Best Running Shoes for Degenerative Disc Disease [2023]
Running with degenerative disc disease is good if it doesn’t aggravate your condition. Now, if you’re in the clear and engage in it with your condition, you have to get it right.
Getting it right entails using the right shoes. The perfect running shoes for you make all the difference in the world. They make their little contribution to improving your condition.
Here, I’ll explore some of the best running shoes for degenerative disc disease. You’d see that investing in any of these shoes would make all the difference in the world. Let’s dig in.
Table of Contents
Why Degenerative Disc Disease Patients Need Running Shoes
As an individual in this category, getting the best running shoes for slipped discs is essential for several reasons. Although they won’t release you from the clutches of this disease all by themselves, they physically improve your symptoms.
They also ensure that running doesn’t affect your condition. Based on medical studies and research, it’s been discovered that people with this condition that deployed the best running shoes for DDD experienced an improvement in their symptoms.
Specifically, they noticed a reduction in the pain to the extent that it no longer inhibited them from working. However, there’s a clause here. Those who ran with this condition did so after consulting their doctors.
In essence, you must consult your doctor to ensure running benefits your condition.
If that’s the case, you’ll have to engage in this exercise with the best shock-absorbing shoes for back pain and DDD.
Asics is known for designing some of the best running shoes for all types of runners, from athletic runners to people running for an improvement in their medical condition. This shoe caters to the need of people with DDD.
My Impression
The first thing that blew my mind about this shoe was the cushioning. It felt easy and smooth to run in these shoes. My foot movement felt natural and easy.
It also played a huge role in decreasing the impact on my joints. Then it’s exceptionally comfortable, thanks to the cushioning deployed at the upper part. My legs didn’t feel cramped or sore after wearing them for long.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Carved from durable material
It has a secure fit
Excellent grip on wet and greasy surfaces
Cons
It’s a terrible choice if you have a big toe as the toe box is narrow.
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoe
New Balance is one brand to watch out for when it comes to deploying technology to create comfortable shoes. They deliver in that front effortlessly, as you’ll see in these fresh foam X 1080 V12 running shoes.
My Impression
At the forefront of these sneakers is the stability and protection it offers. Trust me when I say it jealously protects the joints from impact.
My mum couldn’t stop gushing about how her symptoms had improved since she coupled treatment with this pair of running shoes.
The rubber sole soaks in all the impact and gives you smooth turnovers while running. You won’t feel the strain in these babies after a day’s run.
It is soft with extremely comfortable uppers that qualify it as one of the best running shoes for degenerative disc disease.
Brooks is one of the longest in this industry in creating high-quality shoes that are reliable too. Their shoes are top-rated among long-distance runners and people who run leisurely.
My Impression
This version of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS sneakers is top-rated for stability amongst people with degenerative disc disease.
I spoke to a couple of people with this condition that had this shoe, and they loved it for its stability. The guide rails are built for ample ankle support, so you’ll make better strides.
The exterior support also cautions your feet’ movement in the shoe, nudging your feet to the correct position. They deploy high-quality outsole material for firm grips on wet and greasy surfaces.
With CloudTec technology, ON forges some of the best sneakers to give you excellent landing and takeoffs. This brand will provide you with the best features built into a running shoe.
My Impression
ON blew my mind away with how they skillfully combined style and function in these sneakers. For starters, it’s an attractive companion for your everyday running spree.
Let’s start with the material. It uses materials that boost its breathability- for example, breathable mesh. But that’s not all. The fit is secure.
I slid my feet into it, and it clung on nicely. I’ve taken it for a spin without suffering from sore feet or blisters. I also loved the heels as they supported my feet, encouraging me to run longer.
These redeemer ISO 2 sneakers from Saucony are the perfect choice if you need extra support for motion control while running. I spoke to many people with degenerative disc disease who had this shoe, and they couldn’t stop gushing about it.
My Impression
Lightweight. That was the first thing they said when I asked how it felt. But most importantly, my friend, a DDD victim, mentioned the support and traction she enjoyed with this shoe.
It turns out that carving the outsoles of sneakers with XT-900 carbon rubber yields better traction. It also protects the shoe from wear and tears like with this shoe.
My friend has had these shoes for a while now, and it still looks good as new. When I tried this shoe, I noticed it absorbs shock quickly and encourages top-notch transition.
You can always trust the Adidas brand to come through with stylish yet functional sneakers for all gender. They equipped this shoe with all you need to have an active lifestyle as a runner or DDD victim.
My Impression
I love shoes with thick soles, and this shoe has the right amount of thickness. The best part is that this sole gives a swift response, and it’s thanks to the midsole cushioning.
Generally, I felt this shoe had a bit of weight compared to other sneakers I’d tried.
Nevertheless, the upper part of the shoe was designed with material that made me forget about the extra weight of the sneakers. It made the shoe comforting.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Carved from eco-friendly and durable material
Comfortable and great for walking in them for prolonged hours
This shoe is more than a mere upgrade in the Asics Gel-Kayano sneakers series. Forged with careful attention to features essential to improve DDD symptoms, the Gel-Kayano 28 running shoes are a must-have.
My Impression
Maximum support and stability are the hallmarks of this shoe. If you’re familiar with the past Kayano shoes in the series, you’ll realize that they weren’t exactly comfortable.
You’d still feel a bit of strain. But this version 28 corrects those flaws. With the FlyteFoam Blast (FF Blast) as the midsole, the shoe feels very plush on the feet.
It massaged my feet with the softness of its sole, which made my running fun. The ride on this shoe is responsive, making the shoe feel highly flexible.
Ready to race in the best Brooks glycerin shoe that’s ever existed in the series? Then, sit tight and buckle up as I tell you the story of these glycerin 20 sneakers.
My Impression
Since it’s the recent version in the series, it’s not surprising that it’ll have better features. My favorite feature of this sneaker is their breathability, which is because most sneakers I try to run in always run warm on my feet.
But this shoe is different. It feels light, and it breathes. You won’t get sweaty feet when running in it during summer.
Another feature that qualifies it as one of the best running shoes for degenerative disc disease is the improved midsole foam for comfort. It gives off a soft and bouncy feel you’ll enjoy while running.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Has a responsive ride
You’ll enjoy the plush feel
Perfect for hot weather thanks to its breathability features.
Cons
You might struggle with the lace as it loosens often.
Buying Guide for Degenerative Disc Disease shoes
Need a buying guide to choosing the best running shoes for spondylolisthesis or DDD? We’ve got you covered with our buying guide. Check out this cool buying guide we whipped up for you.
Cushioning
Running can be hardcore on certain conditions- degenerative disc disease makes a list. The reason is that running can negatively impact your joints.
In effect, it’ll worsen your condition. But adequate cushioning in your running shoes means better impact and shock absorbing property.
In essence, your joints won’t suffer from the impact of running as your shoes would absorb it before it hits.
Arc Support
You should look for the arc support, especially if you suffer from high arches or flat feet along with your DDD.
The best running shoes for flat feet and lower back pain always have excellent arch support, so you’ll enjoy maximum running comfort.
Upper Part Texture
Another thing is to invest in shoes with a soft upper. The upper part of the shoe is the covering on your feet. If it’s soft, it’ll reduce tension on your feet.
But if it’s hard, it might make your feet sore in no time, especially during a run. That can be bad for your condition.
Comfort and Fit
After getting a running shoe that benefits your condition, ensure you get the right size for the perfect fit. Getting the best running shoe in a bigger or smaller size could worsen your condition.
If it’s bigger, it’ll make your feet sore. Smaller shoes would tighten your feet, inducing tension in your joints. It’s essential to get your exact size and fit to enjoy maximum comfort.
Durability but Stylish
The material used to forge the shoe is important. It influences the durability of the shoe. Also, ensure the shoe blends style with functionality.
Check the Sole
Look out for shoes with flexible soles. They boos comfort and make motion natural and easy for you.
It is only okay to run with degenerative disc disease if your doctor grants you the go-ahead. Before engaging in this exercise, consult your doctor.
Does Running Cause Disc Degeneration?
No, it doesn’t. On the contrary, research shows that it strengthens your spine. But it should be prescribed by your doctor before you engage if you have DDD.
How Can I Prevent Degenerative Disc Disease From Getting Worse?
There are different techniques to prevent degenerative disc disease from worsening. Some are to quit smoking, exercise, keep good body form techniques, improve your diet, etc.
What is the Best Exercise for Degenerative Disc Disease?
Yoga, water aerobics, walking, specific muscle stretches like Psoas stretches, etc.
Final Words
It’s challenging to find the best running shoes for degenerative disc disease on the market that are right for you. But we’ve simplified the process for you.
All you need to do is shop from our shoe list and buying guide. Have fun.
Hey, I'm Wayes. I'm passionate about reviewing shoes and writing! I know to pick the right pair of shoes, not easy. Different people have different physical requirements, so it can be quite tricky for them to choose the best shoes. I help readers choose the most suitable shoes for them!
About the Author
Hey, I'm Wayes. I'm passionate about reviewing shoes and writing!
I know to pick the right pair of shoes, not easy. Different people have different physical requirements, so it can be quite tricky for them to choose the best shoes. I help readers choose the most suitable shoes for them!
Find Me On: Quora, Twitter, LinkedIn.