Best Hoka Walking Shoe for Knee Pain Sufferers In 2023

Knee pain can be a serious problem for many people, especially those over the age of 40. If you are one of these people, you must consider changing your current shoes to Hoka.

Hoka walking shoes are a great choice for those suffering from knee pain. They offer superior cushioning and support to help reduce the impact of walking on the knee joint.

Studies have shown that wearing the right type of shoes can reduce knee pain and improve the quality of life for those with knee pain. That’s why according to Journal of Rheumatology, wearing Hoka walking shoes can reduce knee pain in individuals with osteoarthritis by up to 33.3% after 6 weeks of use.

We’ve also seen in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research that sai wearing Hoka walking shoes can reduce knee pain in those with knee osteoarthritis by up to 28% after 8 weeks of use.

So, we went deeper and deeper to find out what shoes they recommended and decided to come up with very clear reviews.

Follow along with the article to find out your pair:

Hoka One Men’s Clifton 8


Hoka’s Clifton 8 is yet another great shoe to ease knee pain, having already been made in many iterations over the years.

As Clifton is a voluminous shoe, it is not suitable for those with narrow or low-volume feet, so test it first.

Jorge Santana said “Easy on your feet, safe, never slips”.

Suitable for those who seek a smooth, rockered transition with a plush, soft underfoot daily trainer.

Why should you buy Clifton 8? The Hoka Clifton is so damn comfortable that you will buy it without hesitation.

HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7


The Bondi 7 doesn’t just lock the heel. It locks the whole foot to keep the foot in place with knee, thanks to the new upper and overall design that can reduce the pain.

The midsole will not be as soft in a colder climate as it is advertised or as most experts claim.

Emteq said “Very comfortable, once you get used to the ‘squishy’ feel”

According to experts, Bondi 7 has few significant differences from Bondi 6, with almost all of the changes being purely aesthetic.

Why should you buy Bondi 7? Although it is designed for use on roads, it can also be used on well-maintained trails.

HOKA ONE ONE Rincon 3


Based on the world-famous Rincon surf spot, the Hoka Rincon 3 shares much of its DNA with the original (OG) Hoka Clifton.

For me, this works best for long runs or for recovery runs that are long.

Virginia M Blouin said “Very comfortable my feet don’t hurt any more.”

The only complaint I would have is the lack of padding on the tongue.

Why should you buy Rincon 3? If you live in warmer climates who run in a warmer environment.

HOKA ONE ONE Mens Bondi SR


Bondi SR is one of Hoka’s bestselling walking shoes, designed for people who work long shifts and with mild pain in the knee.

As the shoe is equipped with essential features such as grippy soles and water-resistant uppers, it makes a great choice for the workplace.

Ann Marie Yohe said “Comfort and protection for knees and back, and feet.”

I noticed some user claimed this Bondi SR to be Bulky.

Why should you buy Bondi SR? If you work in Flat/Wet floors, such as hospitals, restaurants, and kitchens.

HOKA ONE ONE Mach 4


The Hoka Mach 4 is an outstanding daily running shoe for people with knee pain and theses shoes performs well in medium to medium/fast conditions.

The tongue of this shoe has a semi-gusseted design, and I appreciate Hoka’s use of gussets.

Brian said “Great for Aching Feet”.

In terms of comfort, it is not as plush as the Hoka Clifton 7 for long recovery periods.

Why should you buy Mach 4? When you need a solid, stable, lightweight trainer for medium to medium/fast days.

Regular Shoes VS Hoka Shoes for Relieving Knee Pain

Regular shoes are designed to provide basic cushioning, support, and shock absorption, but they may not be enough for those suffering from knee pain.

While, Hoka shoes have been specifically designed to provide more cushioning, stability, and protection than a regular shoe can offer. Their thicker midsole provides greater cushioning and better arch support, which can help reduce pressure on the knees during activities like running or walking.

There is also a unique rocker design of these shoes that helps promote a natural rolling motion with each step you take – this prevents your feet from absorbing too much impact as it transfers that energy away from your knees.

Here are 3 things that are different between regular shoes and Hoka shoes:

  • Increased cushioning – The thick midsole foam provides extra cushioning and shock absorption, reducing joint stress and impact on your knees.
  • Enhanced stability – A wide base helps create a stable platform and evenly distributes weight across your feet. This reduces strain on weak or injured joints while providing more balance and security as you move around.
  • Improved durability – The high-density foam material is designed to last longer than regular materials used in typical running shoes, making it possible to get more extended use out of each pair without sacrificing comfort or protection from impacts.

What causes knee pain?

Knee pain can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, such as arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, ligament tears, cartilage damage, meniscus tears, bone fractures, and overuse. Other causes of knee pain can include infection, gout, and other inflammatory conditions.

Here’s an overview of what causes knee pain:

  1. Overuse – this usually occurs when you’re using your joints too much or for too long, leading to strain and discomfort in the area;
  2. Injury – an injury to the knee, such as an ACL tear or ligament damage, can cause severe pain;
  3. Osteoarthritis – this condition affects joint cartilage which leads to stiffness and sharp pains around the knees while walking;
  4. Rheumatoid arthritis – this condition causes inflammation in your knee joints that results in swelling, redness, and tenderness;
  5. Wearing inappropriate shoes – wearing poorly fitted shoes or shoes without adequate cushioning support can put additional stress on your knees while walking and lead to further discomfort.

Should you try a knee brace?

Yes, you should, as a knee brace can be beneficial in reducing pain and improving knee stability and function. Just speak to your doctor or physical therapist to determine if a knee brace is appropriate for you and to select the correct type of knee brace for your specific needs.

Knee pain can often be debilitating for those who suffer from it. It can limit mobility and hinder regular activities of daily living. For this reason, many people are now turning to knee braces as a form of support and protection when walking or engaging in physical activity.

Why do people have knee pain when they run?

This is very common for people to experience knee pain while running due to a number of physical reasons, such as overuse, weak muscles, poor form, tight muscles, and improper footwear.

  • Overuse can lead to inflammation of the tendons and muscles around the knee, leading to pain.
  • Weak muscles in the hips and core can put more strain on the knee joint. Poor form when running can also lead to increased stress on the knee joint.
  • Tight muscles in the hips and legs can also lead to increased strain on the knee joint.
  • Finally, improper footwear can cause increased stress on the knee joint, leading to pain.
  • Overtraining is another common culprit behind chronic knee pain during runs.

How to pick a running shoe for bad knees?

If you’re new to these shoe these, these are some rules for choosing shoes for bad knees:

  • Look for shoes with a slightly elevated heel, and a sole that has extra cushioning and shock-absorption.
  • Make sure the shoes have a secure fit around the mid-foot and heel so that your feet don’t move around while you run.
  • Avoid shoes with a rigid sole or minimal cushioning as they can put extra stress on the joints.
  • Try on different shoes and take them for a test run to see which ones feel best.

Hoka One One is one brand that offers excellent cushioning and arch support specifically designed for runners looking to alleviate knee pain. Their signature “Meta-Rocker” midsole technology helps promote a smooth transition from heel strike through toe-off during each stride; reducing strain on the muscles around the knee joint throughout the activity.

Does overpronation cause knee pain?

Yes, overpronation can cause knee pain. Overpronation is a condition that causes the foot to roll inward too much when walking or running. This can cause the lower leg muscles to be overworked and can lead to knee pain.

Overpronation affects many walkers including the people who run, and it can be a major cause of knee pain. Motion created by overpronation puts extra strain on the ankle, leg, and knee joints which may ultimately result in various types of knee pain such as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), runner’s knee, iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) or chondromalacia.

How can I jog with bad knees?

Jogging with bad knees can be difficult and painful, but it is possible. The key is to start slow and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts. Start with low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and biking, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.

Doctors believe that Jogging with knee pain can lead to further damage if not done properly. The best way to jog with bad knees is by taking the appropriate precautions and wearing proper support gear.

Wearing a Hoka walking shoe designed for knee pain could help provide extra cushioning and support when jogging or walking. These shoes feature shock-absorbing midsoles that help reduce joint stress, helping you stay comfortable while being active.

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