Supportive and comfortable shoes can help reduce knee and back pain, including pain as a result of osteoarthritis. Here, we discuss 10 of our top picks.
Below, we list some of the top shoes to help reduce the symptoms of knee and back pain.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Best for wide feet: Orthofeet Edgewater Stretch
- Price: around $93–$135
- Available sizes: men’s 7–15
- Width: standard, wide, extra-wide, and XX-wide
- Weight: 11.5 ounces (oz)
- Number of colors: three
This shoe is only available in men’s sizing. However, it may be the best option for people with wider feet as it features widths up to XX-wide (6E).
These shoes contain orthotic insoles, providing removable arch support to help support good posture. This may help relieve back pain from stooping and may reduce foot pain from flat feet.
The wide toe box may benefit people with bunions, hammer toes, or people with arthritis in the toes, as there is more space for the toes to sit. The stretchable upper fabric does not constrict, which may help those with swollen feet.
The outsole is rubber, which provides better grip. This may benefit people who are often walking on more slippery surfaces.
Best slip-on shoe: Sketchers GOwalk Joy
- Price: around $32–$63
- Available sizes: women’s 5–13
- Width: narrow, standard, and wide
- Weight: no information available
- Number of colors: 30
These laceless shoes have a slip-on design, which may be best for people who find laces difficult.
The company states that these vegan shoes are most suitable for walking, with a responsive 5GEN cushioning and a high-rebound cushioned insole to prevent discomfort and pain.
The outsole has flexible traction that may make navigating more slippery areas easier. The mesh upper is breathable, which may help reduce sweating and swelling. The heel has a 1.5-inch height, which may offer more support for people with flat feet.
Best road running shoe: Brooks Ghost 15
- Price: around $140
- Available sizes: men’s 7–15, women’s 5–13
- Width: narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide
- Weight: 9.10–10.01 oz
- Number of colors: 42–58
Research suggests that aerobic exercise reduces the risk of
Brooks states that these shoes are good as road running shoes, as they provide the right amount of comfort and performance for this type of terrain.
Discover our top picks for the best running shoes.
The midsole features soft and lightweight foam cushioning to provide comfort. It works in tandem with the segmented crash pad to reduce impact and improve support whilst running.
These shoes provide neutral arch support.
Brooks Ghost 15 is also available in women’s sizing.
Best for extra comfort: Hoka Bondi 8
- Price: $165
- Available sizes: men’s 7–16, women’s 5–12
- Width: regular, wide, and extra-wide (men’s only)
- Weight: 8.9–10.8 oz
- Number of colors: 21–23
Hoka states that this shoe has ultra-resistant, plush, cushioning foam that is soft and bouncy, reducing the impact from the foot hitting the ground.
The memory foam collar cradles the ankle, and the rear crash pad helps transition force from the heel to the forefront of the toe.
All of these features make the Hoka Bondi 8 a more supportive shoe, which may reduce back and knee pain.
The company states that this shoe is suitable for everyday running, walking, and for when people need extra comfort.
Hoka uses up to 40% recycled materials, and the shoes are vegan.
The Hoka Bondi 8 is also available in men’s sizing.
Best for trail running: Saucony Ride 15 TR
- Price: around $140
- Available sizes: men’s 7–15, women’s 5–12
- Width: standard
- Weight: 8.5-9.2 oz for women’s shoe
- Number of colors: five
This shoe is most suitable for trail running, as it delivers comfort and reliable tread for off-road runs.
Read about the best trail running shoes.
It has a FORMFIT design that hugs the foot to provide a personalized fit, which may help reduce pain. Other comfort features include a PWRRUN sockliner, supportive webbing, and a protective and breathable mesh upper.
This shoe is vegan and contains recycled materials.
The Saucony Ride 15 TR is also available in women’s sizing.
Best for everyday running: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12
- Price: around $160
- Available sizes: men’s 7–16, women’s 5–13
- Width: narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide
- Weight: 8.3–10.3 oz
- Number of colors: 26–30
New Balance states that this shoe is suitable for everyday running, from running on roads to catching a train.
The flexible sole provides softer support and extra flexibility, which may be more comfortable for those who find stiffer shoes painful.
The shoes feature a pinnacle underfoot cushioning and midsole mapping. The company says this means there is increased foam to the wider areas of the midsole and increased flexibility to the narrower points.
It is also available in an unlaced version, which may be good for those with arthritis or limited mobility who may find it difficult to use laces or other fastenings.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 is also available in men’s sizing.
Best for nights: Asics Gel Nimbus 25
- Price: around $160
- Available sizes: men’s 6–16, women’s 5–13
- Width: standard, wide, and extra-wide
- Weight: 8.9– 10.2 oz
- Number of colors: 22–24
This shoe has reflective details to improve visibility during low light, which may make exercise safer if a person runs on the road.
The Gel Nimbus 25 has maximum cushioning to provide a soft and smooth running experience. The knit upper provides support and ventilation, and the knit tongue provides ankle support and flexibility.
The PureGel within the shoe increases the cushioning and makes the shoe more lightweight, which may help improve running performance.
Asics states that this shoe is suitable for normal-sized arches.
The Asics Gel Nimbus 25 is also available in women’s sizing.
Best dress shoe: Vionic Willa Women’s Slip-on Flat
- Price: around $129.95
- Available sizes: women’s 5–11
- Width: standard, wide
- Weight: no information available
- Number of colors: 13
This slip-on has Vio-Motion technology, hugging the arches and providing more structured support. The built-in orthotic may help reduce pain from plantar fasciitis.
These shoes come in a wide range of colors and textures, including leather, suede, and textile.
The company recommends wearing these shoes for a couple of hours a day until a person becomes used to the more supportive feel.
Best for all workouts: Nike Air Max 90
- Price: $130
- Available sizes: men’s 6–15, women’s 5–12
- Width: standard
- Weight: no information available
- Number of colors: 5–12
These shoes have high shock absorption, cushioning abilities, and a rubber waffler outsole that provides traction and stability.
Nike states that it originally designed this shoe for running. However, the cushioning makes it suitable for all workouts and activities.
The cushioning can help absorb the impact of the foot hitting the ground, which may reduce pain in the knee and back.
The Nike Air Max 90 is also available in women’s sizes.
Best sliders: Cushionaire +Comfort Sandals
- Price: around $20–$25
- Available sizes: women’s 5–12
- Width: standard
- Weight: no information available
- Number of colors: 30
These sliders are 100% ethylene vinyl acetate, which means that they are soft and bouncy but will warp if a person leaves them out in the sun.
While these shoes may not be a good option for people who wish to exercise or walk outdoors, the 1.75-in platform and cushioned construction may provide extra support and relieve discomfort.
The sliders may be best suited to people who find it difficult to bend down to put shoes on. The shoes are also waterproof.
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