If the Inside of Your Knee Hurts:
For medial pain, runners will need lateral support, or support on the outer edge of the foot. The best shoe for the job is the Avia A2244 Lateral Support Mesh Running Shoes. Available in both men's and women's sizes, this is a breathable shoe. The heel has a special mold on the lateral side, that urges the foot to land in a neutral position, rather than heavily on the lateral side, causing medial knee pain. A special concave sole allows for a cushioned "trampoline" effect, further cushioning the foot.
Additional Lateral Support:
The New Balance MX720 is a great cross-trainer with lateral support. Light enough to go running, but supportive enough to hit the gym and the fields, this shoe positions the foot for proper impact. Specialized laces keep the shoe in place, while the mid-sole has a durable shank embedded to maintain alignment.
If the Outside of Your Knee Hurts:
For lateral pain you'll need medial support . If the soles of your running shoes are worn on the interior, this is a sure sign that your foot is misaligned, and lands heavily on the interior of your foot. The New Balance WR850 is a heavy-duty option for even the worst over-pronator. The premium cushioning allows this trainer to serve as a running shoe, but rigid arch support ensures the foot does not over-flex and land improperly.
Nike Traix X Running Shoe
Great for men who also need extensive medial support. Synthetic layers are added to the arch to ensure proper landing. The mid-sole is embedded with a stiff shank for support and proper foot position. This is a great shoe for runners with a strong tendency to put extra stress on the medial portion of their foot.
Custom Orthotics
If specialized shoes have not yet made a difference in your knee pain, it's time to see an orthopedist or podiatrist. They can prescribe to you various methods to curb knee pain, including custom orthotics. To get a precise read on how your foot position sparks knee pain when acting naturally in a three-dimensional space, a trained professional will take molds of your feet in various positions. Then, they will be able to create insoles that will better align the foot and ankle, to hopefully put an end to your lateral or medial pain.
