Found: Beach Chair for Bad Knees

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When you have knee joint pain, it can be tough to get out and enjoy the world. One thing that can make it even more of an inconvenience is not having the right gear, especially when you want to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach.

If knee pain is a challenge for you, you’ll likely find that you need to make adjustments to your lifestyle to accommodate for your limited joint mobility– most importantly when it comes to your beach chair!

Whether you have a knee injury related to sports, knee issues because of genetics, a slip or fall, or any other knee joint-related issues, finding a beach chair that keeps your knees comfortable is vital. It can become difficult to enjoy the salty air while sitting on your beach chair if you aren’t able to relax the right way.

But it shouldn’t be hard to find beach chairs to keep your knees comfortable.

We’ve put together a list of the best beach chairs for individuals who suffer from chronic knee pain or have limited knee mobility so you can find the best beach chair to bring on your coastal trips.

Keep reading for our picks of the best beach chairs for bad knees to discover which one is best for you!

8 Best Beach Chairs for Bad Knees Quick Overview


AmazonBasics Zero Gravity Outdoor Chair – Best Overall

Amazon basics outdoor padded adjustable zero gravity folding reclining lounge chair with pillow - black

The AmazonBasics Zero Gravity Outdoor Chair is the top beach chair choice if knee pain or discomfort is a concern because of its structure and ease of use. The zero gravity design and height of the chair make it easy to get in and out of without putting too much strain on your knees. Not only does it provide a high platform making it easy sit down without hurting the knees, but it also comes with a removable headrest pillow and cup holder making it easy to customize your comfort level.

Measuring 37.8”D x 5.1”W x 29.5”H and a weight capacity of 300 lbs, it provides ample support and is large enough to remain comfortable for long sitting periods. Available in black, red, beige, and blue, you can find the perfect design to fit your style. 

This beach chair is made of durable steel and fitted with Oxford cotton fabric to give it a sleek and sturdy design. It’s because of this design, though, that this chair weighs just over 20 lbs which may prove difficult for senior users to transport to the beach. There are more suitable beach chairs for elderly adults that can be used on vacation.


Goldsun Folding Cushioned Chair – Best for Comfort

Goldsun portable aluminum folding beach lounger adjustable cushioned chaise lounge chair with side table for outdoor indoor patio beach porch swimming pool (single with blue cushion)

Comfort is the name of the game for the Goldsun Folding Cushioned Chair. This beach chair combines maximum comfort and a high frame that make it easy to get in and out making it the most comfortable beach chair!

With seven adjustable recline positions, you can adjust the chair to fit the body posture that makes it easy on the knees. The removable cushion provides breathability not found in chairs with sewn-on cushions. 

The dimensions of the Goldsun Folding Cushioned Chair are 71.6”S x 23.6”W x 14.8”H, making it one of the best high seat beach chairs– sitting high enough off the ground to still have easy access while putting minimal pressure on your knees.


Goplus Folding Zero Gravity Chair – Best for Budget

Goplus® folding zero gravity reclining lounge chairs outdoor beach patio w/utility tray (black)

The Goplus Folding Zero Gravity Chair provides the agility of a zero gravity chair without all the extras, making it a budget-friendly purchase. This beach chair features a removable neck pillow and a side tray with a drink holder, cell phone holder and slot to place your book or tablet in.

Dimensions of the Goplus Zero Gravity Chair are 35.4”L x 25.2”W x 43.3”H with a weight capacity of 300 lbs. The chair is made with durable materials such as the sturdy aluminum frame and a mesh fabric material for easy breathability to keep you cool while sitting on the beach.

The GoPlus is a folding beach chair that can collapse down to ⅓ of its original size, making it easy to carry from your vehicle or garage down to the beach. The height of the seat makes it easy to get in and out, ultimately putting less strain on your knees. Since folding chairs are known to store well, it shouldn’t be difficult to tuck the Goplus away when not in use.

The best part of the Goplus Folding Zero Gravity Chair is the price tag. Zero gravity beach chairs often come with an expensive cost. However, this specific chair provides users with the benefits of a zero gravity chair without boasting the hefty price tag making it more affordable for your wallet.


KingCamp Oversize Padded Folding Chaise Lounge Chair – Best for Larger Users

Kingcamp oversize padded folding chaise lounge chair for outdoor, patio, beach, lawn, sunbathing, tanning, pool, lay flat heavy-duty adjustable reclining chairs with pillow, pocket, support 330lb

“Oversize” says it all as the KingCamp Oversize Padded Folding Chaise Lounge Chair boasts maximum comfort with a wide base for larger beachgoers. This lounge chair has a triangle locking system that allows you to choose between multiple reclining positions for personalization you can’t find elsewhere. 

As with other beach chairs that prove beneficial for knees with joint discomfort, the height from the base of the lounge chair to the ground is high enough that it doesn’t cause excess strain on your knees. In fact, one five star reviewer raves about how easy it was to get in and out of this chair even with her knee issues. Actual dimensions of the KingCamp Chaise Lounge Chair is 78.7”D x 26.8”W x 15”H and has a four-fold system for easy storage and portability.

The heavy duty frame and durable design of this lounge chair is complete with steel leg posts and a max capacity of 330 lbs. A powder-coated surface means it’s waterproof and prevents rust buildup, while the footrest cover and footpads create a slip-resistant design. 

The chair is entirely cushioned, has a padded seat and comes with a large adjustable pillow that can also be used for lumbar support, offering fantastic lower back support. The KingCamp chair has a storage pouch on one side with one mesh pocket and two other pockets to hold books, your cell phone, car keys or more.

Be careful– you may find it easy to fall asleep when soaking up the sun in this KingCamp Lounge Chair, as it is often used as a camping cot.


Coastrail Outdoor Zero Gravity Chair with Sun Shade – Best for Sun-Sensitive Users

Coastrail padded seat, cool-mesh back zero gravity reclining lounge chair plus sun shade, pillow, cup holder and side table for outdoor yard patio lawn camping chair supports 400lbs

If you want to enjoy some time on the beach but don’t want full sun exposure, check out the Coastrail Outdoor Zero Gravity Chair with Sun Shade.  The added sun protection is beneficial to help keep skin protected from the sun’s rays, especially for those with certain skin types.

Having a sun canopy over your head also means you are more protected by the elements overall. The Coastrail Zero Gravity Chair is crafted with an aluminum alloy frame, removable pillow and pillow case, along with a steel mesh material to provide support. The mesh seat fabric also promotes breathability for an overall more comfortable– and less sweaty– time on the beach.

This chair measures 29.1”D x 19.6”W x 44.9”H with a weight capacity of 400 lbs. The smooth reclining action can be locked in place to ensure maximum comfort. This great beach chair also comes with a detachable table and drink holder.

When you’re ready to pack it in for the day, you’ll find that the Coastrail Zero Gravity chair is a moderately lightweight chair coming in at 21.6 lbs for manageable transport and making it somewhat easy to carry.

Once again, the zero gravity design makes it easy to get in and out of the chair no matter what outdoor activities you’re enjoying, so you aren’t placing extensive pressure on your knees. 


HEANI Removable Cushion Outdoor Chair – Best for Airflow

Heani lounge chair zero gravity chair for indoor and outdoor,ergonomic recliner chair with removable cushion pad and a cup holder adjustable design, supports over 440lbs/200kg

The HEANI Removable Cushion Outdoor Chair promotes airflow as the removable cushion allows you to maintain your desired level of comfort while remaining cool. This comfortable chair supports over 440 lbs with dimensions measuring 30”D x 26”W x 31”H making it an oversized beach chair perfect for relaxation. It’s soft, spacious and very lightweight while being extremely sturdy– sturdier than your standard beach chair.

The adjustable headrest lets you move it how you desire, and the double-layered fabric with a mesh center gives an overall good feel. It is designed to be used as a lounge chair or a cot for those who want variations in their beach trip experience. The breathable mesh back keeps you cool while the air circulation adapts naturally to your body heat.

This HEANI Mesh Lounge Chair provides all of those bonus features that will keep you comfortable from sunrise to sunset on the sand. This chair features cup holders on both arms so your favorite cold drink is within easy reach when reclining back into your preferred position. 

The thick and soft padding paired with the removable headrest pillow makes it the type of chair you may find yourself dozing off in– think “poolside lounge chair” cushioning. This chair has a zero-gravity design making it easily accessible for all users. This is likely the best beach chair for cushioning, weight capacity and airflow to keep you cool.

A foldable design makes it easy to store and transport the lightweight chair as the intuitive design ensures your comfort whether you use the padded cushion or prefer the chair without. 


GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Portable Folding Chair with SunShade – Best No Recline Beach Chair

Gci outdoor gci outdoor pod rocker with sunshade rocking beach chair

If a lounge chair isn’t your forté, consider the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Chair with SunShade. This rocking beach chair combines outdoor living with the comfort of your own home. It touts a spring action technology, sun shade, storage pockets and attached cup holder and a carry bag all in a low gravity beach chair.

This is an easy-to-carry compact chair that has all the bells and whistles without all the usual fuss of a larger beach chair. It’s even small enough when folded that you can toss it in the car for your next camping trip. The cup holders are removable so you can choose whether or not to include them depending on your preference. The rocking motion ensures you aren’t seated in one position all day, giving you a little variety with your relaxation time. Plus, the steel powder-coated frame means it stays strong against rusting even if left out in inclement weather.

The sling-style seat makes it easy to sit down and stand up out of the chair as the base of the chair adjusts from stationary to rocker mode depending on body weight distribution. The frame is designed to support up to 250 lbs.

As most folding beach chairs, it’s easy to store when not in use and to transport when necessary. One of the more sought-after features of this chair is the retractable sunshade. This sunshade provides the protection you need from the sun while still allowing you to enjoy the salty air.


Realead Adjustable Oversized Folding Chair – Best for Back Support

Realead oversized camping chairs heavy duty folding chair padded support 400 lbs,portable outdoor lawn chairs with cup holder,adjustable high back beach camp chair with lumbar back support for outside

Oversized comfort and support where you need it most are what make the Realead Adjustable Oversized Folding Chair the perfect beach chair option for knees that could use a little extra care. The seat of the chair to the base of the frame measures 16.5”, making it an attractive choice for relieving joint pain. If actual chair weight is important, you may find that this is the best lightweight beach chair as well.

The Realead Adjustable Oversized Folding Chair is designed to support up to 440 lbs, making it a great choice for when you go on beach trips but need to be able to relieve knee and back pain. The chair features padded chair arms to make you feel extra comfy without stickiness most beach chairs give you during the hot summer months.

In addition, this foldable design makes storage easy as you can stow it away in small spaces when not being used at the beach, poolside or even on your deck at home. When not in use, it comes with a convenient carrying bag with shoulder straps so that you can move it effortlessly from place to place throughout your day. A total weight of 12.5 lbs plus the soft padding and reclining options makes this the best lightweight beach chair you can find.

The Realead beach chair has a movable backrest designed for back support. Sitting in this chair for extended periods won’t cause discomfort as the backrest can be moved to provide lumbar support so you can enjoy all the relaxation you want.

Dimensions of this chair measure 23.6”D x 23.6”W x 42.5”H making it a high back beach chair and it folds for easy storage and transportation. The frame is coated to prevent corrosion and fading, while the alloy steel frame ensures longevity. 

This lightweight beach chair comes complete with a durable mesh cup holder and two storage pockets and is the perfect option for those that suffer from knee or back pain.


Buying Guide for Choosing the Best Beach Chair for Bad Knees

Here are the most important features to take into consideration when choosing a beach chair if you have knees in need of extra care.

Zero Gravity

The zero-gravity design prevents beachgoers from bending their knees too far before sitting. It also has easy recline options so you can stay in the seat and recline it to the desired height. The best beach chairs for joint pain are typically a low gravity beach chair which allows for relief from any pressure on the joints or spine.

Breathability

If you use an outdoor chair on the beach that does not breathe well, it can become hot and uncomfortable. This may cause you to get in and out of your chair more frequently, resulting in more stress on your knees. You want to look for a beach chair that is made with a breathable fabric or mesh to allow for good air flow especially during the heat of the summer months. If you do find a great beach chair with poor breathability, you do always have the option to lay your beach towel down first.

Measurements & Portability

Although this feature may seem obvious, it is not only about the size of the seat itself. High beach chairs make it easy to get in and out of when you’re older and you need to be careful with your knees.

Make sure you look for a chair that you will be able to fit in its storage location, put it inside your car or truck or if you’ll need to buy a rack to transport it. Best beach chairs are the ones you can tuck away when you’re not trekking to the shore for a beach day getaway.

A good folding beach chair is a chair designed to have latches or locks to keep the chair secured when it has been collapsed. Don’t forget to look for a way to easily carry your beach chair. Some chairs come with backpack straps– typically called a “backpack beach chair— or a carrying bag / storage bag with shoulder straps. No matter how much you like your beach chair, you want to make sure you can carry it, especially if knee pain is something you need to be mindful of.

Wrap Up

After evaluating each beach chair and weighing the varying benefits and drawbacks, my choice of best beach chairs for painful knees is the AmazonBasics Zero Gravity Outdoor Chair. Not only does the zero gravity design make it easy to get in and out, but the added longevity of the Oxford cotton material also makes it a favorable option. 

Most important of all, this chair was designed with great lumbar support which helps reduce back pain in most individuals when sitting down.  

All in all, this beach chair is the best choice I can recommend when it comes to quality, comfort and price. Once you try it out for yourself, you will understand why it is my top pick!

But, if the zero-gravity style is not what you’re looking for, there are plenty of other beach chair options available that will keep you free from knee pain. The beach chair brand doesn’t matter– but the chairs we know will rate high include the KingCamp Oversize Padded Folding Chaise Lounge Chair and the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Portable Folding Chair with SunShade.

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