In this article, we have reviewed the best winter boots for bad knees. If you are in a hurry, the table below gives a quick snapshot of the top ones.
Contents
A recent study at Iowa State University in Ames was done on two different types of women, one who was habitual to wearing heels and another who used to wear flat heels.
The first category had a high risk of knee injuries like osteoarthritis and back pain, but the other didn’t.
This research study was later presented near the American Society of Biomechanics in 2010, where it was accepted that high heels could cause severe health issues[1].
If you suffer from chronic knee pain, we have selected some flat boots for you that have a heel height of 1 inch or less.
Apart from being heel-less, these shoes have warm inner lining, good traction for snow and rainy weather, are wind proof and have a cushioned insole
Whether you’re a fashionista or a job-person, these best winter boots for bad knees are something you will adore.
Our Top Choice – Columbia Women’s Winter Boot
The Columbia Women's ICE Maiden II Snow Boot, Black, Grey, 5 B US is our top choice for Best Winter Boots For Bad Knees, because of the following reasons:
- Advanced TECH LITE midsole makes it lightweight, shock-absorbent, and flexible.
- 200G insulated material offers double insulation that protects your foot in extreme minus degree temps.
- It has a 1-inch high heel.
- Omni grip technology for uniform gripping with the floor.
- Formulated tread and compounds for sound traction.
- It is waterproof and has a lace-up closure.
Best Winter Boots For Bad Knees
#1 Columbia Women’s Winter Boot
These low heel boots are the best winter boots for bad knees and perfect for cutting the worst winters, let you step outside your home, and walk miles. The no-heel boots ensure your body does not tilt to one side.
Features and Benefits
- TECHLITE midsole: This boot is constructed with advanced tech lite insulation in the midsole, giving you double insulation to act against the worst winter days. It is high energy absorbent so that you can foot on rough terrain easily. It is cushioned yet lightweight that feels like you’re not carrying anything extra!
- 200G insulation: 200G insulation is used in these boots, offering moderate activity in cold weather. It acts as a wall between the heat inside and cold air outside and doesn’t let them exchange.
- Omni grip technology: Omni grip technology assures the users do not fall in a bare icy land. Omni grip is a perfect traction solution and is adhesive. All thanks to the specially formulated treads and compounds.
Why should you buy it?
These boots have a lace-up close and have a feminine look making them ideal for women who have to work outside. It is waterproof and runs true to any size. 200G is better than 400G or more insulating material as it offers the right amount of warmth without blocking your mobility. The 1 inch high heels ensure your feet’ posture is not misaligned, and there is no pressure on your knee.
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#2 DREAM PAIRS Women’s Fur-Lined Boots
Women who have wide calves and want to add a stylish option in the boots section shouldn’t be late to pick this up. It has a side zipper so that you can open and wear them on the go. The heels are just 0.75 inches in height that don’t stop you from covering miles.
Features and Benefits
- Better grip: The treads are formed to grip the floor. You can hike in the mountains as these snow boots don’t sink in the snow. Also, the upper part is waterproof, so your feet come out dry. You can’t run on icy land, but walking is ultra-smooth.
- Large calves: If you have wide calves like 18 or 19 inches, that’s not an issue anymore. Buy these boots that have elastic calves. It fits fine so that you can zip up with zero struggle. After being zipped, it allows you to bend and move with ease.
- Comfort footbed: The footbed is soft and lined with fake fur to let you walk effortlessly. You feel like walking on cotton. Also, the shaft is tight enough to hug your feet so that you have to carry your boots, offering less stress in the knees.
Why should you buy it?
It is constructed with rubber TPR material on the outsole section, making it water-resistant. TPR is cyclable thermoplastic rubber and is abrasion resistant, which makes these boots best for rugged use.
#3 Sorel Classic Realtree Women’s Boots
For those searching for safety boots to go to the job, this will surely make a difference. You can use it at -25°F/-32°C. This isn’t heavy footwear, so forget about the ‘push and pull’ feeling while you walk.
Features and Benefits
- Lace-up closure: The lace-up closure allows you to adjust the pressure on your legs. You don’t get this extent of adjustability with the alternatives. If your calf fats increase or decrease, replacement of boots isn’t required.
- Insole: The insole is 6 mm thick that successfully adds an extra layer of comfort. You can remove and wash it whenever you want. Also, the insole material is recyclable.
- Outsole: The shoe bottom is made with a vulcanized rubber shell, making it efficient for walking on a slippery surface and waterproof. You don’t trip or slip. This type of outsole helps you to balance well with the ground.
Why should you buy it?
The heel height is 3/4-inch, which does not aggravate knee pain, meets your fashion demands, and provides comfort. You can walk more and more, keeping your knee free from the risk of injuries. The low high heels keep you away from joint pain or hip pain.
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#4 Dr. Martens Men’s Tobias Boot
This is a doctor recommended boot best for healing purposes. Those suffering from some kind of injury and want quick recovery can wear this. This air-filled sole makes the product a unique one. These are not winter boots per se but are in our list because they have very little heel height and have ample of space inside. Hence, if you wear it with a pair of warm socks or stockings you can keep your feet warm.
Features and Benefits
- Airwair sole: The sole of this shoe is airwair that means it has pockets filled with air. It molds itself to fit your feet size. When you walk, it gives a bouncy feel. This air-cushioned sole is not near the traditional rigid leather sole you come across, giving you maximum motion flexibility.
- Heel: The heel height is just 1 inch. Heels higher than this can cause you temporary injuries that can become permanent if not taken care of.
- Rubber: This footwear is constructed with rubber. It grips well to the ground that offers safe passage. It is resistant to Oil, Fat, Acid, Petrol, and Alkali.
- Healing: Whichever foot healing process you’re in, you can use this. If you struggle with overpronation or arch pain, insert an orthopedic insole for better performance. The air inside offers nice cushioning like any spongy material. It gives you the right support there.
Why should you buy it?
The shaft is 6.5 inches, which is good for tall legs. The high shaft supports not only the ankle but also the calves. No muscle straining anymore! Greasy lamper leather makes it super light so that your knee injury doesn’t worsen.
#5 EYUSHIJIA Men’s Outdoor Shoes
No matter how cold the temperature you have to face, these weatherproof shoes are just the right kind for you. These shoes can cut harsh winter elements keeping your feet warm and toasty.
Features and Benefits
- Rubber outsole: In heavy winters, you come across snow and ice everywhere. Only shoes that have a rough rubber outsole can make you walk on the ground without slipping. This type of soles is better for protecting your boots as well as feet from tough elements.
- Insole: Not just the outsole, but the insole is also rubber-like as it is made from EVA material. This material imitates rubber in properties. Also, it adds strength to the shoes. You can remove and clean it if required.
- Toe Cap: Toe cap is made from TPU rubber. The toe cap adds shine to your shoes and thereby catches your attention. TPU is a blend of plastic and rubber, offering mobility to your toes. It safeguards your toes from external elements.
Why should you buy it?
It is embedded with Letter and Hydroshield Membrane, which makes the boots water-resistant. The outer part is rigid, making it face rough terrain without hurting itself. Other than this, 1-inch heel height and 0.75-inch platform height is something that keeps the gap between the feet and floor without harming you.
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#6 Enzo Romeo RU2N Men’s Winter Cold
Those men looking for shoe-style footwear to wear in winters can go for this product because the shaft height is limited to the ankle. This product has 0.75 inch high heels that keep knee injuries at a distance.
Features and Benefits
- Rubber outsole: Like most of the snow wears, it has rubber outsoles for better grip. It does not get affected by scratches or tears. Rubber is more durable than most materials. Not to forget, it makes the shoes slip resistant even on icy land.
- Zippers: It has no lace-up closure but has side zippers. Side zippers allow you to pull on or pull off the shoes quickly. The reporters go down and up smoothly. Don’t worry about rusty zippers as it has less impact on them.
- Toes: Faux fur/ fleece covers the toes that protect your toes from rocks or uneven floors and also from chilly cold weather. There is enough room inside to move your toes.
Why should you buy it?
These durable pairs are perfect for heavy-duty purposes. It is skin-friendly as well, so don’t worry about blisters, corns, or bunions. This is limited to the ankle height, so it goes well with any dress.
Buyer’s Guide: Best Winter Boots For Bad Knees
Planning to include snow boots in your wardrobe? Not a tough job. Count these points in to add something valuable to your bucket list.
Heel Height
The more is the heel height, and the more is the risk of injury. To avoid this injury, choose shoes that are flat or have less than 1-degree heel height. High heels may look trendy but continuous use of such shoes can give you worse pain in return.
Tread
If you often walk on uneven surfaces, a normal tread can work for you, but it can be dangerous for a plain and smooth surface. So choose the treads that are high gripping, rough, and tough.
Cushioning
Shoes must be well cushioned from the inside so that you feel good when your feet strike the earth. Solid contact is necessary, but it should be without pain. If your shoes feel hard from inside, you can lessen the discomfort by using extra thick socks.
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Proper fitting
People often think that the shoe size visible on the site is true. But this may not be the case always. At times you have to choose one size lower or one size greater than what you see. First, know your correct foot size and then look accordingly. Wearing the wrong size shoe can cause you blisters, corns, calluses, or bunions, which are painful.
Closure
There is no fixed assumption about closure patterns. You get plenty of options like a lace-up closer, zipper closure, and many more. Choose whatever you find easy to work with.
Boot or shoe-style
For heavy winter residents, boots are good. Choose shoe style if you reside in a low temp zone. In other words, check the shaft height. For boots, above 6 inches is ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Winter Boots For Bad Knees
Are boots bad for knees?
It depends on the weight and heel height of your boots. Your boots must be such that they carry you, but your knees should not be weighed down by them.
Extra-heavy boots may give you high protection from winter but worsen the condition of your knees.
Secondly, heels are a big no-no if you have bad knees. So boots with high heels are also out of the question.
Boots must not be rigid and should be able to mold themselves according to your foot size. Continuously wearing heavy boots hurt ligaments and joints, giving you worse pain later. If you see overall, the risk outweighs the benefits.
Can boots be worn every day?
Assuming you live in frigid temperatures, you may need high insulated boots to go to work every day. Stepping outside for a moment without boots is not possible there. If you often have cold feet or numb toes, you should strictly avoid going out without boots.
In short, yes, boots can be worn every day as far as they are not heavy or high. High heels can make you look fashionable a few times but give you bad posture and pain for a much longer time.
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How are boots better than shoes?
It depends on one’s needs. If you live in a not so cold region, wearing boots can be very uncomfortable, and it will leave your feet soaked with sweat.
But wearing normal shoes in the frigid areas without wearing boots will leave you shivering in the cold. Boots not just cover your feet but also cover your lower leg, whereas shoes are limited to below ankles.
However, if you prefer shoes, then boots, you can go for shoes-style boots. You have to compromise with the coverage area in the latter case.
Can shoes help knee pain?
The short answer is yes, absolutely. A good shoe can give you a lot of relief and comfort from incessant knee pain. The cushioning under your heel and ankle decides the amount of pressure that your knee experiences on every footstep.
The broader and lower the heel, the better it is for your knee. That is why heels (which are both tall and thin) are a very bad idea if you have knee problems.
If there is a cushioned insole, nothing like it. It will protect your knee from the pressure exerted by your feet touching the ground.
Conclusion
Knee pain can be excruciating and if left unattended can lead to surgical intervention. Hence, before it is too late, quit wearing high-heel shoes and indulge in these boots with no or very low heel height.
In our opinion, the Columbia Women's ICE Maiden II Snow Boot, Black, Grey, 5 B US is the best choice among the various options that we have considered, because these low heel boots are the best winter boots for bad knees and perfect for cutting the worst winters, let you step outside your home, and walk miles. The no-heel boots ensure your body does not tilt to one side.
The DREAM PAIRS Women's Faux Fur-Lined Knee High Winter Boots,Size 5,Brown,Summit is our next best choice because it has a side zipper so that you can open and wear them on the go. The heels are just 0.75 inches in height that don’t stop you from covering miles.
If you are looking for a value for money option, you can also consider the EYUSHIJIA Men's Outdoor Waterproof Snow Boots Hiking Shoes, which offers great value and features at a very reasonable price point.
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