Best Shoes for Shin Splints 2024: 5 Top Picks for Extreme Support

Shin splints are categorically known as the pain in the lower leg, on the front, outside, or inside of the leg. Repetitive or excessive exercises of the lower legs overload your leg muscles, tendons or shin bone which causes shin splints. This can affect anyone who treads, pounds, or dances on hard surfaces excessively such as dancers, runners, athletes, gymnasts, and people who do extensive cardiovascular exercises. The other reason for shin splints is low arches as they tend to put stress on the lower leg muscles which leads to tenderness and pain in the inner shin bone.

To avoid or ease out shin splints you can stretch your calves and hamstrings, avoid sudden increase in lower legs exercises, enhance the arches of your feet, maintain a healthy weight and most importantly opt for shoes specifically designed to prevent this highly strained problem. For your ease, I have compiled a list of top shoes to prevent and ease out shin splints. These shoes are a perfect combination of support, cushioning and a proper fit to ensure the stability of feet across the arches, proper balance, and enhanced shock-absorbing comfort.

The shoe which secures the first position in our list is the HOKA ONE Men’s Clifton 5 running shoe. As compared to its predecessor, it is much more breathable and durable due to a new engineered mesh designed to increase breathability as compared to the Clifton 4.

The Hoka, despite being famous for their comfort and cushioning are questioned when it comes to durability, which they have paid heed to in this version. With plenty of cushioning, it’s a great option for you if you have high arches, plantar fasciitis (a condition in which a person suffers from heel pain due to being overweight or running in the wrong shoes), and even stress fractures. The midsole uses full-length EVA foam, which makes it comfortable. Also, it features rockered geometry which enables it to be more responsive. Similarly, the outsole is composed mainly of exposed EVA foam with strategically placed sections of hi-abrasion lightweight rubber. The foam has been modified to make the shoes feel softer.

I’d suggest going with the same size if you were using the previous two versions but if you are used to of running in a Nike or Asics shoe, I’d suggest going up half a size. Moreover, these low-profile shoes are the ones whose drop lies between 2 to 6 mm range, therefore one has to adopt a natural stride while wearing them. This makes the forefoot landing more effective than heel striking. Since this pair lets you run naturally you shouldn’t doubt it whether you’re a heel striker or a mid-foot striker. Hence, the arch support of the Clifton 5 is more than satisfactory since there isn’t a need to use any additional insoles while running.

On the other hand, the only drawback of these shoes is that they don’t offer plenty of toe box space which can make your feet feel constricted. So, if you have wide feet you should opt for wider size of shoes.

If you’re looking for a pair of shoes with breathable fabric, durability, soft cushioning, and nice funky colors,  I would definitely recommend purchasing it.

The 2^nd product in this list is Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19 Running Shoes. Brooks is well-known for its high quality and durable running shoes, and this time it has impressed us with the Adrenaline. This pair of Adrenaline GTS running shoes, incorporates the new Guiderail Support System which not only focuses on foot support but also, on the most injury prone parts of the runner’s body; knees and shins. The guiderail support system provides you with ultimate comfort as well as keeps excessive movement in check. This is why Adrenaline is known for exceptional motion control.

While ordering this pair take note that “B” is for Medium width, “D” is for Wide width, “2A” is for Narrow width, “2E” is for Extra wide width. As I have wide feet, I went for a D in my shoe size. Moreover, it features BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning which work together to provide a just-right softness underfoot without losing responsiveness and durability. The best part is, even with different kinds of cushioning, it still feels very light while walking or running.

What I love the most about this pair is that it feels soft and protective. It provides me with the right amount of cushion in each step and it enables me to float through my run or walk every day. Not only this, but this pair has a very modernized fit as it features an engineered mesh with a 3D fit print upper which gives it a very streamlined look.

On the downside, these shoes aren’t made of supreme quality as there are repeated complaints of a ripped seam line after a few months of usage and I faced the same problem as well.

All in all, these shoes provide you with a great fit and comfort and if worn with care, the durability issue can be solved as well

The third place on the list has been achieved by Saucony Women’s Omni 16 Running Shoe. This imported and 100% synthetic shoe has an engineered mesh upper for a more dynamic fit. Also, it has a SAUC-FIT for a highly adaptable, dynamic fit in the mid-foot. It provides the best stability for runners at a quite affordable price.

The Omni 16 is great for hard surfaces such as roads, gyms and flat tiled floors. This shoe is specifically designed for people who have flexible arches and also for over-pronators. The Sauc fit adapts to the insoles and provides stability. Because of this feature, this pair is ideal for people who suffer from shin splints; as stability shoes help in relieving the problem. Moreover, it features EVERUN Topsole Construction which enables maximum energy return and also provides continuous cushioning throughout the run. Also, it has a TRI-FLEX outsole, which maximizes ground contact and enhances flexibility. Underfoot, Saucony smoothed the landing by removing the second piece of foam in the heel and incorporating a single piece of cushion in the midsole. This pair of Omni 16 can be the best choice for people with narrow feet.

On the downside, I found these shoes way too much stiff and rigid on the side walls which can be a matter of discomfort if you prefer shoes with cushioning on the side walls as well.

Conclusively, rigid side walls is a matter I am willing to overlook as the Omni 16 provided ultra-comfort and relief to my shin splints, that too in a very good price.

Asics Gel-Nimbus 21 is the one to compete at the fourth position in my list. It’s the right choice if you’re looking out for a shoe that is designed for long runs especially on harsh pavements. It’s stink resistant, comfortable, and has good breathability.

Nimbus 21’s upper is made up of premium two-layered jacquard mesh design and has more elasticity as compared to its previous variants. The 3D-Printed Overlays makes it seamless and more supportive. In addition, the inside is equipped with Ortholite X-40 Sockliner which ensures moisture management and resists stink better. Furthermore, the rear of this pair comes equipped with a padded exoskeletal heel counter which gives a quite soft and comfortable feel to the ankles. Also, the toe box comes with plenty of space.

This pair is equipped with a triple-layered cushioning. At the top comes the “Flytefoam Propel” which is a low-density foam for continuous cushioning. Below it, Asics have added, “Flytefoam Lyte” paired with an elastomer to ensure faster toe-off and higher energy return. At the forefoot and heel, it has an Asics impact reducing Gel technology. All of this improves the consistency of the shoe during long runs. The outsole comes with Asics High-Abrasion Rubber (AHAR) which provides great traction on all surfaces. Furthermore, the shoe drop of this pair is 10 mm which helps shift the body mass forward to prevent injuries like shin splints, stress fractures, and plantar fasciitis.

However, a drawback of this shoe is that the increased breathability gives way for more water to get in and then it becomes heavy.

All in all, this shoe is a great choice but only for not rainy season.

As a leading manufacturer of supporting footwear, New Balance has introduced 940V3 shoe as an ultimate supportive and stability shoe specially for the people who suffer from shin splints and who overpronate. This shoe has an upper made of no-sew mesh and synthetic for additional security. Although this shoe has a very simple design but it is a very durable one.

The best part of this imported shoe is that it has the T-Beam technology for torsion control. Not only this, but it also incorporates a full-length AZORB and polyurethane cushioning in the midsole. This cushioning is essential for relieving shin splints as it makes the landings soft and smooth and will prevent pain from occurring in your shins. Moreover, when it comes to traction, the pair provides excellent traction as it has a rubber sole. These shoes are true to size, which means that you should order your actual size without any worries. What I love the most about it is that it doesn’t make my wide feet feel constricted in it, it provides me with enough room in the toe box.

The only thing I disliked about these shoes is the weight; they are quite heavy. But as the heaviness helps in providing comfort to the heavily weighed runners, I am going to overlook this tiny flaw.

The 940V3 from New Balance is what you need the most when suffering from shin splints, as it provides you with stability and support. Also, it improves your gait and keeps you cushioned. This is the best-running shoe from New Balance for shin splints.