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The best running shoes for shin splints
Feeling pain in the front of your lower leg after a run?
This is a condition known as shin splints, and it’s something both casual and experienced runners go through. There are many things that can cause shin splints, and the pain can get so intense that you can no longer run as much as you’d like.
But for most runners, you can prevent shin splints by wearing the right running shoes. It’s best to wear running shoes with enough support and cushioning, that way your legs remain pain-free even after long runs.
And in this list, we’ve done the research to find out the best running shoes for shin splints available today.
We made sure to choose the best models available and to include a variety of options in this list. Different people have different needs, which is why none of the shoes on this list are the same.
So, if you’ve been looking to get back to a regular running routine but shin splints are getting in the way, you’ve come to the right place.
Best overall for men
Brooks Men’s Ghost 13 Running Shoes
Brooks Men’s Ghost 13 Running Shoes
These shoes can do just about everything, which is why they are a top option for many people today. These shoes offer great cushioning, proper support, and are also fairly durable, so you can use to for a lot of long runs. While they may not be the best for those with wide feet, they are still one of the best running shoes for shin splints in today’s market.
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We kick things off with our favorite overall model for men. We chose this option because of the comfort and breathability it provides. But while it’s lightweight and really breathable, it’s still really durable, so you can use it for many runs to come.
This shoe offers something called neutral support. This gives you decent bounce and cushioning while still allowing you to feel the road on your feet. On top of that, it comes in a wide range of color options, making it easier to find the right model for you.
Another reason this shoe is great for shin splints is how it absorbs impact. The shoe uses BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT technology to provide a lot of cushioning without ruining the responsiveness. So, no matter how hard you land or at what angle, these shoes can cover the impact.
With that said, these are fairly narrow shoes, especially at the toe box. So, if you have wider feet, it may be best for you to look at the other options available for you.
Best overall for women
Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 Women’s Supportive Running Shoes
Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 Women’s Supportive Running Shoes
These shoes are ideal for women who run and do other activities. They offer a lot of support, are lightweight, and come in a bunch of cool colors. So, whether you’re on a run and looking to avoid shin splints or you plan on heading to the gym for cross-training, these are the shoes for you.
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The next up is the women’s equivalent of the previous option. While it comes from a different product line, these shoes are made by the same brand and offer similar benefits. The primary feature of these shoes is the great cushioning technology. If you really want an extra spring in your step and to reduce the impact on your muscles, these shoes are a great option for you.
Additionally, these shoes offer some of the most support in the Brooks’ collection. The support system is designed to reduce excess movement and always keep your body in the right position. That way, you can run for much longer without feeling much pain or tension.
These are also great multi-purpose shoes. So, if you’re cross-training, these are an ideal pair of shoes since you can use them for a variety of different activities.
On top of all that, these shoes are lightweight. So, you don’t stress out your muscles by carrying additional weight. With that said, if you plan on going trail running, these shoes may not be durable enough for the uneven ground.
There were also some complaints about the exact color options available. But since the shoes come in a variety of colors, it’s easy to find one that suits your tastes.
Best for trail running
ALTRA Men’s Lone Peak 5 Trail Running Shoes
ALTRA Men’s Lone Peak 5 Trail Running Shoes
These shoes are good at one specific job: trail running. These are also ideal if you’re taking a casual walk through the woods as it provides a lot of support and great cushioning. So, if you plan on hitting the trails this season, you need a pair like the ALTRA Low Peak 5’s to get all the protection and support you need.
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The first two pairs of shoes we featured on this list were ideal for road runners. On the flips side, these shoes are ideal for trail runners. These ALTRA shoes are very durable while offering a lot of support and cushioning, which is what you need if you’re running on uneven surfaces.
Trail running is a great option for a lot of people. However, the uneven ground can put a great amount of stress on your lower legs, which can cause shin splints. So, you need durable shoes that offer a lot of adaptable support so you can avoid shin splints.
These ALTRA shoes do it all. They offer good grip on the ground, great support, and decent cushioning without compromising your feel of the ground. Additionally, these shoes dry quickly, so if your trail runs involve running through puddles or walking through streams, these are great shoes for you.
Additionally, the shoes have an additional built-in rock guard. That way, your feet remain fully protected.
However, the downside to these shoes is that they are fairly heavy, which is what you should expect from trail shoes. But if you’re running on the trail, the little bit of extra weight is worth the extra support and protection you get on your run.
Best lightweight
Saucony Men’s Kinvara 12 Running Shoes
Saucony Men’s Kinvara 12 Running Shoes
These shoes are the best at providing a lightweight and bouncy running experience. They offer a decent amount of support and cushioning and are one of the most comfortable shoes on the market. If you plan on running long distances on roads in the near future, this is a great option for you.
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Carrying additional weight on your run can cause shin splints. This is because the extra weight can cause your muscles to work harder than they need to. So, if you feel like you need lighter shoes for your training, these Saucony models are a great option for you.
Saucony running shoes are known for being sleek and lightweight, and this model is no exception. It comes in a combination of bright colors and laid-back tones, which just adds to the shoe’s appeal. Additionally, these are very neutral shoes that can offer a lot of support and cushion.
So, if you plan on running on the roads for your training, this is a great option. For road running, these shoes are fairly durable and offer all the support and bounce you would need.
However, the downside is that the shoes aren’t good for other road conditions. Since they are lightweight, they may not be durable enough to withstand certain conditions, which is something very important to consider.
Best for wide feet
Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 8 Running Shoes
Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 8 Running Shoes
These shoes are best for people with wide feet in need of good running shoes. Most of the options available on the market today are narrow and don’t stretch for people with wide feet. If you are one of the many people who struggle with this, then these Under Armour shoes can provide you with just the right features for your needs.
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If you have wide feet, you know how hard it can be to find lightweight and comfortable running shoes. However, these Under Armour shoes provide everything you need to avoid shin splints and are specifically built for people with wider feet, which is why they are a top option for casual and experienced runners.
While they are wide, these shoes are very flexible and offer great cushioning. So, when you’re running, they will feel great on your feet and absorb a fair amount of impact as you run. On top of that, the shoes have a leather overlay, which makes them more durable than other options.
With that said, these shoes come with some downsides. For one, they are best for people with wide feet. If you have narrow feet, you might find that these shoes feel loose and rather wide on you.
On top of that, these shoes don’t have as much technology built into them as other models. While this is great for people who want simple running shoes, you do end up missing out on a few key benefits.
Best with space trusstic technology
ASICS Men’s Gel-Kayano 27 Running Shoes
ASICS Men’s Gel-Kayano 27 Running Shoes
These shoes are the best at providing runners with a lightweight shoe for when they hit the road. That way, the muscles don’t work as hard, energy is conserved, and you can avoid shin splints that get in the way of your running schedule.
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ASICS is known for providing runners with top-of-the-line running shoes that utilize new technology. For this shoe, they used Space Trusstic technology. This is an innovation that makes the shoes much lighter while remaining durable and stable.
So, when you run in these shoes, they will feel very light and comfortable. This is just one of the reasons it’s considered one of the best models on the market today. On top of that, since it’s made by a reliable brand, you can trust that each and every product that comes out is up to the company’s standards.
These shoes also feature cushioning on the rear foot and front foot. This provides runners with far more cushioning than they might expect from some of the other running shoes on the market. And if you want shoes that have style as well, this model comes in a variety of colors and designs, making it easy to find one that fits your tastes.
With that said, the toe part of these shoes is fairly narrow and tight. So, for some people, this may feel uncomfortable and hurt your feet. So, make sure to try the shoes on first to make sure they fit you right before buying.
Best breathable
Nike Women’s Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Running Shoes
Nike Women’s Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Running Shoes
These shoes are the best running shoes for people who need breathable shoes. The material feels very nice on the feet and shoe’s construction allows it to provide runners with a whole lot of support and cushioning on the road.
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This next option is a breathable running shoe. If you live in a hot area, then running could be very uncomfortable on your feet. To solve this issue, you need a shoe with proper ventilation that can keep your feet and body cool.
This is exactly what this Nike model has to offer. On top of that, it’s incredibly stylish since it comes from Nike. But Nike isn’t just known for style, that’s why this shoe still utilizes top of the line technology.
To start, it offers a lot of arch support. So, if you have a low arch or flat feet, these shoes can give you just the right support and cushioning that you need. Additionally, the cushioning technology on these shoes is great, which makes it very easy to run longer distances.
The downside to these shoes is that they are pretty pricey. Nike is known for being a fairly pricey brand, but if you’re looking for shoes that combine comfort, style, and functionality, these are a great option for you.
Best cushioned
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 1080 V11 Running Shoes
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 1080 V11 Running Shoes
If you’re in need of shoes with a lot of cushioning, this is the right option for you. These New Balances offer some of the best cushionoing available today. And while it may not be ideal for all roads and surfaces, there are many runners that use these shoes to avoid shin splints.
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Wrapping up our list is a pair of shoes that offers the best cushioning on the market. These New Balances use synthetic mesh material for their shoes. That offers great cushioning and support, making it much easier to cover long distances.
On top of that, the shoe itself is very comfortable. So, you don’t have to worry about accidentally rolling your ankle or sore feet after a long day of running.
With that said, these shoes are great for people who need a lot of cushioning, but they may have too much cushioning for some people. Some runners complained about a lack of road feel, which makes it hard for them to run on certain surfaces.
However, there are still some people who found the cushioning very helpful at reducing their shin splints and leg pain from running.
What to look for in good running shoes for shin splints
Shin splints are a common occurrence for runners. When you go on a run, your legs experience repeated stress. And if you don’t have enough support or cushioning on your feet, the stress can cause shin splints.
On top of that, shin splints hurt. In fact, when experiencing shin splints, most runners need to take a break, which can ruin your momentum and training schedule.
That’s why it’s best to use proper running shoes. That way, you can avoid and prevent shin splints and unnecessary road bumps in your training schedule.
And when looking for the right running shoes to help with shin splints, here are some things you need to consider;
Fit
Before anything else, you need to find shoes that fit your feet. If you can, it would be best to try the shoes on before buying them. That way, you can judge how it feels on your feet and whether you think it can provide you with the support you need.
Even if you plan on buying the shoes online, you can visit a local store to try on the same or similar model.
Support
When trying out the shoes, the first thing you need to check is whether you get the right support. The best way to do this is to walk around and try a couple of movements while wearing the shoes. Even if you aren’t an experienced runner, you can feel the difference between shoes with the right support and ones without them.
One of the things that can lead to shin splints is rolling your ankle. So, you need to make sure that the shoes have the right arch support. This is even more important if you have flat feet or a low arch.
If you really want to find out the right type of support you need in your shoes, you can also consult a doctor.
Cushioning
The next thing to consider is the cushioning. The shoes need to be able to absorb the impact of your body when it hits the ground. That way, you put less stress and pressure on your muscles, which is what can cause shin splints in some people.
You also want to make sure the cushioning is thick enough to prevent you from getting blisters when running. However, too much cushioning is a bad thing.
There are some shoes on the market that offer too much cushioning. This can result in you losing the feel of the road, which can impact your form and even be dangerous.
This is why testing the shoes is very important before buying. The difference should be instantly noticeable when you put on shoes with the right cushioning and support.
Durability
Lastly, you want to make sure that the shoes are durable. After all, running shoes can be expensive and you don’t want to go out and buy a new pair after only a couple of months. On top of that, running with worn-out shoes is another major cause of shin splints.
So, when looking for shoes opt for materials that you know will last. However, that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice comfort either. And if you go out running a lot, then you might need shoes with a more durable outsole than more casual runners.
FAQ
What type of running shoes do I need for shin splints?
If you want to avoid shin splints, you need to have running shoes that are comfortable, durable and offer a lot of support. Shin splints are a common occurrence with runners, especially if you have flat feet or low arches. That’s why arch support is crucial in avoiding shin splints. Additionally, you need shoes that absorb some of the impacts when you hit the ground to prevent you from feeling too much stress in your muscles.
Repeated and regular stress is a major cause of shin splints. So, make sure that your running shoes have the ability to absorb impact and support your body when you’re out on a run.
Do shoes affect shin splints?
Yes, while there are a lot of different causes of shin splints, running shoes can have a major impact. A common cause of shin splints is worn-out shoes. So, if you have old running shoes that have lost a lot of its support and cushioning abilities, you may want to consider getting new shoes. Additionally, shoes that don’t offer enough support for the runners also put a lot of stress on the lower leg, causing shin splints.
What should I wear for shin splints when running?
If you’re looking to avoid shin splints when running, it’s best to wear running shoes that offer support and cushioning. You want to feel comfortable in the shoes while also getting a decent spring and bounce from them. So, if you’re experiencing shin splints and are in need of a solution, you might want to consider changing your running shoes.
Final verdict
While shin splints are annoying, they are also very common in a lot of runners. So, if you’re trying to get into a new regular running routine, you need the right shoes to avoid shin splints and stay on track with your schedule.
Make sure to find models that offer good cushioning, proper support, but still allow you to feel the road. But most importantly, try out the shoes first to see if they fit for you feet properly and offer the support and cushioning that you need for your runs.
