Golf is a fantastic way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, but if you have arthritic knees, choosing the right footwear is crucial to ensure comfort and minimise pain. As a Physiotherapist, I often get asked about the best golf shoes for arthritic knees. I’ve had 4 new golfers in clinic just last week – so here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Arthritis and Its Impact on Your Golf Game
Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis in the knees, can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. These symptoms can affect your golf swing, walking on the course, and overall enjoyment of the game. Wearing the right golf shoes can make a significant difference in managing these symptoms and enhancing your performance.
Tips for Golfing with Arthritic Knees
- Improve your knees with exercise *ESSENTIAL*: The stronger and better supported your knees are, the better they will function and the more fun you will have on the golf course.
- Warm-Up Properly: Before hitting the course, ensure you do a thorough warm-up to prepare your joints and muscles.
- Use a Golf Cart: If walking the course is too strenuous, consider using a golf cart to reduce the strain on your knees.
- Settle for 9 holes instead of 18: Obviously this is just a temporary solution until your knees are functioning better.
- Rest days: If you are lucky enough to play 2 or 3 times a week then space these out to allow for recovery, inflammation generally takes 72 hrs to settle back down.
- Consult Your Physiotherapist: Discuss your golfing routine with your Physiotherapist to ensure it’s appropriate for your condition and to get personalised advice. If you would like help, I have everything you need all in one place, learn more here.
Key Features to Look for in Golf Shoes
When shopping for golf shoes with arthritic knees in mind, consider the following features:
- Cushioning and Support: Good arch support is ESSENTIAL to maintain proper alignment and distribute weight evenly. This is the thing that makes the biggest difference, usually immediate! Shoes with ample cushioning can help absorb impact and reduce stress on your knees.
- Lightweight Design: Lightweight shoes can reduce the strain on your knees, making it easier to walk the course.
- Flexibility: Shoes with flexible soles allow for a natural range of motion, which can help alleviate discomfort during your swing and while walking.
- Stability: Stability is crucial to prevent excessive movement that could exacerbate knee pain. Look for shoes with a stable base and good grip.
- Proper Fit: Ensure the shoes fit well, with enough room for your toes and no tight spots. Poorly fitting shoes can lead to additional pain and discomfort.
Top Golf Shoe Recommendations for Arthritic Knees (2025 Update)
Note: These models are current as of 2025 and are selected for their comfort and support, which are essential for golfers with arthritic knees.
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 – aimed at supporting you.
Skechers GO GOLF Max 3
- Why It’s Great: The Skechers GO GOLF Max 3 is designed for all-day supportive comfort. It features a waterproof synthetic leather upper with protective overlays, a removable Arch Fit® insole, lightweight ULTRA FLIGHT® cushioning, and a spikeless outsole. These features make it an excellent choice for golfers seeking cushioning and stability to alleviate knee discomfort.
- Buy on Amazon UK Men
- Buy on Amazon UK Women
FootJoy Pro/SLX
- Why It’s Great: The FootJoy Pro/SLX offers advanced traction, control, and comfort. Engineered from the ground up, it provides superior feel with Fine Tuned Foam (FTF) for supple cushioning and a perimeter-weighted outsole design for enhanced stability. This combination ensures reduced stress on the knees during long rounds.
- Buy on Amazon UK Men
- Buy on Amazon UK Women
ECCO Biom H5
- Why It’s Great: The ECCO Biom H5 is renowned for its comfort and support. It features BIOM® Natural Motion technology that supports the foot’s natural movement, reducing stress on the knees. The durable construction and hybrid design make it suitable for various terrains, ensuring comfort throughout the game.GQ
- Buy on Amazon UK Men
- Buy on Amazon UK Women
New Balance Breeze V2
- Why It’s Great: The New Balance Breeze V2 is designed with a breathable performance mesh upper, CUSH+ insole for responsive cushioning, and a REVlite midsole for lightweight comfort. Its spikeless rubber outsole provides excellent traction, making it a comfortable option for golfers with arthritic knees.
- Buy on Amazon UK Men
- Buy on Amazon UK Women
Keen to keep your current shoes? – Innersoles
You may have just bought some new golf shoes only to find that they are not comfy! If this is the case you may want to try innersoles first before buying another new pair. Although can you have too many golf shoes? Innersoles are a great option to pop inside your current golf shoes, find one with a nice medial arch support.
My favourites are the Pro II I’ve been using them in clinic with patients for many years. They are a great price and provide good support without being too bulky.
Conclusion
Golfing with arthritic knees doesn’t have to be a painful experience. Choosing the right golf shoes and ensuring your knees are strong and in the best shape possible, leaves you to just enjoy the game.
I’m here as well as the shoes to give support if you need it. Happy golfing.
Take care, Helen
Helen Manders BSc (Hons) MCSP HCPC
Chartered Physiotherapist Treating Arthritic Knees Since 2001
