I Asked Podiatrists for the Best Shoes for Lower Back Pain—They All Recommended This Pair of Hokas

By Samira Vishwas On Jun 30, 2026

Plus, what to look for when buying shoes for lower back pain.

Credit: EatingWell

Key Points

Podiatrists agree that the Hoka Bondi 9 is the best shoe for lower back pain.
Shoes “can absolutely help or hurt us by altering our posture and gait.”
More podiatrist-recommended shoes that alleviate back pain are the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23, Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 and Clifton 10 disappointment.

If you’ve ever experienced lower back pain, you know just how quickly it can throw off your day.

What many people don’t realize, however, is that your feet and lower back are connected. Proper foot support helps align your body and reduces stress on the spine and surrounding muscles. Without proper foot support, shock travels up through the ankles, knees and hips and adds pressure to your lower back.

“People with back pain are not always thinking about the huge role shoes play,” says Michelle A. Morse, D.P.M.food and ankle surgeon at Atrius Health. “Our feet, and therefore shoes, are the foundation for our entire body, and they can absolutely help or hurt us by altering our posture and gait.”

So what shoe is best for lower back pain? I asked Morse and two other podiatrists to share their recommendations—and all three, surprisingly, gave me the same answer.

Hoka Bondi 9

~~$175~~ $140 at Zappos

~~$175~~ $140 at Hoka.com

“Hoka’s Bondi line is one of the most cushioned on the market, says Gregory Alvarez, D.P.M., FACFASat Ankle & Foot Centers of America. “This means they offer significant shock absorption that helps reduce the load transferred up the legs and into the back.”

If you have chronic back discomfort, wearing a shoe that also encourages an efficient stride is important. “The Hoka Bondi has a rocker construction that encourages a smoother gait, which will reduce strain on the hips and lower back,” says Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., FACFASfounder of Solely Podiatry.

What to Look for in Shoes for Back Pain

That being said, there are other shoes beyond the Hoka Bondi line that are good for lower back pain. Generally speaking, you want to look for a shoe that has cushioned, shock-absorbing midsoles. “This reduces the impact forces that travel up through the legs and into the lower back,” says Alvarez. Make sure that your arch is supported—this maintains proper foot and ankle alignment—and that your heel is stable, which will minimize pronation. “Pronation can worsen back pain,” says Alvarez. Finally, ensure the shoes fit properly! When shoes are too tight or too loose, they can alter your gait, which increases stress on your back.

Or, simply, check out these other podiatrist-loved shoes.