Walking and hiking are fantastic for your health, but if you’ve got arthritic knees, the wrong shoes can quietly make things worse.
I see this all the time in clinic. People are doing all the right things by staying active, but their footwear is increasing impact, reducing support, and leaving their knees more irritated after a walk.
The good news? The right shoes can make a noticeable difference – helping to reduce strain, improve comfort, and give you more confidence with every step.
Below are some of my go-to recommendations, based on what I see working well time and time again.
Even the best shoes can only do so much.
If your knees are regularly painful, it’s important to also work on: Strength, Movement patterns & Confidence in your joints – which is why I designed the Arthritic Knee Program. I would love to see you there.
Supportive, Cushioned Picks That Actually Make a Difference
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work – which aims at supporting you!
HOKA Bondi 9
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Best for: Maximum cushioning & reducing joint impact
If your knees tend to feel sore or aggravated after walking, this is often a great place to start. The Bondi is one of the most cushioned shoes available, helping to soften impact and make each step feel more forgiving. The rocker sole can also help guide your stride, reducing stress through the knees.
HOKA Clifton
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Best for: Lightweight cushioning & everyday walking
If you like the idea of HOKA but find the Bondi a bit too bulky, the Clifton is a brilliant alternative. You still get excellent cushioning, but in a lighter, more flexible shoe that feels easier to walk in for longer periods.
Skechers Arch Fit
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Best for: Supportive arch alignment & knee-friendly walking
The Skechers Arch Fit range features a contoured footbed that supports your arches and helps align your knees. With cushioned midsoles for impact absorption and a stable sole for confident steps, these shoes are ideal for everyday walking and longer outings.
They have a Go Walk range but this gives less support for your foot and therefore your knee.
Brooks Addiction Walker 2
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Best for: Stability & support
This is a more structured shoe designed to keep your foot well-supported and aligned. That added stability can be really helpful if your knees feel a bit wobbly or unsupported when you walk.
Brooks Ghost
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Best for: Soft, neutral comfort
The Ghost is a really popular, well-balanced option. It’s cushioned without being too bulky, and suits people who don’t feel they need heavy support but still want a comfortable, reliable walking shoe.
New Balance 860
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Best for: Stability, support & controlled movement
The New Balance 860 is a great option if you’re looking for a bit more structure and support in your walking shoes. Compared to more neutral options, it offers added stability, which can be helpful if your knees feel a little unsupported or if your foot tends to roll inwards when you walk.
New Balance tend to work really well for a lot of people, myself included and the availability of different width options is a big bonus.
Skechers Arch Fit, Slip-In
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Best for: Easy on/off & excellent arch support
Perfect for people who struggle to bend, these slip-ins offer a contoured footbed for arch support and knee alignment, cushioned midsoles for shock absorption, and a stable sole for confident steps.
FitVille Rebound Core / Extra Wide Range
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Best for: Wider feet & extra comfort great price.
FitVille has been getting really good feedback, especially from people who struggle with standard shoe widths. They offer extra-wide options with good cushioning and a stable feel underfoot.
- FitVille Womens Extra Wide Fit Lightweight Walking Shoes
- FitVille Mens Extra Wide Fit Lightweight Walking Shoes
Merrell Moab 3
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Best for: Hiking & uneven terrain
If you’re walking on trails or uneven ground, grip and stability become even more important. The Moab is a well-known hiking shoe that provides excellent traction and support outdoors.
Which Shoe Is Right for You?
- Sore, sensitive knees? → Go for HOKA Bondi
- Want cushioning but lighter? → Try HOKA Clifton
- Affordable support and comfort? → Skechers Arch Fit
- Feel unstable or need support? → Brooks Addiction Walker
- Prefer something simple & soft? → Brooks Ghost
- Reliable support? → New Balance 860
- Need easy on/off with arch support? → Skechers Arch Fit Slip-Ins
- Struggle with width? → FitVille
- Walking on trails? → Merrell Moab
A Quick Thought From Me
I always say this in clinic – the “best” shoe is the one that feels right for your body.
For example, I personally tend to gravitate towards New Balance, but I know plenty of people who feel much better in HOKAs or Brooks. In clinic Skechers win hands down.
Your body will usually tell you pretty quickly if something feels supportive, comfortable, and right.
Don’t Forget
Even the best shoes can only do so much.
If your knees are regularly painful, it’s important to also work on:
- Strength
- Movement patterns
- Confidence in your joints
👉 That’s exactly what I focus on in my Arthritic Knee Program and FREE Masterclass – if you’d like a bit more guidance and support alongside choosing the right footwear.
Take care, Helen
Helen Manders BSc (Hons) MCSP HCPC
Chartered Physiotherapist
Treating Arthritic Knees Since 2001
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