Best Basketball Shoes For Shin Splints [Reviews & FAQs 2024]

Are you a basketball enthusiast suffering from shin splints?

Don’t let this common injury sideline your game!

This guide is perfectly compiled just for you.

We understand the pain and discomfort that shin splints can bring, especially when you’re on the court giving it your all.

That’s why we’ve curated a list of the top basketball shoes designed to alleviate this problem.

These shoes not only promise to support your feet and shins but also to enhance your performance.

Let’s make that jump shot without the pain!

List of Top 7 Best Basketball Shoes for Shin Splints

  1. Adidas Men’s Marquee Boost
  2. Adidas Unisex-Adult Harden Stepback 2.0
  3. Nike Men’s Lebron 17 Basketball Shoes
  4. Nike Air Force 1 Shoe
  5. Adidas Men’s Dame 5
  6. Nike Kid’s Kyrie 7
  7. Under Armour Men’s Curry 7 

How to Reduce the Risk of Developing Shin Splints

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your risk of developing shin splints.

Wearing quality basketball shoes and using orthotic inserts designed to cushion and support your foot and ankle can help you avoid shin splints.

Always remember to stretch before exercising, never over-train, and always listen to your body when it comes time to take a break.

Pay attention, wear proper footwear, and respect how your body feels – those are key factors in reducing your risk of developing shin splints.

How do basketball players avoid shin splints?

Basketball players tend to be very fast and agile.

This can put a lot of pressure on their shins, which are not accustomed to such quick movements.

To avoid shin splints, basketball players should look into buying some new basketball shoes, which have shock-absorbing insoles designed specifically to reduce stress on your shins.

Remember that a good pair of basketball shoes will make you run faster and jump higher.

So if you’re looking to play basketball professionally or just want to get better at it, consider getting yourself a new pair of basketball shoes.

1. Adidas Men’s Marquee Boost – Shin Splints Shoes With Low Cut

Our Top Pick

Adidas Men’s Marquee Boost – Best Shin Splints Shoes With Low Cut
 

Specifications:

  • Textile and Synthetic
  • The shaft measures approximately low-top from the arch
  • Rubber sole

Look no further if you’re experiencing shin splints—and don’t be surprised that these are men’s shoes (for women, look at Asics or Nike).

The mid-top cut means they’re not as constricting, while still offering enough cushioning and support to help.

No matter how much padding you have, it won’t do you any good if it’s too thick.

This shoe has enough cushioning to help but isn’t so bulky that your feet feel like they’re weighted down.

The traction on these shoes is a bit better than most others, making them great for both indoor and outdoor play.

They’re also made with an anti-microbial mesh that helps prevent odor from developing.

This shoe uses an elastic lace closure that’s designed to help ensure a snug fit.

If you’re someone who likes to tie their shoes really tight, it might be worth going up a half size.

You want a pair of shoes that are breathable, comfortable, and supportive.

This shoe is designed with just those features in mind.

The mesh upper is designed to be breathable while still offering durability, while a textile lining provides an added level of comfort.

The synthetic sole offers added support and shock absorption.

Pros
  • Quick-release cross laces
  • Superior lockdown
  • Impressive flexibility
  • Enjoy all-day comfort and plush foam cushioning
  • The durable textile upper gives breathability
Cons
  • No proper fit for wide feet

2. Adidas Unisex-Adult Harden Stepback 2.0 – Basketball Shoes

Our Editor’s Pick

Adidas Unisex-Adult Harden Stepback 2.0 - Basketball Shoes

 

Specifications:

  • Lace closure for a personalized fit
  • Textile upper with mesh cage
  • Unisex product

If you’re looking for basketball shoes for shin splints, these Adidas shoes are a great choice.

They fit snugly on your feet but are cool enough to provide comfort even after long hours of wear.

The arch support is second to none, and that’s an important feature for those with shin splints.

Most supportive of all, however, is their traction on indoor courts—unlike some other brands that seem to slip and slide around once you start playing at high speeds.

Their synthetic sole offers great traction, meaning you won’t slip or slide as much as you might with other shoes.

You’ll never have to worry about them sliding out from under you during high-speed play.

While these shoes look great, it’s their bounce midsole that really makes them a standout product.

This innovative technology helps to cushion your joints and bones from impact, reducing stress on your body.

You’ll be able to jump high without worrying about injuring yourself, or you can run faster without pain in your shins.

Pros
  • Great basketball shoe
  • Sleek design
  • Supportive ankle
  • Reinforced outsoles
  • Durable construction
Cons
  • Require Breaking in
  • Little bit narrow

3. Nike Men’s Lebron 17 Basketball Shoes – Stress-Free Construction

Overall Best Pick

Nike Mens Lebron 17 Basketball Shoes – Stress-Free Construction

 

Specifications:

  • Max Air unit featured
  • Merging the adaptive fit of Flyknit
  • lightweight

The Lebron 17 shoes are the most technologically advanced basketball shoes ever made.

The Nike Flyknit technology is probably the most advanced Nike Flyknit technology ever created.

This shoe is designed to fit snugly around your foot.

It’s like putting a sock on your foot.

The knitting pattern is also really high quality.

It’s durable and it can last for a long time.

The shoe has a lot of support and it’s durable.

If you wear this shoe for a long time, it won’t break down over time.

You’ll be able to jump higher in these shoes because they have a great heel counter.

They’re designed to have a very good lockdown.

They’re a little bit heavy, but that’s okay because they’re so well-designed.

These shoes are really comfortable.

The material is soft, and it feels good to walk around in them.

They’re not too tight, and they’re really comfortable.

They feel like they will be around for a long time, and that’s why they’re so expensive.

Pros
  • Great support
  • High heel counter
  • Good lockdown
  • Durable and well-designed
Cons
  • Little bit heavy

4. Nike Air Force 1 Shoe – For Unisex With Shin Splints

Reliable

Nike Air Force 1 Shoe – For Unisex With Shin Splints

 

Specifications:

  • Maximum Cushioning
  • Retro style
  • Largest Air unit

Nike’s Air Force 1 shoe is one of the most iconic shoes of all time, so it’s no surprise that the brand is still putting out some of the best versions of it.

The latest version comes with a mix of materials, including a quilted upper and a mesh tongue, that’s been inspired by the future.

It’s a cool concept, but the reality is that it’s not going to do much for your feet.

It’s actually pretty hard to find a comfortable version of this shoe, so if you suffer from shin splints, you might want to look elsewhere.

The main problem with this shoe is that it has a thick heel counter.

It doesn’t help that the heel counter is also quite stiff and inflexible, so it doesn’t allow your foot to move naturally when you walk.

The upper material does help with keeping your foot cool though, so it’s a nice feature to have.

If you’re looking for a comfortable version of this shoe, then look elsewhere.

Pros
  • Cool futuristic look
  • The upper material helps keep your foot cool
  • Nice ankle support
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • Not for those with narrow feet

5. Adidas Men’s Dame 5 – Basketball Shoes For Shin Splints

Unique

Adidas Mens Dame 5 - Best Basketball Shoes For Shin Splints

 

Specifications:

  • Flexible Bounce midsole cushioning
  • Lace closure
  • Lightweight 

If you’re looking for a pair of shoes that’ll keep you comfortable, and provide a great fit while you’re doing it, then Adidas Dame 5’s are just what you need.

The shoes are designed with a soft suede upper, which makes them comfortable to wear.

It also keeps the shoes from getting dirty and is a material that lasts longer than other types of shoes.

It also has a Bounce midsole which gives them lightweight cushioning, and a midfoot banking barrier that helps with lateral stability.

This helps you with quick changes of direction, which is important when you’re playing basketball.

The herringbone outsole provides great traction on the court.

It’s a common design and it works well for basketball.

The shoes also have a heel counter for added support and an internal pod that gives you a comfortable fit.

Adidas Dame 5’s are a great choice for beginners, or if you’re looking for something comfortable to wear if you have shin splints.

They’re a good choice for both men and women.

Pros
  • The herringbone outsole provides great traction on the court.
  • The Bounce midsole gives them lightweight cushioning.
  • The shoes are comfortable to wear, and they provide a great fit.
Cons
  • The toe box is not designed for a wide-foot

6. Nike Kid’s Kyrie 7 – Best Kids’ Sneakers For Shin Splints

Our Top Kids Pick

Nike Kid's Kyrie 7 - Best Kids' Sneakers For Shin Splints

 

Specifications:

  • Engineered for breathability and durability
  • Bouncy cushioning
  • Soft foam in the forefoot 

We’ve been using these sneakers for a few months now, and they’ve been holding up really well.

I love how they’re so light and flexible.

The mesh material is breathable, and the straps on the side help keep my foot in place.

This helps prevent shin splints from developing.

I use them when I need to do a lot of running, and they’re great because they don’t get in the way of my movements.

This is a good pair of sneakers for kids that’s comfortable enough for any occasion.

They’re also durable and easy to clean.

They won’t hurt your feet if you wear them for too long, but it’s best to replace them after a few months.

I’d recommend them to anyone who needs a lightweight, breathable, and durable shoe for running or playing sports.

Pros
  • Lightweight and flexible
  • Mesh material is breathable
  • Cushioned insole
  • Good for kids
Cons
  • A bit bulky

7. Under Armour Men’s Curry 7 

Our Versatile Pick

Under Armour Men's Curry 7 shoes for shin splints

 

Specifications:

  • Mesh & TPU skins for reinforcement 
  • Precision-fitting
  • HOVR Cushioning Midsole

This shoe has a lot of innovative features that are designed to optimize the game on the court, and they also ensure that feet are protected during long games.

The Curry 7 has a synthetic mesh upper that helps to keep the wearer cool and comfortable, and the mesh knit also allows air to circulate, so you won’t feel too hot or too cold.

The shoes also have a TPU heel counter and sock-like construction that gives you the support and stability you need.

They’re also very lightweight, so you can move faster and play better.

Curry 7 is made for all types of basketball players, including beginners and professionals, and it comes with a full 360-degree fit, so it’ll stay locked onto your foot.

The shoes have an external TPU heel counter that keeps your ankles stable and supports your feet.

The midsole unit features HOVR cushioning that allows you to run at your best, and it also helps to eliminate the sensation of impact as you take each step.

The Curry 7 features a split outsole design that provides excellent traction on the court.

This shoe also has a micro G foam that absorbs shock and gives you the comfort you need to run at your best.

If you want a shoe that’s versatile, comfortable, lightweight, and gives you the support and stability you need, then the Curry 7 is the perfect shoe for you.

You’ll feel confident and ready to go once you slip them on, and you’ll be able to reach new heights on the court.

Pros
  • Synthetic mesh upper
  • TPU heel counter
  • Sock-like construction
  • Lace-up closure
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Not for players with a high arch

How To Pick The Right Basketball Shoes for Shin Splints

There are many factors to consider when purchasing basketball shoes, consider the following factors:

Type of Court

You will need different shoes for different types of courts.

If you play on a hardwood court, you will need shoes with harder rubber on the bottom.

If you play on a court with a lot of sand, you will need shoes with more grip.

Your Style

As you know, basketball is a team sport.

You want to be comfortable while you are running around on the court but also want to look good and be able to move quickly.

A good pair of basketball shoes will help you accomplish both.

Arch Support

If you have flat feet, you will want a pair of basketball shoes that will support your feet.

Arch support is the most important part of a basketball shoe.

Comfort

Your feet and legs are going to be pounding on the floor for hours at a time, so you need to make sure that your shoes are comfortable.

Look for shoes that offer nice arch support and breathability.

Stability

Your legs will be doing all kinds of work over a race, which means that you need to ensure that your shoes provide you with adequate stability.

Price

While you want to buy the best shoes that you can afford, you don’t want to spend too much money on them.

If you can afford it, get the best shoes you can.

If not, find a shoe that works for you and you can afford it.

Support

The right basketball shoes will give your feet the support they need.

The support is important because your feet will be carrying all of your weight when you are on the court.  So, you want to make sure that your shoes are supportive enough for you to play well.  Look for shoes with a good heel-to-toe drop and plenty of cushioning.  A great way to check the support is to try on a pair of your favorite shoes.  Then, stand up and walk around.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can basketball cause shin splints?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it largely depends on the individual’s own physical attributes and how they play basketball.

  • Which basketball shoes have the best arch support for shin splints?

 There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the person’s build and the type of shin splints they are experiencing.

However, some basketball shoes perform well as we have reviewed above.

  • Will shoes help with shin splints?

Shoes will not cure shin splints, but they can make them easier to tolerate and/or reduce their severity.

When choosing your footwear, consider the following: Shoes that provide arch support: Shoes with arch support (e.g., running or basketball shoes) are generally recommended for people with shin splints.

Conclusion

There are many different types of basketball shoes out there, but you don’t have to spend a fortune on them.

You just need to make sure that you pick the right one for your feet.  You can get the right basketball shoes for you by looking at our reviews and recommendations.  We’ve tried to cover the most important questions and we hope you find them helpful.  Good luck and have fun on the court!

About me

I am Stev Rene. I am a writer, blogger, and athlete. My blog focuses on sports and fitness.
I started this blog because I felt that many people lack knowledge about sports and fitness.