Marilyn Monroe once said, “Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” And while her words may be inspirational to many shoe-enthusiasts out there, it is important to emphasize one thing. You must be wearing the RIGHT kind of shoes. Your shoes can do a lot more to your body than you might think. So as much as you might be dreaming about buying those chic, six-inch heels you saw at the mall the other day, you may want to read further before you open up your wallet.
Many experts have said the type of shoes you wear can directly affect your back pain. But what kinds of shoes actually hurt your back? And what kind of shoes should you be wearing if you want to “conquer the world?” Nobody should have to let back pain slow them down.
High heels are not the kind of shoes you should look to if you want a pain-free back. Heels can throw off the alignment in your back, causing more stress on your lower back. Really, these shoes aren’t meant to be worn for a long time or for long walking distances. They are best to be worn in moderation. The higher the heel, the more damage it can do. So, while you shouldn’t immediately toss out all your heels, do try to wear the lower variety as much as possible.
The lack of support in flip-flops and trendy sandals can also lead to stress in your legs which hurts your body. You should always try to wear shoes with proven support, especially in the arch. This will lead to less stress on your body. If you must wear sandals, don’t walk long distances in them. Save those sandals for a quick trip to the pool or beach.
The best footwear for back pain is (surprise, surprise) sneakers. Although they may not be the most fashionable choice, they are the best for your body. They can give your feet the support you need in all the right places. When you’re walking long distances or standing for a long amount of time, it’s important to wear the kind of shoe that will help your back and your body. We think even Marilyn Monroe would support your decision to give back pain the boot!