10 Best Running Shoes for Shin Splints in 2025, Tested

What We’ve Updated

• Since publishing our initial part-research-based, part-tested roundup of the best running shoes for shin splints, we’ve re-evaluated our previous picks and hands-on tested the newest iterations of some of the shoes, plus eight additional pairs. This is now a fully tested article, solely providing our hands-on experience with each recommended shoe.
• We consulted two new experts, a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon, to ensure that our advice on choosing running shoes for shin splints is accurate and up to date.
• Based on our testing insights, we’ve reworked most of our product picks and superlatives, including Best Overall, Best Cushioned, Best for Road Running, and more. 

What to Look for When Shopping for Running Shoes for Shin Splints

• Cushioning and Shock Absorption: One way to combat shin splints is to wear comfortable running shoes with plenty of cushioning to help absorb most of the shock from your feet hitting the ground. Opt for a shoe that has supportive cushioning and is not too soft or squishy. You’ll also want to consider your running gait. Heel strikers should have extra cushion in the heel, while those who strike midfoot will want a more evenly cushioned shoe, according to orthopedic surgeon Arianna Gianakos, DO.
• Lightweight Shoes: Look for lightweight running shoes, generally in the 10-ounce range, according to podiatrist Ernest L. Isaacson, DPM, FACFAS. He notes that running long distances in heavier shoes may actually contribute to the development of shin splints.
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: A shoe’s drop refers to the difference between the height of the shoe at the heel and the forefoot. It can affect your foot strike and what part of your body takes on the load or impact of each step. A lower heel-to-toe drop is often better for runners with a midfoot or forefoot strike and puts less pressure on your knees and hips, while a higher drop (8 millimeters or more) is more suitable for rearfoot strikers who need a thicker heel. A gait analysis at a specialty running store or with a physical therapist can help determine your foot strike and the best shoes for your needs.
• Durability: Quality and durability are major factors to consider because you want to ensure the shoe’s support and cushioning won’t wear out quickly. Look for shoes with sturdy rubber outsoles that can withstand lots of pounding.

Expert Tips for Preventing and Alleviating Shin Splints 

Running with shin splints could make your condition much worse, so it’s best to take some time off from running to treat them. Here are some other steps you can take to help alleviate the pain and prevent a future flare-up.

• Get the Right Support: Make sure you wear supportive, well-cushioned running shoes that are appropriate for your foot type and gait. Don’t run in worn-out shoes, and replace your running shoes regularly (usually every 300 to 400 miles).
• Do Calf and Shin Exercises and Stretches: As with all running injuries, one specific exercise or stretch won’t cure shin splints. However, people with shin splints can benefit from calf strengthening moves, including standing calf raises, toe taps, and stretches that target the shins, says podiatrist Rick Rutkowski, DPT.
• Consult an Expert: If you’ve had shin splints for more than a few weeks, it’s a good idea to see your physical therapist or doctor to rule out a stress fracture or other injury, says Rutkowski. 

How We Tested Running Shoes for Shin Splints

To find the best running shoes for shin splints, we tested over 100 pairs in our Lab and at home while running on treadmills, pavement, gravel, trails, and more. When testing running shoes for shin splints, we evaluate each pair based on the following key criteria.

• Fit: When trying on each pair of shoes, we make sure there’s enough space in the toe box. Do we notice any numbness or tingling in our toes? We also check for a secure, supportive fit around our midfoot and heel. Do we feel our feet sliding around or moving up and down in the shoe during runs? We use these assessments to determine whether the shoe runs wide, narrow, or true to size.
• Cushioning: During testing, we note how each shoe’s cushioning feels and performs. How well does the cushioning absorb impact? Does it feel pillow-like or firm? We note whether our feet, legs, and joints hurt more or less than they normally do during runs.
• Comfort: When evaluating comfort, we consider whether the shoes feel comfortable during test runs and when wearing them for long periods of time. Is the upper breathable, or do our feet feel trapped and overheated? We also note if we notice any numbness, irritation, blisters, or other discomfort.
• Responsiveness: During test runs, we assess whether the shoe feels springy and is effective at propelling us to the next stride. We also note how our legs feel at the end of runs—do they feel fresh or fatigued? At the end of the testing period, we check the cushioning to see if it still feels bouncy or has flattened out.
• Stability: We run on different surfaces, such as pavement, concrete, treadmills, and trails, and note how supported our feet, ankles, and knees feel. Does the shoe help stabilize our gait? Does the shoe provide adequate shock absorption?
• Value: To determine value, we wait until we’ve completed testing to check the price after we’ve assessed the pair in all other key categories. Do we think it’s priced fairly based on the shoe’s performance? Would we only buy it at a discounted price? We also consider if we’d recommend the sneaker to a friend or family member.

Our Experts

We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts advised us on which key feature runners with shin splints should look for in a quality pair of running shoes and the brands they recommend. Although we choose products independently, expert input helps inform our decisions. 

• Kevin D. Walter, MD, program director of pediatric and adolescent sports medicine at Children’s Wisconsin
• Ernest L. Isaacson, DPM, FACFAS, podiatrist in New York, New York
• Rick Rutkowski, DPT, podiatrist and clinical director at Professional PT in Westfield, New Jersey
• Kristy Golden, DPM, board-certified podiatric surgeon at Kaiser Permanente in Largo, Maryland
• Arianna Gianakos, DO, Yale Medicine orthopedic surgeon at Yale Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the right running shoes prevent shin splints?

Shin splints may be caused by tight calves, overpronation of the foot and ankle, and poor training habits, says Rutkowski. Wearing the right running shoes for your foot type and gait and replacing your running shoes regularly are definitely steps you can take to help prevent future occurrences of shin splints. Conversely, wearing the wrong running shoes can exacerbate foot and ankle issues.

Is it okay to run with shin splints?

While you may think it’s safe to run with mild shin splints, it’s not a good idea to run through the pain, as it could make the condition much worse. Rutkowski says it’s best to see your physical therapist or doctor if you’ve had shin splints for more than a few weeks to make sure it’s not a stress fracture.

What exercise is best for shin splints?

There isn’t one specific exercise that will alleviate or prevent shin splints. People with shin splints can benefit from various calf stretches and strengthening moves, including standing calf raises. Rutkowski recommends practicing one-legged balancing drills. 

What type of running shoe is best for shin splints?

The best type of running shoe for shin splints is cushioned for shock absorption and has features based on your foot type and gait. For example, someone with low arches and overpronation benefits from a shoe with good arch support and stability to prevent the foot from rolling inward. Brands like Brooks, New Balance, On, and Hoka tend to offer options with adequate cushioning and support for this condition. We recommend Asics’ Novablast 4 for its superior cushioning and support.

How do you fix shin splints when running?

To ease the discomfort and reduce swelling, apply ice to your shins three times a day, do gentle stretches for your shins and calves, and take OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen as needed. It’s also important to slow down and ease off your running routine for at least a week to give your body some recovery time. You can switch to walking or low-impact activities like biking or swimming until the shin splints resolve.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Through many years as a running coach and marathon runner, Verywell Fit writer Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, has dealt with bouts of shin splints and advises trainees on how to prevent and recover from them. She recommends regularly replacing running shoes and sticking to reputable brands such as Asics, Brooks, New Balance, Hoka, and Saucony for shin splint protection. Aside from her own personal experience, Luff also reviewed testing insights from our lab to help choose the top picks on this list.