Condition, Insoles, Shin splints

6 Best Insoles for Shin Splints – Review And Buyers Guide

Introduction

If you are struggling with shin splints, you do not need to replace your shoes or ice your shins before and after you run; the insole can make a huge difference by giving you the needed comfort while running. Insoles help to align your feet properly.

Using an insole is even advantageous to your hips, knees, thighs, ankle, and arch. Luckily, there are some documented cases where an orthotic has been able to alleviate this pain. Here, we take a look at some of the best insoles for shin splints and discuss their pros and cons.

What Are Shin Splints?

Shin splints are a common injury that is often caused by the overuse of the legs. When you are walking, putting pressure on your shins can cause pain and inflammation in the muscles and tendons near the front of your leg.

What Are Symptoms of Shin Splints

  • The following symptoms are presented in shin splints:
  • Pain, swelling, and tenderness in or on either side of the shin
  • Displacement of the shin bone

What Causes Shin Splints

  • The top causes of shin splints are
  • Overusing your legs
  • Overdoing your normal activities
  • Changing your running or working terrain
  • Wearing an improper footwear

What Are The Risk Factors of Shin Splints?

  •  You are likely to experience shin splints if:
  •  You wear an improper shoe
  • Your shoe has a poor insole
  • You have high arches or flat feet
  • Your hips and ankles are weak
  • You run on hard surfaces
  • You train on uneven terrain
  • You just start a running program
  • You increase the intensity of your physical activities all of a sudden
  • You have bad training habits

How to Treat Shin Splints

Treating shin splints are easy; and unless you are treating a severe case, visiting the doctor is of no use. Here are how to treat shin splints

Rest: Resting your legs for some days at maximum can make your leg heal faster. If the pain is not strenuous, you can switch to less strenuous activities like swimming and walking during the healing and recovering period. To minimize your load, place your leg on an elevated surface while relaxing.

Ice: Use ice packs on your shin for about 20 to 25 minutes within a period of 3 to 4 hours in 3 to 4 days to minimize the swelling and pain. You can stop this procedure when you feel better

Compression: Curb the swelling by compression of the swollen part with a band-aid or other related items.

Medication: Over the counter, anti-inflammatory painkillers like naproxen, aspirin, and ibuprofen can help minimize swelling and pain.

How to Prevent Shin Splints

Choose the right shoes. Replace when necessary. Runners especially should change their shoes after 350 to 500 miles

People with flat arches should use shoes that have good arch support to prevent shin splints

Stretch your legs muscles before exercising or running

Use shock-absorbing insoles to stabilize the feet and ankle, freeing the lower legs from stress

Avoid running, exercising, dancing, or doing any activity that involves high landing on a hard surface

Build the intensity, duration, pace, frequency of your workout gradually; don’t rush into it

What Are The Things to Look Out For in the Best Insoles for Shin Splints

There are several insoles available for shin splints. These insoles vary significantly in terms of the materials used in producing them, design, and functions. The measurement of how effective it is in preventing shin splints or other related conditions depends largely on the feet. Therefore, a buyer must understand their feet to buy the insole that best fits their requirements.

Here are some factors to consider when purchasing an insole for shin splints

Fit

For an insole to be effective, it must perfectly touch your feet. It should align with the shape of your feet to ensure firmness and snug support

Durability

For any insole you choose; they should be flexible and strong to withstand strenuous and lengthy activities while protecting the shin. You do not want to buy a new insole every time.

Deep Heel Cups

A good deep heel cup will stabilize your feet and provide a proper cushion to absorb shock. If the heel cup of an insole is bad, every landing you make brings a problem to your shin

Quality Material

It is best advised you have quality material on your feet if you mean well for them. The best insoles can absorb moisture and do not cause friction in the feet; thus, providing maximum comfort for a long time. A quality insole will also be able to prevent fungi and bacteria infestations.

What Are The Features of a Good Insole for Shin Splints

A good insole should possess the following features.

Shock Absorption

Insoles made with synthetic layers are very good shock absorbers. When we run, walk, or jump, our feet endure a lot of shock due to the high impact of landing. Shock absorption minimizes the effect of force directed at your feet.

Thickness

The thicker an insole, the more it can absorb shock. The best insoles are thicker than every other one, and they are made from lightweight and foam.

Arch Protection

We all have different types of feet. Arch protection allows the feet to function properly. A good insole should be able to protect the arch of your feet.

Top 6 Insoles for Shin Splints

Here are our best insoles for Shin Splint after the critical examination.

BEST OVERALL

Dr Scholl’s Running Insole

Shin splints can be caused by a variety of factors, with flat feet being one of the most common. And there’s only one way to make things right. You may either buy shoes built particularly for flat feet or purchase an insole that will assist with flat feet that you can place in any shoes you already own.

These insoles are made to help people with flat feet. There are four different arch heights to select from, so no matter how flat or slightly arched your foot is, there will be an insole to fit you. It comprises a 2-piece structure with a moulded arch and a cushioned top cover. The arch component comes in four sizes to provide exactly the perfect amount of support, and the parts are medical-grade and guaranteed for life.

The 5mm top covers may be removed and replaced as needed. They are Velcro attached to the arch support component, so you can simply buy a new one and replace it whenever you feel it is getting less cushioned.

As a result, you’ll spend less money on this insole in the long term because you’ll only be replacing half of them. It is healthier for you as well as the environment. You can effortlessly switch the arch support from one shoe to the next, so you’ll be comfortable whether you’re running or dancing. If you want a stronger cushioning, you may need to experiment with various Tread Labs insole types, since some people may find them too soft underfoot.

PROS

  • Easy to trim
  • Has a deep heel cup
  • Good shock absorption

CONS

  • Insufficient cushion at the front

Buy Dr Scholl’s Running Insoles for $12.97


Superfeet Unisex Adult High Arch Support

TOP RUNNER-UP

In the world of insoles, Superfeet is a well-known brand. These expert insoles are referred to as RUN Pain Relief, which clearly shows that they are ideal for shin splints.

Each insole features a heel stabilizer to make your foot as steady as possible within your shoe.

An EVOLyte carbon fibre stabilizer cap sits just above the stabilizer cap. It’s solid but responsive, returning a considerable amount of energy with each stride and helping to reduce stress from repeated ground impact.

Above this, there is a therapeutic foam layer with a light coating and MoistureWick technology that keeps your feet dry, cool and without smells. This layer also has a deep heel cup for further support during footstrike.

The cushioned foam, responsive heel cap, and protective heel stabilizer decrease harsh impact and provide pain relief up the leg. They also aid in the appropriate alignment of the foot and ankle, which helps alleviate discomfort caused by a variety of conditions.

Superfeet insoles are designed to last a year or 500 miles, whichever comes first.

PROS

  • Maximum heel support
  • Evolyte carbon fibre stabilizer cap
  • Can be used with more than one shoe
  • A layer of therapeutic foam

CONS

  • Some people may find that these insoles are too stiff

Buy Superfeet Unisex Adult High Arch Support for $54.95


Vionic Unisex Full-Length Supportive Shoe Insole

BEST VALUE

We chose Vionic Relief Full-Length insoles because they offer the greatest value. They are one-piece insoles with the APMA Seal of Acceptance for being useful to foot health. They were designed by a podiatrist. They’re developed to minimize overpronation, which is frequent among flat-footed runners. As a result of compensating for the odd running stance, the muscles of the lower leg may get overworked.

Tri-Planar Motion control in Vionic insoles returns the feet to their natural posture and keeps them there, relieving strain on the lower leg muscles. A medium-density EVA foundation provides support and cushioning, with a deep heel cup that prevents the foot from slipping out of position.

Extra cushioning in the heel and forefoot absorbs pressure and minimizes discomfort, as well as offering strong energy recovery to drive you ahead with a minimal muscular strain. This isn’t to say that the muscles don’t receive a decent exercise; it just means that they aren’t under as much stress.

The earth-friendly EcoFresh microbe shielding technology inhibits germs that may cause smells to develop so that you’re fresh and clean. The insoles are designed to be trimmed to fit inside your shoe. However, some people may find the insoles to be extremely thick and unpleasant under their feet, or they may elevate their foot too high in their shoe, causing it to push against the top.

PROS

  • Strong arch support
  • EcoFresh earth-friendly microbe shield technology
  • Medium-density moulded EVA base
  • Deep heel cup

CONS

  • Some people may find these insoles to be too thick for their shoes

Buy Vionic Unisex Full-Length Supportive Shoe Insole for $34


Crotalus M100 Series

BEST FOR WIDE FEET

The Protalus M100 series is intended for wider feet and helps to reduce overpronation-related tension and strain on the lower legs. This insole is made up of five different components. Shock absorption is provided by two cushions under the insole. One is placed under the heel, while the other is placed under the forefoot, ensuring that you are protected on all sides.

A strong shank runs below the heel and above the heel cushion, providing extra stability and support as you walk. Every stride is cushioned and supported by a full-length cushion, which keeps your foot straight and prevents it from falling over. A moisture-wicking top fabric offers an extra layer of softness, cooling, and breathability.

All of these elements are combined in Protalus’s M100 series alignment system to maintain your foot in the proper place. Their innovative heel cup is the last piece of the support jigsaw since they realize that the human foot is a complicated structure that requires specific support.

Your feet may take some time to adjust to them, which means you may experience some discomfort at first.

PROS

  • Patented heel cup
  • Tri-Planar Alignment System
  • Designed for larger volume/wider feet

CONS

  • They make take some time to wear in before you starting getting the pain relief benefits

Buy Protalus M100 Series for $59.95


Spenco Total Support Max Shoe Insoles

BEST SUPPORTIVE

One of the things that might cause shin splints is not having enough support for your feet. Frequently, the issue starts elsewhere, and the shin discomfort is a transferred ache. If you feel like your feet aren’t getting enough support in your shoes, this supportive insole might help.

Spenco’s exclusive 3-POD Modulation System is the key to their success. They contain two foam pods in the heel and one in the forefoot of the insole. When your foot strikes the ground, these multi-density pods provide various amounts of cushioning, ensuring that the regions that need it most are covered by cushions designed just for them.

This technique lowers impact pressure, which can cause pain in the shins and elsewhere. Furthermore, these insoles include an additional arch cradle and a deep heel cup to prevent your foot from slipping out of alignment.

A Spenco Total Support Max Shoe Insoles forefoot Pad adds added comfort by cushioning and relieving strain on the forefoot. They come with a one-year warranty after purchase. These insoles may be too large for runners with small feet, and they cannot be cut down from the sides to suit.

PROS

  • SpenCore forefoot pad
  • Rigid arch support
  • Sculpture antimicrobial

CONS

  • Some people may find these insoles are too wide

Buy Spenco Total Support Max Shoe Insoles for $29.41


Currenex RunPRO Insole

BEST FOR HIGH MILLAGE RUNNER

If you run several kilometres every week, you need an insole that is a little more durable than others but still gives support, coating, comfort and breathability.

The insole should give a durable respite from the discomfort of the shin splints, which allows you to pick between low, medium or high arches to best suit your foot.

Choose blue for high arches, orange for medium arches, and red for low arches, since they utilize a distinct colour system to signify arch height.

They have a permeable full-length cushion that is particularly soft under the heel for enhanced support, making them stand out from the crowd. With each step, the additional foam gives an excellent bounce.

The heel cup is deep but comfy, keeping your heel steady regardless of the length of your run.

Three particular elements of support may be found underneath. When you land, the small part below the heel guides your foot into natural movement without overpronation.

Instead of targeting one region, Currex RunPRO Insole employs the white midfoot bridge to disperse shock and discomfort. Its retraction pad under the ball of foot helps to push you forward.

Everything about this insole is meant to cool, support and decrease foot shocks while you go long or long distances. You may easily cut into your present shoes form and size.

Some might find that they’re excessively soft and don’t give sufficient underfoot support.

PROS

  • Dynamic Arch Technology
  • Extra heel cushioning
  • Choose from low, medium or high profiles

CONS

  • Some may feel that they don’t offer enough rigid support

Buy Currex RunPRO Insole for $45.99


Conclusions

It doesn’t take much to deal with foot problems like shin splints. Especially when diagnosing, treating and preventing is straightforward (unless you have an acute case of shin splints). You must simply recognize the conditions which lead to shin splints and try to minimize or limit them.

Insoles are known to be an outstanding task for mending and suppressing the shin, and shopping for the greatest product is essential. The following seven finest insoles for shin splints will ensure that your feet remain comfy, safe and pain-free. However, Dr Scholl’s Running Insoles would be our best insole.

Insoles are known to be an outstanding task for mending and suppressing the shin, and shopping for the greatest product is essential. The following seven finest insoles for shin splints will ensure that your feet remain comfy, safe and pain-free. However, Dr Scholl’s running insoles would be our best person. Even though the name profiles them as sports insoles, they work perfectly well in other types of footwear. Namely, work boots and casual shoes. The triple-zone protection spreads the load of cushioning your feet, minimizing stress and pressure on your leg. Shin splints and other leg pains shouldn’t stand between you and basic activities like walking. Not when a good insole is all you need to get you back on your feet.

Photo by Alexander Redl on Unsplash