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 2025-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Women’S Running 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 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. 3
New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680 V8 Running Shoe, Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Sea...
  • 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
Bestseller No. 4
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. 5
ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes, 7.5, Black/Ivory
  • GEL Technology: Cushioning provides excellent shock absorption
  • Re-engineered outsole lugs for better off-road traction:
  • Wide fit:
  • The heel height is inches and the color is Black/Ivory
Bestseller No. 6
ASICS Women's Gel-Excite Trail 2 Running Shoes, 7, Lake Grey/Guava
  • Durable and breathable no-sew mesh upper:
  • AMPLIFOAM PLUS cushioning: Helps to improve durability and create a more flexible feel at footstrike
  • Rearfoot GEL technology: Improves impact absorption and creates a softer feeling at footstrike
  • OrthoLite sockliner: Provides soft step-in comfort
  • Trail-specific outsole: Helps provide better grip on off-road surfaces
Bestseller No. 7
ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 10 Running Shoes, 9, Maple Sugar/Cozy Pink
  • Mesh upper: Improves breathability
  • 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:
  • Rearfoot GEL technology: Improves impact absorption and creates a softer feeling at footstrike
  • AMPLIFOAM cushioning: Improves cushioning
  • Trail-specific outsole pattern: Improves grip on various surfaces
Bestseller No. 8
New Balance womens Fresh Foam Roav V1 Running Shoe Sneaker, Black/Light...
  • 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.
Bestseller No. 9
ASICS Women's Gel-Excite 10 Running Shoes, 12, White/Light UBE
  • Engineered jacquard mesh upper: Creates a softer feel against the foot while improving breathability
  • AMPLIFOAM PLUS cushioning: Helps to improve durability creates a softer and more comfortable feel at footstrike
  • Rearfoot GEL technology: Improves impact absorption and creates a softer feeling at footstrike
  • OrthoLite sockliner: Provides soft step-in comfort
  • GUIDANCE LINE technology: Provides a more consistent stride
Bestseller No. 10
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.

Last update on 2025-03-23 / 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.