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The Best Running Shoes for Shin Splints, Tested and Expert-Approved
Do you have shin splits? Our top picks alleviate pain and enhance comfort
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Michelle Parente, CYT, is a New York City-based yoga sculpt instructor and lifestyle journalist specializing in health, wellness, and fitness content. As a commerce writer, it's Michelle's mission to provide researched and reliable product recommendations.
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John Honerkamp is an RRCA and USATF-certified running coach, celebrity marathon pacer, and recognized leader in the New York City running community.
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Isabella Broggini is a health writer and editor, NASM-certified personal trainer, and fitness nutrition specialist. She is the associate editorial director for Verywell Fit.
Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples
Repetitive stress on the shins can cause shin splints, which is a common issue for runners. The pressure results in microtears in muscle and bone tissue, leading to swelling, inflammation, and prolonged pain. While improper running form and muscle weakness can cause shin splints, one of the biggest culprits is worn-out running shoes. Kevin D. Walter, MD, Program Director of Pediatric and Adolescent Sports Medicine at Children's Wisconsin, recommends looking for shoes with good arch support. The best arch support running shoes offer extra cushion and hold your foot in place, reducing impact and strain on the lower leg muscles, says Walter.
To find the best running shoes for shin splints , we researched dozens of highly rated shoes from best-selling brands. We also spent hours testing several pairs in The Verywell Testing Lab. After researching and testing, we evaluated each shoe for material, price, support, comfort, and breathability. We also had an RRCA- and USATF-certified running coach from our Review Board review this article for accuracy surrounding what to look for in running shoes for shin splints, how they should fit, and what to do to help alleviate the condition.
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Excellent shock absorption and cushioning
Lightweight
Breathable
Narrow toe box
Brooks' Adrenaline GTS 22 Running Shoes have a cushioned sole to absorb shock upon impact, which is essential if you suffer from shin splints. Known for exceptional motion control, this pair has a diagonal roll bar that keeps feet stable with each stride. And the soft cushioning throughout provides comfort without being too cushy to feel unsupportive.
When we tested these shoes, we were impressed by how lightweight they felt, given their stability and supportiveness. The mesh upper helped to prevent excess sweat and odor, letting us run comfortably for hours at a time. And during test runs, we appreciated that the shoes provided stability, comfort, and style. Having earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, we are confident in recommending this pair as one of our top picks.
Along with being our favorite pick for runners with shin splints, the Adrenaline GTS 22 shoes are a great choice for all foot types—even those with plantar fasciitis. We love that they come in four widths and over 20 different color combinations to fit every runners foot and style preferences.
Key Specs:
Materials: Mesh upper, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam, rubber | Closure: Lace-up
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Verywell Fit / Michael Navarro
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Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples
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Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples
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Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples
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Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples
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Best Women's Overall
Hoka Clifton 8
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Amazon
- Fit4.5/5
- Value4.5/5
- Comfort5/5
- Lateral Stability4/5
Lightweight
Thick and wide soles
Excellent shock absorption and cushioning
May run wide for narrower feet
If you want a running shoe with maximum cushioning, you can’t go wrong with Hoka's Clifton 8 Running Shoe. The shoe’s superior plush EVA material cushioning provides excellent shock absorption and helps decrease the pressure under the heel and ball of the foot, making them a great running shoe for shin splints. They’re also surprisingly lightweight and comfortable right out of the box.
APMA Seal of Acceptance winners, this pair is approved by both podiatrists and wearers. During testing, we found the Clifton 8's to be super responsive, thanks to their extra-padded design. We also appreciated the re-engineered mesh upper that prevented our feet from getting sweaty or stinky, even on long-distance treks. But what we loved the most about this shoe is it's cloud-like, barely-there feel that put a bouncy spring in our step with each stride.
Key Specs:
Materials: Mesh upper, full compression EVA midsole | Cushioning: HOKA ONE ONE | Closure: Lace-up
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Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples
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Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples
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Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples
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Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples
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Lightweight
Flexible
Works great for plantar fasciitis
May need more cushioning
Hoka’s signature cushioning is ideal for shin splints, so it makes sense that the brand has earned more than one spot on our list. The Arahi features EVA cushioning throughout the entire shoe for balanced landings, excellent responsiveness, and good stability, yet the foam is lightweight and flexible, so the shoe doesn’t feel too rigid or constricting.
The breathable mesh upper adds to the overall comfort. While it has the right amount of cushioning and stability to reduce the risk of shin splints, the Arahi also works well for those with a history of plantar fasciitis.
Key Specs:
Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole, foam insole | Cushioning: Minimal | Closure: Lace-up
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Excellent cushioning
Springy and responsive underfoot
Molds to the shape of your foot
Sizes run large
Runners who put in a lot of miles on pavement need a running shoe with excellent cushioning and shock absorption that can handle all that pounding. Saucony Triumph running shoes check those boxes and more, making it an ideal shoe for protection from shin splints.
They feature Saucony’s PWRRUN+ cushioning, which delivers a springy and responsive underfoot feel. The cushioning is spread evenly throughout the shoe, which helps promote proper running technique. Additionally, the Formfit design molds to the shape of your foot, making for a perfect fit and comfort from every angle. The Triumph is an excellent all-around shoe, especially for those who need extra cushioning for road running or walking.
Key Specs:
Materials: Mesh and synthetic upper, foam insole | Cushioning: PWRRUN+ | Closure: Lace-up
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Great shock absorption
Wide toe box
Breathable
May run narrower for wide feet
Adidas’ Adizero Adios 6 is proof that a running shoe can be lightweight and still provide exceptional stability and comfort. Designed to be a long-distance shoe, we love that it’s made with superior midsole cushioning that keeps you comfortable no matter how far you’re running.
The wide toe box lets your toes spread out and create a more stable, natural running form, which can also help with shin splints prevention. The ultra-lightweight, breathable mesh has a barely-there feel, while still providing a snug, supportive fit. With Adidas’ iconic three-stripe design, the Adizero also gets high marks for style.
Key Specs:
Materials: Mesh upper, textile lining, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Responsive | Closure: Lace-up
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Excellent shock absorption and cushioning
Wide toe box
Comes in multiple colors
Sizes run small
If you’re looking for a high-quality, well-cushioned, and durable shoe to pair well with socks for wide feet, look no further than the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 running shoe. The shoe’s innovative one-piece Fresh Foam midsole delivers outstanding support and cushioning, while the dual-density rubber outsole provides additional stability. A soft, flexible upper and wide toe box provides plenty of room and comfort for your forefoot, which is crucial for those who have experienced shin splints.
The running shoe comes in four widths—narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide. It also comes in a range of sizes and various colors.
Key Specs:
Materials: Knit upper, rubber sole | Cushioning: Fresh Foam | Closure: Lace-up
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Flexible
Excellent shock absorption and cushioning
Helps improve your natural gait
May run wide for narrower feet
Highly flexible, supportive, and comfortable, the popular Asics GEL Nimbus running shoes are a good option for distance runners or anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet and has experienced shin pain. Their trademark GEL cushioning system in the rearfoot and forefoot helps with shock absorption, making for more comfortable miles. The shoe also utilizes FlyteFoam Midsole Technology to enhance comfort, while the heel counter offers additional heel support.
What sets the Nimbus apart is its Impact Guidance System (IGS) Technology, which is designed to improve a runner’s natural gait. This can make a tremendous difference for those dealing with shin splints, as bad running technique can often be a cause of it. Whether you’re training for a marathon or a casual jogger, we think they’re a well-rounded shoe that will feel great right out of the box.
Key Specs:
Materials: Mesh upper | Cushioning: GEL | Closure: Lace-up
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Helps control pronation
Lightweight
Comes in various widths
May wear down fast
Another popular running shoe from Brooks, the Addiction is perfect for runners who need some help with controlling pronation, or their feet rolling while they’re running. The diagonal rollbar helps limit pronation and promotes smooth transitions, while the cushioned midsole provides for a comfy ride.
These shoes are lightweight, comfortable, and stable, so they’ll help you maintain proper form and avoid shin splints. The Addiction comes in regular and wide widths (including extra-wide), so it’s a good option for those who need extra space for wide feet, insoles for flat feet, or orthotics. It also comes in narrow for those who need a snugger fit.
Key Specs:
Materials: Rubber sole | Cushioning: BioMoGo DNA | Closure: Lace-up
How We Selected and Tested the Best Running Shoes for Shin Splints
After researching dozens of shoes from popular, trusted brands, we selected the best running shoes for shin splints based on insights from experts. We also asked professionals to find out what makes a sneaker good for runners with shin splints.
Then, we considered cushioning, stability, and durability. We also assessed how the shoes fit and how much they weighed. Finally, we examined price, style, and flexibility to choose the best pairs on the market.
In addition to our extensive research, we often test many products in The Verywell Testing Lab. We recently tested 24 pairs of running shoes from some of the best selling brands on the market. To truly evaluate how well each pair preformed, we tried them on and ran on a treadmill for up to 20 minutes. During our run test, we payed special attention to fit, comfort level, and stability. We also noted how well each pair protected against blisters and excess sweating and odor. Finally, carpenter Lory Henning used a bandsaw to slice each shoe open so we could examine its internal construction.
Through this test, we found several running shoes to be a great choice for those with shin splits—as reflected in this list. As we continue to test new and popular running shoes, we will update this list with our top finds.
What to Look for in Running Shoes for Shin Splints
Type
“Shoes have come a long way over the past few decades,” says Isaacson. “There are many types, including zero-drop heels, wide forefoot types, rocker bottoms, motion control, stability, and a few others.”
Prior to buying a new pair, note how often you’ll be wearing your shoes, the average distance you’ll be running, and if you have any other injuries in addition to shin splints.
Cushioning
One way to combat shin splints is to wear running shoes that are comfortable and provide plenty of cushioning to help absorb most of the shock from your feet hitting the ground. A cushioned footbed—often crafted with gel, EVA foam, or air pockets—is necessary for those not using insoles, but if you have insoles, inserts, or orthotics, you want the included insert to be removable.
If you're in the market for a super-cushioned shoe, check out the Hoka One One Arahi 5.
Durability
Quality and durability are also huge factors to consider because you want to be sure that the shoe’s support and cushioning won’t wear out quickly. Look for shoes with sturdy rubber outsoles that can withstand lots of pounding, and note the weight of the shoe when looking at durability. “Shoes should be lightweight, generally in the 10-ounce range,” notes Isaacson, saying that running long distances on heavier shoes may actually contribute to the development of shin splints.
Fit
Your running shoes should fit comfortably right out of the box and shouldn’t require a break-in period. And if you’re using custom orthotics or insoles, you want a shoe with removable insoles so you’ll have enough room for them. Generally, Isaacson recommends looking for a shoe made with lightweight material, one with a neutral platform, and one with plenty of room in the toe box since most people have a wide forefoot.
“You might want to consider a visit to an experienced sports medicine specialist, podiatrist, orthopedic surgeon, physical therapist, or anyone else who can take a skilled look at your foot and help determine the type of shoe that is best,” Isaacson says.
Our Experts
We asked three experts for advice on which key features runners with shin splints should look for in a quality pair of running shoes. We also asked these experts for running shoe brands they recommend, and if any brands on the market are not suited for runners with shin splints. More on our experts:
- Kevin D. Walter, MD, program director of Pediatric and Adolescent Sports Medicine at Children's Wisconsin
- Ernest L. Isaacson, DPM, FACFAS, and podiatrist in New York City, New York
- Rick Rutkowski, DPT, podiatrist, and clinical director at Professional PT based in Westfield, New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can running shoes prevent shin splints?
“Shin splints may be caused for different reasons, like tight calves, overpronation of the foot and ankle, as well as poor training habits,” Dr. Rutkowski says. Wearing the right running shoes for your foot type and gait and replacing your running shoes regularly are definitely steps you can take to help prevent future occurrences of shin splints. Go to a running specialty store to get fitted for running shoes with the right stability and cushioning for you.
- Is it okay to run with shin splints?
While you may think it’s safe to run with mild shin splints, it’s not a good idea to run through the pain, as it could make the condition much worse. Proper rest, icing, compression, and stretching and strengthening the calf muscles can all help treat shin splints. “If you’ve had shin splints for more than a few weeks, it's a good idea to see your physical therapist or doctor as you may have a stress fracture,” Rutkowski says.
- What exercise is best for shin splints?
As is the case with all running injuries, there isn’t one specific exercise that will alleviate or prevent shin splints. People with shin splints can benefit from a range of calf strengthening moves, including standing calf raises.
"You should also make sure to stretch both calf muscles and practice one-legged balancing drills," Rutkowski says.
- What can you expect to pay for running shoes for shin splits?
You can expect to pay between $50-$200 on a pair of running shoes for shin splints. How much you pay will depend on your personal budget. But it's important to remember that a quality pair of running shoes is an investment that can provide much-needed support, especially when dealing with shin splints. The cheapest option on our list is often available for $40, while our top recommendation for men (Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22) and women (Hoka One One Clifton 8), were both $140 when we published this list.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Through many years as a running coach and marathon runner, Christine Luff has dealt with bouts of shin splints and advises trainees on how to prevent and rehab from them. For shin splint protection, she recommends regularly replacing running shoes and sticking to reputable brands such as Asics, Brooks, New Balance, Adidas, Hoka, and Saucony.
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery. Shin Splints.
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