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You already know the importance of having the right pair of shoes. Not only do they need to provide the necessary support and stability for quick movements and jumps, but they also need to be comfortable and able to withstand the rigors of the game, especially when you have shin splints.
For those who suffer from shin splints, finding the right pair of basketball shoes can be even more challenging. Shin splints are a common overuse injury that can be caused by excessive stress on the shinbone and surrounding muscles, tendons, and tissues. And it’s quite nasty.
Quick Answer: The best basketball shoes for shin splints in 2023 are “Nike LeBron 20.”
Following my long-held tradition of providing purely genuine, trustworthy, and extensive reviews for footwear products, I’ve assembled another review guide to help you choose the right basketball shoes for shin splints.
My team and I have done the research, and in this review article, we’ll take a look at some of the best basketball shoes for shin splints, highlighting their key features and benefits. We’ll also provide some tips on what to look for when shopping for a new pair of shoes, including cushioning, support, and fit.
Whether you’re just starting or are a seasoned pro, be sure to check out our comprehensive review of the best shoes for shin splints.
Contents
Best Basketball Shoes For Shin Splints – A Comparison Table
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best overall  |
| Check Price At AmazonCheck Price At Finish Line | |
2nd Best Choice  |
| Check Price At AmazonCheck Price At Finish Line | |
Best Budget Choice  |
| Check Price At AmazonCheck Price At Finish Line | |
Unisex  |
| Check Price At AmazonCheck Price At Finish Line | |
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| Check Price At AmazonCheck Price At Finish Line |
How We Reviewed
After a detailed analysis that spanned a considerable amount of time, we were able to filter out the best shoes available in the market nowadays. My team and I critically examined every basketball shoe that was brought to us and made sure no biases could invalidate our final reviews.
All the time spent amounted to this extensive guide you are reading, and it’s tradition here to share our review process with all its ins and outs. Therefore, below is a succinct introduction to how we arrived at our final picks from the bundles that were brought to us.
- We invested over 35 hours surfing through tens of review articles, reviews of customers and professionals, and eCommerce websites. We also spent our time landing some cursory glances over major sellers’ reviews to find out how successful they are in the market.
- Eventually, my team shortlisted 30 of the best basketball shoes for shin splints, with their selection strategy being primarily focused on pricing, cushioning, support, fit and overall comfort.
- Then, I tested the top 5 and inspected their quality, comfort, and overall performance on the court.
- Lastly, I consulted my LBA teammates to ask for their advice for product testing in Messina, Italy, as well as a certified podiatrist.
What makes a basketball shoe good for shin splints is the level of support and cushioning it provides. That’s because you want to limit pronation as much as possible. – Adam Gotelli, professional basketball player from Messina, Italy
Basketball Sneakers For Shin Splints – In Depth Reviews
#1 Nike LeBron 20
- Size: 7.5 - 15.5
- Ankle: Low - Top
- Weight: 15.7 oz
The Nike LeBron 20 basketball shoes are the latest addition to LeBron James' signature line, and they do not disappoint. These shoes are designed with comfort, stability, and support in mind. All three factors infused in this basketball shoe make it win the top spot on this list. Check them out!
- Upper made of a dimensional mesh that makes it relatively airy and breathable
- Heels come with a top-loaded forefoot Zoom bag that provides a smooth, supportive ride
- Toggle laces have an edgy, premium look owing to the metal eyelets
- A patterned rubber outsole enhances grip and traction on the court
- Not designed for outdoors
- Has to be broken in
One of the standout features of the LeBron 20 shoes is the upper.
It is made of a dimensional mesh material that is both airy and breathable, helping to keep your feet cool and comfortable during gameplay, thus preventing shin splints. The double Swoosh design on the side adds a touch of style, and the LeBron detailing at the tongue, heel, and insole adds a personal touch.
In terms of performance, the LeBron 20 basketball shoes are equipped with Zoom Air Technology. The top-loaded forefoot Zoom bag in the heel provides a smooth, supportive ride, while the additional Zoom bag in the heel offers crucial impact protection, perfect for wide feet.
This technology alone makes this basketball shoe outpower others in competition for better safety and comfort.
In addition to the cushioning and stability provided by the Zoom Air technology, the LeBron 20 shoes also offer excellent support. The high-top design helps to stabilize the ankle, and the outsole made of durable rubber provides traction on the court and helps to prevent slips.
I played four intense indoor basketball games with these shoes and I felt stable all the time.
Overall, the Nike Men’s LeBron 20 basketball shoes are a great choice for basketball players looking for shoes that could provide increased comfort yet maintain a high-performance and stylish, premium feel.
They offer excellent cushioning, stability, and support, with a sleek-looking upper. If you’re in the market for a new pair of shoes that are guaranteed to provide unquestioned safety with unmatched arch support, then these are worth considering.
You can further check out Nike Men’s Lebron 20 overall look and performance from this video below:
#2 Jordan Max Aura 4
- Size: 7.5 - 15.5
- Ankle: High - Top
- Weight: 28.2 oz
If you ask for shoes you can wear all day and witness no sign of weariness or strain at all during the play, the Jordan Max Aura 4 basketball shoes are your savior. A high-performance option for players looking for a combination of style and comfort, these shoes come with exceptionally great arch support, durability, and cushioning that would amaze you!
- A polyester upper
- A pure genuine, and synthetic leather
- It comes with embroidered graphics and classic Jordan branding detailing
- Impact cushioning and comfort are improved by the Visible Max Air unit.
- Futuristic tread pattern enhances multi-surface traction
- Poor breathability
- Similar appearance to Air Jordan 11
With genuine leather, synthetic leather, and polyester upper, these shoes offer a durable and breathable fit.
The classic Jordan branding detailing and embroidered graphics add a touch of style, and the visible Max Air unit provides impact cushioning and comfort. These new air cushions provide more flexibility and spring without compromising any other feature.
The futuristic tread pattern is designed to provide multi-surface traction, so you can stay stable and in control no matter where you’re playing basketball. I know a did when I tested them on a dusty court.
However, these shoes are ace in all aspects, yet it has somewhat limited breathability compared to other shoes on this list. In my opinion, the previous model – the Jordan Max Aura 3 is better ventilated.
Nevertheless, they offer amazing traction, cushioning, and durability, making them suitable for wearing with shin splints, very much like its other Jordan siblings. Therefore, if comfort and cushioning are what you look for, these shoes can be your immediate pick.
#3 Giannis Immortality
- Size: 6 - 16
- Ankle: Low - Top
- Weight:10.58 oz
The Nike Giannis Immortality pair of basketball shoes offer a unique option for basketball fanatics whereby they can unleash their inner freak on the court wearing shoes that reflect their true fanaticism.
- Ventilated breathability with engineered mesh overlay
- Midfoot has an internal strap wrap that helps shoes provide extra stability
- Comes with curved cushions from heel to toe for comfortable strides
- The outsole rubber is grooved that maintains traction during lateral movements
- Reduced weight due to cutouts in the cushioning
- Ankle support is not consistent compared to other similar options in the market
- Materials and features used could perform better
I have a pair of these basketball shoes and to be honest, for the attractive price tag, the quality is far more than satisfying. They are lightweight and with exceptional cushioning, which is something that players with shin splints will appreciate.
The Nike Giannis Immortality shoes, with their engineered mesh overlay, deliver ventilated breathability. This helps to keep your feet cool and comfortable during gameplay, so you can focus on your performance, reducing potential risks of accidents.
The internal strap wraps over the midfoot to help provide stability during lateral movements, making these shoes a great choice for support and stability.
In terms of cushioning, the Nike Giannis Immortality shoes offer curved cushioning from heel to toe for smooth strides. The cutouts in the foam cushioning reduce weight and provide optimal responsiveness, making these shoes a great choice for players who need quick and agile movements. I have a team mate in Messina who has shin splints and these sneakers are his favorites.
The feature that Giannis Immortality shines with is its “light-weightiness”, which makes them one of the perfect options for those who are afraid of shin splints and straining their ankles. Just don’t forget to tie them properly.
The outsole rubber is split by grooves to maintain traction when moving side-to-side, making these shoes a great choice for players who need reliable traction on the court.
And to sum it all up, these shoes are the most budgeted on this list. They have got a lot to offer for the price range they come in. These budget-friendly shoes could be an easy pick if you are not willing to spend more and yet want a safe, well-cushioned shoe. Check out this article for more basketball shoes on a budget.
#4 Adidas Dame 8 (Unisex)
- Size: 4 - 13
- Ankle: Mid - Top
- Weight: 12.73 oz
The next pair on our list of best basketball shoes for shin splints is again a perfect combo of comfort and style. Unisex Dame 8 satisfies all your possible expectations from mid-top basketball shoes; smooth fit, premium looks, and perfect comfort.
- Good overall traction, especially on clean courts
- Heels have impact protection and offer good arch support
- Good responsiveness in the forefoot
- Improved, comfortable in-shoe feels
- Better lateral stability
- Collects dust significantly
- The heel lining feels awkward on wearing
With a rubber sole and mesh upper, these shoes offer a durable and breathable fit. The mesh upper is made of air mesh, which helps to keep your feet cool and comfortable during gameplay, so you can focus on your performance.
One of the standout features of the Unisex Dame 8 shoes is the dual-density cushioning. The Bounce Pro cushioning provides the ideal ratio between energy return, cushioning, and ankle support, making these shoes a great choice for players who need a bouncy, responsive feel underfoot.
The cushioning is also strategically placed on the heel and forefoot, providing a balanced and comfortable ride.
In terms of traction, the Unisex Dame 8 shoes offer excellent grip. After a few tests. I was able to confim this on both indoor and outdoor courts.
The rubber outsole delivers great traction, making these shoes a great choice for players who need a reliable grip on the court. The outsole is also durable and able to withstand the rigors of the game, so you can count on these shoes to last.
Overall, the Unisex Dame 8 shoes present good competition to all the shoes in the market.
Basketball players with shin splints looking for a high-performance shoe with a stylish twist should definitely check this shoe out before concluding. Whether you are a beginner or a pro player, and you want a comfortable pair of shoes, definitely check these out. Plus, they are suitable for gym training.
#5 Adidas Harden vol. 6
- Size: 4 - 20
- Ankle: Low - Top
- Weight: 15 oz
Adidas' performance is known worldwide, and the newest Harden Vol. 6 is no exception. These basketball shoes for shin splints are a high-performance option for players looking for a combination of style and comfort. With a focus on stability, agility, and cushioning, these shoes are designed to help you take your game to the next level while yet still making sure that you have a comfortable experience.
- Stable traction on different types of courts
- Comfortable and plush cushioning that improves overall in-shoe feel
- Purposefully designed for agility
- Improved stability in side-to-side movement
- Ankle lockdown and arch support are appreciable
- Long break-in period
- The materials feel cheap
These shoes come with a mesh upper made of air mesh that provides increased breathability, ensuring an airy in-shoe atmosphere during running and gameplay. It helps you focus on your performance better.
One of the standout features of the Adidas Harden Vol. 6 shoes is the cushioning. The shoes are built with Adidas BOOST technology, which provides an incredible energy return by fusing energy capsules.
This gives you the power to keep your feet moving, making these shoes a great choice for players who need a bouncy, responsive feel underfoot.
I have an old pair of Adidas Harden Stepback vol. 2 and the shock absorption is very limited as compared to the newest Harden model.
The cushioning is also strategically placed on the heel and forefoot, providing a balanced and comfortable ride. The shoes are purpose-built for agility, so you can move quickly and easily on the court.
In terms of traction, the Unisex-Adult Harden Vol. 6 shoes offer excellent grip. The rubber outsole delivers great traction, making these shoes a great choice for players who need a reliable grip on the court.
The outsole is also durable and able to withstand the rigors of the game, so you can count on these shoes to last. Whether you’re playing basketball on a smooth indoor surface or a rough outdoor surface, these shoes will provide the grip you need to stay stable and in control.
Although last on the list, still among the bests, the Adidas Harden Vol. 6 shoes are a great choice for those of you who always look forward to Adidas keeping up with your expectations and demands.
This shoe is no exception, either. With its new and enhanced technology and features, Adidas Harden Vol. 6 could be your next go-to shoes, so definitely try them out.
Features To Look After Before Choosing Basketball Shoes For Shin Splints
When choosing the best basketball shoes for shin splints, I especially look for those that provide relatively more in-shoe comfort than others in the market. Even that may include giving up on other important areas of shoe selection.
However, quite fortunately, some shoes offer an optimum combination of both comfort and style, which makes the selection process fast and easy. Some of them we have listed in our top 5 list for best basketball shoes for shin splints.
Let us now talk in detail about how you can analyze these shoes yourself to look for the qualities that make the shoe a better shock absorber and more comfortable overall.
Cushioning
Cushioning helps with shock absorption and reduces the risk of injury, making it a determining factor when buying shoes to prevent shin splints.
There are several types of cushioning that can be found in shoes, including foam, gel, and air. Foam cushioning is a soft and responsive material that is often used in the midsole of shoes.
It provides a bouncy feel underfoot and is good for shock absorption. Gel cushioning is a more viscous material that is also used in the midsole of shoes.
According to the research conducted by the National Library Of Medicine in America, the risk of injury was greater in those runners who wore hard shoes compared to those who had shoes with better-cushioned insoles.
Therefore, it is highly recommended that you invest in shoes that support better insole cushions so that the potential risks of shin splints can be reduced, or if you already have shin splints, any likelihood of further strain is diminished.
Fit
A good fit ensures that the shoes are comfortable, supportive, and stable, which is essential for safety and prevents shin splints along with other potential accidents during gameplay.
Several factors can impact the fit of a pair of shoes, including the materials used. Shoes made with lightweight materials like mesh, and synthetic leather may be more comfortable and breathable, but they may not provide as much support as shoes made with heavier materials like leather.
Moreover, shoes with traditional laces or toggle laces can be adjusted for a secure fit, while shoes with elastic laces or slip-on designs may not be as adjustable. It is recommended not to choose shoes with toggle laces when buying ones to prevent shin splints, since there are increased chances of tripping over when the laces come loose and untie.
Furthermore, if the shoe is too loose, it may cause slippage and instability, while a shoe that is too tight may cause discomfort and restrict movement. As manifested in the research conducted by Biomedical Central, California, improper shoe fitting is a major factor contributing to foot and knee pain and foot disorder.
Both of these factors may further increase the strain, especially if you have narrow feet therefore, it’s recommended to try different shoes and buy the ones that fit you perfectly.
Support
Support is an important factor to consider when buying a pair of shoes to play high-impact activities like basketball. A supportive shoe provides the stability and structure needed to help keep your feet and ankles safe. Having such shoes:
- Provides proper alignment
- Reduces the risk of injury
- Improves overall performance.
Several features can contribute to the support of a shoe, including the outsole, insole, and upper.
The outsole is the bottom part of the shoe that comes into contact with the ground, and it provides stability and traction. A shoe with a wide, flat outsole is generally more supportive than a shoe with a thin, curved outsole, perfect for flat feet.
The insole, or footbed, provides additional support and cushioning for the foot. That’s also helpful for players with plantar fasciitis.
A shoe with a contoured insole that follows the natural shape of the foot is generally more supportive than a flat insole.
The upper is the top part of the shoe that surrounds the foot, and it helps to hold the foot in place and provide support. A shoe with a secure, supportive upper is generally more supportive than a shoe with a loose, flexible upper.
When choosing a pair of shoes, it’s important to consider the level of support you need based on your foot type and activity level. A shoe with good support can help improve your performance and reduce the risk of injury.
Impact Protection
I already mentioned that good cushioning provides solid impact protection.
But why is that important for shin splints?
Impact protection is important for basketball players with shin splints because it helps absorb shock and reduce stress on the shins during intense physical activity.
This can help alleviate pain and prevent further injury to the shins, which also helps supinators. Good basketball shoes for shin splints typically have features such as cushioning, arch support, and a stable midsole to provide adequate impact protection.
What Are Shin Splints?
Shin splints are a common injury among basketball players that occurs when the muscles and tendons in the lower leg become inflamed due to overuse or repetitive stress.
Shin splints can cause knee pain, swelling, and tenderness in the front or inside the lower leg and can be difficult to treat. However, there are several steps you can take to alleviate the pain and help speed up your recovery.
How To Alleviate Shin Splints Pain
One of the most effective ways to alleviate the pain from shin splints is to wear orthopedic insoles. These insoles provide extra support and cushioning for your wide feet and can help to redistribute your weight, reducing the strain on your shins during play.
From Visually.
Another useful tip is to ice your shins after activity to help reduce swelling and inflammation caused by shin splints. You can do this by applying an ice pack or cold compress to your shins for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
Working with a physiotherapist can also help manage shin splints. A physiotherapist can provide exercises and stretches to help strengthen and stretch your lower leg muscles, as well as guide proper form and technique to help prevent further injury.
Finally, it’s important to give your body time to rest and recover. Avoid high-impact activities or activities that put a lot of strain on your shins, and try to incorporate lower-impact activities like swimming or cycling into your training routine.
With proper treatment and rest, you should be able to recover from shin splints and get back to your normal activities.
You can further read about shin splints from basketball by following the link below:
Shin Splints From Basketball and What To Do About Them
FAQ
The basketball shoes that are good for shin splints are those whose designs are primarily focused on cushioning, shock impact absorption, good arch and ankle support, and overall comfort. Similarly, shoes that are a perfect fit for your feet are the best options; therefore, try the shoes before you buy them.
Basketball players avoid shin splints by avoiding tight calf muscles, which are caused by muscle imbalances and can potentially cause shin splints during play. Therefore, basketball players perform proper warm-ups and stretch before and after the game. Especially calf stretching is a necessary warm-up exercise.
Yes, however, even though shin splints are not classified as serious medical issues, it is still not advised to continue playing through pain. You may want to let your muscles rest for some days or weeks and relieve yourself of pain before you play any more basketball, as otherwise, it can further cause shin splints.
No. However, investing in quality running shoes may greatly help to relieve the strain on your muscles and make you feel better. More comfortable shoes may reduce the likelihood of your shin splints worsening over time.
-Have a good amount of rest and give your muscles time to heal
-Ice your shins to alleviate pain and ease swelling
-Take anti-inflammatory painkillers if the pain is severe