Basketball is a high-impact sport that can take a toll on your knees, especially if you’re prone to knee pain or have a history of knee injuries. Wearing the right basketball shoes can help reduce the impact on your knees and provide the support and cushioning you need to play your best game.
When it comes to choosing basketball shoes for bad knees, there are a few critical things to keep in mind. First, look for shoes with good shock absorption to reduce the impact on your knees when you jump and land.
Second, consider shoes with good ankle support to help prevent ankle injuries, which can also put added stress on your knees.
Finally, make sure the shoes fit properly and are comfortable to wear for extended periods.
We spent hours researching and testing the best basketball shoes for bad knees to identify the ones that provide the right combination of support, cushioning, and comfort.
In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks and explain why we think they’re the best options for anyone looking to protect their knees while playing basketball.
Best Basketball Shoes for Bad Knees
We understand that finding the right pair of basketball shoes can be a daunting task, especially if you suffer from knee pain. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best basketball shoes for bad knees. Our team of experts has researched and tested numerous shoes to bring you this comprehensive list.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, these shoes offer the necessary support and cushioning to help alleviate knee pain and prevent further injury. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best basketball shoes for bad knees.
PEAK High Top Mens Basketball Shoes Lou Williams Streetball Master Breathable Non Slip Outdoor Sneakers Cushioning Workout Shoes for Fitness 11 Classic Black & Gray
If you want basketball shoes that are comfortable and provide good support for your knees, then the PEAK High Top Mens Basketball Shoes Lou Williams Streetball Master Breathable Non Slip Outdoor Sneakers Cushioning Workout Shoes for Fitness 11 Classic Black & Gray (available here) are a great choice.
Pros
- The shoes are made with a SEAMLESS INTEGRATED WEAVING & HOT-MELT PROCESS that provides comfortable wrapping and support for your feet.
- The PEAK STA STABILIZATION MODULE provides support for the lateral movement of your foot and reduces the chance of spraining.
- The OUTDOOR RB UPGRADED WEAR-RESISTANT RUBBER has been greatly improved to better adapt to the conditions of plastics, cement, etc. in the field.
Cons
- The shoes may not be suitable for people with wide feet.
- Some users have reported that the shoes are not very durable.
- The shoes may not provide enough ankle support for some users.
I have been using the PEAK High Top Mens Basketball Shoes Lou Williams Streetball Master Breathable Non Slip Outdoor Sneakers Cushioning Workout Shoes for Fitness 11 Classic Black & Gray for a few weeks now, and I have to say that I am impressed. The shoes are very comfortable and provide great support for my knees, which is important since I have bad knees.
The SEAMLESS INTEGRATED WEAVING & HOT-MELT PROCESS makes the shoes feel like they are hugging my feet, and the PEAK STA STABILIZATION MODULE provides the support I need when making lateral movements. The OUTDOOR RB UPGRADED WEAR-RESISTANT RUBBER is also great for outdoor play, and I have noticed that the shoes grip the court well.
However, the shoes may not be suitable for people with wide feet, as they can be a bit narrow. Additionally, some users have reported that the shoes are not very durable, so it remains to be seen how long they will last. Finally, the shoes may not provide enough ankle support for some users, so keep that in mind if you have weak ankles.
Overall, I would recommend the PEAK High Top Mens Basketball Shoes Lou Williams Streetball Master Breathable Non Slip Outdoor Sneakers Cushioning Workout Shoes for Fitness 11 Classic Black & Gray to anyone looking for comfortable and supportive basketball shoes for bad knees.
LI-NING YU Shuai XV Men Professional Basketball Shoes
If you’re looking for a pair of basketball shoes that provide excellent cushioning and stability, then the LI-NING YU Shuai XV Men Professional Basketball Shoes (available here) are a great option.
Pros
- The SYNCHRO-ADJUST SYSTEM provides optimal function service for the athletic.
- The LI-NING BOOM cushioning technology provides excellent cushioning and resilience performance.
- The COOL SHELL technology forms a breathable cooling system that provides a cooling effect.
Cons
- The sizing may be slightly off, so it’s important to double-check before purchasing.
- The shoes may not be as durable as some other options on the market.
- Some customers have reported that the shoes are not as comfortable as they had hoped.
We recently had the opportunity to try out the LI-NING YU Shuai XV Men Professional Basketball Shoes, and we were impressed with their performance. The SYNCHRO-ADJUST SYSTEM is a unique feature that integrates the compound 3D TPU stent with rebound material, providing stability control for the heel, mechanotransduction for the midfoot, and support and stability for the forefoot. This system truly provides optimal function service for the athletic.
The LI-NING BOOM cushioning technology is another standout feature of these shoes. We found that it provided excellent cushioning and resilience performance, making it easier to move quickly and jump higher. Additionally, the COOL SHELL technology helps to keep your feet cool during exercise, which is especially important during intense basketball games.
While we were impressed with the overall performance of the LI-NING YU Shuai XV Men Professional Basketball Shoes, there were a few downsides to consider. Some customers have reported that the sizing may be slightly off, so it’s important to double-check before purchasing. Additionally, the shoes may not be as durable as some other options on the market, so they may not last as long with frequent use. Finally, some customers have reported that the shoes are not as comfortable as they had hoped, so it’s important to keep this in mind when making your purchase.
Overall, we would recommend the LI-NING YU Shuai XV Men Professional Basketball Shoes to anyone looking for a pair of basketball shoes that provide excellent cushioning and stability. While there are a few downsides to consider, we believe that the unique features of these shoes make them a great option for anyone looking to improve their basketball game.
Nike Lebron Soldier XIV 14 Basketball Shoes
If you’re looking for a basketball shoe that provides comfort and stability for bad knees, then the Nike Lebron Soldier XIV 14 Basketball Shoes (available here) should be on your list.
Pros
- The full-length foam and Zoom Air provide energy-return and responsiveness with a smooth heel-to-toe sensation.
- The wide midfoot strap spreads the force of impact and provides stability for every movement, at any speed.
- The four Nike Zoom Air cushioning units maximize the power of every step to help you create separation at any moment.
Cons
- The sleek futuristic design may not appeal to everyone.
- The transparent plastic overlay along the outer side may not provide enough support for some.
- The shoe may run small, so it’s important to try them on before purchasing.
The Nike Lebron Soldier XIV 14 Basketball Shoes are designed to provide comfort, support, and stability for every movement on the court. The full-length foam and Zoom Air technology provide a smooth heel-to-toe sensation, while the midfoot strap spreads the force of impact and provides stability for every movement, at any speed. The four Nike Zoom Air cushioning units maximize the power of every step, helping you create separation at any moment.
The shoe features a sleek futuristic design that encloses your foot in a breathable partial bootie covered with a shroud. Woven materials complete the look, while the transparent plastic overlay along the outer side helps to stabilize your foot when quickly changing directions.
However, the shoe may not appeal to everyone due to its design, and the transparent plastic overlay may not provide enough support for some. Additionally, the shoe may run small, so it’s important to try them on before purchasing.
Overall, the Nike Lebron Soldier XIV 14 Basketball Shoes are a great option for those looking for comfort and stability on the court.
Under Armour Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoe
If you’re looking for a basketball shoe that provides maximum comfort and support for bad knees, the Under Armour Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoe (available here) is a great option.
Pros
- The durable leather upper with mesh panels provides added breathability and comfort.
- The plush foam sockliner increases underfoot comfort.
- The EVA midsole delivers a lightweight and responsive ride.
Cons
- Some users may find the standard tie lace type to be less secure than other types of laces.
- The solid rubber outsole may not provide as much traction on certain types of courts.
- The shoe may take some time to break in and feel comfortable.
We’ve found the Under Armour Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoe to be a comfortable and supportive option for those with bad knees. The leather upper with mesh panels not only provides durability but also allows your feet to breathe during intense games. The plush foam sockliner provides added cushioning, which is especially important for those with knee issues.
The EVA midsole is lightweight and responsive, allowing for quick movements on the court. However, some users may find the standard tie lace type to be less secure than other types of laces. Additionally, the solid rubber outsole with a herringbone traction pattern provides great control on the court, but may not provide as much traction on certain types of courts.
Overall, the Under Armour Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoe is a great option for those looking for a comfortable and supportive basketball shoe for bad knees.
Nike Lebron Soldier XIV 14 Basketball Shoes
If you’re looking for basketball shoes that provide energy-return and responsiveness with a smooth heel-to-toe sensation, then the Nike Lebron Soldier XIV 14 Basketball Shoes (available here) are worth considering.
Pros
- The full-length foam and Zoom Air provide a quick and continuous sensation, maximizing the power of every step.
- The wide midfoot strap spreads the force of impact and provides stability for every movement, at any speed.
- The perforated upper is engineered for breathability, flexibility, and support.
Cons
- The shoes are a little hard to get on.
- Some users may find it difficult to adjust to the wide midfoot strap.
- The price point may be a bit high for some buyers.
We found that the Nike Lebron Soldier XIV 14 Basketball Shoes are a great choice for basketball players with bad knees. The combination of foam and Zoom Air provides a comfortable and responsive feel, while the wide midfoot strap helps to stabilize your foot during quick movements. The perforated upper also provides breathability and support, making these shoes comfortable for extended periods of wear.
The only downside we found was that the shoes can be a bit difficult to get on, but once they’re on, they fit comfortably. Some users may also find it difficult to adjust to the wide midfoot strap, but we found that it provides added support and stability during gameplay.
Overall, if you’re looking for a comfortable and supportive basketball shoe, the Nike Lebron Soldier XIV 14 Basketball Shoes are a great option to consider.
Nike Kyrie 4 Low TB
If you’re looking for a lightweight basketball shoe that doesn’t compromise on support, the Nike Kyrie 4 Low TB (available here) is a good option.
Pros
- The shoe is lightweight, making it easy to move around the court.
- The cushioning is comfortable, providing a smooth and responsive ride.
- The traction is solid, keeping you low to the ground and in control.
Cons
- The shoe may not provide enough support for those with severe knee problems.
- The shoe may run small, so you may need to size up.
- Some users have reported discomfort in the toe area.
We’ve tested the Nike Kyrie 4 Low TB on the court and found it to be a solid performer. The shoe is lightweight, which makes it easy to move around and change direction quickly. The cushioning is comfortable and responsive, providing a smooth ride. The traction is also solid, keeping you low to the ground and in control.
However, if you have severe knee problems, the shoe may not provide enough support. It’s important to consult with a doctor or physical therapist before purchasing any basketball shoe if you have a pre-existing condition.
Additionally, some users have reported discomfort in the toe area. We recommend trying on the shoe before purchasing to ensure a proper fit. Overall, the Nike Kyrie 4 Low TB is a good option for those looking for a lightweight basketball shoe with solid traction and cushioning.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best basketball shoes for bad knees, there are several factors to consider. We recommend taking the following features into account:
Cushioning
One of the most important aspects of a basketball shoe for bad knees is the level of cushioning. Look for shoes with ample cushioning in the midsole, which can absorb shock and protect your joints from impact. Some shoes may also have additional cushioning in the heel or forefoot, which can provide extra support.
Arch Support
Another key feature to consider is arch support. Shoes with proper arch support can help distribute your weight evenly and reduce the strain on your knees. Look for shoes with a supportive insole or midsole, and consider getting custom orthotics if you have particularly high or low arches.
Traction
Good traction is essential for preventing slips and falls on the court. Look for shoes with a durable rubber outsole and a pattern that provides good grip on the court surface.
Fit
A proper fit is crucial for both comfort and support. Make sure to measure your feet and try on shoes in the size and width that fits you best. Look for shoes with a snug but not tight fit, and consider trying on shoes with different lacing systems to find the best fit for your foot shape.
Durability
Basketball shoes can take a lot of wear and tear, so it’s important to choose a shoe that can withstand the rigors of the game. Look for shoes with durable materials and reinforced stitching, and consider investing in a high-quality shoe that will last longer.
In summary, when choosing basketball shoes for bad knees, prioritize cushioning, arch support, traction, fit, and durability. By considering these factors, you can find a shoe that will protect your knees and help you perform your best on the court.
