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 lower the risk of 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.
If you have a foot condition or ongoing foot pain, talk to a doctor or podiatrist. Shoes can add comfort and support, but they are not a medical treatment.
Shin Splints Symptoms and Causes
Your Shin Bone, the Tibia, runs in the front of your lower leg.[1] 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.[2] 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.[3] 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.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| No. | Shoe | Type | Upper | Cushioning (as listed) | Outsole |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 | Running Shoe | Not stated | Fresh Foam | Rubber |
| 2 | New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15 | Running Shoe | Mesh | Fresh Foam X | Rubber |
| 3 | New Balance Made | Running Shoe | Mesh | Not stated | Not stated |
| 4 | New Balance Minimus TR v2 | Training Shoe | Not stated | FuelCell | Rubber |
| 5 | New Balance Fresh Foam X 1440 V1 | Running Shoe | Not stated | Fresh Foam X | Rubber |
| 6 | New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 | Running Shoe | Mesh | Fresh Foam X | Not stated |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing. Specs as stated by the listing, not tested by us; check the listing before you buy.
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
Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for shin splints.
- Plush Fresh Foam cushioning absorbs impact and delivers a soft, comfortable ride for road runs and everyday wear, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for shin splints.
- Targeted heel support provides a secure, locked-in fit that keeps your foot stable and comfortable throughout your run, the kind of support many people look for in New Balance shoes for shin splints.
- Ndurance Outsole: durable NDurance rubber outsole technology handles road miles and daily wear while maintaining reliable traction on multiple surfaces, a practical detail for running.
- Bootie Construction: soft, sock-like bootie wraps your foot for a smooth, comfortable feel with no irritating seams against your skin, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- Removable Arch Support: the removable insole with built-in arch support adapts to your unique foot shape for personalized comfort all day.
- Truly Unique: the New Balance Fresh Foam Roav v1 running shoes are the ultimate in casual athletic style.
- Feel like you’re running or walking in the clouds.
2
Supportive Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for shin splints.
- All-new Infinion technology delivers premium underfoot cushioning with enhanced energy return, designed for long-lasting performance run after run, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- Built with NDurance rubber in high-wear areas for increased durability, ensuring reliable traction and longevity through hundreds of miles, a practical detail for running.
- Stylish molded mesh upper provides a breathable, supportive fit with a modern aesthetic that transitions easily from run to daily wear, the kind of support many people look for in New Balance shoes for shin splints.
- Plush cushioned tongue and heel tab deliver added comfort and easy on-off convenience, reducing pressure points during long runs, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for shin splints.
- All-new Infinion cushioning delivers long-lasting performance with enhanced cushioning and energy return, providing a plush yet responsive ride mile after mile.
- Built for daily road running with a balanced combination of soft cushioning and responsive energy return that runners have come to rely on in the 1080 series.
- Breathable Upper Design: lightweight, ventilated upper keeps your feet cool and dry during long runs, with a secure fit that moves naturally with your stride.
3
Mesh Stability Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance Made comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for shin splints.
- Premium Performance Running Shoes: the 1540v3 Running Shoe is crafted with premium materials and technologies for discerning consumers who are serious about athletic style and performance.
- Cushioned Support: the ENCAP midsole technology in these cushioned running shoes combines lightweight foam with a polyurethane rim to help deliver all-day support and impressive durability.
- These comfortable running shoes feature a ROLLBAR stability post system designed to control rear-foot movement for enhanced support with every stride, the kind of support many people look for in New Balance shoes for shin splints.
- Your feet are sure to look as good as they feel in the stylish and breathable uppers of these premium running shoes, made of mesh and synthetic materials, which helps feet stay comfortable through running.
- As of April 2021, the 1540v3 will no longer be produced in the United States.
- With the performance-inspired updates, the New Balance Classics Made in USA 990v6 sneakers will elevate your everyday style while providing cushioned comfort, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for shin splints.
- Breathable textile lining, which helps feet stay comfortable through running.
4
Cushioned Training Shoe for Gym Workouts
The New Balance Minimus TR v2 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this training shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for shin splints.
- FuelCell midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward, which helps keep long stretches of workouts comfortable.
- Midfoot rubber wraps add increased protection, grip, and durability for rope climbs, a practical detail for workouts.
- Herringbone rubber outsole design in forefoot and heel provide traction and durability, helpful on the surfaces you meet during workouts.
- Minimus construction combined with premium liners provide sock-free option.
- Due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 4 mm drop are approximate.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
5
Cushioned Supportive Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1440 V1 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for shin splints.
- Fresh Foam X midsole delivers the brand’s most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for shin splints.
- Wrapped rubber outsole for a bold look, helpful on the surfaces you meet during running.
- Bootie upper construction hugs your foot for a snug, supportive fit, a feature worth weighing when comparing New Balance shoes for shin splints.
- Due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 8 mm drop are approximate.
- These running shoes are made with a knit mesh upper to keep your feet comfortable, which helps feet stay comfortable through running.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
6
Cushioned Breathable Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for New Balance shoes for shin splints.
- Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content delivers the brand’s most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for shin splints.
- These running shoes for women feature a gusseted tongue designed to help keep debris out.
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper, which helps feet stay comfortable through running.
- Adjustable lace closure for a customized fit, so it is easier to get a secure, comfortable fit for running.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
Index Table: Top Rated New Balance Shoes for Shin Splints
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Balance® - Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 2 | New Balance® - Supportive Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 3 | New Balance® - Mesh Stability Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 4 | New Balance® - Cushioned Training Shoe for Gym Workouts |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 5 | New Balance® - Cushioned Supportive Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 6 | New Balance® - Cushioned Breathable Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
Sources
General background on foot health and footwear. This is not medical advice; see a doctor or podiatrist about foot pain or a foot condition.
- NHS: Shin splints
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo): Shin Splints
- Cleveland Clinic: Orthotics
Update History
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance DRFT V1 to New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 880V11 to New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 1540V3 to New Balance Made
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V2 to New Balance Minimus TR v2
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 813V1 to New Balance Fresh Foam X 1440 V1
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 880V11 to New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14
- Aug 2022: First published
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