The Best Running Shoes For Bad kNEES - Reviewed by Stride & Glory 🏆
A guide for runners experiencing knee problems looking to buy a new pair of running shoes
September 5 2022
The Best Running Shoes For Bad Knees
Every joint movement has a certain danger; in life, there is no such thing as sitting idle. Running can cause stress to your knees so severely that the soft tissues in your knee joint are worn down over time. This results in knee pain that can progress to hip and knee discomfort, Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and other conditions.
Your running technique can contribute to the development of knee pain over time. For example, heel striking results in the impact of your stride travelling through your heel block, up the legs, and into your knees. It is better to tread with your front or mid foot to avoid this.
You only need running shoes with adequate padding, soft midsoles, soft arch support, and a midsole that effectively prevents stress to bid those annoying knee problems farewell.
Some excellent running shoes can reduce knee discomfort and make running more enjoyable. Here are some shoes that can assist in cushioning your knees and joints for a run that feels terrific if your doctor has given the go-ahead for you to start jogging again.
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Take Your First StrideBest Running Shoes For Bad Knees
- Hoka Arahi 6
- Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
- Asics GT 2000
- Hoka Gaviota 4
- Hoka Clifton 8
- New Balance 1080 V12
- Asics Gel- Kayano 28
- Saucony Hurricane 22
Hoka Arahi 6
For people who don't like the rigidity and stiffness that stability shoes often have, Hoka created the Arahi. Hoka's J-Frame technology may be found in this version of the Arahi.
The J-Frame technology is a j-shaped manufactured foam component created to give support and comfort where you need them around your shoe's medial or inner border. This novel construction reduces weight while offering a responsive, comfortable ride devoid of harsh, inflexible materials.
Customers laud this shoe's steadiness, making it ideal for individuals wary of aggravating existing knee, shin, or ankle injuries.
Weight: 269g
Heel to toe drop: 5mm (the difference in height between the horizontal level of the heel compared to the horizontal level of the toe. Provides additional cushioning for heel strikers.)
Stability: neutral (for runners with a normal gait, who do not need assistive technologies for over or under pronation)
Cushion: responsive (lower-level cushioning for a fast and responsive toe off)
Fit: True to size
✅ Reasons to buy: Responsive trainer with great dynamic stability.
🙅🏻♂️ Reasons to avoid: Updates on previous models may not be significant.
⭐️ Star Rating: 4.52/5 (based on 327 reviews across Hoka, SportsShoes.com, and Amazon)
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
These shoes stand out from the others thanks to Brooks' brilliant GuideRails design. The guide rails control excessive ankle movement, offer support, and create a customised experience for each wearer. Without your knowledge, you are receiving the assistance you require.
The upper of this shoe is tight, breathes well, and maintains the soft comfort you'd expect from Brooks. All about it is nice looking, though. All of this helps to make longer runs seem effortless. You can even glance down while running to observe how securely your ankle is being kept in place as it makes contact with the ground.
Moreover, these shoes for knee pain are suitable for all age groups. Elders can wear these shoes while running and get out of their misery.
Weight: 289.2g
Midsole drop: 12mm (the difference in height between the horizontal level of the midsole compared to the horizontal level of the toe. Provides additional cushioning for heel strikers.)
Experience: cushion (for runners who require cushioning to support their stride, as opposed to shoes designed for speed or trail)
Support: supportive (Support has to do with how much your body deviates from its natural movement pattern when you shift from a relaxed state to your running stride. Brooks support technologies aid high deviators by guiding their body back into their natural way of moving.)
Fit: True to size.
✅ Reasons to buy: Great support, solid style, reliable brand.
🙅🏻♂️ Reasons to avoid: Not as many colour options for narrow feet, nor offered in wide sizes. May not live up to the previous 21's.
⭐️ Star Rating: 4.2/5 (based on 792 reviews across Brooks and 633 reviews on SportsShoes.com)
Asics GT 2000
Running with heavy heel strikes might worsen knee discomfort since the stress travels up the leg and wears down the cartilage in the knee. Consider a shoe designed specifically for heel shock absorption if you walk on your heels and have knee discomfort.
The ASICS GT-2000 10 is a fantastic shoe for people who want additional cushioning in the heel area. The combination of a thick EVA foam layer, a hard rubber outsole, and a cushioned insole offers ample cushioning that heavy heel-strikers will appreciate. It has upgraded FlyteFoam Propel technology, a yellow substance that gives each step more spring. It also incorporates the ASICS GEL technology in the heel for even softer landings.
The shock-absorbing component helps stop energy from traveling through the legs and into the knees.
Weight: 280g
Heel to toe drop: 8mm (the difference in height between the horizontal level of the heel compared to the horizontal level of the toe. Provides additional cushioning for heel strikers.)
Stability: for over-pronators (The foot lands on outside of heel, then rolls inward (pronates) excessively, transferring weight to inner edge instead of ball of the foot.)
Cushion: balanced (a layer of FLYTEFOAM™ Propel cushioning underfoot adds a more responsive rebound to your step.)
Fit: True to size in terms of width and length.
✅ Reasons to buy: Some reviews claim the shoe is not as good for over-pronators as previous versions.
🙅🏻♂️ Reasons to avoid: Some negative reviews claim it may not be as good for over-pronators as previous versions.
⭐️ Star Rating: 4.6/5 (based on 186 reviews across ASICS and 11 reviews on SportsShoes.com)
Hoka Gaviota 4
For overpronators, Hoka recommends the Gaviota 4 model. One of Hoka's softest running shoes, the Gaviota 4 boasts more stability and cushioning than even the Arahi (another Hoka shoe), and it has enough stability to correct overpronation.
The runner's foot slipping in too much is a typical cause of knee discomfort (overpronating). It's not unusual to discover that a terrific shoe solves such issues by enhancing cushioning and comfort and assisting in controlling and guiding the feet during the running motion.
Thanks to J-Frame innovation, the Gaviota 4 can perform both tasks. When you have knee issues brought on by overpronation, the J-Frame is a j-shaped support structure designed all through the shoe to offer medial (inside) assistance to your foot. Rubber and EVA foam combine to provide this shoe's "cloud-like" cushioning. The Gaviota 4 is one of Hoka's lightest shoes for knee pain.
Weight: 319g
Heel to toe drop: 5mm (the difference in height between the horizontal level of the heel compared to the horizontal level of the toe. Provides additional cushioning for heel strikers.)
Stability: stable (for runners who over-pronate, or with a tendency to roll their ankle inwards)
Cushion: plush (maximum cushioning for a soft ride with minimal impact)
Fit: True to size.
✅ Reasons to buy: very comfortable optimised for stability.
🙅🏻♂️ Reasons to avoid: not as fast as other shoes available due to plush cushioning.
⭐️ Star Rating: 4.53/5 (based on 228 reviews from Hoka, SportsShoes.com, and Amazon)
Hoka Clifton 8
Hoka's most popular product is the Clifton 8. Compared to some of Hoka's other models, it is lighter, has excellent cushioning, and has a more "shoe-like" appearance. It includes a foam base and mesh top, making a strong show from a reputable business.
You can sense the type of foam and comfort offered on this shoe from the 37mm cushioning at the heel. However, runners claim that the Clifton is still surprisingly responsive despite all the additional cushioning (which means less strain on your joints, especially knees).
This shoe is airy thanks to its tight, firm netting, which you'll appreciate whether the climate is hot and muggy or you have difficulties having your feet dry.
This is an improvement over earlier Cliftons, which had a less porous mesh and weren't particularly durable.Despite being softer than prior generations, this one has proven resilient. The shoe weighs 10 ounces, which is on the lighter side for a cushioned shoe, but if you're used to a regular trainer, it may still feel hefty. In either case, the cushioning in this shoe will allow you to go farther without experiencing more knee discomfort.
Weight: 250g
Heel to toe drop: 5mm (the difference in height between the horizontal level of the heel compared to the horizontal level of the toe. Provides additional cushioning for heel strikers.)
Stability: neutral (for runners with a normal gait, who do not need assistive technologies for over or under pronation)
Cushion: balanced (medium level cushioning for both a fast and responsive toe off while feeling soft under foot)
Fit: True to size in 67% of cases
✅ Reasons to buy: Comfort, best all-rounder, 14 colour options.
🙅🏻♂️ Reasons to avoid: Some negative reviews claim it may not be as comfortable as previous Cliftons.
⭐️ Star Rating: 4.53/5 (based on 3000 reviews across Hoka, SportsShoes.com, and Amazon)
New Balance 1080 V12
1080 from New Balance is flat footwear that offers lots of knee support and padding. It's also excellent for treating plantar fasciitis or shin splints.
The designed mesh top is breathable and comfy, and the supporting toe cap adds additional stability by keeping your foot on the stable base. Your foot is cradled by the redesigned heel cup for a pleasant ride.
If you have a broad foot, you'll like this shoe's structure because it tends to run wide. The Fresh Foam midsole keeps everything comfortable and supportive. Your sore knees will delight when your feet squish into the soft padding and comfort-oriented sole.
Remember that this is a neutral shoe; overpronators with medium to high arches should avoid wearing it.
Weight: 292g
Stability: neutral (for runners with a normal gait, who do not need assistive technologies for over or under pronation)
Cushion: balanced (medium level cushioning for both a fast and responsive toe off while feeling soft under foot)
Fit: True to size.
✅ Reasons to buy: Wide foot box. Soft and supportive. Extra large foam soles for comfortable running and walking, and light enough to wear all day.
🙅🏻♂️ Reasons to avoid: Not as comfortable as the previous 2 versions.
⭐️ Star Rating: 4.2/5 (based on 392 reviews on NewBalance.com)
Asics Gel- Kayano 28
The Asics Gel-Kayano 28 is a terrific shoe that offers lots of stability and cushioning to keep your knees safe. FlyteFoam, a high-performance, lightweight foam developed by Asics, is improved in this most recent model of the Kayano.
Foam-reinforced fibers make up FlyteFoam. It adds the strength and stability your sore knees need without adding more weight. The padding feels solid and responsive but conforms to your feet for all-day comfort.
This shoe has a lot of Asics gel cushioning. Compared to earlier models, the Kayano 28 includes more gel in the heel.This shoe is made for overpronators; if you have knee discomfort, there's a significant likelihood that you overpronate.
The updated top, which is breathable and has some stretch, is another addition to version 28. However, the Kayano still has a plush feel and a close match in the midfoot and heel.
Weight: 250g
Midsole drop: 13mm (the difference in height between the horizontal level of the heel compared to the horizontal level of the toe. Provides additional cushioning for heel strikers.)
Stability: for over-pronators (The foot lands on outside of heel, then rolls inward (pronates) excessively, transferring weight to inner edge instead of ball of the foot.)
Cushion: cradles your foot with improved rear-foot support. To improve stability and responsiveness, FF BLAST cushioning is added to the midsole.
Fit: True to size
✅ Reasons to buy: They feel roomy and comfortable for wide feet.
🙅🏻♂️ Reasons to avoid: Some negative reviews claim the build quality isn't as good.
⭐️ Star Rating: 4.7/5 (based on 862 reviews across ASICS and 427 reviews on SportsShoes.com)
Saucony Hurricane 22
This is the ideal shoe for you if you enjoy Saucony's excellent running shoes and experience knee discomfort. This shoe is excellent for mild overpronators since it includes cushioning, stability, and performance.
Even though Saucony's EVERUN technology is well-liked across all of its product lines, it is still amazing. The trampoline-like sensation produced by the EVERUN landing zone under the heel gives you optimal responsiveness and increases performance while using less energy.
Reviewers remark that this shoe has amazing vitality and makes them feel quicker. The thinnest and most comfortable foam Saucony has ever produced is the PWRRUN+ midsole. Additionally, the FORM FIT system's elasticity allows it to adjust to your foot for a tailored fit.
Nike React Flyknit 3
Excellent footwear for light overpronators is the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3. It has strong support, a curved arch insole, and a rockered outsole that enhances your gait and toe-off power without feeling unduly restricting.
They enjoy jogging, running, and walking, and they truly shine when tiredness sets in and form begins to deteriorate.
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