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Finding the best athletic shoes for bad knees can be a daunting task, especially when you’re navigating the myriad of options available on the market today. With countless brands, styles, and features to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about which pair will truly provide the support and comfort you need. The right shoes are crucial for anyone dealing with knee issues, as improper footwear can exacerbate pain and lead to further injury. Whether you’re an avid runner, a casual walker, or simply looking for a comfortable pair of shoes for everyday wear, the process of choosing the ideal option can become a frustrating journey.
To simplify your search, we have meticulously researched and shortlisted ten of the best athletic shoes for bad knees. Our selection process involved in-depth analysis of customer reviews, expert recommendations, and key features that specifically address knee support and cushioning. By narrowing down the choices to these top ten products, we aim to save you time and hassle, allowing you to focus on your activities rather than the endless quest for the perfect shoe. With our curated list, you can confidently step forward, knowing you’re equipped with some of the best options available to keep your knees happy and healthy.
Top 10 Best Athletic Shoes For Bad Knees In The Market
Last update on 2025-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Athletic Shoes For Bad Knees Reviews
- THIS WOMEN’S SHOE IS FOR: The Adrenaline GTS 23 is for runners who need support and want a smooth, reliable ride. This Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Predecessor: Adrenaline GTS 22
- GUIDERAILS HOLISTIC SUPPORT SYSTEM: Our unique technology aligns your body in its natural motion path while keeping excess movement in check.
- SOFT, LIGHTWEIGHT CUSHIONING: New midsole features soft and lighter weight DNA LOFT v2 cushioning.
- ENHANCED UPPER: Engineered air mesh upper provides comfort and breathability with 3D Fit Print for added structure.
- TRUSTED, SECURE FIT: Engineered Air Mesh and use of 3D Fit Print to enhance upper and deliver the structure and proven fit the Adrenaline is known for.
- THIS MEN'S SHOE IS FOR: The Glycerin GTS 21 is for runners who think there is no such thing as too much cushioning but seek additional support from our trusted GuideRails holistic support system. This Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Predecessor: Brooks Glycerin GTS 20.
- GREAT SUPPORT: The Glycerin GTS 21 is the more supportive version of the Glycerin 20. The innovative GuideRails holistic support system supports your body in its natural motion path while keeping excess movement in check. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them!
- PLUSH IMPROVED FIT: The plush feel of an internal stretch bootie surrounds your foot and moves and expands with your stride. The newly engineered warp knit upper is breathable and allows for a flexible, accommodating fit while staying soft against the foot.
- SUPREME SOFTNESS: The ultimate in softness and supreme comfort, designed for runners who want pillowy soft cushioning. The Glycerin GTS 21 with nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning offers supreme softness optimized to be lightweight, responsive, and durable for plush comfort.
- SMOOTH, STABLE TRANSITIONS: The broad platform stabilizes your foot and promotes smooth heel-to-toe transitions for a supremely soft on-the-run experience.
- 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.
- 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.
- Engineered stretch knit upper improves breathability
- External back heel counter helps keep the foot stable and provide a more comfortable stride
- 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM feature: Helps create adaptive stability for a more balanced stride
- Rearfoot PureGEL technology: Helps provide lightweight cushioning and softer landings
- FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning is made with approximatley 20% bio-based content and helps provide cloud-like comfort
- BEST FOR: High-performance fitness walking
- PERFORMANCE TECH: Full-length RE-ZORB responsive cushioning for shock absorption + impact protection, plus extra RE-ZORB in the forefoot and heel
- MADE FOR WOMEN FIT: Women's sneakers designed for a woman's unique foot shape with a narrower heel, roomier toe + softer cushioning
- MATERIALS: Breathable mesh with partially recycled linings + Padded heel
- CLOSURE: Secure lace-up front
- 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
- MIDSOLE: Lightweight EVA for soft cushioning
- INSOLE: Anatomical insole with extra arch + heel support
- CLOSURE: Lace-up front for a secure fit
- THIS MEN'S SHOE IS FOR: The Glycerin 21 is perfect for runners seeking super-soft cushioning for supreme comfort. The plush internal fit and soft, stable transitions keep runners surrounded by super-softness. This Brooks Glycerin 21 has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
- NEUTRAL SUPPORT: Provides neutral support while offering the maximum amount of cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them! Predecessor: Glycerin 20. Look for the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 for the same style with added support.
- SUPREME SOFTNESS: The ultimate in softness with even more super-soft nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning, optimized to be lightweight, responsive, and durable for plush comfort.
- PLUSH IMPROVED FIT: The plush feel of an internal stretch bootie surrounds your foot and moves and expands with your stride. The newly engineered warp knit upper is breathable and allows for a flexible, accommodating fit while staying soft against the foot.
- SMOOTH, STABLE TRANSITIONS: The broad platform stabilizes your foot and promotes smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
- MAXIMUM SUPPORT: Our Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB) is a support system for your entire body, guiding and keeping your body in its natural path of motion. The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
- SLIP-RESISTANT: An innovative outsole that's been certified (SATRA TM144:2011) for slip resistance provides excellent traction.
- SOFT CUSHIONING: BioMoGo DNA adapts to your stride, weight and speed, to make every step comfortable and reduce impact on your joints.
- LONG-LASTING: Both comfortable and durable, this shoe with a full-grain leather upper will be a staple to your wardrobe.
- FRESH LOOK: A refreshed leather upper offers classic style.
- Truly Unique: The New Balance Fresh Foam Roav v1 running shoes are the ultimate in casual athletic style. Pairing a bold, attractive look with plush comfort, these cushioned running shoes are in a league of their own.
- Fresh Foam Midsole: Feel like you're running or walking in the clouds. The first of three proprietary technologies in this athletic shoe, Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride.
- NDurance Outsole: Step up your game without wearing out your favorite running shoes. Ndurance rubber outsole technology provides superior durability in high-wear areas to help get more out of the shoes.
- Ultra Heel: These neutral running shoes boast a head-turning heel that performs as well as it looks. The Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit. This unique heel works alongside the bootie upper for all-day comfort.
- 8mm Drop: These lightweight shoes feature a heel-to-toe drop of approximately 8mm. Due to variances created during development and manufacturing processes, references to 8mm are approximate.
Last update on 2025-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, finding the best athletic shoes for bad knees can significantly enhance your comfort and mobility while reducing the risk of injury. Our selection of the top 10 products was carefully curated based on extensive research, expert recommendations, and user feedback. We considered essential features such as cushioning, arch support, stability, and overall design to ensure that each shoe on our list caters specifically to individuals with knee concerns. By prioritizing these elements, we aimed to provide options that not only support your knee health but also improve your overall athletic experience.
By following our list of the best athletic shoes for bad knees, you’re taking a proactive step toward alleviating discomfort and enhancing your performance. Each shoe has been vetted for its ability to provide the necessary support and functionality that users with knee issues require. Investing in the right footwear can make a significant difference in your daily activities, whether you’re walking, jogging, or engaging in more intense workouts. With the right shoes, you can enjoy increased confidence and mobility, allowing you to pursue your fitness goals without the fear of aggravating your knee problems.
