‘I’m a Podiatrist, and These Are the Running Shoes You Need for Knee Support’

Any runner knows knee pain is one of the biggest downsides to pounding the pavement. Whether the issues arise from over-use or running on hard surfaces, it doesn’t take long to start to feel the effects. But the right running shoes for knee support can help to mitigate pain before it starts, allowing you to do what you love every day without regret.

“It’s important to have supportive shoes when it comes to running because, like I always say, feet are the foundation of your skeleton,” says podiatrist Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, a Vionic Innovation Lab member. “Supporting your feet helps to properly align the ankles, knees, hips, and back. A common cause of knee pain comes from the runner’s foot—which is caused by overpronation [where your foot rolls inward when you run]. Wearing the proper shoes can minimize the problem and help prevent injury.”

“It’s important to have supportive shoes when it comes to running because, like I always say, feet are the foundation of your skeleton.” —Jacqueline Sutera, DPM

To ensure you’re choosing one of the best running shoes for knee support, Dr. Sutera recommends looking for well-cushioned, supportive shoes that are also flexible and lightweight on your feet. “You’ll want shoes that provide extra cushion and comfort to help control and guide the feet during the running gait,” she says. And you better believe she already has some favorites in mind.

The best running shoes for knee support, according to a podiatrist

1. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20 Running Shoe, $130

“The newest version of this sneaker has what they call ‘guiderails,’ which help limit excess movement to the knees,” says Dr. Sutera.

Shop now:Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20 Running Shoe, $130

2. Hoka One One Bondi 6 Running Shoe, $210

“These shoes are lightweight, provide maximum cushion, and are super soft,” says Dr. Sutera.

Shop now:Hoka One One Bondi 6 Running Shoe, $210

3. Vionic Drift Tokyo Leisure Sneakers, $130

“This walking shoe is perfect for post-run and recovery days,” says Dr. Sutera. “It promotes better forefoot mobility and gait efficiency, and it also has technology that provides flexibility and cushioning while being lightweight and breathable.”

Shop now:Vionic Drift Tokyo Leisure Sneakers, $130

4. Hoka One One Gaviota 2 Running Shoe, $232

“There’s J-shaped support throughout the shoe to provide arch support to your feet. This helps with knee problems caused by overpronation,” says Dr. Sutera. “This shoe is also described as being cloud-like.”

Shop now:Hoka One One Gaviota 2 Running Shoe, $190

5. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe, $150

“There are three things I love about this sneaker: It offers comfort, cushioning, and flexibiltiy,” says Dr. Sutera.

Shop now:New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe, $150

Now that you’ve found the right shoes for knee support, check to be sure that you’re running with proper form: