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Top 5 Best Shoes for Shin Splints

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Written by Andrew Le, MD.
Medically reviewed by
Last updated June 8, 2024

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Shin splints are one of the most common complaints for any runner or involved athlete. Sometimes, shin splints might be as a result of overuse and unsuitable shoes, they are a big detriment to training and competition. Thank God there are shoes meant for this ailment and people should go for the appropriate shoes. Coming to the topic of the current article, we shall be highlighting on the best shoes to wear with shin splints.

We did a shoe-specific research and testing to find those most suitable for people with shin splints. In the following sections, we will list the best pick along with the features.

Top 3 Best Shoes for Shin Splints

  1. OrthoComfoot Womens Canvas Orthopedic Walking Shoes
  2. Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 22 Supportive Running Shoe
  3. ASICS Men's GT-2000 12 Shoes

As for shin splints, they are muscular pains and therefore it can be understood how much it hurts and feels irritating. This is why we have provided a list of the best shoes for relieving pain and avoiding the worsening of the situation. Whether you a runner, walker, or someone in need of comfortable shoes for your day to day activities, then we have the shoes for you.

OrthoComfoot Womens Canvas Orthopedic Walking Shoes

Editor's choice

Highly recommended for plantar fasciitis and patients with high arches, these shoes are extremely comfortable and support the arches. They are easy to wear with elastic laces and are features stability with the provision of a rubber sole.

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If you want to get shoes that afford you a chance to get rid of foot and heel pain, then the OrthoComfoot Womens Canvas Orthopedic Walking Shoes would be an excellent match.

Pros

  • It features two additional insoles for comfort when worn.
  • The elastic/bungee laces make them easy to put on and take off The crossover shoelaces on some of them enable easy putting on and removal.
  • The design of the shoes offers high levels of arch support to help persons with arch problems.

Cons

  • Not recommended to those with wider feet.
  • The shoes may not be as stylish as other options.

The shoes are very convenient due to its kind fitting, wonderful for people who have problems with arches of feet. Men’s boots are perfect for the people having plantar fasciitis or high arches problem. It has the elastic/bungee laces to help you easily slip into them and out of them and the rubber outsole that offers maximum grip and stability.

They do run small meaning that individuals with wider feet cannot comfortably wear the shoes and the canvas upper not being as tough as leather. Further, there are people who would be more attracted to a fashionable one.

Overall, the OrthoComfoot Womens Canvas Orthopedic Walking Shoes can be recommended to everyone who suffers from foot and heel pain.

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For anyone interested in getting a supportive shoe for their running activities, the Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 22 Supportive Running Shoe should do the trick.

Pros

  • The new internally-warning mesh upper with the integration of 3D print enhances the structural support in this shoe.
  • The complex GuideRails support system assists in maintaining the legs and knees safe from overused movements.
  • The sports cushioning with high energizing makes it comfortable to run in this shoe.

Cons

  • May feel a bit heavy for some runners.
  • May be a bit pricey for some budgets.

Since we are testing these shoes for the past few weeks now, we can say that it has been quite good for us and to our feet. The mesh upper has now been given a new 3D print that gives feet more structures to hold on which is very important during our running. The GuideRails support system also encompasses our knees’ safety by limiting unnecessary movement in the entire joint. We also value the high energizing cushioning which makes one to have a comfortable run.

However, the shoes were on the heavier side for some of the runners, especially for those who go for the lighter shoe options. Also, the shoes can be costly to some individuals, though we wish to propose that with the current advancement in quality shoe production, the shoes are worthy the price.

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For a stable and comfortable shoe to use for running, then the ASICS Men’s GT-2000 12 Shoes would be beneficial for you.

Pros

  • Made with recycled to minimize the amount of waste and carbon dioxide emission to the environment.
  • Gives additional support to ensure that the user will have a stable gait.
  • It assists in offering lightly padding and better impact absorption.

Cons

  • Not recommended to those with wider feet
  • The shoe may feel stiff when first worn

The ASICS Men’s GT-2000 12 Shoes offer support to the runner thus help in achieving a comfortable foothold. There is a Jacquard mesh upper to allow fresh air to circulate while the 3D GUIDANCE SYSTEM gives extra support for a better gait.

One of the strongest features that the company has integrated into these shoes is that at least 50 % of the shoe’s main upper material component is recycled or came from recycled materials to help cut on waste and carbon footprints. Also, the sockliner is made under the solution dyeing process that is environ – friendly since it uses 33% less water and has cut its carbon footprint by 45% from the usual dyeing process.

The featured Rearfoot PureGEL technology assists in offering extra featherweight comfort with highly soft foot bottoms and these shoes thus can be recommended for runners who wish to decrease the stress on body bones during exercises.

However, the shoes may not be friendly for those with wider feet and the shoes feels rigid the first time one wears it. Also, some users have said that the slipper gets deteriorated quickly, and thus, cannot be considered as a long-lasting shoe.

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We rate the Saucony Endorphin Shift 2 Running Shoe as a perfect shoe to use when seeking a comfortable and long-lasting shoe that may help in avoiding shin splints.

Pros

  • The SPEEDROLL Technology pushes you ahead smoothly and thus enables one run more efficiently and for a longer period.
  • The high platform of PWRRUN cushioning ensures every distance to be comfortable for the users.
  • The baseball shoe exhibits such a stability that one does not feel cumbersome when wearing them for an extended time.

Cons

  • The shoe's size chart can be inconvenient.
  • The shoe is a little narrow, so it may take some time to break in.

The Saucony Endorphin Shift 2 Running Shoe helps makes your running experience more enjoyable and comfortable. Combining SPEEDROLL Technology and PWRRUN cushioning, one gets a highly efficient comfortable ride for the foot, and stability of the shoe.

This shoe is rather universal and can be worn in different settings and for various occasions. As a running shoe, this is a perfect one; it would also be perfect for powering through any other activity that involves using a shoe. In addition, the shoe is vegan; it is made of recycled materials, which can be considered a plus from the point of view of environmental protection.

Overall, the Saucony Endorphin Shift 2 Running Shoe is an excellent shoe for anyone suffering from shin splints and to get a highly effective and recommended shoe.

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If you are tired of having to choose between a stability shoe that has more support or a cloud-like featherweight shoe that feels as soft as a pillow under your feet, it is time to try on a Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22.

Pros

  • The midsole of the shoe has been redesigned it is 100% DNA LOFT that has been employed in the shoes giving it a soft and smooth feel.
  • The Brooks GuideRails middle calcaneus support and moderate cushioning allow these shoes to lend themselves for everyday run and soft landing.
  • The heel piece combines with the soft midsole and Segmented Crash Pad for smooth transition from heel to toe.

Cons

  • The sizing may run a bit small for some users.
  • The shoes are a bit expensive.

In our experience, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is comfortable and very supportive hence they are recommendable for runners with shin splints. New midsole also presents the softer and smoothness in the ride, and the GuideRails from Brooks spans the medium support and cushioning. By contributing to better absorption of shock through the soft mid sole and the Segmented Crash Pad the shoe also balances the ease of transition from the landing to toe off.

However, the sizing might be slightly off depending on the user so should one make the decision on the size with no trial of the shoes. Also, the price range of some of the shoes can be a little steep depending on the consumer’s pocket, in our opinion the quality of shoes being offered by this company is worth the price.

Buying Guide

When shopping for the best shoes for shin splints, here are some factors to consider:

Cushioning

Shin splints are an inflammation that results from impact on the legs, therefore, there is need to select shoes that have material footings that will offer the legs the much-needed cushioning to ease stress on the area. Ensure you get shoes with shock absorption in the sole and midsole of the shoe and even those that have gel or air insertions.

Arch Support

It is important to consider arch supports since it helps in preventing and in case they occur, reduce the shin splints. Well-cushioned shoes reduce stress on the arched portion of the foot and hence the shins of the foot. Designs with arch support should be chosen or insoles can be used in shoes to enhance support.

Stability

Proper shoes immersed on the ground avoid rolling of the feet either inward like in overpronation or outward like in supination and this will help in avoiding formation of shin splints. There are features that you should consider in your shoes, including the fact that the heel counter should be rigid and should be relatively broad in order to provide the foot with stability when moving.

Fit

Ensure that you measure your feet and wear the specific socks you are going to wear when doing the activity in the shoes. Get shoes with ample space in the forefront so as to give sufficient space for your toes without causing blisters or toes to rub against the shoe lining; the shoe should also be tight enough to give a good hold.

Durability

While buying, one should aim to look for shoes that should last longer as this would be a plus as one would have used his or her money to the fullest. Search for shoes that are built strong and made from sturdy material and also check for shoes that come with a reinforced sole or maybe with additional cushion to shoes that are more susceptible to wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best shoes for flat feet and shin splints?

If you are a flat footer and you are among those affected by shin splints, then there is the need to have the correct arch support shoes. In choosing a shoe, the design has to feature motion control and a rigid midsole. Popular make of shoes include the OrthoComfoot Womens Canvas Orthopedic Walking Shoes, Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 22 Supportive Running Shoe, and ASICS Men's GT-2000 12 Shoes.

What are the top walking shoes for shin splints and plantar fasciitis?

Shin splints and plantar fasciitis relieving walking shoes should therefore have good cushioning and support. The best recommended shoes are OrthoComfoot Womens Canvas Orthopedic Walking Shoes, Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 22 Supportive Running Shoe, and ASICS Men's GT-2000 12 Shoes.

Are Brooks Ghost 15 shoes effective in preventing shin splints?

The Brooks Ghost 15 is a type of running sneaker that has decent arch support and shock absorption. Even though it is not primarily produced for runner to avoid shin splints it could be useful for some runners who have tendencies to this disease.

Can wearing certain shoes help alleviate shin splints?

Proper positioning of your feet on the shoe and the right arch support eliminates shin splints because your feet are comfortably cushioned. Features that you want to look out for are motion control, a rigid involved shank, and a shock absorbing heel. You also should ensure your shoes are well fitted and Personal Protective Equipment are replaced from time to time.

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Jeff brings to Buoy over 20 years of clinical experience as a physician assistant in urgent care and internal medicine. He also has extensive experience in healthcare administration, most recently as developer and director of an urgent care center. While completing his doctorate in Health Sciences at A.T. Still University, Jeff studied population health, healthcare systems, and evidence-based medi...
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