MD Podiatrist Discusses What to Look For in Shoes if You have Sciatica

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 Dan Michaels, DPM.

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 Dr. Michaels. “The best midsole materials that are both durable and shock absorbing are EVA, TPU, and supercritical foams.”