If you are not wearing zero drop shoes, you may be damaging your lower back.
Here’s why:
When you wear most normal shoes, the heel is higher than the toe. Kind of like a high heel, but to a lesser degree. It can be around 1 cm or more depending on the shoe. High heels are much worse.
This puts your lower back in a vulnerable position. You have to arch your back to stay balanced and upright.
I am standing on a one inch dowel in the left hand photo below, but even a small height difference in heel to toe will throw off your anatomical positioning, and likely lead to lower back pain.
Wearing Xero Shoes has been a game changer for my lower back (I am not affiliated). I can walk all day without lower back pain. These shoes have zero drop from heel to toe, and the minimalist design allows me to work my feet muscles more than common cushy shoes with arch support and tons of padding.
Our feet muscles are a neglected part of our body in many cases, but having strong feet tends to help all the bones and joints that sit upon them. In other words, your feet can be thought of as the foundation of your posture.
Use your feet like they were created to be used. Try a pair of Xero shoes, or another minimalist brand. Even go barefoot. It may improve your lower back pain, and other postural issues over time.
January 7, 2024