Shin splints are a common overuse injury that affects runners, athletes, and people who engage in high-impact activities.
The term “shin splints” refers to pain that occurs along the shin bone or tibia, which is the large bone in the front of the lower leg.
This pain is caused by inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue surrounding the shin bone.
Shin splints can be a frustrating and painful condition that can sideline you from your favorite activities.
Shin splints are a common problem for runners. Wearing the best running shoes for shin splints is one of the most effective ways to prevent and manage shin splints. Choosing the right shoes can greatly improve your performance and overall comfort during your runs.
The 7 Best Running Shoes For Shin Splints
1. Best for Flat Footed Runners: ASICS Gel-Kayano 28
2. Best for Overpronators: Brooks Adrenaline GTS
3. Best for Long Distances: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11
4. Best for High Mileage Runners: Nike Air Zoom Structure 24
5. Best for Arch Support: Saucony Guide 14
What to Look for in the Best Running Shoes for Shin Splints
When looking for the best running shoes for shin splints, there are several important factors to consider.
Of course, you want the shoe to be comfortable, but more than that, you want to ensure they provide you with the proper support and stability.
Here are a few things to look for in the best shoes for shin splints:
You should look for shoes with good cushioning that can absorb shock and reduce the impact on your shins.
Make sure your shoes have proper arch support. Shoes with good arch support can help distribute your weight evenly and reduce stress on your shins.
Is it stable? When your shoes have good stability features, it can help prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot, which can lead to shin splints.
Flexibility can be key! Look for shoes that allow natural foot movement to reduce strain on your shins.
And finally, get shoes that are properly fitting. This is crucial for preventing shin splints. Make sure your shoes fit well, with enough room in the toe box and a snug but not too tight fit around the heel.
Now let’s discuss the 7 best running shoes for shin splints…
#1. Best for Flat Footed Runners: ASICS Gel-Kayano 28
Weight: 10.9 oz, Shoe Type: Stability Running Shoe, Heel-to-toe drop: 10mm
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable and breathable mesh upper | A bit heavy compared to other running shoes |
| ASICS’ signature GEL cushioning system | Relatively expensive |
| Excellent arch support |
The ASICS Gel-Kayano 28 is one of the best running shoes for shin splints.
It has a durable and breathable mesh upper that provides excellent ventilation and keeps your feet cool and dry.
Furthermore, it comes equipped with the ASICS signature GEL cushioning system, which helps absorb shock and reduce the impact on your shins.
This running shoe has a sturdy and supportive midsole that provides excellent arch support and reduces stress on your shins.
The outsole is durable rubber and has a good grip, providing excellent traction on various surfaces.
One of the best features that make this shoe great for shin splints is the quality cushioning. This helps to reduce the impact on your shins and prevent further injury.
The midsole of this shoe provides good arch support and helps distribute your weight evenly, reducing stress on your shins.
#2. Best for Overpronators: Brooks Adrenaline GTS
Weight: 9.1oz, Shoe Type: Supportive Running Shoe, Heel-to-toe drop: 12mm
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent support and stability | May be too narrow for some runners |
| GuideRails technology helps reduce stress on shins | A bit more expensive than others |
| BioMoGo DNA midsole provides excellent cushioning |
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is a popular running shoe that is also suitable for runners who suffer from shin splints. People tend to love the variety of colors that Brooks offers.
This shoe is lightweight, allowing your foot to breathe and the sweat to wick away, so your feet stay comfy when running.
Brooks has awesome GuideRails technology that keeps your feet in their natural alignment, reducing stress on your shins, so you can run to your heart’s desire without shin pain.
Let’s not forget the BioMoGo DNA midsole that offers perfect cushioning and can adapt to your stride for a personalized running experience.
This shoe also offers a segmented Crash Pad that provides a smooth heel-to-toe transition, reducing the impact on your shins and making you feel as speedy as ever.
This shoe’s great support and stability make it a great choice for runners who overpronate and are prone to shin splints because it helps you avoid doing those things.
#3. Best for Long Distances: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11
Weight: 8.1oz, Shoe Type: High Mileage Running Shoe, Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
| Pros | Cons |
| Wide toe box reduces pressure on toes and shins | May be too heavy for some |
| Excellent cushioning and responsiveness | Not great for people who need a lot of stability |
| Suitable for various running surfaces |
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11 is a great and colorful running shoe. It has many features that make it one of the best running shoes for shin splints.
The Fresh Foam midsole of this shoe gives runners much-needed cushioning and responsiveness, which will reduce impact during your runs and help reduce the likelihood of shin splints.
A breathable mesh upper that keeps your feet cool and comfortable while running and keeps you feeling light and free while on your feet.
Do you find your toes squished in most shoes? The wide toe box of this shoe allows your toes to move freely, which helps reduce the amount of pressure your toes and shins experience.
Want to know about the outsole? The blown rubber outsole of this shoe leaves you with excellent traction and durability, making it suitable for various running surfaces.
#4. Best for High Mileage Runners: Nike Air Zoom Structure 24
Weight: 11oz, Shoe Type: Road Running Shoe, Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
| Pros | Cons |
| Breathable Flymesh upper | Lacking in arch support |
| Excellent cushioning and responsiveness | May be too heavy for some |
| Dynamic Support provides stability |
If you want to hit the roads to log some miles but struggle with shin splints then you may have found one of the best running shoes for shin splints.
The Nike Air Zoom Structure 24 is designed with a crash pad under your heel, creating a well-cushioned and smooth transition from heel to toe.
ou will feel plenty of cushion beneath your foot while experiencing an airy, breathable upper.
The forefoot of this shoe offers super responsive cushioning, which makes it so great for roads and people who experience pain from shin splints.
The responsive forefoot and foam midsole create a firm yet smooth ride. You will feel stable as your foot makes contact with the ground.
If you are a heel striker, then this shoe is a dream, as there is extra cushioning present for heel-to-toe transitions. This is key for overpronating runners.
Feeling a little groovy? There are grooves in the forefoot that make it flexible and vertical grooves down the side to make it stable.
You are likely to get all the comfort with none of the shin splints if you choose to lace these bad boys up.
#5. Best for Arch Support: Saucony Guide 14
Weight: 10.5oz, Shoe Type: All-Purpose Running Shoe, Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable and grippy rubber outsole | Traction may not be as good on wet or slippery surfaces |
| Medial TPU guidance frame provides stability | A bit bulkier than other models |
| Dynamic Support provides stability |
The Saucony Guide 14 is meant to guide you all the miles. Formulated for performance, this shoe is so comfortable you want to wear it all day.
It has a clean look and comes in a variety of colors. But even better, the ride is smooth as butter and will help you to feel confident in every stride you take.
Saucony makes many popular running shoes, but this specific shoe offers several features that make it great for people plagued by shin splints.
A key feature of this shoe is the PWRRUN midsole. This is designed to provide unheard-of cushioning and responsiveness. This is how the shin splint causing impact is reduced, making it one of the best running shoes for shin splints.
It is also equipped with the FORMFIT performance contoured footbed that ensures a comfortable and secure fit, plus medial TPU guidance frame that provides stability and reduces stress on your shins, keeping you pain-free.
If you need something durable and grippy, the rubber outsole of this shoe has you covered.
Run on whatever surface your heart desires (minus wet ones) and enjoy plenty of cushioning and responsiveness in the process.
#6. Great for Long Distance Runners: Hoka One One Bondi 7
Weight: 10.5oz, Shoe Type: All-Purpose Running Shoe, Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
| Pros | Cons |
| Meta-Rocker design | May feel too bulky |
| Breathable mesh upper | Much more expensive than the other shoes listed |
| Abrasion-free wear |
Hoka is a very well-known shoe brand – specifically for having more than enough cushion.
The extensive amount of cushion these shoes have makes them great for someone trying to avoid shin splints.
The Bondi 7 features a full EVA midsole with exceptional cushioning and shock absorption. Shin splints are typically a result of too much impact, these shoes help to buffer that.
If you have yet to experience the Meta-Rocker technology, now is the time.
This technology promotes a smooth and natural gait cycle, so things do not get too wonky as you run even the longest distances. This will also help keep shin pain at bay.
People are raving about the grippy rubber outsole of these shoes as well. If you want a no-slip grip on paved surfaces, these have you covered.
Complete with a breathable mesh upper and comfortable Lycra comfort frame heel section, the comfort doesn’t stop beneath your foot. Stay locked in and pain-free from shin to heel.
#7. Best for All Surfaces: Brooks Ghost 14
Weight: 9oz, Shoe Type: Neutral Running Shoe, Heel-to-toe drop: 12mm
| Pros | Cons |
| Soft, secure fit | Narrow fit |
| BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning | May slip in the heel |
| Certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe |
Brooks Ghost 14 is a neutral running shoe that is designed for a comfortable and smooth ride.
This shoe is highly recommended for runners who are looking for a comfortable and durable shoe to support them on their long-distance runs and keep them free of shin pain.
It is equipped with Brooks’ new DNA Loft foam technology, providing excellent cushioning while maintaining a lightweight feel.
The shoe’s Segmented Crash Pad also enhances the cushioning by adapting to your foot’s movement during the landing and taking off phases of your stride.
One of the unique features of the Ghost 14 is its 3D Fit Print technology. This technology uses a lightweight material that adapts to your foot’s shape and provides a customized fit. This feature ensures the shoe is snug and supportive without feeling too tight.
The outsole of the Ghost 14 is made from durable and high-quality blown rubber. This provides excellent traction and grip on wet and dry surfaces, ensuring you are stable and secure during your runs.
The Best Running Shoes For Shin Splints – Conclusion
Choosing the best running shoes for shin splints is crucial if you suffer from them.
Among the best 7 running shoes for shin splints we’ve discussed, each has its unique features and benefits.
The ASICS Gel-Kayano 28 is great for runners with flat feet, while the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 provides stability and support for overpronators.
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11 and Nike Air Zoom Structure 24 offer great cushioning, while the Saucony Guide 14 is perfect for runners who need additional arch support.
The Hoka One One Bondi 7 suits long-distance runners, and the Brooks Ghost 14 is a reliable and comfortable choice for neutral runners.
Overall, each of these shoes has its strengths and limitations, but they are all some of the best running shoes for shin splints, depending on a runner’s specific needs and preferences.
