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best boots for guys with back problems?

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Garage-Junkie

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I'm one of those morons that didn't listen to his old man when growing up, and used my back to lift things when I should have used my legs. As such, I can't wear much more than tennis shoes without having bad back problems. Occasionally I can get away with wearing soft-sole hiking boots, but nothing with a tough or rigid sole (my old Vasque Sundowner's kill my back in about 30 minutes). I was wondering if any of you folks out there that also have back issues can recommend what boots you have and why?

I know there are thousands of boots out there, and a couple dozen that folks here have recommended (coastals, US-made redwings, etc.) but I didn't see any mention of folks having them that also had back issues. Just curious.....post up :)
 
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Kevin7909

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I know that this might sound stupid...but what size do you wear? Some boots are not made in my size, especially composites that are much lighter and at times more comfy than the steel toe version, so that might make a difference in the choices available to you.
 
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Kevin7909

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You know what...I assumed you meant safety boots...did I assume correctly? If that is true, do you need 'boots', or just safety shoes (which implies no restrictions on the height above the ankle the shoe has to be)?
 
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J.P.

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Oregon
An "old timer" that I work with has had back problems for 30 years. He swears by the design of White's boots. They have a high arch that positions your foot a little differently than say, a more flat soled boot like a red wing. They ARE heavy, maybe too heavy for your tastes, but I bought a pair about five years ago and they're very comfortable when you're on your feet all day. They take some getting used to and they're not cheap but they last forever. They have some good info on their site if you're interested.

Just my 2 cents
 
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TA^Guy

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Garage-Junkie said:
I'm one of those morons that didn't listen to his old man when growing up, and used my back to lift things when I should have used my legs. As such, I can't wear much more than tennis shoes without having bad back problems. Occasionally I can get away with wearing soft-sole hiking boots, but nothing with a tough or rigid sole (my old Vasque Sundowner's kill my back in about 30 minutes). I was wondering if any of you folks out there that also have back issues can recommend what boots you have and why?

I know there are thousands of boots out there, and a couple dozen that folks here have recommended (coastals, US-made redwings, etc.) but I didn't see any mention of folks having them that also had back issues. Just curious.....post up :)
Click to expand...
There are TONS of options for you.

The problem is there isn't just one answer. Footwear happens to be something I know a lot about and what I can tell you is that no one can simply recommend a boot for you. Everyones foot is different, what works for me or the next guy might not be right for you.

Now on that note generally speaking most the time back pain from walking is caused by shock from your heal up your spine. But not always. Other things that can cause back pain is nerves damage from the wrong arch, or no arch support, etc.

My best suggestion is to go to several stores and try on many different boots. Do not be afraid o war them around the store for an extended amount of time while looking at other boots. Try to find ones that are have enough support in your heal and arch without causing you pain. If you put them on nd they feel wrong then they aren't the right shoe for you. There is no such thing as 'breaking in a shoe', you shouldn't need to. Because while you are breaking it in, the shoe is breaking you in too. A shoe should feel good right from the start.

Also if you find a boot that works for you and think you need a little more cushion or support try out a few different insoles. A $20 insole in a new shoe is not uncommon. Ask some runners if they use insoles in new shoes. If you are really having a problem with your feet, you might also want to consider seeing a specialist. Speak to your doctor, you maybe able to have a custom set of orthopedic insoles made specifically for you. They usually run well over $100 or so but if you have insurance you most likely would be able to get them to cover it if you are having back issues.

Now personally I can't wear boots, I hate stuff around my ankles. But I have tried many on due to my old carear and had to be very fimular with them. Some of my favorite shoes are Rockports. I have a pir of Rockport shoes that are about 3 years old adn I wearthem 3 out of 7 days a week and they feel as good and supportive as the day I purchased them. They do make boots but I havn't seen a true work boot with a protective toe from them in a long time. Redwings are also another excelent choice, and Timberland Pro series.

If you buy a pair of boots ask the sales associate about the return policy. I always used to tell people to go home and try them on around the house for atleast an hour to get a feel for them. Generally if they are not worn outside you can usually return them for a refund if they do not work out for you.
 
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Garage-Junkie

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Acworth, GA
thanks for the suggestions, all sound like good avenues to chase. For the boots, I'm thinking shop boots that are heavy enough that I can weld in them occasionally, as well as for yard work / etc. Steel toe is a good option as long as they aren't too heavy, as that makes the back pain come up a little faster.

I agree about buying and taking home / testing. I never keep a pair of shoes / boots if they are uncomfortable. I'd like to test some White's boots, but it looks like their closest retail location is about 3-4 hours from me. I've heard of a shoe-sizing company for people with back problems, foot problems, etc. that I'm going to look into. I also have flat feet for the most part, so that adds to the mix :)

Has anyone heard of Avenger boots? Just found them, know nothing about them and was curious.

For my avatar, no, that's my 1979 Cherokee that was featured on Trucks back when Stacey David hosted the show.
 
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Garys Garage

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il
I went into a shoe store 10 years ago to by Redwings because all the good I heard about them. I am a big guy with wide feet. The owner talked me into SAS time out shoes. He said if in 30 days I was not happy with them to bring them back. I said Ok these look like dress shoes and I would be back. ( i used to buy USA made Postal carrier shoes that would last me 6 months.) Well I went back 1 year later to buy another pair. That is all I wear now. I have on pair that is 4 years old. Usually they only last me 2 years. Wont buy anything else. BTW they are made in Georgia.
 
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Test Tech

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Automation Alley
I just got a new pair of boots from Rocky, the model name is Alpha. It is their "tactical" safety boot with the composite toe. I've been wearing them for everday for two months and love them, although that's easy to say at two months. The composite toe is nice and light and keeps your feet warmer in the winter.
 
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metal1313

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i have redwing loggers, they are heavy but the high heel and arch makes them very comfortable. that along with orthotics makes them wearable for a full day of snow-blowing
 
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Busted_Knuckles

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Have you discussed your back problem with an MD ? Do you possibly have flat feet ? Is it possible your are expecting a pair of boots to remedy a problem that really is not designed too ?

I have had lower back problems since childhood, I also have flat feet. I too cant stand for very long without sitting. The boots I wear don't help/hinder my problems, as long as I have arch supports.

The most comfortable pair of works boots Ive ever owned where made by Georgia Boot Company. More comfortable to stand in than my new balance walking shoes.
 
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Skin

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this is something you really need to take up with a doctor and most likely what they'll end up doing is making some orthotic insoles. Back pain while standing or walking is often caused by how your foot is landing. No off the shelf shoe/boot is going to be nearly as good as something custom made.
 
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Az Scooter

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I wear Danners. I also put an upgraded insole in every pair of shoes I own. I think that the insole is more important then the shoe.
 
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justin85

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Dec 26, 2010
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Indianapolis, IN
I'm a Firefighter, so what I do in my boots may not be exactly relevant with your line of work, but I am on my feet a lot, and love some comfortable boots. Most guys at our station wear Throrgood Boots, both for our fire gear, and our daily station boot. I love them, because they fit and feel more like a sneaker. I personally swear by them, and would never, ever wear another brand. I have a pair of Redwing boots I was required to buy for my part time job, and they feel terrible. Just because its a work boot doesn't mean they have to feel like it. Who wants to wear heavy, bulky, restrictive boots all day? If nothing else, at least find and try on a pair of Thorogood boots before making your decision. weinbrennerusa.com (Parent company of Thorogood Boots)

I would agree with Az Scooter though, if you don't like or can't find Thorogood, I would go Danner. I used to wear them before I found Thorogood, they are nice also.
 
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Danglerb

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A foot isn't all that complicated, but I came back from a vacation where we walked my dogs off for a couple weeks and my feet have never been the same as before. I did a LOT of looking around and generally found nothing but a long line of people wanting my money in various large amounts and idiot plans.

Different folks had all sorts of things my feet desparately needed, and a wide variety of reasons for it, but unfortunately I think the best diagnosis came from a Dr Scholls foot testing machine at the drug store, my feet are fine, as is my balance etc, but I need to lose a good 50 lbs.

My only real suggestion is to find a place that knows how to measure your foot size accurately. A huge hint that they may be able to do this is that they stock and sell all the sizes and widths and are willing to do things like sell a different shoe for each foot. Buy a pair of the cheapest "comfortable" shoe they sell and take them home and wear them an hour or two each night while watching tv etc until they conform to your feet, then give them a good test. If they work buy more from that store or in that size.

Don't let bad shoes slide, your feet and back pay for cheap shoes, and you can't replace those.
 
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Sick Puppy

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Busted_Knuckles said:
Have you discussed your back problem with an MD ?
Click to expand...
This for me is the first question that should be answered, and solutions provided as a result. Back problems arise from any number of issues from abuse, trauma, musculo-skeletal imbalances, impingement and the list goes on, and the treatments are endless (although putting up with it is the catch all answer!).

I injured my back when I was 18 - it was ****** uncomfortable for a year, and even now (over a dozen years later) still plays up every now and again, has locked up bits. Wearing Caterpillars hurts after a few hours of walking, and pretty much wrecks my posture. But I also have to work my body for strength and flexibility, and I should watch what I eat. At the moment I'm doing neither, and starting to suffer! lol

Point is (and I'm getting to it), until you know what exactly is wrong with your back and what (if anything) you can do about it, recommending footwear could have no effect on your problem, and may make it worse! How bad is your back?
 
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HTGTS350

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Wear Blundstone gumboots, work underground and learn to put up with the pain, this has worked for me for many years.
 
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Wakefield

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I saw a claim somewhere that heel lift can affect the back,most boots and shoes these days have heel lift and there may be a trend for more heel lift today than say 20 years ago. I don't like much heel lift in my shoes. Wonder if Georgia Boot Company have more or less heel lift than other brands?
 
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Ign

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I also have a poor lower back. Had surgery for a herniated disc, and I have another disc that is pretty much just not there.

My body changes so often that for a few weeks my Merrell "tennis" shoes are the most comfortable, then for a few weeks my PR Timberland steel toes are best. I do prefer an insole with massive arch support.

I buy the Red Wing insoles you're supposed to heat in the oven to conform to your foot. That makes no sense to me; if your foot is jacked up you're just making the insole conform to that. I did it once and wished I hadn't. Next set I left as they come from the packaging - much better for me.

Regardless, I'm surprised no one has mentioned socks. The one constant for me is that nice, thick socks help. A lot. I prefer Thor-Los in the Trekking version. Carhartt also has some nice socks. If you haven't messed around w socks, you've got very little capital investment to lose.
 
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Chuckw

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Redwing worked for me for 30 + years on concrete, but my back is shot from being the human crane in my young and dumb days. 6 discs (3 low 3 in the neck) gone. They herniated, blew -out and then disaggregated.
For sure get a good quality boot that YOUR comfortable with. Also socks are important as well as boot replacement every year! I know this sounds insane but if you look at the bottoms of the boots after a year you will see that they have worn to how you walk, kinda like a car tire that's mis-aligned. This wear lets your spine bend more and more over time. Yeah the boots may looks fine, and you could wear them for another 3- 4 years before they wear out, as far as holes in them, but that's not what you are looking for.
 
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Travis E.

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I have found the Timberland Pro's to be very comfortable They do wear out faster than the other brand i have worn. I am on hard concrete most of my day and usually dont take them off until ive been home for a while. I had Redwing and Catapillar boots, they took a while to break in and were heavy. I took them off when i got in my car to drive home.
 
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Simplespeed

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Im young, but slipped a disc lifting a transmission a couple years ago. I was out for a couple months and had problems here and there for about a year. Occasionally ill feel a little ache but nothing serious.

As far as boots, iv work mostly timberland pro and redwings. Cheap redwings are just that, cheap. If they arent USA made then your wasting your money. My favorite pair of shop boots are Redbacks. Best shop boots iv ever worn and i dont plan on switching any time soon and they are extreemly slip resistant. I can puch a car on slick concrete with coolant or oil all over the place and not slip. Iv had problems with my feet killing me before its lunch time. These boots paired up with a dr scholls inserts are amazing. The soles are a gum like squishy sole similar to dr. martins but not as ugly. My feet get tired at the end of a really busy day but they no longer hurt. I get off work and get home and dont feel like i need to take my boots off. I dont have that "i cant wait to get out of these boots" feeling anymore. Also, dr scholls CAREER socks are the best socks iv ever worn. I think they are only available in black. They have a sort of elastic band that goes around the foot in the arch area and it feels great. Theyre more comfortable than the dr scholls diabetic socks which are also pretty damn good. Good boots might not fix your back but they sure as hell wort hurt it.

http://www.redbackboots.com/ubbkboots.html
 
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bart1

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Redbacks are very similar to Blundstone. I've worn both a lot. The RBs were a little thicker soled the the 500s, but I preferred the Blundstone.

I went and ordered a pair after seeing this.
 
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Ign

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If you're on concrete 40/hrs wk (or more), even one year out of a pair of boots is optimistic for many people. Last shop I worked at most of us replaced our boots every 6 months. Fortunately the company paid for one pair/yr, so that took the sting out.
 
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metal1313

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the other thing i havent really seen mentioned is you should have more than one pair of boots so you can rotate them daily. it saves on wear, but also lets them dry and the insoles last much longer. presonally i have 4 pairs of work boots, and tons of running shoes, but i dont have to wear boots daily. this wasnt to make sure they still supported me right, but well my feet sweat like mad, and if i wear a shoe daily after 3 months the smell is unbareable
 
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rayzor32

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Ive worn sears, timberland pro, wolverine, cat, carhartt, and ill tell you hands down the best is redwings and is all ill ever wear, they last the longest, are the most comfortable and made in usa. Buy the insoles from redwings that conform to your feet just go to a redwing store and theyll take care of you try a boot on and guarantee youll buy it. I was having back/knee problems and this has helped 100%. Also a good sock helps i buy wigwam work socks they are made in usa. Im on 2 1/2 years on my redwings and i think they will make it to 3, I beat the hell out of my boots too but i also wear them to the bone. I wore the toes out but I bought this epoxy stuff called "tuff toe" and now they are good as new.
 
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treasureseeker

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I think having a pair orthotics made for you would help where they take a mold of your feet not the ones on the rack they sell.
 
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