Sciatic nerve pain can be a bummer, but the proper footwear can help.
Shop these podiatrist-approved picks on the best shoes for sciatica.
We tapped Dr. Lobkova for her input on the best shoes for sciatica.
Ahead, youll find their recommendations and tips on what to look for.
Its also lightweight and has adjustable straps, so your sandals dont slip and slide.
What can we say?
board-certified podiatrist and founder ofStep Up Footcarein New York City
Birkenstocks reign supreme when it comes to foot-friendly sandals.
Theyre lightweight and responsive, and have mid-foot contouring.
The upper is breathable and contains recycled materials, too.
Dr. Lobkova recommends the Zee slip-on loafers.
It comes in gray, black faux leather, and six other colors.
They also offer neutral arch support and heel stability to ensure theyre a crowd-pleaser with most foot types.
These walking shoes use a breathable mesh upper, and soft and responsive cushioning for shock absorption.
They also have built-in compression channels, which provides additional firmness in the midsole.
We especially love the sleek silhouette of The Goldfinch Kitten Heel.
board-certified podiatrist and founder ofStep Up Footcarein New York City
Should you walk when you have sciatica?
Walking, in fact, should help when you have sciatica, says Dr. Lobkova.
However, when walking, its important to check that you have the proper posture.
Can wearing certain shoes help with sciatica?
Additionally,supportive and stable shoescan promote good posture, which can prevent sciatic nerve irritation.
Dr. Lobkova recommends shoes with lower heel-to-toe drop to prevent a pressure load on your hips and knees.
To test, take a stab at bend your shoes toe box and heel in half.
Rigid midsoles shouldnt fully fold in half.
Initially, when experiencing sciatica pain, stop what you are doing and ice.
Ice reduces the inflammation around the nerve root and thus reduces the pain.
Physical therapy and acupuncture may be helpful as well.
If pain persists, see a specialist, such as a pain management doctor or orthopedist.
How does arch support in shoes affect sciatica?
Can wearing the wrong shoes worsen sciatica symptoms?
As Dr. Lobkova shared, wearing high heels or shoes without proper support and cushioningcanexacerbate sciatica nerve pain.
If youre noticing increased pain, take stock of the shoes youre wearing.
And, if a shoe-swap doesnt help relieve symptoms, its likely time to speak with a doctor.
Looking for supportive boots as well?
Check out our list of the best boots with arch supporthere.
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