Top 3 Asics Women’s Walking Shoes for Knee and Back Pain Under $100

Over the last few years I have really tried to hit 10,000 steps each day. My watch and my phone help keep me accountable. However, despite my active lifestyle, age has hit me like a wall. I may be on the leaner side, but I have developed knee pain over the course of my life. This was only compounded by a lower back ailment, and then sciatica with our pregnancy. In case I was not cool enough, add some plantar fasciitis to the mix and we have the perfect storm.

Because of my on the go life, I am constantly in search of shoes to keep up with me. I have spent countless hours researching and looking for shoes that won’t exacerbate my conditions, without aging me or putting me too far out of style to be seen.

Time and time again, Asics come up on my searches. They are known for their quality and gel technology. They offer great support and superior cushion. They have a wide range of shoes, from the low $50’s up to $200. The more expensive they get the more tech is supposed to be included.

Because I am not training for an event nor considered to be a competitive athlete, (though my husband would sure argue the competitive point in general) I do not require the top of the line for my daily walks. Also with the expenses of a growing family and given the sheer number of shoes we need to purchase each year I try to keep my shoes under $100.

If you are like me, and are looking for the best shoes possible for the best possible price then you will appreciate this list.

Here is my top 3 personal ranking of Asics shoes that are commonly found under $100 that not only help my back and knees stay feeling great, but they come in reasonable styles and colors.

#1 Asics Gel Excite (7)

This shoes has been my absolute go to. I am on to my third pair, and still feel as strongly as I did with my first. The shoe is neutral and does not cause my feet to turn. The arch stays supportive while still letting my foot flex in the right location. It can be difficult to strike the right balance between reducing the impact so your knees and back do not strain and being too cushy causing you to change the way you stride; these shoes strike the perfect balance. You feel like your steps are being cushioned without losing the ability to track your terrain. I absolutely love the color choices. Whether you are looking for shoes to go with leggings, jeans, or to stand out at your next race, they have a color scheme for you. With choices from the bold to the blend in, it seems that they have something for everyone. Day after day, month after month, these offer enough impact protection and cushion that my knee and back pain is manageable.

#2 Asics Gel Contend (4)

These shoes felt like a cloud when you first put them on. The cushioning is great. I would mostly use these on our treadmill. They have lasted such a long time, even now I still feel the cushioning. Though they are soft, I do not think their arch is as supportive as the Excite. I do not think they were as stylish as their counterparts as the color selections were more limited. The last thing that took some getting used to was where the end of the Asics logo hit on my foot, would rub right on my pinkie toe joint.

# 3 Asics Gel Pulse (11)

The thing that really drew me initially to the shoe was they were marketing it as a cost effective option to the Cumulus. The heel gel was supposed to really cushion all blows. I will say that the gel in the heel deflects the most of the shoes right out of the box. What I did not appreciate was how quickly it lost its spring. After just a few months of use the shoes felt like they lost their ability to bounce back and in turn felt like you were walking on rocks. The other thing worth noting is I would occasionally feel that the shoes were not balanced and were forcing my foot to turn out. The slight outturn would apply more strain on my knee.

HONORABLE MENTION: Asics Gel Venture (4)

Before my back got really bad this was my go to shoe. I believe I had four different pairs of them which I cycled through for many years. They were my favorites. As I have gotten older, and in turn more ailments, then I found shoes which had more cushion, but if you do not suffer from as many as I do, these just might do the trick. They sure fit like reliable old friends.

A side note: One thing I think that bears mentioning is that Asics fit so well on a long and narrow feet. My feet have always been on the slender size, but after growing our family I am ALLLLL the way up to a size 12! Not every name brand can really accommodate my size without being so wide and floppy, but Asics strikes such a perfect balance. Their shoes really hug your feet as opposed to making you feel like you are a clown.

No matter which pair you choose, I do not think you can go wrong with these choices.