Shin splints is a common issue for an increasing number of runners. It can be incredibly painful and can seemingly strike at any time, even to the fittest of individuals. For those suffering from this condition, it is important to find a pair of shoes that helps to aid both your comfort levels and performance whilst running.

BEST RUNNING SHOES FOR SHIN SPLINTS

• ASICS GEL KAYANO 25
• ADIDAS ULTRA BOOST
• NIKE FREE RN 2018
  
• MIZUNO WAVE INSPIRE 14
  

As a result, I have put together a list of some of the best running shoes for shin splints, which provide both the support and cushioning required in order to make running an enjoyable form of exercise again. The products discussed range in features, materials and price, meaning that you will almost certainly find something that will help with your condition. Let’s get things underway by taking a look at the first pair of shoes for those with shin splints.

Best Running Shoes for Shin Splints

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Asics Gel Kayano 25

The Gel Kayano 25 offers the durability and support needed for runners with shin splints to take on a range of distances. The FlyteFoam midsole offers wearers outstanding cushioning, and I found that the shoes medial support system helping to lock down the foot whilst running on all surfaces.

An ortholite sockliner helps to improve comfort levels, and my testing of the shoes showed that the spacious toe box provided the perfect amount of room in this area of the foot. Asics’ famous gel technology is found in the rear of the shoe, which delivers excellent impact control, crucial for runners with shin splints.

Weighing in at 325g, the Kayano 25 is supremely lightweight. A mesh upper helps to deliver breathability during runs too. Dynamic duomax cushioning also ensures that your running style will stay consistent in terms of pronation, making them perfect for those in marathon training.

The Kayano 25 is incredibly versatile, meaning that it can be used as both a running and everyday trainer. Available in a range of colours, Asics have developed an attractive product that is well worth the investment.

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Adidas Ultra Boost

The Ultra Boost series from Adidas has been around since 2013, but the latest version offers the best of both worlds when it comes to weight and support for runners. A breathable PrimeKnit upper allows for excellent breathability, as well as wrapping around the foot in order to provide a hugely comfortable and snug fit.

A supportive heel construction offers the support required for mid to long-distance runs, as well as allowing for free motion of the Achilles. The foam midsole means that users should be comfortable at all times, whilst this feature also provides excellent energy return with each stride taken.

I found that Adidas’ unique stretch web outsole allowed for excellent grip during testing on a range of surfaces, plus the knitted upper adapted to the shape of my foot during runs. Suitable for the streets, gym or track, the Ultra Boost is a firm favourite for an increasing number of athletes. The shoes’ trendy design makes them just as suitable as a walking shoe.

The Ultra Boost is at the higher end of the market when it comes to price, although the quality of the materials used means that they are a sound investment for anyone looking to enhance their running performance, as well as support their shin splints.

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Nike Free RN 2018

The Free series is more catered towards those looking to complete runs over a shorter distance, with their support accommodating for anything up to around 5km during testing. The Free RN 2018 is hugely flexible, delivering a bare-foot style feel that is so popular with runners today.

An elastane upper helps to provide an improved fit and more dynamism whilst running, whilst also ensuring that the shoe remains lightweight. Strapping ensures that your feet stay locked-in when on the move, as well as delivering additional support and comfort.

The lightweight sole mimic’s your foot’s natural movement, expanding and contracting with every step, something I found to be hugely beneficial as someone who suffers from shin splints. The textured toe and heel foam also provide excellent traction on a range of surfaces, and Nike’s flywire technology offers additional support when tightened.

The Free RN 2018 is undoubtedly one of the best-looking shoes in this list, and their convenience also means that they can be easily stored in a bag, without taking up a significant amount of room. Available at a good price considering the number of quality materials used in producing the shoe, Nike has certainly improved upon one of their most loved running shoes once again.

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Mizuno Wave Inspire 14

Mizuno’s cloudwave technology helps to make these shoes stable and dynamic in equal measure, whilst I found that the decoupled design of the sole allows for excellent flexibility, along with a smooth heel landing.

A mixture of synthetic and mesh materials on the upper ensure both durability and breathability, making these shoes ideal for road runners in particular. I found that the Pebax Rnew technology used in the midsole allowed for excellent stability and shock absorption during testing, something that is certain to appeal to runners with shin splints.

The premium insock insole creates maximum comfort and durability, while X10 technology in the sole provides fantastic traction on testing terrains, especially in high-impact areas. The design of the Wave Inspire 14 is likely to appeal to more traditional runners, however, the price point and quality mean that they should certainly be considered by others too.

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Buyers Guide

Before making your final decision, it is important to fully consider some important factors, which could all add up to either improve your shin splints or make the problem worse.

What is Shin Splints?

Shin Splints is a pain that occurs in the lower leg, which is often enhanced during running. Shin splints are often the result of runners going for too much too soon, either in terms of distance or speed.

There are a number of causes of shin splints, ranging from overpronation of the feet to wearing the wrong type of shoe, with the inside of the shin being effected in the most part.

Can I Run with Shin Splints?

It may be that you need to limit your running or even take a break from this form of exercise all together in order to alleviate the pain caused by shin splints, however, a good pair of shoes will certainly give you a better chance of continuing this pastime.

Finding a shoe that provides a good level of stability is a must, but you should also consider your running style, which can be achieved in detail by carrying out a gait analysis.

Pain from shin splints occurs at different times for different people, with many suffering towards the end of a run. Should your pain come before or at the start of a run, it may be worth taking a break altogether.

Fit

One of the sure-fire ways to ensure that you alleviate pain as much as possible is to purchase a good fitting running shoe. Loose fitting shoes are only likely to hurt your feet, as well as potentially bringing about new injuries and issues in other areas of the body.

You should be looking for a shoe that hugs the foot in a comfortable manner, which will help to maximise your stability and power transfer at all times.

Weight

Those with shin splints should certainly consider going for a lightweight running shoe, with a bulky product only likely to add to the pressure in which your feet are under whilst running. Synthetic materials are being utilised more and more by manufacturers, due to their high endurance and breathability.

What Else Can I Do to Help with Shin Splints?

Many runners have found that wearing compression socks whilst running will alleviate the pain from shin splints, however, this will of course not cure you of the issue. Compression socks increase the blood flow in lower leg muscles, helping to ensure that they have enough oxygen to help you in running at your best level.