10 Best Women’S Running Shoes For Bad Knees [2025]

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Finding the best women’s running shoes for bad knees can be a daunting task, especially with the overwhelming number of options available on the market. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, the search for the perfect pair can quickly become frustrating. With so many brands, styles, and technologies claiming to provide superior support and comfort, how do you know which ones will truly meet your needs? This challenge is amplified for those who experience knee discomfort, as the wrong choice can exacerbate existing issues and lead to further injury.

To help you navigate this complex landscape, we have meticulously shortlisted ten of the best women’s running shoes for bad knees. Our selection process involved thorough research, expert opinions, and real user experiences to ensure that each option not only offers the support and cushioning necessary for knee protection, but also provides the quality and performance you expect from a reliable running shoe. By consolidating our findings into this comprehensive list, we aim to save you time and hassle, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: enjoying your runs while keeping your knees safe and healthy.

Top 10 Best Women’S Running Shoes For Bad Knees In The Market

Last update on 2025-08-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Women’S Running Shoes For Bad Knees Reviews

Bestseller No. 1
Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe - White/White/Grey - 8 Medium
  • THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: Runners looking for a smooth ride that won’t distract from the fun of the run. The Ghost 16 offers a refined 3D Fit Print to create a more seamless, secure fit. This Brooks Ghost 16 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. The Ghost 16 is a certified carbon neutral product. Predecessor: Ghost 15.
  • SOFT CUSHIONING: The Ghost 16 offers neutral support while providing soft, nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning to deliver lightweight comfort. Ideal for road running, walking, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them!
  • SMOOTH TRANSITIONS: The soft midsole and Segmented Crash Pad promotes an easy flow from landing to toe-off to provide distraction- free cushioning under your feet with every stride.
  • BREATHABLE UPPER: Engineered air mesh upper blends stretch and structure with just-right breathability to keep you comfortable.
  • ROADTACK RUBBER OUTSOLE: New, do-it-all rubber compound includes recycled silica and is designed to be durable, lightweight, and rebound.
Bestseller No. 2
Ryka Women's Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoes Navy 11 W
  • BEST FOR: High-performance fitness walking
  • PERFORMANCE TECH: RE-ZORB responsive cushioning for shock absorption + impact protection
  • MADE FOR WOMEN FIT: Designed for a woman’s unique foot shape, muscle movement, and build with a narrower heel, roomier toe, and softer foot cushioning
  • MATERIALS: Breathable engineered mesh, iridescent overlays, + soft Lycra-lined tongue and collar with built-in cushion
  • OUTSOLE: Eight-piece rubber sole for increased traction + durability
Bestseller No. 3
Brooks Women’s Ghost 17 Neutral Running Shoe - Blue Heron/White/Orange - 9...
  • THIS WOMEN’S SHOE IS FOR: The Ghost 17 is for runners and walkers alike looking for an everyday companion that provides smooth, reliable comfort. Now featuring an extra 1mm of DNA LOFT v3 in the heel and 3mm in the forefoot to help every mile feel as good as the first. This Brooks Ghost 17 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. The Ghost 17 is a certified carbon neutral product. Predecessor: Ghost 16.
  • SOFT & DYNAMIC CUSHIONING: The Ghost 17 offers neutral support with premium nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning to deliver lightweight softness and feel-good comfort after every mile. Ideal for road running, walking, cross training, travel, and the gym.
  • SMOOTH TRANSITIONS: The newly designed midsole incorporates precise flex grooves that enhance the shoe's ability to promote smooth transitions. This innovative feature allows for a more natural flow during toe-off, enabling runners to maintain speed and momentum with ease.
  • COMFORT & BREATHABILITY: The double jacquard air mesh upper provides premium comfort and breathability, while the kick-back collar adds support and structure. This design ensures optimal airflow, keeping your feet cool and dry during intense activities, while adapting to your foot’s natural movements for a comfortable snug fit.
  • RUBBER OUTSOLE: The innovative rubber compound, crafted with recycled silica, offers a perfect balance of durability, lightweight performance, and responsive rebound, making it ideal for any terrain.
Bestseller No. 4
Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 24 Supportive Running Shoe - Black/White - 9...
  • THIS WOMEN’S SHOE IS FOR: The Adrenaline GTS 24 provides support to every stride, now with nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning for even more lightweight, plush comfort. This Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Predecessor: Adrenaline GTS 23.
  • GUIDERAILS HOLISTIC SUPPORT SYSTEM: Our innovative technology supports your body in its natural motion path while keeping excess movement in check.
  • DYNAMIC CUSHIONING: Nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole foam delivers soft, smooth cushioning that adapts to your unique stride for lightweight comfort mile after mile.
  • ENHANCED UPPER: Engineered air mesh upper provides just right breathability, stretch, and structure for a comfortably accommodating fit.
  • SMOOTH TRANSITIONS: Newly designed outsole and midsole promote smooth transitions so you can do more, comfortably.
Bestseller No. 5
NORTIV 8 Women's Walking Shoes Cushion Running Tennis Shoes ActiveFloat Non-Slip...
  • Comfort & Shock Absorption: These fashion sneakers boast a plush, high-rebound EVA midsole that cushions each step, alleviating strain on your knees. Feel the softness and shock absorption with these sneakers.
  • Traction & Durability: From city streets to running paths, enjoy stability and lasting performance, step after step thanks to the robust rubber outsole.
  • Breathability & Coolness: The soft and light woven mesh upper is gentle against your skin, ensuring your feet stay cool, while also boasting effortless cleaning and upkeep.
  • Support & Stability: Designed with a TPU film, these athletic shoes offer increased foot support. Experience a secure fit that reduces the risk of injury during workouts or daily activities.
  • Versatile Wear: Whether you're walking, running, hitting the gym, walking the dog, or commuting to work, these women's walking sneakers are your reliable companion.
Bestseller No. 6
Brooks Women’s Ghost Max 2 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe - Black/Black/Ebony...
  • THIS WOMEN’S SHOE IS FOR: Runners and walkers who want maximized cushion, and a maximized protective ride with effortless, smooth heel-toe transitions and secure, stable landings. The Ghost Max 2 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. The Ghost Max 2 is a certified carbon neutral product. Predecessor: Ghost Max.
  • PROTECTIVE CUSHIONING: A high stack of nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole foam cushioning delivers soft, smooth comfort for a protective feel with easy landings.
  • STABLE RIDE: A broad base offers inherent stability for a secure feel that doesn’t interfere with your stride. Raised sidewalls offer optimal bending stiffness for a comfortably secure fit. Unique linear last construction adds more volume to the shoe for a comfortable fit inclusive of foot shapes and orthotics.
  • ASSISTED TRANSITIONS: GlideRoll Rocker transition technology actively promotes smooth heel-toe transitions for an effortless feeling as you move that won’t interfere with a neutral stride.
  • VERSATILITY: An ideal choice for runners which aids by keeping people moving in their habitual motion path thereby reducing the odds for running related injuries. Additionally, the Ghost Max 2 is also an ideal choice for walking as it actively reduces energy absorption in foot soft tissues.
Bestseller No. 7
ALLSWIFIT Women's Walking Shoes Comfortable ActiveEase Running Tennis Athletic...
  • All-Day Cushioning for Active Lifestyles: These women's running shoes feature a thick EVA foam midsole that provides long-lasting cushioning, perfect for gym sessions, walking routines, or daily errands.
  • Stable Movement for Every Activity: Equipped with an X-shaped TPU torsion plate, these sneakers support proper foot alignment and reduce fatigue during walking, cardio, or tennis practice.
  • Breathable Mesh for Cool Comfort: The lightweight 3D mesh upper promotes airflow to keep feet cool and dry, ideal for women's tennis workouts, summer running, or casual walking.
  • Confident Grip Across Surfaces: Designed with a patterned rubber outsole, these tennis shoes offer strong traction for running on treadmills or walking across diverse terrains.
  • Seamless Transition from Workout to Everyday Wear: These versatile sneakers are built for women's running, gym sessions, tennis games, or casual daily use, making them the go-to shoes for active transitions.
Bestseller No. 8
DLWKIPV Womens Walking Running Shoes Tennis Slip On Sneakers Gym Workout Sport...
  • 【Breathable upper, enjoy cool breathing】: These white womens tennis sneakers have a knitted mesh upper, fine and evenly distributed air holes, accelerate air circulation, let your feet say goodbye to stuffiness, keep fresh, and always feel the breeze blowing on your feet.
  • 【Fit to foot shape, comfortable bare experience】: According to ergonomic design, The upper of these black women's walking shoes closely follows the contours of your foot, wraps gently like socks, and is comfortable to wear for a long time, enjoying the comfort of bare feet.
  • 【Convenient design, easy to put on and take off】: Women's white slip on sneakers with one-piece design, no need to adjust the tongue tediously, put on and take off quickly, save time, make travel more convenient and efficient, and meet the needs of fast-paced life.
  • 【Lightweight sole, anti-slip texture】: The sole of these womens grey gym sneakers is made of EVA and wear-resistant rubber., which is light and comfortable, reducing the burden on the feet; the anti-slip texture design enhances grip and provides a certain degree of safety.
  • 【Fashionable and versatile, suitable for multiple scenes】: This women's casual sneakers has simple and smooth lines and is available in a variety of colors. Whether it is a lively outfit for exercise and fitness, a casual look for daily outings, or a daily office commute, it is perfectly suitable.
Bestseller No. 9
JACKSHIBO Wide Toe Box Shoes Women Arch Support Wide Sneakers for Running...
  • Wide Toe Box: Zero Drop Platform for Natural Stride. Zero toe compression in 8-hour wear! 20% wider forefoot reduces pressure by 63%, while 0mm heel-to-toe drop cuts 42% knee impact. Anatomical design mimics barefoot freedom, restoring natural gait mechanics. Ideal for prolonged standing/walking—let your toes breathe and joints thrive.
  • Thickening Cushioned Midsole: Roller Propulsion Tech for Effortless Comfort. 1.57" foam midsole absorbs 40% joint stress, paired with 15°toe rocker saving 17% leg effort. Patented roller tech mimics energy return, turning commutes into cloud-like glides. Walk 5km with 58% less knee strain—hardcore cushion meets smart propulsion.
  • 3D Arch Support for All-Day Endurance: 135% arch coverage disperses 72% plantar tension. Tri-support structure improves flat foot balance by 27% and relieves high arch by 33%. Walk 20,000 steps daily with fatigue-defying stability—your arches deserve this smart cradle.
  • Embedded midsole: Safety Redefined. 10% lower heel slippage! Racecar-inspired design passes 15°incline tests. EVA frame locks heels during sharp turns/stops. Built for adventurers—dynamic support meets all-terrain security.
  • Occasion: JACKSHIBO wide toe box shoes are very suitable for trail, trainer, golf, road running, athletic, tennis, gym, fitness, jogging, casual, workout, cross training, daily wear.
Bestseller No. 10
ASICS Women's Gel-Pulse 15 Running Shoe, 11.5, Black/Mint Tint
  • Engineered mesh upper: Improves breathability
  • At least 20% of the shoe's main upper material is made with recycled content to reduce waste and carbon emissions: The sockliner is produced with the solution dyeing process that reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by approximately 45% compared to the conventional dyeing technology
  • The sockliner is produced with the solution dyeing process that reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by approximately 45% compared to the conventional dyeing technology: FLYTEFOAM cushioning
  • FLYTEFOAM cushioning: Helps create a lightweight and comfortable feel underfoot
  • Rearfoot GEL technology: Improves impact absorption and creates a softer feeling at footstrike

Last update on 2025-08-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, finding the best women’s running shoes for bad knees is essential for enhancing comfort, stability, and overall running experience. The ten products we’ve curated have been selected based on thorough research, expert reviews, and real user feedback. Each shoe on our list offers unique features aimed at providing the necessary support and cushioning to help alleviate knee pain, allowing you to continue enjoying your runs without discomfort.

By following our list, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize cushioning, support, or stability, these running shoes have been designed with the unique challenges faced by women with bad knees in mind. Investing in the right footwear can significantly improve your running experience, helping you stay active and healthy while minimizing the risk of aggravating any knee issues. Choose wisely, and let your feet guide you to a pain-free running journey!

Pamela Couch

I am a designer, shoe-obsessed lifestyle expert, and founder of https://footwind.net/, a shoe boutique located in Downtown Atlanta. I love shoes and I love being able to share my passion for them with others.