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JOIN NOWBest Running Shoes for Shin Splints
With running being such a high-impact sport, shin splints are a common problem for a lot of runners – in fact, many runners suffer with shin splints at some point during their running life. It manifest in a mild version that may just go away as easily as it has arrived with simple self-treatment or rest. More acute cases, if left alone, can lead to a more serious injury and involve a longer lay-off. As with any injury, if you feel it has reached a level where running is uncomfortable or just not possible, we would always recommend seeking advice from a competent physio or medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis. We have some great tips in Shin Splints and Running.
Will new running shoes help shin splints?
Very often, replacing your running shoes can really help with shin splints. The cushioning on your current running trainers may have compressed and no longer be absorbing any impact. The support in your trainers is also very important. Depending on your foot strike – whether you have a neutral gait or whether you supinate or overpronate – your running trainers should be offering you the right level of support.
If you are unsure of which level of support is right for you, having Natural Gait Analysis at one of our stores will help direct you to a selection of running trainers suitable for you. You will then be able to find a trainer catered specifically for you. Choosing something more cushioned, or that provides you with a greater level of support to prevent pronation, can help prevent and manage shin splints.
There is no such thing as the PERFECT trainer to defeat shin splints. That would be the dream! Nonetheless, depending on what is causing the shin pain, your trainers can make the world of difference. So, if you experiencing shin splints and are looking to replace your trainers, we have compiled the running shoes most likely to help you keep on running!
Neutral Shoes / Support Shoes / Cushioned Shoes / Supinator Shoes / Trail Shoes
Hoka One One Arahi
The Hoka One One Arahi has a specially designed EVA J-Frame that sits in the midsole under the arch to reduce the over-pronation of your feet. This can alleviate shin pain by aligning you into a neutral running position. This trainer also has the typical wider Hoka base outsole, which provides you with extra stability when you land, making this shoe both supportive and stabilising.
Saucony Omni
To control your foot and decrease your over-pronation, the Saucony Omni has a medial post built into the midsole underneath your arch and extended under your heel. This prevents your arch collapsing inwards and keeps your body in the proper alignment. This means you are less likely to suffer from injury or pain.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS
The Adrenaline GTS is rightly one of the most relied upon support shoes on the market. Its support features offer effective pronation control and the BioMogo DNA midsole gives a great cushioned ride. The Guiderail barrier also helps to prevent your ankle from rolling outwards, reducing supination.
Asics Cumulus
Asics' Gel Cumulus includes Gel technology in the forefoot to decrease the impact from running, while the Rearfoot Gel technology is a visible gel under the heel for shock absorption. This great lightweight neutral trainer also has a FLYTEFOAM construction to encourage your natural running stride.
Saucony Triumph
To offer you the best in shock and pressure reduction, energy return and durability, Saucony introduces the PWRRUN plus midsole, as well as a memory foam heel-counter. This provides you with ultimate softness and super energised bouncy materials for a plush feel and fantastic cushioning. This neutral shoe is also a great option for those naturally stable runners returning to running after an injury.
Hoka One One Bondi
Hoka’s most cushioned neutral shoe in their range, the Bondi has maximum cushioning with superb shock absorption. Another fantastic choice for naturally stable runners to put on when you start to feel any niggles in your feet or legs, and for getting back into running after an injury such as shin splints.
Hoka One One Speedgoat
The Hoka One One Speedgoat is a really good all-round shoe – great grip, cushioning AND stability. The midsole is updated with a new lightweight foam to make this running shoe lightweight as well as responsive. The fantastic traction will also ensure you feel light on foot and confident in stride, even on the muddiest of trails.
Brooks Cascadia
The midsole of the Brooks Cascadia 15 features BioMoGo DNA technology, which offers environmentally friendly long-lasting cushioning with dynamic response that adapts to your stride, weight and speed. It also cushions your foot in comfort and protects it by taking away the impact from running. The Ballistic Rock Shield also helps protect against sharp rocks and stones.
Your running trainers can make a lot of difference when it comes to shin splints. If you do find yourself suffering with shin pain, check your trainers for too much wear or compressed cushioning, which won’t be absorbing the shock from impact. It is also important to make sure that what you’re running in is suitably supportive – that is where Natural Gait Analysis comes in!
Of course, it would be best to try and avoid injury as much as possible. Stay true to your rest days, stretch whenever possible, and (perhaps the most important one) make sure your trainers are properly fitted, suitable to your running style and terrain, and preventing pronation. These will help avoid shin splints altogether!
Brian FeldmanSeptember 22, 2021 at 7:20am
What’s the difference between Hoka Arahi and Gaviota. Needing extra cushioning I switched from ASICS to Hoka Bondi (at your London shop) but they did not give me the support I needed so started with the Gaviota, which I have now used for many years. Your article doesn’t mention the Gaviota but highlights the Arahi for support. I run marathons and ultras. Please advise. Thank you ReplyNandanti MartaskovaSeptember 22, 2021 at 4:52pm
Hi Brian,
Thank you for your comment.
The main difference between them is that the Gaviota features more cushioning and support than the Arahi. I would suggest you try both shoes on and see which one works for you better. If you pop to our store we can check your gait and suggest which works better for your feet.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any questions or if there is anything else I can do for you.
Kind regards, Nandanti
ReplyIngridJune 8, 2021 at 12:30pm
Good morning ,I love running but for the last year I have been suffering fromI a shin splint on both legs. I live in southampton, have you got a store nearby where I can take a natural gait analysis ?
Kind Regards,
Ingrid Reply
Caitlin BonningJune 8, 2021 at 6:19pm
Hi Ingrid,
ReplyI am sorry to hear that you are suffering with shin splints. It can be so debilitating and disheartening, particularly for those who have such a love for running!
We have three stores - in London, in Edinburgh and in Cardiff. If you are unable to visit our London store, which would be the closest store to you, we do offer Online Gait Analysis where a member of our London team analyses your gait virtually and gets in contact with you to discuss options for suitable shoes.
Please let me know if I can help further.
Kind regards,
Caitlin
Assistant Manager, Run and Become Cardiff