Top 10 Best Running Shoes For Knee Pain

The Best Running Shoes for Knee Support - 

Ultimate Buying Guide

Don’t let the bad knee slow you down! The best running shoes for knee pain will help you put all the pain aside and improve your athletic performance.

These shoes are equipped with soft soles to create a high cushion to your feet and absorb all the shock. Thanks to them, you will be able to sprint smoothly without feeling hurt!

In this article, we review the top 10 best running shoes in 2022 that help you withstand knee pain. Also, we share with you some useful tips that help you choose the best product.

Please scroll down and have a look!

Related post: Best Running Shoes For Shin Splints

1. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22- Best For Support

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is the first product we want to introduce to you. This product is specially designed to give maximum support.

The Adrenaline GTS 22 has several features that make it a good choice for those with knee pain.

First, it has a supportive and cushioned midsole that can help reduce the impact of each stride on the knee joint. Additionally, the shoe has a sturdy arch support that can help distribute weight evenly across the foot, which can also help alleviate knee pain.

Furthermore, the shoe's design includes a holistic approach to support, with GuideRails technology that helps protect your knees by keeping excess movement in check. The shoe's upper is also constructed from a breathable and flexible material that can help reduce pressure points and improve overall comfort.

The rubber sole of the shoes provides a high amount of grip to the road when you run. It helps you keep balance and avoid slipping every time you step on a slippery area.

Inside the shoes, the Brooks company has added DNA LOFT cushioning to increase the softness. This pad can reduce the pressure and absorb the shock on foot. As a result, your knees will get no impact and no pain.

Brooks usually makes the front of its products wide. And this GTS 22 is not an exception. When wearing, you may feel that the shoes don’t fit you completely, as their toe boxes are very large and roomy.

2. New Balance Fresh Foam 860v12 - Best For Long Distance

If you are looking for a pair of shoes that support running over a long distance, the New Balance Fresh Foam 860v12 is the one you should get.

With a construction of synthetic materials, the shoes are very light to wear. The lightweight will not make you feel tired at feet, even after you have been running for hours!

The Fresh Foam 860v12 has a cushioned midsole made with New Balance's Fresh Foam technology, which is designed to provide a soft and responsive ride while also reducing the impact of each stride on the knee joint.

Additionally, the shoe has a dual-density post that helps prevent overpronation, which can also contribute to knee pain.

The shoe's upper is made from a breathable and flexible material that can help reduce pressure points and improve overall comfort. Additionally, the shoe features a sturdy heel counter that provides extra stability and helps keep the foot in place during the gait cycle.

3. ASICS GT-2000 - Best For Cushioning At Feet

The ASICS GT-2000 11 shows its advantage due to its Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel Technology. This design allows the shoes to provide maximum softness under the feet.

In detail, this cushioning system can attenuate the shock when you make fast and strong steps. With this technology, the shoes can improve the cushion on both the front part and rear section of your foot so that you can run on multiple different surfaces without feeling hurt at the legs.

These shoes are also very bouncy and responsive, all thanks to their Flytefoam middle soles. Just try walking in the shoes, and you will feel that every step is extremely smooth.

In contrast to the 2 previous products, this GT-2000 seems to be more narrow than its actual size. Hence, you may feel a little bit snug at the feet while wearing them. However, after a time of usage, the shoes will stretch, and you will feel 100% comfortable!

4. Brooks Ravenna 11 - Best For Knee Injury Prevention

Feel free to run as fast as you like. The Brooks Ravenna 11 will prevent your knees from getting hurt and injured!

The Ravenna 11 has a midsole made with Brooks' BioMoGo DNA technology, which is designed to provide a responsive and adaptable ride while also providing cushioning and support. Additionally, the shoe has a Diagonal Rollbar that helps guide the foot into a more natural and efficient stride while also reducing stress on the knee joint.

The shoe's upper is made from a breathable and flexible material that can help reduce pressure points and improve overall comfort. The shoe's design also includes a sturdy heel counter that provides extra stability and helps keep the foot in place during the gait cycle.

While the Ravenna 11 is primarily designed for runners who need extra support and correction, it may not be the best choice for runners who have very flat arches or other unique biomechanical issues.

5. HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 8 - Best For Stability

It is quite hard to run stably when the knees keep getting hurt. But don’t worry because the HOKE ONE ONE Bondi 8 will save you from this terrible trouble!

The Hoka One One Bondi 8 is another popular running shoe that is often recommended for people with knee pain. The Bondi 8 is designed with a thick and cushioned midsole that is intended to provide maximum shock absorption, which can be beneficial for people with knee pain.

The shoe's midsole is made with Hoka One One's signature EVA foam, which is designed to provide a soft and responsive ride while also reducing the impact of each stride on the knee joint. Additionally, the shoe has a sturdy arch support that can help distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduce pressure on the knees.

The shoe's upper is made from a breathable and flexible material that can help reduce pressure points and improve overall comfort. The shoe's design includes a deep heel cup and a padded tongue and collar, which can help provide extra stability and support for the foot and ankle.

6. Brooks Glycerin 20 - Best For Fitting

Finding a pair of shoes that fit the feet completely is not an easy task. Luckily, we have found this great Brooks Glycerin 20 - the running shoes for knee pain that supports fitting at best!

The Glycerin 20 has a cushioned midsole made with Brooks' DNA LOFT technology, which is designed to provide a soft and responsive ride while also reducing the impact of each stride on the knee joint. Additionally, the shoe has a 3D Fit Print saddle that provides a customized fit and helps keep the foot in place during the gait cycle.

The shoe's upper is made from a breathable and flexible material that can help reduce pressure points and improve overall comfort. The shoe's design also includes a sturdy heel counter that provides extra stability and helps keep the foot in place during the gait cycle.

While the Glycerin 20 is a neutral shoe and does not have a medial post or other stability features, it may still be a good choice for people with knee pain who do not require a lot of extra support or correction.

7. Saucony Guide 15 - Best For Flexibility

No matter which shape your foot has, this Saucony Guide 15 will fit it at best. This pair of shoes has impressed us a lot due to its high flexibility.

The Guide 15 has a cushioned midsole made with Saucony's PWRRUN foam technology, which is designed to provide a soft and responsive ride while also reducing the impact of each stride on the knee joint. The shoe also has a medial post that helps prevent overpronation, which can contribute to knee pain.

Additionally, the shoe's upper is made from a breathable and flexible material that can help reduce pressure points and improve overall comfort.

The shoe's design includes a sturdy heel counter that provides extra stability and helps keep the foot in place during the gait cycle.

8. ASICS Gel-Venture 8 - Best For Traction

The next product on this list is the ASICS Gel-Venture 8. This product is well known for providing high traction under the foot.

The Gel-Venture 8 has a cushioned midsole made with ASICS' Rearfoot Gel technology, which is designed to absorb shock and reduce the impact of each stride on the knee joint. Additionally, the shoe has a removable Ortholite sockliner that can help accommodate custom orthotics, which may be recommended for some people with knee pain.

The shoe's upper is made from a durable and breathable material that can help reduce pressure points and improve overall comfort. The shoe's design also includes a sturdy heel counter that provides extra stability and helps keep the foot in place during the gait cycle.

While the Gel-Venture 8 is primarily designed for trail running, it can also be used on roads or other surfaces.

However, it may not be the best choice for runners who need a lot of support or correction, as it is a neutral shoe and does not have a medial post or other stability features.

9. Brooks Ghost 15 - Best For Smooth Transitions

You require a pair of shoes that provides high shock absorption and smooth transitions to avoid causing pressure on the knees. In this case, the Brooks Ghost 15 will be our recommendation.

The Ghost 15 has a cushioned midsole made with Brooks' DNA LOFT technology, which is designed to provide a soft and responsive ride while also reducing the impact of each stride on the knee joint.

Additionally, the shoe has a Segmented Crash Pad that helps distribute the forces of each step more evenly across the foot, which can reduce stress on the knees.

The shoe's upper is made from a breathable and flexible material that can help reduce pressure points and improve overall comfort. The shoe's design also includes a sturdy heel counter that provides extra stability and helps keep the foot in place during the gait cycle.

While the Ghost 15 is a neutral shoe and does not have a medial post or other stability features, it may still be a good choice for people with knee pain who do not require a lot of extra support or correction.

10. ASICS Gel-Kayano 29 - Best For High Responsiveness

The final product - the ASICS Gel-Kayano 29 has arrived! These shoes deserve to be your best partner, as they can provide high bouncy to support the knees.

The Gel-Kayano 29 has several features that make it a good choice for those with knee pain.

The shoe's midsole is made with ASICS' signature FlyteFoam technology, which is designed to provide a soft and responsive ride while also reducing the impact of each stride on the knee joint.

Additionally, the shoe has a Dynamic DuoMax support system that helps prevent overpronation, which can contribute to knee pain.

The shoe's upper is made from a breathable and flexible material that can help reduce pressure points and improve overall comfort. The shoe's design also includes a sturdy heel counter that provides extra stability and helps keep the foot in place during the gait cycle.

Furthermore, the Gel-Kayano 29 has gel cushioning in the forefoot and heel that can help reduce the shock of impact and distribute the forces of each step more evenly across the foot, which can also help alleviate knee pain.

How To Choose The Best Running Shoes For Knee Pain?

There are several useful buying tips that help us find the above 10 best running shoes for knee pain. In this section, we will share them with you!

The Shoes Must Have A High Level Of Cushion

As a product that treats knee pain, the shoes have to provide a high cushion under the feet. So when you run on rugged terrain, they can reduce the pressure, which your legs would have to get. This feature helps you avoid as much impact to the knee as possible.

How to know whether the shoes have a high level of cushion or not? Very simple! You should check the soles inside the product! A good pair of running shoes for a bad knee usually has super soft inserts made of foam and rubber.

These linings can give cushion under your feet to make you comfortable while running. Also, they can absorb the shock and prevent obstacles from stinging your foot when you go on a non-flat surface.

How Good Is The Support?

When you run, the impact on your knees does not only come from the terrain but also your weight. That’s why you need to look for the shoes that distribute the body weight across your foot.

With this support, your knees will have to withstand less weight and less pressure. You can reduce the pain on them to the minimum.

Does The Product Provide High Traction?

The shoes should also support traction. So when you step on wet areas, you will not slip and fall down. This feature will work its best when you go running in the rain.

Don’t underestimate this feature! If you slip and fall down, you may get serious injury on the entire legs, including knees! Remember that you already have hurt knees. You surely don’t want your problem to become worse, right?

The Shoes Should Be Durable!

No one wants to buy a product that downgrades after a time of usage. Therefore, you have to check the durability of the shoes as well!

A high-quality pair of running shoes for knee pain should be constructed of the 3 following materials.

The outsole needs to be made of rubber. This material is very sturdy that can protect the shoes from abrasion when you step on rugged roads.

Inside the shoes, the manufacturer usually adds foam linings to create a high cushion. Besides, foam can withstand the body weight for a long period of time without tearing apart. 

The upper section of the shoes should have breathable mesh made of nylon or polyester. As you know, polyester and nylon are synthetic materials that have high stretchability and resist corrosion.

Below are some common questions that you may have while looking for the best running shoes for knee pain.

Is Running Everyday Bad For Knees?

Our answer is no. In fact, running even does more support to the health of your leg joint. This exercise strengthens the bones and the joints in your knees and increases their flexibility.

But we only recommend you do the light exercise. If you run at a high intensity, the joints in your knees may get a lot of pressure. As a consequence, the bad issue of them becomes worse.

Should I Stop Running If My Knees Hurt?

If the knees hurt when you run, you should slow down your speed and check whether they are still painful or not. 

If the pain goes away when you run slow, you should continue running at this speed for a while. When the knees get along well with the pressure, you can start running quicker and quicker over time.

If slow running does not help, you should stop the exercise immediately. Continuing only makes things worse. Probably, the shoes that you are wearing don’t give support to your bad knee. At this time, you should go home and find another good pair of running shoes for knee pain. 

Do Good Running Shoes Help Knees?

Of course, yes. There are many good shoes that are designed for bad knees.

Technically, these products are made of stabilizing platforms of middle soles. These inserts can prevent your ankles from rolling and causing strain on the knees.

Also, the running shoes have super soft soles that create a high amount of cushion under the feet. So that you can feel comfortable while running. These soles can even absorb the shock when you step on a tough surface and reduce the pressure the knees have to take.

What's Better: Asics Or Brooks running shoes?

It is hard to tell the winner between the Asics and Brooks. Each product has its own advantages and disadvantages.

For example, Brooks beats its rival when it comes to durability. However, the Asics takes the lead due to its more affordable price.

Of course, these 2 products can reduce the pressure in your knees when running. But we find the Brooks having softer insoles than the Asics does. You may feel more cushion and knee support when using the Brooks.

When Should You Change My Running Shoes?

Never think that shoes don’t downgrade! Due to the effects of corrosion and weather, the soles will tear apart after a period of time.

The more you use the shoes, the quicker they will lose the quality. Normally, after going about 400 miles to 500 miles, you should replace your shoes with the new ones.

My top picks - shoes for knee pain

Above are our top picks of the 10 best running shoes for knee pain. Has any product caught your eyes?

Anyway, we have already given you our best buying tips. Use them, and you will be able to choose the most suitable product!

Do you want more products? Then subscribe to our website! We will update new reviews about the shoes for bad knees in the future.

And now, our article will come to an end. Many thanks for reading!