The best shoes for knee pain running can help you run comfortably and avoid injury. If you’re in the market for a new pair of shoes and have been wondering which are the best shoes for knee pain running, then you’ve come to the right place.
I have scoured the internet to find the best options on the market, so that you don’t have to waste your time doing the same thing. I’ve also included a buyer’s guide to give you an overview of what you should look for and what features will be most beneficial to your needs as a runner with knee pain.
Now, let’s dive into all things running shoes for those who suffer from knee pain!
Best Shoes For Knee Pain Running
BEST RUNNING SHOES FOR BAD KNEES: SAY GOODBYE TO PAINFUL RUNNING!
There’s nothing more frustrating than knee pain during a run, but it doesn’t have to last forever. Check out our picks for the best running shoes for bad knees.
Something that we can all agree on is that running with knee pain can make even a quick jog seriously frustrating. Luckily, there are ways that you can alleviate this pain—like getting the right shoes! Some people just need an extra-plush insole and some need steady arch support to keep their knees strong. While others need a shoe that will absorb the shock of the pavement.
We’ve put together a list of 10 of the best running shoes for bad knees, so you can find the perfect pair to help alleviate pain.
How We Tested These Shoes
Shoes are our passion, and finding the right pair for each customer is our top priority. We took each of these pairs of shoes out for a joyride around the streets of San Diego to find out the strengths each one offers. We took them on shorter jogs, long walks, distance runs, and sprints to really get a feel for their features. Here are our best running shoes for bad knees.
Best 2022 Running Shoes for Knee Pain
1. Best Heel Shock Absorption – ASICS GT-2000 10
Intense heel-strikes can contribute to knee pain during running—all that shock transfers up the leg, putting wear on the cartilage in the knee. If you’re a heel-striker experiencing knee pain during your runs, you may want to consider a shoe specially built for heel shock absorption.
The ASICS GT-2000 10 is a great shoe for those who need extra cushion beneath their heels. A thick layer of EVA foam, coupled with a durable rubber outsole and padded insole, provides plenty of cushioning that heavy heel-strikers will love. It comes with updated FlyteFoam Propel technology—a lightweight material that adds spring to each stride. It also has the ASICS GEL tech in the heel for even softer landings. The cushioning unit absorbs shock and helps prevent energy from transferring through the leg into the knees.
2. Best Daily Trainer – New Balance 860v12
Daily runs can start to add up, and what begins as just a twinge of knee pain on longer runs could wind up causing you serious pain if you’re not fitted with the right shoes. If you’re a casual-to-intermediate level runner who experiences occasional knee pain, it’s a good idea to consider the New Balance 860v12. This great stability shoe offers sturdy arch support, plenty of cushioning, and a look that can easily transition from your workout to your daily errands.
The stability features in the New Balance 860v12 help keep your knees from turning inward. This type of rotation can cause pain in the knees, shin, hips, back, and feet. Its durable Fresh Foam cushioning and rugged rubber outsole is built to last, mile after mile. All of these features make these the ideal choice for a trusty daily jogging shoe or running shoe—especially for those with bad knees.
3. Best Secure Fit – Brooks Launch GTS 9
When your shoes are loose and poorly fitted to your feet, your muscles, tendons, and joints have to work harder while running. Each landing becomes uncertain, putting extra stress on your legs and knees.
Many who have knee pain while running would benefit from shoes with a more secure fit. That’s where the Brooks Launch GTS 9 comes in. It has a set of features ideal for those who have trouble finding the proper, secure fit in their running shoes. The arches add stability and security padding, holding your foot tightly in place, even during longer runs. Also, the upper is made from an engineered mesh that flexes with your foot, meaning you never lose contact with the footbed or experience dreaded in-shoe wobble.
4. Best Cushioned Support – HOKA Bondi 7
Runners looking for the ideal combination of cushion and support can look no further than the HOKA Bondi 7. HOKA shoes tend to offer a thick layer of EVA foam that attenuates the shock of landing, preventing the stress from rattling your joints and causing knee pain. This shoe is max cushion on our cushion level scale because it gives “plush” a whole new meaning.
In addition to one of the thickest cushioning units you can find, the Bondi 7 comes built with a rockered midsole, helping transfer movement from landing into toe-off. That means less wear on your knees as you lunge forward. This can help ease the pain caused by consistent high-shock landings. Bottom line? If you’re looking for a shoe that practically feels like you’re running on a bed of pillows, this is your best bet. It’s one of the best running shoes for bad knees, but anyone who enjoys an ultra-soft underfoot carriage will fall in love.
5. Best for Mild Overpronation – Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3
If you’re not familiar with overpronation, you can jump ahead to our explanation in the FAQs below. Overpronation can definitely cause knee pain, but not everyone who overpronates does so the same amount. If you only experience a bit of light overpronation in your gait cycle, you may not need fully-structured stability running shoes.
The Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3 is an awesome option for mild overpronators. It comes with sturdy support, a curved arch insole, and a rockered outsole that improves your gait and toe-off energy—but without feeling overly constrictive. They feel great walking, jogging, or running, and they really shine when fatigue sets in and form starts to suffer.
6. Best Men’s Shoe for Bad Knees – Brooks Beast 20
If you’re a man who needs a sturdy and stable shoe, then allow us to introduce you to an absolute beast. The Brooks Beast 20 is a motion control running shoe that can help put foot, knee, and back pain to rest.
This shoe boasts a maxed-out Level 5 cushion for maximum comfort. While also prioritizing in-shoe support to stop annoying wobbles, correct overpronation, support flat feet and keep you locked into a steady gait from the start to finish. The BioMoGo DNA midsole is both soft and durable. GuideRail support technology gently positions feet for consistent strides that leave your body feeling fresh. Shop Men’s Beast 20
7. Best Overall Shoe for Bad Knees – Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Men’s Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
If you’re looking for a shoe that checks every box, then you’ll love the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22. It’s got a little of everything. From ample cushion to absorb shock upon landing to plenty of arch support, this shoe has you covered. It also provides the right balance of soft cushioning and responsive foam to keep your strides smooth and swift.
The DNA midsole, coupled with the DNA LOFT from the toe to the heel, means that even heavy heel-strikers will find these shoes comfortable. It also comes with Brooks’ patented GuideRails. These help lock your feet into the footbed of the shoe to promote optimal balance. And with its sleek design, you’ll feel as good as you look as you step out in the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22.
8. Best Luxurious Foot-Conforming Feel – Saucony Hurricane 23
Let’s be real: running is much easier when it feels better on your body, not just your knees. You deserve a shoe with that luxurious in-shoe feel, whether you’re taking a recovery day or trying to get into the cardio thing. Running is hard work, so give your feet some pampering with the Saucony Hurricane 23. It cradles your foot with a made-for-you feel and can make running feel like an absolute dream, rather than a laborious pain. With a supportive hold and conforming fit, it helps ease the strain on your joints and bones—including your knees.
The Hurricane 23 comes loaded with PWRUN+ cushioning that’s soft and springy. It offers a FORMFIT heel, which locks your heel into place to prevent chafing and irritation of the Achilles. The soft sock liner and cushioned arch support make the in-shoe feel of the Hurricane 23 something you’ll slide into with a sigh of relief.
9. Best Smooth Ride – ASICS GEL-Kayano 29
Men’s ASICS GEL-Kayano 29
If you’re looking for a smooth, cushioned ride from start to finish, consider picking up a pair of the ASICS GEL-Kayano 29. It’s lighter than most in its class, so you’ll never feel clunky or bogged down. The midsole combines ASICS GEL tech for unbelievably soft and cushioned landings, with FF Blast Plus material that’s specially engineered to propel you forward after each step.
The midsole supports your foot during the heel-to-toe transition of the gait cycle. You can feel the shoe spring into motion as you land, pushing you forward and launching you into your next stride with ease.
10. Best Ultra-Cushioned – HOKA Arahi 6
Women’s HOKA Arahi 6
Finally, if your knee pain just needs some extreme cushion to be put to rest, we have the solution. Sometimes, you just need a thick, supportive chunk of EVA foam to stop the force of impact from sending shockwaves up your legs—and the HOKA Arahi 6 delivers.
The Arahi 6 sports max level cushioning, meaning you’ve got maxed out shock absorption between your feet and the pavement. It’s a stability running shoe, so it’ll take care of overpronation and support weak arches. You’ll be snug and comfortable on shorter and longer runs. Runners looking for top-tier cushioning will enjoy the HOKA Arahi 6.
