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 2025-08-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Athletic Shoes For Bad Knees Reviews

Bestseller No. 1
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. 2
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. 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
Feethit Mens Slip on Sneakers Casual Non Slip Lightweight Comfortable Athletic...
  • Breathable & Lightweight - The mens fashion sneakers upper is made of knitted mesh material with stretchy woven upper, featuring flexible,breathable and light,keeping your feet comfortable and free all day long .
  • Anti-Slip Sole: The mens walking shoes feature non-slip rubber to increase wear-resistant and slip resistant. The sole is soft and elastic with anti-skid grooves on the bottom,is good for shock absorption and feet fatigue relief. Fits for long time standing work.
  • Easy to put on and take off : The slip on sneakers are designed for more effective shoes-wearing experience , making you easy putting on and taking off. The inner lining of these non slip shoes for men is very soft, which prevents foot friction, protects the ankle from injury.
  • Occasion: This is a shoe that can be worn all year round. Suitable for sports, jogging, cycling, gym, party, tennis, walking, running, indoor, outdoor, travel, exercise, any occasion
  • Supportive Insole: The mens sneakers come with arch support foam insoles, they fit well to protect your ankle, toes, and feet from hurt, to help prevent tired, light yet stable. And it is easily removable.
Bestseller No. 6
Skechers Men's Max Cushioning Slip-ins-Athletic Slip-on Running Walking Shoes...
  • SKECHERS SLIP-INS (HANDS-FREE): keep up the pace in enhanced comfort and stability with the Skechers Max Cushioning Elite sneakers (tennis shoes); slip inside these trainers and go
  • SKECHERS MAX CUSHIONING MEN: these sneakers are designed for exceptional comfort and support ; featuring a flexible slip-on front (top of shoe) with an exclusive heel pillow that holds your foot securely in place
  • SKECHERS AIR-COOLED MEMORY FOAM: provides pressure relief, instant comfort, and breathability; the cushion contours to most foot shapes; helps wick moisture (sweat) away; gel-infused, high-rebound memory foam
  • ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES: running, hiking, jogging, walking, treadmill, workouts, training, gym, lifting, multi-sport exercise; these can be worn year-round (winter, summer, fall, spring); machine washable - easy to clean
  • MULTI-PURPOSE (FUNCTION): add performance comfort to casual occasions; wear indoor, around the house, to and from work, for travel, or even while driving; the possibilities continue
Bestseller No. 7
Brooks Men’s Glycerin Max Neutral Running & Walking Shoe - Lime/Navy...
  • MEN’S RUNNING SHOE: The Glycerin Max provides maximum soft cushion technology to ensure every cushioned step, stride or sprint feels effortless. A high stack of all-new, nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned Cushion in the midsole combined with our innovative GlideRoll Rocker delivers maximum comfort, responsiveness, and easy heel-to-toe transitions.
  • RUN EFFORTLESSLEY: Expertly crafted GlideRoll Rocker features dramatically sculpted heel bevel and toe spring geometries for effortless heel-to-toe transitions to propel you forward with ease.
  • MAXIMUM CUSHIONING: A high stack of new DNA Tuned foam, the next generation of nitrogen-infused foam created with dual-size cell technology actively works to protect your body from impact, while creating an exceptionally comfortable, cushioned ride.
  • DNA TUNED CUSHION: Cutting-edge cushion technology with larger cells in the heel to provide soft, plush landings, while smaller cells in the forefoot invite responsive toe-offs.
  • COMFORT FIT: Unique Linear Last construction adds more volume to the Glycerin Max shoe for a highly comfortable fit inclusive of all foot shapes and use with orthotics.
Bestseller No. 8
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. 9
FitVille Extra Wide Walking Shoes for Men Wide Width Sneakers for Flat Feet Heel...
  • Wide-Toe-box & High-Instep Design: Including extended room for free movement of the toes, FitVille shoes is designed especially for people with wider feet and people suffering from foot problems like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, bunions and hammertoes.
  • Patented PropelCore Sole: Provides your feet with both great support and unprecedented cushioning thus maximizes comfort and minimizes foot fatigue.
  • Premium-Quality & Wear-Resistance : Durable suede & mesh fabric upper ensures your feet stay dry and comfortable all day.
  • Non-slip Outsole : Rigid rubber outsoles give added gripping and motion stability.
  • Heel & Knee Pain Relief: The shock absorption pads ease your bounce and the solid heel ring makes your steps steady, which will make you feel less tired even after all day walking or standing.
Bestseller No. 10
Brooks Women's Addiction GTS 15 Supportive Running Shoe - Grey/Navy/Aqua - 7.5...
  • THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: Runners who want trusted support and protection in every step, plus a roomy fit to accommodate feet with unique needs. A roomy toe box accommodates orthotics or provides a better fit for voluminous feet. Updated with the innovative GuideRails support technology, this shoe maximizes comfort and support. Predecessor: Addiction 14. This Brooks Addiction GTS 15 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
  • SUPER-SOFT CUSHIONING: BioMoGo DNA, our proprietary cushioning, adapts to your stride, weight, and speed. Why? So it can help protect you by reducing impact on your joints.
  • MAXIMUM SUPPORT: Our innovative GuideRails support technology reduces excess joint movement on the run, adding support beyond your feet to the most injury-prone part of a runner’s body: the knees.
  • BREATHABLE UPPER: 3D Fit Print and engineered Air Mesh create the right blend of stretch and structure for supreme comfort.
  • GENEROUS FIT: Sometimes you need a little extra room to move around in. If you need a roomier shoe for flat or high-volume feet or specialized orthotics, your search is over.

Last update on 2025-08-10 / 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.