Runner's knee doesn't have to end your running. The right shoe won't cure it, but it can significantly reduce impact and keep you moving.
We analyzed 5 shoes for this list, ranking them by aggregated expert scores, real-world specs, and value for money. Overall scores range from 87-91/100 and prices from $140 to $175. Here's what stood out — and why the ranking order matters.
**91/100** · $140 · 256g · 8mm drop The ASICS Novablast 5 stands out for its flexibility (88/100) and cushioning (90/100). It bends easily through the toe-off phase for a natural stride. The trade-off: stability scores 72/100 — it lets your foot move naturally, which works best for efficient, neutral gaits. Best for: daily training, easy runs.
**90/100** · $165 · 289g · 10mm drop The Brooks Glycerin 22 stands out for its cushioning (92/100). It absorbs impact exceptionally well, ideal for long distances and joint protection. The trade-off: weight scores 72/100 — it carries extra weight that you'll notice in faster efforts. Best for: long runs, easy runs.
**89/100** · $165 · 299g · 8mm drop The ASICS GEL-Kayano 32 stands out for its stability (92/100) and durability (88/100). It keeps your foot locked in even on uneven terrain or through overpronation. The trade-off: weight scores 70/100 — it carries extra weight that you'll notice in faster efforts. Best for: daily training, stability.
**89/100** · $165 · 300g · 6mm drop The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 stands out for its cushioning (90/100). It absorbs impact exceptionally well, ideal for long distances and joint protection. Best for: daily training, easy runs.
**87/100** · $175 · 297g · 5mm drop The Hoka Bondi 9 stands out for its cushioning (94/100). It absorbs impact exceptionally well, ideal for long distances and joint protection. The trade-off: weight scores 68/100 — it carries extra weight that you'll notice in faster efforts. Best for: long runs, easy runs.
Here's how all the shoes compare on the metrics that matter most:
**ASICS Novablast 5** — 91/100 overall · Cushioning 90 · Durability 82 · Value 88 · $140 **Brooks Glycerin 22** — 90/100 overall · Cushioning 92 · Durability 86 · Value 84 · $165 **ASICS GEL-Kayano 32** — 89/100 overall · Cushioning 88 · Durability 88 · Value 84 · $165 **New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14** — 89/100 overall · Cushioning 90 · Durability 84 · Value 84 · $165 **Hoka Bondi 9** — 87/100 overall · Cushioning 94 · Durability 82 · Value 80 · $175
Our top pick is the **ASICS Novablast 5** with a 91/100 overall score.
Our scores are aggregated from expert review sources including Runner's World, Believe in the Run, Road Trail Run, Doctors of Running, and other trusted publications. We normalize scores to a 0-100 scale and weight them equally. Specs are sourced from manufacturer data. Prices reflect MSRP at time of writing.
