10 Best Athletic Shoes For Bad Knees [2025]

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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 2025-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Athletic Shoes For Bad Knees Reviews

Bestseller No. 1
Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 23 Supportive Running Shoe - Blue Glass/Nile...
  • 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.
Bestseller No. 2
NORTIV 8 Men's Walking Running Tennis Cushioning Shoes ActiveFloat Non Slip...
  • High-Rebound Midsole: These running shoes for men feature a thick eva midsole for shock absorption, offering a bouncy feel that reduces strain on your knees.
  • Superior Traction & Durability: Made with a slip-resistant rubber outsole that withstands wear and tear. These men’s shoes provide reliable grip and durability to keep you steady and secure on different terrains.
  • Breathable Mesh Upper: The tightly-knit woven mesh upper ensures optimal airflow, keeping your feet cool and comfortable even during prolonged wear.
  • Enhanced Support: The TPU film on the upper offers reinforced strength and stability, while the mesh-foam insole offers exceptional cushioning to reduce foot fatigue.
  • Versatility & Practicality: These sneakers for men are suitable for commuting, running, sports, daily wear, and other occasions when you need style and flexibility.
Bestseller No. 3
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. 4
Ryka Women's Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoes Black 9 M
  • 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. 5
Walking Shoes Women with Arch Support, Orthopedic Sneakers for Women, Comfort...
  • REMOVABLE ARCH SUPPORT INSOLES: Sneakers for women have professional arch support insoles, which compound ergonomic three-point support design to reduce foot fatigue and discomfort, while reducing the stress caused by long walking or standing
  • MIDSOLE BALANCED CUSHIONING: The high-rebound EVA insole provides cushioning and rebounding, absorbing the impact force generated during movement, providing comfortable foot feel
  • BREATHABLE UPPER: Womens orthopedic shoes with suede breathable mesh cloth, circulation ventilation, not stuffy feet; provides a fresh, dry environment for the feet, enhancing the wearing experience while maintaining foot health
  • DURABLE NON-SLIP SOLE: EVA rubber midsoles can provide more reliable cushioning and anti-slip, reduce the risk of slipping on wet or uneven surfaces, effectively improve sports safety
  • FOR ALL OCCASIONS: Whether it is walking, jogging, tennis, cross-training, shopping, standing to work and other occasions can be used; perfect choice to pair with any sport or causal assemble
Bestseller No. 6
Ryka Women's, Devotion X Walking Shoe Black
  • 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
Bestseller No. 7
Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture & Cool of Running Shoes
  • Metzler, Brian (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 272 Pages - 10/15/2019 (Publication Date) - VeloPress (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 8
Brooks Men's Glycerin GTS 21 Supportive Running Shoe - Blue/Peacoat/Nightlife -...
  • 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.
Bestseller No. 9
MAFEKE Womens Walking Shoes with Arch Support, Tennis Orthotic Fashion Sneakers...
  • 【Arch Support Shoes For Women】: MAFEKE women's walking shoes adopt arch support design to adapt to the shape of most people's feet, avoid excessive fatigue during long distance walking or long time standing, and reduce the pain of feet and heels
  • 【Orthotic Shoes For Women】: Orthotic sneakers for women have excellent arch support to help reduce foot fatigue and prevent common foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, knee pain, and heel pain
  • 【Breathable Knit Upper】: MAFEKE women plantar fasciitis tennis shoes are made of breathable knit mesh upper promotes airflow, keeping your feet cool and dry. even during extended walks
  • 【Stable Cushion & Durable Rubber Outsole】: Plantar fasciitis orthotic sneaker for women soles are made from durable anti-slip rubber material and stable cushion design to offer shock-absorbing for your every move
  • 【Occasions】 Daily walking, nursing, shopping, traveling, working, indoor exercise, driving, etc.
Bestseller No. 10
ZOVE Wide Toe Box Shoes Women Extra Wide Width Sneakers Ultra Light Road Running...
  • Extra Width: ZOVE women running shoes have wide toe box, no matter whether your forefoot is wide or narrow,they offers a comfortable fit and room for movement,allow your toes to be spread in a natural position.
  • Good Absorption & Slip Resistant: Wide walking shoes women feature front and rear U-shaped anti-slip grooves TPU outsoles patches and high-rebound EVA midsoles, continuously ensuring body stability and safety, and relieving knee pressure, fatigue and foot pain.
  • Easy On or Off & Any Foot Shapes: Humanized design, Make it easy for your hands to put on wide womens shoes, no one likes the trouble of wearing shoes. The durable and adjustable shoelace design makes the upper more snug to the instep, suitable for various foot shapes, providing a strong sense of wrapping and security.
  • Breathable Upper: Womens wide width shoes with high-performance elastic knitted upper allow the toes to keep cool.
  • Perfect for: Working, traveling, weight training, jogging, boating, driving, equestrian, Mountain climbing, cycling, shopping, indoor & outdoor, tennis, volleyball, leisure time, camping, gym, park and yoga. ZOVE lightweight sneakers for women bring more enjoy in your life.

Last update on 2025-06-09 / 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.

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.