As summer has barely ended, many come in for consultations with the same complaints: tired feet, tight backs, feeling of being “stuffed up”. After weeks spent in flip-flops or light mules, the start of the school year suddenly puts the subject of shoes to improve posture back in the spotlight. And here, choosing the right pair makes a real difference, especially if the back is already fragile.
As a podiatrist, I always first look at what’s on the feet before talking about lower back pain. Between flip-flops without support, dizzying stiletto heels or ultra-thin ballerinas, certain models combine the risks. Others, on the contrary, naturally rebalance the support and help relieve the back. The good news is that these pairs can be both comfortable and very chic.
Why do certain shoes disrupt posture and cause back pain?
After summer, feet have often been encased in minimalist flip-flops. Dr Jean-Marc Sène describes this mechanism very well on the set of TF1: , he explained, quoted by TF1. Over time, this permanent tension creeps up into the legs and ends up resulting in diffuse tension.
Heels that are too high or an exaggerated arch pose another problem. When you are not used to it, it is better to aim for a height of around 5 centimeters, because the arch of 4 centimeters is presented as ideal and very comfortable. For the most comfortable, you can go up to 8 cm, provided you choose a wide, square, platform or wedge heel, which offers better stability than a stiletto heel and limits the risk of falling or spraining.
My favorite podiatrist shoes for better posture and a calmer back
My first instinct at the start of the school year is clog-style mules. These clog-style mules combine comfort and elegance in the blink of an eye, with a slightly raised heel that “helps you adopt a great posture every day.” Their rigid sole, generally made of wood, provides better stability to the arch of the foot and prevents the foot from sagging. For walking a lot, I recommend a model with straps and an anatomical sole, if possible cushioning, to prevent the toes from tensing up to hold the shoe.
For those who want to stay very dressy, block heel sandals are another ally. Worn by Letizia from Spain, they offer better posture to the silhouette and “relieve the back thanks to their thick heels”. Their major advantage: a wide, stable heel, which distributes pressure on the ground better than a thin heel. They still exude summer, while being perfect with flared jeans, a flowing dress or tailored pants at the office.
How to choose shoes to really relieve your back on a daily basis
In store, I advise keeping four criteria in mind for your back shoes:
- a heel height of around 5 cm, with an arch close to 4 cm;
- a square, wide, platform or wedge heel, rather than a stiletto heel;
- a fairly rigid sole under the arch, with minimal cushioning;
- good foot support thanks to straps or a covering upper.
Conversely, I invite you to limit everyday flip-flops, which force your toes to “hook”, very open mules which “don’t hold well on your feet” when you’re looking for comfort, and stiletto heels which make your ankle work harder to stay in balance. Between clog-style mules with straps, very stable block heel sandals and pumps adjusted to the shape of the foot, today there are many models that respect your feet without sacrificing style.
What heel height to reduce back fatigue?
A height of approximately 5 cm, with an arch close to 4 cm, is described as very comfortable. Regulars can go up to 8 cm if the heel remains wide and stable.
Why are clog-style mules good for posture?
Because they slightly elevate the heel, which helps you adopt a better posture, and their rigid sole stabilizes the arch of the foot and prevents the foot from sagging.
What shoes should you avoid if you often have back pain?
Flip-flops, which tighten the toes without cushioning, mules which do not hold well on the feet when you are aiming for comfort, and unstable stiletto heels should be limited.
Sources
- Grazia
“Goodbye ballerinas Letizia Spain wears the most chic shoes of the fall which slim the silhouette after 50 years”
- Grazia
“I am a podiatrist and here are my favorite shoes to improve posture and relieve back pain”
