Best Shoes For Shin Splints

Many people would appreciate a good pair of running shoes that minimize shin splints, especially runners, dancers, and athletes who go through vigorous training. Pursuing your passion shouldn’t leave you with painful chronic aches. In light of this, below you can find the top 9 best shoes for people suffering from shin splints.

Our Top Picks of the Best Shoes for Shin Splints

Best Overall – HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Clifton 7

Sufficient Heel Beveling Vertical Pull Tab Sandwich Mesh Construction Complete Ground Contact

Best Budget – Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 20

Offers Support and Cushioning Mesh Upper Contoured Fit Uses the Brooks GuideRails Holistic Support System

Best Premium – ON Running Men’s Cloudswift Mesh Shoes

Lightweight and Soft Hollow Heels Absorb Impact Easy Slip-On Style

Best Shoes for Shin Splints

Best Overall – HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Clifton 7

The Hoka One One Clifton 7 women’s running shoe is an excellent choice for those with shin splints or who suffer from foot pain. The heel bevel allows for the wearer to have a smooth transition when their feet hit the ground. The shoe also aids in full ground contact that provides wearers with a very secure foothold.

The Clifton 7s are very easy to slip on and off with the newly engineered pull tab. Step on open-engineered sandwich mesh construction will provide adequate padding that is secure yet still breathable.

Best Budget – Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 20

The Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 20s are a very affordable choice depending on your size and the color you choose. Runners who need a ton of support and flexibility will find a friend in the Adrenaline GTS 20. The design is low-key, and the shoe will conform to your foot for the most secure and stable fit.

The GTS 20s also offer additional support for runners who suffer from overpronation, making these a great choice for running and working out in the gym.

These innovative shoes also feature GuideRails that extend support beyond the sole of your foot to your ankles, shins, and knees.

Best Premium – ON Running Men’s Cloudswift Mesh Shoes

The Cloudswift running shoes fit your foot like a sock. The compression offers just the right amount of support while still delivering flexibility. The foam sole acts like a spring, giving you more propulsion in your forward movement. The cloud-like soles are also more lightweight than other models, so they won’t weigh you down.

The support for these mesh shoes is centered on the soles, which is what a well-made running shoe should feature. The heel leads as your feet meet the ground, which is why added padding in that area can minimize shin splints and plantar fasciitis risks.

Best Women’s Running Shoes for Shin Splints – HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi 7

Hoka running shoes are renowned for their cushioning, which is why the Hoka One One Bondi 7s are our choice for the best women’s running shoes for shin splints. Other models on our list can help relieve shin splint flare-ups but are also great for other types of pain. If you want more focused support for shin splints, then go for the Bondi 7.

The mesh cushion is thick yet still breathable and the memory foam collar will keep your foot cradled and comfortable. For even more support than other Hoka models, the Bondi 7 TPU overlays a compression-molded EVA midsole and an internal heel counter.

Best Men’s Running Shoes for Shin Splints – Brooks Men’s Ghost 13 Running Shoe

We can’t have the best women’s option without one for the gents. The Brooks Men’s Ghost 13s are very lightweight and come in a variety of colors. These running shoes were well named as you won’t feel their presence on your feet. The perfect fit with BioMoGo DNA and Loft DNA cushioning delivers just the right amount of softness and flexibility without compromising support.

The Ghost 13s are balanced and secure, and they have the certification to prove it. The Ghost 13s are a certified PDAC A5500 diabetic shoe.

Best for Stability – Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 8 Mrble Running Shoe

For people who need extra balance, the Under Armour Charged Assert 8s offer excellent stability for any exercise. It’s a low-top style with a mesh upper that provides support without too much restriction.

The double leather overlays give that extra security, and the shoe is overall very breathable with a compression-molded midsole. All your high-contact zones will be covered for impact support and the EVA sock liner allows wearers to step into the shoe with minimal hassle.

There are also plenty of colors to choose from to match every mood and outfit.

Most Lightweight – Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe

The Cloudfoam Pure running shoes for women are the best lightweight choice, and they make it feel like you’re walking on clouds – it’s all in the name. There is an assortment of colors ranging from neutrals to hot pink.

These shoes will give you enough cushioning between the ground and your feet. The platform is around 3 inches and provides enough padding for all-day wear. The running shoes are an easy slip-on design thanks to the stretchable mesh upper that is breathable and comfortable.

Not only is Adidas Cloudfoam famed for providing cushion, but it’s also known for being incredibly lightweight.

Running Shoes for Shin Splints and Flat Feet – WHITIN Men’s Minimalist Trail Runner

Many running shoes have arch support for high arches, but what about people with flat feet? If you have shin splints and flat feet, the Whitin Men’s Minimalist Trail Runner shoe may be the solution. These zero-drop shoes are meant to give you the barefoot feeling, no matter the type of feet you have.

The rubber sole will give you a good grip and the wider toe box will give your digits ample room to spread out. You will be able to combat various types of terrain and the sock liner can be removed to increase the barefoot feeling.

Best Running Shoes for Shin Splints and Knee Pain – Gravity Defyer Proven Pain Relief Women’s G-Defy Ion Athletic Shoes

Do you have shin splints and knee pain? We don’t envy you, but we do have a solution. The Gravity Defyer GD-Defy Ion shoes are proven to provide pain relief. The synthetic sole coupled with the mesh upper delivers a very stable and breathable shoe.

The toe box is larger and won’t restrict movement and circulation, providing a comfortable wearing experience. The front-rolling forefoot design will give more stability to those who need it, and the insoles are removable and can be replaced with a complimentary pair of orthotic insoles.

Best Shoes for Shin Splints Buying Guide

How do you make sure the next pair of shoes you pick will help you with your shin split pain? Below are some of the primary criteria we based our search on, and they provide good guidelines for anyone trying to assess which runners they will buy next.

Cushioning and Comfort

The first consideration is always the wearer’s comfort. The way manufacturers make a pair of shoes comfortable is with the right cushioning. However, it’s important to make sure the right places are cushioned. If you have shin splints, the best area of the shoe for extra padding is in the footbed.

Memory foam and gel padding are great examples of what a shoe can have to support shin splint pain. You can also place your own orthotic and extra-padded insoles inside the running shoes for added security.

Having a material that is highly breathable and, hopefully, sweat-wicking will also add to the comfort of your footwear. Mesh is our suggestion as it offers a tight fit while allowing adequate airflow.

Stability

For those with shin splits, stability is key. In fact, it’s a crucial factor for any running shoe even if you don’t have foot, ankle, or knee problems. The stability is increased with the right fit. If you go for a pair of shoes that isn’t very form-fitting, then it won’t have the grip and hold to keep your feet from slipping and sliding.

The result of a shoe with poor stability is rolled ankles and more supination and pronation. If the activity is vigorous enough, you even run the risk of your shoe flying right off.

Shock Absorption

Your shin splints most likely developed in part due to poor shock absorption. Finding a pair of shoes with enough impact-dampening will start to rectify the problem. This section ties into comfort and cushioning because shock absorption starts with adequate padding in the sole of the shoe.

Look for running shoes with thicker soles as they are generally better at reducing the effects of hard impact. You should avoid shoes with thick soles that give you no room for movement and flexibility. If you find it difficult to bend your feet, then steer clear of these shoes.

Brands and manufacturers often have patented technology such as Cloudfoam by Adidas and VersoShock Technology by Gravity Defyer.

Support

Support is another important aspect. The right pair of shin splint shoes that are worth your money should support your movement. You can never go wrong with a pair of zero-drop minimalist running shoes, but you can think about adding some more support with padded insoles.

The rest of the support comes from the materials and the type of shoe. Low tops will tend to have less ankle support, so if you need that then look for shoes with a higher cut.

Durability

Nothing matters if the shoes don’t last. You want the best pair of shoes to not only support you through your pain but also last a good while. Quality and durability are not things you want to skimp on. Robust materials could mean the difference between reliability and constant replacement.

Not only should your shoes be hard-wearing, but you must make sure they are lightweight as well. Durability doesn’t equate to bulkiness. In fact, heavy shoes could be the culprit for developing shin splints.

The Right Fit

The final consideration is the right fit. Shoes don’t all fit the same. It depends on the manufacturer, the materials, and the padding. Some shoes may run big, and others will run small. Instead of always going for your regular size, you should consider the feel and the comfort of the shoe.

You may have heard of the notorious break-in period, but the right pair of shoes shouldn’t require extra effort. They should be good-to-go and comfortable right out of the box.

Do you need a wide toe box or a wider fit? If so, then your choice of shoe will be different from someone with a narrower foot. It helps to understand the type of feet you have and your gait to determine the right choice. For example, those with high arches will need running shoes that put extra emphasis on this part. People with flat feet will appreciate a zero-drop shoe with adequate padding.

FAQ

Can I Run with Shin Splints?

Shin splints are developed from overpronation, tight calf muscles, weak ankles, and over-running. They occur most commonly in runners. If you are an avid runner that has developed shin splints, you may be wondering if carrying on with the exercise is a wise decision.

Shin splints can vary in severity from mild to serious cases with prominent pain. Even if you have a mild case, we suggest not running through the pain. If you have shin splints, it’s a good idea to give your body a break.

Will Running Shoes Prevent Shin Splints?

Yes, the right pair of running shoes will help prevent shin splints from happening and help you take steps towards recovery. By picking a pair of running shoes with the right amount of cushioning, stability, and shock absorption, you can give your feet the support they need.

How Do I Prevent Shin Splints?

There are a few ways to prevent shin splints. For starters, changing to the right pair of shoes can avoid further aggravation of existing shin splints, or they could prevent you from getting shin splints in the first place.

Using compression is a way to deliver more support and blood flow to key muscles and tendons. You can consider compression wraps, which are recommended for people who already suffer from shin splints. They will reduce pain and discomfort.

Using tape on certain muscles can also help, but the technique will vary. There are also compression socks that you can wear along with the right pair of running shoes to reduce inflammation thanks to more blood flow.

Stretching and massaging can help shin splints after a good run. While you should take a break from exercising if you have shin splints, doing the above can speed up recovery time. Consider using foam rollers as they will help to trigger better circulation and reduce inflammation.

Conclusion

Shin splints can be painful, and they may become a hindrance to your everyday life. Luckily, something as simple as the right pair of running shoes coupled with prevention measures can help you avoid this bothersome condition. The best shoes for shin splints will provide support, cushioning, and stability. Investing in a more expensive but high-quality pair of running shoes can save you the money you would possibly need to spend on shin splint treatment, such as cold therapy and cortisone injections.