If you’re dealing with conditions that attack your knees or have been through surgery and recovery for a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), you understand how difficult and painful bad knees can be. Laboring long hours in a boot that doesn’t cushion and protect your feet can aggravate your problems. Thus the need for the best boots for bad knees.
Suffering from bad knees is probably the worst feeling to experience while working. Unfortunately, most workers suffering from this condition often get frustrated at the accessible options on the market.
This is mostly due to downsides such as low-quality materials, absence of safety toes and slip-resistant outsoles, and unergonomic features that make the boots uncomfortable and inappropriate for bad knees.
If you’re searching for proper footwear to manage your painful knees, you will find 10 of the best work boots for bad knees that feature every essential requirement.
Table of Contents
Here are The Best Work Boots For Bad Knees
Timberland PRO 6″ TiTAN Composite Safety-Toe Work Boot
The Timberland PRO 6″ TiTAN Composite Safety-Toe Work Boot comes lightweight and durable which makes it suitable for a wide range of uses including those who have bad knees. Equipped with the TITAN alloy safety toe, moisture-wicking spacer mesh lining, and PowerFit comfort framework, this Timberland offering complies with or goes even beyond AST, standards.
This work boot is derived from soft full-grain leather to provide ample comfort for bad knees with the minimal break-in period. The alloy safety toe is meant to last and deliver lightweight protection alongside a supreme fit.
The mesh antimicrobial lining comes in handy for odor control and overall comfortable feet. Moreover, this boot comes with a Timberland runner outsole, which is slip/oil and abrasion-resistant, so you don’t have to worry when working on slick surfaces. plus, the cement construction adds to the flexibility and reduced the break-in period.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Very durable and comfortable
- Ideal for bad knees
- doesn’t set off metal detectors
- Slip-repellent
- Little-no break-in period
Cons
- The eye grommets could be more durable
Wolverine Men’s W04821 Buccaneer Work Boot
Here is another excellent option from Wolverine that will keep you going throughout the day despite bad knees. Wolverine is a famous American brand established in Rockford, Michigan back in the ’80s. The same manufacturer assembled subline materials to deliver versatile footwear that’s supportive and comfortable for various feet complications.
The W04821 Buccaneer Work Boot is designed to withstand the roughest of the environment and provide sustainable comfort. Being a waterproof work boot, the W04821 Buccaneer offers max protection for the knees, thanks to the generous cushioning and comfy footbed that absorbs excessive impacts.
Aside from protection against water, the leather uppers and wave mesh lining are also suitable for use when dealing with electrical hazards.
The rubber outsole is durable and flexible, while the leather uppers are enhanced with multi-shock compression pads, carefully molded to the platform as well as the moisture-control mesh lining. There’s also the removable footbed that’s fully cushioned for added comfort. Not to forget the contour welt construction that makes the whole thing even more durable.
Pros
- Durable built quality
- Comfortable work boot, suitable for bad knees
- Adequate protection
- High traction rubber outsoles
Cons
- May scuff easily
- Takes a while to break-in properly
Men’s Carolina Wheat 6 inch Lightweight Composite Toe Work Boots
While quality lightweight work boots aren’t the easiest to find, Carolina Wheat 6 inch Lightweight Composite Toe Work Boots proves to be 100% waterproof and provides max protection without causing feet fatigue or such discomfort- certainly ideal for bad knees.
It’s an ASTM rated footgear with ultimate functionality for safety and excellent comfort level for all daywear. It comes with a strong toe cap and abrasion-resistant heel for more toughness. Not to mention the Scubaliner lining that protects your feet from liquid ingress.
We also loved the fact that these boots are protective when dealing with electrical hazards. Plus, it’s designed with a non-metallic shank that ads support to the underfoot. Thanks to the presence of the molded support system. It supports the arches!
Pros
- Lightweight work boots
- Ideal for bad knees, back pain, and painful feet
- A strong toe cap ensures the safety
- 100% waterproof
- Electrical hazard rated
Cons
- The boots eyelets could be better
Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ MAXwear Wedge Moc Safety Toe Boot
Hardly will there be a better feeling than working in the Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ MAXwear Wedge Moc Safety Toe Boot- something that promises confidence alongside premium craftsmanship.
Made in the USA, these leather boots are incredibly comfortable to wear in all seasons even with bad knees. Moreover, taking into account that they sport subline excellence, the American Heritage 6″ MAXwear Wedge is also a stylish option to consider.
Thorogood has continuously thrived in comfort, craftsmanship, and innovation, without overlooking the need to provide perfectly usable footwear to help get work done, even with underlying foot complications. The company has great options for all hard workers in general, and you can get these strong, yet agreeable slip/oil-tanned leather boots.
With the dual-density extreme shock absorbency and unraveled cushioning, these boots are ideal for working on hard surfaces. Not forget that they are also suitable for those who have pronation issues. Moreover, the inserts are removable, so if you have custom needs, you can always swap the factory-made insoles with your own orthotics.
Another notable feature is that this pair comes with a composite shank to provide support to your feet. Simultaneously, the wedge outsole is electrical hazard rated, just in case you need to work on wired environments. The whole thing is protective from the inside out, making them a perfect choice for everyone and everything.
The rubber outsole is flexible and of high traction. The removable footbed is packed with Poron comfort cushioning to enhance shock absorption, while the fiberglass shank ensures support. What’s more, the outsole is slip-resistant and the featured Goodyear welt construction comes sturdy.
Pros
- Extremely durable work boots
- Very comfortable
- No break-in period
- Removable footbed for customized comfort
Cons
- Some found this to be a little too narrow
Under Armour Men’s Valsetz Rts Military and Tactical Boot
The Under Armour Valsetz Rts features a silhouette similar to that of b-ball high-tops, but it’s actually a work boot. Just like a high-top, this boot encompasses your ankle, delivering you all the much-needed support. The Under Amour lives to buyers’ expectations and will provide the support and comfort level you’d expect from a high-rated work boot. Besides, it comes from a prominent footwear brand, so quality won’t hurt.
This boot s offered in black, desert, coyote brown, and reaper camo shades. In other words, you got a few options under aesthetics. The outsole is made from flexible rubber, which is durable and slip-free. The patented UA ClutchFit technology wraps your lower leg with lightweight, anti-fatigue construction for added support and incredible feel.
The synthetic leather as well as the textile upper features a welded abrasion-safe base around the outside of the foot. Moreover, there’s the TPU shank that supplies midfoot support and an excellent amount of rigidity.
Pros
- Grippy enough for most surfaces
- Very comfortable
- Suitable for bad knees
- Lightweight ad breathable construction
- Ample ankle support
Cons
- Not the most durable on our list
Caterpillar Shift 6” Work Boots
As per catchphrase, Caterpillar claims that their products are made for extensive use and that they are the toughest when pushed to their limit. Derived from full-grain leather, the Caterpillar Shift 6” Work Boots are very comfortable in extreme conditions and will serve great even for people with bad knees.
With the steel toe, this boot is very protective should there be an occurrence of any lamentable mishaps. That means even when you accidentally drop hard objects on your feet, you won’t feel anything.
Additionally, the supportive insoles are perfect when it comes to comforting your arches and joints. This, in turn, prevents the development of any back pain, bad knees, and foot pain.
The rubber outsoles are flexible, durable, and anti-slip. That means the boots are best not only for walking on slick grounds but also for climbing stairs. Furthermore, since the outsoles are thick enough, it will surely protect you against any electrical hazards.
Pros
- Durable full-grain leather upper
- Comfortable even in extreme conditions
- Supportive insoles to help with bad knees
- electrical hazard protection
Cons
- A bit expensive
Danner Men’s Vicious 4.5 Inch Non-Metallic Toe Work Boot
The Danner Men’s Vicious 4.5 Inch Non-Metallic Toe Work Boot isn’t your typical footgear. It lives up to the manufacturer’s claim, vicious on performance not on your skin. The pressing demand for a work boot that’s lightweight, supportive, and comfortable has moved the Danner to think of something remarkable. Indeed, the Vicious 4.5 Inch Non-Metallic Toe Work Boot is one of the more comfortable modern work boots, and one designed to beat the test of time.
Aside from the Vibram outsole, buyers are bound to be impressed by the durable waterproof leather upper that features an abrasion-safe heel cap. The patented GORE-TEX waterproof lining is well ventilated too.
The PU footbed is carefully cushioned and couples with the EVA dual-density cushioning and shock absorbing midsole to enhance durability on the exterior edges. The shock absorption cushioning featured by these boots contributes to the overall comfort and support. And lastly, these non-metallic safety toe work boots conform to the ASTM standards.
Pros
- Ergonomic fit
- Very supportive
- Rugged and durable work boot
- Lightweight construction
- Excellent cushioning for bad knees
Cons
- Not the most waterproof
- Laces could be more durable
Timberland PRO- Men Boondock Waterproof Industrial Boot
Made by Timberland, the Men boondock waterproof industrial boot is probably the most innovative products in the work boot industry. The whole thing is lightweight, comfortable, and protective and is inspired by the athletic industry.
The superior comfort level and agreeable fit are their fundamentals and they are designed to bear all the beating of heavy-duty tasks and a nasty work environment. It is the kind of boot that serves as a tool against hard surfaces, cement, and cinder blocks in particular as it assimilates energy and distributes it to other parts of the feet. No direct impact on the weak part of your bad knees.
And as you’d expect, Timberland complies with the occupational safety and health administration PPE. No doubt that this boot is fairly intended for everyone.
Pros
- Waterproof construction
- Reduces friction and irritation
- Reliable shock absorption
- Anti-fatigue lightweight technology
- Ideal for just about anyone
Cons
- A bit expensive
Keen Utility Pittsburg Work Boots
If you want something that combines comfort and longevity, then the Keen Utility Pittsburg Work Boots could be what you’re missing. It’s a perfect option under that description, thanks to the memory foam insoles and comfy EVA midsole, they make this boot ideal for those suffering from bad knees and chronic back pain.
This boot will hug your feet properly, shaping a profile around it while providing support to your feet. Thanks to the generous cushioning, it doesn’t only ad comfort, but it also helps to ease pressure from your back and feet, therefore alleviating the pain.
The steel toe ensures protection against workplace accidents while the extra arch support and the accommodative toe box offers more support to those suffering from overpronation and underpronation. One thing, however, is that these boots might take a while to break-in properly, but the period is fairly short in comparison to other boots.
Dunham Cloud Mid-Cut Work Boots
Now for the budget crowd, the Dunham Cloud Mid-Cut Work Boots might be down the alley. As the name suggests, customers compare wearing these boots with walking on fluffy clouds.
Made with waterproof and lightweight leather, the Dunham Cloud Mid-Cut Work Boots revolves only around comfort and durability. The ankle collar is cushioned to minimize blisters. Moreover, the break-in period is short.
There’s also the shock-absorbent memory foam padding, which is ideal for reducing shock around the spine and feet. This boot is also designed to provide proper support to your arch, meaning you can walk in comfort throughout the day without issues.
The boots are also waterproof, so you can count on them when working around water. Your feet will remain dry while being able to breathe through the leather. Overall, the Dunham Cloud Mid-Cut Work Boots is a very convenient option for the price.
Pros
- Waterproof work boots
- Shock-absorbent memory foam
- Lightweight leather construction
- Comfortable for bad knees
- Budget price
Cons
- Not the most durable option
Best Work Boots For Bad Knees: Buying Guide
When it comes to the best work boots for bad knees, there are various things that you might want to ascertain, some of which are more important than others. That said, the more of these features you can achieve in a pair of boots, the more the boots are likely to help with your bad knees.
Comfort
The insoles of the boots are probably the most crucial part to look at when buying boots. This is because insoles can help with the pronation of your feet. Poor insoles can lead to strain and stress to your feet and spine. It’s therefore important to go for boots that offer both support and bouncy back effect.
You also want the inserts of your boots to give a rebound to the balls of your feet. This will help to relieve the strain from your heel, which prevents the pain from getting all the way up to your back.
Toe Boxes
If your toes are cramped inside the boot, it will hinder proper blood circulation, which can cause other serious foot pain. The resultant strain and stress will move upward all the way to your lower back. Also, when you have painful feet, you’re likely to keep on shifting your body weight from one foot to another, leading to misalignment of your disk and if you’re not careful enough, you may end up suffering a hernia, which will obviously be more painful.
Traction
You might be tempted to neglect the importance of traction, especially when dealing with bad knees, but when accidental slips and falls occur, it certainly becomes crucial. Well, it’s not directly related to other orthopedic features of your boots, but a good grip is important no matter the footwear type you’re shopping for. Besides, you don’t want to take chances when fixing your bad knees. You slip, you hurt your feet. It gets more painful and keeps hurting on and on.
One effective way to prevent this kind of blander is trying not to slip and fall, which is rather difficult to do if the boots don’t agree with you for the most part. So be sure to look for boots that keep you frim on the ground- something that prevents any uncomfortable accidents from happening.
EVA Foam
If there’s one thing that can aggravate the pain from bad knees is the excessive shock that’s generated when you step over a hard or uneven surface. It’s for this reason that you should consider work boots with good shock absorbency, a pair that includes insoles from this polymer material.
Ideally, you can settle on boots that come with removable insoles. This will allow you to customize the cushioning level by swapping or adding your own orthotics to the work boot. Such boots are particularly recommended if you’re seriously troubled by pain caused by impact to the nerves.
Arch Support
To make sure you get proper supination and pronation, most manufacturers employ different kinds of techniques to provide optimal support level. The most suitable boots for these conditions are basically motion control and stability shoes. However, these boots are not always the best in terms of shock absorbency, especially if the positioning of the cushioning isn’t truly suitable for you.
Pay attention to your arches. Do you have a neutral/normal arch, a flat arch, or a high arch? A good way to know whether you pronate is to place a piece of paper on the ground and if step with your wet feet over it. Note that you can increase your chances by taking your current footgear with you. This will help the persons at the store to determine the right arch support for you.
Water-resistant
Best work boots for bad knees need to be water-resistant as well. It’s good to understand that there’s actually a difference between waterproof boots and those that are water-resistant. Water-resistant boots will simply prevent water from sticking in usually for a short time. Beyond that, moisture will slowly start penetrating, which will obviously get your feet wet.
Waterproof boots, on the other hand, are slightly different in the sense that they won’t let water get into the boots, no matter the circumstances. These boots are typically sealed and treated as such, meaning if you happen to step into or workaround multiple puddles of water, your feet won’t easily get water.
Premium waterproof boots are slightly more expensive compared to those that are water-repellent. If you have a budget to maintain and you work in a sector where water isn’t a big issue, then you might be better off with a pair of water-resistant boots. Where necessary, go for something waterproof.
Conclusion
When shopping for the right pair of work boots, be sure to consider the above-discussed factors. Basically, the boot in question should be both comfortable and durable and have the necessary features to help manage your bad knees. Your knees and feet will be in heaven if you invest in something that has generous cushioning, preferably EVA and memory foam. This combination will not only give the much-needed support but will also give relief to the bad knees.
Different footwear will different for everyone. That means you need to determine what you actually need or rather what makes you feel comfortable. If you’re planning to stand a lot in the workplace, traction and support are essential. On the other hand, if you spend most time seated, driving, for instance, flexibility and comfort would serve great. Get the best work boots for bad knees and you’ll have the chance to go back home pain-free and in good moods.