Table of Contents:
Overview
If you experience throbbing pain and inflammation in your lower leg, one of the most common reasons could be - ‘Shin Splints’ or “Tibial Stress Syndrome”. Shin splints develop as a result of putting repetitive and excessive load on the inner edge of the shin bone (or the tibia) and the surrounding tissues. To prevent or resolve this issue faster, orthotics for shin splints have proven to be effective in reducing stress on the shin.
Shin splints are very common in athletes, runners, dancers, or anyone who has a very active lifestyle, or those who walk frequently on hard surfaces. However, it can also happen due to poor biomechanics. Notably, people who have high arches or flat feet are more prone to getting shin splints. If left untreated, it may lead to supination and even stress fracture.
Resting, icing, using good footwear and orthotics support are the first line of treatment for this condition. Good quality orthotics for shin splints work as ‘shock absorbers’ to protect the shin and the muscles around it from high-stress impacts. They not only give strong support to ease the painful condition but also improve biomechanics to prevent future recurrence.
The Best Orthotics for Shin Splints
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Best Overall : 10 Seconds Support Ultra-Arch insoles on Amazon for $114.99.
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Best for Pain Relief: Superfeet Run Pain-Relief Insoles on Amazon for $62.95.
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Best for Preventing Shin Splints: Prothotic Motion Control Sports Insoles on Amazon for $44.95.
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Best Mid-range : Currex RunPro Insoles on Amazon for $54.95.
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Best for Heavy-weight individuals: Tread Labs Pace Insoles on Amazon for $75.
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Best for Running: New Balance Ultra-Cushion Shoe Inserts on Amazon for $69.95.
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Best Runner-Up: Sole Active Arch Support Insoles on Amazon for $59.
How We Test
Our volunteers for this study included athletes and active men and women who were diagnosed with shin splints.
We tested 50 of the most popular insoles for shin splints, focusing on key takeaways like comfort, shock absorbing capabilities, durability, support, proper fit, and ability to improve biomechanics. Each of our candidates used these insoles as replacements for pre-installed insoles in their regular running shoes. With over 1800+ hours of test time and 6 months of regular usage by each of our candidates, we came up with this ultimate list of the 7 best orthotics for shin splints.
7 Best Orthotics for Shin Splints
10 Seconds Support Ultra Arch Insoles
The 3810 Ultra Arch 10 Seconds Support insoles are carefully engineered to meet the demanding needs of active persons, including those who push off their limits in the gym. To evaluate its pressure distribution and pain-relieving capabilities, our volunteers were asked to test these insoles on hard surfaces. Without a second thought, the 10 Seconds Support insoles with their Poron strike pads, metatarsal support pad, and soft arch, indeed gave some quick relief from sharp pain in the shin area.
What really works for this set is its carbon fiber external heel and durable arch support. The rigid nature of the carbon fiber along with Poron strike pads for shock absorption provides the ultimate resistance to all kinds of impact in your lower leg. The insoles not only reduce stress in the shin area but also provide relief from conditions such as Morton’s neuroma and plantar fasciitis.
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Pros |
Cons |
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✅ Made for resisting impacts on hard surfaces. |
❌ Very costly |
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✅ Ultra arch support with PORON foam, extra deep heel cup, metatarsal support pads, and carbon fiber support for shock attenuation - provides multiple levels of protection. |
❌ May make a squeaky sound when you walk. |
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✅ Features vibration dampening for removing fatigue during long work hours. |
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✅ Adjusts to almost all shoe types. |
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✅ Fits perfectly and is also trimmable. |
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Key Specs |
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Arch Type |
High |
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Material |
PORON foam, Carbon Fiber |
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Sizes |
Men (4 to 14) and Women (6 to 13) |
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Support |
Has a combination of medium arch support and cushioning. |
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Price |
$114.99 |
Superfeet Run Pain-Relief Insoles
The Superfeet Run Pain-Relief Insoles is one of the most popular and recommended insoles for treating shin splints…and we truly approve of its huge fan following in the podiatric world! Having an ergonomic design, these insoles reduce stress on shins as well as improve gait. So, if you are an athlete or someone who has to spend a lot of their time on their feet, we highly recommend the Superfeet Run Pain Relief Insoles. Our testers could easily work for 12+ hours without any complaints of pain or fatigue with these insoles. It also comes with a removable heel stabilizer.
In a nutshell, these professional grade insoles perform equally well as the 10 Seconds insoles - but at almost half the price. Moreover, its unique craftsmanship, durable arch support, spring back technology, and weight-defying carbon fiber stabilizer are particularly very beneficial for medium and high arches.
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Pros |
Cons |
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✅ Long-lasting durability and comfort. |
❌ No support in toe area. |
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✅ Minimizes the impact of repetitive stress and protects from ground impact forces. |
❌ May make a squeaky sound when you walk. |
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✅ Evolyte carbon fiber cap and signature Superfeet arch shape protect from stress and strain. |
❌ Some users felt that the insoles don’t have much cushioning. |
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✅ Therapeutic foam reduces friction and hot spots, which in turn eases shin splints. |
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✅ Also helps with lower back pain. |
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Key Specs |
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Arch Type |
All arch types. |
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Material |
Carbon fiber and Foam |
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Sizes |
Men (2.5 to 13), Women (4.5 to 14) |
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Support |
Mid-level support. |
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Price |
$62.95 |
Prothotic Motion Control Sports Insoles
When you are a sportsperson, it becomes all the way more important to protect and prevent injury to the shin bone. The Prothotic Motion Control Sports Insoles fit precisely and provide firm support to shin, ankles, and lower leg. Its strong arch and metatarsal rise are designed to give optimum stability to medium arch or flexible foot types. In fact, we highly recommend this one for preventing shin splints from occurring in the first place.
Our testers found that the Prothotic orthotics’ PU-base contours automatically to the unique foot shape, thus giving it a custom-like feel. The non-memory foam layer is ideal for relieving forefoot pressure and for efficient shock absorption, it has a deep heel cup. On the whole, our testers unanimously agreed that the Prothotic Motion Control Sport insoles are safe to use even when doing intense activities on hard surfaces.
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Pros |
Cons |
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✅ Provides both forefoot and heel strike protection in medium arch foot types. |
❌ Has a thick base which may not fit into some shoe types. |
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✅ Optimised for firm support and optimum cushioning. |
❌ Provides support only to medium arch and flexible foot. |
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✅ Safe to use by sportspersons, for intense activities and on harder surfaces. |
❌ Size adjustments may be required when buying online. |
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✅ It is long-lasting and doesn’t lose its comfort over time (~ usually up to 500 miles or 12 months of use). |
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✅ Also helps in correcting posture, gait, and overpronation. |
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Key Specs |
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Arch Type |
Medium, Flexible foot. |
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Material |
Vy-Gel Elastomer pads, PU base, Fabric. |
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Sizes |
Men (5 to 15), Women (3 to 15). |
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Support |
Maximum motion control and support. |
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Price |
$44.95 |
Currex RunPro Insoles
Specifically designed to heal common running injuries such as shin splints and soft tissue injuries, the Currex RunPro Insoles gave effective results in just a few days of use. It easily fits into most running shoes and boosts performance during intense activities, such as running, trailing, hiking, walking, triathlon, cross country, and track.
Unlike others in the list, the key to Currex Run Pro’s uniqueness is its ability to bend at the flex points. Thus, it contours and adjusts with maximum stability at every strike. The 3D Dynamic Arch support, zero heel drop, and the springy base layer additionally optimize motion control and reduce pressure during running.
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Pros |
Cons |
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✅ Provides excellent cushioning. |
❌ Not as durable and firm as insoles with carbon fiber. |
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✅ Prevents injury and reduces fatigue. |
❌ May peel off or crumble post 4-6 months of continuous use. |
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✅ Boosts performance during running, walking, and other sports activities. |
❌ Makes a squeaky sound. |
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✅ Available in different arch options. Currex insoles can also be trimmed to fit. |
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✅ Thin and easy to use. |
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Key Specs |
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Arch Type |
Available in Low, Medium, and High Arch |
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Material |
Foam, Fabric, Shell |
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Sizes |
Men (3 to 15), Women (4.5 to 14). |
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Support |
Firm support with spring action and cushioning. |
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Price |
$54.95 |
Tread Lab Pace Insoles
If the underlying reason behind your shin splint pain is being overweight or due to repetitive activities, we recommend the Tread Lab Pace Insoles. The Tread Labs “Pace” product line is dedicated to giving support to the arches, improving alignment, and most importantly, it is focused on long-term relief from foot pain such as those from shin splints/ plantar fasciitis.
What we absolutely loved about these insoles is that they come with a ‘Million Mile Guarantee’ - meaning it is supposed to last for a lifetime. Well, with 6 months of vigorous testing and 1000 miles of walking/running, this claim seems to be true. Over time, the Tread Lab Pace insoles improved biomechanics, alignment, and overall posture during high-impact activities.
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Pros |
Cons |
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✅ Best for obese or overweight individuals. |
❌ Expensive |
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✅ Highly durable and long-lasting. |
❌ Velcro patches may shift over time. |
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✅ Different variations are available for different alignment and arch types. |
❌ Has minimal cushioning. |
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✅ Medical Grade (APMA approved). |
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✅ Molded arch support with replaceable top cover. |
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Key Specs |
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Arch Type |
Available in Low, Medium, High, and Extra High Arch variants. |
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Material |
Foam |
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Sizes |
Men (4 to 14.5) and Women (5 to 15.5) |
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Support |
Firm with molded arch support. |
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Price |
$75 |
New Balance Ultra-Cushion Shoe Inserts
Featuring repetitive impact protection and multi-layer cushioning, the New Balance Ultra-Cushion Shoe Inserts relieve pain and improve performance, just as its parent designer - Superfeet. The legendary Superfeet shape is recognized worldwide for providing excellent structural support and an energizing foundation. Its flexible arch support, additionally, accommodates the natural movement of your foot, while the forefoot padding reduces pressure and helps reclaim mobility.
These insoles are best suitable to prevent and heal shin splints due to high-speed running. For improved running performance, use these insoles with New Balance shoes such as Fuel Cell Rebel V4 or More Trail V3.
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Pros |
Cons |
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✅ Plush foam layers provide instant comfort and pain relief. |
❌ Available in limited size options. |
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✅ Has both forefoot padding and heel cushion to reduce impact forces from the ground. Minimized friction. |
❌ Makes a squeaky sound. |
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✅ Flexible arch support. |
❌ May peel off after a few months of use. |
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✅ Fits perfectly and is also trimmable. |
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✅ Odor control technology. |
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Key Specs |
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Arch Type |
Low |
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Material |
Foam |
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Sizes |
Men (5.5 to 15), Women (4.5 to 12) |
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Support |
Mid-level support. |
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Price |
$69.95 |
Sole Active Arch Support Insoles
While choosing insoles, no one size fits all. But if you aren’t yet ready to purchase custom-made insoles, we recommend the Sole Active Arch Support Insoles. Based on your foot requirements, these are the only orthotics for shin splints available in - ‘Regular’, ‘Wide’, and ‘with Metpad’ variants.
Being custom molded, these insoles fit into any foot shape and arch type. In fact, the built-in support easily flexes and molds with your foot dynamics to reduce foot pressure and ease you from shin splint pain. Our testers observed improved alignment and reduced stress on joints. At this price point, the Sole insoles are a great bet for faster recovery from injuries and surgeries compared to others on the list.
It’s also worth mentioning that the rebounding open-cell foam lasts longer and does not flatten with wear. The Heat-mold feature can be used to custom-fit the inserts in the comfort of your home, by simply using an oven!
The Sole Active insoles can be used for walking, work, hiking, running, basketball, tennis, pickleball, mountain biking, and other activities.
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Pros |
Cons |
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✅ Provides the most optimum combination of shock absorption and support. |
❌ The Heat-Moldable instructions should be followed carefully to avoid delamination and disfigurement of the product. |
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✅ Prevents fatigue and promotes faster recovery from pain and injury. |
❌ Bad return policy. |
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✅ Adapts to your foot, thus giving you a custom-like feel. |
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✅ Comes in a wide range of sizes (both in length and width). |
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✅ Works with most shoes. |
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Key Specs |
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Arch Type |
All arch types. |
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Material |
Foam, EVA |
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Sizes |
Men (3 to 14), Women (5 to 16) |
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Support |
Medium |
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Price |
$59 |
Things to Consider Before Buying Orthotics for Shin Splints
Insoles are not only great for promoting faster recovery from shin splint, but are also helpful in preventing similar injuries. While investing in a pair of orthotics for shin splints, the following points need to be considered:
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Optimum Support: For treating and preventing shin splints, insoles should not only be firm but should also provide flexible support. Plushy insoles that do not provide structural support may give you some immediate comfort, but such relief is temporary and doesn’t really heal the affected area.
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Shock Absorption: Your insoles must feature shock-absorbing capabilities. This protects your shin from stress impact and guards against any future damage. This is particularly very important if you have extremely high arches.
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Repetitive Stress Protection: One of the primary reasons for shin splints is repetitive movements while running or jumping which can cause strain in the lower leg muscles. Your insoles should be highly durable and protect your shins from stress. For this, the Superfeet Run Pain Relief and the Tread Labs Pace insoles are the best options.
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Replace Footwear: Other than choosing the right insoles, opt for footwear that provides adequate support to your lower leg. Shoes with improper cushioning, worn-out soles, and poor shock absorption abilities, may contribute to aggravating your shin splints injury.
Bottomline
Shin splints and other repetitive stress injuries can be very effectively treated with a little effort and the right treatment. Stretching, taking breaks, and using podiatrist-recommended insoles are great ways to prevent the recurrence of shin splints. Replace your insoles when necessary or choose custom-made orthotics for shin splints for greater support, exact fit, and high durability.
