability as you run down the road. This boot has a springy responsive feel to it. The streamlined body and sole structure add to the speed when you sprint. All in all, it has highly energizing padding that will make you forget about your back issues. The GTS 20 is suitable for cross-training, gym use, and most importantly road running.
| Pros | Cons |
| Good support | A little uncomfortable with the front part |
| Perfect for flat feet or people with plantar fasciitis | The toe area needs reinforcement |
| Adequate cushioning for a snug fit | |
| Breathable construction | |
| Lightweight design | |
| Comes in a wide array of colors and designs | |
| Affordable shoe |
Adidas Men’s Ultraboost 21 Running Shoes
It’s in the name. What? Quality! Adidas is a brand all shoe enthusiasts know about. They hardly go wrong while crafting running gears. People around the world have been in awe of Adidas products. The Ultraboost 21 is one such item.
With the Men’s Ultraboost 21’s boost midsole cushioning you will be able to run forward like a horse. It delivers energy to every step you commit. Your leg muscles get an extra boost of energy from the midsole padding.
This shoe is lightweight and is adaptive to any given road condition. You are destined to feel fast and comfortable no matter the running distance. It is made of synthetic and textile, the mixed materials binding provides utmost relaxation when you step on it.
It comes with a rubber outsole with a herringbone pattern. The sole is made to provide the best traction possible on sloped surfaces. The cushioning on the sole is designed for energy return, aiding your legs from tiring out. Get a more responsive stride with its forefoot bending criteria.
It is made with a Primeknit upper and a torsion system for ride stability that holds your feet perfectly. The padding protection on the PU midsole counters shocks and slips from the road.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight running shoe | Ankle support is not up to the mark |
| Durable construction | A bit on the heavy side |
| Made of breathable materials | |
| Quality extra cushioning for more protection | |
| Added grip from all angles | |
| More flexibility due to stretched rubber outsole | |
| Provides adequate traction on a wet and dry surface | |
| Suitable padding to protect and ease degenerative disc pain | |
| Has color options |
ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 27 Running Shoes
ASICS as a brand is amongst the front runners when it comes to creating running shoes. Women who suffer from lower back pain that leads to their feet can breathe a sigh of relief with the Kayano 27 from ASICS.
This particular product comes at a good affordable price. It is crafted with a synthetic mesh that gives it a breathable feature. Something a runner longs for, to avoid sweaty feet.
It has an exoskeletal heel structure to fit different types of heel structures. The enhanced DuoMax system reduces the overall weight of the shoe. Provides a supportive platform for you to put pressure on. No matter the weight you put on these quality shoes, they won’t budge.
The shoe is fitted with an AHAR Plus outsole, it is strategically placed on the outsole for better durability compared to other ASICS soles. The best part of this running shoe is the rearfoot and forefoot gel cushioning system. What it does is absorbs shocks from impacts, thus protecting your feet at all costs. It also increases flexibility and so you can move around in different planes without having to worry about transitions.
| Pros | Cons |
| Breathable shoe due to the jacquard mesh upper | Feels a bit rigid |
| Good for the price | Some complaints about inadequate padding |
| The sole counters excessive twisting and turning with the Trusstic system | |
| Protects from shin splints, ankle strains, bunions, and other injuries | |
| Shock-absorbing sole | |
| Suitable for medium arches | |
| Improved stability | |
| Lightweight | |
| Sturdy outsole | |
| Absorbs shocks from the road | |
| Has a wide array of color selection |
Saucony Women’s Cohesion 13 Running Shoe
An athletic shoe right out of the box. Saucony has been creating shoes for a long time. They aim to deliver good performance and promote a healthy lifestyle. They don’t shy away from experimenting with their shoes and come up with the best possible outcome for the runners.
Cohesion 13 is a shoe made to overcome discomfort while on the go. It is made of synthetic and mesh materials for breathable performance. Don’t worry about sweat at all, this shoe has enough ventilation to keep your feet dry.
You get what you pay for. This is a budget shoe that has all the good features. Runners with tight calves and heel strikers must pick this shoe. It has a durable rubber outsole and comes with VersaFoam cushioning for added protection. The rubber overlay can withstand a grinding workout routine without deteriorating.
The grooves in the sole give good flexibility and grip on the surface. It has a water-resistant outer layer that repels water but is not completely waterproof.
| Pros | Cons |
| Low-priced running shoe | Does Not have much arch support |
| Supports the full length of the feet with a secured fit | Padding doesn’t work well during the extensive run |
| Soft spongy cushioning | Subdued colorways |
| Has a good grip on the sole | |
| Decent flexibility | |
| Durable rubber outsole | |
| Airy mesh upper body provides breathability | |
| Protected toe box and heel cup |
Best Walking Shoes for Degenerative Disc Disease
Moving on to the selection of best walking shoes for degenerative disc disease
G-Defy Mighty Walk – Shoes for Heel Pain
You are looking at a pain reliever. Well, this is a shoe specializing in managing soreness and aching and much more. The top part of the shoe is made of synthetic and fabric material for adequate air circulation.
This boot comes in varying colors, befitting for women. It has VersoShock patented technology that soothes pain in the ankle, knees, feet, and back. It comes with a seamless interior to accommodate sensitive feet. Diabetic neuropathy prevents all sorts of irritation.
If you have severe lumbar issues, you can customize the insoles of this shoe. They are replaceable and can be replaced with customized orthotic support. The sole in this item is commendable. It has a front Rocker sole with a supporting midfoot sole to alleviate bunions, plantar fasciitis, and degenerative disk disease.
The frontal part and the exterior of this shoe have enough room. You won’t feel restricted. This shoe has a lightweight PU core for flexibility. The forefoot foam and overall foam cushioning will give you high-energy return and comfort.
| Pros | Cons |
| A breathable shoe that keeps you cool and dry | Feet slide inside the shoe as per some user experience |
| Enough cushioning to protect the feet from heavy hits | Arch support is not up to the mark |
| Absorbs shocks from the road | |
| Diabetic-friendly | |
| Lightweight shoe | |
| Helps to relieve lower back pain, plantar fasciitis, and more | |
| Roomy toe box | |
| Provides good support and distributes weight perfectly | |
| Doesn’t irritate the skin | |
| Value for the money | |
| True to size |
Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoes
The Ryka Devotion Plus 2 features wonderful arch support. So if you have underlying issues such as plantar fasciitis, or degenerative disc disease, this shoe is the right fit for you.
The soft and comfortable feel of it is what any runner desires. The textile material gives you a snug feel. People who are looking for a softer support system, look no further. It comes with an EVA midsole that has generous cushioning to make you feel at ease. The full-length RE-ZORB platform has a foam compound to withstand shocks and vibrations.
It comes with a smooth lycra-lined tongue and comfort collar for an easy snug fit. The upper body of this shoe is constructed of high-density foam, synthetic material, and wire mesh for optimum breathability and added protection.
This is excellent walking gear and we highly recommend it. It’s a lightweight shoe that has quality padding and arch support that works as orthopedic support for your spondylosis. What are you waiting for? Pick any color from a wide range of selections and walk in the park wowing the joggers.
| Pros | Cons |
| Relieves lumbar problems | Soles too soft for outdoor use |
| Supports high arch feet | The vinyl design peels off easily |
| Embraces wider feet | Doesn’t have good traction on varying surfaces |
| Provides good support | |
| Generous padding for protection | |
| Soft flexible body for a comfortable fit | |
| Withstands shocks | |
| Adequate heel support | |
| Light shoe | |
| Tailormade to accommodate the morphology of a women’s feet | |
| Replaceable insole | |
| Reasonable pair of shoes |
Skechers Men’s Go Walk Evolution Ultra
If you are looking for a low-profile shoe that will give you the best service in terms of walking shoes, the sketchers Evolution ultra is a good pick. The outlook of this shoe is pretty simple but as of our rating, simplicity works best and this shoe lives up to the expectation.
This shoe has a woven mesh fabric upper body with a seamless design. It comes with synthetic toe and heel panel overlays that give it the hard-wearing feature. It is topped with a soft fabric collar for your comfort, providing a natural fit.
The Go Walk Evolution has Ultra-Go cushioning and high rebound Ultra pillars to make your walk painless and energetic. The lightweight breathable insole just adds up to the positive features.
| Pros | Cons |
| Responsive pair of shoe | Squeaky on indoor flooring and treadmill |
| Lightweight | Not for long treks |
| Moisture-wicking lining | |
| High rebound | |
| Quality padding | |
| Sturdy walking shoe | |
| Comfortable fit due to natural expansion | |
| High rebound soles |
Best Tennis Shoes for Degenerative Disk Disease
If you are into tennis and suffer from back problems, you should grab the best tennis shoes for degenerative disc disease and not get bogged down due to spinal problems. Let’s check a couple of functional shoes.
ASICS Women’s Gel-Challenger 12 Tennis Shoes
As you already know ASICS is well known for manufacturing quality shoes. Tennis players who need orthotics will love the Gel-Challenger 12.
It comes with a lighter Solyte midsole. Lighter than EVA foam. This shoe is flooded with top-of-the-line cushioning to protect your feet from unwanted damage. Its rearfoot and forefoot technology works as a shielding layer and safeguards shock during impact.
As you will be playing tennis, you will have to perform lateral movements, turns, drags, and slides. This shoe is made to carry you gracefully in any circumstance.
The weight of the shoe is pretty light and comes with Ortholite sock liners for moisture-free footing. The material on it is synthetic and mesh, therefore your feet will be allowed to breathe and stay dry even in hot temperatures.
| Pros | Cons |
| Breathable tennis sneakers | Too tight across the midfoot |
| Provides good support | A bit stiff for some people |
| Enough cushioning for a snug fit | |
| Lighter than most tennis shoes | |
| Absorbs impact and allows you to move in multiple planes | |
| Removable sock liner | |
| Comes in different colors |
Mizuno Women’s Wave Exceed Tour 4 All-Court Tennis Shoe
The Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 4 is a good-looking shoe that is functional on the tennis court. It comes in three different colors and has all the quality features required to counter DDD.
This shoe comes with an exceedingly light midsole and advanced cushioning that absorbs shocks well. The lightweight material on this shoe will make you feel like floating in the air. You will be able to transition from a slower speed to a faster pace with ease.
The D flex groove efficiently transfers power to your legs while you move. It complements your natural body movement. It boasts a soft durable upper body providing comfort and a sweat-free experience.
| Pros | Cons |
| Has a stable platform | Not for wide feet |
| Superior cushioning | Has a narrow footbed |
| Made of breathable materials | |
| Lets you turn at maximum speed | |
| Transmits maximum power and energy | |
| Lightweight body | |
| Shock-absorbing cushioning | |
| Perfect for narrow feet |
Best dress shoes for degenerative disc issues
If you are going on an outing and wondering what to wear. Look no further. Check out Dansko.
Dansko Women’s XP 2.0 Clogs
Dansko XP 2.0 is made of 1005 leather and looks pretty stylish. It has a leather upper to compliment your casual clothing. This shoe comes with a padded instep collar for extra comfort during walks.
The best thing is that it has a roomy inner frame, enough room for your toes to move and settle accordingly. The padded protection of EVA foams reduces fatigue in your legs. Keeps you comfortable and protects you from unwanted impacts.
Memory foam on the bottom lets your feet rest comfortably. The TPU arch stabilizer accommodates high arches. This is one awesome dress shoe that abounds with all the good features. You might not want to miss out on it.
| Pros | Cons |
| Resists slipping due to anti-slip outsole | Wears out easily |
| Lightweight construction | The instep is too low to support high arches comfortably |
| Leather upper enhances the style | |
| Ergonomic design | |
| Removable dual-density PU footbed | |
| Provides good arch support | |
| Quality cushioning to withstand damage | |
| Reduces weariness | |
| Spacious footbed | |
| No break-in period is needed |
Buyers Guide
Remember you are not shopping for any random shoes. You are looking for the best shoes for degenerative disc disease. A condition you cannot take lightly. Your shoes must have some basic criteria to aid your purpose.
Cushioning
Shoes must have quality padding on the inner and outer parts to withstand the shock of impact. This reduces the negative effect on your back. Your shoes must have padded soles made of polyurethane, EVA foam, etc. It will restrict you from slipping sounds and keep your feet and toes safe from damage. Remember, the better the cushioning, the lesser the pain.
Arch support
People who have flat feet or high arches are likely to overpronate when they hit the ground. You will either shift forward or backward and disbalance yourself if you don’t have the correct arch support on the shoe. People with a high arch will need a shoe that supports a high arch and vice versa. We recommend you buy a shoe with an arch that matches your feet ‘morphology. Having good support ensures your body is aligned perfectly.
Comfort
You can ensure comfort by picking the right size. Then make sure your shoe is made of breathable materials and quality soles. Shoes are worn for hours and the right size will make your feet feel comfortable no matter your running time.
Traction
Traction allows you to move or stand on different surfaces having an adequate grip. Whether you are moving or being idle, traction varies from surface to surface. If you are using a running shoe, you might well get a pair with good traction on wet and dry surfaces.
Better avoid high heels
If you are someone who likes high heels. We ask you to give away that feeling. High heels are the primary cause of degenerative disc disease. Heels make your lower back curve to some extent and toss your spine out of its natural arrangement, tormenting your muscles and inducing back problems.
Gender
Always put on shoes designed for your gender. Shoes are crafted with structural differences to match the feet of men and women separately. Men tend to have heavier bodies with wider feet and women are the opposite. Purchase a shoe designed to hold your feet’ structure to avoid spinal traumas.
Frequently Asked Question
What are the best shoes for degenerative disc disease?
Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 20 and ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 27 are amongst the best shoes for degenerative disc disease.
What is the best exercise for degenerative disc disease?
Walking is a good exercise to promote healthy body weight and improve overall mobility and strength of the body. With time, aerobic exercise such as walking is known to relieve pain in the lower back and leg.
Is running bad for degenerative disc disease?
NO! Running is good for everyone, mentally and physically. Just don’t overdo anything. Maintain a limit to every kind of exercise.
Can you slow down degenerative disc disease?
Some special exercises, medication, and surgery can curb the effect of DDD. This is a disease that doesn’t heal on its own. A healthy lifestyle and exercise can slow down the painful effects.
Is stretching good for degenerative disc disease?
Stretching can reduce back pain, plus it is a good way to keep yourself healthy. Stretching routines like knee-to-chest, pelvic tilt, and trunk rotation are some useful exercises.
Final verdict
There are numerous shoe options when it comes to aiding your lower back or leg pain. Before you go on to purchase one. The first figure out the type of shoe you will need depending on the circumstances. If it’s a running shoe, Adidas men’s ultra boost 21 is one of the best shoes for degenerative disc disease. If you prefer walking, then the G-Defy Mighty walk for men and Ryka Devotion for women are wonderful options. This is solely our pick based on surveys and expertise we have gathered throughout the years. We recommend you go through our review section for more options. Time to take your DDD seriously, but don’t let it stop you in any way.
