shoes for aching backs

Published

I've found lots of threads with info about good shoes for aching feet, but my problem is my lower back. A couple hours in the mall with bad shoes leaves me hardly able to bend over, so I know I need really good shoes for when I start clinicals in the fall. Does anyone have this problem and have suggestions? I obviously want something that's great for my feet, too, but also great for the back. My nursing school just requires white--any style is fine, including clogs and athletic shoes, so I'm open to any suggestions. I got a pair of Crocs for my birthday, and while they feel great on my feet, my back will start aching with those, too.

Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated! :bowingpur

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Progressive Care.

DANSKO. I cannot sing their praises enough. These shoes will heal acing feet, backs, you name it. they are the best shoes on the market IMHO. They are a bit pricey but worth every penny.

Also, i have not personally tried these, but while shoe shopping, I saw a poster advertising "Earth" shoes. Apparently the heal is dropped down lower that the rest of the shoe supposedly aligning your posture. Again I havent tried these myself but they may be worth a try.

amy

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

Oh boy do I understand the aching back!! I have had back problems my whole life and just walking around at times can bring on problems for me (lower back) so I am looking for an excellent pair of shoes for the fall as well.

Where do you find Dansko? If it's online how long did it take to get your order and how was the sizing charts online? I have big feet....lol

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Progressive Care.

U can get dansko online but I got them at the local uniform shop. The size chart is European. Ummm, I wear a 7 1/2 to an 8 usually but my Danskos are a size 38. Im not sure but I think when you shop online, u can go to dansko.com or my favorite allheart.com and they give u a conversion chart from sizes. Also e-bay has alot if u dont mind gently used, I dont trust other people's foot funk so I got them new.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks, Amy! I've been hearing great things about Dansko, and it sounds like they might be the first ones I try. What style do you like?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med surg.

Just FYI if you have a high instep, Dansko's aren't for you. Try Zappo's online for free returns up to 1 year after purchase...good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in IMC, ICU, Telemetry.

I'm a huge Dansko fan too - one of the best investments I've made in equipment.

Personally I'd recommend buying them from a shoe store. (A long standing rule of mine: Never buy shoes or major furniture online).

For that kind of money, you want to make sure they are the right ones for you and fit properly. I got mine at a store that specializes in orthotics and occupational footwear. I was sized and fitted by a pro and tried several on in the store. Dansko Professionals are actually supposed to be loose and have some play in the heel. Had I not been fitted for them, I would have gotten the wrong size and wouldn't have had all the benefits of an excellent shoe. I typically wear an 8-8.5 US, but a 41 Dansko - so if I had used their conversion chart, I would have picked the wrong size.

Before I got these shoes, I wore several other kinds of shoes - after 4-5 hours my lower back and down the sides of my hips ached terribly (not to mention my feet!). I didn't even think about it until I got home after my first full day in the Danskos - I went to pop my usual dose of ibuprofin and realized I didn't NEED it because my back and hips were just fine!

Danskos rock!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

Well I am going to take your word and get me some after I find a store in my area that sells them.

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in jack of all trades, master of none.

Another post singing the praises of Dansko Professional Clogs... eBay frequently has new Dansko available, but, I agree that you should get your first pair in a store that sells them, so you can be properly fitted. I normally wear an 8, wearing a Dansko sz 39, roomy for when my feet are swollen at the end of the day & I usually wear super thick, cushy socks.

Back problems after a car accident for me.... I refuse to EVER buy another shoe for work... EVER!!!!

Lots of cute new colors out this year... Can't wait for a new pair, just to have. check out http://www.dansko.com I think they have a store locator.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB, House Sup, ER, Med Surg.

Another vote for Danskos. Funny thing is, when you first put them on, they don't feel super comfy...it's not until the end of the shift that you realize that nothing is hurting. When I put on Crocs or New Balance, they feel soft and comfortable, after 8-12 hrs, I am aching in my feet, legs, back, etc...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My Birkenstock Professional Clog's have decreased my back pain from terrible after a couple of hours, to none at the end of my shift. However, my feet and legs tend to ache like hell wearing them. I've only had them for two weeks, though, so only time will tell. I do appreciate no back pain, though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Another Dansko fan! They are not expensive, if you consider how long they will last you. I bought mine 1/2 size bigger and use nice insoles that I change every six months or so. The only gripe that I have is that the bottom part of my white ones turned a permanent off-white/yellow after about a year.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion