Knee injuries have become quite common nowadays, and they are one of the leading causes of disability in people aged 50 and above. There are various types of knee pain and injuries, and the severity of these pains and injuries vary from person to person.
If we talk about the U.S. then the most common type of knee injury there is the torn meniscus.
Also, if we talk about some of the common knee injuries and problems around the world, then they include; arthritis, chondromalacia, cruciate ligament injuries, Osgood-Schlatter disease, iliotibial band syndrome, and others.
All these knee injuries and problems are treated differently. But one thing that you can do to treat your knee pain is to wear shoes that are designed to give the ultimate level of support and comfort to your feet and knees.
But, which of the shoes are best for bad knees? Here in this article, we are going to review those shoes that are best to wear during knee pain. These include dress shoes, walking, and running shoes, tennis shoes, and cross-training and Zumba shoes.
Shoes for Bad Knees Reviews
1. Clarks Men’s Escalade Step– Dress Shoes for Bad Knees
Upper: If you are looking for a dress shoe for your bad knees, then try this Clarks Men’s Escalade Step. It is an attractive, lightweight, and comfortable dress shoe made up of full grain leather.
Its breathable leather upper with stitched detailing gives a great look. The shoes also feature a hidden elastic panel for easy slip-on entry.
Collar and Lining: A padded collar and the leather and soft fabric lining provide a great level of comfort.
Footbed: There is a removable leather footbed with OrthoLite technology. This OrthoLite technology from Clarks provides long-lasting cushion comfort to keep your feet and knees free from pain. Not only it keeps your feet and knees healthy but also wicks away moisture and odor.
Outsole: Its flexible synthetic sole with 1.5-inch heel height provides additional comfort and support. This synthetic sole has rubber properties so you can say that the shoe has a rubber traction outsole.
Size: These shoes are true to size and fit perfectly fine. There is no need to buy half an inch bigger size to accommodate your feet.
Also see: 7 Best Clarks Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
My Opinion:
Pros: It is a versatile shoe featuring a square toe box and leather upper. The OrthoLite technology in the footbed is best for your feet and knees. Also, its outsole is synthetic and lightweight that provides excellent traction against all surfaces.
Cons: According to some users its sole is a bit slippery on some type of surfaces.
2. Brooks Women’s Adrenaline Gts 18 Ankle-High Nylon Running Shoes – Running Shoes for Bad Knees for Women
Upper: This Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 is one of the best running shoes for women suffering from a knee problem. It has a smooth and new engineered mesh upper that gives a modernized look.
Outsole: The rubber outsole of the shoe provides traction as well as flexibility. Run naturally and as fast as you can with the help of this rubber outsole.
Midsole: It is featured with BioMoGo DNA cushioning midsole that lasts for a long. It perfectly absorbs your impact for a soft and smooth landing and keeps you free from foot and knee pain.
Size: These shoes are also true to size. Whatever the size of your feet is, order your shoes with the same size and enjoy your running.
Arch Support: The progressive diagonal rollbar (PDRB) is a tri-density post at the medial arch that helps keep your body properly aligned. It is biomechanically engineered to provide progressive support.
My Opinion:
Pros: Its new, modern design is quite attractive. Softer cushioning, flexibility and smooth heel-to-toe transitions help you to run fast without any discomfort. Also, its good arch support increases the comfort level.
Cons: There is no cushioning at the toe end of the shoes.
3. Puma Men’s Carson Running Shoe – Running Shoes for Bad Knees for Men
Upper: Puma offers one of the best running shoes for men with bad knees. It has an air mesh upper that is breathable to keep your shoe ventilated all the time. Also, the tongue part of the shoe features an embroidered logo.
Sockliner: The shoes come with a high-rebound Eco-OrthoLite Sockliner made up of castor oil-based polyurethane. These insoles provide long-term cushioning, high-level breathability, and moisture management. Also, they are washable and light in weight.
Midsole: Their midsole is constructed with injection-molded EVA foam that provides great cushioning and support to the foot.
Outsole: The outsole of the shoe is made up of Puma’s EverTrack material that is durable as well as resistant to repeated abrasions. The outsole also offers good gripping and features an EverRide material that adds a bit of cushioning.
Toe Box: Its wide toe box provides a good space to your toes to keep them in their natural position all the time.
My Opinion:
Pros: It has a stylish design with a breathable mesh upper. The Eco-OrthoLite insole is a valuable inclusion to provide a significant level of comfort. Also, its outsole is perfectly designed to provide gripping and cushioning at the same time.
Cons: The shoes are not true to their sizes.
4. New Balance Women’s WW813 Walking Shoe – Walking Shoes for Bad Knees
Upper: If you are looking for a walking shoe so that you can easily walk with your bad knees, and then try this New Balance WW813. It is featured with supple leather upper. It is not the type of leather, but it is a characteristic, and it is soft and bendable.
Lining: It has a soft fabric lining to keep your feet free from any discomfort no matter how long you keep the shoes on.
Insole: There is a fixed insole made up of excellent quality material to provide the ultimate level of support and comfort. But you can also add orthotics as per your needs.
Midsole: A lightweight foam midsole is also there for all-day comfort.
ROLLBAR Technology: There is also a Rollbar technology that is a posting system that reduces the rear-foot movement. It is basically a molded plate located under the heel.
Outsole: The rubber outsole of the shoe is very durable that offers excellent traction.
My Opinion:
Pros: These are the quality walking shoes that provide the ultimate level of comfort. Its extra-deep toe box allows you to wear the orthotics easily. Also, the roll bar is a plus.
Cons: According to some users, the shoes don’t fit the heel properly.
5. ASICS Men’s Gel-Resolution 7 Tennis Shoes – Tennis Shoes for Bad Knees
Upper: One of the best tennis shoes for players suffering from knee pain is the ASICS Men’s Gel-Resolution 7. It has a flexion fit upper that provides form-fitting comfort.
Midsole: The midsole made up of Solyte material is lighter in weight as compared to the EVA midsole.It offers better shock attenuation and is quite durable.
Outsole: Its AHAR plus outsole is a rubber that is 50% more durable than the standard ASICS rubber. It comes with excellent abrasion resistance and offers a high level of comfort.
Gel Technology Cushioning System: This gel technology cushioning system provides excellent shock absorption and protection. It is present in the forefoot and rearfoot areas.
Toe Protector: There is also a PGuard toe protector for enhanced toe durability.
My Opinion:
Pros: They are extremely comfortable to use as they are spacious and airy. They are stylish as well as affordable, provide excellent protection from impacts, and offer excellent gripping.
Cons: They are bulky and a bit heavy. Also, they take time to get used to.
6. Strong by Zumba Women’s Fly Fit Athletic Workout Sneakers – Zumba Shoes for Bad Knees
Upper: This Zumba shoe for women is one of the best to treat your knee pain. It is featured with a mesh upper for enhanced support and comfort.
Insole: The PU (Polyurethane) insole is removable that evenly distributes the weight of your body on your feet. It is quite a comfortable and lightweight insole that can also work with compression socks.
Midsole: The compression-molded EVA midsole is also light in weight and durable. It offers good cushioning to keep your feet and knees in a good health.
Toe box: Its wider toe box provides space for your toes and protection from impact. This helps you to move freely and comfortably.
Size: These shoes are true to size and fit perfectly without a doubt.
My Opinion:
Pros: The likable things include its beautiful design, wider toe box, breathable mesh upper and cushioned midsole.
Cons: It is an expensive shoe, and there is no arch support.
7. ASICS Men’s GEL-Fortius TR 2 Training Shoe – Cross Training Shoes for Bad Knees
Upper: Another shoe from ASICS is on our list, but it is a cross-training shoe designed for weight training and lifting, rope climbing, and short distance running. It has an air mesh upper that let the shoes breathe.
Outsole: It is powered by an AHAR rubber outsole that features excellent abrasion resistance. It also provides cushioning and excellent grip on both dry and wet surfaces.
Arch Support: It has solid arch support that gives a comfortable feeling to users with high arches.
Gel Cushioning: Its gel cushioning system absorbs the shocks quite well.
Toe Cap: It has a rubberized toe cap that is further strengthened with the help of synthetic leather to enhance toe durability.
My Opinion:
Pros: The features that I liked most are the breathable mesh upper, good arch support, and AHAR rubber outsole.
Cons: Not designed for wide feet. Also, they are not durable.
Buying Guide
Factors to Consider When Buying Walking and Running Shoes for Knee Pain
- The cushioning system of the shoe is the first thing that you must look for. A good cushioning system is a must so that you can walk and run freely. Both the rearfoot and front-foot areas of the shoe must be cushioned. The front-foot cushioning will help reduce the shock during the toe-off phase. On the other hand, rearfoot cushioning will absorb the heel-strike impact.
- Firm midsoles are also necessary for the health of your knees. They are responsible for reducing shock while running and walking.
- The weight of your body must be evenly distributed on your feet, and that’s why it is essential to have shoes with arch and heel support. These shoes will prevent pressure on your knees and keep them aligned.
- It is also necessary to check whether you need shoes suitable for overpronation or under pronation (supination).
- Moreover, you should avoid wearing shoes with high heels as they are one of the main causes of knee pain.
Factors to Consider When Buying Cross Training Shoes for Knee Pain
- When buying a training shoe, first, focus on its upper. A supportive cover around the top of your feet and toes must be there.
- Shoes that come with breathable uppers are best to buy as they keep your shoes and feet free from moisture and odor.
- A shoe with good arch support is also a must so that it will correspond to your foot curves. But the amount of arch support depends on your feet. Users with normal to high arches must buy shoes that have soles with a lot of cushioning. But if you have flat feet, then a neutral or stable shoe is recommended.
- Shoes that offer more traction are ideal for cross-trainers. You must need more traction than what the average walking and running shoes offer. Make sure that the outsoles are made for both the dry and wet surfaces and provide excellent ground-gripping.
Factors to Consider when Buying Tennis Shoes for Bad Knees
- Foot support and cushioning are the two most important things in tennis.
- Tennis shoes are always sturdier than regular running shoes because they tend to give the best support to the foot and ankle at various angles. Also, they are cushioned well to protect joints from impact.
- Make sure that the outsole and midsole of your shoes are thicker and softer so that they can absorb the shocks well and keep your knees safe and healthy.
- But it doesn’t mean that you always go for thick soles. It all depends on the health condition of your knees and your style of playing.
Factors to Consider When Buying Zumba Shoes for Bad Knees
- First of all, make sure that your Zumba shoes are light in weight. It is not a good idea to add weight to your feet as it will limit your foot movement. This will not allow you to enjoy your Zumba dance fully.
- A well-ventilated shoe for Zumba is a must as it will keep your feet dry and cool.
- A good rubber sole with a decent level of flexibility is ideal for the Zumba exercise as it will reduce the shock of impact with the floor.
- Also, a good cushioning midsole or insole is necessary to provide you with an extreme level of comfort on your every step.
Factors to Consider When Buying Dress Shoes for Bad Knees
- Make sure that the dress shoes you are buying for your bad knees feature a good cushioning system.
- A firm outsole is always a must as it will help you in moving on the floor with stability.
- Also, double-check that there are orthotic insoles.
- A shoe with reliable and effective arch support is always a plus.
Do running shoes made for bad knees actually help bad knees?
Yes, they do, but up to which extent, it depends on the health condition of your knees, your age, your history of injuries, lifestyle, style of running, and your overall fitness.
There are many running shoes out there in the market that help bad knee sufferers to run properly without feeling knee pain. They offer complete support and stability and help the runners to get rid of their knee pain.
How often do Zumba shoes need a replacement?
First, it is recommended not to wear Zumba shoes outside the Zumba classes. Especially for the sufferers of bad knees, it is advised not to use Zumba shoes outside your classroom to increase their life span.
The best time to replace your Zumba shoes is between 9 and 12 months. But it also depends on how often you take your Zumba classes.
What are cross-training shoes and what key features you should look for when buying these shoes for knee pain?
Cross-training means practicing various different fitness activities, so cross-training shoes are designed to support these sorts of activities.
Now, the key features that you should look for when buying cross-training shoes for knee pain include an outsole, midsole, and upper.
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