Shin Splints, also known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) are a common issue for runners and people who participate in high impact sports. Sufferers will feel pain along their shin while running, jumping, or playing sport. Shin splints are caused by repetitive stress on the shin bone, which causes the muscles surrounding the bone to become inflamed and swell. This leads to pain, and an increase in pressure on the shin bone.
There are many causes of shin splints, such as bad running technique, muscular imbalances in the lower body, a lack of flexibility, and weak muscles. Running on hard surfaces such as concrete can also cause shin splints. The biggest cause of shin splints though is having flat feet.
One of the best ways to avoid shin splints is to improve your running technique, and to purchase well fitted running shoes. In fact there are even running shoes designed specifically to lessen the effect of shin splints, mostly by absorbing most of the shock from the foot striking the ground. This can reduce the amount of force spreading up to the shin bone.
In this article we are going to take a look at five of the best running shoes for shin splints. We will be assessing them on shock absorption, support, comfort, durability, and style. Then we will decide which one of the five is the best of the bunch.
5 Best Running Shoes For Shin Splints
| Name | Shock Absorption | Support | Comfort | Durability | Style | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saucony Omni 12 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 21/25 |
| Brooks Adrenaline Gts 17 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 22/25 |
| Nike Lunarglide 8 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 22/25 |
| ASICS Gel Kayano 24 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 23/25 |
| Hoka One One Clifton 3 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 25/25 |
Best Running Shoes For Shin Splints #1: Saucony Omni 12
Saucony are a well known company amongst serious runners, they make fantastic shoes for all levels and disciplines. Their Omni 12 running shoes are fantastic for sufferers of shin splints because they contain a midsole foam pad called a PowerGrid. This provides incredible shock absorption throughout your run, and will also be very comfortable.
There is also an arch lock to provide foot stability, and a moisture-wicking HydraMAX collar lining, which will prevent excessive perspiration (which can reduce stability on long runs). The Omni 12 has a really impressive crash pad, which will also help to reduce that force travelling up your lower leg, and it has a support frame around the rear foot.
The shoes look beautiful, and the blue/grey/yellow colour scheme in particular is excellent. The price is reasonable, though different shoe sizes can be very different prices. Overall this is an excellent running shoe for people with shin splints.
Best Running Shoes For Shin Splints #2: Brooks Adrenaline Gts 17
The Adrenaline series by Brooks are one of the most popular shoes there are with runners, they are excellent for shin splint sufferers, but are also excellent shoes in their own right. Regular runners will love how lightweight they are, while those with shin splints will love the comfort and stability they provide, as well as the excellent shock absorption.
The shoes are very breathable, and they also contain a removable moulded foam insole which will massively increase cushioning and shock absorption when running. Style wise they are excellent, with the Black, Silver, and Red colour scheme looking amazing. They are quite expensive, but this reflects their durability, comfort, and the huge benefits to your performance. Definitely worth your money.
Best Running Shoes For Shin Splints #3: Nike Lunarglide 8
Nicknamed the “Solution Shoe” for shin splints sufferers, the Lunarglide 8 is a truly fantastic choice. It prevents excessive pronation, is a lightweight shoe that really supports the foot, and uses the best upper on the market. Everything about this shoe is aimed at delivering comfort, which means that even after a half marathon, your feet should be comfy and your shins should be pain free!
If you look at the Lunarglide series, you can see that each shoe has had more and more cushioning, the Lunarglide 8 has the most yet. It uses Lunarlorn foam which is one of the best foams out there. The inner sleeve is a perfect fit for your feet, and remember the more stable your foot is in the shoe the less shin splints will affect you (particularly when running downhill).
Design wise you’ll either love them or hate them, but they really are striking. The black and white colour with a neon lime green and white outsole, and that well known Nike tick along the side. The price is pretty decent for a Nike shoe, and well worth it.
Best Running Shoes For Shin Splints #4: ASICS Gel Kayano 24
The Gel Kayano 24 by ASICS is a shoe that is designed for both comfort and performance. With a fluid fit upper, heel clutch system technology, and a fluid ride midsole, the Kayano 24 is stable, well fitted, and provides a large amount of support. The shoe also utilises FlyteFoam Midsole Technology which creates amazing comfort.
Where this shoe really signs is with its Impact Guidance System (IGS) Technology. It is designed to improve a runner’s natural gait, by enforcing proper technique. Considering one of the biggest causes of shin splints is bad running technique, flat feet, or other issues, this technology can make a huge difference.
Aesthetically, these shoes look excellent. They look professional, and the colour schemes are eye-catching. They are the most expensive running shoes we’ve seen so far, but they are also the most durable, have incredible shock absorption and support, and are very comfortable too.
Best Running Shoes For Shin Splints #5: Hoka One One Clifton 3
Hoka One One are famous for making the most comfortable running shoes on the market, you won’t find any shoes with as much cushioning and shock absorption. Yet they are still surprisingly lightweight, and aesthetically they still look fantastic.
The stability that these shoes provide is unparalleled, the shoes are the most durable on this list, they are incredibly breathable (which prevents perspiration and therefore keeps the shoes stable and tight). What’s great about the Hoka One One Clifton 3’s is that they feel amazing straight out of the box! There is no need to spend 4-5 runs trying to break them in, they are comfortable immediately, and you can run well in them.
The lightness of the shoes may come as a surprise to anyone who has looked at them. It makes them excellent for running fast times in. Though they are slightly pricey, the Hoka One One Clifton 3s are probably the best shoes around for shin splint sufferers.
Final Verdict
While all of the shoes on this list are fantastic, the award for best running shoes for shin splints goes to the Hoka One One Clifton 3 shoes. They are the nicest looking, are the comfiest, fit the best, provide the best shock absorption, and are lightweight enough to function well as a running shoe. Everything you could ask for, and at a decent price too.
