These days, knee injuries have become quite prevalent. If you have a knee condition, choose your footwear carefully.
We review the best shoes for bad knees to choose from as needed.
You can get relief from your bad knee condition with some specific exercises.
We review the best shoes for bad knees to choose from as needed.
You can get relief from your bad knee condition with some specific exercises.
Walking without the right gear or overdoing some exercises can strain your knees, worsening the situation.
Please be careful and use particular shoes while doing any activity.
Table of Contents
- Health Issues Related to Knees
- Anatomy of a Good Shoe for Bad Knees
- How We Test and Score Shoes for Bad Knees
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Regarding Shoes for Bad Knees
- Best Running Shoes for Knee Pain
- Best Walking Shoes for Knee Pain for 2024
- Orthofeet Shoe for Knee Pain
- Wide Athletic Walking Shoes for Knee Pain
- Bad Knee Shoe Recommended for Osteoarthritis
- Slip-On Walking Shoes for Bad Knees
- Athletic Walking Knee Pain Sneakers
- Bad Knees Fitness Shoe
- Cushioned Walking Shoe for Bad Knees
- Bad Knees Walking and Running Shoe
- Running and Walking Shoes for Bad Knees
- Orthopedic Walking Shoes for Bad Knees
- Walking Shoe for Heavy Weights
- Best Dress Shoes for Knee Pain
- Best Hiking Shoes for Knee Pain
- Best Tennis Shoes for Knee Pain
- Best Sandals for Knee Pain
- Best Accessories for Knee Pain
- To Conclude
- Index Table: Best Shoes for Bad Knees
Health Issues Related to Knees
There are many factors related to bad knees; it can be anything like:
- Arthritis.
- Torn Ligaments.
- Muscle Imbalance.
- Meniscal Injuries.
- Tendon Injuries.
- Many other medical conditions.
Bad knees can worsen if you do not wear the right shoes or walk too much in any of these cases.
If the situation worsens, you will face accelerated pain while walking or standing.
You must look for special shoes to help you walk without straining your knees.
With the advanced shoe technology – many shoes today can resist all forms of shocks, give you the appropriate support, and deflect any strain from your knees.
These correct shoes will provide a pleasant walking and standing experience.
Anatomy of a Good Shoe for Bad Knees
Choosing a shoe for bad knees will depend on your foot type, stride, if you supinate or pronate, and how high your arches are. Strong Insoles for high arches, cushioning, and good shock absorption are necessary for running, where there are many hard impacts on your feet.
The main features to look at are;
- Strong heel support such as a heel cup.
- Good Arch support.
- Soft Cushioning.
- Good Shock absorption.
These features work well for all foot types and strides with bad knees.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CLQ9TmLLTo
How We Test and Score Shoes for Bad Knees
These reviews are based on intense research, analysis, and feedback from our experts and real users from different digital platforms.
We spent 22 hours trying, testing, and scoring these Shoes for Bad Knees for different key parameters and then shortlisted the best products in the market, saving you time and effort.
We used the following parameters for our tests and analysis.
- Pain-Free – We checked how extremely effective the shoes are at solving an extent of foot problems.
- Comfort – We checked how comfortable and safe the shoes were.
- Cushioning – We compared the cushioning provided by the shoes.
- Lightweight – We observed if the shoes feel light or cause foot fatigue.
- Maintenance – We researched how long users could use the shoes without any reported changes in the quality and how easy it was to clean.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Regarding Shoes for Bad Knees
- Do shoes affect knee pain?
Wearing the wrong shoes puts a lot of strain on your knees and hips. The major joints in your body are responsible for sustaining your weight, so it is essential to wear proper footwear to help fight or prevent knee pain. - Do shoes help knees?
Yes, wearing the correct shoes can help relieve discomfort caused by osteoarthritis (OA) by reducing pressure on the knees. - How do you fix knee pain?
To help fix knee pain and get some rest, putting ice and compression are effective treatments for knee discomfort induced by a small injury or arthritic flare. Rest your knee, apply ice to minimize swelling, cover it with a compression bandage, and keep it elevated. - What is the use of shoes for bad knees?
The purpose of using shoes for bad knees is to give comfort and prevent the impact of something, which may help relieve pressure on your knees.
Best Running Shoes for Knee Pain
Here are the best shoes for bad knees you should get in case you have knee problems:
We hope you love the shoes we recommend for bad knees!
We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
Normal to High Arch Runners & Bad Knees
This new model of the Nimbus uses GEL-cushioning technology to absorb the foot stride’s impact shock.
- Thanks to the Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL-Cushioning system, Better Arch support makes it one of the top running shoes.
- Perfect Fit combines multi-directional stretch mesh, stretch reinforcements, and FluidFit technology.
- These are hands down the most comfortable shoes in their category.
- This shoe has a Heel Clutching System to stabilize the heel and provide excellent cushioning and shock absorption, minimizing the impact of shocks on your knees.
Pros
- Pain Relief.
- Softness.
- Support.
Cons
- Lightweight Cushion.
| Rating Category | Weight % | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Pain-Free | 25% | 100 |
| Comfort | 25% | 95 |
| Cushioning | 20% | 100 |
| Lightweight | 15% | 95 |
| Maintenance | 15% | 90 |
| Total Score | 100% | 96.5 |
2
Motion Control Flat Feet Running Shoe
The New Balance 1540 is a flat-foot running shoe with a unique shock absorption outsole.
- Comfortable and breathable synthetic leather uppers with mesh inserts.
- A durable high-traction BLOWN rubber outsole for extra shock absorption.
- Motion control technology with ROLLBAR technology aids in foot stability and eliminates overpronation.
Pros
- Pain-Free.
- Eliminates Overpronation.
- Variety of Colors & Sizes.
Cons
- A bit thin mesh.
| Rating Category | Weight % | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Pain-Free | 25% | 100 |
| Comfort | 25% | 95 |
| Cushioning | 20% | 100 |
| Lightweight | 15% | 90 |
| Maintenance | 15% | 90 |
| Total Score | 100% | 95.75 |
3
Anatomical Knee Pain Running Shoes
A feature-rich running shoe goes a long way in making it a wonderful and arguably one of the best shoes for Bad Knees.
These features make it a great shoe for treating both mild and moderate symptoms associated with Knee Pain:
- Cushioning and Energy Return features help to reduce the impact on the knees.
- It helps for stability and better grip, which is considered critical for treating problems associated with knees.
- It has the unique Cloud-Wave Technology that offers the perfect amount of softness in a lightweight ride.
Pros
- Variety of Colors & Sizes.
- Support and Comfort.
- Cushioning.
Cons
- Light Padding.
| Rating Category | Weight % | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Pain-Free | 25% | 100 |
| Comfort | 25% | 95 |
| Cushioning | 20% | 95 |
| Lightweight | 15% | 90 |
| Maintenance | 15% | 90 |
| Total Score | 100% | 94.75 |
Best Walking Shoes for Knee Pain for 2024
4Orthofeet Shoe for Knee Pain
This classic craftsmanship and sophisticated style are the most exception.al quality in a comfort shoe.
- Designed as a therapeutic shoe, it provides many protective and comfort features.
- This shoe has Ortho-Cushion™ Technology that takes a new approach to pain relief and delivers pure comfort.
- Patented biomechanical features work to change the loads naturally across the knee, helping relieve pain and slow osteoarthritis progression.
- Characterized by cartilage degeneration and its underlying bone within a joint, osteoarthritis is more common in the knees.
- It was developed in association with Rheumatology experts.
- Flex-OA footwear is clinically proven to reduce the load on the knees by 20% on average.
- Specially designed Flexure Zones in the outsole of Flex-OA shoes are strategically placed to allow a normal motion.
- The Ortho-Cushion™ System allows natural movement, barefoot-like movement, graceful movement, and natural flexibility movement, typically lost with modern footwear.
- The effect is a measured and proven reduction in load on the knees, a leading cause of OA-related knee pain.
5
Wide Athletic Walking Shoes for Knee Pain
This is a high-quality walking shoe from New Balance, made in the USA.
- It comes with an ABSORB midsole to deliver arch support, foot stability, and the first level of cushioning.
- The quality, durable rubber soles deliver comfort and a second level of cushioning.
- Stylish appearance but yet not too flashy.
- Wide toe box: up to 4E in the men’s version and a 2E in the women’s shoe version.
6
Bad Knee Shoe Recommended for Osteoarthritis
This shoe is highly recommended for the ones who suffer from knee pain.
- These shoes have a built-in roll bar, which is great for Patellar Tendinitis.
- It is made up of pure leather, and the sole is made of rubber.
- This also offers motion-control technology, which is highly comfortable with supportive cushioning.
- This will provide ultimate relief to any of your knee pains. Even with the help of this, you can walk a lot without straining your knees at all.
7
Slip-On Walking Shoes for Bad Knees
Skechers are quite popular because of their flexibility and comfort.
- These shoes provide a natural stride when you walk wearing them.
- These shoes are trendy and beneficial, especially for those who have knee pain.
- The sole is made up of rubber and has three-layer protection against any kind of weather.
- It is incredibly light in weight, which is an excellent thing for people having bad knee problems.
- It is also equipped with a full-length Goga Mat with an energy insole.
8
Athletic Walking Knee Pain Sneakers
This is one of the best walking shoes for bad knees, made up of synthetic and mesh.
- Even the sole is totally human-made, which is a great thing.
- The shoes are made up of Web-last technology that has made it easier for people with knee pain.
- It helps to protect your body when you are walking or standing.
- It helps to reduce the strain on your knees.
- This is essential for people with bad knees.
- The insoles are removable, and you can insert custom orthotics instead.
9
Bad Knees Fitness Shoe
These shoes look weird and bulky but have an unbelievable comfort feel.
- Built with quality in mind while paying extra attention to its midsole, it alleviates knee pain.
- Heavy people have a higher chance of suffering from knee pain; This shoe can carry even the heaviest people standing on their feet all day long by utilizing a grippy rubber sole that delivers excellent traction via the OSHA-compliant slip-resistant outsole.
- It comes with variable width sizes that offer extra room for your toes.
- This shoe has a soft “Kinetic Wedge” that goes from the heel to the front of the shoe and provides better weight impact distribution on your knees.
- It is very comfortable from the first-wear (out of the box) and still has a ridged stable feeling.
10
Cushioned Walking Shoe for Bad Knees
The Skechers Afterburn and Skechers D’Lites offer cushioned comfort and excellent shock absorbency to prevent impact on your knees.
- The Air Cooled Memory Foam footbed along with a Foam Midsole absorbs shock and provides cushioning to protect your knees.
- Furthermore, the platform design sole and the rubber outsole are thick, shock-absorbing, and durable.
- The uppers are lightweight and breathable with synthetic leather and mesh materials.
- There are many colors in both the Afterburn and D’Lites from which you can choose.
11
Bad Knees Walking and Running Shoe
The New Balance 1080 features Fresh Foam Technology, providing plush soft cushioning and ample shock absorbency for Bad Knees.
- The Upper is a flexible and breathable synthetic and mesh design.
- There are likewise a few color options from which you can select.
- The Fresh Foam Midsole and Cushioned insoles provide plush comfort and ample shock absorbency.
- The Sole design is a data-driven and durable rubber.
12
Running and Walking Shoes for Bad Knees
The Asics Gel Cumulus 24 is the latest in this range of walking and running shoes, ideal for bad knees.
- The uppers are a flexible fabric with mesh for breathability and a moisture-managing and cushioned Sockliner for Comfort.
- There is a Blown Rubber Outsole that is AHAR high abrasion-resistant.
- The Impact Guidance System and the FlyteFoam propel technology to ensure better efficiency and stability.
- There is also a SPEVA Foam midsole for shock absorbency.
- This range offers some attractive new color options that you can select from as you prefer.
13
Orthopedic Walking Shoes for Bad Knees
The Sanibel and Lava from Orthofeet are comfortable and fashionable walking shoes for bad knees and overall comfort.
- The Sanibel is a more feminine mary jane style athletic shoe, while the Lava is a lace-up model athletic shoe for men.
- Both shoes are available in other color options as well as wider widths.
- There I an ergonomic and layered cushioned insole with extra depth and a roomy toe box.
- The rubber outsole is durable and provides excellent traction.
14
Walking Shoe for Heavy Weights
The New Balance 680V6 is the perfect running and walking shoe to cushion painful knees and joints against impact and pressure.
- For support and comfort, you have a plush NB insole and an Amplifoam foamy midsole.
- There are a durable rubber outsole and comfortable and soft fabric uppers.
- The entire shoe is very lightweight and comes in many color options and a wider width selection.
- These shoes also tend to have a more roomy toe box area.
Best Dress Shoes for Knee Pain
15Bad Knees Dress Shoes
The Skechers Gains and Flattery are Dress style shoes that are ideal if you have bad knees.
- Both shoes have great memory foam cushioning for comfort and shock absorbency.
- There are leather uppers with a p[ump style in the Flattery and a Loafer style in the Gains.
- Inside is a smooth lining and also a supportive midsole.
- The rubber outsole is thick and durable, as well as slip-resistant.
16
Dress Shoes for Sore Knees
These shoes are stylish and fashionable in look.
- Perfect to wear to the office, on a date, or to a semi-casual event.
- You can choose from a wide range of sizes as well as widths.
- These shoes are very comfortable to wear for work, along with a professional look.
- It is made from high-quality leather.
- The rubber soles are quite thick in nature, giving excellent cushioning.
- EVA Midsole gives you a better posture while standing.
Best Hiking Shoes for Knee Pain
17Hiking Shoe for Bad Knees
This is another excellent choice for those who suffer from bad knees.
- With the help of a shock-absorbing air cushion heel, you can get a strain-free walk.
- Walking in these shoes will not affect your knees at all.
- The sticky Vibram outsole will give an extra cushioning benefit.
- Even M-select Fresh helps to prevent the formation of odor.
- M-select DRY technology helps to prevent moisture formation.
Best Tennis Shoes for Knee Pain
18Best Tennis Shoes for Bad Knees
Built for the Tennis game, this shoe will improve your stability and comfort during the game.
- This tennis court sneaker has a flexible, synthetic leather and textile upper for better breathability.
- With a PGuard toe protector and padded tongue and collar to help cushion your strides and ease the pain from your knees.
- Underfoot support comes from forefoot GEL cushioning.
- These shoes are light, comfortable, and long-lasting tennis shoes.
- On the Tennis court, you can expect to experience better overall footwork, faster court speed, and less knee pain simply by wearing these shoes.
Best Sandals for Knee Pain
19Slingback Best Bad Knees Sandal
The Birkenstock Milano be very suitable for those who suffer from various stages of knee arthritis.
- It is made by hand from pure leather.
- The rubber soles of this sandal add shock absorbing.
- It is uniquely designed to fit anatomically to the shape of the foot.
- Over time, the cork midsole gets the shape of the bottom of your foot and helps absorb shocks for those suffering from knee pain.
- The unique and specially designed deep heel cup and arch support stabilize your feet and ankle.
- A specially designed, original cork midsole that provides support and stability.
20
Best Flip Flop for Knee Pain
The Vionic Wave is a comfortable and lightweight toe post sandal with a supportive EVA midsole and is available in a wider width.
- Soft mesh webbing uppers with a jersey knit lining that are lightly padded.
- A durable rubber sole for excellent grip on slippery and wet surfaces.
- The medium-density EVA footbed with textured pads offers comfort and shock absorption.
- Waterproof construction to keep your feet dry.
- A lightweight and supportive flip-flop sandal.
- Available in a few color varieties.
Best Accessories for Knee Pain
21
The Bauerfeind is a comfortable and flexible knee brace sleeve to help with knee pain and knee injuries.
- It was constructed to provide knee support stability and allow for maximum mobility and stay durable.
- It provides relief from the pain associated with many medical conditions such as arthritis and knee sprains.
- Manufactured from non-irritating materials, so it will not chafe or itch.
To Conclude
Relieve knee pain and strengthen your knees by wearing the correct footwear that provides excellent support and shock absorption. With a well-cushioned and supportive shoe, there is less impact on the knees.
Index Table: Best Shoes for Bad Knees
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ASICS® - Normal to High Arch Runners & Bad Knees |  |  |
| ASICS | 98 |
| 2 | New Balance® - Motion Control Flat Feet Running Shoe |  |  |
| New Balance | 96 |
| 3 | Mizuno® - Anatomical Knee Pain Running Shoes |  |  |
| Mizuno | 97 |
| 4 | Orthofeet® - Orthofeet Shoe for Knee Pain |  |  |
| Orthofeet | 97 |
| 5 | New Balance® - Wide Athletic Walking Shoes for Knee Pain |  |  |
| New Balance | 94 |
| 6 | New Balance® - Bad Knee Shoe Recommended for Osteoarthritis |  |  |
| New Balance | 96 |
| 7 | Skechers® - Slip-On Walking Shoes for Bad Knees |  |  |
| Skechers | 95 |
| 8 | Gravity Defyer® - Athletic Walking Knee Pain Sneakers |  |  |
| Gravity Defyer | 95 |
| 9 | Skechers® - Bad Knees Fitness Shoe |  |  |
| Skechers | 95 |
| 10 | Skechers® - Cushioned Walking Shoe for Bad Knees |  |  |
| Skechers | 97.3 |
| 11 | New Balance® - Bad Knees Walking and Running Shoe |  |  |
| New Balance | 97 |
| 12 | Asics® - Running and Walking Shoes for Bad Knees |  |  |
| Asics | 97.6 |
| 13 | Orthofeet® - Orthopedic Walking Shoes for Bad Knees |  |  |
| Orthofeet | 97.5 |
| 14 | New Balance® - Walking Shoe for Heavy Weights |  |  |
| New Balance | 97.8 |
| 15 | Skechers® - Bad Knees Dress Shoes |  |  |
| Skechers | 97 |
| 16 | Clarks® - Dress Shoes for Sore Knees |  |  |
| Clarks | 94 |
| 17 | Merrell® - Hiking Shoe for Bad Knees |  |  |
| Merrell | 95 |
| 18 | ASICS® - Best Tennis Shoes for Bad Knees |  |  |
| ASICS | 95 |
| 19 | Birkenstock® - Slingback Best Bad Knees Sandal |  |  |
| Birkenstock | 95 |
| 20 | Vionic® - Best Flip Flop for Knee Pain |  |  |
| Vionic | 94 |
