The 11 Best Shoes for Knee Pain, According to an Expert

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Knee pain is frustrating and can aggravate every part of your day. Aside from the fact that it just hurts, there’s little rest for a sore knee — walking around, going up and down the stairs, and every movement is painful. However, you can mitigate some of that irritation by finding the best shoes for knee pain that serve your needs. 

Finding the right shoes for knee pain begins with knowing the source of your discomfort, which can vary, says Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, a podiatrist and owner of Achilles Running Shop in Pennsylvania. Overuse injuries are one of the most common causes. “Most overuse injuries are related to faulty biomechanics in which people may develop muscle imbalances, stress on tendons, or bones secondary to the foot being either too flat (hyper-pronated) or too high of an arch (caved foot),” he says. Overuse injuries can include patella tendonitis, patellofemoral stress syndrome, patella tracking, hamstring and quadricep muscle injuries, or tendonitis and IT band syndrome. Other causes of knee pain can include arthritis or common foot ailments, such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, or hammertoes that alter your gait pattern which can affect the knee.

Shoes alone are not going to fix knee pain, but they can help reduce discomfort or at least avoid aggravating the pain by properly aligning the foot, supporting joints, and diffusing pressure away from the knee. Whether you face temporary knee pain from an injury or long-term discomfort with arthritis, the wrong shoes may aggravate the problem, but appropriate shoes for knee pain can make all the difference. It’s important to choose your footwear carefully according to your needs. If you have a job that requires standing all day, you need dress shoes for work, or you’re in the market for basketball shoes or the best tennis shoes for knee pain, there are several factors to consider when shopping for the best shoes for knee pain.

While you may expect that the only shoes for knee pain are orthopedic shoes with lots of thick cushioning, you can actually find plenty of shoes for all types of occasions. There are specialized shoes for a variety of sports, like Nike golf shoes, pickleball shoes, and cushioned running shoes. Casual shoes, dress shoes, hiking boots, and even walking sandals can be found for both men and women in styles that support your joints and minimize knee pain when you’re in shoes standing all day.

When shopping for shoes for knee pain, look for shoes with support and cushioning that keep your feet properly aligned. If you have other compounding concerns in addition to knee pain, there are options for the best shoes for knee and back pain, the best shoes for hip and knee pain, or along with dual support shoes for shoes for plantar fasciitis. An expert’s look at your foot, stride, and general biomechanics is the best bet for getting a shoe that works for you.

Below, shop the best shoes for knee pain, as recommended by a podiatrist.

What to Look for in the Best Shoes for Knee Pain

“Just as folks may need eyeglasses to help accommodate with vision, properly selected shoes can accommodate particular foot problems,” says Mendeszoon. Consider the following attributes when looking for shoes for knee pain.

• Cushioning: Cushioning provides comfort and shock absorption that minimizes walking and running impact from shooting up to your knees. Mendeszoon says, if you have high arches, you might need to go heavier on the cushioning. It’s best to look for cushioned shoes that have layers of foam in the midsole.
• Arch Support: Support for your arches is important for pressure relief and for keeping overpronation at bay. Arch support will aid in proper alignment and largely reduce strain on the knees. Select shoes with built-in arch support, or the option to add arch supporting insoles, even if you don’t have specific arch-related issues.
• Stability: A stable base of support minimizes excess movement in directions that could strain your knees. Shoes with a wide heel or rubber outsole designed for traction is best for stability. Built-in features, like stiff sidewalls, can also help with support and stability. 
• Durability: You certainly don’t want to have to replace shoes frequently, particularly if they’re at a higher price point. Look for shoes made of durable materials, such as mesh or leather, with quality stitching. That being said, the support and cushioning of a brand-new shoe doesn’t last forever, so it’s important to replace them when appropriate. Mendeszoon recommends replacing shoes every 500 miles, or sooner if you start feeling any discomfort beforehand. 

Can Shoes Help Relieve Knee Pain?

Knee pain can be the result of poorly fitted or poorly cushioned shoes, so swapping them out for shoes for knee pain shoes can relieve discomfort. For chronic sources of knee pain, the right footwear, such as the best shoes for arthritic knees, is very important. A 2023 study showed that cushioned shoes can help reduce knee pain from osteoarthritis. Even if you have a more acute injury or flare-up, cushioned, supportive shoes can make a big difference in the speed of your recovery.

Quality shoes with support can also help prevent knee pain in the first place. Flat shoes like flip flops, or high heels do not offer proper support or cushioning, and wearing these types of shoes for long periods of time can lead to more knee pain. This systematic review investigated the effects of footwear on aspects like joint pain, gait, and mobility. It concluded that its best to avoid high heels and sandals and invest in stability insoles or shoes with subtalar strapping to prevent joint pain.

How We Chose the Best Shoes for Knee Pain

For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.

To choose the best shoes for knee pain, we first collected expert input on the important features to look for and how proper shoes can help. We looked for shoes in a variety of categories to fit different lifestyles and activities, such as hiking, running, or dress shoes for everyday wear. We researched top-rated shoe brands, compared user reviews, and paid special attention to product details and features. We considered elements such as cushioning, built-in stability, arch support, and shock absorption, and included expert-approved brand selections. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Mark Mendeszoon is a board-certified podiatrist and owner of Achilles Running Shop in Pennsylvania. He specializes in trauma, sports medicine, diabetic foot and ankle conditions, and foot and ankle surgery. An athlete himself, Dr. Mendeszoon has worked with athletes of all ages, including All Americans and Olympians.

Meet the Author

Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is a freelance writer/editor specializing in health and fitness topics and product reviews. As a fitness professional and someone who has worked with clients suffering with arthritis, foot conditions, and knee and other joint pain, Zeltwanger knows how all types of shoes can affect your feet, ankles, knees, and hips and knows what to look for when shopping for quality shoes for knee pain.