Best Running Shoes for Bad Knees
This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Bad knees can discourage anyone from running because of the possible problems associated with it.
However, there are many ways to alleviate this condition so that you may be able to run as much as you wish. One of them is by wearing running shoes specifically designed to manage bad knees.
Quick Navigation
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Running Shoes for Bad Knees
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
BEST OVERALL  | BEST OVERALL |
| View on Amazon → | |
BEST AFFORDABLE  | BEST AFFORDABLE |
| View on Amazon → | |
BEST FOR MEN  | BEST FOR MEN |
| View on Amazon → | |
BEST FOR WOMEN  | BEST FOR WOMEN |
| View on Amazon → | |
BEST CUSHIONED RUNNING SHOES  | BEST CUSHIONED RUNNING SHOES |
| View on Amazon → |
Best Rated Running Shoes for Bad Knees Reviewed
Running with bad knees may require special shoes in order to help manage the pain. Having such shoes is useful because it reduces the impact that wears down knee cartilages.
Running can be beneficial to bad knees so long as you properly protect them.
Finding running shoes that are a good fit for this condition may be difficult. So we provide a list that can help you buy the best products for this issue.
ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 24 Running Shoe
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- More comfortable than previous models
- Has better support than other brands
- Has shoelaces that stay secure
Cons
- Fit not true to size as advertised
Pros
- More comfortable than previous models
- Has better support than other brands
- Has shoelaces that stay secure
Cons
- Fit not true to size as advertised
This product is available in three design variations and sizes that go up to nine inches. It has jacquard mesh uppers which provide breathability to your feet. This consequently allows them to stay dry and cool. Furthermore, the shoe’s outer part is made up of synthetic materials. Its sole is of gum rubber and has a heel height of 9 mm. The closure type is lace-up. This allows you to have a more customized and secure fit.
Puma Faas 600 V3, Men’s Running Shoes
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Very light-weight
- Has great shock absorption
Cons
- Delivery was a bit late
- Colors are different from what is seen in the advertisement
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Very light-weight
- Has great shock absorption
Cons
- Delivery was a bit late
- Colors are different from what is seen in the advertisement
This product is available in sizes that go up to nine inches and has a multicolor design. It has an engineered mesh upper portion that allows for superior breathability. This helps you stay dry and cool. The lock-down technology wraps and supports your midfoot without sacrificing the flexibility of the shoe.
The outer material is also made up of synthetic material and the inner of textile. The sole of the shoe is gum rubber and has a lace-up type of closure. Additionally, the heel height is only 2 mm Allowing you to get a better feel for the ground.
New Balance W1080V7 Women’s Running Shoes
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Has a good bounce
- Good quality considering the price paid
Cons
- A bit low on the heel area
- Fit not true to size as advertised
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Has a good bounce
- Good quality considering the price paid
Cons
- A bit low on the heel area
- Fit not true to size as advertised
This product is available in sizes that go up to eight inches and has a seamless build. The mesh upper portion makes the shoe lightweight and breathable.
This consequently allows your feet to stay cool and dry. Furthermore, the outer material of this shoe is made up of synthetic overlays that secure the midfoot. It has a roomy toe box that allows your feet to move naturally. The molded foam heel collar supports the knees and provides more comfort.
Saucony Men’s Hurricane Iso 2 Reflex Competition Running Shoes
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Offers great stability
Cons
- Needs to be broken in
- Not very durable
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Offers great stability
Cons
- Needs to be broken in
- Not very durable
This product is available in many sizes. It also has removable insoles. The feature allows you to insert orthotic devices that can help stabilize your gait or any insole of your choice.
Its outer material is of synthetic material and its inner is of man-made materials. The sole is made up of gum rubber and a lace-up closure. Additionally, the closure type allows you to customize and secure the shoe to your feet.
Asics Men’s Gel-Nimbus 18 Running Shoes
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Very breathable
- Considerably comfortable
- Gives great support
Cons
- Not the most durable
- A few people say its difficult to run in
Pros
- Very breathable
- Considerably comfortable
- Gives great support
Cons
- Not the most durable
- A few people say its difficult to run in
This product is available in five design variations. It features the Fluidfit technology for the upper portion. The shoe also features the FluidRide technology that allows better bounce without sacrificing the light-weight property.
The lace-up closure type of this shoe allows for better security and a custom fit for your feet. The material composition of this shoe is of textile material, making it quite comfortable.
Mizuno Women’s Wave Rider W Running Shoes W Running Shoes
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Provides great support
- Has a great design
Cons
- Fit not true to size as advertised
- Very stiff
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Provides great support
- Has a great design
Cons
- Fit not true to size as advertised
- Very stiff
This product is available in six design variations. The sizes go up to ten inches. It features air mesh that allows great breathability for your feet. Furthermore, the Dynamotion fit makes the shoe adapt to your feet for a better fit.
It has a sole that is made of gum rubber and has a lace-up type of closure. The heel type of this shoe is a wedge and is only 9 mm high, which is great if you are looking for support.
Saucony Women’s Grid Excursion TR9 Trail Running Shoe
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Great quality for its price
- Provides great arch support
- Gives great support
Cons
- Insoles of shoe are hard and stiff
- Uncomfortable to wear
Pros
- Great quality for its price
- Provides great arch support
- Gives great support
Cons
- Insoles of shoe are hard and stiff
- Uncomfortable to wear
This product weighs only 8.3 ounces and has a 12 mm offset, which provides enough thickness for shock absorption. Its sole is made up of gum rubber and has a lace-up closure which allows for a customized fit. The reflective mesh material of this shoe allows breathability.
This shoe is of mesh and synthetic materials, which make it more durable. The extra heel aids in stabilizing the heel, which corrects your posture and gait. It has a plush tongue and collar that gives you more comfort and also keeps your feet secure.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 15
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Has a very nice design
- Good quality for a reasonable price
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Wears out easily
- Fit not true to size as advertised
Pros
- Has a very nice design
- Good quality for a reasonable price
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Wears out easily
- Fit not true to size as advertised
This shoe features the BioMoGo DNA cushioning, which adapts to your body for custom comfort and fit. It also features the Segmented Crash Pad which provides a smooth heel-to-toe transition during your run. The outer material of this shoe is of synthetic material. Its sole is gum rubber. The heel type of this shoe is flat and gives you a better feel of the ground that you are running on.
Saucony Women’s Cohesion 10 Running Shoe
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Gives good arch support
- Very breathable
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Not as comfortable as previous models
- Fit not true to size as advertised
Pros
- Gives good arch support
- Very breathable
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Not as comfortable as previous models
- Fit not true to size as advertised
This product is available in six design variations and sizes that go up to ten inches. It is of mesh and synthetic materials and has a rubber sole. The shaft measures approximately 2.5 inches from the arch, which allows for better support than low-type shoes. It is a versatile running shoe, and its mesh material allows your feet to breathe. The lace-up closure allows for a custom fit and secures your feet to these shoes.
Skechers Men’s Energy Afterburn Lace-Up Sneaker
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Considerably comfortable
- Very sturdy
- Gives extra bounce
Cons
- Lacks padding
- Wears out easily
Pros
- Considerably comfortable
- Very sturdy
- Gives extra bounce
Cons
- Lacks padding
- Wears out easily
This product is available in six design variations and sizes that go up to sixteen inches. It is of leather and synthetic materials which are very durable and stylish. It also has a rubber sole that allows good traction and shock absorption.
This sneaker is an athletic shoe model that has a ghillie lace-up vamp that serves to be functional and fashionable. It has a supportive sole unit in order to allow you to be more stabilized while you are running. The padded tongue and collar provides added security to the shoe and also comfort while you run.
What Are Common Causes for Bad Knees?
Some people are not even aware of the reasons that cause bad knees. By reading this article, this will help you become more aware of knee health and figure out if you are prone to getting bad knees. Sometimes being aware of the cause is the first step towards its solution.
- Weak Gluteal muscles – Having a strong butt prevents a lot of things that are associated with having bad knees. Strong butts allow for external rotation of the hips and knee stabilization. This is because the glutes are connected to the knee muscles. So, if you have a weak butt, you are at the risk of developing knee problems in the long run.
- Core Training – The core is connected to a lot of muscles, so if you train incorrectly, it could be disastrous. The core should be able to endure a lot of stress and prevent postural imbalance.
- Hip Assymetry– There are a lot of reasons why the hip is asymmetric, as nobody is made to be perfect. One cause of asymmetry can be poor neuromuscular control. While there are many ways to remedy hip asymmetry, sometimes it cannot be fixed no matter how hard you try. Hip asymmetry not only causes bad knees but creates bad posture.
- Not Enough Balance and Single Leg Training – No matter how strong you are, neuromuscular training is important if you want good knees. Different kinds of exercises may help you strengthen your body, but proprioception training does the best job.
- Ignoring Knee Pain – Body pain is a signal that you are doing something wrong when you are moving. Ignoring bodily pain is dangerous for your health. Although it is common to presume that the pain is because of your exercises and you may think that the knee pain is just temporary, it could be the very start of something worse. Ignoring knee pain, no matter how short, will only cause further strain.
- Being Overweight – Every pound of body weight increases five times when it comes to the knee area. Thus, even a small amount of body fat can have drastic effects on your knee joints. Being overweight also increases your chances of developing osteoarthritis. Excess body weight wears-down the knee cartilage.
- Neglecting your ACL – If your anterior cruciate ligament is damaged and you ignore it, you will develop bad knees. Sports that involve the risk of tearing ACL can cause bad knees. Ignoring it when damaged is quite common because it is usually not immediately painful. The torn ligament will eventually lead to arthritis if it is left untreated.
- Overdoing Exercise – The body can only take a particular amount of stress after exercising, and it requires rest after a strenuous workout. Working out every day without a break will eventually stress-out your body. If you do this, your knee cartilages will get damaged and you will suffer in the future.
- Overlooking Muscles Around the Knees – Weak knee muscles and lack of flexibility is often the cause of knee injuries. If the muscles around the knees are strong, the knees’ cartilages will not be worn out so fast. Overlooking these muscles will become the start of many knee problems, such as tearing of the ACL and destabilization.
Also Read: Best Stability Running Shoes Reviewed
Factors to Consider Before Running if You Have Bad Knees
Some doctors may advise running as an exercise to cure bad knees, and some may advise against it. Depending on the condition of your knees, running may help or exacerbate the condition that you have. This is because some conditions are worse than others, and stress from running must be avoided to prevent further damage. If you have bad knees, you may want to consider reading before you start running.
- Genetic Conditions – If you are genetically pre-disposed to have bad knees, you may want to still continue running. Running does not necessarily wear down your knees as long as you do it correctly. This is because running helps bring in more fluid to the area, which helps strengthen it. However, if you experience pain despite running under the right conditions, you may have to stop. Just because you have arthritis, however, should not stop you from running because in some cases it does help.
- Age – Running long distances should be regulated if you are too grown-up to do so. This is because you have already worn down your knees’ cartilages with other activities and these have become softer than before. Arthritis also comes with age, but if the condition is not as worse you may still run if you want. However, you should take caution if you are running because your body may not handle too much stress. This is because your body is not reproducing new cells at a faster rate as it used to when you were younger. Thus, a time may come when your knees may give-up because of lesser cell regeneration.
- The rate of Progression – If you are a person who wants to run long distances but are only starting out, then that’s not a good idea and will only worsen the condition of your knees. Though running can help heal your body, wrong exercises can do more harm than good. Thus, running is not advisable for you if you do the wrong exercises. So you need to first correct your exercising habits. Once you have learned good exercising habits, you may run as long as your doctor permits you to.
- Weight – If you are a heavier person and you want to start running, you should first lose some weight. Though running is one of the most effective weight loss exercises, the stress caused by weight can make you worse. This is because your weight is going to affect the knees by wearing them down faster than ever. If you wish to lose weight, you may opt for swimming before you start to run. That way, the body will not receive as much stress as it could have earlier.
Click here to read about the best Knee sleeves for running
Training Tips For Bad Knees
Also Read: Best Knee Brace for Running
Now that you know the possible causes of bad knees, you might want to fix it. Fixing bad knees is not impossible so long as it is not too late. Therapy can help to resolve this issue. However, not everyone can afford therapy. Also, it is not applicable all the time. Fixing your condition is possible through exercises down below.
- Strengthen the Posterior Chain – The hamstrings and glutes play a huge role in preventing knee stress from exacerbating. Dead-lifts and kettle-bell swings are some of the exercises you can do to strengthen them. These will help reinforce the knee muscles and help reduce pain, if not prevent it. Squats can also help if you are going for a more holistic exercise.
- Using Full Range of Motions – There are exercises that help the knees, particularly full range motion exercises. Some exercises are knee hangs, knee slides, and chair based knee flexion. By doing these kinds of exercises daily, you are waking up and improving your condition.
- Take Care of Your Hips – Fixing hip problems will help you fix your knee problems as well because they are connected to each other. The hip muscles are generally weak because they do not get enough exercise. If you wish to improve the condition of your knees, you should also focus on the hips. Not all people may notice the difference once they start exercising it, but it will still help. Cradle walks, spiderman walks, and high knee walks will help you exercise both areas to fix your condition.
- Change your Cardio – Repetitive actions that put stress on the knees, whether running or cycling, could affect the knee badly. However, swimming is one of the most effective cardio exercises that do not affect your knees. Swimming affects your whole body just as effectively as other cardio exercises, if not more. It also helps you engage your dormant muscles and that will help your knees get better and give it some much-required rest.
Also Read: Best Running Shoes for Overpronation
Final Thoughts
In summary, the best running shoes for bad knees above come in a variety of designs that you can choose from. This enables you to choose the right item according to your needs. However, these shoes are not full-proof. This is because they also have disadvantages like any other shoe. Therefore, read everything carefully before you buy, since what others consider the best may not fit what you are specifically looking for. So. make sure to figure out what your requirements are before purchasing.
Array
