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Finding the best running shoes for knee pain can be a daunting task, especially when navigating the myriad of options available on the market. With countless brands, styles, and technologies to consider, the process can quickly become overwhelming. Whether you’re an experienced runner or just starting out, selecting the right footwear is crucial for both comfort and performance. The wrong choice can exacerbate existing knee issues, leading to frustration and potential injury.
To simplify your search, we meticulously reviewed and shortlisted the ten best running shoes for knee pain. Our selection process involved evaluating each shoe’s support, cushioning, and overall design to ensure they cater specifically to those dealing with knee discomfort. With our expertly curated list, you can save time and avoid the hassle of sifting through countless reviews and products, allowing you to focus on what matters most: hitting the road with confidence and ease.
Top 10 Best Running Shoes For Knee Pain In The Market
Last update on 2025-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Running Shoes For Knee Pain Reviews
- Clinically proven insoles that help relieve the top 3 sources of knee pain all day: Runner’s Knee Pain, Osteoarthritis Pain and General Knee Pain. Experience immediate & all-day pain relief!
- Immediately treats pain while helping to protect the knee cartiliage and meniscus from shock and strain
- Scientifically designed & engineered to relieve stress & protect against impact
- Absorbs pain-inducing shock at it's source and prevents it from traveling up your leg
- Trim to fit men's shoe sizes 8-14. These insoles can be used in almost any shoe.
- THIS WOMEN’S SHOE IS FOR: The Glycerin Stealthfit 21 is for runners who want a snug, close-to-foot fit and supreme softness in every step — so they can get lost in the comfortable ride and run distraction-free. This Brooks Glycerin Stealthfit 21 has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Predecessor: Brooks Glycerin Stealthfit 20.
- SUPREME SOFTNESS: Now with even more super-soft nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning that is optimized to be lightweight, responsive, and durable with plush comfort.
- SECURE, ADAPTABLE FIT: Updated flat knit upper Stealthfit construction offers a blend of stretch and compression for a closer fit which provides seamless structure, breathability and adapts to the movements of your foot.
- SMOOTH, STABLE TRANSITIONS: The broad platform stabilizes your foot and promotes smooth heel-to-toe transitions for a supremely soft on-the-run experience.
- BREATHABILITY: Flat Knit upper provides a seamless fit that allows for maximum breathability to keep your feet comfortably cool.
- THIS MEN’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 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.
- THIS MEN’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.
- 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.
- THIS MEN’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.
- Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning with approximately 3% bio-based content is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride. Bio-based content is made from renewable resources to help reduce our carbon footprint.
- Dual density midsole uses two different foams for the ideal combination of comfort and performance
- No sew overlays
- THIS MEN'S SHOE IS FOR: The Glycerin GTS 20 is for runners who think there is no such thing as too much cushioning but require additional support from our trusted GuideRails which helps to guide your body in its natural path of motion while keeping excess movement in check. This Brooks Glycerin GTS 20 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. We recommend ordering Brooks running shoes 1/2 to one size larger than your dress shoe.
- GREAT SUPPORT: The Glycerin GTS 20 is the more supportive version of the Glycerin 20. With its integrated GuideRails holistic support system, excess movement is kept in check to keep you moving comfortably while providing additional support beyond just the feet, to the most injury-prone part of a runner’s body: the knees.
- MAXIMUM CUSHION AND SUPPORT: Provides maximum support while offering the maximum amount of cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them!
- SUPREME SOFTNESS: The ultimate in softness and supreme comfort, designed for runners who want pillowy soft cushioning. The Glycerin 20 with DNA LOFT v3 offers our softest cushioning optimized to be lightweight, responsive, and durable.
- SMOOTH TRANSITIONS: New cushioning and redesigned outsole deliver smoother and more stable transitions for a supremely soft on-the-run experience that lets runners fully immerse in their miles.
- 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.
Last update on 2025-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, finding the best running shoes for knee pain is essential for maintaining an active lifestyle while minimizing discomfort and injury risk. The ten products featured in this article were meticulously chosen based on extensive research, user reviews, expert recommendations, and their specific features designed to alleviate knee pain. Each shoe was evaluated for its cushioning, support, stability, and overall comfort, ensuring that they cater to a variety of foot types and running styles.
By following our curated list of the best running shoes for knee pain, you can make an informed decision that prioritizes your comfort and health. Investing in the right footwear can significantly improve your running experience, allowing you to enjoy your exercises without the nagging worry of exacerbating knee issues. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting, these shoes have the potential to enhance your performance and protect your joints, ultimately leading to a more enjoyable and sustainable running journey.