Best Running Shoes for Shin Splints

Shin splints can be a frustrating and painful condition—especially for runners and athletes who rely on their legs every day. Before we dive into our top shoe recommendations, let’s take a moment to clarify what shin splints really are, and why the right footwear can make a major difference.

Shin splints refer to pain and inflammation along the shinbone (tibia), typically caused by repetitive stress on the lower leg. It’s a common overuse injury in runners, dancers, and athletes involved in high-impact activities. The discomfort usually stems from micro-tears in the surrounding muscles or inflammation in the connective tissues where those muscles attach to the bone.

If you’re currently dealing with shin splints, the right running shoes can help relieve symptoms and support your recovery. Even better? The shoes featured below can also help prevent shin splints from developing in the first place by improving alignment, absorbing shock, and reducing muscle fatigue.

Why Trust Our Recommendations?

We understand that choosing the right shoe is more than a matter of comfort—it’s about your health. That’s why our recommendations are based on a combination of clinical insight, real-world testing, and customer feedback. Here’s how we approach our reviews:

• We consult with medical professionals, including podiatrists and physical therapists, to understand the biomechanical needs of those dealing with shin splints

• We wear-test each shoe ourselves, evaluating factors like fit, support, impact absorption, and long-distance performance.

• We collect real user feedback—especially from runners who experience shin pain or overuse injuries—to ensure our recommendations hold up in real-life conditions.

• Each shoe is carefully evaluated for key features that help prevent shin splints—like shock-absorbing midsoles, arch support, secure heel counters, and proper alignment to promote natural movement.

• This isn’t just a list—it’s a guide you can trust. Whether you're recovering from shin splints or looking to avoid them altogether, our curated selection is here to support every step.

Best running shoes for shin splints for men

Sprint

Why you’ll love it

• Tie-less lacing
• Fasten and unfasten on both sides of the shoes

Specifications

• Sizes: 7-14
• Widths: D-6E
• Upper materials: soft fabric and microfiber

These shoes are designed with extra cushioning and support to help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with shin splints, which means they are also the best walking shoes for men.

They have a wide toe box to accommodate foot swelling and provide a comfortable fit. 

The Sprint also features a non-binding upper and an ergonomic sole to reduce pressure on the foot, and a roomy toe box that allows for natural toe splay, which can help to improve balance and stability while reducing the risk of foot and leg injuries.

As an added bonus, the Sprint sneakers have no less than three adjustable straps - two on either side of the shoe and one at the back - that allow you to fully customize the fit, eliminate the need to tie and untie laces, and enables fastening and unfastening on both sides of the shoe.

Sorrento

Why you’ll love it

• Pressure free fit
• Increased durability

Specifications

• Sizes: 7-14
• Widths: D-4E
• Upper materials: soft leather and fabric

The Sorrento sneakers are designed with an anatomical arch support that helps to reduce stress on the shin muscles and prevent overpronation, which is a common cause of shin splints.

A thick layer of cushioning in the insole absorbs shock and reduces impact on the feet, helping to prevent the jarring and pounding that can lead to shin splints.

With a lightweight and flexible design, the Sorrento allows for natural foot movement and reduces the risk of muscle strain and fatigue in the feet and legs.

The width of the sole, coupled with the firmness of the heel counter, further enhances stability, as does the unique tread design that provides exceptional grip and provides an assured feeling of steadiness with every step.

Yari

Why you’ll love it

• Hands free foot insertion
• Water repellent uppers

Specifications

• Sizes: 7-14
• Widths: D-4E
• Upper materials: stretch knit

Thanks to a unique hidden spring in the back of the shoe, you can put the Yari on without using your hands. By eliminating the need to bend down to put on or take off the shoes, these shoes can help reduce the strain on the muscles in the feet and legs, including the shins. This can potentially alleviate some of the symptoms of shin splints, such as pain and discomfort in the lower legs.

Support is one of the most important features when it comes to finding shoes for shin splints, and Yari offers plenty of it. The cushioned insoles reduce impact on the feet and legs; the added arch support provides better stability and support, keeping over pronation at bay; and the cushioning outsole with a mild rocker design helps you walk with greater ease.

The lightweight design allows you to walk with less effort, minimizing muscle fatigue in the feet and legs, and the upper’s breathable mesh material keeps the feet cool and dry. 

Best running shoes for shin splints for women

Talya

Why you’ll love it

• Slip resistant
• Water repellent uppers

Specifications

• Sizes: 5-12
• Widths: B-2E
• Upper materials: soft synthetic leather

The Talya sneakers are made with professionals in mind and are designed with pain relief technology that’s perfect for people who spend long hours on their feet. 

The uppers are made from soft, high-quality, water and stain repellent faux leather that’s also flexible to provide a non-binding fit. 

The sole is slip resistant, so you can walk safely on any type of surface without losing your balance, which reduces the risk of slipping and falling. This is helpful if you have shin splints, as this condition is often caused by overuse of stress on the muscles and tendons in the shin area, and slipping or losing your balance can exacerbate the problem.

In addition, by improving your grip and stability, slip-resistant shoes can help reduce the stress and strain on your lower leg muscles and tendons, which can alleviate the symptoms of shin splints.

Coral 

Why you’ll love it

• Breathable, aerated uppers
• Fully cushioned, yet lightweight

Specifications

• Sizes: 5-12
• Widths: B-2E
• Upper materials: stretch knit

With multi-layered cushioning in the insole of the Coral sneakers, impacts on your feet and lower legs are significantly reduced and excessive pronation is prevented, helping to alleviate pain associated with shin splints.  

The Coral sneakers have a wide and deep toe box, which can provide extra room and reduce pressure on the toes and forefoot, improving overall foot comfort and reducing the risk of exacerbating shin splints due to cramped and tight shoes.

In addition, the lightweight and flexible design can help promote a more natural and comfortable walking motion. This can reduce the strain and impact on the lower legs, minimizing the symptoms of shin splints.

What all this means is that the Coral is not only great for running, but also the best walking shoes for women.

Kita 

Why you’ll love it

• Easy on-off without bending
• Easy to clean, water-repellent uppers

Specifications

• Sizes: 5-12
• Widths: B-2E
• Upper materials: stretch knit

The Kita sneakers are constructed with a number of features that can help alleviate pain associated with shin splints. 

The contoured orthotic insole provides arch support, which can help to distribute pressure evenly across the foot and reduce stress on the lower leg. The shoes also have a cushioned sole that can absorb shock and reduce the impact of each step, which can also help to reduce the pressure on the lower leg muscles.

The innovative construction of the back of the shoe allows you to insert your foot without using your hands or even bending down, helping to minimize pressure and ease pain caused by shin splints in the lower legs. 

The insoles are expertly cushioned, including an anatomical arch support, and help to absorb shocks on the feet and legs as you walk. In addition, the mild rocker design improves the ease of walking.

With the Kita sneakers on your feet, you can walk with less effort and minimize muscle fatigue in the feet and legs, while the uppers are made from a breathable mesh material that keeps the feet cool and dry.

FAQ

Can running shoes help with shin splints?

Yes—supportive running shoes can reduce shin splint pain by absorbing shock and promoting better alignment. Look for stable soles, good arch support, and proper fit. They help manage factors like overpronation and poor foot mechanics.

Can my shoes cause shin splints?

Absolutely. Shoes that are worn out, lack support, or don’t fit properly can increase impact stress on your lower legs. Poor arch support and excessive heel drop may also affect your gait and lead to shin splints.

Do cushioned shoes help with shin splints?

Extra cushioning can ease pain by absorbing impact—but too much or the wrong type for your gait may worsen symptoms. Choose a shoe that balances cushioning with stability and support for your foot type.

Should I walk or run with shin splints?

Avoid running during flare-ups. Stick to low-impact activity like walking only if it’s pain-free. Once healed, return to running gradually with proper shoes and training adjustments.

How do I treat shin splints?

Start with rest, ice, and elevation to reduce inflammation. Use supportive shoes, avoid high-impact workouts, and do calf, ankle, and foot-strengthening exercises. If pain persists, consult a sports medicine professional.

What should I look for in running shoes to prevent shin splints?

Choose shoes with:

• Moderate to firm arch support
  

• Shock-absorbing midsoles
  

• A secure heel counter
  

• A comfortable fit based on your gait (neutral, overpronation, etc.)
   Bonus: Replace your shoes every 300–500 miles or when signs of wear appear.
  

Who is most at risk for shin splints?

You're more at risk if you:

• Have flat feet, rigid arches, or overpronation
  

• Suddenly increase mileage or intensity
  

• Run on hard surfaces
  

• Wear worn-out or improper shoes

• Have weak lower leg muscles or tight calves