Are you looking for the best women’s running shoes for knee pain? Do you need the best running shoes for bad knees for women? Then you are in the right place. We have examined and analyzed the best running shoes for you.
Running is ordinarily a physically intense undertaking. It is because of the force, effort, and muscle power that the legs and feet exude at such times. These combined with bad knees may often give rise to untold suffering of knee pain and further deterioration of the physical body.
It is why special shoes that are exclusively designed for bad knees are by all means called for. These shoes are slightly different in their structural makeup and functionality. These differences are inspired by the need to reduce potential injuries and knee pain as much as possible.
We have invested a great deal of our time, effort, skill, and wit to carry out relevant research. Also, we have searched and reviewed the ten best running shoes for bad knees, what to look for while buying them, and some of the commonly asked questions, among others.
We are glad to present the same to you in the proceeding reviews and conversations. These we hope will give you the guidance you desperately need to make a worthwhile purchasing decision.
TOP 10 BEST WOMEN’S RUNNING SHOES FOR BAD KNEES REVIEWS
In this section, we reviewed the top 10 best running shoes for bad knees of 2020. Let’s see the list.
# | Running Shoes for Bad Knees | Color | Size | Material |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Salomon Women's XR Mission Running Shoe | Magnent/Black/Purple, Score Blue/Very Purple/Pop Green & many more | 6 B,6.5 B & many more | Synthetic, Rubber sole |
2 | ASICS Women's GEL-Kayano 20 Running Shoe | Pink/White/Purple, Black/Plum/Blue & many more | 6 B,6.5 B & many more | Synthetic, Rubber sole |
3 | ASICS Women's Gel-Kayano 19 Running Shoe | Lightning/Turquoise/Iris, Black/Onyx/Lightning | 13 B | Synthetic, Rubber sole |
4 | Salomon Women's Speedcross 3 Trail Running Shoe | Azurin Blue/Fog Blue/Radiant Red, Bordeaux/Hot Pink/Lotus Pink & many more | 5 B,5.5 B & many more | Synthetic, Rubber sole |
5 | Saucony Women's Cohesion 8 Running Shoe | Silver/White/Blue, Blue/Green & many more | 5 B,5.5 B & many more | Fabric/Synthetic, Rubber sole |
6 | ASICS Women's GEL-Kayano 21 Running Shoe | Charcoal/Sharp Green/Purple, White/Hot Pink/Emerald & many more | 5 B,5 D & many more | Synthetic, Rubber sole |
7 | Brooks Women's Ghost 9 Running Shoes | Silver/Blue Atoll/Lime Punch, Black/Sparkling Grape/Ceramic & many more | 5 B,5.5 B & many more | Synthetic-And-Mesh, Rubber sole |
8 | Salomon Women's Speedcross 4 W Trail Runner | Bird Off Paradise, Artic Blue & many more | 10 B,10.5 B & many more | Anti-Debris Mesh, Water Resistant Textile, Rubber sole |
9 | ASICS Women's GEL-Nimbus 17 Running Shoe | Deep Blue/White/Hot Pink, Flash Coral/White/Indigo Blue & many more | 5 B,5 D & many more | Synthetic/Fabric, Rubber sole |
10 | Saucony Women's Cohesion 9 Running Shoe | Blue/Orange, Navy/Coral/Pink & many more | 5 W,5 B & many more | Mesh/Synthetic, Rubber sole |
1. Salomon Women’s XR Mission Running Shoe

For a pair of best running shoes to perform optimally in sunny and hot terrains, it has to be extremely breathable. It is to ward off the buildup of sweat and foul stench. It is also to ensure maximum comfort at all times to avoid knee pain.
These best running shoes for bad knees women could as well be the one you have been looking for if you reside in such an environment. It is designed for utilization in such areas as it is highly perforated.
Features and Benefits
Breathable Mesh Upper and Lightweight Midsole
These are its two most significant components. The breathable mesh upper provides your feet with excellent ventilation. The upper mesh, on the other hand, is so light as to reduce the overall weight of the shoes. Those features help to avoid knee pain.
SensiFit and SensiFlex
The SensiFit feature enables the shoes to conform to the unique shape of your feet. Sensiflex, on the other hand, allows you to engage the shoes conveniently. They jointly confer to you the benefit of maximum comfort.
Contagrip Outsole
This Contagrip outsole material overlays its outsole. This material enhances the grip of the shoes on the ground where you run. It subsequently improves traction, especially on slippery surfaces.
Cushioning Foam Footbed
Its footbed is padded with a layer of cushioning foam. This material keeps your feet warm and comfortable enough at all times. It hence enables you to use the shoes for longer.
PROs
- Contains a breathable mesh upper which reduces the buildup of moisture
- Promotes smooth motion
- Has foam footbed that reduces friction
- Possesses the rugged Contagrip outsole for added traction
- Assures fast and secure lacing
- Great arch support
CONs
- Possesses some delicate parts
- Unsuitable for muddy terrains
- Has a shorter lifespan
Verdict
Well, your answer for those sunny and hot weather as well as rugged terrains comes to a rest with your encounter with these shoes. They have all the wherewithal necessary to handle those conditions well.
2. ASICS Women’s GEL-Kayano 20 Running Shoe

Do you intend to utilize the best running shoes for walking and light exercises as well? If you answered in the affirmative, then your solution lies in too light shoes. This is to prevent unnecessary drag and knee pain that you may often confront while exercising.
These shoes, by being flexible, light in weight, and breathable fit that particular bill very well. It has excellent arch support also. You will hence find them a worthy companion for those morning and evening jogs in the neighborhood.
Features and Benefits
Heel Clutching System
It comes in the form of an exoskeletal heel counter. Its role is to provides you with improved support besides creating an improved heel fitting environment. These two greatly enhance the comfort of the shoes. It helps to improve knee pain.
Guidance Trusstic System
The Trusstic System integrates the guidance line construction. This way, it enhances the efficacy of your gait while providing midfoot structural integrity. It hence helps to maintain your feet in the best shape and form at all times.
Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Cushioning Systems
Both of these features attenuate the shocks that originate during impacts and toe-off phases. They subsequently allow movements in multiple planes. They thus enable your feet to transition through the gait cycle perfectly.
FluidRide
It is the latest evolution in ASICS midsole technology. It provides an ultimate combination of bounce-back and cushioning properties. This way, it dramatically enhances your walks and runs.
PROs
- Reinforced for increased life expectancy
- Has a padded tongue and collar
- Contains supportive heel-clutching system
- Comes along with Rearfoot GEL cushioning system
- Comfortable interior
CONs
- Moderately pricey
- Cannot withstand intense exercise
- Wears out quickly when in contact with water
Verdict
If you are a regular walker and a lover of light but regular exercises, think of no other shoes than these. You will obtain the convenience you desperately want for those two activities.
3. ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 19 Running Shoe

In case you have severe dislocations of your kneecap or knee pain or any other part of your legs, you require a very sophisticated pair of shoes. Such shoes must of necessity, be able to maintain the natural shape of your feet at all times.
By reason of being designed to enhance your natural stride, these cheap women’s running shoes could indeed be your best bet. They will offer you maximum comfort and unhindered reliability in the long run. What’s more? They are also suited for arch support and all-purpose applications.
Features and Benefits
Impact Guidance System
This feature plays the role of maintaining the alignment of your feet and shoes in perfect order. This way, it enhances the natural gait and movement of your feet off the ground. Also, it keeps the natural tendency to avoid knee pain.
Stable Support
In all, the shoes provide stable support to each part and component of your feet. It does so owing to the existence of tough and reliable support structures that surrounds the feet.
Biomorphic Fit Upper
Its upper part comprises the biomorphic fit feature. It is a breathable and stretchable mesh material. It reduces irritations and helps to keep your feet cool and comfortable all the time.
Personalized Fit and Support
Two layers of memory foam around the collar of the shoe mold to your heel. This way, it fits the unique shape of your feet. In so doing, it provides the compatible fit and added support.
PROs
- Designed to enhance natural foot functions
- Excellent shock absorber
- Lightweight to allow simplifies handling
- Molds to the shape of your heel for a custom fit
- Keeps your feet cool and comfortable
CONs
- Possesses thin soles
- Easily torn apart by thorns
- May harbor foul smell
Verdict
Do you have sensitive feet? Would you wish to retain your natural strides and feet postures while running or exercising? Grab this pair of shoes as soon as you possibly can!
4. Salomon Women’s Speedcross 3 Trail Running Shoe

Running conditions vary widely. These calls for different kinds of shoes that are well able to confront those conditions appropriately. For wet, slippery, and sloppy trail conditions, you may have to try your luck on these best running shoes for knee pain.
They are well able to handle those conditions well due to a variety of reasons. They do exude firm grip on the ground, have mudguards to shield you from mud, and are wide enough to guarantee your stability. In all, the shoes are light, fast, and quite excellent for racing. Also, the running shoe avoids knee pain and fantastic arch support.
Features and Benefits
Anti-debris Mesh Upper
These shoes have anti-debris upper. This simply means that they can filter out any debris that may drop on your shoes. This way, they maintain your feet in the most hygienic of all conditions possible.
Aggressive Tread
Beneath the soles of the feet are aggressive treads. They provide a comfortable, reliable, and tight grip on wet, sloppy, and slippery trail conditions. You will rarely fall off or lose balance by putting them on.
Reduced Forefoot
In all, the forefoot of the shoes has been reduced by a whopping 50%! This means that on the whole, the shoes are lighter in weight and more convenient to handle.
Wider Heels
At the sole area, the heels become wider. This extra width confers added stability to your feet. It hence prevents you from falling off unnecessarily. This allows you to perform as optimally as can be.
PROs
- More stable by virtue of being close to the ground
- Confers on you much more controlled rides
- Reduces the chances of you twisting your ankle
- Gives a greater contact surface for added stability
- Exudes compact stowage
- Arch Support
CONs
- Quite bulky (Measures 12 inches long by 9 inches wide by 6 inches deep)
- Made of synthetic fabric that is less durable
- Poor at dissipating heat
Verdict
Do you operate mostly under wet, sloppy and trail conditions? Your answer lies in these light and fast, racing shoes. They will instead offer you the reliability you require for optimal performance.
5. Saucony Women’s Cohesion 8 Running Shoe

Are you a woman who cherishes light running and moderate exercises? Have you been looking for worthy companions to help you along? Did I hear you answer yes to these questions? If so, these indeed could be the shoes you have been looking for. Also, this shoe helps to avoid knee pain.
On the whole, the shoes are lighter in weight and exert minimal drag. They will not inconvenience you at all in your attempts to lift them off the ground. They will hence guarantee your overall performance at all times.
Features and Benefits
Breathable Mesh
Throughout its upper has a breathable mesh covering. This mesh is covering lets you stay cool and comfortable at all times. This is because it facilitates the free exchange of gases into and out of your shoes.
Heel GRID System
To further enhance your comfort and support, the shoes are fitted with the heel grid system. This grid system is fixed into your midsole foam. It adds to the stability of the existing cushions.
Flex Grooves
Each forefoot has flex grooves added to them. These generate more flexible rides, walks, and runs. They do so by enhancing the traction and grip between your feet and shoes, and your shoes and the surface.
External Heel Counter
The external heel counter is fixed at the heel region of the shoe. Its role is to stabilize the heels. This way, it adds to your heel’s support and allows you to stand stable all the time.
PROs
- Reflective to let you stay visible in moments of low visibility
- Breathable fabric lining for greater in-shoe feels
- Removable foam insole
- Provides increased shock attenuation
- Delivers optimal abrasion resistance and traction
CONs
- Limited applicability (for women only)
- Brings lower returns on investments
- Has a rigid sole
Verdict
Well, if you are a woman who performs light running and moderate exercises every quite often, these indeed are your shoes of choice. They possess all the necessary features, parts, and components.
6. ASICS Women’s GEL-Kayano 21 Running Shoe

Do you practice long-distance running every quite often? Alternatively, could you be a frequent and regular performer of intense exercises? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you must possess extremely tough and durable shoes to avoid knee pain.
This is because shoes tend to wear out rapidly when subjected to intense exercises. You do not want to spend too much money repairing or replacing them every quite often. These ASICS Women’s GEL-Kayano 21 best Running Shoes are by all means your best bet.
Features and Benefits
Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Cushioning
At the top of its key features is the gel cushioning. This material plays the role of absorbing shocks from the ground. In light of this, it eases the blow of every step you take upon impact with the ground.
FluidFit
The FluidFit technology utilizes stretch reinforcements and multi-directional stretch mesh to generate a glove-like fit. It is the trait that enables the shoes to take up the shape of your feet.
Dynamic DuoMax Support System
Dynamic Duomax feature increases the stability and support of the shoes. At the same time, it reduces the overall weight of the shoes. This way, it expedites your utilization of the same.
Comfordry™ x-40 Sockliner
Coming in last of its features is the Comfordry™ x-40 Sockliner. This inner lining allows for the lightest and most luxurious stable rides possible. It does so by absorbing sweat and improving the comfort of the inner parts of the shoes.
PROs
- Provides enhanced safety in low-light conditions
- Less likely to interfere with your gait
- Provides intense stability and support
- Has a more comfortable and secure upper
- Maintains more neutral steps
CONs
- Way too unaffordable
- Superfluous for day to day usage
- Not so much of a worthy purchase
Verdict
In case you are a long-distance runner who does so on a frequent and regular basis, you have just found your worthy companions. These shoes will offer you the companionship you require for optimal end results.
7. Brooks Women’s Ghost 9 Running Shoes

Hot environments and rugged terrains are too cumbersome to handle. It is no secret that hot environments contribute to the rapid deterioration of shoes. This is because they tend to stretch the fabrics of shoes beyond the elastic limits.
Rugged terrains, on the other hand, predispose the shoes to the risks of physical damages. Shoes tend to bend and cut off whenever they come into contact with terrains that are rugged. Please try out these Brooks Women’s Ghost 9 Running Shoes if you train in the said environments.
Features and Benefits
Lightweight Synthetic Overlays
Throughout its interior and exterior surfaces are these lightweight synthetic overlays. These perform dual roles. They absorb sweat and enhance the comfort of the shoes as a whole.
Plush Tongue and Collar
Both the collar and the tongues of the shoes are built for reliability. The collar is well seamed and very resistant to tears and frays. The collar is soft and warm enough to shield your feet from the excessive cold.
Soft Fabric Lining
Throughout the interior of the shoes are soft fabric linings. They are located beneath the synthetic overlays. They are generally warm and highly breathable. This is not to mention that they are also comfortable.
High Energizing Cushioning
Last but not the least of its features is the high energized cushioning. This is located between the edges of the shoes and the lining. It basically absorbs shocks and extreme impacts.
PROs
- Accommodates any foot landing
- Sets the foot up for smoother transitions
- Supplies light cushioning and grip
- Allows for more natural forefoot movement and fluidity
- Enhances fit and function
CONs
- Not for men
- Demands plenty of storage space
- Fairly expensive
Verdict
Hot environments and rugged terrains, as has already been explained, are very intriguing. Only tough and durable shoes of this kind can help you out. Please try them out, they will not disappoint.
8. Salomon Women’s Speedcross 4 W Trail Runner

Off-trail conditions are very difficult to ply. Their uneven surfaces coupled with the plenty of debris that exist on them hinder your movements and progress. They also prick the shoes and contribute to their speedy deterioration. Also, if you are suffering from knee pain then this shoe can get off from it.
For you to handle such conditions effectively, you require extremely tough and durable shoes. These are examples of those kinds of shoes. As you shall see in the mini-review that follows, they are tough and resilient to damages. They are also suited for cold, wet, and muddy conditions.
Features and Benefits
Quicklace
The laces of this shoe feature the minimalistic design. This means that they are smaller, just the right size, and of course strong. You only pull or push them once to tighten or loosen them.
Sensifit
These shoes have the ability to cradle your foot from the midsole area to the lacing system courtesy of this feature. As a consequence of this, it provides secure, snug, and individualized fit all-around your foot.
Contragrip Technology
Contragrip technology combines density, geometry, and compound to be able to confront the various sporting and surface conditions. By so doing, the feature enables you to utilize the shoes just about anywhere.
Anti-debris Mesh
It does have a breathable mesh adorning its exterior. This mesh is, however, anti-debris and is hence great for hygiene. This is because it keeps off dirt and dust from accumulating on the shoes.
PROs
- Confers excellent traction on wet surfaces
- Has an anti-debris mesh for improved hygiene
- Quicklace for secure fitting
- Contains a mudguard to shield you from mud
- Has lace pockets for convenient storage
CONs
- Not for rugged terrains
- Not so convenient
- Irrelevant for dry seasons
Verdict
There you have it! For off-trail conditions and those cold, wet, and muddy routes, these shoes are indeed your best bet. Make a point of acquiring them for improved performance.
9. ASICS Women’s GEL-Nimbus 17 Running Shoe

Are you nocturnal? This is to mean that do you spend much of your time exercising at night as opposed to the daytime? In case you answered yes, then the running shoes of choice have to be well suited for nighttime conditions. Also, this shoe is designed to avoid knee pain.
They have to among others be fluorescent and highly reflective. This is to ensure that you stay visible at night and prevent any possible accidents and injuries. These best running shoes for bad knees have a reflective logo and are hence very visible.
Features and Benefits
Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Cushioning
Top of its features is this ASICS GEL-Cushioning. This reduces the shocks that arise during impacts and toe-off phases. It subsequently allows for smooth transitions throughout your strides for comfortable running.
FluidFit
By utilizing a combination of stretch reinforcements and multi-directional stretch mesh, this FluidFit creates a glove-like fit. This brings along the benefits of added comfort and convenience during a running session.
FluidRide
This feature confers on the shoes that the ability to bounce back when engaged. This feature further absorbs impacts whenever the shoes the strike the ground. It thus contributes to the greater enjoyment of the running exercise.
Gait-enhancing Impact Guidance System
The shoes are designed with the ability to predict your walking pattern (gait). It is also companied by an impact guidance system. These two see to it that your steps are as natural and stable as possible at all times.
PROs
- Exceptional moisture manager
- Provides high-level breathability
- Refined cushioning and support
- Vertical flex grooves
- Increases both comfort and running efficiency
CONs
- Not built to last
- Quite susceptible to tears
- Comparatively less comfortable
Verdict
Well, of all the shoes under review, none of them even comes close to these ones for those nighttime jogs. Their clearly visible and reflective logos will ensure that you stay visible even in pitch darkness.
10. Saucony Women’s Cohesion 9 Running Shoe

Are you a career runner or professional athlete? If you answered yes, then chances are that you traverse long distances on a regular basis. For you to have a successful career under these circumstances, the shoes you chose have to be very tough and resilient to the various elements of wear and tear. Also, it is suitable to avoid knee pain.
This can only be guaranteed if the shoes are made of very tough, durable, and reliable materials. The shoes that form the basis of this mini-review could offer you the support you require.
Features and Benefits
Breathable Mesh
Perhaps its most distinguishing feature is this breathable mesh. This material facilitates the exchange of gases into and out of the shoes. This way, it keeps your feet cool and devoid of any stench at all.
Heel GRID System
Coming in the second position is this Heel GRID System. This system is embedded in the midsole foam of the shoes. Its role is to deliver stable cushioning to your feet.
Flex Grooves
These are added to the forefoot of the shoes. They are intended to create more flexible rides and tighter grip with the surfaces on which you run. As a result of this, they make your running experience more worthwhile.
Lace-up Closure
Its tongue and lace regions are specially designed for maximum cover and foolproof protection. This is not to mention that the laces are also simpler to engage for quicker security.
PROs
- Has a synthetic mesh for improved flow of air
- Equipped with a durable, soft and flexible rubber sole
- Versatile and capable of discharging different roles
- Excellent cushioning and support for a comfortable run
- Prevents the buildup of heat to keep your feet cool all the time
CONs
- Has a low life expectancy
- Requires higher repair and maintenance costs
- Unsuitable for dusty and muddy conditions
Verdict
Wow! Your answer for long-distance and regular running is clearly provided for by these shoes. As you can see from the mini-review, they are tough enough to guarantee you both.
MOST COMMON CAUSES OF KNEE PAIN

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Fractures
A fracture is a broken bone. It is mainly caused by high impacts on the bones. In case the portion of the bone that is broken lies next to the knee cap, it will usually lead to the sensation of knee pain.
Dislocated Knee Cap
This is perhaps the most common cause of knee pain. The kneecap is that convex bone that is located at the front of the kneecap. This dislocation may often happen as the result of intense physical exercise or high impacts.
Hip or Foot Pain
Any pains on your hip or feet may often impact your knees as well. This stems from the fact that the nerves of the knee region are interconnected with those of the mentioned body parts. It is this interconnection that transmits pain to your knees.
Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis that is caused by excessive amounts of uric acid in the bloodstream. If and when that acid s deposited in the knee region, it will usually lead to inflammations, reddening of the said portions, and extreme knee pain.
Mechanical Injuries
These are injuries that arise when blunt or tough objects hit the knees. This is also a common source of knee injuries. Knee injuries that arise from mechanical sources are often too painful and devastating. This, of course, is due to the tough nature of such objects.
BUYING GUIDE OF RUNNING SHOES FOR BAD KNEES
Intended Frequency of Use
How often do you intend to utilize the shoes? Is it only once or repeatedly for a given duration of time? It goes without saying that you will want a more durable pair if you are to use them more frequently, and vice versa.
Sole
A good running shoe has to have a very flexible and soft soles. This is to grant your feet the flexibility they require to move up and freely. At no other time do you require this flexibility than when you have bad knees yet have to run?
Terrain
The nature of the terrain you intend to confront also matters. In case your terrain is rough and unkempt, then you need tougher shoes which have thicker soles. You do not want to grapple with too many shocks and replace your shoes every quite often.
Cushioning
All running shoes for persons with bad knees have to be cushioned for comfort and shock absorption. However, you ought to settle for those ones that have the thickest padding possible. This is to guarantee your long-term comfort as much as possible.
Size of the Feet
As a general rule, you should always settle for a pair of running shoes that is slightly larger than your feet. This is to create enough room for your feet to expand when heated. This will also spare you from the likelihood of sustaining bruises and blisters.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
1. How long should I humanly anticipate using running shoes?
Ans; Most running shoes shall typically last 400 to 500 miles. If you break this down to around 20 miles per week, you should anticipate utilizing a pair of running shoes for 4 to 6 weeks.
2. What is the general price range of a good pair of running shoes?
Ans: Most good running shoes range from $50 to $100.
3. What are the top brands of running shoes as of the year 2020?
Ans: Salomon, ASICS, Saucony, and Brooks are the four brands that have consistently ranked as the top running shoes as of the year 2020. Consider giving them priority in your search for the most suitable pair of running shoes.
4. Apart from running, to what other purposes can I also devote running shoes?
Ans: You may also walk, jog, play, and sprint using running shoes. As you can see, the shoes are multipurpose and hence very lucrative to purchase and acquire.
5. When was the first running shoe manufactured?
Ans: 1920.
6. Who invented the running shoes?
Ans: Adolf Dassler is generally credited with having manufactured the first running shoe. This he did in around 1920.
7. Why do feet sometimes slip out while running?
- Women mainly encounter this problem. They have wider heels and leaner feet. It creates some extra space between the shoes and the feet. To rectify this issue, add some insole to the shoes.
FINAL VERDICT
Well, we hope that you have found the buying guide above not only relevant but insightful as well. Please note that some aspects or portions of the information we have provided may not hold indefinitely.
It is because of the dynamic and continually changing nature of shoes of this kind. We therefore strongly recommend that you do some research to update yourself moments before making a purchase of best running shoes for bad knees women.
To leverage the benefits of the shoes, we invite you to place an order as soon as is practically possible. Just in case you do not have any particular shoe in mind, we recommend the ASICS Women’s GEL-Kayano 21 Running Shoes.
This is due to its possession of almost all the traits that a shoe of its kind ideally ought to possess. You will generally derive higher returns on investments besides confronting limited, if any, inconveniences at all. We look forward to receiving your order and acting on it soonest possible!
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