Best Shoes for Hip Pain
Anyone with hip pain can attest to the challenge of finding comfortable yet fashionable shoes. Stilettos and high heels continue to be popular women’s shoe options, while stiff sneakers and low-heel boots are the height of fashion for men’s shoes.
The best shoes for hip pain can work wonders for reducing strain and damage to your joints, which ultimately reduces hip pain or discomfort.
Hip pain refers to discomfort, inflammation, or stiffness felt around or in the hip joint. In some cases, hip pain may extend towards the groin area or thigh.
Hip pain is a common condition, especially among older adults. Hip and related lower limb pain is the second most prevalent type of body pain among adults ages 18 and up. Additionally, one study found that 14.3% of people over 60 years old experience significant hip pain.
The joints naturally weaken and deteriorate as you grow older. As the largest weight-bearing ball-and-socket joint in our body, the hips are often the first to develop signs of wear and tear.
Hip pain often develops due to existing health conditions, especially arthritis, bursitis, and sciatica.
Sports-related injuries are also common causes of hip pain. Accidents or falls while playing sports may result in hip fractures while overexertion when exercising may cause inflamed tendons.
Hip pain can also be exacerbated by simply wearing improper or uncomfortable shoes. Even athletic shoes and sneakers can worsen hip pain and joint discomfort if they do not fit well.
Minor hip pain can be treated with rest and pain relievers. Many cases of chronic hip pain can be treated without resorting to invasive procedures. Muscle-strengthening exercises, walking, and wearing comfortable shoes go a long way towards managing hip pain.
Yoga poses, in particular, can help alleviate hip pain by stretching and strengthening the muscles around the hip joint. In the video below, we will demonstrate the Dandasana staff pose, which can help relieve hip pain and improve flexibility in the hip area.
Learn more about the causes and risk factors of hip pain as well as takeaways to help determine the best treatment option.
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ArthritisOsteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are some of the main causes of chronic or long-term hip pain.Arthritis
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Hip impingementFemoroacetabular impingement (FAI) occurs when the hip’s ball and socket joint pinches together, which can lead to arthritis, damage to the cartilage, stiffness and pain.Hip impingement
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Hip or back injuryInjuries such as labral tears, sprains, hip fractures, and hip dysplasia can cause pelvic pain, as well as sciatica, a nerve-related health condition. Other injuries include inflammatory conditions such as bursitis and tendonitis.Hip or back injury
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Poor alignment or postureIncorrect posture or alignment can put strain on the lower back and increase pressure on your hips. Alignment issues can cause problems with your gait and lead to misaligned hips, low backache, and discomfort in the pelvic area.Poor alignment or posture
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Muscle weaknessWeakness in the hip flexors or surrounding hip and glute muscles can cause your body to over- or under-compensate as you move, leading to hip pain.Muscle weakness
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Ill-fitting footwearPoor arch support, tight shoes, and high heels may cause you to walk unnaturally and strain your hips.Ill-fitting footwear
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PregnancyAdded weight and pressure on your back, spine, and hips during the third trimester of pregnancy often causes hip pain.Pregnancy
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Symptoms of hip pain may vary, depending on its underlying cause. Here are some symptoms that are common across different causes of hip pain and hip disorders:
- Slight or prominent limping
- Limited mobility of the hip joint
- Muscle stiffness or tenderness
- A feeling that bones are grinding together
- Pain in or down the leg when taking on weight
Using the best work shoes for hip pain or the best tennis shoes for hip pain may help manage these symptoms and improve overall comfort on the job. However, it might not always help in severe cases.
If you are completely unable to walk, move your leg at the hips, or put any weight on it, then it’s best to visit your doctor immediately. Other symptoms to watch out for include sudden swelling, deformed-looking hips, intense pain, and signs of infection, like fever or chills.
Consulting a medical professional ensures proper treatment of severe hip pain. For more conservative tips on how to manage hip pain at home, continue to the Treatment section below.
Facts and Stats
We take a look at some facts and stats you might not have known about hip pain.
- Chronic hip pain is 30% to 40% more common among adults who play sports.
- More than 18% of older adults who do not participate in sports or physical activity still develop severe hip pain.
- Although wearing flat shoes with proper support does not cure hip disorders, it is an easy and effective way to manage hip pain.
- A little over 14% of American adults over 60 years experience significant hip pain on most days.
- Men are less likely to report hip pain than women, regardless of age.
- Almost 57% of patients who dislocated their hips and developed hip pain after a vehicular accident did not wear seatbelts.
- Hip fractures and hip pain are more common amongst women than men—which falls in line with other data reporting that women fall and are diagnosed with osteoporosis more often than men.
Hip pain can be a debilitating condition that affects millions. Learn more about hip pain treatment options below.
Appropriate hip pain treatment depends on the cause of the discomfort. Here are various ways to treat hip pain:
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For Exercise-Related Hip PainAmple rest is best for exercise-related hip pain. Active recovery or engaging in low-intensity exercise is recommended, too. It allows the body to get used to more strenuous activities and prevent worse hip pain and soreness in the future. Walking and gentle stretches and strengthening exercises help reduce soreness around the hips and thighs. Wearing the best walking shoes for hip pain further boosts the benefits of walking and active recovery.For Exercise-Related Hip Pain
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For Arthritis-Related Hip PainDoctors typically prescribe pain medication and physical therapy for arthritis-related hip pain. Doctors typically prescribe pain medication and physical therapy for arthritis-related hip pain. Exercise regularly to keep the hip joint flexible. Wearing the best shoes for arthritic hips when walking and exercising ensures proper arch cushioning, shoe fit, and comfort for better improved support. In severe cases of arthritis hip pain, your doctor may recommend undergoing hip replacement surgery.For Arthritis-Related Hip Pain
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Alternative Hip Pain TreatmentsChiropractic care is a non-invasive treatment involving manual adjustments to correct spinal alignment and relieve pressure. Acupuncture uses thin, non-toxic needles to target certain points in the skin and alleviate symptoms of hip pain. Take painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen to reduce discomfort. Eat food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as leafy green vegetables, salmon, tuna, walnuts, and olive oil. Apply a hot or cold compress to ease hip joint pain and muscle soreness. Stretch and warm up before exercising to reduce strain and body ache. Implement a hip strengthening program (with the support of your doctor or physical therapist). Wear good shoes for hip pain to prevent further strain on the lower limbs. The best shoes for hip pain—both for men and women—ensure proper weight distribution, arch support, and cushioning or shock absorption.Alternative Hip Pain Treatments
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What are the best shoes to wear to prevent hip pain?
Shoes without a heel, with appropriate arch support, and cushioned soles for shock-absorbing technology are some of the best shoes to wear to prevent hip pain. These shoes not only help reduce injuries and discomfort to your hips but also help relieve stress on your feet.
It is also best to find shoes that feature an ergonomic design and ample space inside to prevent muscle spasms from cramped toes.
KURU footwear offers all these and more. Our shoes have become many of our customers’ favorite shoes for hip pain and everyday use.
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Can your feet affect your hips?
The nerves on your feet travel up your legs, through your hips, and connect to your spine in your lower back. As such, any misalignment, pinched nerves, and strain on your feet may cause a ripple effect.
Sore feet and ankles can cause the other joints in your legs up to the hips to overcompensate and strain themselves. This may also happen should you develop an abnormal gait, either through habit or improper footwear.
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Can your shoes cause hip pain?
Yes. Ill-fitting shoes and high heels place more stress on your hips and other joints. Wearing such shoes frequently or for extended periods at a time can adversely affect the way you walk and distribute your weight.
When this happens, you place greater stress on your hips. Over time, this can cause hip pain and joint discomfort.
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Are your shoes considered orthopedic shoes?
Even though KURU shoes were not initially intended to be orthopedic shoes, thousands of our customers say they experience relief from various foot conditions.
While our shoes are not currently considered orthopedic by a medical standard, we have received thousands of positive reviews from customers who say their KURUs helped reduce or eliminate their pain.
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Foot Grooming and Why It’s Important
At KURU, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to shoe design. We believe that shoes should be shaped to fit the natural contours of your feet, which is why we create every pair in three distinct support layers, not just an insole.
Our revolutionary ergonomic design starts with a curved footbed and adds unparalleled triple-layer support that includes shock-absorbing KURUCLOUD, heel-cupping KURUSOLE, and arch-supporting ULTIMATE INSOLES. The result? Shoes that are so comfortable you’ll stop thinking about your feet.
KURUSOLE
Our patented KURUSOLE plate features a unique design that cups and protects the heel and allows for dynamic flexion with each step. …Show More
Our patented KURUSOLE plate features a unique design that cups and protects the heel and allows for dynamic flexion with each step. This superior support helps us utilize our body’s natural cushioning system: the heel’s fat pad.
…Show lessKURUCLOUD
Our KURUCLOUD base layer acts as a cushioned footbed to offer padding and shock absorption to help ease the burden on your hips. This …Show More
Our KURUCLOUD base layer acts as a cushioned footbed to offer padding and shock absorption to help ease the burden on your hips. This layer of dense EVA foam helps absorb impact to protect your joints, ligaments, and bones.
…Show lessULTIMATE INSOLE
The final layer in this technology trip, our ULTIMATE INSOLES feature a bridge of arch support and dual-density cushion. Made of durable polyurethane …Show More
The final layer in this technology trip, our ULTIMATE INSOLES feature a bridge of arch support and dual-density cushion. Made of durable polyurethane foam, these insoles form to your foot shape to provide lasting comfort.
…Show less
KURUSOLE
Our patented KURUSOLE plate features a unique design that cups and protects the heel and allows for dynamic flexion with each step. This superior support helps us utilize our body’s natural cushioning system: the heel’s fat pad.
Fine, We’ll Tell You Our Secret
What makes KURU different? Every KURU shoe comes with built-in patented KURUSOLE tech—a foot health game changer.
While other shoes are flat on the inside, KURUSOLE is shaped like your foot to hug and prevent fatigue and pain.
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