Best Running Shoes for Bad Knees 2024

If you feel intense pain in your knees while working out or during a light jog, then you are suffering from Bad Knees. The causes of bad knees can be numerous, for example, Tendinitis, Bursitis, Osteoarthritis, etc. But if you have been cleared by your doctor of all the major and serious causes for bad knees and you still have to tolerate the excruciating pain while working out and running, then the cause can be poor running shoes.

The wrong pair of shoes can cause serious problems to your knees, hips, and backbones. Also, doctors concern often that worn-out shoes provide no support and thus, lead to knee and hip-related problems.

If you suffer from bad knees but you really want to infuse cardio in your routine because running has a wide range of benefits ranging from improved cardiovascular health to maximum calorie burning, then you don’t need to worry about finding the shoes which will provide you with ultimate comfort and support.

As we have compiled the 5 best running shoes which can help you with your bad knees. These shoes feature a durable sole, optimal cushioning, heel, and arch support. Also, it is high time to replace the pair of worn-out running shoes in your wardrobe and get a new, supportive, and helpful pair of running shoes.

The first shoe on our list is Women’s Adrenaline GTS 19 Running Shoe by the renown brand Brooks. This specific shoe is often recommended by doctors to the people who suffer from bad knees. It doesn’t matter if you are an expert, casual or occasional runner as Adrenaline GTS 19 will provide you with ample of support and balanced cushioning which is appropriate for all types of runners. Also, the balanced cushioning helps to prevent knee injuries.

I ordered this pair of Adrenaline in half a size larger than my actual size and as I have wide feet, I selected the wide option on the website.  The toe box has plenty of room so that my toes don’t feel confiscated and confined too closely. The positive part is, it’s not too large either.

Moreover, Adrenaline 19 features a new Guiderail support system which not only focuses on providing the best support to your feet but also minimizes the danger of getting injuries on the most injury prone part of a runner’s body-the knees. This guiderail system ensures your safety by keeping the excessive motion and movement in check. This is why Adrenaline GTS 19 is best known for providing an exceptional motion control.

Furthermore, it incorporates two types of cushioning known as BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT which are infused together to provide balanced cushioning without reducing responsiveness and durability. The shocking part is, even with different types of cushioning it feels incredibly lightweight.

What I love the most about this pair is that it feels very lightweight and protective at the same time. It provides the right amount of cushioning and enables me to float through my every step while running. Also, this shoe features a very modernized design and style as it features an engineered mesh with a 3D fit print upper which gives it a very streamlined look.

On the downside, the quality of these shoes isn’t up to the mark as I noticed a ripped streamline after wearing it for 4 months.

All in all, the Adrenaline can provide you with an exceptional comfort and support system along with ensuring the safety of your knees.

The second-best shoe on the list is New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe. This shoe provides you with an ultra-durable mileage. This shoe offers a sleek design along with an exceptional comfort. This shoe is specially manufactured to encourage you to run more and more every day.

While ordering this shoe, I went for an upsize. Upon receiving this shoe, I was grateful that I ordered it in one size bigger than my usual size as this shoe was a perfect fit. The Hypoknit upper of this shows that it is manufactured with great amount if detailing, as the design and material is of premium quality and it gives a very protective yet secure and soft fit to my feet. Also, the 3D heel design ensures a more secure fit and doesn’t allow my feet to twist at all while running.

Moreover, the V10 features a full-length fresh foam midsole which is manufactured through data to design and naturally it provides me with an excessive amount of softness and responsiveness at the same time. It also includes an ortholite cushioning which not only adds to the comfort of the shoe but also fights off the sweat with its moisture control technology.

The only drawback of this shoe is that if you order it in your actual size while having wide feet, then it is going to be too tight for you. This happens because this shoe is designed to hug the top of your feet completely in order to give a more secure fit.

Conclusively, running in these shoes was a great experience and it encouraged me to run everyday a little more because of its remarkable responsive cushioning.

The third best shoe on this list is HOKA ONE Gaviota 2. The Gaviota 2 is Hoka’s softest pair of running shoes. It will also provide you with an exceptional stability, so if you have a problem of over pronation which results in bad knees as the runner’s feet roll in too much, then this shoe is your relief solution.

I would recommend you to go for half a size bigger than your actual size so that you can enjoy an unproblematic fit. The best thing about these shoes is that they don’t roll in half while running and in fact prove to be very stable even on uneven surfaces.

Moreover, if you suffer from bunions, Morton’s Neuroma, bone spurs, etc, and require orthotics in your shoes, then the good news is that you will not require one while wearing Gaviota 2. This shoe provides exceptional comfort and softness to relieve you of all the pain. Also, the upper consists of a breathable upper along with synthetic seamless overlays. The lining inside the shoe is also manufactured from breathable material so that you can enjoy abrasion-free and sweat-free running.

The rubber sole of this shoe consists rubber inserts which provide maximum traction and an enhanced grip. The insole is made of padded foam for maximum comfort, it is also removable in case you want to insert orthotics. It also features an EVA midsole which not only absorbs shock but also provides with stability, the plus point is that it is quite durable.

The only drawback is that these shoes are quite expensive and can put a strain on your pocket.

Conclusively, I loved the Gaviota 2 as it relieved me from the pain I used to feel because of bad knees, also it gives me maximum stability and comfort. Undoubtedly it has numerous benefits, so in front of them, the price is not a big issue as its worth it.

The fourth shoe on my list is ASICS Gel-Quantum 360 Knit 2 Women’s Running Shoe. Asics is well known for manufacturing shoes which are phenomenal in durability and provide maximum comfort along with stability. This Gel-Quantum 360 features many impressive functions and materials which provide you with an ultimate comfortable and exceptional experience.

While ordering this shoe I stuck to my usual size as the manufacturer mentioned that this shoe is available in true sizes and I would recommend you to do the same. The upper features a FLUIDFIT technology with a flexible mesh that can be stretched in multiple directions. This allows the shoe to fit every foot type exceptionally well as if it is customized only for them by providing a glove-like fit.

This imported shoe has a rubber outsole which helps in maximum traction and also adds durability to the show. The Gel technology cushioning system in the rearfoot and forefoot helps with absorbing the shock especially during the toe off phases; not only this, but it also allows movements during the gait cycle when the foot transitions in multiple planes. It also features trusstic System technology which not only retains the structure of the sole but also keeps it incredibly lightweight at the same time.

Moreover, it also incorporates a heel clutching system which not only provides you with an improved support but also provides a phenomenal heal fitting which is ensured with the help of exoskeletal heal counter. It also has an Ortholite sock liner, which is a trademark of ATP manufacturing, this Ortholite X-40 sock liner provides exceptional breathability to your feet with an excellent moisture management; your feet won’t be sweaty at all even after long runs.

Moving towards the SOLYTE midsole, you need to know it is lighter in weight than the other midsoles of ASICS shoes, this midsole also provides an enhanced durability and soft cushioning.

On the downside, I found this exceptionally innovative shoe slightly narrow at the toe box area. As I have wide toes, it was problematic for me.

All in all, I am greatly impressed by the way ASICS have incorporated innovative technologies in this shoe, specially for the benefit of runners with bad knees. Also, the narrow toe box problem can be solved by opting for half a size greater than your actual size if you have wide toes.

ASICS has again made it to the list by its ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 25 Running Shoes. The Gel-Kayano shoes have been around for more than 3 decades and it has been improving ever since with every model. The Gel-Kayano 25, supports feet with flat and low arches and it also ensures proper alignment which helps in reducing the pressure from all the joints of the body.

While buying this shoe I sticked to the original size as the manufacturer mentioned that this shoe is available in true sizes. I would suggest you to do the same as it fits perfectly. This imported shoe includes a rubber outsole which provides an enhanced traction and durability.

Also, it uses a Dynamic duomax system which helps in correcting overpronation, this is done by increasing supportive cushioning inside the midsole. The SpevaFoam 45 midsole provides with a maximized cushioning and support so that the feet don’t overpronate or roll inside toward the big toe. ASICS has included its well known trusstic guidance technology in the Kayano 25 as well. This technology helps in an improved gait efficiency. The heel strike is enhanced in this shoe with the help of Impact guidance system.

Moreover, the movement in multiple planes without any difficulty is made possible by the Gel rearfoot and forefoot enhanced cushioning system.

On the downside, I found this shoe uncomfortable for people with high arches. It works fine for people with flat feet or low arches as it is specially made for them.

Conclusively, I am impressed with the way ASICS uses a combination of different technologies in its shoes specially designed to cater to the needs of its customer. You should definitely buy Gel-Kayano 25 if you have flat feet or feet with low arches.