10 Best Shoes For Knee Pain Of 2024, Vetted By Podiatrists

Approximately 25% of the U.S. adult population1 experiences knee pain, which can be triggered by aging, arthritis, injury, or repetitive stress.

There are a number of things you can do to try to alleviate knee pain and stiffness (think: yoga poses for knee pain, a better mattress, and just good old fashioned rest), but if your aches and pains are disrupting your daily activities, experts say that it's time to reconsider your footwear.

"With shoes that lack support, the shock and stress that the foot absorbs with activity is transmitted up the kinetic chain into the knee joint," says Austin-based podiatrist, Anne Sharkey, DPM.

The best shoes for knee pain combine arch support and cushioning to reduce the stress and shock absorbed by the feet.

When it comes to finding the right shoes to combat knee pain, Sharkey has a few suggestions:

Know your foot type. The key to a truly comfortable pair of shoes is knowing your unique needs. “Those with flatter feet should look for shoes with arch stability or motion control, while those with higher arches should look for more neutral shoes with cushioning,” Sharkey clarifies. If you’re uncomfortable in your shoes and aren’t sure what type you need, it’s worth seeing a podiatrist for an evaluation.

Good arch support. Even if you don’t have specific arch-related issues, support for the soft area between the heel and the ball (AKA the arch) of your foot is important for alignment and pressure relief. “A well-supported arch means the foot is functioning optimally, which will reduce stress and strain on the knee,” says Sharkey.

Durability. Quality kicks don’t always come cheap, so it’s important to pick shoes with good feedback for durability—and to replace them when needed. “Shoes break down over time and lose their support,” warns Sharkey. “Make sure your shoes are replaced regularly for optimal support, especially pairs used for daily use and exercise. The general rule of thumb is that shoes should be replaced every 500 miles or every 6 to 8 months.”

Great for everyday wear, these sustainable, stylish kicks from Cariuma are made with recycled plastics, sustainably-sourced natural rubber, and GOTS-certified organic cotton canvas. Unlike most casual sneakers, their vegan insoles provide arch support and cushion, so your feet and your body will stay comfortable all day long. What’s more, Cariuma (a Certified B Corp) plants two trees in the Brazilian rainforest for every pair of sneakers purchased.

Allbirds Tree Runners are a lightweight sneaker made from responsibly-sourced eucalyptus fibers, recycled water bottles, and a Brazilian sugarcane midsole (the midsole is made with the world’s first carbon negative foam!). They’re breathable, thanks to the eucalyptus, and well-cushioned enough that you can cover some serious ground in them pain-free. Unfortunately, you won’t find these shoes in half sizes. If you’re between sizes, the brand recommends going up. These are also machine-washable, just be sure to follow the washing instructions carefully.

Asics are one of Sharkey’s top-recommended brands for relief from knee pain. The brand’s most popular support shoe is the Gel Kayano, a true favorite among runners, walkers, and folks who wear them to work. This newest model has generous-yet-lightweight midsole support and maximum cushion to absorb shock.They’re available in a ton of color options and some colors come in wide sizing as well.

Because shoe models evolve over time, fans tend to come and go. The Gel Kayanos seem to be an exception to that rule, though, with plenty of reviewers saying the shoe only gets better with each iteration. One person writes, “I have been wearing Kayanos since model 18, I won't be going to any other shoe of any brand unless they stop making these! When you find the perfect shoe (especially when you have knee pain), you stick with it.” Our commerce editor is an avid runner and used to wear these any time she'd feel knee pain creeping in.

Another lightweight support shoe (and a pick from Sharkey), the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is super popular with runners of all levels. This shoe uses the brand’s GuideRails technology to keep your foot in alignment, offering a solid balance of support and cushion.

The brand also makes a strong effort toward sustainability, when compared with others in the space. This shoe specifically uses recycled materials, such as plastic water bottles, and the company has plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

With over 1,000 reviews on the brand’s website and nearly 7.000 on Amazon, you don’t have to look far to find a fan of these sneakers—myself (the writer) included! As a runner on city sidewalks, I’ve experienced knee pain when wearing other shoes, but never with the Adrenalines.

This highly-recommended shoe from Sharkey is one of the brand’s most popular shoes. Cloud-like comfort and a breathable mesh upper makes this a top pick for a multitude of people, including those with knee pain. Like most of the brand’s shoes, the Cliftons have an extended heel and a shock-reducing design that keeps your stride smooth and reduces pressure on the knees. There’s also generous toe room for people with metatarsal pain or bunions, and the shoe is available in wide sizes as well. Just note, most Hokas run large. If you’re not sure about your size, it’s a safe bet to try a half-size down.

“Using a motion control shoe or a shoe with arch support will help to reduce knee discomfort for those with knee pain,” explains Sharkey—which leads us to another Brooks’ pick: the Addiction Walker. What these shoes may lack in the style department, they make up for in support and comfort. They’re a neutral, slip-resistant pick with extra cushioning for shock absorption and a structured design that’s great for flat-footed folks. With medium, narrow, wide, and extra wide sizing, you’re sure to find a model that works best for your feet.

“Those with high arches struggle with shock absorption from initial contact between the foot and the ground. Cushioned shoes are best for helping with this,” Sharkey explains. A truly cushioned shoe, this design is super versatile and great for all types of feet—but especially for people with high arches who need that extra shock absorption.

An added sustainability perk: the breathable mesh upper is made from at least 50% recycled content and the midsole incorporates bio-based materials.

These budget-friendly sneakers are comfortable and supportive, with an Ortholite sole made from PU foam and aerogel to help take the pressure off your knees. The toe box is quite roomy, and the materials are breathable and lightweight. What’s more, you’ll almost always find these shoes for under $70 (and sometimes under $50) on most sites.

If you have achy knees, your options for dress shoes can feel quite slim. These loafers are a classy, pain-free way to elevate your outfit. They have quilted insoles with seven layers of comfort material, including memory foam for added arch support. Plus, the no-slip rubber sole offers exceptional traction. The Starlings come in a wide variety of colors and styles, including calf hair, velvet, and suede—just note, the price varies by material.

For a quality leather shoe that also prioritizes your foot and knee health, look no further than Amberjack. Think: business on the outside, comfort on the inside. The brand partners with a reputable tannery in Portugal to combine quality leather shoes with techy foam insoles that use heat to mold to your feet. You can choose from full-grain leather or suede, and select from a handful of different colors. Unfortunately, there are no vegan leather options at this time.

“What we’re wearing on our feet is so important when working to relieve and prevent knee pain,” Sharkey says.