Best Shoe Insoles for Sciatica
Sciatica is a common condition caused by compression to or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks, and down each leg. Symptoms can include electric shock-like pain, tingling, and numbness or weakness in the affected areas. Sciatica can have a huge effect on your daily comfort, but luckily there are a number of insoles available that can help to alleviate pain and allow you to get back to your normal routine.
Our handy guide to the Best Shoe Insoles for Sciatica includes a number of options to help you cope with unwanted aches and pains as you recover. Whether you're busy walking or standing all day, or an ambitious runner in search of insoles that will ease discomfort, we've got a variety of suggestions that can make your condition more manageable.
What Will This Guide Cover?
In this guide, we are going to cover the following areas:
- How Can an Insole Help My Sciatica?
- Best All Round Insoles for Sciatica
- Best Sciatica Insoles for Dealing with Lower Back Pain
- Best Heel Cups for Sciatica Leg Pain
- Best Sciatica Insoles for Walking and Standing All Day
- Best Insoles for Running with Sciatica
- Best Soft Insoles for Sciatica
- Best Value Insoles for Sciatica
- Best Slippers for Sciatica
- Best High Heel Insoles for Sciatica
How Can an Insole Help My Sciatica?
Wearing shoe insoles can be hugely beneficial for relieving sciatic pain and discomfort, and preventing this condition from returning. Below are the main features to look out for in a pair of sciatica insoles:
- Foot Alignment and Posture Correction: Bad posture can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, which intensifies symptoms. Anatomical insoles align your feet and correct your posture, helping to relieve back pain and discomfort, and preventing sciatica from coming back.
- Fatigue Relief: While the NHS advises that you keep active and continue your daily activities, walking or standing for long periods can lead to tired and sore feet, which in turn worsens your sciatica. Opting for a cushioned insole can prevent your feet from becoming too tired and strained.
- Shock Absorption: Shock occurs when your feet strike against the ground during a walk or a run and this impact can lead to more pressure being placed on the sciatic nerve. A shock-absorbing insole will not only help relieve pain and discomfort, but it can protect your body against further damage.
Best All-Round Insoles for Sciatica
Our Winner: Superfeet Green Performance Insoles
Why We Love Them...
✔ Best for correcting posture due to their anatomical shape
✔ Heel cup stabilises the foot to reduce strain throughout your legs
✔ Can be worn with trainers, boots and flat shoes
Ideal For...
✔ Relieving sciatic pain
✔ People looking for an insole that will improve their posture
✔ Sports trainers, boots and flat shoes
Not the Best For...
✘ Use around the home (See our solution)
✘ Wearing with high heels (See our solution)
Editor's Verdict: If you're looking for a super-comfortable insole that will reduce your sciatica symptoms, the Superfeet Green Performance Insoles are a great all-round choice. These insoles feature a deep heel cup that keeps your foot aligned, as well as an orthotic arch for a greater level of support, both of which are ideal for improving posture. To top it off, we're so confident of their ability to help, there's a 60-day money-back guarantee to ensure your satisfaction.
When We Asked Superfeet, They Said: "One of the original products in the Superfeet range. The GREEN insoles offer professional-grade support to anyone looking to enhance the fit and feel of their footwear. With a deep heel cup for natural cushioning and maximum support, they provide the perfect base to enhance the structure and stability from the foot up."
Customer Verdict: "Have been using these insoles for 3 years, recommended by my physio after I tried many things for my trapped nerve back pain, they have changed my life, straightened my posture, and supported my feet and knees." Ann ★★★★★
Best Sciatica Insoles for Dealing with Lower Back Pain
Our Winner: OrthoSole Max Cushion Shoe Insoles
Why We Love Them...
✔ Feature additional padding to cushion impact and shock
✔ Ideal for preventing fatigue and foot pain
✔ Correct your posture to prevent pressure on the sciatic nerve
Ideal For...
✔ Relieving sciatic back pain, hip pain and foot fatigue
✔ Protecting the body against further damage
✔ People looking for shoe insoles to wear with a range of shoes
Not the Best For....
✘ Playing sports (See our solution)
✘ People looking for a less intrusive support (See our solution)
Editor's Verdict: Back pain is one of the most common symptoms of sciatica. The OrthoSole Max Cushion Shoe Insoles feature ultra-light EVA foam that cushions the foot to relieve back pain and feelings of fatigue, and shock-absorbing Poron to protect you against further damage to the sciatic nerve. The OrthoSole Max Cushion insoles also include an anatomical shape and adjustable metatarsal pads that work to improve your posture and ease the stress that's placed on the ligaments in your back and spine,
When We Asked OrthoSole, They Said: "Our Max Cushion Insoles are known to help back pain because they also can also help to improve your posture. When you improve your posture this can then lead to you being able to reduce the amount of stress you put on the ligaments in your back and around the spinal area. Another way our Max Cushion Insoles can help back pain is because they are full of Poron which is a shock-absorbing material. Poron is known to help reduce the pressure on the joints and soft tissue in the body to reduce discomfort."
Best Heel Cups for Sciatica Leg Pain
Our Winner: Tuli's Classic Heel Cups
Why We Love Them...
✔ Shock-absorbing design protects the heel and reduces leg pain
✔ Provide additional comfort and support to your feet all day
✔ Lightweight alternative for people looking to avoid a full insole
Ideal For...
✔ Reducing foot pain brought on by sciatica and other conditions
✔ Preventing further damage by absorbing impact shock
✔ People wanting a less-bulky solution than traditional insoles
Not the Best For...
✘ Improving posture (See our solution)
✘ Relieving foot fatigue (See our solution)
Editor's Verdict: If your sciatica is causing leg pain, you should give Tuli's Classic Heel Cups a go. The sciatic nerve runs down the back of the leg and passes through the heel area, where it can become compressed or irritated. When the heel strikes the ground, the impact can cause vibrations that travel up the leg and affect the sciatic nerve. These heel cups are made of soft, supportive material and are specifically designed to provide shock absorption and decrease the amount of pressure that's placed on the heel and the sciatic nerve, providing pain relief.
When We Asked Tuli's, They Said: "Tuli's heel cups’ bio-mechanical design imitates the natural fat padding of the foot. The industry-leading double layer waffle design significantly decreases the amount of shock travelling through the leg and thus is a helpful tool for managing the symptoms and reducing pain and discomfort associated with sciatica."
Customer Verdict: "Bought these for my husband to ease pressure on his heel; he highly recommends them." Carole ★★★★★
Best Sciatica Insoles for Walking and Standing All Day
Our Winner: Pro11 Comfort Orthotic Insoles with Heel Pad and Arch Support
Why We Love Them...
✔ Relieve fatigue due to the heel pad and arch support
✔ Absorb up to 50% of shock with every step
✔ Breathable design keeps feet fresh after a long day
Ideal For...
✔ Alleviating sciatica pain caused by pressure from moving and standing
✔ Retail, hospitality and other demanding jobs
✔ Reducing shock and impact on your feet
Not the Best For...
✘ Those looking for a firmer, more anatomical support (See our solution)
✘ Use around the home (See our solution)
Editor's Verdict: Walking and standing for long hours often leads to fatigue, which can therefore worsen a case of sciatica. Whether you work in a warehouse, as a waiter, or on a ward, there are some jobs where you can't avoid walking and standing all day. The Pro11 Comfort Orthotic Insoles with Heel Pad and Arch Support feature heel pads and arch support that provide the extra cushioning needed to relieve foot fatigue and get you through endless shifts standing up.
Customer's Verdict: "I am on my feet 12 hours a day and standing for most of it - was suffering from sciatica and wearing this has definitely helped. I would highly recommend these." Sharon ★★★★★
Best Insoles for Running with Sciatica
Our Winner: Sorbothane Shock Stopper Full Strike Insoles
Why We Love Them...
✔ Absorb a huge amount of shock to prevent fatigue
✔ Slim, flat and flexible design for close-fitting shoes
✔ Feature antibacterial properties to prevent unwanted odours
Ideal For...
✔ Activities where the whole foot is affected by shock
✔ Protecting your feet from repeated impact
✔ Relieving heel pain and foot fatigue
Not the Best For...
✘ Wearing with high heels (See our solution)
✘ Alignment and posture correction (See our solution)
Editor's Verdict: As the NHS recommends, gentle activity and remaining mobile is important for speeding-up the recovery process, though this is easier said than done. The Sorbothane Shock Stopper Full Strike Insoles help you to get back to running or exercise with less worry about your sciatic pain. Despite their thin design, these insoles provide excellent shock absorption that will relieve pain and keep your feet cushioned and protected throughout your running sessions.
Customer's Verdict: "I suffer from chronic sciatica but still like to run. These insoles are working really well and helping with the discomfort" Cross ★★★★★
Best Soft Insoles for Sciatica
Our Winner: Langer Bio Soft Shoe Insoles
Why We Love Them...
✔ Feature shock absorption to protect the feet
✔ Anatomical design is excellent for keeping feet aligned
✔ Soft design is more comfortable on fatigued feet
Ideal For...
✔ Protecting the feet against shock
✔ Premium quality protection and support
✔ People suffering from diabetes or arthritis
Not the Best For...
✘ Best value (See our solution)
✘ Sports use (See our solution)
Editor's Verdict: Featuring two 'soft spots' that cushion the most vulnerable areas of the foot, the Langer Bio Soft Shoe Insoles ensure your feet, legs and back stay safe and protected from impact no matter what you're doing. Whether you're taking a trip to the supermarket, or working on your feet all day, these insoles will reduce the symptoms of your sciatica by absorbing shock.
Best Value Insoles for Sciatica
Our Winner: VIVEsole Orthotic Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis
Why We Love Them...
✔ Feature arch cushioning to provide effective pain relief
✔ Anti-bacterial fabric keeps the feet fresh throughout wearing time
✔ Can be used with most shoe styles including sports trainers
Ideal For...
✔ Comforting aching feet and preventing foot fatigue
✔ Relieving lower back pain and leg pain brought on by sciatica
✔ Relieving other painful conditions such as plantar fasciitis
Not the Best For...
✘ Long-lasting quality and support (See our solution)
✘ Use around the home (See our solution)
Editor's Verdict: Having a condition such as sciatica doesn't necessarily mean you have to spend a fortune on insoles. The VIVEsole Orthotic Insoles offer appropriate foot support and effective pain relief to get you on the road for a speedy recovery, at a price that works for most people. The VIVEsole Orthotic insoles feature superb arch cushioning that supports the arches of your feet to relieve lower back pain, foot fatigue, and other possible symptoms brought on by a case of sciatica.
Customer Verdict: "Really great product. Moulds are perfect for supporting my aching feet. It's like having a new pair of feet." Alex ★★★★★
Best Slippers for Sciatica
Our Winner: Zullaz 3.0 Orthotic Plantar Fasciitis Slippers (Blue)
Why We Love Them...
✔ Made from cushioning EVA foam for maximum comfort and protection
✔ Feature a supportive footbed that provides pain relief to the foot
✔ Include a durable, anti-slip rubber sole to avoid slips and falls
Ideal For...
✔ Easing general foot discomfort
✔ Relieving pain felt on the heel and balls of the feet
✔ Preventing further fatigue and stabilising the heel
Not the Best For...
✘ Use outside the home (See our solution)
✘ Use for sports (See our solution)
Editor's Verdict: For a warm and snug option, the Zullaz 3.0 Orthotic Plantar Fasciitis Slippers (Blue) are all you need to relieve sciatica pain while spending time at home. These slippers have been developed by Australian podiatrists to provide biomechanical support and soothe a range of conditions. With thick and cushioning EVA foam and a stabilising heel cup, the Zullaz 3.0 Orthotic Slippers will ensure to keep your feet and legs aligned while protecting you against fatigue and further damage.
Best High Heel Insoles for Sciatica
Our Winner: Powerstep Slenderfit Fashion Orthotic Insoles
Why We Love Them...
✔ Built-in metatarsal cushioning help against foot and muscle fatigue
✔ Include targeted and controlled cushioning with a soft supportive feel
✔ Ultra-thin tapered design specifically for high-heeled shoes
Ideal For...
✔ Relieving leg and lower back pain caused by sciatica
✔ Sciatica sufferers who wear high heels on a regular basis
✔ Providing cushioning to prevent further damage to the sciatic nerve
Not the Best For...
✘ Foot alignment and posture correction (See our solution)
✘ Playing sports and running with sciatica (See our solution)
Editor's Verdict: Although we don't recommend to wear high heels with sciatica due to how they push your weight forward and exert pressure on your lower back, some professions, such as hospitality, will often require workers to wear heels as part of their professional attire. If you can't opt out of wearing heels, an insole such as the Powerstep Slenderfit Fashion Orthotic Insoles could help with managing uncomfortable sciatica symptoms and get you through long and tiring shifts.
Customer Verdict: "The Slenderfit insoles were rated as good by my orthopaedic specialist, so I'm very satisfied. Thank you." Hillary ★★★★★
Relieve Sciatica Symptoms with Every Step
Sciatica can lead to painful and uncomfortable symptoms affecting the feet and other parts of the body. However, with the correct supportive insoles, you can successfully tackle those symptoms and get on with everyday life as usual. Whether your sciatica is temporary or chronic, the range of suggestions covered in this blog should provide relief and guarantee that you stay protected against further injury.
If you haven't found what you're looking for here, please feel free to browse the rest of our Insoles for Sciatica range to find the most suitable product for you.
Have you found sciatica insoles that work? Let us know in the comments below or get in touch via Twitter or Facebook!