Our Top 5 Picks of the Best Insoles for Shin Splints 2023

Do you find you have pain radiating down your lower legs when you run or walk? Are you wondering what it is and what you can do to prevent it? It could be that you need insoles specifically designed for shin splints.

We will detail the features of what we think are the best insoles for shin splints. We will also look at what shin splints are, the causes and treatments, and how insoles help.

 

Here Are the best insoles/inserts for shin splints

1. Dr. Scholl’s RUNNING Insoles

Dr. Scholl has designed these insoles with athletes and runners in mind. They have plenty of cushioning and protection to reduce impact and protect from shin splints. Suitable for men and women, they can help reduce foot odor and absorb shock by 40 percent more than not having them.

 

2. Physix Gear Sport Full Length Orthotic Inserts

These super thin full-length insoles from Physix Gear have good arch and heel support. They also have cushioning from the EVA foam layer to help prevent foot and leg problems including shin splints. An anti-microbial fabric top layer helps keep odor at bay and feet feeling dry and fresh.

 

3. SmartSole Exercise Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis, Flat Feet, and Shin Splints Relief

A deep heel cup and a gel insert help keep your foot stable when wearing these shoe inserts for shin splints. They have anti-fatigue cushioning to aid shock absorption, a nylon base for support, and antimicrobial top fabric. There are three sizes of this three-quarter length insole for men and women.

 

4. Isparks Sport Inserts

Made from durable, high-quality medical grade EVA foam and polyurethane, these insoles are long-lasting and comfortable. There are sizes to suit men and women and they are treated to keep feet fresh. Ultra-thin and supportive, these are a good option for protecting your legs from shin splints.

 

5. Samurai Insoles Ninjas Orthotic Inserts

Designed by a podiatrist, these three-quarter length insoles are made in the USA. They are lightweight, low-profile, and made from one molded piece. They will support your feet and legs, helping with foot conditions and shin splints. Sizes are available for both men and women and they fit right out of the packet.

 

Also read our buying guide for the best insoles for metatarsalgia here.

 

Reviews of The best Shin Splints Supports and insoles

1. Dr. Scholl’s RUNNING Insoles

Dr. Scholl’s is a household name worldwide when it comes to foot care. From their iconic wooden sandals of the 1970s, right through to foot sprays and insoles.

 

This insole is part of their athletic series and is designed to absorb the shock that is increased by your body weight when you run. It aims to prevent injuries such as plantar fasciitis, runner’s knee, and shin splints. In fact, the company tells us that they reduce shock by up to 40 percent.

They come in three different sizes, small for men’s feet between sizes 7.5 and 10 and large for men’s sizes between 10.5 and 14. The women’s insoles fit sizes between 5.5 and 9. These insoles can be trimmed to give a good fit.

They have three different zones to protect your feet. The insoles have a deep heel cup to absorb impact, reinforced arch support to help transition weight as you run or walk, and padding in the ball of the foot.

Patented SweatMax technology helps to keep your feet dry and fresh and prevents foot odor. While these insoles are good for any shoes, they are particularly effective in sneakers and running shoes.

The company is confident in its product and offers a 90-day money back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied with these insoles.

While the arch support in these insoles seems good, some find the cushioning for the front of the foot lacking.

Pros

• Good shock absorbency.
• Deep heel cup.
• Good arch support.
• Odor control.
• Can be trimmed to fit.
• 90-day money back guarantee.

Cons

• Cushioning in the forefoot might not be sufficient for some.

This full-length insole has sizes for men and women and is a good insert arch support for shin splints. It has patented odor control and a deep heel cup. There is a 90-day money back guarantee from this recognized supplier of foot care products.

 

2. Physix Gear Sport Full Length Orthotic Inserts

Founded in 2015, Physix Gear is a family-run business that focuses on putting their customers first. They have a 100 percent replacement or refund policy if you are not satisfied with your insoles.

 

There are five different sizes from extra large right down to extra small. They cover sizes ranging from a men’s 3 through 14.5 and a women’s 5 through 16.5.

They have a double layer of EVA foam to cushion the whole of your foot. There is a deep heel cup to align and support your feet, ankles, and legs. Holding your foot in the correct position can help prevent shin splints, heel spurs, heel and foot pain, and plantar fasciitis.

The low profile thin design won’t take up a lot of room in your running shoes. There is also an antimicrobial fabric top layer to prevent your shoes and feet smelling bad.

On the downside, these insoles might need to be cut for both length and width. Some find they are generously made across the arch area, making them too wide to use out of the packet.

Pros

• Firm arch support.
• Can be trimmed to fit for length.
• Thin
• Lightweight
• Antimicrobial fabric layer.
• A good orthotic for shin splints.

Cons

• Might be too wide for some shoes.

This is a thin, lightweight shin splint supporting insole. It has an antimicrobial odor control fabric and comes in a wide range of sizes for men and women. Dual layered cushioning provides comfort throughout.

 

3. SmartSole Exercise Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis, Flat Feet, and Shin Splints Relief

SmartSole brings us three-quarter length medical grade orthotics for shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and flat feet. They keep feet in alignment to prevent overpronation and foot pain.

 

They come in three sizes, small, medium, and large. The shoe sizes they fit are from a men’s 7.5 to 13 and a ladies 5.5 to 11.5+. These appear to run true to size but make sure you order the correct one as they cannot be trimmed to fit.

There is a deep, firm heel cup which has some medical grade gel inserted to give cushioning. This also helps distribute impact evenly. Add to this good arch support and these insoles will help keep your feet in the right position and will absorb shock to prevent shin splints.

Further cushioning throughout the insert helps return energy to your feet, keeping them from getting tired. The nylon fabric upper has antimicrobial properties to keep feet fresh, cool, and dry.

Pros

• Firm arch support.
• Deep gel cushioned heel cup.
• Cushioning throughout.
• A range of sizes.
• Shock absorbency

Cons

• Might be too thick for some shoes.

 

4. Isparks Sport Inserts

This shoe insert for shin splints is brought to us by iSparks. It is made from a top layer of EVA foam for cushioning and a layer of medical grade polyurethane for support. There is further built-in silicon support under the heel to absorb shock and provide support to the foot.

 

Available in two sizes, one covering foot sizes 5 to 9 and one for shoe sizes 9 to 12. They can be trimmed to fit either men or women’s shoes.

A deep heel cup and high arch help keep your feet where they should be in your shoes helping prevent shin splints.

The insole is topped off with a soft anti-microbial fabric to help prevent odor and keep feet feeling dry.

There is a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee offered with these insoles. If you are not happy with them for whatever reason, return them for a refund or replacement.

It appears that these insoles do not come up true to size and might be on the small size. If you have feet at the larger end of the scale bear this in mind.

Pros

• High arch.
• Deep heel cup with added cushioning.
• Antimicrobial soft top layer.
• Can be trimmed to fit.

Cons

• Seem to run a little on the small side.

 

5. Samurai Insoles Ninjas Orthotic Inserts

These over-the-counter orthotics for shin splints and foot problems have been designed by a podiatrist to support your feet and legs. Made in the USA, they aim to address the causes of painful, tired feet.

 

Available in sizes 4 through 16.5 for men and 6 to 13.5 for women, they are ready to use out of the box. You just place them under the factory insoles in your sneakers, boots, or other footwear.

This insole is slim, lightweight and made in one piece. The company offers a warranty of 12 months of unlimited replacement. They advise us that they won’t break, tear, rip, overheat, or smell. They also offer a 60-day money back guarantee if you aren’t happy with these inserts.

The insoles are designed to precision-fit your feet and cannot be trimmed to fit. They do, however, appear to come up true to size.

They are tailored to provide your heels and arches with the support they need to relieve foot and leg pain.

Pros

• Fit under your existing factory insoles.
• One piece molded design.
• Heel and arch support.
• Thin and lightweight.
• Money-back guarantee and replacement warranty.
• Run true to size.

Cons

• Might not work if you can’t remove your factory insoles.
• Can be slippery if not fitted under factory or other insoles.

This one piece molded insole is designed by a podiatrist to relieve shin splints and other foot problems. It’s thin and lightweight but on the downside, it has to be placed under factory or other insoles.

 

What Are Shin Splints?

Shin splints, medically called medial tibial stress syndrome, results when the tendons, bone tissue, and muscles around your tibia become inflamed.

The tibia is your shin bone and the location of the inflammation is usually on the inner side of this bone. This is where the bone and muscle are attached.

This video explains what shin splints are.

 

What Are the Causes of Shin Splints?

The most common cause of shin splints is physical activity. This could be running, HIIT training, dancing, walking, or any other type of sport. They tend to happen when you overwork your legs during repetitive activity.

Shin splints can happen to anyone who takes part in an exercise program. However, people who are just starting or who have changed the way they run or workout are more prone to this condition. It could be that you suddenly exercise more frequently, more intensely, or for longer periods of time.

They are felt as pain along the edge of the shin bone and there could be localized mild swelling. The pain could be throbbing and dull or razor-like and sharp. You might feel it during or after exercise and it could be made worse by touching the sore area.

There are a few other things that can contribute to the development of shin splints. These include:

• Having abnormally rigid arches.
• Having flat feet—this places stress on the lower leg muscles when you exercise.
• Wearing worn or incorrect shoes when exercising.

Runners, dancers, and those in the military could be more prone than others to shin splints.

 

How Can I Prevent and Manage Shin Splints?

One of the main things you can do to prevent shin splints is not to overdo it when you exercise.

Managing Shin Splints

If you should happen to get them, these are some things you can try to relieve the pain:

• Rest: As it’s likely that overexercising caused your shin splints in the first place, then rest is imperative. You might be able to carry out less strenuous exercise like swimming, using an elliptical trainer, or stationary bike.
• Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) painkillers like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen might help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
• Ice packs: Placing an ice pack over the affected area several times a day for 20 minutes at a time can help. Just remember not to put ice directly on your skin.
• Wear a compression bandage: This will prevent further swelling.
• Stretch: Your lower leg muscles.
• Wear supportive shoes: With good cushioning.
• Wear over the counter or custom-made orthotics: To support and stabilize your feet and ankles.

Once you have been pain-free for two weeks you can return to exercise but with less intensity. Make sure you stretch and warm up before exercising and don’t carry on if the pain returns.

If you don’t feel any improvement or you are unsure, see your doctor.

 

Preventing Shin Splints

Wearing athletic shoes that are fit for purpose and fit you properly can help prevent shin splints. Don’t go running in baseball shoes or practice your dance moves in street shoes.

Increase the intensity of your workouts or sports gradually. Alternating high impact training with low impact things like swimming might help.

Make sure the shoes you choose give you the right support where you need it.

Alternately get some shin splints supports like insoles that add cushioning and support to your existing sneakers or sports shoes.

 

What to Look for in the Best Insoles for Shin Splints?

There are many different insoles available and your choice will largely depend on your type of feet. These are some things to look out for:

• If you have flat feet you will want a lower arch, high arches might need more support.
• Heel cups will help stabilize your feet, holding them in the right position and stopping them rolling in or out. They will also take the strain off your legs.
• Cushioning and shock absorption will help with the comfort factor and absorb impact when your foot hits the floor.
• Odor control will help keep feet and shoes dry and fresh.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take Shin Splints to Heal?

Shin splints can take two to four weeks or as much as three to six months to heal. Returning to exercise before they heal can cause further injury.

 

Can I Wear Orthotics for Shin Splints in Everyday Footwear?

Yes, you can. Walking or standing a lot can place undue pressure on your feet and legs. It’s a good idea to make sure they have the support and cushioning they need.

 

Are Shin Splints Dangerous?

Pain in your shins from splints can be very uncomfortable. If it doesn’t go away or gets worse, see your doctor. There could be other causes like stress fractures in the bones or tendinitis (inflammation of the tendons).

 

The Finish Line

Shin splints are a painful condition caused by over-exercise or wearing ill-fitting shoes, among other things. Choosing an insert for shin splint supports in the form of insoles can help relieve and prevent shin splints.

Of the orthotics for shin splints we have looked at, our favorite is Dr. Scholl’s RUNNING Insoles. They have good shock absorbency, heel and arch support, cushioning, and odor control. They also have a 90-day money back guarantee.

We hope you found our insights for the best insoles for shin splints informative and useful. Please leave us a comment and don’t forget to share.