04/07/2023
The 10 Best Shoes For Knee Pain,
What causes knee pain?
Can the right shoes help knee with nkee pain??
Whether you’re constantly on your feet or you're a devotee of the hot girl walk, active people put a lot of pressure on their knees. There are a number of things you can do to try to alleviate pain and stiffness (think: yoga poses for knee pain, a better mattress, and just good old fashioned rest), But if your aches and pains are disrupting your daily activities, you might want to reconsider your footwear choices. The best shoes for knee pain can help set you up for a more comfortable walk, run, or day on your feet.
To understand what causes knee pain and whether the right shoes can help.
BEST CASUAL SHOES
Cariuma OCA Low
BEST SUSTAINABLE
Allbirds Tree Runners
BEST FOR WALKING
Asics Gel Kayano 29
BEST FOR RUNNING
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22Go
BEST FOR WALKING
Hoka Clifton 8Go
BEST FOR FLAT FEET AND KNEE PAIN
Brooks Addiction Walker
BEST FOR HIGH ARCHES AND KNEE PAIN
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12
BEST BUDGET
Skechers GOwalk Joy
BEST DRESS SHOES FOR WOMEN
Birdies Starling Loafer
BEST DRESS SHOES FOR MEN
Amberjack The Original
What causes knee pain?
If you’re living with knee pain, you’re definitely not alone—approximately 25% of the U.S. adult population1 experiences knee pain at some point. It’s an ailment that is caused by a slew of different catalysts, especially as you get older and put more wear and tear on our knees.
“Knee pain is most often the result of aging, and can be triggered by arthritis, injury (such as muscle, ligament, cartilage, bone, or tendon injuries), or repetitive stress,” explains Sharkey.
Luckily, there are a handful of lifestyle additions and preventative measures you can take to keep your knees happy and healthy. One of the easiest? Take a peek at what you’re wearing on your feet.
Can the right shoes help alleviate knee pain?
“Absolutely!” Sharkey confirms. “With shoes that lack support, the shock and stress that the foot absorbs with activity is transmitted up the kinetic chain into the knee joint.”
Sharkey says wearing shoes with more support and cushioning can reduce the stress and shock absorbed by the feet, thereby reducing the stress and shock experienced by the knee. This chain reaction carries up to your knees and offers relief.
What to look for in shoes for knee pain:
When it comes to finding the right shoes to combat knee pain, Sharkey has a few suggestions:
Know your foot type. The key to a truly comfortable pair of shoes is knowing your unique needs. “Those with flatter feet should look for shoes with arch stability or motion control, while those with higher arches should look for more neutral shoes with cushioning,” Sharkey clarifies. If you’re uncomfortable in your shoes and aren’t sure what type you need, it’s worth seeing a podiatrist for an evaluation.
Good arch support. Even if you don’t have specific arch-related issues, support for the soft area between the heel and the ball (AKA the arch) of your foot is important for alignment and pressure relief. “A well-supported arch means the foot is functioning optimally, which will reduce stress and strain on the knee,” says Sharkey.
Durability. Quality kicks don’t always come cheap, so it’s important to pick shoes with good feedback for durability—and to replace them when needed. “Shoes break down over time and lose their support,” warns Sharkey. “Make sure your shoes are replaced regularly for optimal support, especially pairs used for daily use and exercise. The general rule of thumb is that shoes should be replaced every 500 miles or every 6 to 8 months.”
Look for the proper fit (and easy returns). “Wearing shoes that are too narrow or too small will not provide adequate support,” Sharkey adds. That’s why it’s important to know the return policy for the brand you choose. Most of the picks on our list offer wide and narrow models, and are fair about offering free returns within a reasonable amount of time—just make sure you’re aware of the differences between the brand’s return policy and that of third-party vendors such Amazon or Zappos.
We took Sharkey’s recommendations for many brands on this list, making sure these shoes met her criteria for arch support, cushion, and stability.
Sustainability
Variety
We selected a variety of shoes for different uses, foot types, and budgets—so everyone can find a pain-free shoe that fits their lifestyle.
