A Review of Best Running Shoes for People with Shin Splints
Shin splints are common among runners. This article recommends some of the best shoes for people dealing with shin splints.
Written By
Favour OnovoMedical Writer | Health product review writer
Reviewed By
Joy EmehHuman Anatomist | Health Editor
Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, is a term used to describe pain along the front part of the shin bone (tibia). The pain is caused by inflammation of the tibia, muscles, and tendons surrounding it due to repetitive stress.
Runners are frequently diagnosed with shin splints. This is because running is a high-impact exercise. Therefore, wearing well-cushioned and supportive footwear is important to protect your feet and legs from impact forces. Also, opt for shoes that support your ankles.
Finding a pair of shoes with the right level of support and cushion can be daunting. That’s why we did the hard work by researching and selecting the best podiatrist-approved running shoes to help prevent shin splints. This article provides a comprehensive review of some of the best running shoes for people with shin splints.
Roundup of the best running shoes for shin splints
Here is a roundup of the best running shoes for shin splints:
- Overall best running shoe for people with shin splints: Asics Gel Nimbus 25
- Best for distance running: Hoka Clifton 9
- Most versatile running shoe for shin splint: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v12
- Best lightweight running shoe for shin splint: Adidas Adizero Adios 7
- Best for support: Saucony Triumph 20
- Best for fast runs: Brooks Ghost 15
- Best for overpronators: Gel Kayano 29
- Best for trail running: Salomon Sppedcross 6
Asics Gel Nimbus 25
Asics Gel Nimbus 25 is a well-cushioned, sturdy daily trainer that comes with a pull tab to help you slide into the shoe.
Hoka Clifton 9
This is designed for comfortably running long distances. It has an additional 3mm of stack height compared to the previous version but weighs 4 grams less.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12
The 1080v12 is a versatile running shoe suitable for long and short runs as well as slow and fast runs. It has great impact absorption properties.
Adidas Adizero Adios 7
Being incredibly lightweight and having a responsive midsole makes this shoe perfect for speedwork.
Saucony Triumph 20
This long-distance running shoe is super comfortable and fun. With its midsole, you’ll barely feel the impact of your foot hitting the ground.
Brooks Ghost 15
The Brooks Ghost 15, with its solid midsole and lavishly padded upper, offers a perfect blend of comfort and stability.
Salomon Speedcross 6
The Salomon Speedcross 6 is well-equipped to handle any terrain. The 5mm lugs on the outsole provide incredible grip on different kinds of surfaces.
Asics Gel Keyano 29
This is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a running shoe that helps with overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the ankle during movement).
Comparison of best running shoes for shin splints
4.8 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 3.8 | 3.5 |
|---|
Overview |
|---|
Lightweight? | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spacious toebox? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Responsive midsole? (i.e., springy sensation/well-cushioned) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Durable outsole? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Fits true to size? | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Breathable upper material? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
4.8 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 3.8 | 3.5 |
|---|
Overview |
Lightweight? No | Lightweight? Yes | Lightweight? No | Lightweight? Yes | Lightweight? No | Lightweight? No | Lightweight? No | Lightweight? No |
Spacious toebox? Yes | Spacious toebox? No | Spacious toebox? Yes | Spacious toebox? Yes | Spacious toebox? Yes | Spacious toebox? Yes | Spacious toebox? Yes | Spacious toebox? Yes |
Responsive midsole? (i.e., springy sensation/well-cushioned) Yes | Responsive midsole? (i.e., springy sensation/well-cushioned) Yes | Responsive midsole? (i.e., springy sensation/well-cushioned) Yes | Responsive midsole? (i.e., springy sensation/well-cushioned) Yes | Responsive midsole? (i.e., springy sensation/well-cushioned) Yes | Responsive midsole? (i.e., springy sensation/well-cushioned) Yes | Responsive midsole? (i.e., springy sensation/well-cushioned) Yes | Responsive midsole? (i.e., springy sensation/well-cushioned) Yes |
Durable outsole? Yes | Durable outsole? Yes | Durable outsole? Yes | Durable outsole? Yes | Durable outsole? No | Durable outsole? Yes | Durable outsole? No | Durable outsole? Yes |
Fits true to size? Yes | Fits true to size? Yes | Fits true to size? No | Fits true to size? No | Fits true to size? Yes | Fits true to size? Yes | Fits true to size? Yes | Fits true to size? No |
Breathable upper material? Yes | Breathable upper material? Yes | Breathable upper material? Yes | Breathable upper material? Yes | Breathable upper material? Yes | Breathable upper material? No | Breathable upper material? No | Breathable upper material? No |
Other ways to prevent the occurrence of shin splints
Besides wearing proper footwear that provides support and cushions your feet and legs, you can prevent shin splints by:
Warming up before runs
Warm-ups increase blood flow and oxygen supply to your muscles, improving efficiency. Try doing simple stretches like heel raises and calf raises to prepare your muscles for exercise.
Not pushing yourself too hard
Do not attempt to increase the intensity or frequency of your training too quickly. This can put stress on your muscles and lead to shin splints.
Avoid running every day if you’re new to running. Give your body a day or two of rest to recover.
Improving your form
Improper running form can contribute to the development of shin splints. Maintain a straight and erect posture while running, keep your shoulders relaxed, and do not overstride.
Changing your foot strike pattern may also help keep shin splints at bay. If you’re a heel striker, try switching to a midfoot strike. This may not work for everyone, but it’s worth trying if you frequently experience shin splints.
Running on softer surfaces
Running on hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt puts a lot of stress on your muscles and bones and can cause shin splints.
Opt for softer surfaces like grass and sand, which are easier on the body.
Changing your footwear when necessary
Running shoes last for about 300 to 500 miles. Changing your running shoes once they become worn out and lose their cushioning abilities is essential because running in worn-out shoes can cause shin splints.
What to look out for when buying shoes for shin splints
It’s always best to work with a podiatrist or an experienced sales associate to determine the kind of running shoes that’ll suit you.
However, if you decide to pick your shoes out yourself, there are important factors to keep in mind.
Type
The type of running shoes you need depends on where you intend to use them. If you’re a trail runner, you’ll require specialized shoes with good traction and protection from rocks and undergrowths.
Fit
Choose a shoe that is compatible with the shape of your foot. Thankfully, most brands offer different width sizes to cater to every foot type.
Also, some running shoes run small or large. In such a case, always order half a size up or down as required.
Support
If you’re an overpronator, go for stability shoes. These shoes have features that help control excessive pronation.
Cushioning
Shoes that provide adequate cushioning are essential for combating shin splints because they absorb some of the impacts when your feet come in contact with the ground.
Durability
Since most running shoes cost $100 and above, it’s only fair that you get your money’s worth. Carefully scrutinize shoes before purchasing to ensure they’re solid and don't have any defects.
You can also read online reviews to find out if the shoes you want to buy have any major issues that customers complain about.
Managing shin splints
Shin splints can keep you away from your favorite sport for weeks. But it doesn’t have to be so, because there are ways you can prevent such an ugly scenario.
If you already have shin splints, you can ease your pain with home remedies like R.I.C.E. therapy. To prevent shin splints from reoccurring or getting worse, don’t resume running until at least after two weeks of being pain-free.
See a doctor if your condition does not improve after a few days. Your doctor will help you discover the cause of your shin pain and address it appropriately.
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