Shoes that offer good support and cushioning will take excess pressure off your feet and knees and provide superb comfort when you have knee pain.
The best New Balance shoes for knee pain have features that are ideal in this regard.
If you have a foot condition or ongoing foot pain, talk to a doctor or podiatrist. Shoes can add comfort and support, but they are not a medical treatment.
Knee Pain and Its Causes
Your knees are one of the larger joints in your body, and they take on their fair share of impact daily. This explains why knee pain is so common among so many people.
Knee pain can be caused by inflammation in the knees and other conditions. This can also be due to knee muscle weakness, lifting heavy items, performing high-impact fitness routines, and ill-fitting shoes.
In general proper shoes can help your knees in all these causes.
Knee pain can happen to anyone at any age or stage of their lives for many reasons, but the right footwear can support your knees and help ease much of the pain and symptoms.
New Balance shoes have features and designs that are well suited to easing knee pain.
The Best and Worst Kinds of Shoes for Your Knees
But before we get into the best New Balance shoes for your knee pain, let us first look at what is the best and the worst types of shoes when it comes to knee pain and its causes;
- The Worst Kinds of Shoes for Knee Pain – Not all shoes are good for walking, standing, or running in, and they can add pressure to your joints, including your knee joints, causing more damage and pain.[1] High heels increase pressure in the front, are off your feet, and push your feet in an unnatural forward position that causes irregular pressure and movement. High heels should be avoided at all costs if you have weak or painful knees. Shoes that are completely flat soles with no cushioning or support features are just as bad for your knees as there is nothing to absorb impact, which then goes straight to your joints.[2]
- The Best Shoes for Knee Pain – Athletic and running design shoes are the absolute best types of shoes for knee pain and weak knees. I know they are only sometimes suitable for all occasions; however, with technology today, you can get more formal-styled athletic shoes, even in New Balance models. Athletic and running shoes provide good cushioning and support features, such as stability and flexibility, arch support, and shock absorbency, which are ideal for reducing pressure on your feet and knees and ensuring proper alignment.[3] Without more bendable and flexibility that restricts movement is ideally suited for knee pain. They should fit well and allow for a more natural gait when you walk or run rather than restricting your movement.
Features of a Good New Balance Shoe for Knee Pain
New Balance shoes offer some superb features that can help ease the symptoms of knee pain, and here are a few of these characteristics;
- Uppers – For the Uppers, most New balance shoe models will have mesh and synthetic materials that allow for structural integrity, excellent breathability, and a comfortable, flexible fit. They may be mesh, engineered mesh options, and some models are entirely leather. Inside you will find a soft and seamless moisture-wicking interior lining for your comfort and to keep your feet dry.
- Midsole and Cushioning – New Balance shoes mostly come with their signature and removable cushioned insole. The midsole options you have are the ACTEVA and REVLite midsoles, which are the most lightweight; the Fresh Foam Midsole that is plusher and cushioned; the IMEVA and EVA midsoles offer slightly firmer cushioning and shock absorbency. The popular ABZORB cushioning system also offers exceptional shock absorbency. In addition, some models have a more molded footbed with an Ortholite sock liner for moisture-wicking cushioning and better-cradled support.
- Outsole – New balance shoes generally have a rubber outsole or an NDurance rubber outsole that is improved in high-wear areas for better abrasion resistance. In addition, the tread is designed for maximum grip and traction.
- Fit – The New Balance shoe for knee pain range generally offers a medium fit. However, you do get options with an Ultra Heel to hug the back of your foot for better stability or the more supportive bootie fit design. The 3D print fit is also quite supportive. The fit will depend on the specific model. There are also width options available.
- Options – New Balance shoes for knee pain offer many choices in some fashionable color options and width options.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| No. | Shoe | Type | Upper | Closure | Cushioning (as listed) | Outsole |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15 | Running Shoe | Mesh | Not stated | Fresh Foam X | Rubber |
| 2 | New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 | Running Shoe | Mesh | Lace-up | Fresh Foam X | Not stated |
| 3 | New Balance 608V7 / 608 V5 (men's) | Training Shoe | Suede | Lace-up | ABZORB | Not stated |
| 4 | New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | FuelCell | Not stated |
| 5 | New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 / Fresh Foam Roav (men's) | Running Shoe | Not stated | Not stated | Fresh Foam | Rubber |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing. Specs as stated by the listing, not tested by us; check the listing before you buy.
Reviews: The Best New Balance® Shoes for Knee Pain
So, here are our top picks in shoes from New Balance that offers you the best comfort and support for knee pain;
We hope you love the products we recommend! So that you know, We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
1
Supportive Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for knee pain.
- All-new Infinion technology delivers premium underfoot cushioning with enhanced energy return, designed for long-lasting performance run after run, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for knee pain.
- Built with NDurance rubber in high-wear areas for increased durability, ensuring reliable traction and longevity through hundreds of miles, helpful on the surfaces you meet during running.
- Stylish molded mesh upper provides a breathable, supportive fit with a modern aesthetic that transitions easily from run to daily wear, a feature worth weighing when comparing New Balance shoes for knee pain.
- Plush cushioned tongue and heel tab deliver added comfort and easy on-off convenience, reducing pressure points during long runs, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- All-new Infinion cushioning delivers long-lasting performance with enhanced cushioning and energy return, providing a plush yet responsive ride mile after mile.
- Built for daily road running with a balanced combination of soft cushioning and responsive energy return that runners have come to rely on in the 1080 series.
- Breathable Upper Design: lightweight, ventilated upper keeps your feet cool and dry during long runs, with a secure fit that moves naturally with your stride.
2
Cushioned Breathable Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for knee pain.
- Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content delivers the brand’s most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for knee pain.
- These running shoes for women feature a gusseted tongue designed to help keep debris out.
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper, which helps feet stay comfortable through running.
- Adjustable lace closure for a customized fit, so it is easier to get a secure, comfortable fit for running.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
3
Supportive Cushioned Training Shoe for Gym Workouts
The New Balance 608 V5 (men’s) and 608V7 (women’s) are matching training shoes from New Balance, and both are worth a look for New Balance shoes for knee pain.
- IMEVA midsole with ABZORB heel pad absorbs impact and provides added cushioning for all-day comfort during training and everyday wear, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for knee pain.
- Quality suede upper delivers a classic, durable look with supportive structure that molds comfortably to your foot over time, the kind of support many people look for in New Balance shoes for knee pain.
- Traditional lace-up design allows you to adjust the fit for maximum comfort and a secure feel during workouts and daily activities, worth noting if fit is a priority for New Balance shoes for knee pain.
- Lightly cushioned footbed provides an extra layer of soft comfort underfoot, keeping you supported through long days on your feet, which helps keep long stretches of workouts comfortable.
- Sturdy outsole construction offers reliable traction and long-lasting durability on gym floors, sidewalks, and everyday surfaces.
- ABZORB heel crash pad absorbs impact on every step, paired with a molded PU insert for underfoot comfort that lasts from morning to night.
- Sturdy suede upper provides supportive structure and a classic look that breaks in nicely over time for a personalized fit.
4
Shoe for Everyday Wear
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for knee pain.
- Years of research went into perfecting the SuperComp Elite v5 containing a FuelCell midsole made with PEBA, which helps keep long stretches of everyday wear comfortable.
- Energy Arc pairs sport-specific carbon fiber plate geometry with strategic midsole voids, designed to increase stored energy to deliver a higher amount of total energy returned.
- Rocker profile for smooth, natural feeling transition from heel to toe.
- FantomFit upper offers ultra-light bonded support, a feature worth weighing when comparing New Balance shoes for knee pain.
- FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward, which helps keep long stretches of everyday wear comfortable.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
5
Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance Fresh Foam Roav (men’s) and Fresh Foam Roav V1 (women’s) are matching running shoes from New Balance, and both are worth a look for New Balance shoes for knee pain.
- Plush Fresh Foam cushioning absorbs impact and delivers a soft, comfortable ride for road runs and everyday wear, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for knee pain.
- Targeted heel support provides a secure, locked-in fit that keeps your foot stable and comfortable throughout your run, the kind of support many people look for in New Balance shoes for knee pain.
- Ndurance Outsole: durable NDurance rubber outsole technology handles road miles and daily wear while maintaining reliable traction on multiple surfaces, a practical detail for running.
- Bootie Construction: soft, sock-like bootie wraps your foot for a smooth, comfortable feel with no irritating seams against your skin, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- Removable Arch Support: the removable insole with built-in arch support adapts to your unique foot shape for personalized comfort all day.
- Truly Unique: the New Balance Fresh Foam Roav v1 running shoes are the ultimate in casual athletic style.
- Feel like you’re running or walking in the clouds.
Index Table: Top Rated New Balance Shoes for Knee Pain
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Balance® - Supportive Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 2 | New Balance® - Cushioned Breathable Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 3 | New Balance® - Supportive Cushioned Training Shoe for Gym Workouts |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 4 | New Balance® - Shoe for Everyday Wear |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 5 | New Balance® - Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
Sources
General background on foot health and footwear. This is not medical advice; see a doctor or podiatrist about foot pain or a foot condition.
- NHS: Knee pain
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Foot Comfort and Safety at Work
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo): Arthritis of the Knee
Update History
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 680V7 to New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 1080V11 to New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 608V7 to a current in-stock listing
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 880V11 to New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 to a current in-stock listing
- Oct 2026: Removed New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro V6 (unavailable)
- Jul 2021: Added New Balance 680V7
- Jun 2021: First published
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