Best Hiking Boots For Bad Knees? Many assume that the elderly are prone to bad knees, which is invalid. You can get knee pain from running, jogging, or any activity involving your feet and knees. Moreover, there is not any age constraint on getting bad knees. If you are planning on hiking on mountains or any terrain with bad knees, this is a must-read for you.
Hiking is a rigorous activity that involves almost all of your body muscles. While the upper body struggles to balance the body weight, the lower body constantly takes you uphill or downhill on the trails.
Even if you are not prone to bad knees, they can happen at any minute if the pressure or stress on the knees increases somehow. It may be due to sudden bumpy terrain, or you may hit something tiny, and the aftershock comes in the form of knee or foot pain. There is no certainty on the terrains and you can never neglect any hazards coming in way.
To avoid getting injured or bruised, especially getting bad knees, we recommend you buy the best hiking boots for bad knees. Getting proper footwear while hiking with any foot problem or bad knees will solve your problems because footwear is designed to support your existing problems and provide relief.
If you love spending time outdoors and don’t want any hurdle like bad knees to stop you from it, then we have a solution for you. Our guide covers some of the best hiking boots for bad knees to find your perfect pair of hiking boots without any trouble.
Our Recommended Hiking Boots for Bad Knees in 2022
1. Danner 453 GTX Hiking Boots For Men
Danner’s are best known for their durable boot soles that provide comfort and support to the feet and ankles. The gore-tex lining makes the boots waterproof.
They are available in two classic colors: Distress Brown and tan grey to provide you with the utmost classic look while balancing your body weight to keep you stable on all terrains. If you want flexible boots with durability, they are the ones for you.
2. Colombia Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boots For Women
They have a feminine touch color palette with durable material used for the construction. Techlite midsoles and cushioned insoles make them perfect for people with bad knees or foot pains.
The shaft is the perfect length to provide traction to the ankles; therefore, less pressure is exerted on the knees. They are an absolute match made in heaven if you’re into lightweight gear.
Which Hiking Boots Are Best For Bad Knees In 2022?
1. Lowa Renegade GTX Hiking Boots for Men
If you plan short hikes or short-planned hiking trips with friends and family on some plain greeny trails, then these hiking boots will work best for you. Lowa Renegade promises extreme comfort with versatility and flexibility. Cushioned insoles make the feet feel at home, while the ankle support and arch support won’t let the pressure or stress on the feet or knees.
Moreover, the derby style lacing is an easy peasy way of tying laces that suits everyone. Lowa is the best lightweight hiking boots for people prone to bad knees.
- WaterProof: GTX lining makes the boots waterproof, and breathable mesh layers let the air flow through so the feet can remain dry.
- Comfortable: EVA footbed with climate control will wick the moisture away while providing comfort to the feet.
- Lightweight: The structure of Lowa is a mono frame that keeps the feet fit perfectly inside while being lightweight so that you don’t have to drag your shoes with you.
- Shock Absorbing Outsole: The model has Vibram outsoles responsible for absorbing any shocks or sudden stress from the terrains to protect you from getting bad knees or painful heels.
Specification Table
Dimensions | 13.1 x 11.9 x 4.9 inches |
Weight (per pair) | 1.5 Pounds |
Shaft measurement | N/A |
Item model number | RENEGADE GTX MID |
Pros & Cons
2. Zamberlan Vioz 996 Hiking Boots For Men
The boots make the list of top hiking boots for bad knees because of their FlexSTM technology that allows 4D feet motion and supports ankles.
Due to free lateral motion, these boots successfully provide good traction and stability to the feet or knees. Infused with GTX membranes, they are waterproof and made from durable, premium-quality leather, making them perfect for rough terrain hikes.
- Premium Quality Leather: Zamberland has full-grain Hydrobloc leather, a premium leather line that makes the boots ultra water resistant and durable.
- Pressure Resistant Outsole: Vibram 3D outsole is a high-performing rubber sole that is stiff on the ground and softer on the feet to provide the best traction on any terrain.
- Breathable and Comfortable: Its special construction design makes them extra comfortable because of its cushioned footbeds, and the Zamberlan Air system has incredible mesh membranes that wick the moisture away from the feet.
- Water-Resistant: GTX lining in the boots makes them water resistant, and the breathable membranes won’t let any water residue inside the boots.
Specification Table
Dimensions | N/A |
Weight (per pair) | 3 lbs |
Shaft measurement | N/A |
Item model number | 0996PM0G |
Pros & Cons
3. Danner 453 GTX Hiking Boots For Men
If you are a person who loves outdoor activities, then these boots are for you. They are extremely comfortable and lightweight shoes you can wear on your hiking venture.
The insoles are designed to propel the feet forward, so you don’t have to push yourself too much. Moreover, the shaft support makes them excellent for people with bad knees.
- Waterproof: Infused with GTX lining, the boots are waterproof and provide seamless protection against any wet surface.
- Best Lacing System: It has a speed lacing system where you don’t have to tie laces frequently on the terrain.
- EVA Cushioned Insoles: Midsoles and insoles are integrated with EVA membranes that support the feet and make them comfortable.
- Lightweight: Boots are made for every outdoor activity; hence, the weight is very light so you can go on easily.
Specification Table
Dimensions | 15 x 6 x 14 inches |
Weight (per pair) | 4.05 pounds |
Shaft measurement | N/A |
Item model number | 453 5.5" All-Leather-M |
Pros & Cons
4. Vasque Breeze 2.0 GTX Hiking Boots For Men
They are lightweight hiking gear for people with bad knees or foot injuries. Their insoles are designed to be cushioned enough to provide good support to your feet on every type of terrain. The boots are breathable and waterproof, along with GTX linings that provide shock-absorbing outsoles to perform well on the trails.
You can also add orthopedic accessories to the boots to enhance their capabilities. The ankle height shaft keeps the ankles in check, supporting the knees.
- Waterproof: GTX lining on the boots makes them excellent waterproof boots that don’t let a drop of water pass through the small meshes.
- Breathable: It is one of the most breathable hiking boots with small breathable meshes to keep the feet dry.
- Anti-Erosion: Due to their strong structure and durable leather material, the boots don’t show signs of wear and tear easily.
- Resilient Outsole: Vibram rubber outsole provides adequate traction on the ground while the XSTrek compound adds optimum level performance by providing full range motion on the terrain.
Specification Table
Dimensions | 13 x 10 x 5 inches |
Weight (per pair) | 1.2 pounds |
Shaft measurement | N/A |
Item model number | 7482-Slate Brown/Russet Orange-9 W US |
Pros & Cons
5. Colombia Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boots For Women
If you are a woman suffering from bad knees and do not have many choices with hiking boots, then you can opt for Colombia Newton ridge plus. The boots are lightweight with premium leather material that makes them durable in the long run.
The outsoles can provide a good grip on the trails, while the insoles provide the comfort that makes your feet feel snug—best for bad knees and heel pains.
- Outsoles: The outsole is made of rubber material that provides traction on the trails and a fine grip on bumpy terrains.
- Lightweight: Techlite EVA foams make the insoles and midsoles comfortable, making feet feel comfortable.
- Waterproof: The boots have suede leather as their construction material, making them waterproof and durable.
- Feminine Design: Colombia Newton’s aesthetically pleasing design adds sassiness to your classic style.
Specification Table
Dimensions | 13.6 x 9.2 x 5 inches |
Weight (per pair) | 2.3 pounds |
Shaft measurement | N/A |
Item model number | 1718822 |
Pros & Cons
Comparison Grid
Sr # | Brand | Image | Dimensions | Weight | Shaft Height | Water Impermeability | Leather |
1 | Lowa Renegade GTX | 13.1 x 11.9 x 4.9 inches | 1.5 pounds | N/A | Yes | 100% | |
2 | Zamberlan Vioz 996 | N/A | 3 pounds | N/A | Yes | 100% | |
3 | Danner 453 GTX | 15 x 6 x 14 inches | 4.05 pounds | N/A | Yes | 100% | |
4 | Vasque Breeze 2.0 GTX | 13 x 10 x 5 inches | 1.2 pounds | N/A | Yes | 100% | |
5 | Colombia Newton Ridge Plus | 13.6 x 9.2 x 5 inches | 2.3 pounds | N/A | Yes | 100% |
Tips For Buying Hiking Boots For Bad knees
- Make sure that the hiking boots have extra paddings to provide support and extra comfort to the feet. If the feet feel less stressed, then the knees stay healthy too.
- The boots’ flexibility must be such as to allow full range motion of the feet so that so can hike freely without any stress.
- The midsoles and rear soles must be padded enough so the heels and feet can absorb the little bit of pressure and the knees stay free of any shocks.
- Arch support is needed in your perfect pair of hiking boots to keep your posture correct. Keeping posture aligned while hiking makes the chances of getting bad knees minimal.
- You can also add extra support tools like treks to divide your weight equally hence having less painful knees.
- You should avoid wearing high heels or stiff boots that can trigger bad knees.
- Moreover, train your legs by doing cardio or yoga poses that may help minimize the bad knees.
- To avoid serious injuries, take your prescribed medicines in your backpack.
FAQs:
1. Should people hike with bad knees?
If your knees are too weak, then it is good that you don’t go on hiking because the terrains are rough and bumpy. If you have persisted problem but have coped with it, it is safe for you to hike with the best hiking boots for bad knees.
2. Can I use orthotics with hiking boots if I have bad knees?
Yes, you can use orthotics in your daily footwear and hiking boots to add comfort to your feet and keep the shocks away from the knees.
3. Can I prevent bad knees while hiking?
You can use trekking poles or any support tools that can shift your weight so that there is less pressure on the knees. Also, avoid hiking on steep surfaces such as downhills.
Conclusion
Bad or weak knees may make you slow and seem to struggle with outdoor adventures. If you are still keen to find a way and go out in nature with the proper gear, this guide will help you.
We have curated some of the best hiking boots for bad knees to help you sort out your perfect pair to protect the knees against any shocks or pressure on the trails.
While choosing hiking boots, ensure proper padding, shock-absorbent outsoles, and ankle support that will keep your hiking posture in line so that there is no extra stress on the knees.
Try doing exercises that support the knees or stretching exercises that will allow a full range of motion. Avoid wearing high heels or any inclined footwear that can exert pressure on the knees.
Moreover, if you have serious bad knee problems, we suggest you consult a medical professional before hopping on to a hiking venture.