'Shin Splints Ruined My Runs Until I Found These Cloud-Like Sneakers' (2024)

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As a former track and field athlete, shin splints were unfortunately the norm for me and most of my teammates. The daily running and jumping did a number on my body, and my shins took a hit. If you’re dealing with the same issue, you’re likely on the hunt for the best running shoes for shin splints.

Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, is a general term used to describe painful shins, says William Workman, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine expert at DISC Sports and Spine Center. Shin splints can be caused by repetitive impact activity, typically running and jumping, that may result in various types of injury and pain to the lower leg, he explains.

The condition can also be caused by ramping up mileage too fast, since it takes time for the body to adapt to any stressor, says Kristina Centenari, CPT, a certified personal trainer, RRCA-certified run coach, and Tonal strength coach. “Any form of training or overload leads to microdamage in either the muscle or bone structures of your body, which is normal, and with proper rest and nutrition will lead to regeneration at a higher capacity than before,” she explains. “But if your body undergoes too much volume without adequate rest and nutrition protocols, that damage will accumulate and eventually something will break down.”

Peep at the best shoes for shin splints here:

Luckily, the correct running shoe can help minimize shin splints, because poorly fitted or worn-out sneakers can contribute to abnormal loads on the shins, especially when running on hard surfaces like pavement, says Dr. Workman. Proper shoes can also help mitigate pain by redistributing landing load and helping you execute your stride (takeoff and landing) more effortlessly, adds Centenari.

All that said, there’s more to dealing with shin splints than just buying new shoes, says Centenari. It’s even more important to modify your mileage so your body can adequately heal and recover, and focus on proper running mechanics and injury rehab, she explains. That means that if you're dealing with shin splints, you should see your health care provider or a physical therapist for personalized advice, including anything specific to look out for when shoe shopping.

Ahead, the 10 running shoes to consider if you're prone to shin splints, according to experts and rave reviews from runners.

Meet the experts: William Workman, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine expert at DISC Sports and Spine Center. Kristina Centenari, CPT, is a certified personal trainer, RRCA-certified run coach, and Tonal strength coach.

What To Look For In Running Shoes For Shin Splints

First, you want to avoid shoes that are too old, says Centenari. “If you’ve had the same running shoe for years, that foam will break down and you’ll have less shock absorption capabilities coming from the shoe,” she explains. “I recommend changing shoes every four to six months depending on how much you run, and sometimes even more frequently if your weekly mileage is high.”

From there, find a shoe with good arch support and stability to help with shock absorption to mitigate the impact on your landing, says Centenari. Proper stability is also especially important if your foot overpronates (or collapses inward) when you run, says Dr. Workman. Neutral shoes allow your foot to move more in the shoe, while a running shoe with more stability is constructed to prevent overpronation.

Cushioning, or the overall thickness of the sole, is also key for supporting your gait and adding enhanced comfort with each stride, says Dr. Workman. “Runners who tend to strike on the heel benefit from more cushion and stability in the heel of the shoe, and runners who land more on the forefoot would benefit from a shoe designed with a sole that is more evenly cushioned from heel to toe.”

What shoe features should you avoid if you have shin splints?

How We Chose The Best Running Shoes For Shin Splints