New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13
Sizes: 5 to 13 (women’s), 7 to 16 (men’s) | Weight: 7.3 ounces (women’s), 9.7 ounces (men’s) | Cushion: Maximum | Width options: Narrow, standard, wide, x-wide
- What’s notable: Of all athletic sneakers, this pair is often cited as having the best cushioning, and it’s Dr. Mehta’s top pick.
- What could be better: With so much cushioning, they’re not the most stable shoes if you have balance issues.
Dr. Mehta recommends these shoes for walking because they fit his criteria for supportive footwear. “I like to use the abbreviation FCS: fit, cushion and stability,” he explains, and these check every box. In my own experience as a gear reviewer, the Fresh Foam X 1080 v13’s have the softest cushioning I’ve come across. The foam compresses when I step, absorbing shock and reducing pain in my joints, and the mesh upper keeps my feet cool and comfortable even in hot weather. Beyond walking, I’ve also worn this pair for runs and HIIT workouts, and found them comfortable for high-impact activities.
Best Standing Shoes For Knee Pain
Sturdy And Comfortable
Hoka Bondi 8
Sizes: 5 to 12 (women’s), 7 to 16 (men’s) | Weight: 8.9 ounces (women’s), 10.8 ounces (men’s) | Cushion: Maximum | Width options: Regular, wide, and x-wide (men’s only)
- What’s notable: Maximum cushioning and a wide, stable base make these ideal for reducing knee strain during long periods of standing.
- What could be better: The thick sole can feel a bit bulky for some people.
For those long days on your feet, the Hoka Bondi 8 is a lifesaver and comes expert-recommended by Dr. Mehta for just this task. The super stacked cushioning and wide base distribute your weight evenly, allowing for a natural stance to ease pressure on your joints. Although there’s a lot of cushion, it feels a bit stiff compared to other shoes on this list (so I wouldn’t recommend these for running.) But that’s what makes the Bondi so great for standing: You won’t compress the foam so it can work its magic even as you’re working an eight hour shift.
Best Running Shoes For Knee Pain
Filled With Features For High Impact
Brooks Glycerin GTS 21
Sizes: 5 to 12 (women’s), 7 to 15 (men’s) | Weight: 9.2 ounces (women’s), 10.5 ounces (men’s) | Cushion: Maximum | Width options: Regular, wide
- What’s notable: Minimizes foot and ankle movement to ward off knee pain during high-intensity runs.
- What could be better: The foam midsole looks a bit cheap, but this is purely aesthetic.
When you pick up the pace, Dr. Mehta recommends this shoe because it provides the right mix of cushioning and support to keep the knee pain at bay. And sometimes, knee pain can stem from instabilities below the knee (like your ankle), says Dr. Mehta. In this case, you should opt for a supportive shoe like the Glycerin, which has “GuideRails” that keep your stride in line and minimize foot and ankle movement that could strain your knees. The upper provides a snug, comfortable fit, and the durable outsoles can handle the wear and tear of daily running.
Best Long-Distance Shoes For Knee Pain
Soft Landings For Many Miles
On Cloudsurfer
Sizes: 5 to 11 (women’s), 7 to 14 (men’s) | Weight: 7.2 ounces (women’s), 8.6 ounces (men’s) | Cushion: Maximum | Width options: Regular
- What’s notable: Silky mesh and responsive foam make this shoe ultra-comfortable—no chafing or hot spots.
- What could be better: The soft foam wears down faster than denser options.
Whether you’re training for a marathon or walking around the city all day, you’ll want a shoe that protects your joints. The On Cloudsurfer has become my go-to for long-distance comfort—I’ve run up to 10 miles in them at a time. The unique cloud-like cushioning system is super squishy, making each step feel light. And while most On shoes tend to run small, I have wide feet and these feel snug yet comfortable. I also love the upper, which is thicker and softer than classic mesh, but still just as breathable.
Best Stability Shoes For Knee Pain
Prevents Overpronation
Saucony Guide 17
Sizes: 5 to 12 (women’s), 7 to 16 (men’s) | Weight: 8.4 ounces (women’s), 9.9 ounces (men’s) | Cushion: Maximum | Width options: Regular, wide
- What’s notable: Enhanced stability features, like a broad platform and high sidewalls, protect your foot from overpronation.
- What could be better: They won’t feel as plush as other maximum-cushion shoes.
If your knee pain stems from foot or ankle instability, you’ll want a little extra support to help distribute your weight evenly across your foot. The Saucony Guide utilizes proprietary “CenterPath” technology, which creates an asymmetrical footprint, high sidewalls and a broad platform to ensure your foot stays in place while walking or running. (This is especially helpful for overpronation, or when your foot rolls inward.) But these shoes don’t sacrifice comfort, and they have sky-high amounts of foam that provides just the right amount of cushioning without feeling overly soft.
Best Walking Shoes For Knee Pain
Chunky Sneaker With Enough Support
Klaw 528
Sizes: 6 to 11 (women’s), 8 to 13 (men’s) | Weight: 11 ounces (women’s), 11 ounces (men’s) | Cushion: Moderate | Width options: Regular, wide
- What’s notable: The ergonomic design and deep heel cup make this a seriously comfortable shoe for long, slow miles or full days on your feet.
- What could be better: The leather will eventually show some signs of wear over time, based on my experience.
When I lived in New York during the winter and walked at least five miles a day, these were my favorite sneakers. They have a deep heel cup, which prevents annoying slippage and keeps your foot in line—crucial for mitigating knee pain. The cushioning is balanced and responsive, and the arch support feels just right; not too intense or too lacking. Plus, unlike mesh shoes, the leather is easy to clean so you can keep your white sneakers looking fresh for longer.
Most Versatile Shoes For Knee Pain
For Running, Walking Or Travel
Nike Pegasus 40
Sizes: 5 to 12 (women’s), 6 to 15 (men’s) | Weight: 8.5 ounces (women’s), 10.2 ounces (men’s) | Cushion: Moderate | Width options: Regular, x-wide
- What’s notable: It’s a solid shoe without too many bells and whistles, making it suitable for any activity.
- What could be better: The fit might be too snug for those with wider feet.
The Nike Pegasus 40 combines a nimble design with responsive cushioning so you can walk, run, jump, dance—whatever you feel—in these shoes and still feel comfortable and supported. The Zoom Air units in the forefoot and heel provide a snappy, responsive ride, while the breathable upper is light enough for all conditions. Their sleek design and comfort make them a smart choice for someone looking for both performance and everyday wear.
Best Zero-Drop Shoes For Knee Pain
Roomy Toe Box For All Foot Shapes
Altra Outroad 2
Sizes: 5.5 to 12 (women’s), 7 to 15 (men’s) | Weight: 8.7 ounces (women’s), 10.7 ounces (men’s) | Cushion: Moderate | Width options: Regular
- What’s notable: The wide toe box helps your foot relax into a more natural position while still feeling supported.
- What could be better: Reviewers note that they love the shoe design, but the colorways look different in person.
These zero-drop shoes, which I’ve used for hiking, make me feel firmly planted to the ground even with a cushy foam midsole. (Zero drop means that the entire foot is on one level. With standard shoes, the heel is slightly elevated.) But what makes them great for people struggling with knee pain is the wide toe box, which encourages your toes to splay in a natural position. The base of the shoe also extends beyond the upper to create the super stable feel, and the outsole has deep lugs that are grippy on trails, too. These shoes run slightly small, so you may consider sizing up half a size.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted?
At Forbes Vetted, we focus on thoroughly researched and expert-approved product recommendations across a variety of categories. Our team of experienced writers and editors spend hours testing, comparing and analyzing product specs to ensure we bring you the best options out there.
Forbes Vetted contributor Hannah Singleton has worn many of the shoes on this list for long walks, runs and workouts. She regularly tests dozens of shoe models each year and struggles with joint pain when her footwear isn’t supportive or comfortable enough, so she can personally attest to the fact that the right shoes help keep nagging knee (and hip) pain away. We also consulted with industry expert Dr. Yash Mehta, an interventional spine and sports medicine doctor at Virginia Spine Institute, who works with patients to recover from injuries, reduce pain and improve functionality.
What To Consider About The Best Shoes for Knee Pain
Proper footwear is important for everybody, and Dr. Mehta stresses that the shoes he recommends for knee pain aren’t much different than the shoes he would recommend to anybody else. However, he looks for a few key qualities:
Cushioning is crucial for absorbing the impact that travels up your legs and can cause knee pain. Look for shoes with ample cushioning (everything on this list has moderate to maximum), especially in the heel and forefoot areas. Heel cushioning is important for walkers (who tend to strike with the heel first compared to runners), while forefoot cushioning is better for runners who strike with the toes or mid-foot first.
Stability in a shoe helps control excessive movement of the ankle and keeps your foot aligned, which can both help prevent knee pain. Shoes with features like GuideRails (on the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21) or stability post (subtle dense foam or plastic along the inside edge of the shoe) are designed to provide extra support to keep your stride in check. Not everyone needs serious stability features, though, so you may have to experiment with different shoes, or consult with a professional about your foot type, gait, and personal preferences.
According to Dr. Mehta, another important factor is the flexibility of the shoe. “If the shoe is not flexible enough to allow the tip of the shoe to bend easily, it will restrict your foot, change your stride and increase the forces generated up to your knees,” he says. You can test the flexibility of a shoe by holding it in both hands and bending it at the sole. If it barely moves, it may be too stiff.
The best sneakers for arch support help even out your gait and distribute pressure evenly across your foot. Whether you have high arches or flat feet, finding a shoe with the right level of arch support for your foot can make a significant difference.
What kind of shoes should I wear if I have knee pain?
Dr. Mehta recommends looking for three qualities when shopping for shoes for knee pain: “You want to choose supportive footwear with proper fit, sufficient cushioning and stability for your feet, heels and ankles,” he says. While we can’t find the proper fit for you, all of the shoes listed above have cushioning and design features that help support and stabilize your foot. Stability features will depend on personal needs: neutral shoes like On Cloudsurfer offer minimal side-to-side stability but still provide a solid platform for your foot to rest, while stability shoes like the Saucony Guide 17 have more structured support along the edges so your ankle doesn’t cave in.
How do I know if my shoes are causing knee pain?
If your shoes are worn down or don’t fit you correctly, they may be causing knee pain. “Look at the wear and tear of your shoes,” recommends Dr. Mehta. “If you compare both shoes, you will often see uneven wear of the shoe on the side of your knee pain.” If the wear is on the inside edge, you may need shoe designed for stability, like the Saucony Guide 17
Another sign that your shoes might be contributing to knee pain is discomfort or pain in other parts of your body, such as your hips, back, or ankles. “We often tend to underestimate the instability or pathology located above and below the knee itself,” says Dr. Mehta. Pain in these areas can indicate that you footwear isn’t providing the necessary support or alignment.
What is the best shoe drop for knee pain?
The best heel-to-toe drop for knee pain varies depending on individual needs and biomechanics. Generally, a shop drop between 4 millimeters and 10 millimeters is recommended for those with knee pain. A lower drop (4mm – 6mm) encourages a more natural foot strike and can help reduce knee pain by promoting more forward landing.
However, a slightly higher drop (8mm – 10mm) provides more heel cushioning, which can be helpful for those who heel-strike heavily, as it absorbs more impact and reduces stress on the knees. Consulting with a specialist, like a physical therapist or podiatrist, can give you more insight into your gait pattern so you can make informed decisions.
