Supportive and comfortable shoes can help provide relief from knee and back pain, especially for individuals with conditions like osteoarthritis. If you’re looking for the best walking shoes for knee pain relief, you’re in the right place. In this article, we will introduce you to our top picks for shoes that are specifically designed to support and cushion sensitive knees, making them ideal for walking without discomfort or pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Choosing the right walking shoes can help alleviate knee and back pain
- Orthofeet Edgewater Stretch is an excellent choice for individuals with wide feet
- Sketchers GOwalk Joy offers a slip-on design for convenience and comfort
- Brooks Ghost 15 provides a perfect balance of comfort and performance
- Hoka Bondi 8 offers extra cushioning and comfort for those seeking added relief
Best for Wide Feet: Orthofeet Edgewater Stretch
If you have wide feet and are looking for the best walking shoes for knee pain relief, look no further than the Orthofeet Edgewater Stretch. These shoes are specifically designed to provide comfort and support for individuals with wide feet, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
What sets the Orthofeet Edgewater Stretch apart is its wide range of widths, including sizes up to XX-wide. This makes them an ideal choice for people who need extra room in the toe box without sacrificing support or stability.
One of the key features of these shoes is the orthotic insoles, which provide removable arch support. This added support promotes proper alignment, improves posture, and alleviates strain on the knees and back. With better alignment, you can enjoy walking without the worry of aggravating knee pain.
The Orthofeet Edgewater Stretch also features a rubber outsole that provides excellent grip. This is especially helpful when walking on slippery surfaces, ensuring stability and reducing the risk of slips and falls.
Overall, the Orthofeet Edgewater Stretch is a top pick for those with wide feet seeking the best walking shoes for knee pain relief. With its adaptable fit and supportive features, these shoes offer the perfect combination of comfort and functionality.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Wide width options up to XX-wide | – Limited color options |
| – Orthotic insoles for removable arch support | – May be pricier compared to other options |
| – Rubber outsole for better grip | – Some users may find the shoes a bit heavy |
| – Provides comfort and support for wide feet | – |

Customer Review:
“I’ve always struggled to find shoes that fit my wide feet comfortably, especially when dealing with knee pain. The Orthofeet Edgewater Stretch has been a game-changer for me. The wide width options and removable arch support have made a noticeable difference in alleviating my knee pain. Plus, the grip on the rubber outsole gives me confidence when walking on different surfaces. Highly recommended for those with wide feet!” – Jane
Best Slip-On Shoe: Sketchers GOwalk Joy
Slip-on shoes are a convenient and comfortable option for individuals seeking easy wearability without compromising on style or support. The Sketchers GOwalk Joy is an excellent choice for those who prefer a laceless design. These shoes are specifically designed for walking, making them the perfect fit for individuals looking for the best walking shoes for knee pain relief. With their slip-on construction, they offer a hassle-free experience, allowing you to quickly slip them on and off without the need for tying shoelaces.
The Sketchers GOwalk Joy features a responsive 5GEN cushioning and a high-rebound cushioned insole, providing exceptional comfort and preventing discomfort and pain during long walks. The cushioning absorbs shock, reducing the impact on your knees and joints, helping to alleviate knee pain. If knee pain is a concern for you, these slip-on shoes can be a game-changer.
The breathable mesh upper helps enhance air circulation, reducing sweating and swelling, keeping your feet cool and dry throughout your day while providing excellent breathability. This feature not only promotes foot hygiene but also minimizes the risk of rubbing and blisters, ensuring a comfortable walking experience.
Furthermore, the Sketchers GOwalk Joy is designed with a flexible traction outsole that offers reliable grip and traction, enhancing stability and making it easier to walk on slippery or uneven surfaces. This is particularly beneficial for those who often find themselves navigating slippery areas or walking on different terrains.
Overall, the Sketchers GOwalk Joy is an excellent choice for individuals seeking slip-on walking shoes that provide optimal comfort, support, and pain relief for their knees. Let’s take a closer look at the key features of these shoes:
| Key Features |
|---|
| Responsive 5GEN cushioning |
| High-rebound cushioned insole |
| Breathable mesh upper |
| Flexible traction outsole |
Slip-on shoes can be a convenient and stylish choice, especially for those with knee pain seeking comfort and support. The Sketchers GOwalk Joy provides all these benefits and more, making it our top pick for the best slip-on shoe for knee pain relief. Try them on and experience the comfort and convenience for yourself!

Best Road Running Shoe: Brooks Ghost 15
The Brooks Ghost 15 is an exceptional road running shoe that also delivers outstanding performance for walking. With its soft and lightweight foam cushioning in the midsole, these shoes provide excellent comfort and support while effectively reducing the impact on your knees. The neutral arch support further enhances the overall experience, making them suitable for individuals seeking relief from knee pain while walking.
Designed with both men and women in mind, the Brooks Ghost 15 offers a wide range of sizes to ensure a perfect fit for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or simply looking for a comfortable shoe for everyday activities, the Brooks Ghost 15 is a reliable choice that prioritizes both comfort and performance.
“The Brooks Ghost 15 is my go-to road running shoe for its unbeatable comfort and support. It’s the perfect shoe for both shorter walks and longer runs, providing the right amount of cushioning and stability to keep my knees pain-free.” – Sarah, avid runner
If you’re in search of a road running shoe that excels in comfort and knee pain relief, the Brooks Ghost 15 should be at the top of your list. Its combination of soft cushioning, neutral arch support, and excellent sizing options make it a standout choice for anyone looking to prioritize their knee health during their walks or runs.
Best for Extra Comfort: Hoka Bondi 8
The Hoka Bondi 8 is the perfect choice for individuals seeking the best walking shoes for knee pain relief and extra comfort. These shoes are designed with a focus on providing exceptional cushioning and support, ensuring a comfortable and pain-free walking experience.
The key feature of the Hoka Bondi 8 is its ultra-resistant, plush, cushioning foam. This foam not only provides a soft and bouncy feel but also helps to reduce the impact on your knees and back by absorbing shock from each step you take.
These shoes offer excellent support, making them suitable for individuals with knee and back pain. The cushioning foam helps to provide stability and reduce stress on your joints, offering relief and comfort, even during long walks or runs.
Whether you’re using them for everyday running, walking, or simply seeking extra comfort throughout your day, the Hoka Bondi 8 is a reliable choice. The shoe’s supportive design and cushioning foam make it a versatile option for individuals seeking both pain relief and optimum comfort.
Additionally, Hoka is committed to sustainability. The brand uses up to 40% recycled materials in the production of the Bondi 8, making them an eco-conscious choice, aligning comfort with environmental responsibility.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Ultra-resistant cushioning foam | Provides a soft and bouncy experience, reducing impact on knees and back |
| Excellent support | Offers stability and reduces stress on joints |
| Versatile | Can be used for everyday running, walking, and extra comfort |
| Sustainable | Up to 40% recycled materials used in production |
Best for Trail Running: Saucony Ride 15 TR
When it comes to finding the best walking shoes for knee pain relief, trail running shoes offer excellent support and cushioning for a comfortable walking experience. One top pick in this category is the Saucony Ride 15 TR. Designed specifically for off-road runs, these shoes combine comfort, durability, and traction to make every walking adventure a breeze.
The Saucony Ride 15 TR features a FORMFIT design that molds to the shape of your foot, providing a personalized fit. This not only enhances comfort but also ensures that your feet are properly supported, reducing knee pain. The shoes also come with a PWRRUN sock liner, which offers additional cushioning and absorbs impact during walks. The supportive webbing and protective, breathable mesh upper add to the overall comfort and durability of the shoe.
In addition to its performance features, the Saucony Ride 15 TR is also an eco-friendly choice. It is made from recycled materials, making it a great option for those who want to make sustainable choices while enjoying their daily walks.
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| FORMFIT design | Offers a personalized fit that reduces knee pain |
| PWRRUN sock liner | Provides added cushioning and absorbs impact |
| Supportive webbing and protective mesh upper | Enhances comfort and durability |
| Eco-friendly construction | Made from recycled materials |
Best for Everyday Running: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 is our top pick for an everyday running shoe that also provides excellent knee pain relief. Whether you’re hitting the pavement or planning a long-distance run, these shoes offer the perfect balance of comfort and support to keep your knees happy.
Designed with versatility in mind, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 is suitable for various activities, making them a great option for individuals looking for a shoe that can handle different types of workouts. The flexible sole provides softer support and extra flexibility, making them ideal for those who find stiffer shoes uncomfortable.
What sets these shoes apart is the innovative design features that prioritize cushioning and flexibility. The pinnacle underfoot cushioning and midsole mapping technology ensure increased foam in the wider areas of the midsole, providing superior shock absorption and comfort. At the same time, the narrower points of the midsole offer enhanced flexibility, allowing for a more natural stride.
Key Features:
- Pinnacle underfoot cushioning for maximum comfort
- Flexible sole for softer support and enhanced flexibility
- Midsole mapping technology to optimize cushioning and flexibility
- Durable construction for long-lasting performance
“The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 offers unmatched comfort and support for everyday running. The combination of cushioning and flexibility makes these shoes a top choice for individuals seeking relief from knee pain while staying active.”
When it comes to finding the best walking shoes for knee pain relief, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 stands out as a top contender. Its exceptional cushioning, flexibility, and durable construction make it an excellent choice for individuals looking to alleviate knee pain during everyday running workouts.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Superior cushioning for maximum comfort | May feel slightly heavy for some individuals |
| Flexible sole for softer support and extra flexibility | Higher price point compared to some other options |
| Midsole mapping technology provides targeted cushioning | |
| Great for everyday running and various activities |
Best Sliders: Cushionaire +Comfort Sandals
When it comes to finding the best walking shoes for knee pain relief, the Cushionaire +Comfort Sandals are a top choice. These sliders are specifically designed to provide maximum comfort and support, making them ideal for individuals seeking relief from knee pain.
What sets the Cushionaire +Comfort Sandals apart is their construction. Made from 100% ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), these sliders are incredibly soft and bouncy, providing a cushioned feel with every step. The 1.75-inch platform adds extra support and relief for those dealing with knee pain.
While the Cushionaire +Comfort Sandals may not be suitable for intense outdoor exercise or long walks, they are perfect for everyday wear. The waterproof feature ensures durability and longevity, while the easy slip-on design makes them convenient for individuals with knee pain.
If you’re looking for a comfortable and supportive shoe that offers pain relief for your knees, the Cushionaire +Comfort Sandals are the perfect choice. Give your knees the care they deserve and enjoy the ultimate comfort with these fantastic sliders.
FAQ
Are these shoes specifically designed for individuals with knee pain?
Yes, all of the shoes on this list are specially designed to provide support and comfort for sensitive knees, making them ideal for individuals seeking relief from knee pain while walking.
Are the Orthofeet Edgewater Stretch shoes suitable for wide feet?
Yes, the Orthofeet Edgewater Stretch is an excellent choice for individuals with wide feet. These shoes offer widths up to XX-wide, making them suitable for people who need extra room in the toe box.
Do the Sketchers GOwalk Joy shoes have laces?
No, the Sketchers GOwalk Joy is a slip-on shoe that is perfect for those who prefer a laceless design.
Do the Brooks Ghost 15 shoes provide arch support?
Yes, the Brooks Ghost 15 provides neutral arch support, making them suitable for individuals who need extra support for their arches.
Are the Hoka Bondi 8 shoes suitable for everyday use?
Yes, the Hoka Bondi 8 is suitable for everyday running, walking, and providing extra comfort.
Are the Saucony Ride 15 TR shoes vegan?
Yes, the Saucony Ride 15 TR is vegan and made from recycled materials.
How do the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 shoes provide additional flexibility?
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 shoes provide a flexible sole for softer support and extra flexibility, making them comfortable for individuals who find stiffer shoes painful.
Are the Cushionaire +Comfort Sandals suitable for outdoor exercise?
No, while the Cushionaire +Comfort Sandals offer extra support and relief, they may not be suitable for outdoor exercise or walking.


























