Best Shoes for Shin Splints

Shin Splints, a common running-related injury, involves pain or tenderness along the inside border of the shinbone (tibia). The tibia is the large bone in the front of the lower leg. Shin splints can encompass a spectrum of disorders, from tendonitis to severe stress fracture.

You don’t have to be a runner to suffer from shin splints. Any exercise that transfers shock from ground forces to the shins and knees can aggravate this problem.

1. The best running shoes for shin splints and the best walking shoes for shin splints should include ABZORB® cushioning. New Balance’s patented ABZORB® cushioning system reduces the shock that is transferred to shins and knees from the impact of running or walking.

2. If running is your exercise of choice, replace your running shoes every 500 to 600 miles because worn out, run down running sneakers can lead to shin splints. Even though your running shoes don't appear to be worn out on the outside, the internal support systems may be broken down.

3. If walking is your exercise of choice, wear a “walking shoe” because it decreases the strain along the shin area. We mention this because many walkers prefer to walk in the cushioned comfort of lightweight running shoes, a good practice unless problems develop. New Balance walking shoes are built specifically to support a healthy biomechanical function of a walking foot.

4. Insoles for shin splints are upgrades to the original removable insoles in your New Balance shoes. Scientifically developed with enhanced ABZORB® cushioning, New Balance insole upgrades further disperse the shock of ground reaction forces. The New Balance Motion Control is a customer favorite insole for shin splints.

5. Whether running or walking, try to take SHORTER strides with a midfoot strike in which the heel and forefoot hit the ground at the same time. In other words, the bottom of the foot lands more parallel with the ground surface, as opposed to a heavy heel strike in which most of the force is absorbed by the heel. Try to avoid longer strides that encourage the lead foot to dorsiflex with the foot bending backward and the toes pointing upward. This motion puts strain on the shin muscles and soft tissues.

6. Whether you’re on the treadmill or roads, stay on flat or downhill surfaces while healing from shin splints. Moving up hills or working out on inclined treadmills increases dorsiflexion which adds strain on shin muscles. By minimizing the strain on the inflamed areas, healing can take place.

7. When resuming exercise after healing from shin splints, always proceed slowly, building your way up gradually to longer strides and higher mileage, even on hills.

8. Stretching exercises are a key component to both avoiding and recovering from shin splints. Exercise your feet and legs to strengthen and condition muscles. Try our convenient Step Stretch system that can be used daily to improve muscle strength and endurance.

9. Excessive pronation can create a knock-kneed misalignment, putting strain on the shin area of your legs. See PRONATION and follow the recommendations.

10. In more severe or chronic cases of shin splints, your medical professional may prescribe custom orthoses. Our in-store ABC certified pedorthists can fill these prescriptions, help you select the best shoes for shin splints, and support your physician’s plan of recovery.