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Treatingosteoarthritis (OA)of the knee may require medication and rehabilitation, but the right choice of shoe can also go a long way.
According to
We’ve rounded up the 10 best walking and running shoe brands for bad knees and OA pain, and included advice on how to make the right choice when shopping for a pair of shoes. These shoes were selected by our editors and by user favorites.
不w Balance
不w Balance shoes are highly recommended for those with knee pain.
“My foot doctor insists I wear New Balance with built-in rollbar. They are in the 800 series,” wrote reader and total knee replacement candidate Suzanne Davidson.
读者Barb Coenen,其他人也有机器人h knees replaced, say that they’ve had “great luck with shoes by New Balance.”
不w Balance 813 walking shoe offers motion-control technology, supportive cushioning, and leather uppers (which means the upper part of the shoe is made out of leather).
Shop for New Balance shoes online.
Brooks
It’s not just doctors who swear by Brooks shoes. Healthline readers do too. “After my two knee replacements, my surgeon suggested Brooks Adrenaline and/or Brooks Glycerin shoes,” says reader Lynnea Christensen. “They are a little ‘spendy’ but the support is phenomenal and comfort is awesome!”
Brooks Glycerine optimizes pressure distribution from heel to forefoot, while the Adrenaline’s extended diagonal rollbar is designed to offer extra stability.
Asics Gel
Runners and walkers who have knee pain recommend shoes from Asics Gel-equipped collections, such as the Gel-Quickwalk, Gel-Foundation Walker 3, and the Gel-Nimbus.
The collection launched in the mid-1980s and has since expanded to offer more shoes for a variety of sports, including tennis and volleyball.
Shop for Asics Gel shoes online.
Vionic with Orthaheel Technology
Formerly known as Orthaheel, Vionic with Orthaheel Technology are an affordable alternative to custom orthotic shoes.
“If you don’t have prescription orthotics, they’re the best,” says reader Diane Grasely. “I can even walk my dog wearing their flip-flops with built-in arch.”
Shop for Vionic with Orthaheel Technology shoes online.
Skechers
Skechers are known for their ability to flex and twist, promoting a natural stride when you walk. Sketchers GOwalk is an especially popular option for those with knee problems, including reader Penny Letchford.
This lightweight slip-on features a roomy forefoot and sock liner that’s designed to prevent odor and slippage.
Shop for Skechers shoes online.
Puma
Besides being stylish and trendy, Puma offers sneakers and runners that are lightweight and flexible.
In a
The study also found that loads on the knee joints were 15 percent less when wearing flip-flops, flat walking shoes, or walking barefoot.
It should be noted that this is a small study, and although these shoes can improve the load on your joints, flip-flops can increase the risk of tripping. Wearing flat shoes can also worsen conditions like plantar fasciitis.
Although the H-Street is now discontinued, the 76 Runner is similar to the H-Street and is available for both men and women.
Gravity Defyer
Online company Gravity Defyer sells casual and dress footwear for men and women, along with orthotic insoles. Reader Dottie Brand Burns swears by the brand and owns their boots, athletic shoes, and sandals.
Shop for Gravity Defyer shoes online.
Nike Air
Reader Jean Compton is just one of the many whose doctors have recommended Nike Airs. These shoes offer added cushioning and come in an impressive range of styles and colors for running and other activities.
Shop for Nike Air shoes online.
Merrell
Merrell offers athletic and casual styles in shoes, boots, sandals, and clogs. Reader Deanna Daisher Borton recommends their shoes, while reader Lisa Bassoff Obermeier favors their clogs.
For those who benefit from a flexible, minimalist shoe, Merrell Bareform is a line of “barefoot” running shoes.
Shop for Merrell shoes online.
Clarks
The creator of the world’s first comfort shoe back in the 1960s, Clarks remains a top pick for those with knee problems. The Wallabee is the company’s original and most popular style, but they also offer comfort shoes in athletic styles for walkers and runners.
It’s important to understand that not everyone’s needs are exactly the same.
“When shopping for walking or running shoes, it’s important to consider the fact that each individual may vary in terms of the type and location of arthritis in their knees,” says Dr. Miho J. Tanaka, assistant professor of orthopedic surgery and the director of the women’s sports medicine program at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.
She recommends using assessments offered at athletic shoe stores.
“There are different compartments in the knee that can be affected, and depending on those, different types of support may help offload the affected parts of the knee,” she says.
Investing in a pair of comfortable and practical shoes is important for everyone, but especially for those with knee problems. Still, as Tanaka points out, even the best pair of shoes won’t solve all your knee problems.
“Shoes should not be relied upon as the sole source of support for an arthritic knee,” she says. “Rehabilitation and anti-inflammatories often play the key role in symptomatic relief, but a well-fitting, supportive shoe may help reduce stress on the knees during activities.”