Today, we’ll be looking at 16 best walking shoes for bad knees and knee pain in 2021.
This is a time we have been trying to be so much more active. We want to get our steps in, we want to move our body, and we know how rewarding that can be.
Well, do you have the right tools? A lot of that is great footwear.
Without further ado, let’s dive right into it…
4 best shoes for knee pain – Quick Comparison
Saucony Grid Omni | Vionic Walker |
|---|---|
| Moderate to severe overpronation | Moderate overpronation |
| Leather upper | Full-grain, water-resistant leather |
| Removable PU insole | Removable orthotic insole |
| Ndurance rubber outsole | Durable rubber outsole |
 | |
Brooks Addiction | Hoka Bondi |
|---|---|
| Moderate to severe overpronation | Mild overpronation |
| Full-grain leather/nubuck | Full-grain leather/mesh |
| Removable insole | Removable insole |
| Durable HPR Green outsole | Abrasion rubber outsole |
| |
Best Walking Shoes for Bad Knees
- Brooks Ghost – Best for walking and running
- New Balance 928 Walking Shoes – Best for widths
- Vionic Classic Walker – Best for support
- Skechers GoWalk – Best slip-on
- Brooks Addiction Walker – Best for comfort
- Keen Presidio – Best for arch support
- Propet Stability Walker – Best for extended walking and standing
- Nike Air Monarch IV – Best for versatility
- RYKA Devo Plus 2 – Best for plush cushioning
- Rockport World Tour Classic – Best for durability
Related: How Much Walking For Weight Loss
16 Best Walking Shoes for Bad Knees
Brooks Ghost 12
(women/men)
Best for: bad knees, bad ankles, back pain, Plantar Fasciitis, shin splints, Achilles Tendonitis, flat feet.
The Brooks Ghost line is one of the best running and walking shoes hands down. You can run in them, speed-walk in them, go to the gym in them, and they look great for regular everyday wear.
Coming in different widths, the Ghost fits like a glove, offers a comfortable cushiony ride, a wide toe box, and great arch support for flat feet.
The Ghost has a little bit more support in the midfoot and offers a smoother ride.
Derek says the Ghost provides great arch support and cushion for his bad knees. Read his review on Amazon.
Upper
Brooks are using their 3D-printed engineered mesh, which is going to allow for almost 0 to little stitching on this upper.
They’ve actually woven the midfoot area a little bit tighter than the Ghost 11 and that’s just going to allow for a much better snugger one-to-one fit.
The ankle collar has a nice nylon inner lining and it’s going to be really nice and plush back on your Achilles.
Midsole
In the heel, Brooks is using their Brooks DNA Loft cushioning setup, which is their softest cushioning that they have.
It’s made up of EVA foam, air, and rubber.
For the rest of the shoe, it’s going to be their BioMogo DNA cushioning, which is just a little bit more firm and that’s going to allow for a nice soft landing but then still a snappy toe-off.
Outsole
The outsole has this updated segmented crash pad and these Omega flex grooves, which will allow for a smooth heel-to-toe transition no matter where your foot lands in this shoe.
Cons:
- Higher drop.
Vionic (Women / Men)
Vionic Walker Classic
(women/men)
Best for: bad knees, bad hips, bad ankles, back pain, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs, arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, shin splints, Achilles Tendonitis, bunions and hammertoes, flat feet.
If you’re:
- doing any sightseeing,
- running errands,
- chasing after kids or grandkids,
- trying to get your 10.000 steps,
- in a profession where you’re on your feet all day long,
… then this is how you’re going to protect your feet and how you’re getting all of that support and comfort.
This is one of Vionic’s most structured and one of their most supportive walking shoes.
It’s nice and flexible in the forefoot, firm and supportive through the rearfoot with a nice firm heel counter and wonderful padding.
This s a wonderful construction with EVA midsole and unparalleled midfoot support.
Podiatrist-designed
These are podiatrist-designed shoes which provide great support like an orthotic. It’s designed really to help relieve those common causes like bad knees, heel pain, flat feet issues, overpronation issues…
The Walker also received the seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Footbed
Part of what makes the Vionic Walker so special is the full-length relief Orthotic footbed which is going to take the comfort to a whole new level.
The shoe helps create and support your natural alignment because of the design of the orthotic footbed. So, the arch support, the heel cup, and the cushioning are what separates Vionic footwear.
So, instead of having that feeling of over pronating and turning in the ankle, this gives you that great support.
The footbed is flexible in the forefoot with two shock-absorbing sections in the front and the heel to help with cushioning.
It also has a soft top cover that’s been treated with EcoFresh to maintain an odor and bacteria-managed foot environment.
How it works
In this image, on the left is just a barefoot on flat ground. The foot’s pronating in, the ankles are receiving more stress, and that kind of works its way all the way up to your knees and hips.
When you look on the right-hand side, you can see that great alignment. The ankle and the knees are now in line as they should be, which is such a great way to experience Vionic.
Upper
It has a premium super comfortable full-grain leather upper with mesh inserts to help with breathability.
It’s very flexible in the forefoot and has a strong plastic heel counter to help keep your heel in place.
On that orthotic correction, the Walker has a soft padded lining that’s also been treated with EcoFresh to help reduce odor.
Outsole
The Vionic Walker has a durable rubber outsole that offers great traction. It also has a TPR (thermoplastic rubber) shank to help with additional arch support.
I recommend that you wear them for a few hours at a time for the first few days to allow your body to adapt to the technology because they will feel different to your regular shoes.
This shoe is recommended by DR. Andrew Weil and it also carries the American APMA Seal of Approval. Podiatrists recognize this shoe is great for people’s foot health.
The Vionic Walker from Orthaheel offers fantastic support in a walking shoe. Last but not least, the all-black version is great for the service industry.
Work
The Vionic Walker is also available in all-black. So, if you do need a black sneaker for work for your uniform and you want to be really comfortable, Vionic has got you covered.
Sizing
The Walker Classic comes in medium and wide width, which is awesome sauce.
Again, the comfort and the support that you get in a shoe like this really is unparalleled, which makes this Vionic one of the best shoes for arthritic knees as well.
Overall, whether it’s knee issues, fitness, being active, or maybe even the shoe that you’re just wearing most of the day, this is a great choice for you.
The shoe has lots of cushioning on the tongue, on the collar, and even on the heels giving you lots of great coverage in a lightweight package.
Cons:
- Break-in period required.
Ryka (Women)
RYKA Women’s Sky
Best for: bad knees, hips, ankle, and lower back pain, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bunions, flat feet, wide feet.
The Sky Walk version 2 is Ryka’s number one walking shoe made even better and even more breathable.
This is a supremely lightweight lace-up walker with a breathable mesh and leather upper, a removable footbed, and lots of support.
The lace-up design is fully functional to provide you with an exact fit.
Ryka is a company that is by women, for women. They decided to look at the shape of a woman’s foot and decided something had to be done because of the shape of women’s feet.
A narrow heel and a wide toe box
Ryka has been women’s first and only exclusive athletic shoe brand to use the mold of a woman’s foot, which is narrower in the heel and wider in the toe box.
Most women need some structure and support right underneath the arch area because of their flat feet and because of the width of their hips.
If you’ve ever had that sensation of your heel slipping in and out of the back of the shoe causing blisters and friction, that doesn’t happen in the Sky Walk 2.
An if you’re doing any activity or standing on your feet all day long, it’s important to be able to spread your toes and have that flexibility and extra width if your feet tend to swell.
The Sky Walk also provides flexibility at the ball of your foot where you need to protect you from ball of foot pain.
Sky Walk 1 vs Sky Walk 2
Sockliner
The first important thing Ryka did is update the sockliner. The Sky Walk 1 has a memory foam footbed that is not removable.
Now, the Sky Walk 2 features a removable sockliner which has a lot of that arch support so you’re going to be able to have that lift you’re looking for.
Also, the new footbed has a deep heel cup. What’s great about having a deep heel cup is your foot sits inside the shoe so you’re not going to be sliding back. Not only that but your foot is going to be in proper alignment in that heel cup.
More EVA
Another difference between the Sky Walk 2 and the original is that you’ve got more of that EVA material in the forefoot area.
What does that mean?
It simply means more shock absorption and cushioning from heel to toe. So, as you’re taking those steps, you’re going to have more support.
SGS
Then there is that little TPU shank in the midfoot area that runs medially and laterally to provide the support you need.
Ryka calls it SGS, which stands for a Skeletal Guidance Shank. The shank is designed to protect women’s feet, knees, muscles, and ligaments from taking a beating and getting fatigued.
New Overlays
Another difference in the Sky Walk 2 is that in that toe box, there are less of those stitched overlays and more of those fused on overlays.
This means you don’t have anything that’s resisting the forefoot area. The new overlays actually add to the look of a performance shoe and the Sky Walk has that very sleek design.
So, Ryka is trying to work all of the components into the shoe so that you’ve got the function in there but you don’t sacrifice the look.
The upper is very soft and less restrictive. So if you have bunions, the shoe’s mesh panels are going to allow your bunions more space to splay.
All of these features together make sure you are going to have so much support and you’re not going to be fatigued after an hour of walking. Your ankles, your knees, and your hips are going to be protected and eventually thank Ryka.
As one of the best sneakers for bad knees, all you have to do is pick your color, get outside, and let the Sky Walk 2 do its thing.
Cons:
- Laces may be short for some.
RYKA Women’s Devotion Plus 2
Best for: bad knees, knee replacement, hips, and lower back pain, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs, arthritis, metatarsal issues, flat feet, wide feet.
When you go out and about and active with your kids, you have to be super comfortable.
History
The Devotion line has become one of Ryka’s customer favorite as far as how awesome it feels whether you’re doing a walk around the neighborhood, walking around the house, or power walking getting those 10.000 steps.
Ryka took a classic shoe and decided to update the upper and make it more beautiful and more feminine.
It also has a lace-up closure to make sure you’re fitting in it nice and snug while the padded tongue and collar give you that extra comfort around your ankles.
Exclusive key feature
Ryka shoes area designed on the last of a woman’s foot, narrow in the heel with more width in the toe box.
Upper
The mesh on the upper is breathable and is actually larger in some areas and smaller in others depending on where you are on the shoe.
It features no-sew Flex-Foil overlays which are extremely lightweight and give you structural support around your foot.
The inside has a super smooth fabric lining that feels really wonderful to the touch so you have a great in-shoe fit and feel even without a sock on.
Inside
The sock liner is removable. So if you wear a custom-built orthotic, you can always slide it in.
The footbed is a Q-contour footbed and it is anatomically designed around a woman’s foot.
It has a firm piece of foam at the arch area for extra support while the heel of the footbed is deep and cups around your heel.
The reason why it’s important to have a deep heel cup is that women have hips and by cupping around the heel it’s actually giving support to your heel and stabilizing it.
This way your foot and knees don’t get fatigued as they don’t have to work so hard trying to stabilize you.
Midsole
Underneath your foot, you’ll feel two layers of Ryka’s RE-ZORB Active Foam, and what’s important about that is it is foam that doesn’t bottom out.
It’s actually responsive foam that puts that spring in your step and gives energy return back to your body. This translates to less fatigue at the end of the day.
This shoe features an EVA molded midsole giving you full heel-to-toe cushioning and shock absorption.
Internally, laying on top of that midsole is a full layer of Ryka’s heel-to-toe RE-ZORB foam.
Outsole
The durable rubber outsole is also going to give you rebound while the pods give the type of sensation you’re walking on a yoga mat.
The pods also give you a little bit of more height when you’re walking but also add to the shock absorption.
Your bad knees, ankles, hips, and lower back are going to appreciate the extra layers of shock absorption.
The shock absorption provided by the Ryka Devo Plus 2 is great if you’re trying to get in shape, starting a new fitness routine, or if you are pregnant.
As one of the best cushioned walking shoes for bad knees, the Ryka Devo Plus 2 comes in medium and wide widths as well.
Cons:
- Eyelets are not very strong.
RYKA Women’s Dash
Best for: bad knees, knee replacement, hips, and lower back pain, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bunions, flat feet, high arches, wide feet, Morton’s Neuroma.
Upper
This shoe is super lightweight and built with a woman’s specific fit in mind. It features a lightweight breathable open mesh with overlays for great breathability and excellent upper stability.
There’s a full lace-up closure for a secure yet adjustable fit.
Inside
It’s wonderfully lined on the interior and has nice padding in the tongue and collar for not only softness next to the skin but added breathability.
There’s a removable cushioned footbed that’s completely made to fit you anatomically because it’s an Anatomical Precise-Return™ footbed designed for additional stability, arch support and squish.
Since it’s removable, you can easily swap it out with your custom orthotic if you have one.
The Ortholite footbed promotes a nice and healthy foot environment for you every single time.
Midsole
It has a full-length compression-molded shock-absorbing EVA midsole and a nice flexible construction along with a texture on the durable rubber outsole for a ton of stability.
Outsole
The outsole provides the perfect balance of traction and flexibility.
You’re going to speed up your routine and be fast and furious with the Dash from Ryka.
Cons:
- Conflicting fit.
New Balance (Women / Men)
New Balance 928 Walking Shoe
(women/men)
Best for: bad knees, knee replacement, hips, ankle, and lower back pain, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs, arthritis, bunions, flat feet, high arches, wide feet, Achilles Tendonitis, Morton’s Neuroma.
Consistency, support, cushioning, quality, and motion control are signature features of the well-loved New Balance 928v3.
It’s definitely one of the most comfortable and most supportive New Balance shoes for knee pain and Plantar Fasciitis as it helps relieve the pain almost instantly.
Upper
The upper is durable leather and has a nice deep toe box that is excellent for hammertoes and bunions.
It also has enough depth for those who want to accommodate a sort of thicker orthotic.
Last
Built on an SL-2 last, the 928v3 also gives you much more room in the toe box which is great for wider-based feet, hammertoes, bunions, and diabetic feet.
This is going to accommodate you really nicely and it’s not going to cause any slipping in the heel.
Stack
Another very important feature of this shoe is the stack that it has. It has a nice stack to the back and a nice drop in the forefoot.
Rocker Bottom
This shoe also has a bit of what’s called a rocker sole. This feature is going to facilitate the transition from heel to toe so you’re not forcing all the pressure on one part of the foot.
Rollbar
The 928v3 features the New Balance technology called the Rollbar. The Rollbar is a dual support system that stops your foot from overpronating (rolling inward) or supinating (rolling outward). By stabilizing the rear foot, the Rollbar helps keep the walking motion steady and consistent.
Strike Path
This unique tread pattern is specifically designed to help guide your foot into natural motion. The 928v3 is a really high-supportive shoe that accommodates orthotics easily. It also helps people with arthritis and many other foot issues.
If you’re experiencing foot problems, you stand or you walk a lot, you definitely want to look into this great walking shoe.
So technologies like the Walking Strike Path, Rollbar, and rounded heel all make sure that your walking gait is as healthy as can be.
Other great features you’ll enjoy are the ABZORB cushioning for plush but never unstable comfort and Lightning Dry liner to wick away moisture.
The 928v3 is available in both Velcro and lace-up and a full range of sizes and widths. Last but not least, this is one of the best shoes for standing all day with bad knees and one of the best New Balance shoes for Plantar Fasciitis.
Cons:
- Short and narrow tongue.
New Balance 813v1 Walking Shoe
(women/men)
Maximize your walks with this plush walking shoe.
Upper
This New Balance features a supple leather upper with a logo detail for added appeal. The upper is super cool and super stretchy and it’s going to contour to your foot beautifully and accommodate most foot types.
There’s a lace-up closure for optimal and secure fit and a padded collar and tongue for additional support.
Inside
The inside features a soft fabric lining with a removable Cardio Comfort cushioned footbed for lightweight comfort.
Midsole & Outsole
It features a lightweight ABZORB foam midsole that will give you a ton of added comfort and shock absorption.
Down at the bottom, there’s a durable Ndurance rubber outsole that will help keep you nice and steady along with deep flex grooves for better flexibility.
As one of the best shoes for knee pain, get moving and grooving in these awesome walking shoes from New Balance.
Cons:
- Design may be bulky for some.
Gravity Defyer Women’s G-Defy
(women/men)
Dr. Arnold Ross, D.P.M – Podiatrist Associate Professor, Western University LA recommends the Gravity Defyer for his patients for foot issues like bad knees, Achilles Tendonitis, foot and ankle pain, heel pain, heel spurs, Morton’s Neuroma, overpronation, Plantar Fasciitis, muscle pain, joint pain, arthritis.
If you walk a lot, walk for fitness, or if you’re just on your feet all day long, the Gravity Defyer is your go-to shoe.
What makes Gravity Defyer walking shoes unique?
Walking and running in normal shoes creates shock waves that run up your feet, knees, and hips.
This kind of forces you to absorb as much as 1000 pounds of harmful impact with every step.
The inside of the Defyer is not like any other regular shoe. The heel area is a kind of chamber that has three springs, a rubber trampoline heel, and space for air.
Is this just for show? Absolutely not.
Soles
The secret of the Gravity Defyer is the Verso Shock Trampoline sole that absorbs harmful shocks you may run into on a daily basis as we live in a world that’s a concrete jungle.
This technology also helps give you the energy return you need to propel you forward and eliminate fatigue.
The Gravity Defyer really makes a point of difference for walking and standing and absorbing that kind of shock.
You’re not going to feel the springs or feel unsteady as they feel super cushiony and you don’t know the work they’re doing.
If you’re going from maybe 3 to 5000 steps a day to maybe doubling that every single day and then you’re getting more in the next day, the Defyer is vital for your feet.
As one of the best shoes for bad knees, the G-Defy from Gravity Defyer meets the guidelines of the American Medical Athletic Association.
Cons:
- Front part might rub off easily (does not affect the comfort)
Skechers Squad SR
(women)
Best for: bad knees, bad hips, bad ankles, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs, arthritis, bunions, flat feet, high arches, wide feet
The Squad is a very comfortable cushy walking shoe that feels like walking on clouds, which is great for people with bad knees who come back home with sore feet and knees.
Upper
This best-seller has a soft smooth knit mesh upper. It offers smooth synthetic overlays at the toe, heel, and at the laces for added durability, and a good level of knee support.
The upper is a great fit and narrow or pinchy on your foot at all, which also great for bunions as well.
The inside has a soft fabric lining for a great next-to-skin feel and the footbed is memory foam cushioning that provides comfort and support.
Slip-on Style
There’s a front lace-up closure that you won’t have to tie all the time because the shoe is a slip-on style. You won’t have to worry about the laces getting undone all day, which adds to the comfort of the shoe.
You’re going to love how easy it to slip on and off thanks to the convenient pull tab at the back.
Midsole
The lightweight midsole offers excellent flexibility and reliable shock absorption, which makes the shoe excellent for walking and standing all day.
Outsole
At the bottom, there’s a sturdy rubber outsole that offers great traction even on oily and wet surfaces.
Seinfeld 37 says she comes home with no knee pain at all. Read her review on Amazon.
Cons:
- Outsole deep grooves might capture things.
Skechers Performance Go Walk
(women/men)
Best for: bad knees, bad hips, bad ankles, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and neuropathies, bunions, flat feet, high arches, wide feet, Morton’s Neuroma
The GoWalk started by being a slip-on easy answer to the comfort of a sneaker or a trainer.
Lighter than an iPhone and feels lighter than a feather, the GoWalk 3 from Skechers has long been known to be one of the most comfortable walking slip-on shoes.
Upper
This awesome slip-on is quite flexible in construction with an upper crafted from textile, canvas, or mesh material.
It has plenty of detail and stitching throughout. At the back, there’s a pull loop for easy on and off.
Outsole
So the GoWalk brought something slip-on without laces and looks like a boat shoe or a ballet shoe with a sneaker outsole.
The outsole is almost like puffed air and you feel like you’re wearing a sock that happens to be attached to an outsole.
Famous Goga Mat
The Skechers GoWalk 3 features Goga Mat technology. This is like a yoga mat for your feet.
Goga mat is a fantastic squishy pad that feels like your feet are being cradled in a bed of fluff.
The Goga Mat feels wonderful, lovely, flexible, and spongy underneath your feet throughout the course of the day.
Midsole
There’s a Resalyte midsole for added shock absorption.
Outsole
All of that sits very comfortably atop a sticky and super spongy synthetic outsole.
It features Go Impulse and Go Pillar Sensors, which offers flexibility and responsive feedback for a better walking experience.
The Goga Pillars provide more shock absorbency, more cushion, and more bounce when you walk.
They also help support your feet by providing a balanced squishy surface.
When it’s time for some athletic walking, make sure you slip into something comfortable like the Go Walk 3.
Cons:
- Tight on top for people with high instep.
Brooks Addiction Walker
(women/men)
Best for: bad knees, knee replacement, hips, and lower back pain, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs, arthritis, vein problems, bunions, flat feet, high arches, wide feet, Morton’s Neuroma.
Take strides of confidence because you’re going to be walking with ease and plenty of comfort.
Upper
The Addiction is a sleek walker that has smooth and supple full-grain leather that’s durable and easy to maintain. It’s also been updated and now it’s available in suede as well.
It has a lace-up closure with a padded tongue and collar for Achilles’ support and extra comfort next to your skin.
There’s a padded tongue and collar that add to the cushioning around your ankle and Achilles tendon.
The comes in a wide width, which would be very good if you have anything like bunions, some sort of metatarsalgia, hammertoes, claw toes, and things like that.
Insole
This shoe also features a removable cushioned insole which has a deep heel cup to keep your foot in place.
The insole is going to provide you with great arch support and plenty of underfoot support as well.
Midsole/BioMogo
The Brooks also features the Hydro Flow Technology inside the midsole.
This fancy term means gel that’s designed to enhance the midsole cushioning, provide excellent shock absorption, and help stabilize your foot.
This will be a very good option for you if you have over pronation issues because of that inside posting.
The posting is essentially just a build-up of material in the medial area of the shoe.
It also has a full-length innovative BioMoGo recyclable midsole compound designed to:
- stabilize the foot,
- reduce overpronation,
- provide you with plenty of underfoot support and protection.
Outsole
The bottom has a nice durable outsole with a high-density carbon heel with flex grooves for great road feel.
The great thing about this is that it’s going to give you a balanced position offering maximum motion control and flexibility from heel strike through toe-off.
The outsole is slip-resistant and it’s great for various conditions. Wet or dry, you’re going to get a good grasp on a variety of surfaces.
Slip in to comfort and feel fantastic with one of the best walking shoes for flat feet and bad knees.
Cons:
- New version is stiffer and less comfortable than version 1.
Keen Women’s Presidio
Best for: bad knees, knee replacement, hips, ankle and lower back pain, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs, arthritis, bunions and hammertoes, flat feet, high arches, wide feet, Morton’s Neuroma.
If you walk a lot or if you’re on your feet all day at work, the Keen Presidio is going to be your new best friend.
The Keen offers refined casual comfort with a rugged professional style.
Upper
A beautifully crafted shoe, Keen designed the Presidio with a really great leather upper which is water-resistant and features detailed side stitching as well.
You have a really nice generous toe box for a lot of nice width in the toes so you can get that natural toe splay and make your toes dance.
It’s got that classic oxford lacing system with metal eyelets and wide laces to give you a nice secure and customized fit.
This is an easy-going style that’s subtle but not too out of place in a working environment.
The Presidio also has Keen’s patented toe bumper which is going to add durability to the shoe and protection to your toes in all your daily adventures.
Inside
The inside features a really great breathable lining with a removable insole.
Around the ankle and the sides of the foot, it feels like it’s almost a body pillow wrapped around the entire parameter of the inside.
There’s a lovely leather lining right around the entrance for nice, soft, and supple wear over time.
The moisture-wicking fabric on the inside of the Presidio provides you with all-day dryness which translates to comfort and less odors.
You can rest assured you’re not stinking up the house when you finally take them off at the end of the day.
Footbed
The insole is padded and offers a lot of support action making your steps comfortable.
Thanks to the removable Metatomical footbed which conforms to your foot, you’ll be able to focus on the task at hand and not how comfortable and stable your feet are.
Midsole/Outsole
The midsole offers a great level of support while the non-marking high-traction rubber outsole is going to give stability on all types of surfaces.
As one of the best walking shoes for flat feet and bad knees, the Presidio’s support and comfort are truly one of the best.
Cons:
- Upper might feel stiff for some.
Propet Men’s Stability Walker
Best for: bad knees, hips, ankle, and lower back pain, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs, wide feet, Morton’s Neuroma, Achilles Tendonitis.
This amazing athletic walking shoe is built to last with perforations on the vamp for added breathability.
The Propet was designed to keep you comfortable and stable while still keeping you looking good.
Footbed
There’s a removable shock-absorbing footbed that allows you the opportunity to replace with your custom orthotic if you chose to do so.
The interior features really nice plush cushioning all the way around while the padded tongue and collar a great for all-day comfort.
Shock Absorption
There’s a lightweight midsole that’s very shock absorbing. The midsole offers tons of shock absorption with built-in gel in the heel area for added comfort within the shoe.
This entire shoe is built to absorb shock and that’s what Propet does the best. The Stability Walker gives you the smoothest transition from heel strike to toe-off possible.
Stability
This shoe has added arch support for tons of stability too so you’re going to have lateral stability with every step for a smoother gait cycle that you can go for longer walks.
Outsole
The sticky rubber outsole has a nice wide platform. It features an arch bridge that has plenty of texture and offers plenty of flexibility and underfoot support.
Get out there and have the walk of your life with this amazing walker from Propet. This is a lightweight sporty design that’s very stable and it just looks good.
Again, the Propet Stability Walker is one of the best walking shoes for hip and knee pain.
Cons:
- Inconsistent sizing and fit.
Nike Men’s Air Monarch IV
Best for: bad knees, knee replacement, hips, ankle, and lower back pain, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs, bunions, flat feet, high arches, wide feet.
Dubbed the Cadillac of cushioning, the Air Monarch is consistently one of Nike’s best-selling models.
Cushioning
Featuring full-length air cushioning, the Air Monarch is one of the few Nike models offered in multiple widths, available in the standard ‘D’ and the extra-wide ‘4E’.
Along with the full-length Air cushioning system, the Phylon midsole absorbs tons of shock as well.
Upper
This fantastic shoe is made of a smooth durable upper. It has a traditional lace-up design with a unique system over the middle area for a secure fit. Then, of course, there’s a padded tongue and collar for additional comfort.
On the lateral side, leather composes the paneled upper with a silver 3M swoosh.
At the back of the shoe, the paneled leather upper wraps around the heel with a pull tab for easy on and off.
Inside
The Monarch features a soft textile lining that feels great against the skin while wicking away moisture.
Outsole
It’s all on top of a durable rubber outsole which is treaded for additional stability and traction.
The outsole has a pivot point for enhanced performance.
Get yourself a sleek look with tons of comfort and cushioning.
Cons:
- Midsole might squeak after some use.
If you’re into Nike, make sure you check these out:
Nike Epic React vs Odyssey
Rockport (Men)
Rockport Men’s World Tour Classic
Best for: bad knees, knee replacement, hips, and lower back pain, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs, flat feet, wide feet.
This great shoe is going to give you hours of comfort no matter how long you wear it.
It does feature a traditional lace-up design with exposed stitching throughout which translates to more durability.
There’s plenty of padding around the ankle and collar with an Achilles notch for comfort
You also have the ability to remove the insole which is perforated for breathability and contoured for a bit of comfort. It’s going to give hours of cushioning.
Midsole/Outsole
The midsole is very thick and goes the full length of the shoe and that’s going to help give you plenty of shock absorption from heel strike to toe-off.
The outsole has a great tread pattern with flex grooves for added flexibility.
Cons:
- Short laces.
Rockport Men’s M7100 Pro Walker
Best for: bad knees, hips, ankle and lower back pain, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs, arthritis, flat feet, neuropathy, high arches, wide feet.
Upper
The Rockport’s upper has been crafted with a genuine smooth full-grain leather upper that is easy to clean and maintain.
It has an incredibly sturdy construction. It features a traditional lace-up design with blind eyelets for a proper fit.
The Rockport has a padded tongue to prevent lace bruising and a padded collar to prevent blisters for continuous comfort.
The Rockport has a patented walking platform for support and stability. It also has a removable cushioned insole that is odor and fungus resistant and it also helps wick away moisture.
Outsole
On the bottom, you’re looking at a very sticky and durable rubber outsole that provides durability whether you’re walking indoors or outdoors.
The Rockport 7100 proves that there is a difference between walking shoes and walking comfort, which makes it one of the best walking shoes for knee pain.
Cons:
- Short laces.
Where to buy the best shoes for knee pain
Saucony Grid Omni | Vionic Walker |
|---|---|
| Moderate to severe overpronation | Moderate overpronation |
| Leather upper | Full-grain, water-resistant leather |
| Removable PU insole | Removable orthotic insole |
| Ndurance rubber outsole | Durable rubber outsole |
| |
Brooks Addiction | Hoka Bondi |
|---|---|
| Moderate to severe overpronation | Mild overpronation |
| Full-grain leather/nubuck | Full-grain leather/mesh |
| Removable insole | Removable insole |
| Durable HPR Green outsole | Abrasion rubber outsole |
| |
End of article: Best Walking Shoes for Bad Knees and OA Pain
What can you do to avoid bad knees?
You basically need to strengthen your stabilizing muscles on the inside of the knee and keep the outside of the ITB nice and loose.
The pain also comes a lot from the hips. So stretching well through the hips, piriformis, buttocks, hamstrings helps with keeping the knee and the knee joint in place.
I’m big on Stairmaster, elliptical, and swimming. These activities stretch through your stomach and keep your spine nice and straight and build your lower abs.
Related:
Best running shoes for knee pain/knee support
Running and knee pain
With running, you’ve basically got to get everything forward, hips, chest, and so on.
And so, it’s quite often tightness comes from your lower back, goes through your piriformis, and down your IT Band, gets your knee, pulls the tracking out, and that’s how you end up with knee problems.
So, I would probably have one day off in the program. I would run 3 to 4 days a week and the other days would be cross-training and strength training.
These were some of the best walking shoes for bad knees. Please share your experience if you’ve ever had some shoes that you swear by.
Which pair is the best for hiking?
I don’t think these shoes are designed for hiking. Yet, the Keen Presidio above has a version for hiking.
I have bone to bone knees and hurting feet I need arch in walking shoes, I can’t spend a lot don’t have it but need something to help me walk without so much pain what will do. It
Hey Carol. I’m so sorry for your condition and I hope you find some really well-fitting shoes for you. Your condition needs some serious support and I suggest you visit a podiatrist as soon as possible. They will certainly know the amount of support you need and most of the time they would recommend custom orthotics. Good luck.