Sturdy, not flexible, shoes best for knee pain

A randomized controlled trial found that sturdy supportive shoes improve knee pain on walking and knee-related quality of life compared with flat flexible shoes. This evidence supports recommendations that previously had been based on expert opinion in the absence of data, and overturn the idea that flat flexible shoes that allow more of a "barefoot" experience may provide more benefit. Organizations can use this information to help constituents and staff who report knee pain, and for educational programming around footwear and foot conditions.