Knee problems are common, and the shoes you wear change how much impact reaches your knees. If you have a knee condition, choose your footwear carefully.
This guide covers what supportive shoes look for, what the research says and fifteen shoes for men and women that are in stock on the web US.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical advice. Knee pain has many causes. See a doctor if your knee is very painful, badly swollen, locks or gives way, or the pain does not improve within a few weeks.
Knee-friendly shoe basics
- The NHS says knee pain can often be treated at home, but you should see a GP if it does not improve within a few weeks.[1]
- For knee osteoarthritis, NHS inform advises supportive footwear with cushioned soles and no high heels.[2]
- In a six-month trial of people with knee osteoarthritis, those given stable supportive shoes had a greater improvement in walking pain than those given flat flexible shoes.[4]
- Arthritis Foundation experts say your feet shape how the forces of standing and walking reach your knees, hips and spine.[3]
- Look for a stable, cushioned sole with a heel that holds your foot, and replace shoes whose cushioning has worn down.[5]
Health Issues Related to Knees
The NHS lists several common causes of knee pain. Sprains and strains, tendonitis, a torn ligament, tendon or meniscus and osteoarthritis are among them.[1] The NHS adds that you should not self-diagnose and should see a GP if you are worried.[1]
Shoes do not treat any of these conditions. A supportive pair can make daily walking and standing easier on the joint, and the wrong pair can add strain.[3] For home care, the NHS suggests putting as little weight as possible on the knee, using an ice pack wrapped in a towel for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours and taking painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.[1]
Anatomy of a Good Shoe for Bad Knees
Choosing a shoe for bad knees depends on your foot type, your stride, whether you supinate or pronate and how high your arches are. Insoles for high arches, cushioning and good shock absorption matter most for running, where each step lands with a lot of force.
The main features to look at:
- Heel Support – A firm heel counter or heel cup holds your heel in place.[5]
- Arch Support – A supportive arch matches your foot type. Stability shoes use a dense, cushioned midsole and heel to control motion for people who overpronate.[3]
- Cushioning and Shock Absorption – A cushioned sole absorbs impact. NHS inform recommends cushioned soles for knee osteoarthritis.[2]
- A Stable Base – The Footstep trial compared stable supportive shoes with flat flexible shoes. The stable pair gave a greater improvement in walking pain.[4] The Arthritis Foundation notes that stability shoes have been shown to increase knee stress more than flatter shoes, so ask a podiatrist which type fits you.[3]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CLQ9TmLLTo
How We Chose These Shoes
We do not test shoes ourselves. We compared each model’s cushioning, support and fit using the makers’ descriptions and The web product pages, and we kept only pairs that are in stock on the web US. Brands do not pay to be included, but we may earn a commission from purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Regarding Shoes for Bad Knees
- Do shoes affect knee pain?
They can. Experts quoted by the Arthritis Foundation say shoes change how the forces of walking are spread to the knees, hips and spine.[3] In a 2021 trial, people with knee osteoarthritis who wore stable supportive shoes had a greater improvement in walking pain than those who wore flat flexible shoes.[4] - Do supportive shoes help knee osteoarthritis?
They are one part of self-care. NHS inform advises supportive footwear with cushioned soles and no high heels for knee osteoarthritis.[2] Shoes do not cure it. - How do you ease knee pain at home?
The NHS suggests resting the knee, using an ice pack wrapped in a towel for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours and taking painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. See a GP if the pain does not improve within a few weeks.[1] - When should I get urgent help?
The NHS says to call 111 if your knee is very painful, you cannot move it or put weight on it, it is badly swollen or has changed shape, or it locks or gives way.[1]
Key Specs
| No. | Shoe | Type | Closure | Width options | Drop / Cushion | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ASICS Nimbus 28 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | PureGEL | – |
| 2 | New Balance M1540v3 / W1540v3 (women's) | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | – |
| 3 | Mizuno Wave Rider 30 | Running | – | Medium, Wide | MIZUNO ENERZY | – |
| 4 | Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 | Shoe | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | 10.2 oz |
| 5 | New Balance 608 V5 | Walking | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | ABZORB | – |
| 6 | Under Armour Charged Assert 10 | Shoe | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | 10 mm drop / Charged Cushioning | 9.5 oz |
| 7 | Gravity Defyer G-Defy Ion / Mighty Walk (women's) | Walking | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | – |
| 8 | New Balance Fresh Foam 520 v9 | Running | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | 10 mm drop / Fresh Foam | – |
| 9 | Asics Gel Cumulus 28 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | FF BLAST MAX | – |
| 10 | adidas X_PLR Path | Running | Lace-up | Medium | Cloudfoam | – |
| 11 | Merrell Moab 3 | Trail/hiking | Lace-up | Medium, Wide | – | – |
| 12 | ASICS Gel Dedicate 9 | Shoe | – | Medium, Wide | GEL technology | – |
| 13 | Birkenstock Arizona EVA Essentials / Arizona Big Buckle EVA Essentials (women's) | Shoe | Slip-on | Medium | EVA | – |
| 14 | Under Armour Charged Surge 4 | Shoe | – | Medium | 8 mm drop / Charged Cushioning | – |
| 15 | Skechers Go Walk Flex Hands Up | Casual sneaker | Hands-free slip-in | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | ULTRA GO | – |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
Best Running Shoes for Knee Pain
Here are our picks for bad knees. Each pair is in stock on the web US. We may earn a commission if you buy through the links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
1Max-Cushion Neutral Trainer
ASICS Nimbus 28 - Men
Currently unavailable
ASICS Nimbus 28 - Women
Currently unavailable
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is a neutral, max-cushion trainer. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The engineered knit upper is light and breathable, with few overlays.
- Rearfoot PureGEL and FF Blast Plus foam give a soft landing and a responsive ride.
- An OrthoLite X-55 sockliner manages moisture, reflective details add visibility, and the Hybrid Asicsgrip outsole grips on varied surfaces.
2
Motion Control Running Shoe
New Balance M1540v3 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance W1540v3 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance 1540 v3 is a motion control running shoe built for stability.
- An Encap midsole combines light foam with a polyurethane rim for support and impact absorption.
- A Rollbar stability post controls rear-foot motion for a steadier stride.
- The mesh and synthetic upper is breathable. New Balance has stopped making the 1540v3 in the US, so stock is limited.
3
Cushioned Neutral Trainer
Mizuno Wave Rider 30 - Men
Currently unavailable
Mizuno Wave Rider 30 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Mizuno Wave Rider 30 is a cushioned neutral running shoe that also works for walking. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The Enerzy NXT midsole is built for energy return and cushioning.
- The Mizuno Wave plate spreads impact over a wider area for a stable, cushioned platform.
- The X10 carbon rubber outsole is durable, and the gusseted tongue hugs the foot. The men’s pair comes in 2E width.
Best Walking Shoes for Knee Pain
4Neutral Trainer with Wide Options
Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 - Men
Currently unavailable
Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 is a neutral trainer that balances cushioning and flexibility. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The mesh upper has leather overlays that add midfoot support, and at least 30% of the upper is recycled content.
- Charged+ midsole cushioning is soft, and the rubber outsole has flex grooves for toe-off.
- It weighs about 10.2 oz and comes in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
5
Casual Cross Trainer
New Balance 608 V5 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance 608 V5 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance 608 v5 is a casual cross trainer that works as an everyday walking shoe. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- An Abzorb heel crash pad absorbs impact, and a molded insert adds cushioning underfoot.
- The suede upper breaks in to your foot, and dual-density collar foam steadies the ankle.
- A Phantom Liner interior has few seams to rub, and the EVA midsole has an internal shank for midfoot stability.
6
Light Everyday Trainer
Under Armour Charged Assert 10 - Men
Currently unavailable
Under Armour Charged Assert 10 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 is a light everyday trainer. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The breathable mesh upper has synthetic overlays for durability and support.
- An EVA sockliner adds soft step-in comfort, and the Charged Cushioning midsole uses compression-molded foam.
- The solid rubber outsole covers high-wear zones, the offset is 10 mm and the shoe weighs about 9.5 oz.
7
Orthopedic Walking Shoe with VersoShock
Gravity Defyer G-Defy Ion - Men
Currently unavailable
Gravity Defyer Mighty Walk - Women
Currently unavailable
Gravity Defyer makes orthopedic walking shoes with its VersoShock cushioning system. The men’s pair is the G-Defy Ion, and the women’s pair is the Mighty Walk.
- The VersoShock system absorbs impact and gives a responsive underfoot feel.
- Both pairs come in medium, wide and extra-wide widths. The men’s pair includes two removable orthotics, and the women’s Mighty Walk includes three insoles for low, medium and high arches.
- The women’s Mighty Walk has a wide toe box and arch support.
8
Everyday Neutral Trainer
New Balance Fresh Foam 520 v9 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance Fresh Foam 520 v9 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance Fresh Foam 520 v9 is an everyday neutral running and walking shoe. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- Fresh Foam cushioning gives a soft, light ride.
- The breathable engineered mesh upper keeps the shoe airy, and the rubber outsole handles daily use.
- It weighs about 260 grams and has a 10 mm heel-to-toe drop and a lace-up closure.
9
Neutral Cushioned Daily Trainer
Asics Gel Cumulus 28 - Men
Currently unavailable
Asics Gel Cumulus 28 - Women
Currently unavailable
The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 is a neutral daily trainer with a soft, energetic ride. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- FF Blast Max foam and rearfoot PureGEL cushion each landing and return energy at toe-off.
- The engineered mesh upper is light and breathable, and the Fluidride outsole blends EVA and rubber for traction without extra weight.
- An OrthoLite X-30 sockliner cushions and manages moisture, and reflective details help you stay visible in low light.
10
Lightweight Everyday Sneaker
adidas X_PLR Path - Men
Currently unavailable
adidas X_PLR Path - Women
Currently unavailable
The adidas X_PLR Path is a lightweight, running-inspired sneaker for everyday wear. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The mesh upper is light and breathable, and the textile lining feels soft.
- A Cloudfoam midsole gives step-in comfort and cushioning.
- The rubber outsole has good grip and a low-profile look.
Best Hiking Shoes for Knee Pain
11Lightweight Hiking Shoe
Merrell Moab 3 - Men
Currently unavailable
Merrell Moab 3 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Merrell Moab 3 is a lightweight hiking shoe. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The pigskin leather and mesh upper has a bellows tongue that keeps out debris and a protective toe cap.
- A Kinetic Fit Advanced insole gives medium support, Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock, and the EVA midsole adds stability.
- A Vibram TC5+ rubber sole grips on trails, and a wide width is available.
Best Tennis Shoes for Knee Pain
12Tennis Shoe with Gel Cushioning
ASICS Gel Dedicate 9 - Men
Currently unavailable
ASICS Gel Dedicate 9 - Women
Currently unavailable
The ASICS Gel-Dedicate 9 is a tennis shoe with gel cushioning. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- Gel technology in the midsole absorbs shock and cushions each step.
- Durable synthetic leather overlays protect the upper.
- A full-length outsole adds contact area for stability and traction on the court.
Best Sandals for Knee Pain
13EVA Slide Sandal
Birkenstock Arizona EVA Essentials - Men
Currently unavailable
Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle EVA Essentials - Women
Currently unavailable
The Birkenstock Arizona EVA Essentials is a slip-on sandal made entirely of EVA. The men’s pair is the Arizona EVA Essentials, and the women’s pair is the Arizona Big Buckle EVA Essentials.
- The anatomically shaped EVA footbed supports the natural alignment of the foot.
- The flexible EVA outsole is lightweight and absorbs shock.
- The sandals are made in Germany. The web lists the men’s pair in regular width and the women’s pair in narrow, which fits narrow to regular feet.
Slip-On and Everyday Shoes for Knee Pain
14Under Armour® Men's Charged Surge 4 Cushioned Everyday Shoe
Currently unavailable
The Under Armour Charged Surge 4 is a light, cushioned everyday shoe.
- The breathable mesh upper has synthetic overlays for structure, and extra padding around the ankle collar.
- A Deluxe Comfort System sockliner molds to your foot, and the Charged Cushioning midsole is responsive.
- The rubber outsole grips well and flexes at toe-off, and the offset is 8 mm.
15
Skechers® Men's Go Walk Flex Hands Up Hands-Free Slip-In Sneaker
Currently unavailable
The Skechers Go Walk Flex Hands Up is a slip-on sneaker that you step into without bending down.
- Hands Free Slip-ins technology and a built-in heel pillow let you slide in without using your hands.
- An Ultra Go midsole and an Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole give light, springy cushioning.
- The mesh upper is machine washable, and the sole has Flex Pillars traction for walking and cross training.
To Conclude
Supportive, cushioned shoes make daily walking easier on sore knees, but they do not treat the cause.[2] Pick a stable pair that fits your foot and your activity, replace it when the cushioning wears down[5] and see a doctor if the pain does not improve.[1] A well-cushioned shoe is a good place to start.
Index Table: Best Shoes for Bad Knees
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ASICS® - Max-Cushion Neutral Trainer |  |  |
| ASICS |
| 2 | New Balance® - Motion Control Running Shoe |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 3 | Mizuno® - Cushioned Neutral Trainer |  |  |
| Mizuno |
| 4 | Under Armour® - Neutral Trainer with Wide Options |  |  |
| Under Armour |
| 5 | New Balance® - Casual Cross Trainer |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 6 | Under Armour® - Light Everyday Trainer |  |  |
| Under Armour |
| 7 | Gravity Defyer® - Orthopedic Walking Shoe with VersoShock |  |  |
| Gravity Defyer |
| 8 | New Balance® - Everyday Neutral Trainer |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 9 | Asics® - Neutral Cushioned Daily Trainer |  |  |
| Asics |
| 10 | adidas® - Lightweight Everyday Sneaker |  |  |
| adidas |
| 11 | Merrell® - Lightweight Hiking Shoe |  |  |
| Merrell |
| 12 | ASICS® - Tennis Shoe with Gel Cushioning |  |  |
| ASICS |
| 13 | Birkenstock® - EVA Slide Sandal |  |  |
| Birkenstock |
| No. | Shoe | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Under Armour Men's Charged Surge 4 - Cushioned Everyday Shoe |  |
| Under Armour |
| 15 | Skechers Men's Go Walk Flex Hands Up - Hands-Free Slip-In Sneaker |  |
| Skechers |
Sources
- National Health Service (NHS). Knee pain. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- NHS inform (Scotland). Osteoarthritis of the knee. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- Arthritis Foundation. A Guide to the Best Shoes for Arthritis. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (journal), 2021. Footwear for self-managing knee osteoarthritis symptoms: the Footstep randomized controlled trial (abstract). Accessed October 26, 2026.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Athletic Shoes. Accessed October 26, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around NHS, NHS inform, Arthritis Foundation and Footstep trial sources, replaced the 22-hour testing and scoring claims with a plain How We Chose section, swapped the unavailable Birkenstock Arizona EVA and Skechers Go Walk Flex Hands Up listings for in-stock ones, and changed the Under Armour Charged Surge 4 to a men’s-only entry because the women’s pair is unavailable
- Oct 2026: Updated ASICS Nimbus 26 to Nimbus 28; updated Mizuno Rider 24 to Rider 30; replaced Orthofeet Sprint with Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11; replaced New Balance MW877 with New Balance 608 V5; replaced New Balance MW813 with Under Armour Charged Assert 10; replaced New Balance 1080V11 with New Balance Fresh Foam 520 v9; updated Asics Gel Cumulus 24 to Gel Cumulus 28; replaced Orthofeet Lava with adidas X_PLR Path; updated Merrell Moab 2 to Moab 3; replaced ASICS Gel Game 7 with ASICS Gel Dedicate 9; replaced Birkenstock Milano with Birkenstock Arizona EVA Essentials Black Eva; replaced Vionic Wave with Under Armour Charged Surge 4; replaced Bauerfeind Knee Brace Sleeve with Skechers Go Walk Fl
- Oct 2026: Removed Skechers Go Walk 3, Skechers Shape Ups, Skechers Afterburn, New Balance 680V6, Skechers Gains and Clarks Un.Ravel (unavailable)
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs table and a Sources section; checked availability of every product
- Jul 2015: Added Gravity Defyer Super Walk
- Jun 2015: Published
