9 Best Running Shoes for Shin Splints in 2024

Last Updated: January 01, 2024 | Author: Dr. Benjamin Wallace

1. Best Men's Overall: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
2. Best Women's Overall: Hoka Clifton 8
3. Best for Stability: Saucony Guide 15
4. Best for Wide Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12
5. Most Cushioned: Brooks Ghost 14
6. Best Support: Saucony Triumph 20
7. Best for Heavy Runners: Adidas Ultraboost 22
8. Best for Pronation Control: Brooks Addiction 14
9. Best for Distance Runners: Asics Gel-Nimbus 24

Running Shoes Comparison

What are Shin Splints?

It refers to pain (sometimes a hell lot-of pain) in shin bones Tibia—the larger two bones in the lower legs. It is medically known as stress syndrome often occurs in newbies in running or athletes who have recently intensified or changed their training routines. Typically only one leg is affected when it comes to shin splints, and it’s usually the runner’s dominant leg.

Well, this article covers the top 9 (tried and tested) shoes for runners with different needs and situations so you can make an informed decision before pounding pavement.

#1: Best Men's Overall - Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22

Material	Toe Box	Arch Support	Heel to toe drop	Weight
Mesh Upper	Medium	Stability	12mm	Men 289g

When it comes to running shoes, Brooks is known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and true knowledge of the sport, and they have their Adrenaline shoe to help you. We chose this one best for men as it offers nice shock absorption plus ample cushioning and support.

Diagonal roll bars enhance stability with every stride while their BioMoGo cushioning adopts the shape of your foot, providing comfort, softness, and so much support. But, of course, with this much cushioning, you might be thinking of the weight

Our testers were surprised checking how lightweight these shoes are and if you run heavy miles, they can do wonders in the breathability department, male runners especially need this, so that’s one more reason Adrenaline is perfect for you. Only the issue most of our wide foot testers informed was the narrow size, for which, we would advise you to go for a wider version if you belong to the wide foot family.

You can skip to the list to check review of just best Brooks running shoes and pick ideal pair that meet your needs and expectations.

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#2: Best Women's Overall - Hoka Clifton 8

Material	Toe Box	Arch Support	Heel to toe drop	Weight
Vegan Mesh upper	Wide	Neutral	5mm	Men 250g | Women 210g

Hoke One One is known for well-framed and supportive shoes that do a good job cradling the foot deeper in the midsole. If you are suffering from Shin Splints pain, look no further than Clifton 8 by Hoka One One.

We chose this one best because of their plush full-length & low-density EVA foam midsole cushioning that absorbs shocks and decreases the pressure under the heel and ball of the foot. If weight is your concern, thanks to the EVA midsole foam again that these shoes are lightweight also.

Furthermore, their perfect blend of breathability, support, and stability impressed our testers too. However, they may look ugly or chunky, so if you prefer running style over substance, you may find them boring.

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#3: Best for Stability - Saucony Guide 15

Material	Toe Box	Arch Support	Heel to toe drop	Weight
Mesh Upper	Medium	Stability	8mm	Men 269g | Women 235g

Searching for a pair of running shoes that balance comfort and stability? The Saucony Guide 15 is your best option, according to my list of the "Best for stability shoes".

With a medium toe box and stable arch support, the shoe comes with a mesh upper that is both breathable and supportive. It weighs 269g for men and 235g for women and has an 8mm heel-to-toe drop.

The Saucony Guide 15 stands out from its rivals thanks to its unobtrusive steadiness. The supportive cushion supports you without being overly heavy or cumbersome, while the safety cushion cushions shock and safeguard your feet with extra rubber sole. Moreover, the shoe's gentle roll supports in stride maintenance and fatigue reduction.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 and the Asics GT-2000 10 are comparable products, but the Saucony Guide 15 stands out because of its light weight and roomier toe box.

The Saucony Guide 15 is a great option for runners who prioritize stability and protection over energy return, even though the shoe lacks bounce.

Overall, the Saucony Guide 15 is a fantastic running shoe that has improved upon earlier models by providing features like reduced weight and an upper made of eco-friendly recycled materials. Why not attempt it then? Your feet will be grateful.

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#4: Best for Wide Feet - New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12

Material	Toe Box	Arch Support	Heel to toe drop	Weight
Knit Upper Reflective	Wide	Neutral	8mm	Men 292g | Women 249g

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12 is an ideal choice for people with wide feet due to its spacious toe box. This feature allows the toes to splay naturally, avoiding any discomfort or pain caused by cramped or constricted space.

The knit upper reflective material make this shoe an eye-catcher, but the impressive performance really sets it apart. The neutral arch support and protective cushion provide a lively ride with smooth transitions. Plus, it's stable when cornering and has a durable outsole with a grip on snow, slush, and slick surfaces.

The comfort of this sneaker is one of its outstanding features. The upper is comfy and doesn't cause lace bites, while still providing excellent heel hold. And if you're a heavier runner, you'll appreciate the support and cushioning that this shoe offers with 8mm heel to toe drop and due its light weightage 292g (Men) and 249g (Women).

Of course, like any shoe, there are some drawbacks to consider. This shoe isn't suitable for narrow feet and can feel bottom-heavy for faster runs. And while the knit upper is comfortable, some users have questioned its breathability.

Overall, these wide running shoes are a great choice for those with wide feet looking for a shoe that provides a comfortable and stable ride with an impressive grip on various surfaces.

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#5: Most Cushioned - Brooks Ghost 14

Material	Toe Box	Arch Support	Heel to toe drop	Weight
Mesh Upper	Medium	Neutral	12mm	Men 280g | Women 255g

Even though I've tested a lot of running shoes, I have to say that the Brooks Ghost 14 ranks above all as the best cushioned shoe option on the market. Therefore You should not be surprised to see it in the "Most Cushioned" section.

The comfort of the shoe is one feature that sticks out. You will notice how much padding this shoe has as soon as you put it on. For runners who put comfort first above everything else, it is ideal for them. The steadiness of this shoe, especially on easy trails, is something else I adore about it. With the Brooks Ghost 14, you won't have to worry about slipping or falling.

The shoe is breathable enough, thanks to its mesh upper material, but it might yet be improved for hot summer days. The arch support is neutral, and the toe box is medium. The shoe has a 12mm heel-to-toe drop and weighs 280g for men and 255g for women, making it relatively lightweight amongst its competitors.

You won't need to break in the Brooks Ghost 14 for very long because it is fantastic right out of the box. It is also well-built to last up to 500 miles. The shoe's excellent traction makes it appropriate for a variety of surfaces and terrains.

Hence, if you're a runner who values stability, cushioning and comfort in your footwear, this is a wise choice. Also, because of the few disadvantages it has in compared to its rivals, it makes a perfect purchase for your everyday runs.

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#6: Best Support - Saucony Triumph 20

Material	Toe Box	Arch Support	Heel to toe drop	Weight
Mesh Upper	Medium	Neutral	10mm	Men 275g | Women 243g

The Saucony Triumph 20 is the perfect choice for those looking for the best support for shin splints. Being a specialist in this area, I can attest that the shoe's features are designed to help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with shin splints.

Physically, the Triumph 20 has a mesh upper that provides breathability and durability, along with a medium-toe box for added comfort. Also has an ideal heel-toe drop of 10mm with a shoe weight of 275g (men) and 243g (women).

What sets the Triumph 20 apart from its competitors is its livelier and lighter feel. It provides a comfortable fit that's snug without being too tight, and the heel clutch is exceptional. The plush yet breezy upper is also a standout feature.

Comparable products to consider would be the Brooks Ghost 14 and the Asics Gel-Kayano 28, both of which are great for those with shin splints. However, the Triumph 20's livelier ride and improved fit make it a top contender.

The Triumph 20 has evolved from previous models with improvements to the upper and overall design. The shoe's rocker geometry isn't as pronounced as before, but the overall comfort and fit make up for it.

Some drawbacks of the Triumph 20 include its high price point and less pronounced rocker geometry. However, if you're looking for a comfortable and supportive shoe for shin splints, the Triumph 20 is worth the investment.

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#7: Best for Heavy Runners - Adidas Ultraboost 22

Material	Toe Box	Arch Support	Heel to toe drop	Weight
Knit Upper	Wide	Neutral	10mm	Men 332g | Women 283g

The Adidas Ultraboost 22 is an ideal running shoe for heavy runners or big guys. Also, for runners who require a little more support, this ideal Adidas running shoe is for them due to its outstanding lockdown and wonderful cushioning.

The knit upper is made of breathable and comfortable material. Most foot sizes may fit into the toe box, and the neutral arch support makes it suited for a range of foot types. The shoe weighs 332g for men and 283g for women, with a 10mm heel-to-toe drop.

The fact that the Adidas Ultraboost 22 fits true to size and doesn't require any break-in time is one of its main advantages. You won't even notice that you're wearing shoes because the cushioning is so comfy. Excellent lockdown ensures that your feet are kept firmly planted. The shoe also offers excellent traction on dry and wet asphalt.

In addition to being excellent for running, Ultraboost 22 is a highly popular kind of footwear and it is better than Adios series e.g. Adizero Adios 6. It is popular among sneaker fans thanks to its stylish design and vibrant colors. Long, leisurely runs and heavy runners benefit greatly from its excellent all-day comfort.

There are a few issues with this shoe, though. Wider feet shouldn't wear it because the toe-potential box is too small. The lack of energy return in the shoe makes it unsuitable for runners who prefer a more responsive ride.

Overall, the Ultraboost 22 is a fantastic running shoe that has improved in both performance and design over earlier iterations. It distinguishes itself from its rivals thanks to its outstanding lockdown, luxurious cushioning, and stylish appearance. The Adidas Ultraboost 22 is unquestionably a sneaker to take into consideration if you're seeking one that is supportive and comfy for running.

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#8: Best for Pronation Control - Brooks Addiction 14

Material	Toe Box	Arch Support	Heel to toe drop	Weight
Mesh Upper	Medium	Motion control	12mm	Men 357g | Women 323g

Looking for a shoe that provides excellent pronation control? The Brooks Addiction 14 has got you covered.

As an expert, I can tell you that the Addiction 14 is designed to help those who overpronate, providing the necessary support to stabilize your feet and reduce the risk of injury.

Physically, the shoe features a mesh upper for breathability and a roomy toe box that accommodates different foot shapes. It also boasts a 12mm heel-to-toe drop, making it an excellent option for heavy runners with a shoe weight of Men 357g and Women 323g.

When it comes to performance, the Addiction 14 delivers. The shoe's motion control technology helps correct overpronation, while the grippy outsole ensures you stay stable on different surfaces. Plus, the shoe is durable and well-ventilated, so you can expect it to last.

Compared to its competitors, the Addiction 14 stands out for being orthotic-friendly and having a roomy toe box. It's also a no-break-in shoe, meaning you can start wearing it right away.

But like any shoe, the Addiction 14 has its drawbacks. It can be a bit stiff and clunky, which may not be everyone's cup of tea.

Overall, the Brooks Addiction 14 is an excellent choice for those looking for a shoe that provides excellent pronation control, durability, and a roomy toe box.

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#9: Best for Distance Runners - Asics Gel-Nimbus 24

Material	Toe Box	Arch Support	Heel to toe drop	Weight
Mesh Upper Reflective	Wide	Neutral	Men 10mm | Women 13mm	Men 289g | Women 246g

The Asics Gel-Nimbus 24 might be the ideal pair of running shoes for you if you're a distance runner wanting to prevent shin splints. It is one of the "Best Shin Splint Shoes for Distance Runners" for a reason, according to our selection.

This road running shoe features a wide toe box and neutral arch support for maximum comfort during long-distance runs. You can run securely in low light thanks to the shoe's reflective patterning on the breathable mesh upper. For men and women, the heel-to-toe drop is 10mm and 13mm, respectively, allowing for a fluid and natural stride.

The Gel-Nimbus 24's cloud-like comfort distinguishes it from other shoes. Running in the shoe will make you feel as though you are walking on air, thanks to its gorgeous padding and responsive midsole. With a fantastic heel cup and strong lockdown to keep your foot secure, the upper is also made to fit true to size.

Some users of the Gel-Nimbus 24 have mentioned bottoming out in the forefoot during prolonged runs as one of its downsides. The grip is also not as dependable as some other models available.

In overview, Asics Gel-Nimbus 24 is a great choice for runners looking for a comfy shoe for long runs. It has a large toebox and luminous details for improved safety. However, people who require more forefoot traction or support might wish to think about other options.

Running shoes can play a significant role in running through shin splints and preventing it to an extent. If chosen right, your running shoe can make things better by taking some of the pressure off your shins. However, ill-fitting or worn-out shoes can worsen the game.

This article covers tried and tested shoes that are highly recommended for runners with shin splints with a variety of combinations and situations, so you can find the right one according to your needs.

Most of the cases can be treated with rest, ice, over-the-counter medicines, modifying your exercise routine, and wearing proper footwear, which preventing shin splints from recurring, while no shoe can prevent shin splint entirely, finding the right shoe can help.

However, if these ways are not doing any good, it’s time to better see wear doctor recommended shoes for shin splints.