Best Running Shoes for Back Pain of 2023: Complete Reviews With Comparisons

Back pain is an unwelcome part of life that can stop us from doing things we usually enjoy on a typical day.

Sometimes, an unhealthy walking pattern causes back pain, but minor changes may lessen the pain.

Additionally, knowing what type of shoes to wear for an activity can make a difference and provide instant relief.

For instance, the construction of running shoes, with ample support and cushioning, can often help with back pain.

Let’s look into some of the best running shoes for back pain for men and women to understand why we chose them.

COMPARISON CHART

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Best Running Shoes for Back Pain in Men

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1. Brooks Ghost 14

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The Brooks Ghost 14, as indicated in its name, is the sneakers’ 14th version that first came out on the market on December 2020.

This upgraded version of the Ghost has a sleeker upper and more fashionable forefoot than the 13th edition.

Its straightforward design and lightweight feel make it a favorite among beginner runners.

The Brooks Ghost14 is the brand’s first carbon-neutral shoe made of 37% recycled materials, weighing 9.9 ounces.

Review

If you want a smooth ride with a vast array of style options, you better check out the Ghost 14 Running Shoes from Brooks.

Its air-mesh upper has an open-engineered design made with 3D Fit Print technology, providing structure and strategic stretch.

Your feet will stay cushioned and secure with the form-fitting interior lined with soft fabric.

It also has a removable foam insole for underfoot comfort and support.

The upgraded cushioning of the Ghost 14 combined Brooks’ signature DNA LOFT with the DNA of BioMoGo, providing soft and gender-friendly padding.

This durable cushioning even extends beyond the heel for a smoother landing-to-toe transition.

These comfortable running shoes also provide optimal support with a 12mm midsole drop, similar to the previous model.

The soft blown rubber outsole also has flex grooves offering grip and traction while delivering fluidity and natural forefoot movement.

Additionally, its lace-up closure design provides a more precise and secure fit to these easy-to-wear sneakers.

Lastly, the plush and well-cushioned tongue and collar of the Ghost 14 added to the overall comfort of the road running shoes, ideal for daily runs.

PROS

• checkSmooth and stable ride
• checkAmple support
• checkComfortable fit
• Durable construction
• Lightweight and well-cushioned

CONS

• Narrow toe box
• Outsole wears down fast

2. Under Armour Charged Assert 9

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Another ideal option for the best running shoes for back pain is the Charged Assert 9 from Under Armour.

Its offer of versatility makes it perfect for different activities, such as jogging, walking, agility, and speed workouts.

Review

Under Armour is a well-known American brand, manufacturing various sports equipment, including these multi-purpose trainers.

The flexible and well-cushioned Charged Assert 9 is the perfect footwear that neutral foot strikers can wear on different occasions.

The breathable and lightweight mesh upper is almost identical to the Assert 8, which helps keep your feet cool and ventilated.

Inside the mesh upper, covering the midfoot and toe box area, is a thin plush liner, adding to the overall comfort of the shoes.

You’ll also notice a change in the thick tongue material used on Assert 9 from the previous model.

Durable leather overlays strategically placed on the rest of the shoes add footwear stability.

You will find these stabilizing leather overlays on the heel cup, lacing, and toe boxes, locking in your midfoot.

Additionally, the lace-up design of the Assert 9, with its round laces, provides different lacing options for the sneakers.

Assert 9 also uses Charged Cushioning for the midsole unit, a registered Under Armour technology for energy return and shock absorption.

This compression molded foam curves to the unique shape of your foot the longer you wear the shoes as you train.

Additionally, the technology helps lessen the impact as you run on hard surfaces, providing a cushioned ride with less strain on joints and knees.

If this midsole cushioning is not enough, a breathable and removable EVA sock liner provides added padding and comfort to your feet.

The grooved, durable and solid rubber outsole of the Assert 9 gives you a bouncy and responsive ride plus a textured grip.

PROS

• checkComfortable daily wear
• checkExcellent heel cup shape
• checkLightweight and breathable upper
• Multiple colorways
• Provides ample support

CONS

• Lacks grip and traction
• Needs break-in

3. Adidas Racer TR21

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If you are looking for a daily shoe with a sneaker-like construction, you better check out the Adidas Racer TR21.

Contrary to its model name, this footwear is not meant for racing but more as a daily trainer.

Review

The durable Adidas Racer TR21 are running-inspired sneakers suitable for casual runs and are made chiefly with high-performance recycled materials called Primegreen.

Primegreen is a performance fabric innovated by Adidas without any mixture of virgin plastic material.

All its products using the Primegreen fabric, including the Racer TR21, are created with recycled polyester.

Almost 50% of the soft and comfortable upper material comes from recycled textile content.

A breathable mesh material completes the upper construction of the Adidas Racer TR21, making it more suitable in hot or mild weather.

Also, the adjustable tongue of the Racer TR21 provides ample cushion and comfort, while the laces give a relaxed but great fit.

Its simple but athletic design is reminiscent of the classic racing shoe in the olden days, with attractive elements suitable for any occasion.

The flexible mesh upper combined with synthetic material for the three stripes trademark of Adidas looks clean and stylish.

This environmentally-friendly shoe is ideal for daily commutes, errands, and neighborhood walks.

In addition, the Cloudfoam Super midsole on the Racer TR21 is an Adidas-owned technology providing plenty of support and cushioning for the shoe.

Providing enough grip and traction for the shoe is a durable rubber sole, ensuring you will not slip while outdoors.

You can wear these running shoes straight from the box and feel comfortable the longer you wear them.

PROS

• checkTrue to size
• checkComfortable and snug fit
• checkPerfect for warm weather
• Durable Construction
• Breathable

CONS

• Minimal arch support
• Not for long-distance running

Best Running Shoes for Back Pain in Women

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1. New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1

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New Balance is a world-renowned brand manufacturing sports footwear and apparel for over a century.

The Fresh Foam Roav V1 is a new addition to the brand that will keep you comfortable while on the go.

Review

The Fresh Foam Roav V1 from New Balance has a casual athletic style combining an attractive look with luxurious, truly unique comfort.

There are plenty of available colors to choose from that would suit your personality and fashion sense well.

It’s a great daily lightweight trainer for runners who enjoy squishy foam padding without the feel of an added weight.

These shoes are also ideal for other workouts, errands, and casual runs with their cloud-like ride and versatile design.

They are lightweight with an 8mm heel-to-toe drop. Also, the shoe is reasonably priced, considering everything it offers.

It comes with multiple built-in technologies exclusive to New Balance, namely the Fresh Foam, Ultra Heel, and NDurance.

The Fresh Foam technology on the Roav provides a comfortable, lightweight, and responsive midsole.

It’s made of an EVA compound that is chemically treated to boost the responsiveness of the shoes in high-impact areas.

Another New Balance technology used in these shoes is the head-turning Ultra Heel, designed to provide a snug and supportive fit.

This design complements the breathable upper of the Roav excellently, made from a lightweight and flexible mesh material.

Its lace-up closure design comes with round and thick laces to help secure your feet while running.

The last proprietary technology from New Balance is the NDurance outsole, providing excellent durability, especially in the high-wear areas of the shoe. It has flex groove patterns for grip and traction.

PROS

• checkComfortable
• checkLightweight
• checkSnug fit
• Breathable
• Easy to wear

CONS

• Small size
• Not for wet climate

2. Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0

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Adidas founder Adi Dassler wanted to create functional athletic wear. In recent years, Adidas has gone from classic sporty to modern athleisure sneakers to fashionable performance gear.

Another women’s running shoe worth checking out is the Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0, stylish footwear that you can match with any casual clothing.

It combines all three styles from different generations and is available in various colorways all women would love to wear.

Review

Like the New Balance women’s running shoe above, this Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 is also great for long walks and casual wear.

It has a modern silhouette and a slim profile, providing the highest standards of fashion and comfort, with plenty of color options.

The Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 upper is made with a single layer of breathable mesh material to keep your feet cool while eliminating hot spots.

This stretchy fabric hugs your feet comfortably, while the traditional lace-up closure helps keep your feet secured while running.

It also uses high-performance recycled materials called Primegreen that can easily conform to the shape of your feet.

Experience the cloud-like comfort of this women’s running shoe, made possible by the proprietary Cloudfoam midsole of Adidas.

It offers incredibly soft step-in feel and flexibility, ideal for quick movements like you are not wearing anything.

In addition, the shoe uses a memory foam sock liner for extra cushioning and comfort as you walk or run.

The perfect balance of softness and rigidity helps keep your steps stable and supported, especially for those suffering from back pain.

For the outsole, the Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 uses a durable, grippy rubber material that will last a long time.

This responsive outsole also comes with subtle lugs for traction.

PROS

• checkStylish
• checkLightweight
• checkComfortable
• No break-in required
• Affordable

CONS

• No arch support
• Runs small

3. Under Armour Charged Assert 9

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Under Armour is a well-known sportswear global brand that made its first running shoes in 2009.

The Charged Assert 9 is one of the brand’s latest offerings, initially released on April 2020.

Review

The Under Armour Charged Assert 9 footwear promises to help you improve speed and is an excellent choice for a multi-purpose shoe.

Besides running, you can also use the shoes for jogging, walking, and other workouts.

The Charged Assert 9 is a running shoe made for neutral foot strikers requiring cushioning and flexibility from their footwear.

It is a comfortable shoe perfect for short runs and other cross-training activities.

If you look at Charged Assert 9 alongside its predecessor, you will notice the different placement of the overlays, giving it a new look.

These strategically placed overlays ensure that your feet stay in place and keep them stable.

The updated version offers the same lightweight mesh upper that helps promote hot air circulation and breathability.

Also, the Assert 9 has 360 degrees of high-end cushioning, wrapping your feet comfortably, while the thick padded collar hugs the ankle, supporting overall lockdown.

It would be best to wear good socks during the break-in period until the foam padding conforms to your feet.

The midsole has Under Armour’s trademark Charged cushions, a compression molded foam that conforms to your feet’ shape as you run.

It helps minimize the impact whenever you run on hard surfaces and unforgiving terrain as it collapses under your weight.

Also, the cushions help reduce strain on your joints and knees. If you feel the Charged padding is lacking, the shoe has a removable EVA sock liner for additional comfort.

The durable outsole of the Assert 9 is solid rubber with textured grips that will prevent you from slipping on sidewalks. It also provides bounce and added spring to your steps.

The overall design of the Under Armour Charged Assert 9 is perfect for those who enjoy variety in their training schedules.

PROS

• checkTrue to size
• checkWell-cushioned
• checkBreathable
• Versatile
• Multiple colorways options

CONS

• Needs break-in
• Not for long-distance running

What Are the Best Running Shoes for Back Pain?

When looking for the best running shoes for back pain, you have to look for a model that provides an outstanding balance of cushioning and stability.

From our choices, we recommend the Brooks Ghost 14 for men as the best footwear for relieving back pain.

It offers the perfect combination of ride stability and cushioning for steady-paced runs.

Meanwhile, the New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 is our top choice for women. The perfect combination of the three New Balance technologies provides excellent performance and support for the runner.

People Also Ask:

Will running shoes help back pain? 

Yes, running shoes can help with back pain. Running shoes are designed with a stiff sole, giving you more support while running. This extra support can help you run more comfortably, which can help reduce back pain.

However, using running shoes incorrectly can also cause back pain, so it’s important to listen to your body while using them. If you’re experiencing back pain while running, take a break and use different shoes until the pain disappears. Moreover, find running shoes that are light, flexible, and comfortable.

Do compression socks help with back pain? 

Compression socks are a type of leg wear designed to help improve circulation by compressing the legs and toes. The socks can help relieve discomfort in the leg and foot areas by applying pressure to your lower legs and feet. In addition, the compression can also increase the blood flow to the lower legs and restore the balance of nutrients, oxygen, and waste throughout the body and back. This will help restore healthy soft tissue mobility.

Another benefit of compression socks is that they can help improve circulation in your legs and feet. Improved circulation can help heal injuries and heal skin faster. Many health professionals recommend wearing compression socks to treat back pain. They say they are an effective way to relieve pain while helping healing take place more quickly.

However, compression socks are not meant to treat any health conditions or medical issues. They should only be used as temporary aid until other treatment options are available or have been tried. If you have any health conditions or questions about using compression socks, seek the advice of a healthcare provider.