Finding the ideal shoes to wear for running is difficult enough on its own. When you are suffering from shin splints it becomes even more difficult. You have to look at different brands and styles of shoes, along with a number of other features in order to determine which shoes are going to help you relieve the pain or discomfort you likely always have with longer runs.
This is especially true if you have different foot and ankle problems, up to and including shin splints. Finding the best running shoes for shin splints will help with all of this and a whole lot more.
In this article we’ll take a look at six of the best possible running shoes for those suffering from shin splints. We’ll look at the most important features of running shoes and take a look at the best options for both men and women. That way, you can best understand what will work for you and whether it’s really going to work for your shin splints and more.
Quick view Top Best Running Shoes for Shin Splints
Running shoes that aid you with your shin splints are actually quite simple to find, with a number of standard running shoes capable of reducing your pain while keeping you out there running the way you want.
The Best Running Shoes for Shin Splints for Women
Summary
The Hoka One Clifton Running Sneaker has a lot of support for those with shin splints, created by the super thick padding and low heel to toe drop. They make it a whole lot easier for any runner to get back on the trails, even after an injury.
Highlights
- Lightweight shoes all around
- Seamless construction to reduce moisture leakage
- Breathable fabric for longer running time
The Hoka One One Clifton 3 is available in a range of different colors and sizes from 5 – 11, including a number of half sizes. The soles of the shoe may seem a little bit thick, but they are highly effective for those who suffer from shin splints. This is because of the low heel-to-toe ratio, providing a much smoother gait that improves your running as well as providing support for the ankles and throughout the foot.
The low level of the ankle support is just enough to help you refrain from twisting an ankle or any other damage you might otherwise incur. The synthetic and mesh materials create a soft surface as well as plenty of breath ability. These women’s shoes are designed to keep you running, especially with the heavy cushioning that makes it easy to do many different types of exercises.
With a lower arch, this shoe is excellent for those with flat feet as well. The shoes themselves can run slightly small but when you find the perfect fit they work well for anyone who suffers from pain while walking or running.
These shoes are designed to be used right out of the box, so you don’t have to worry about breaking them in and you’ll feel completely natural walking in them, just like with any regular tennis shoe. It features uppers with visible perforations to let plenty of air through and also has welded overlays that help to increase the amount of flexibility that you get while you’re running or moving in any way.
Summary
Bright colors really highlight the features of the Hoka One One Challenger ATR 2. The sizing is comfortable and standard for running shoes and they provide the right amount and type of support for those suffering from shin splints or other foot problems.
Highlights
- Super lightweight
- Toe box is roomy
- Provides a large amount of cushion support
- Unique look and color options
The Hoka One One Challenger ATR 2 features a larger heel, but the drop getting down to the toe is smaller than with traditional tennis shoes. When it comes to running with shin splints the support of your shoe is crucial and these shoes provide quality support with the synthetic and mesh style around the outside and the rubber sole in the base. They are lightweight and feature a seamless ‘SpeedFrame’ that keeps you running without the pain that is often associated with shin splints as well as any other foot related and ankle related problems.
With a shaft of 2.5” and a traditional lace-up closure, these shoes are available in a range of different colors that range from more basic with a little color accent to bright and fun so you can show off your style while you run. You can also get plenty of different sizes for these shoes, with 5 – 11, including many half sizes to get an ideal fit.
It’s recommended that you go half a size up from your normal size, as with other running shoes, in order to account for the swelling that generally occurs during extended periods of running. At a low to moderate price, these are a great choice for many runners.
Summary
The Nike Air Zoom Vomero 11 is designed to provide you with plenty of padding throughout the shoe and definitely through the midsole. This, along with the slightly higher ankle support is a great way to support your ankle and shin splints.
Highlights
- Several color patterns and options
- Plush padding around the collar
- Higher level traction
- Low heel to toe drop
The Air Zoom Vomero 11 is a women’s shoe made by one of the most popular shoe brands out there, Nike. Available in a number of iconic Nike colors with some fun lace loops to accent, these shoes have a low heel to toe drop created with a much lower heel in the first place.
They’re made with mesh outer material to provide more breathability while you run and the Lunarlon foam in the midsole increases the amount of comfort and flexibility of the shoe. Even better, those lace loops, or flywire cables, help to provide a whole lot more support throughout the foot.
The traction under the shoe is excellent for running and moving through moderate or even rougher terrain so you don’t have to worry about always sticking to the trails. With the moderate height shaft, these shoes will provide you with just the right amount of ankle support while still letting you maneuver the way you want, without stiffness.
The plush collar also keeps your foot and ankle more comfortable during your next run. With plenty of sizes available, you can use this shoe for running or any other type of activity and exercise you enjoy.
With a somewhat average price compared to other shoes, these ones are great for running on the road and make sure you’ll be able to continue running for a long period of time. The shoes are definitely what you would expect from a brand like Nike and make sure that you won’t be slowing down for anything, whether it’s a rough type of terrain or the finish line on your next race.
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The Best Running Shoes for Shin Splints for Men
Summary
The Brooks Launch 3 has a moderate level of support at the bottom of the shoe but also has some arch support, which isn’t as common with these types of running shoes. For those with shin splints it provides some varied options in color as well as a lower profile.
Highlights
- Several color and size options
- Lower overall design with a low ankle support
- Moderate arch support similar to traditional tennis shoes
The first of our men’s shoes is the Brooks Launch 3, which offers a number of excellent benefits from the low price to the moderate arch that keeps your foot comfortable and supported throughout. Available in several colors and sizes, these shoes are actually made in the USA.
With some of the most amazing cushioning in any kind of running shoe, these ones are built for any type of runner so you can get out there and push yourself with the flexibility that you need even with a longer run.
Made with mesh fabric throughout to help with breathability and cooling when you start to get warm during the latter part of your run. Not only that but the material helps moisture to be released to reduce the sweating you may experience if you get warm.
Designed to be durable in all the higher wear areas and to work even over rougher terrain, this is a good introductory level shoe that will get you all the basics you need in order to enjoy running. It’s also a moderate weight, to help you run faster and more comfortably and it works great on surfaces that are wet or dry, while you’re at it.
What We Like
- Softer and more plush than any other shoes
- Uses gel cushioning
- FluidFit uppers for multi-directional stretch
What We Don’t Like
- Can be a little bulky
- Starts to wear sooner than expected
Summary
The ASICS Gel Nimbus provides plenty of cushion, which can be excellent for those suffering shin splints or other foot related problems. Slightly bulkier than other shoes, these require a little getting used to when it comes to running.
Highlights
- Sizes 6 – 16, including half sizes
- Several color options
- Moderate arch support
- Moderate heel to toe drop
Getting high quality shoes for running is extremely important and with shin splints it’s even more important, which is why the ASICS Gel Nimbus is a great choice. Available in a range of different colors and sizes to make sure you’re prepared with just what you need, this running shoe is made with textiles and synthetic materials that create just the right shape.
The low top allows for just the right amount of support throughout your foot and ankle so running definitely won’t be a problem (or a pain) anymore. Made with FluidRide midsoles to increase your bounce as you run as well as gel cushioning throughout the front and back of the foot for shock impact, you’re going to be plenty comfortable running on any surface.
The uppers will allow you to maneuver your foot wherever you want so you don’t have to worry about twisting or turning your ankle and you’ll have a seamless construction for the shoe that ensures you won’t have friction or as many areas of weakness that can start to wear out. These are shoes that will work for just about any kind of foot or ankle problems.
These shoes definitely combine some great features that make it as much of a performance shoe as you’re going to find just about anywhere. It’s definitely going to help you adapt to any conditions and it’s going to stay durable and strong throughout anything that you want to do. There’s no reason that you should have to settle when it comes to these shoes because it’s got the qualities you’re looking for as well as the style that you’re going to love.
Summary
The Adidas Performance Ultra Boost Running Shoe is designed with synthetic materials and is super lightweight. This allows you to run more comfortably and easily without having to worry about shin splints or other foot problems.
Highlights
- Several color options
- Several size options 7 – 13
- Moderate pricing
Finding the perfect shoes is as simple as choosing the Adidas Performance Ultra Boost for your next pair. You get a shoe that is lightweight and provides you with the support that you need with a low heel to toe drop as well as low arch support. The shoes have synthetic and textile framework that will provide you the support you need throughout the foot as well as underneath and through the ankle.
The lightweight and elastic outsole is also able to keep you stable while running on different types of terrain and through different types of material (wet and dry). You’ll find a number of different sizes as well as color options that are all more simple to provide you a strong shoe that is designed for that next run. They also work well for other types of exercise or as an everyday shoe, though you won’t find them in a wide size.
You get textured soles for the right amount of traction and shoes that are moderately priced for anyone that finds running extremely important. The added support against the back of the ankle is definitely an important feature that makes this an even better shoe compared to many of the shoes listed here as well.
What to Look for in Running Shoes for Shin Splints
Comfort & Materials
When choosing proper shoes you want to look at how comfortable they are for your feet as you run. The amount of cushioning and added support are going to provide balance for your feet, as you’re running and moving through different types of terrain.
That cushion is also going to make sure that you have the chance to enjoy your run, instead of feeling every single rock or stick that you step on or even feeling the jarring of your feet hitting the ground every time you take a step. You want something that gives you at least a little shock absorption.
This is at least slightly going to be affected by the materials that your shoes are made out of. High quality materials are going to stand up to abuse a whole lot better than anything made with low quality materials. You’ll find that shoes with better quality will give you more support for a longer period of time (instead of breaking down) and they will keep you from experiencing negative effects from the terrain that you run over.
You may not get better or worse cushion, for example, but you will definitely get some differences when it comes to how long your shoes are going to last and whether they are worth the money you spend.
Support
If you have shin splints, the support that your shoes provide is even more important than if you’re just planning to get out there and start running. You need shoes that are going to keep you from further injury and that are going to aid you in recovery after your shin splints.
Keep in mind that the support your shoes are going to provide extends far further than just a cuff going all the way around and up your ankle. You’re going to need more than just that in order to stay in good shape while you run.
Support should extend all the way through the foot and up the ankle, with the overall frame of the shoe being supportive and able to hold firmly to your foot and ankle. You also want to make sure there is adequate support under your foot in the way of arch supports, cushions and a whole lot more.
That way you’ll be able to more easily run without having to worry about your shin splints getting worse while you’re doing what you love. All of the shoes here should help you in some way and will improve the way you run in general.
Proper Fit
Whether you have foot problems, shin splints or nothing at all, you want to make sure that you have shoes that fit properly and prepare you for your next run. The proper fit is all about the way that the shoes fit, all the way from the length and whether it fits you comfortably from heel to toe and the width all the way around.
Your foot should be comfortable enough all the way through. Which means you need a shoe wide enough (but not too wide) all the way from the heel up through the toe box, which isn’t always an easy thing to find.
A lot of shoes will have some type of narrowing effect through different parts of the shoe. You have to find a shoe that doesn’t have this, or at least doesn’t have too much of it. Having a shoe that fits well to your foot without a whole lot of excess space is good, but having something that is too tight could be a problem when you start running.
After all, while you’re running your feet are going to swell a little with the extra blood flow and heat. You need a pair of shoes that fits well enough while you’re walking but will still fit when you’re running.
Stability
Slightly different from the fit and the support, the stability of the shoes that you choose is something else to consider. You definitely don’t want to find yourself struggling to stay up with shoes that seem to wobble or move under your foot. Instead, you want shoes that are going to keep your foot in exactly the right place while you run.
It needs to align the foot and ankle properly and that requires a little bit of work to find just the right shoe that will take care of everything you’re looking for at the same time.
Remember, shin splints aren’t the only thing you need to think about. You also want to think about the type of foot you have and what you’re most comfortable with. If you have flat feet you need a shoe with plenty of support for your shin splints but also plenty of support for your arches as well. No matter what you think you want or like, the right shoe needs to support your foot.
Just any old tennis shoe is not going to be a good option for you. Where some people may be able to just pick any cute shoe or stylish shoe off the shelf, you need to be more careful about what you get and how it will affect your posture.
Which Running Shoes Should You Buy?
Overall, each of these running shoes has some great features and each one will definitely get you where you want to be. When it comes to an overall best, however, the ASICS Gel Nimbus for men seems to be the top option.
It has several different color options that are fun but not too wild for those who are a little more conservative in their clothing choices. It also has plenty of size options, which makes it easier to get what you need for your next run. But of course, these aren’t the most important features.
The slight arch support as well as the more natural look to the shoe makes it more comfortable and less of a learning curve for most people, but the support throughout the shoe helps ensure that you won’t have a problem with shin splints or other foot related problems. This is definitely important when you’re running and even though this shoe is lower priced than other options (and definitely some of the options here) it’s still going to give you everything you’re looking for and then some.
With the FluidRide midsole, gel cushioning throughout and the FluidFit upper, all of which work together to create a comfortable amount of pressure and support throughout the shoe, it’s definitely one that you will want to check out for yourself and definitely use for running, especially if you are suffering from shin splints.
The key is making sure that you always choose the best running shoes for shin splints, no matter how many different pairs of shoes you go through in your lifetime. It’s going to keep you a whole lot more comfortable and definitely a lot safer while you’re running.
Having shin splints isn’t easy at all, but knowing how to choose the best running shoes for shin splints is definitely going to help you continue to enjoy the sport that you’ve been enjoying for a long time.