The best running shoes for shin splints
The running shoes we'd pick if you get shin splints, plus the change that matters more than any shoe.
Quick answer
For running with shin splints, our top pick is the Salomon Aero Glide 4: plush, high-stack cushioning and built for road miles. The ASICS Dynablast 6 and Karhu Ikoni 3.5 are close behind. Cushioning helps with comfort, but the bigger fix is usually building your running back up gradually.
Our picks
- Top match£145
Aero Glide 4
- Plush, high-stack cushioning
- Built for road miles
- A go-to for everyday miles
Fit True to size, narrow fit
250g 8mm drop
- Strong alternative£115
Dynablast 6
- Balanced cushioning
- Built for road miles
- A go-to for everyday miles
Fit True to size
276g 8mm drop
- Alternative pick£135
Ikoni 3.5
- Built for road miles
- A go-to for everyday miles
Fit True to size
301g 8mm drop
Our picks
- Top match£145
Aero Glide 4
- Plush, high-stack cushioning
- Built for road miles
- A go-to for everyday miles
Fit True to size, narrow fit
215g 8mm drop
- Strong alternative£115
Dynablast 6
- Balanced cushioning
- Built for road miles
- A go-to for everyday miles
Fit True to size
238g 8mm drop
- Alternative pick£135
Ikoni 3.5
- Built for road miles
- A go-to for everyday miles
Fit True to size
242g 8mm drop
How they compare
| Shoe | Price | Weight (men's / women's) | Drop | Plate | Wide fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salomon Aero Glide 4 | £145 | 250g / 215g | 8mm | None | No |
| ASICS Dynablast 6 | £115 | 276g / 238g | 8mm | None | No |
| Karhu Ikoni 3.5 | £135 | 301g / 242g | 8mm | None | Yes |
What to look for
Cushioning. In a trial of 848 runners, people in softer shoes had fewer injuries than those in harder ones. We give runners with sore shins more weight towards cushioned shoes.
Comfort. The shoe that feels best on a test run is usually the right one.
Replace worn shoes. Shoes that have lost their bounce make every run harder on your legs.
Shoes aren't the main fix
Health services advise stopping the exercise that caused your shin splints and building back up slowly. New shoes can make running more comfortable, but they won't cancel out doing too much too soon.
Frequently asked questions
Do cushioned running shoes help shin splints?
They can make running more comfortable, and softer shoes were linked to fewer injuries in a large trial. Training load matters more, though.
Should I run through shin splints?
Health services advise stopping the activity that caused them and building back up slowly once the pain has settled.
When should I see someone about shin pain?
If pain lasts more than a couple of weeks, keeps getting worse, or comes with swelling, see a GP or physiotherapist before you buy anything.
How we picked
Every shoe we track is scored on cushioning, stability, responsiveness, weight, drop, plate, width options and price. For this guide we ran that scoring for a typical runner with these needs and show the top three. No brand or retailer can pay to appear. How we rank.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you're in pain, a GP or physiotherapist can tell you what's causing it.