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, Pediatric and Adolescent Sports Medicine, Children’s Wisconsin recommends looking for shoes with good arch support. “It gives you a little more cushion so that there’s not as much impact force coming up,” he says. “The shoe helps hold your foot in a good position so your muscles don’t need to work hard. They can just focus on movement and running and not on maintaining foot mechanics."
Reviewed & Approved
Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 22 Running Shoes are lightweight, breathable, and have cushioned soles that absorb the shock of each stride. The Hoka One One Women’s Clifton 8 Running Shoes are another lightweight, breathable, and cushioned option.
We researched dozens of running shoes for shin splints and evaluated them for material, price, support, comfort, and breathability. Each of the running shoes for shin splints chosen in this article was determined to be the best of these factors.
These shoes have a cushioned sole to absorb the shock upon impact, which is why we chose them as our top pick. Known for exceptional motion control, the Adrenaline has a diagonal roll bar that keeps feet stable with each stride. Additionally, Brooks’ soft cushioning throughout provides comfort without being too cushy to feel unsupportive.
Best Men’s Overall
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Excellent shock absorption and cushioning
Lightweight
Breathable
Narrow toe box
These shoes are surprisingly lightweight, given their stability and supportiveness. They’re also very breathable, so they’re a good option for those who keep running shoes on for many hours at a time, whether they’re exercising or at work. The regular width model does have a narrow toe box, so be sure to choose the wider version if you have a wide foot.
Key Specs:Materials: Mesh upper, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam, rubber | Closure: Lace-up | Price at time of publication: $140
If you want a running shoe with maximum cushioning, you can’t go wrong with the Hoka One One Clifton 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.
Best Women’s Overall
Hoka Clifton 8
Lightweight
Thick and wide soles
Excellent shock absorption and cushioning
May run wide for narrower feet
With their thick and wide soles, Hoka’s super-cushioned shoes may not be the most fashionable running shoes, but they provide a comfy, smooth ride. The Clifton’s re-engineered mesh upper balances the cushioning with a supportive and breathable fit. Devoted fans love them for running, but say the “cloud-like feel” will make you want to wear them when you’re walking, doing errands around town, or just hanging at home, too.
Key Specs:Materials: Mesh upper, full compression EVA midsole | Cushioning: HOKA ONE ONE | Closure: Lace-up | Price at time of publication: $279
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.
Best Cushioned
Hoka One One Women’s Arahi 5
Lightweight
Flexible
Works great for plantar fasciitis
May need more cushioning
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 | Price at time of publication: $130
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.
Best for Road Running
Saucony Women’s Triumph 17 Running Shoe
Excellent cushioning
Springy and responsive underfoot
Molds to the shape of your foot
Sizes run large
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 | Price at time of publication: $101
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.
Best Lightweight
Adidas Men’s adizero Adios 6 Running Shoes
Great shock absorption
Wide toe box
Breathable
May run narrower for wide feet
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 | Price at time of publication: $73
If you’re looking for a high-quality, well-cushioned, and durable shoe that’s well-suited 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.
Best for Wide Feet
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 1080v10 Running Shoes
Excellent shock absorption and cushioning
Wide toe box
Comes in multiple colors
Sizes run small
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 | Price at time of publication: $150
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.
Best for Distance Runners
ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 22 Running Shoes
- Flexible
- Excellent shock absorption and cushioning
- Helps improve your natural gait
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 a marathoner 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 | Price at time of publication: $111
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.
Best for Pronation Control
Brooks Addiction 14 Shoe
Helps control pronation
Lightweight
Comes in various widths
May wear down fast
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 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 | Price at time of publication: $160
The Stinson isn’t as cushy as some other Hoka shoes, but it has the supportive fit and stability you need for trail running. Meanwhile, the EVA midsole cushioning still provides exceptional comfort and shock absorption for shin splints protection. The wide sole and deep lugs allow for excellent grip and stability on all surfaces and weather conditions. And if you like to do a combination of trail and pavement running, the Stinson is suitable to cross over into road running.
Best for Trail Running
Hoka One One Stinson ATR 5
How We Selected 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 asked Kevin D. Walter, MD, the program director of Pediatric and Adolescent Sports Medicine, Children’s Wisconsin, podiatrist Ernest L. Isaacson, DPM, FACFAS, and podiatrist Rick Rutkowski, DPT, clinical director at Professional PT, 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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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 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.
