7 Best Running Shoes for IT Band Syndrome 2024
Are you looking for the Best Running Shoes for IT Band Syndrome? You’re right on time! ITBS (IT Band Syndrome) is one of the primary causes of knee pain among many runners. The ITBS is so painful and can make a runner abandon their training schedule.
However, investing in the correct Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome shoes and doing the right exercise will provide support for your knee problem allowing you to continue with your usual activities.
Here is a compilation of top Running Shoes for IT Band Syndrome
Also Read: Best Men’s Running Shoes for Bad Knees
Review: 7 Best Running Shoes for IT Band Syndrome
1. ASICS Gel-Kayano 26 Shoe for IT Band Syndrome
ASICS Gel-Kayano 26 tops my list for Best Running Shoes for IT Band Syndrome. The shoe has excellent features and technologies that help combat various knee issues including ITBS. The shoe is lightweight, cushioned, and offers good shock absorption.
The rear and forefoot sections have a generous amount of Gel cushioning that provides reliable shock absorption that helps to control pain caused by IT Band Syndrome. Hence, you’re assured of a comfortable experience while undertaking long-distance runs.
Another exceptional feature is the Impact Guidance System that works to improve the runner’s natural gait ensuring that they have smooth heel-toe transitions.
Furthermore, the midsole features a dual-density system called the DuoMax Support System that enhances the foot’s stability and support during running. This means, if you experience inward rolling of feet (overpronation), the system will keep excess movement in check helping to control flat feet and bunions.
Featuring the FLYTEFOAM® Propel technology and jacquard mesh upper for a lightweight experience that encourage free airflow into the shoe. Hence, you’ll run long distances while enjoying excellent support and comfort throughout the running session.
Kayano 26 also features FlyteFoam Lyte Technology that delivers continuous cushioning for extra protection against injuries. The EVA sock liner provides additional cushioning and rebounds for a pleasant underfoot feeling. The Guidance TRUSSTIC provides extra foot stability.
The outsole features a durable AHAR® rubber compound that provides protection against wear for a longer wear period. It also provides reliable traction on various surfaces.
- Excellent cushioning
- Highly comfortable
- Excellent stability
- Durable
- Breathable upper
- Dull color schemes
- Pricey
2. ALTRA Men’s Torin 4 IT Band Running Shoe
Most runners are pleased with the ALTRA Men’s Torin 4 adaptive upper fit and accommodating design. Runners with IT Band love the midsole for its reliable cushioning and its ability to adapt to the natural motion of the foot.
Altra Torin 4 has a midsole that features the newly updated Quantic™ foam. This foam provides a responsive and plush feeling allowing the wearer clock long distances without straining. The foam provides the shoe with a lightweight profile, helping with seamless transitions throughout the gait cycle.
The midsole also has a Natural Ride System (NRS) that helps to improve the natural shape, anatomical position, and motion of the foot for a smooth ride. The midsole unit also has a network of grooves that enhances flexibility around the joint and tendon areas ensuring improved performance.
The upper of Altra Torin 4 features an engineered mesh that allows entry of air into the shoe for a dry and fresh in-shoe experience. The mesh stretches appropriately to accommodate the wearer’s foot for a secure wrap.
The Altra Torin 4 also has lightly padded collar and tongue, which provide reliable cushioning around the ankles and the Achilles tendon. Hence, they prevent accidental shoe removal for a more comfortable running experience.
The shoe also features FootPod™ technology, which is an outsole technology that allows natural movement of the foot by enhancing the capacity of the tendons and joints to move naturally. The tread pattern beneath the outsole provides reliable grip on various surfaces.
- Snug in-shoe experience
- Highly versatile
- Breathable upper
- Excellent flexibility
- Wide toe box
- Supportive and stable
- Some people complained that the midfoot section was too tight
3. Brooks Men’s Beast 18
Brooks Men’s Beast 18 is a road running shoe that’s ideal for runners with IT Band Syndrome. The shoe has excellent stability mechanisms, comfortable construction, reliable cushioning, and a roomy to box to accommodate runners with wide feet.
The midsole of Beast 18 features a Super DNA foam that supports the foot during the running session. The DNA foam provides a softy and springy ride while also helping in shock absorption to protect the foot against injuries.
Another excellent feature is the Caterpillar Crash Pad design that promotes smooth heel to toe transition. The midsole section also incorporates Omega Flex Grooves that provide flexibility for the natural movement of the foot.
Another feature worth mentioning is the Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar. The rollbar corrects severe overpronation by guiding the body to its natural position by stabilizing the arch of the foot.
The rear section and the midfoot utilizes an air mesh fabric. This fabric allows entry of air into the shoe for a fresh and dry experience during running. The 3D printed design provides extra support to the upper. It also encourages the upper to hold the foot securely.
The forefoot section is wide enough to accommodate wide footed runners and people with bunions and hammertoes. The upper part of the forefoot has an engineered mesh with visible pores that allow proper ventilation for a comfortable in-shoe environment.
The outsole features a durable rubber outsole that provides reliable traction on varied surfaces. The heel section features HPR Plus, which is a rubber material that offers protection against abrasion. This rubber compound also provides traction and protects those areas that are susceptible to quick wear and tear.
- Excellent underfoot cushioning
- Excellent stability
- Comfortable
- Ideal for walking and running
- The best shoe for overpronators
- Supportive
- The best shoe for runners with plantar fasciitis
- Roomy toe box
- Bland and uninteresting color schemes
4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe for IT Band
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 1080 V10 finds a spot in the best running shoes for IT Band Syndrome. A neutral running shoe that’s well-cushioned, lightweight, flexible, and supportive.
The midsole of New Balance 1080 v10 utilizes Fresh Foam X for plush comfort. Fresh Foam X is a cushioning technology that delivers a soft yet responsive wear experience. It also offers superior energetic rebound for better performance.
The ortholite sock liner provides additional comfort. It also offers excellent moisture control capacity to prevent sweat for a cool in-shoe experience.
The NB Fresh Foam 1080 v10 has an outsole that utilizes a blown rubber compound. This compound ensures additional cushioning and responsiveness for a pleasant underfoot feeling.
The rubber compound also provides reliable traction and offers protection against abrasion. The outsole also has flex grooves that provide extra flexibility allowing natural flexing of the foot throughout the gait cycle. The grooves also provide additional grip.
To ensure unmatched comfort, the upper features Engineered Hypoknit technology that offers crucial support to feet while ensuring an adaptive fit for each foot type. Other than that, the upper has perforations that allow free entry of air into the shoe for an awesome in-shoe experience.
The bootie construction around the collar provides a non-irritating wrap to ensure a supportive and comfortable running experience.
The shoe also incorporates an ultra-heel component that provides a supportive and snug fit. The component holds the back the foot in place and prevents wobbling or accidental shoe removal.
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Flexible midsole
- Ideal for long-distance running
- Excellent cushioning
- Supportive
- Some customers reported that its A bit tight
Also Read: Best Women’s Running Shoes for Shin Splints
5. Saucony Men’s Kinvara 10 ITBS Running Shoe
Saucony Kinvara 10 is a neutral running shoe that’s highly versatile. It’s lightweight and conforms to the shape of the foot a responsive running experience.
The midsole features EVERUN top sole construction that helps to energize the foot during the running session. The EVERUN™ is lightweight allowing the wearer to lift their feet effortlessly without much strain.
The EVA+ works as the cushioning system for the whole shoe. It’s thick enough and helps to balance the foot to attain its proper form during the running session.
The shoe also features FORMFIT footbed that provides additional cushioning for a great underfoot experience. The footbed supports the foot’s curves and crevices for a more comfortable running experience.
The padded collar and tongue help to keep the feet in place. They also provide additional cushioning and protect the upper section of the foot from irritation. The shoe also has a soft interior lining that provides non-irritating wear while helping to prevent pain on top of the foot.
The upper of Saucony Kinvara 10 features an engineered mesh upper that allows excellent breathability. The mesh is stretchy enough to accommodate your foot securely and provide you an adaptive fit and relaxed ride. The upper also has Flex Film overlays that help to hold the foot securely during running.
The heel and the forefoot sections of the outsole feature durable compounds that enhance the durability and grip of the outsole. The flex groove pattern allows the natural movement or flexing of the foot by providing the needed flexibility.
- Excellent cushioning
- Lightweight construction
- Stable midsole
- Stylish
- Durable
- Some people reported the shoe is a bit heavier
6. Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 20 Running Shoe
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20 is another awesome running sneaker that supports the needs of runners with IT Band Syndrome. It features a perfect mix of comfort, support, and flexibility.
The shoe features GuideRails® support system that provides unmatched stability. The technology also averts overpronation by keeping excess movement in check during running or walking.
The midsole of GTS 20 also incorporates a good combination of DNA Loft foam and BioMoGo DNA foam. These two cushioning technologies promote great performance while ensuring runners with IT Band Syndrome have all the support they need to achieve their workout goals.
The shoe also includes a segmented crash pad that improves the cushioning and support capacity of the GTS 20. The crash pad moves naturally with the foot for personalized cushioning and stability. Hence, promote smooth transitions throughout the running session.
The upper of Adrenaline GTS 20 features an updated dual-layer FlexFit that provides a secure and flexible fit to combat overpronation. The FlexFit features a stretch engineered mesh that’s highly breathable and conforms to the shape of the wearer’s foot for a secure running experience. The forefoot is also spacious to accommodate wide feet.
The 3D print design reinforces the upper and provides needed support to enhance its shape and structure. The padded tongue provides extra comfort and support to the foot.
- Excellent cushioning
- Supportive
- Comfortable
- Roomy toe box
- Excellent arch support
- Idle for long-distance running
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Stylish
- A few people reported that the shoe has a narrow heel section
7. Adidas Originals Women’s Ultraboost
The Ultraboost ST incorporates superior cushioning, comfort, flexibility, and support to help runners with knee issues and those with IT Band Syndrome achieve their running goals.
The midsection features a Dual-density Boost technology that offers excellent cushioning for a responsive and energized ride.
Ultraboost ST also features a Torsion System that holds the shoe together for a smooth heel to toe transition. This system is prominent on the heel and forefoot sections and it provides ample arch support for enhanced stability during running.
The upper features an engineered mesh that offers a breathable feeling for a cool and fresh experience. Adidas also incorporates their brand’s Primeknit upper that provides needed flexibility and support for an awesome running session.
The construction of Ultraboost ST incorporates Aramis motion capture technology. The technology ensures that the shoe adapts properly to the natural shape of the foot during walking or running.
Ultraboost ST utilizes Stretchweb outsole for enhanced durability and traction. Don’t let the thinness of the outsole discourage you from buying this shoe. The outsole is highly durable compared to most shoes in the same category and it offers exceptional underfoot protection.
- Supportive
- Excellent stability
- Well-cushioned
- Exceptional outsole durability
- Comfortable
- Roomy forefoot
- Slightly heavy
Buyers Guide for Best Running Shoes for IT Band Syndrome
Fit And Comfort
Shoes that fit right provide the wearer with superior comfort helping to avert knee pain and other foot discomforts that may hinder your running schedule.
The best running shoes for IT Band Syndrome should have a spacious toe box to allow the natural wiggling of the toes during running. The heel section should also hold the back of the foot more securely to prevent accidental shoe removal.
The upper should also be accommodative and stretchy to hold your foot type securely in place. It should be firm and flexible to prevent overpronation.
Excellent Cushioning
Cushioning is an important consideration when picking running shoes for IT Band syndrome. During running, your feet are likely to experience hard ground impact. Shoes with good cushioning will absorb excess shock and prevent knee injury. Hence, you need well-cushioned shoes to successfully deal with IT Band syndrome.
Extra Stability and Support
The major cause of knee pain is wearing shoes that lack stability and a proper support system. Runners who overpronate are also likely to suffer from IT Band syndrome.
Therefore, it’s crucial that you pick shoes that will provide you the extra support and stability. Choose Shoes that will encourage a smooth heel to toe transition. This way, you’ll avoid straining your knees, hence achieve a proper running form
Reliable traction
When picking the best running shoes for IT Band Syndrome it’s crucial you choose those with an outsole that will provide reliable traction and grip. Such traction and grip will protect you from falls or slips
Chose an outsole that would provide additional cushioning to your underfoot. The outsole should also provide good ground contact to enhance performance and responsiveness.
Conclusion
I hope that this review on the Best Running Shoes for IT Band Syndrome has been helpful. Just remember to consider factors like support, cushioning, comfort, and the correct fit when choosing IT Band shoes.
Otherwise, all the reviewed shoes in this article are some of the best on the market, and choosing either of them will guarantee you the best performance.