Knee pain is common, and it can get in the way of everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs. It has many causes, including injuries, mechanical problems and types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis the most common type in the knee.[1][2] Your feet affect how forces travel up to the knees, so footwear is one small piece of the picture. A comfortable, supportive shoe can make walking easier for some people, but it does not treat the cause of knee pain.[3]
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. See a doctor if you cannot bear weight on the knee, it feels unstable, it swells a lot, you cannot fully straighten it, or you have a fever with a red, painful, swollen knee.[1]
How Shoes Relate to Knee Pain
- Comfort and Support – A well-fitting, cushioned shoe helps some people walk with less discomfort. Foot shape and the way you walk change the load on the knee, so choose a shoe that suits your foot.[3]
- Weight and Activity – Extra body weight increases stress on the knee joints, even during ordinary activities such as walking and climbing stairs.[1] Low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling are easier on the knees than jogging or tennis.[2]
Choosing Shoes for Knee Pain
Here are some of the factors to look for in shoes for your knee pain:
- Skip High Heels – The Arthritis Foundation advises against narrow, pointed and high-heeled shoes and suggests a broad, low block heel if you want some height.[3] Very flat, flexible shoes give little shock absorption, so choose something in between.
- Well Cushioned Footwear – A cushioned insole and padded footbed soften impact underfoot. Look for a shoe with a cushioned footbed when you have knee problems.
- Firm Midsoles – A midsole that is firm but not rigid keeps the shoe stable underfoot.
Features of a Good Shoe for Knee Pain
- Cushioning and shock absorbency – Gel, foam or memory foam cushioning adds comfort, and an EVA or foam midsole absorbs shock underfoot.
- Stability – Stability shoes use a firm heel and a denser midsole to control overpronation, a tendency of the foot to roll inward. Flat feet and overpronation can pass extra stress to the knees, hips and lower back.[4] The Arthritis Foundation notes that stability shoes have been shown to add more knee stress than flatter shoes, so they do not suit everyone with knee pain. Ask your doctor or podiatrist which type is right for you.[3]
- Outsole – A slip-resistant rubber outsole grips smooth floors better, which lowers the chance of slipping.
- Uppers – Lightweight, breathable mesh and synthetic uppers keep your feet cool and well ventilated, and sandal straps must fit comfortably.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| No. | Shoe | Type | Upper | Closure | Cushioning (as listed) | Outsole | Insole |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skechers Go Walk Joy / N-Joy Nate (men's) | Sneaker | Mesh | Not stated | Ultra Light (men's), Goga Mat (women's) | Not stated | Not stated |
| 2 | Vionic Copal Kirra Fashionable / Tide (men's) | Sandal | Leather (men's), suede (women's) | Strap | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| 3 | Orthofeet Celina / Broadway (men's) | Dress Shoe | Leather | Strap | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| 4 | New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15 | Running Shoe | Mesh | Not stated | Infinion | Rubber | Not stated |
| 5 | ASICS Gel-Excite 11 | Running Shoe | Mesh | Not stated | PureGEL | Not stated | Not stated |
| 6 | Vionic Tide 2.0 / Tide II (men's) | Flip-Flop | Leather | Not stated | EVA | Not stated | Not stated |
| 7 | New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 | Running Shoe | Not stated | Not stated | Fresh Foam | Rubber | Removable |
| 8 | Skechers Go Run Trail | Sneaker | Mesh | Not stated | Memory Foam | Not stated | Not stated |
| 9 | Dr. Comfort Mallory Diabetic / 1461 (men's) | Dress Shoe | Leather (men's), leather with micro-suede lining (women's) | Lace-up (men's), slip-on (women's) | Not stated | Not stated | Removable |
| 10 | Skechers Go Walk 5 / Energy Afterburn (men's) | Sneaker | Leather and mesh (men's), mesh (women's) | Laces (men's), pull-on (women's) | Ultra Go | Not stated | Not stated |
| 11 | Clarks Un Adorn Zip / Higley Tie (men's) | Sneaker | Textile (men's), leather and suede (women's) | Lace-up (men's), zip (women's) | EVA | Rubber | Not stated |
| 12 | New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 | Running Shoe | Mesh | Lace-up | Fresh Foam X | Not stated | Not stated |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the listing, not tested by us; check the listing before you buy.
Our Shoe Picks for Knee Pain
These shoes offer cushioning, stable soles and secure fits for everyday walking in 2026. Check the current sizes and colors on the web before you order.
We hope you love the products we recommend. The links on this page may earn us a share of sales or other compensation.
1
Cushioned Mesh and Knit Sneakers
Skechers N-Joy Nate - Men
Currently unavailable
Skechers Go Walk Joy - Women
Currently unavailable
Skechers sells these as two different styles: the men’s Go Walk Arch Fit N-Joy Nate has a knit upper with elastic bungee laces, and the women’s Go Walk Joy has a mesh upper.
- Men’s N-Joy Nate: podiatrist-certified Arch Fit insole that is removable, and a lightweight Ultra Light midsole.
- Men’s N-Joy Nate: breathable knit upper with elastic bungee laces that work like a slip-on, plus the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance.
- Women’s Go Walk Joy: 5Gen midsole cushioning and an Air-Cooled Goga Mat insole.
- Women’s Go Walk Joy has a breathable mesh upper made from vegan materials.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on the web, each with its own size range.
- Check the Product listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
2
Slide and Strappy Flat Sandals
Vionic Tide - Men
Currently unavailable
Vionic Copal Kirra Fashionable - Women
Currently unavailable
Vionic sells these as two different sandals: the men’s Tide is a slide with leather trim, and the women’s Copal Kirra is a strappy flat sandal.
- Men’s Tide: open-toe slide with a lightweight, flexible EVA midsole that absorbs shock and a patterned TPR outsole for traction.
- Women’s Copal Kirra: Vionic’s Vio Motion technology combines stability, cushioning, arch support and flexibility.
- Vionic suggests wearing a new pair for a few hours at first so your feet can adapt to the support.
- Arch support and stability features do not suit everyone with knee pain, so ask your doctor if you are unsure.
3
Extra-Depth Strap Dress Shoes
Orthofeet Broadway - Men
Currently unavailable
Orthofeet Celina - Women
Currently unavailable
Orthofeet makes these as two different styles: the men’s Broadway is a leather dress shoe with a monk strap, and the women’s Celina is a leather Mary Jane with an adjustable strap.
- Supple leather upper; the men’s Broadway has a wide-opening monk strap and the women’s Celina has a pull-open strap, so both are easy to get on and off.
- Includes an orthotic insole with anatomical arch support and layered cushioning.
- A wide toe box gives the forefoot more room.
- Both styles are listed as true to size.
4
Supportive Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15 - Women
Currently unavailable
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 shoes for knee pain.
- All-new Infinion technology delivers premium underfoot cushioning with enhanced energy return, designed for long-lasting performance run after run, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- Built with NDurance rubber in high-wear areas for increased durability, ensuring reliable traction and longevity through hundreds of miles, a practical detail for running.
- Stylish molded mesh upper provides a breathable, supportive fit with a modern aesthetic that transitions easily from run to daily wear, the kind of support many people look for in shoes for knee pain.
- Plush cushioned tongue and heel tab deliver added comfort and easy on-off convenience, reducing pressure points during long runs, a useful trait in shoes for knee pain.
- 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.
5
Cushioned Lightweight Running Shoe for Daily Miles
ASICS Gel-Excite 11 - Men
Currently unavailable
ASICS Gel-Excite 11 - Women
Currently unavailable
The ASICS Gel-Excite 11 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for shoes for knee pain.
- PureGEL technology: softer, updated version of the brand’s GEL technology. Approximately 65% softer vs standard GEL technology, a useful trait in shoes for knee pain.
- Engineered mesh upper: a lightweight, breathable meshmaterial helps reduce the need for additionaloverlays, which helps feet stay comfortable through running.
- Midsole cushioning that provides a more soft and comfortable ride than standard AMPLIFOAM cushioning, a useful trait in shoes for knee pain.
- Designed to help improve visibility OrthoLite X-30 sockliner: Sockliner that provides cushioning performance and moisture management for a cooler, dryer environment, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- Designed to help improve visibility.
- Sockliner that provides cushioning performance and moisture management for a cooler, dryer environment.
- This comfortable heel tab makes the shoe easier and more comfortable to put on and take off.
6
Supportive Cushioned Flip-Flop for Everyday Wear
Vionic Tide II - Men
Currently unavailable
Vionic Tide 2.0 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Vionic Tide II (men’s) and Tide 2.0 (women’s) are matching flip-flops from Vionic, and both are worth a look for shoes for knee pain.
- Women’s sandal with Luxe materials meet signature Vionic alignment, bringing modern energy to the iconic womens sandals you’ve relied on for performance and all-day balance.
- Built-in VIO MOTION Technology, featuring contoured arch support, with shock-absorbing cushioning, a deep heel cup to provide stability, and forefoot flexibility, a useful trait in shoes for knee pain.
- Flexible EVA midsole absorbs shock, reducing stress on feet, ankles and knees, which helps keep long stretches of everyday wear comfortable.
- Designed with leather trim.
- Patterned tread provides traction across a range of surfaces, helpful on the surfaces you meet during everyday wear.
- Lightweight, flexible EVA midsole absorbs shock, reducing stress on feet, ankles, and knees, a useful trait in shoes for knee pain.
- Durable TPR outsole with patterned tread helps improve traction.
7
Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles
New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for 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 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 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.
8
Supportive Cushioned Sneaker for Everyday Wear
Skechers Go Run Trail - Men
Currently unavailable
Skechers Go Run Trail - Women
Currently unavailable
The Skechers Go Run Trail comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this sneaker is worth a look for shoes for knee pain.
- Air-Cooled Memory Foam Insole-providing enhanced ventilation, which helps keep long stretches of everyday wear comfortable.
- Aggressive multi-directional lug pattern with deep traction grooves provides superior grip and stability, a feature worth weighing when comparing shoes for knee pain.
- Dvanced foam midsole technology delivers excellent energy return and shock absorption, which helps keep long stretches of everyday wear comfortable.
- Engineered mesh construction with strategic synthetic overlays offers optimal ventilation, which helps feet stay comfortable through everyday wear.
- Designed for trail running with a flexible, trail-ready outsole and 1 1/2-inch heel height.
- Mesh upper with leather overlays allows optimal airflow to keep feet cool and dry.
- Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole and ULTRA LIGHT midsole cushioning deliver all-day comfort.
9
Leather Oxford and Slip-On Dress Shoes
Dr. Martens 1461 - Men
Currently unavailable
Dr. Comfort Mallory Diabetic - Women
Currently unavailable
These are two different shoes: the men’s Dr. Martens 1461 is a lace-up leather oxford, and the women’s Dr. Comfort Mallory is a leather slip-on dress shoe with a micro-suede lining.
- Men’s Dr. Martens 1461: Goodyear-welted construction with an air-cushioned sole.
- Women’s Mallory: modern leather slip-on with a soft micro-suede lining and reduced seams.
- Women’s Mallory: removable insoles make room for your own orthotics, and a rigid shank gives midfoot stability.
- Women’s Mallory: firm, padded heel counter and a padded tongue.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on the web, each with its own size range.
- Check the Product 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.
10
Leather and Mesh Cushioned Sneakers
Skechers Energy Afterburn - Men
Currently unavailable
Skechers Go Walk 5 - Women
Currently unavailable
Skechers sells these as two different styles: the men’s Energy Afterburn is a lace-up leather and mesh sneaker, and the women’s Go Walk 5 is a pull-on mesh walking shoe.
- Men’s Energy Afterburn: smooth leather and mesh upper with a lace-up closure, a cushioned insole and a shock-absorbing midsole.
- Men’s Energy Afterburn has a heel height of about 1.5 inches and a flexible rubber traction outsole.
- Women’s Go Walk 5: athletic knit mesh upper in a pull-on style, machine washable on a gentle cycle.
- Women’s Go Walk 5: Ultra Go cushioning, an Air-Cooled Goga Mat insole and Comfort Pillar technology for added support, with a dual-density outsole.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on the web, each with its own size range.
- Check the Product 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.
11
Casual Sneakers for Everyday Wear
Clarks Higley Tie - Men
Currently unavailable
Clarks Un Adorn Zip - Women
Currently unavailable
Clarks sells these as two different styles: the men’s Higley Tie is a relaxed textile sneaker with laces, and the women’s Un Adorn Zip is a leather and suede sneaker with a zip closure.
- Women’s Un Adorn Zip: removable Ortholite footbed, EVA midsole, leather linings and a rubber outsole.
- Women’s style closes with a zipper and has a heel height of about 1.4 inches; the men’s Higley Tie has a low heel of about 0.6 inches.
- Men’s Higley Tie is a lightweight, laid-back summer sneaker in a floral textile.
- Both are casual styles, so compare their support with the walking shoes in this guide before you choose them for long walks.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on the web, each with its own size range.
- Check the Product 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.
12
Cushioned Breathable Running Shoe for Daily Miles
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 - Women
Currently unavailable
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 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 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 the web, each with its own size range.
- Check the Product 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.
Index Table: Shoes for Knee Pain
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skechers® - Cushioned Mesh and Knit Sneakers |  |  |
| Skechers |
| 2 | Vionic® - Slide and Strappy Flat Sandals |  |  |
| Vionic |
| 3 | Orthofeet® - Extra-Depth Strap Dress Shoes |  |  |
| Orthofeet |
| 4 | New Balance® - Supportive Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 5 | ASICS® - Cushioned Lightweight Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| ASICS |
| 6 | Vionic® - Supportive Cushioned Flip-Flop for Everyday Wear |  |  |
| Vionic |
| 7 | New Balance® - Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 8 | Skechers® - Supportive Cushioned Sneaker for Everyday Wear |  |  |
| Skechers |
| 9 | Dr. Martens® - Leather Oxford and Slip-On Dress Shoes |  |  |
| Dr. Martens |
| 10 | Skechers® - Leather and Mesh Cushioned Sneakers |  |  |
| Skechers |
| 11 | Clarks® - Casual Sneakers for Everyday Wear |  |  |
| Clarks |
| 12 | New Balance® - Cushioned Breathable 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.
- Mayo Clinic: Knee pain: Symptoms and causes
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo): Arthritis of the Knee
- Arthritis Foundation: A Guide to the Best Shoes for Arthritis
- Cleveland Clinic: Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
Update History
- Oct 2026: Updated the Sources list
- Oct 2026: Updated Skechers Go Walk 5 to Skechers Go Walk Joy
- Oct 2026: Updated Vionic Rest Kirra to Vionic Copal Kirra Fashionable
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance WW813 to New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15
- Oct 2026: Updated Asics Gel Cumulus 27 to ASICS Gel-Excite 11
- Oct 2026: Updated Vionic Pacific High Tide to Vionic Tide 2.0
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 680V7 to New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1
- Oct 2026: Updated Skechers D’Lites to Skechers Go Run Trail
- Oct 2026: Updated Dr. Comfort Coco to Dr. Comfort Mallory Diabetic
- Oct 2026: Updated Skechers Performance Go Walk 5 to a current in-stock listing
- Oct 2026: Updated Clarks Un-Adorn to Clarks Un Adorn Zip
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 880V11 to New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14
- Oct 2026: Removed Orthofeet Sanibel, Propet Pedic Walker, DailyShoes Sneakers and Orthofeet Quincy (unavailable)
- May 2025: Added Asics Gel Cumulus 27
- Jul 2021: Added Orthofeet Sanibel, Orthofeet Quincy and New Balance 680V7
- Jun 2021: Added New Balance 880V11
- Sep 2020: Added Skechers Performance Go Walk 5
- Aug 2020: Added Clarks Un-Adorn
- May 2020: Added Skechers Go Walk 5, Skechers D’Lites and Dr. Comfort Coco
- Jan 2020: Added Vionic Rest Kirra, New Balance WW813, DailyShoes Sneakers and Vionic Pacific High Tide
- Apr 2019: Added Propet Pedic Walker
- Aug 2018: Added Orthofeet Celina
- Sep 2016: First published
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