That stinging pain that you feel along the larger bone in your front lower leg is known as Sjin Splints, a term that is quite common among many athletes, dancers, and military recruits. It is mostly an overuse injury from a sudden change in the intensity or type of training routine.
Generally, the right shoes will help prevent Shin Splints in the first place. However, they can also help during the healing process.
For Shin Splints, and for most activities that could cause Shin Splints, you need to look at shoes for your specific arch type, especially if you have low or flat arches, with the right arch support, and cushioning, and heel-to-toe drop.
We have chosen some New Balance athletic shoe models with the right heel-to-toe drop, arch support, and EVA cushioning features, all ideal for shin splints.
Shin Splints Symptoms and Causes
Your Shin Bone, the Tibia, runs in the front of your lower leg. It has muscles and tendons that can become inflamed and overused, which results in pain and discomfort known as Shin Splints.
Shin Splints mostly occur in athletes who have intensified or changed their training routines, which then overworks the muscles and tendons, causing pain and inflammation.
- Symptoms – You might feel tenderness or pain along the inner side of your shin bone, and there may be mild swelling in the lower leg.
- Cause – Shin Splints are caused by repetitive stress in the Shinbone and surrounding tissues.
- Risk Factors – Running, starting running, or increasing the intensity and duration of a workout increases your risk of shin splints. Uneven terrains and hard surfaces that you run on, or even having a lower or higher than normal arch type, may increase your risk.
- Prevention – You need to analyze your movements during activities and avoid overdoing certain activities that can lead to shin splints. Choose good shoes or insole with a shock-absorbing sole and arch support that will lessen the impact on your shins. Add more strength training routines to strengthen the muscles and tendons in your shins.
Choosing Shoes for Shin Splints
Here are a few Tips on Choosing shoes for Shin Splints;
- Support – Select a shoe for your level of pronation. You get neutral or stability shoes. Neutral is ideal for normal pronation and normal or high arch types, whereas stability shoes are suited to lower arch types and overpronation. Look for shoes with support features such as arch support.
- Fit – The Fit should be comfortable with a roomy toe box so that you can easily spread out your toes.
- Cushioning – You need cushioning that absorbs maximum impact, such as Gel, Air Pockets, or EVA foams.
- New and Durable Shoes – Did you know that shin splints are often caused by wearing worn-out, old shoes? So, replace worn-out shoes and opt for better quality and more durable shoes.
Features of a Good New Balance Shoe for Shin Splints
- Uppers – From the New Balance shoe models we have chosen, you will see that there are models with leather, leather, mesh, mesh, engineered mesh, or knit uppers. The mesh and Knit models are more breathable and more flexible, and the leather models have a more relaxed fit. New Balance shoes offer good support with a secure heel fit, collar, or Ultra-Heel design.
- Insole – What I love about the New Balance insole is that most of them, such as the NB insole and Pu foam insole, is removable so that you can use your own orthotic devices. There are also models with a Moisture wicking Ortholite insole or a molded insole for better support.
- Midsole – As we have mentioned for Shin Splints and the prevention thereof, we need to look at shoe models with basic EVA midsole. New Balance offers their IMEVA, a firmer and flexible Injection Molded EVA midsole, or their ACTEVA midsole, which is more versatile for neutral foot types. The ABZORB midsole mainly offers good shock absorbency, especially in the heel area. A REVlite Midsole is a form of much lighter weight and softer cushioning midsole. However, I would not recommend it or the Fresh Foam midsole models for Shin Splints.
- Outsole – New Balance shoe may feature a Ndurance rubber outsole or regular rubber outsole with a high traction tread.
- Options – Most New Balance shoe models are available in wider width models and come in many more colors.
- Support Features and Technology – Other features may include forefoot pads for shock absorbency, which can be excellent for shin splints, or an Internal Midsole shank that provides better structure and support, especially in flat feet and overpronation.
Reviews: The Best New Balance Shoes for Shin Splints
Here are some of your best options in New Balance shoes that offer the right features for Shin Splints;
1
Shin Splints Sports Shoe
- The DRFT from New Balance is a comfortable running shoe for Shin Splints.
- It has an ACTEVA midsole for more flexible support and ground contact EVA outsole with rubber pods for shock absorbency and cushioning.
- There are also forefoot comfort pads for cushioning and a supportive insole.
- The uppers are lightweight and breathable synthetic materials.
- The very cushioned design of these shoes takes loads of pressure that could cause pain if you have Shin Splints.
2
Shoe for Shin Splints
- The Fresh Foam 880 offers good cushioning for Shin Splints and a secure fit.
- They have synthetic add mesh uppers with a roomy toe box for a comfortable fit.
- The Fresh Foam midsole and NB insole absorb shock and provide softer underfoot comfort.
- The Molded Heel counter provides stability, while the Molded footbed supports your arches.
3
Shoes for Shin Splints
- The 1540 has very different technology that provides good shock absorbency and stability for shin splints.
- They have a sleek and stylish appeal for everyday wear with comfortable uppers and a roomy toe box.
- An ENCAP midsole offers better stable cushioning and a comfortable insole.
- The Rollbar technology is ideal for overpronation and control motion.
4
Shoes for Shin Splints
- The Fresh Foam Roav has a more flexible fit but excellent cushioning for shin splints.
- It has a thick Fresh Foam Midsole with rubber outsole pods for better ground contact and ultra-cushioning.
- The uppers are a flexible knit for a snug but adaptable fit.
- The rubber outsole is durable and ensures good traction, with a lower 8mm drop.
5
Shin Splints Walking Shoe
- If you tend to overpronate and have more severe shin splints where you might need orthotics, I recommend the 813.
- It is a leather shoe with hook and loop closures and a removable insole to allow you to use your orthotics.
- There is Rollbar technology for stability and a Cardio Comfort cushioned insole.
- The shoe is available in wider-width models.
6
Shoe for Shin Splints
- The Fresh Foam 880 is a comfortable and well-cushioned shoe for shin splints.
- It has synthetic and mesh uppers with a roomy toe box fit.
- The Fresh Foam midsole is comfortable and soft under your feet to reduce pressure and impact.
- There is a Molded Heel counter to limit heel motion and arch support molded footbed.
Index Table: Top Rated New Balance Shoes for Shin Splints
No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand | Score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | New Balance® - Shin Splints Sports Shoe | DRFT V1 | DRFT V1 |
| New Balance | 98.2 |
2 | New Balance® - Shoe for Shin Splints | 880V11 | 880V11 |
| New Balance | 98 |
3 | New Balance® - Shoes for Shin Splints | 1540V3 | 1540V3 |
| New Balance | 97 |
4 | New Balance® - Shoes for Shin Splints | Fresh Foam Roav V2 | Fresh Foam Roav V2 |
| New Balance | 97.8 |
5 | New Balance® - Shin Splints Walking Shoe | 813V1 | 813V1 |
| New Balance | 97.9 |
6 | New Balance® - Shoe for Shin Splints | 880V11 | 880V11 |
| New Balance | 97.9 |
Table of Contents
- Shin Splints Symptoms and Causes
- Choosing Shoes for Shin Splints
- Features of a Good New Balance Shoe for Shin Splints
- Reviews: The Best New Balance Shoes for Shin Splints
- Index Table: Top Rated New Balance Shoes for Shin Splints