Best running shoes for bad knees: the new runner who ran too much too soon. Or the marathon runner who trained too hard. It’s unfortunate, uncomfortable, and it can keep us from what we love doing the most – running! Thankfully, there are some great running shoes that can combat knee pain and help provide a better running experience.
There are a variety of causes for knee pain, and for most, you should get checked out by a doctor before getting back to running. You might have poor alignment in your feet, legs, or hips. You might be overpronating (rolling your feet inwards when you walk). Or you might have arthritis or a torn ligament.
Knee pain affects millions of people, and it can lead to sufferers leading a sedentary lifestyle. What’s the point in getting in shape if it just leads to more pain? While a good running shoe can’t cure knee pain, it can reduce the effects. Finding the best running shoes for bad knees can help you to increase your daily activity, lose body fat, and hopefully strengthen your legs and knees.
In this article we are going to take a look at some of the best running shoes for knee pain and help you to find the perfect one for you. We will judge each shoe on style (because that’s still important), comfort, durability, and price, before stating which shoe is (in our opinion) the best running shoe.
If you’ve gotten your doctor’s ok to start running again, here are ten shoes that will help cushion your knees and joints for a run that feels great.
Best Running Shoes For Bad Knees #1 Brooks Glycerin 14
Your stride cuts through each mile like butter in the luxuriously plush of the Brooks® Glycerin 14 running shoe! Proudly display your stars and stripes in support of the good ol’ U.S. of A. each time you don the exclusive Podium Pack (Peacoat Navy/True Red/White). Mesh and synthetic upper materials.
3D Fit Print overlays provide structural support at a reduced weight. Stretch TPU cage offers an enhanced, customized fit. Lace-up closure. Plush tongue and collar. Smooth fabric lining for a great in-shoe feel. Removable, contoured foam insole. Full-length Super DNA midsole delivers maximum cushioning, enhanced energy return, and support.
Segmented Crash Pad absorbs impacting shock for optimal plush, smoother transitions, and enhanced efficiency. Rounded heel aligns force through the center of the ankle joint, helping to reduce stress. Fully articulated outsole for heightened flexibility. Soft blown rubber forefoot supplies lightweight cushioning and grip.
Ideal Pressure Zones in the outsole maximize pressure distribution throughout the heel and forefoot. Universal Platform enhances fit and function. Imported. Measurements: Weight: 8 oz Product measurements were taken using size 9, width D – Medium. Please note that measurements may vary by size.
Best Running Shoes For Bad Knees #2 ASICS Gel Super J33 12
This exciting update to the gel-super j33 continues to deliver a super lightweight ride, with fluid axis adjusted to the specific needs and foot geometry of mild to moderate over pronators. The new minimally constructed upper features breathable mesh and lightweight seamless overlays, perfect for a barely-there natural running experience.
In 1949, Mr. Kihachiro Onitsuka began his athletic footwear company (Onitsuka Co., Ltd.) by manufacturing basketball shoes out of his living room in Kobe, Japan. He chose the name ASICS for his company in 1977, based on a famous Latin phrase “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano,” which, when translated, expresses the ancient ideal of “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body.”
Taking the acronym of this phrase, ASICS was founded on the belief that the best way to create a healthy and happy lifestyle is to promote total health and fitness. Today, ASICS offers a full line of performance-driven athletic shoes and technical active sports apparel and accessories dedicated to bringing harmony to the body and soul.
#3 Brooks Addiction 12
The last shoes on this list are probably the best ones for combating knee pain. We looked at brooks in our first entry, and we’re looking at the Brooks Addiction 12 in the last one. These shoes are built for severe over pronators, and would obviously suit these people best. The shoes provide incredible stability, and the amount of cushioning is perfect for people with bad knees.
The midsole is specifically designed to absorb shock and repurpose it so that the extra energy can provide a spring in your step. The Rollbar technology is added to improve running gait and prevent knee pain. The shoes are extremely breathable, which will prevent your feet overheating and perspiring too much. The aesthetic design of the shoes is the only real let down, they just don’t look nice at all.
These shoes are based purely around being as comfortable as possible whilst being worn, and how cool they look is inconsequential. The cushioning, that is so effective at lowering knee pain doesn’t look very good, and it is a little bit of a letdown. However, looks aside – these shoes should be purchased by anyone who wants to eliminate any knee pain from their runs.
#4 Saucony Kinvara 7
Saucony are a shoe company that makes some of the best racing shoes out there, they are well known for it. Their Kinvara series is fantastic for protecting knees. The cushioning is incredible, the comfort is amazing, and the pressure distribution is surprisingly effective. The shoes are very flexible, the shoe’s uppers are designed to fit seamlessly with your foot.
It’s amazing to see a shoe that has as much cushioning as the Saucony and yet is still lightweight enough for you to run fast in. The shoes look fantastic, particularly the white, black, and yellow colour scheme ones. Aesthetics is something that Saucony excel at, always making shoes that look amazing.
#5 New Balance M89v4
New Balance is dedicated to helping athletes achieve their goals. It’s been their mission for more than a century to focus on research and development. It’s why they don’t design products to fit an image. They design them to fit. New Balance is driven to make the finest shoes for the same reason athletes lace them up: to achieve the very best.
