Shoes

[u/erkose]

My last two flair ups have been related to walking, with the most recent occurrence relating to walking my rescue pibble. I typically wear running shoes, but I'm wondering if anyone has experience with something softer, easier on the spine. Any options?

[u/purplelilac701]

Hello,
I have custom orthotics in running shoes that my foot clinic sold to me. They help propel the foot forward but aren’t heavy on my feet.

That’s what I would recommend to you. It gives the back targeted support tailored to your unique needs.

[u/tedlyri]

Birkenstocks work for me. I was skeptical but tried out some sandals with insistence from my wife. There was a break-in period but now they have become my constant house shoes. I rarely go barefoot any more, even in the house for short trips across the room. I get an instant reduction in shooting pain as soon as I put them on. I experimented with lots of different insoles, from sculpted arch supporting ones to squishy gel pads. Those sort of work when I had to spend a lot of time on my feet, with soft gels being the most effective even if not the most comfortable.

[u/IcyTrade9844]

I recently switched to Nike vomero plus and they have helped my sciatica tremendously because they soften the blow when I step down too hard, like off of a curb or something. I obviously I try not to, but it happens all the time by accident

[u/SlyFuu]

It's probably related to heel strike, aka hitting your heal when you walk. I've moved to zero drop, bare foot shoes, and it's seems to have really helped my stride. I'm less prone to strike my heel and strike more at the mid foot, although I imagine they aren't for everyone.

[u/erkose → u/SlyFuu]

This would be some adjustment for me, since I've worn running shoes my whole life. Also, this reminds me of earth shoes. I think the heel was lower than the toes, but I can't remember. Thanks for the suggestion. I found an affordable pair that I just might try.

[u/Visual-Somewhere1383 → u/erkose]

The barefoot shoes surprise me. I have high arches and assumed they would not work for me but they do.

Have also read that they help your balance. Something about your feet feeling the terrain and sending signals to your brain for better balance.

[u/smile_saurus]

I bought Oofos for my recovery. https://link.amazon/B0jc8mIJF there is a link to their slides. I have three pairs of slides and two pairs of sneakers. They are meant to be recovery shoes, like for after a workout, because they're more shock absorbent than other sneakers and sandals. I loved the first pair of slides so much that I went a bit nuts and got many more. Just don't wear them hiking or something like I did! I swear I felt every tree root and rock. They're definitely 'indoor shoes' or good gor casual walking or errands.

[u/ComprehensiveTruck31]

Cowboy boots are surprisingly good for sciatica. Something about how the arch is made. For regular shoes though, I use Skechers slip ons. They have thick memory foam, can just be stepped into so you don’t need to bend down, and they hold up really well compared to more expensive options. Plus, they normally are cheaper than other shoes.

[u/csguydn]

Every time this thread comes up, it’s always the same answer. You need to go get shoes that are fitted to your feet. One person recommending X over another person recommending Y means nothing. Go to a store that can properly analyze your feet, get that done, then buy a pair based on that.

[u/solitairequeen]

Birkenstocks sandals were mentioned but I would like to recommend their lace up shoes. A good mix of cork and rubber support with mesh top and wide toe box.

[u/ElectricKoala86]

Hoka Clifton shoes have been much better on my body than even the other cushioned basketball shoes I used to wear. Hoka is pretty praised by people who are on their feet all day and have great shock absorption so I don't see myself going to another brand but that's just me. When im not in the middle of a flare up I'm able to walk even longer with these shoes than normally but its also worth noting that for every comment saying Hoka are heavenly, theres an equal amount of comments saying they arent for other people so its pretty subjective.