Best Golf Shoes for Bad Knees

The Arch Fit insole is podiatrist-designed and it shows. The arch support is noticeably higher than any other golf shoe I have tried — it actually supports your foot instead of collapsing under your weight. The Ultra Go cushioning in the midsole absorbs impact on every step. After 18 holes of walking, my knees felt better than they did after 9 holes in my old shoes. The spikeless outsole grips well on dry and moderately wet surfaces. At $110 it costs $40-80 less than comparable shoes from FootJoy and ECCO.

At $85 the Breeze V2 is the most affordable shoe that provides genuine knee relief. The CUSH+ midsole is softer than most budget golf shoes and the wide toe box reduces lateral pressure. Not as supportive as the Skechers but a significant upgrade from flat-soled golf shoes. Great starter option before investing in a premium pair.

If your knee pain is caused by lateral instability in your swing (your knees sliding rather than rotating), the Superlites XP provides the most stable platform of any lightweight shoe. The wider base and stiffer midsole keep your foot planted through impact. The trade-off is slightly less cushioning than the Skechers — better for swing stability, slightly worse for walking comfort.

Three factors: thin midsoles that do not absorb walking impact, lack of arch support that forces your knees to compensate for flat feet, and stiff soles that do not flex naturally during your stride. If your current shoes have less than 10mm of midsole cushioning, switching to a shoe with 15mm+ (like the Skechers Arch Fit) will make an immediate difference.

If you love your current shoes but need more support, an aftermarket insole can help. Superfeet Green ($50) provides the most rigid arch support. Powerstep Pinnacle ($35) offers a balance of support and cushioning. Either option can transform a flat golf shoe into a supportive one without buying new shoes.