The Best Shoes For Knee Pain, According To A Sports Medicine Doctor

Sizes: 5 to 13 (women’s), 7 to 16 (men’s) | Weight: 7.3 ounces (women’s), 9.7 ounces (men’s) | Cushion: Maximum | Width options: Narrow, standard, wide, x-wide

• What’s notable: Of all athletic sneakers, this pair is often cited as having the best cushioning, and it’s Dr. Mehta’s top pick.
• What could be better: With so much cushioning, they’re not the most stable shoes if you have balance issues.

Dr. Mehta recommends these shoes for walking because they fit his criteria for supportive footwear. “I like to use the abbreviation FCS: fit, cushion and stability,” he explains, and these check every box. In my own experience as a gear reviewer, the Fresh Foam X 1080 v13’s have the softest cushioning I’ve come across. The foam compresses when I step, absorbing shock and reducing pain in my joints, and the mesh upper keeps my feet cool and comfortable even in hot weather. Beyond walking, I’ve also worn this pair for runs and HIIT workouts, and found them comfortable for high-impact activities.

Sizes: 5 to 12 (women’s), 7 to 16 (men’s) | Weight: 8.9 ounces (women’s), 10.8 ounces (men’s) | Cushion: Maximum | Width options: Regular, wide, and x-wide (men’s only)

• What’s notable: Maximum cushioning and a wide, stable base make these ideal for reducing knee strain during long periods of standing.
• What could be better: The thick sole can feel a bit bulky for some people.

For those long days on your feet, the Hoka Bondi 8 is a lifesaver and comes expert-recommended by Dr. Mehta for just this task. The super stacked cushioning and wide base distribute your weight evenly, allowing for a natural stance to ease pressure on your joints. Although there’s a lot of cushion, it feels a bit stiff compared to other shoes on this list (so I wouldn’t recommend these for running.) But that’s what makes the Bondi so great for standing: You won’t compress the foam so it can work its magic even as you’re working an eight hour shift.

Sizes: 5 to 12 (women’s), 7 to 15 (men’s) | Weight: 9.2 ounces (women’s), 10.5 ounces (men’s) | Cushion: Maximum | Width options: Regular, wide

• What’s notable: Minimizes foot and ankle movement to ward off knee pain during high-intensity runs.
• What could be better: The foam midsole looks a bit cheap, but this is purely aesthetic.

When you pick up the pace, Dr. Mehta recommends this shoe because it provides the right mix of cushioning and support to keep the knee pain at bay. And sometimes, knee pain can stem from instabilities below the knee (like your ankle), says Dr. Mehta. In this case, you should opt for a supportive shoe like the Glycerin, which has “GuideRails” that keep your stride in line and minimize foot and ankle movement that could strain your knees. The upper provides a snug, comfortable fit, and the durable outsoles can handle the wear and tear of daily running.

Sizes: 5 to 11 (women’s), 7 to 14 (men’s) | Weight: 7.2 ounces (women’s), 8.6 ounces (men’s) | Cushion: Maximum | Width options: Regular

• What’s notable: Silky mesh and responsive foam make this shoe ultra-comfortable—no chafing or hot spots.
• What could be better: The soft foam wears down faster than denser options.

Whether you’re training for a marathon or walking around the city all day, you’ll want a shoe that protects your joints. The On Cloudsurfer has become my go-to for long-distance comfort—I’ve run up to 10 miles in them at a time. The unique cloud-like cushioning system is super squishy, making each step feel light. And while most On shoes tend to run small, I have wide feet and these feel snug yet comfortable. I also love the upper, which is thicker and softer than classic mesh, but still just as breathable.

Sizes: 5 to 12 (women’s), 7 to 16 (men’s) | Weight: 8.4 ounces (women’s), 9.9 ounces (men’s) | Cushion: Maximum | Width options: Regular, wide

• What’s notable: Enhanced stability features, like a broad platform and high sidewalls, protect your foot from overpronation.
• What could be better: They won’t feel as plush as other maximum-cushion shoes.

If your knee pain stems from foot or ankle instability, you’ll want a little extra support to help distribute your weight evenly across your foot. The Saucony Guide utilizes proprietary “CenterPath” technology, which creates an asymmetrical footprint, high sidewalls and a broad platform to ensure your foot stays in place while walking or running. (This is especially helpful for overpronation, or when your foot rolls inward.) But these shoes don’t sacrifice comfort, and they have sky-high amounts of foam that provides just the right amount of cushioning without feeling overly soft.

Sizes: 6 to 11 (women’s), 8 to 13 (men’s) | Weight: 11 ounces (women’s), 11 ounces (men’s) | Cushion: Moderate | Width options: Regular, wide

• What’s notable: The ergonomic design and deep heel cup make this a seriously comfortable shoe for long, slow miles or full days on your feet.
• What could be better: The leather will eventually show some signs of wear over time, based on my experience.

When I lived in New York during the winter and walked at least five miles a day, these were my favorite sneakers. They have a deep heel cup, which prevents annoying slippage and keeps your foot in line—crucial for mitigating knee pain. The cushioning is balanced and responsive, and the arch support feels just right; not too intense or too lacking. Plus, unlike mesh shoes, the leather is easy to clean so you can keep your white sneakers looking fresh for longer.

Sizes: 5 to 12 (women’s), 6 to 15 (men’s) | Weight: 8.5 ounces (women’s), 10.2 ounces (men’s) | Cushion: Moderate | Width options: Regular, x-wide

• What’s notable: It’s a solid shoe without too many bells and whistles, making it suitable for any activity.
• What could be better: The fit might be too snug for those with wider feet.

The Nike Pegasus 40 combines a nimble design with responsive cushioning so you can walk, run, jump, dance—whatever you feel—in these shoes and still feel comfortable and supported. The Zoom Air units in the forefoot and heel provide a snappy, responsive ride, while the breathable upper is light enough for all conditions. Their sleek design and comfort make them a smart choice for someone looking for both performance and everyday wear.

Sizes: 5.5 to 12 (women’s), 7 to 15 (men’s) | Weight: 8.7 ounces (women’s), 10.7 ounces (men’s) | Cushion: Moderate | Width options: Regular

• What’s notable: The wide toe box helps your foot relax into a more natural position while still feeling supported.
• What could be better: Reviewers note that they love the shoe design, but the colorways look different in person.

These zero-drop shoes, which I’ve used for hiking, make me feel firmly planted to the ground even with a cushy foam midsole. (Zero drop means that the entire foot is on one level. With standard shoes, the heel is slightly elevated.) But what makes them great for people struggling with knee pain is the wide toe box, which encourages your toes to splay in a natural position. The base of the shoe also extends beyond the upper to create the super stable feel, and the outsole has deep lugs that are grippy on trails, too. These shoes run slightly small, so you may consider sizing up half a size.