man with injured right knee sitting

Best Shoes for Knee Pain: Problem-Free Running and Walking

Knee pain is a common problem that can affect anyone. Knee pain can be caused by obesity or an injury such as torn cartilage or a ruptured ligament.

Remember, we wear shoes every day, and selecting the wrong type can result in knee pain. Knee pain can be very uncomfortable and might even disrupt your normal daily chores.

It can prevent you from enjoying your day to the fullest, and if not treated in time, it can worsen to something irreversible.

Luckily, knee issues can be corrected wearing the right shoes that are designed for alleviating this problem.

The best shoes for knee pain can offer extra support to your knee region and feet. But, I bet you already knew that? What you might not know is what the best knee pain shoe for you.

So, here are some of the best shoes for bad knees in the market.

We consider Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 19 the best shoes for knee pain relief as it’s ideal for people with flat to the medium arch. It has a unique guiderail system that will have you running comfortably while keeping excess motions in check.

The Best Shoes for Knee Pain Are:

ProductDetails
1. Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 19

  • Material: Synthetic and mesh
  • Sole: rubber
  • Size: 3.5-16 (U.S)
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2. ASICS Gel-Kayano 26

  • Sole: rubber
  • Material: fabric and synthetic
  • Size: 4-12 (U.S)
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3. Brooks Glycerin 17

  • Sole: gum rubber
  • Material: synthetic
  • Size: 5-13 (U.S)
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4. Ryka Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoes

  • Material: 100% synthetic
  • Sole: synthetic
  • Size: 4-12.5 (U.S)
  • Closure type: lace-up
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5. Orthofeet Best Plantar Fasciitis Shoes

  • Sole: rubber
  • Material: synthetic
  • Size: 5-12 (U.S)
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1. Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 19 — Best Running Shoes for Bad Knees

Brooks Men's Adrenaline GTS 19, Navy/Gold, 12 D

Adrenaline GTS 19 is a unique shoe that was designed for runners with knee issues. This version of Adrenalin GTS has seen several improvements in terms of comfort and fit.

Therefore, Adrenaline GTS 19 is ideal for individuals with medium to flat arch who can overpronate.

Adrenaline GTS 19 was created to focus on your knees mainly; therefore, you can never go wrong with this shoe.

This shoe features a Guiderail system that protects your knees. The Guiderail system will keep you running comfortably while keeping excess motions in check.

This system was designed to correct a certain pain that runners experience while training. The guiderails offers a stabilizing component on your midfoot and lateral heel.

Adrenaline GTS 19 provides the right amount of cushioning for each step. This footwear will leave you floating through every step when walking or running.

Brooks added two cushioning (DNA LOFT and BioMoGo DNA) adrenaline GTS 19 that work together perfectly. The DNA cushioning provides the right softness without losing durability and responsiveness.

The engineered mesh upper provides the needed comfort when running. However, the Adrenaline GTS 19 can be slightly heavy for some wearers.

Specs

  • Material: Synthetic and mesh
  • Sole: rubber
  • Size: 3.5-16 (U.S)

Pros

  • The guiderails support system prevents overpronation
  • Increased stability and comfort
  • Available in several colors, widths and sizes
  • It is highly flexible
  • It can alleviate knee pain
  • It absorbs shock perfectly

Cons

  • It can be a bit heavy for some runners

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Conclusion

Adrenaline 19 running shoes are ideal for people suffering from knee pain. This shoe is designed to reduce knee pain; therefore, it can help you walk while your foot heals.

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2. ASICS Gel-Kayano 26 — Best Running Shoes for Knee Pain

ASICS Men's Gel-Kayano 26 Midnight/Grey Floss 11 EE - Wide

Gel-Kayano 26 is unique running footwear that is available in a stylish and bright array of colorful designs.

It comes with an engineered Jacquard mesh upper that makes it possible for your feet to easily breathe when running. This shoe features an Impact Guidance System technology that is designed to enhance your feet’s natural gait.

For improved comfort and soft platform feel, this shoe comes with SpevaFoam 45 lasting material. The ASCIS lightweight midsole formulation provides continuous cushioning when jogging or walking.

Gel-Kayano 26 is fully equipped with everything it will need to continue this line’s primary goal. This shoe is designed for supporting the feet of runners with flat and low arch who overpronate.

With this shoe, your feet are locked in securely, making it easy for you to walk or run. It has an external heel that prevents your foot from moving or slipping when walking thus reducing knee pain.

The extra reflective detail on these shoes increases visibility when walking or jogging in the evening. However, for such a reliable shoe, Gel-Kayano 26 is quite costly.

Specs

  • Sole: rubber
  • Material: fabric and synthetic
  • Size: 4-12 (U.S)

Pros

  • It has secured laces for extra security
  • It has reflective details for additional safety when walking in darkness
  • The external heel offers extra support
  • The upper mesh allows your feet to breathe easily
  • It is available in a wide range of stylish color design

Cons

  • It is quite costly

Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

Gel-Kayano 26 has numerous unique features that can help you manage knee pain. And the most crucial one is the external heels. The external heels help lock your feet in place, thus making sure your foot doesn’t move or slip when walking.

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3. Brooks Glycerin 17 — Best Women’s Running Shoes for Bad Knees

Brooks Women's Glycerin 17, Grey/Aqua, 9.5 B

Glycerin 17 is a unique shoe that is designed for cushioning instead of managing overpronation.

This shoe is ideal for women who require maximalist footwear for high to medium arch and neutral pronation. It is an extremely soft shoe which doesn’t pack too much weight.

Therefore, it is an excellent option for longer runs. Even though its color choices are limited, this shoe is available in three width choices; wide, medium and narrow.

Glycerin 17 is one of the most comfortable footwear in the market. The insole of this shoe is made using OrthoLite for odor prevention, moisture management and extra cushioning.

The midsole uses the DNA LOFT cushioning system that hinders the running shock from travelling up your feet. It features a jacquard mesh upper with internal stretch booties that mold perfectly with your foot.

Compared to other running shoes, Glycerine 17 is quite costly. But, for such a reliable pair of footwear, it is worth every dollar.

Specs

  • Sole: gum rubber
  • Material: synthetic
  • Size: 5-13 (U.S)

Pros

  • It has excellent traction
  • It is a well-cushioned shoe
  • Attractive running shoes
  • It has a durable rubber sole

Cons

  • It is quite costly
  • Limited color schemes

Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

Glycerin 17 is a stylish and comfortable shoe that can help reduce knee pain. It is quite lightweight, making it the best option for longer runs.

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4. Ryka Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoes — Best Walking Shoes for Bad Knees

Ryka womens Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoe, Black/Purple, 9 US

Devotion plus 2 is designed for women’s unique muscle build, movement and foot shape.

The upper part of this shoe is made using a breathable mesh that allows your feet to breathe when working out.

Devotion plus 2 features numerous synthetic overlays that offer your foot extra support and security. It has responsive cushioning for shock absorption and impact protection.

Devotion plus 2 is available in a wide variety of color, so they have something that fits your style.

It has an anatomical precise-return footbed and a flexible and lightweight molded EVA outsole. However, some users have complained that its sole is not durable. They tend to wear out faster.

Specs

  • Material: 100% synthetic
  • Sole: synthetic
  • Size: 4-12.5 (U.S)
  • Closure type: lace-up

Pros

  • It is available in a wide range of widths and colors available
  • It allows your feet to breathe
  • It provides maximum comfort
  • It is affordable

Cons

  • It wears out faster

Overall Rating: 4.3 out of 5

Conclusion

Devotion plus 2 is a comfortable shoe that was engineered for women’s unique muscle and foot shape. It is available in several colors; therefore, you can look stylish while alleviating knee pain.

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5. Orthofeet Best Plantar Fasciitis Shoes

Orthofeet Proven Plantar Fasciitis, Foot and Heel Pain Relief. Extended Widths. Orthopedic Walking Shoes Diabetic Bunions Women’s Sneakers, Coral Black

Orthofeet footwear is a perfect remedy for individuals with foot problems and knee pain. This shoe comes with a lightweight sole orthotic insole with air cushioning.

Its insole has multiple cushioning layers and anatomical arch support that guarantees you soft support.

The pillowy support can help ease the pain in your heel and foot to the lower back, hips and knees.

Orthofeet is available is a wide range of widths; therefore, you are guaranteed something that fits you perfectly.

Orthofeet comes with a 60 days money-back guarantee. Consequently, you can try their shoes for two months and if you are not satisfied they will refund you your money.

This shoe has a wide toe box that eases pressure on sensitive feet, hammertoes and bunions. However, it is only available in three colors.

Specs

  • Sole: rubber
  • Material: synthetic
  • Size: 5-12 (U.S)

Pros

  • It comes with a 60 days money-back guarantee
  • It offers numerous orthopedic benefits
  • Comfortable
  • It is available in a wide range of widths

Cons

  • It is only available in three colors

Overall Rating: 4.1 out of 5

Conclusion

Being available is a wide range of widths means that you can find one that is tailor-made for your feet.

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Factors To Consider When Searching For The Best Shoes For Knee Pain

man with injured right knee sitting

The bad knee is a common condition that is characterized by intense pain. Numerous conditions, including ruptured ligament, can cause knee pain.

This condition can also be caused by wearing tight or high heeled shoes. Therefore, one of the ideal methods of preventing or alleviating knee pain is wearing the right footwear.

Choosing the best shoe for the bad knee can be quite challenging, especially with the many shoes in the market.

There are numerous factors to consider when looking for the best knee pain shoe and this include:

Support

One of the main things to consider when buying knee pain shoes is the type of support it offers. Does it provide much or enough support?

Neutral runners maintain a perfect balance throughout their bodies. Their bodies are perfectly aligned, so nothing is putting unwanted pressures on their joints or muscles.

Neutral runners don’t need shoes with too much support. Shoes with too much support can be bulky to them and even cause knee pain.

Runners with pronation issues need shoes with more than enough support. If you have pronation issues, you should get a pair of footwear that corrects this issue. Remember, extra cushioning can help absorb the extra shock when running.

Heel

Shoes with high heels, especially the ones with pointed or narrow heels, are bad for your feet, back and knees.

High heels increase the stress on your knees and feet, plus it doesn’t spread your weight evenly. At the same time, flat shoes are not an ideal option, since they don’t absorb shock well.

Therefore, look for walking shoes with a moderate heel height and make sure you don’t feel the impact when walking.

Fit

Buying running or walking shoes that fit you perfectly can play a crucial role in alleviating knee pain.

However, choosing something that fits you perfectly is not an easy task. The first thing you must do is take style and trend out of the equation.

Look for the right size (both length and width) and make sure it feels comfortable.

Remember, hoping that tight shoes will fit after a few hops or tying the lace tightly can worsen this condition.

Final Thoughts

Knee pain is a serious condition, which tends to recur if not well treated and controlled. And one of the best methods for preventing and alleviating knee pain is wearing supportive and well-cushioned shoes.

Remember, shoes are designed for certain types of arch. So, make sure you know the kind of arch you have before you start shopping for knee pain shoes.

The best shoes for bad knees incorporate several unique properties designed to alleviate pain. But most importantly, they must be comfortable and with lower heels.

However, choosing the right shoes can be quite challenging. So we have prepared the above reviews of the best shoes for you.

From our research, we have concluded that Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 19 is the best shoe for a bad knee.

This shoe was designed to mainly focus on your knees, and it has numerous unique features that can alleviate knee pain.