10 Best Insoles for Shin Splints: Maximize Your Comfort
Published April 12, 2023
Has it been a while since your last workout, and now your lower shin aches upon your return? Or did you recently amp up your exercise intensity, only to suffer from severe shin pain?
Shin splints or Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) is a common exercise-related injuriey that causes pain in the inner part of the lower shin bone (tibia) due to overuse and stress on your shin bone and the connective tissues that attach muscles to it. Recent data indicates that up to 35% of runners, dancers, and military personnel develop shin splints.
Research into shin splint prevention has shown that shock-absorbing insoles, pronation control insoles, and graduated running programs can help alleviate pain and prevent recurrence. These insoles offer proper support and alignment for your legs and feet.
Our Top Picks for the Best Insoles for Shin Splints
- Best Overall Insoles for Shin Splints - Upstep Running Custom Orthotics
- Best Firm Insoles for Shin Splints - Tread Labs Pace
- Best Shock-Absorbing Insoles for Shin Splints - SOLE Active Medium
- Best Running Insoles for Shin Splints - Superfeet RUN Pain Relief
- Best Foam Insoles for Shin Splints - FitMyFoot Personalized Insoles
- Best Thin Insoles for Shin Splints - Protalus T-100 Elite
- Best Wide Insoles for Shin Splints - SOLE Performance Wide Medium
- Best Comfort Insoles for Shin Splints - URthotics Active
- Best Cushioned Insoles for Shin Splints - Superfeet GREEN
- Best Athletic Insoles for Shin Splints - Upstep Multi-Sports Custom Orthotics
A Closer Look at Our Top 10 Insoles for Shin Splints
1. Best Overall Insoles for Shin Splints
Footora score: 9.8
- Intended use - Daily and athletic activities
- Material - EVA or Polypropylene shell
- Support - Custom arch support
- Cushioning - Adequate heel-to-toe cushioning
- Sizes - Custom-made
Upstep Running Custom Orthotics are tailored to your feet for personalized comfort. With unique materials to absorb shock effectively, they significantly reduce pain and injuries, such as shin splints, caused by running. Experience ultimate support and control with every step, minimizing the impact of repetitive stress.
What We Love
- Custom arch support
- Adequate cushioning
- Shock absorbing
- Proper fit
- Pain relief
What to Consider
- Pricier than some alternatrives
2. Best Firm Insoles for Shin Splints
Footora score: 9.5
- Intended use - For those heavy on their feet
- Material - Polyurethane foam and polyester fabric
- Support - Molded arch support
- Cushioning - 3mm thick top cover
- Sizes - M4-13.5 / 5-12.5 with 4 arch heights
Podiatrist-recommended Tread Labs Pace Insoles feature extra firm support, precision-fit arch support, and a deep heel cup to minimize impact, enhance stability, and alleviate shin splint pain. With a 5mm-thick top cover, they're perfect for running shoes, work boots, or hiking boots, ensuring relief from shin splints.
What We Love
- Medical-grade support
- Deep heel cup
- Four arch heights
- Extra firm
What to Consider
- Not the best for sensitive feet
- Limited cushioning
3. Best Shock-Absorbing Insoles for Shin Splints
Footora score: 9.5
- Intended use - Strenuous activities
- Material - EVA
- Support - Accommodative arch support
- Cushioning - Medium Softec cushioning
- Sizes - M3-17 / W5-19
SOLE Active Medium Insoles offer incredible shock absorption, making them a top pick for runners with shin splints. These insoles boast a durable EVA base and medium Softec cushioning to protect your feet during high-impact activities. The deep heel cup absorbs shock while running, repositioning the natural padding under the heel bone and
What We Love
- Softec cushioning
- Moddable orthopedic base
- Accommodative arch support
- Deep heel cup
What to Consider
- Not ideal for high-volume shoes
4. Best Running Insoles for Shin Splints
Footora score: 9.4
- Intended use - For run pain relief
- Material - High-density foam
- Support - Responsive weight-defying support
- Cushioning - Reinforced heel cup
- Sizes - M5.5-13 / 4.5-14 / Kids 2.5-4
Prevent and manage shin splints with the Superfeet RUN Pain Relief Insoles. A deep, reinforced heel cup protects from ground impact and repetitive stress, while medium to high arch orthotic support stabilizes the foot, reducing strain on the feet, ankles, shins, knees, and back.
What We Love
- Durable construction
- Therapeutic foam
- Moisture-wicking
- Supportive heel stabilizer
What to Consider
- May be too firm for some
5. Best Foam Insoles for Shin Splints
Footora score: 9.3
- Intended use - Relieve pain in foot issues
- Material - Premium foam
- Support - Custom arch support
- Cushioning - Deep contoured heel cushion
- Sizes - Custom-made
FitMyFoot Personalized Insoles feature premium foam with consistent density, providing balanced support to all areas of the foot. This reduces foot fatigue and pressure on ankle stabilizers, alleviating shin splint pain. Precisely positioned support ensures sturdiness and flexibility for a natural range of motion.
What We Love
- Good pain relief
- Prevent foot fatigue
- Reduce the risk of injury
- Sturdy but flexible support
What to Consider
- Not fully customized
- May not suit very high arches
6. Best Thin Insoles for Shin Splints
Footora score: 9.2
- Intended use - For ultimate comfort
- Material - ETC, Polyurethane, and Nylon
- Support - Adequate arch support
- Cushioning - 3mm heel to forefoot cushion
- Sizes - M5.5-15 / W5-12.5 / Youths 3-4
Protalus T-100 Elite Insoles offer alignment correction and pressure distribution technology for all-day comfort, relieving foot pain, fatigue, and shin stress. A tri-planar alignment system guides the body into the proper position, correcting gait and preventing shin strain.
What We Love
- Offers amazing comfort
- Unmatched alignment
- Fits true to size
- Anti-friction lining
- Antimicrobial
What to Consider
- Not custom-made
7. Best Wide Insoles for Shin Splints
Footora score: 9.1
- Intended use - For wide feet comfort
- Material - Recycled cork
- Support - Orthopedic support
- Cushioning - Deep heel cup
- Sizes - M3-14 / W5-16
SOLE Performance Wide Medium Insoles are ideal for individuals with wide feet and shin splints. Designed to fit perfectly in wide shoes with ample room, these insoles ensure your toes aren't cramped. Made with cork, they're naturally shock-absorbing, antimicrobial, and insulating, reducing overuse effects on your shins.
What We Love
- Carbon negative
- Molds quicker to your feet
- Wide-feet friendly
- Shock-absorbing
What to Consider
- Can be too thin
8. Best Comfort Insoles for Shin Splints
Footora score: 9.5
- Intended use - For an active lifestyle
- Material - EVA and Polypropylene
- Support - Custom arch support
- Cushioning - Poron bottom layer
- Sizes - Custom-made
URthotics Active Custom Orthotics provide optimal comfort for individuals with shin splints, easing pain and preventing foot fatigue. The Poron bottom layer serves as a high-impact absorbing layer, relieving pressure from the shin and foot. This custom-made insole features a perforated EVA top cover for maximum comfort, while its tailored base delivers stability and motion control to prevent leg muscles from tearing away from the shin.
What We Love
- Pain relief and protection
- Stability and motion control
- Custom arch support
- Shaped for best fit
What to Consider
- Costlier than similar options
9. Best Cushioned Insoles for Shin Splints
Footora score: 8.9
- Intended use - For high arches
- Material - High-density foam with antimicrobial coating
- Support - Orthotic support
- Cushioning - Deep heel cup
- Sizes - M5.5-17 / W4.5-14 / Kids 13.5-4
Superfeet Green Insoles feature a deep heel cup that reduces repetitive stress on the heel, shinbone, and connective tissues that attach muscles to the shin. Working with your body's natural cushioning, this heel cup provides maximum support. Whether running or jumping on hard surfaces, its stabilizer cap supports the rear foot, offering structure and stability.
What We Love
- Organic odor-control coating
- Durable construction
- Adequate cushioning
- High-arch orthotic support
What to Consider
- Not suitable for low arches
- May be too firm
10. Best Athletic Insoles for Shin Splints
Footora score: 9.7
- Intended use - For various sports
- Material - EVA or Polypropylene shell
- Support - Custom arch support
- Cushioning - Heel-to-toe cushioning
- Sizes - Custom-made
Upstep Multi-Sports Custom Orthotics effectively prevent foot fatigue and discomfort after intensifying your workout routine. This exceptional orthotic design offers a perfect balance of support and cushioning, providing unparalleled protection with its customized heel cup and overall structure. By combining your feet's unique shape with layers of cushioning materials, it enhances and supports the foot's function during various sports activities.
What We Love
- Custom arch support
- Relieves pain
- Prevents foot injury
- Prevents leg fatigue
What to Consider
- Pricier than some alternatives
- Long delivery time
How We Choose
Drawing upon our extensive experience treating patients and evaluating the benefits of various insoles, our team has established a set of criteria to help identify the most effective solutions for individuals with foot issues. We rate a number of factors on a weighted scale and aggregate them to create a single metric called the Footora Score, which reflects the product's overall usefulness. Do note that the score may vary depending on the specific purpose it's being reviewed for.
Here are the factors we considered for shin splints:
- Fit
- Support
- Comfort
- Moisture-wicking
- Durability
- Value for money
- Customer Reviews
Conquer Shin Splints Today
Whether you're returning to the gym after a hiatus or looking to ramp up your workout intensity, investing in the right insole can make the transition smooth and painless. If you're already dealing with shin splints, incorporating rest and icing the affected area while using any of the recommended insoles above can provide relief from pain, as well as the necessary support and cushioning. Embrace a comfortable workout experience and stride towards a healthier, pain-free lifestyle.
