Wearing running shoes with inadequate support or cushioning can lead to knee pain that would have been preventable with the proper shoes. “Shoes that don’t support a patient’s natural foot structure and running mechanics will cause the body to compensate, increasing the likelihood of poor positioning and overload in the ankle, knee, or hip,” says Dr. Rader. You may need running shoes with more cushioning or stability to prevent overpronation, which can lead to knee pain.