What is the word avid runners fear? Shin splints. Yes, just reading the word can make you cringe. Shin splints are not exclusive to runners only though as it can happen to pretty much any athlete. Overall it is a case of pushing your body more than you should. But what are shin splints exactly?
Shin Splints Defined
Medically termed Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome or MTSS shin splints is a word used to describe pain in the lower leg. The pain comes from stress and inflammation of the muscle and tendons attached to the tibia bone (also called shin bone), which is located on the inner side of the leg. The result is pain happening either in the front or inner side of the lower leg. In other words, the shin bone muscles and tissues are overworked and become sore.
The Causing Factors
How do shin splints happen though? The main cause behind them is when the tissue and muscles in the leg get put under too much pressure or are overworked. It can also come on by receptiveness, or if you have a sudden switch in your normal physical activity routine. For example, you decide to change your flatter running route to a route that has steep hills. This could lead to a case of shin splints.
Other causing factors are:
- You have flat feet
- You have strong rigid arches
- Working out with improper or worn footwear
Signs of Shin Splints
So, you’ve been having a pain in your leg. Wondering could it be shin Splints? Here are some signs and hints:
- You notice its tenderness to the touch along the inner part of your lower leg.
- There is a dull aching pain in the front part of your lower leg.
- You notice muscle pain in your lower leg.
- There is some slight swelling.
- The pain increases during your exercise.
- Numbness and weakness in your feet start to happen.
As always see your doctor for a full proper diagnosis. One of the things your doctor might suggest is getting a pair of better shoes. Are their shoes designed to help aid shin splint? You bet! And guess what we have the best ones listed below!
Best Shoes for Shin Splints
Asics Gel Kayano 25SP Running Shoe (Men/Women)
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Available for both men and women this shoe provides shin splint protection granting what they call Flyefoam Propel. Made to give bounce with every jogging step you take this shoe offers great shin splint protection. Crafted using outstanding Guidance System Technology this is the ideal shoe for an avid runner as this shoe is meant to improve a runner’s stride from head to toe.
The light-weight feeling is made with Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) elastic material, which makes this shoe super durable too.
PROS: Impressive shock absorbing. Holds up for long-distance runs.
CONS: None.
Nike Air Zoom Vomero 13 Running Shoe (Men/Women)
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Featuring gum rubber soles the Nike Air Zoom Vomero 12 Running shoe caters to shin splints splendidly. Its main feature is their Flywire Tech that helps keep your feet from sliding around in the shoe. This in part helps you center and prevents injury. The foam midsole gives a nice cushioning that is felt upon the first step. Breathable and durable these shoes can withstand many miles and more.
PROS: It’s Nike. Works well for the average light runner.
CONS: Not the best for hardcore all-terrain running.
Asics Cumulus 22 (Men/Women)
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Get back in your routine with a pair of Asics Cumulus 22. These shoes are crafted to help ease shin splint pain. Featuring its famous FlyteFoam Lyte midsole cushionTech, plus rearfoot and forefoot GEL Tech Cushioning system these shoes are shock absorbent taking in the shock the minute you take off. Its Trussic System Tech helps make the shoe light-weight by lighting up the weight of the shoe sole yet still keeping the strength and durability of the shoes. Completing the shoe is the incorporation of its SpevaFoam 45 Lasting as it cushions the rest of the shoe for strengthening comfort.
PROS: Has Gait-enhancing ability. Has AHAR with high abrasion outsole.
CONS: None.
New Balance 680V6 (Men/ Women)
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Its lightweight and sleek design are eye-catching. Its support in shin splint protection matches its look. A fully cushioned running shoe using EVA foam it has a special ABZORB midsole section that helps, you guessed it absorb impact though a special combo of compression and cushioning as well as giving flexible support. Versatile, whether you are an intense runner, walker, jogger these shoes can hold up.
PROS: Great Fit. Upper mesh top fabric for breathability.
CONS: None.
Vionic Walker (Men/ Women)
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Shin splints due to flat feet? These shoes are APMA approved shoes and will support your feet right. EVE cushioned inside, and a 5-inch built-in lift to create a comfortable heel to toe step with each step.
PROS: Designed by podiatrists. Has biomechanical orthotic insoles.
CONS: Some reports say the soles start to wear out after 16 weeks.
Brooks Ghost 13 (Men/ Women)
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Pamper your shin splint issue in these comfortable babies. Good support with bonus cushioning these shoes work well whether you are running, cross-training, or at the gym. Made with a BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushion power, the segmented crash pad reacts as shock absorbers protecting your every stride. Soft and tough with a secure fit these shoes endure.
PROS: Forefoot and midfoot extra cushioning. Flexibility.
CONS: None.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Running Shoes (Men/Women)
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Easing strain on the lower legs these shoes provide strong stability making them perfect for training or high impact workouts. Its trademark Smooth ride Support Technology brings a nice light cushion feel at every step. New top soft mesh design grants breathability with the toe cap being inside creating a seamless sleek outside look.
PROS: Better fitting collar liner. Impact-absorbing midsole.
CONS: Reports say they don’t hold up if you run more than 5k. Sole reported getting slippery in rain.
Asics Gel-Contend 5 Running Shoes (Men/ Woman)
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Another from Asics as these shoes host your feet to some amazing shoe technology that brings you shinbone protection and support you have been needing. Displaying Rearfoot Gel Technology that reduces shock impact allowing for a less harsh stance transition, moisture management, and an Amplifoam midsole this shoe blesses you in comfort, flexibility, adaptability that is great for your common runner.
PROS: Removable Ortholite Sock liner. Great shoe for if you spend a lot of time on your feet also.
CONS: None.
ALTRA Escalante 2 Road Running Shoe (Men/Women)
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Don’t fear shin splints and aid your road to recovery in the ALTRA Escalante 2 Road Running shoes. Said to be an improved version from the original Escalante it still has all the things you loved about the classic version only better! The Escalante 2 has input better PU insole and a Dri-Lx Dri-Freeze heel liner to increase comfort and a better fit.
PROS. Nice toe room. Outsole tech maps the layout of your foot to aid in comfort and provide adequate stability in up and downhill runs.
CONS: Some reviews feel the original was better.
Saucony Cohesion 10 Running Shoe
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Superb cushioning is what marks Saucony Cohesion 10 Running shoe on this list. Thanks to its Hell GRID cushioning system it offers comfort, stability along with the flexibility you can go off to the races to conquer anything.
PROS: Breathable mesh top. Trail outsole for good traction
CONS: None.
Asics GT-2000 8 Running Shoes (Men/Women)
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Protect your shins and reduce the risk of getting shin splints in these Asics GT-2000 8 Running Shoes. Promoting total foot gel cushioning that absorbs the ground hitting impact, thus there is less impact on your shins. It’s Fluidride midsole and Guidance Trusstic System will keep your gait in check.
PROS: Features good outsole traction, and ComforDry sock liner to keep your feet dry and feeling fresh.
CONS: None.
Nike Revolution 5 Running Shoe (Men/Women)
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Nike’s shin splint protection features grant this Nike Revolution 5 kudos. Its Flywire cables give this shoe its lightweight feeling and good support structure. The soft plush midsole gives top-notch cushioning and its rubber sole offers thickness for shock-absorbing flex traction.
PROS: Nike quality. Offer good traction.
CONS: None.
Brooks Ghost 12 (Men/Women)
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If you are just getting into running a pair of Brooks Ghost 12 is what you want for some shin splints security or relief. Thanks to its 3D print fit these shoes practically conform to your feet with well placed structure and stretch just where you need it. Its segmented crash pad design is to act as shock buffers so your shins are cushioned in every stride you run from heel to toe.
PROS: Features BioMoGo DNA and DNA Loft cushioning that work together for cushion comfort.
CONS: None.
Asics Gel-Excite 4 Running Shoe
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The proud feature in this Asics shoe is its rearfoot GEL cushioning system. It helps soften foot to ground impact offering less impact stress to hit your shin bone too. Add its AHR outsole that gives the sole strong durability letting you run your miles till you’re ragged, but your shoes are not.
PROS: Removable sock liner. Reflective factor.
Salomon Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoe (Men/Women)
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Built sturdy the Salomon Speedcross 4 encases your feet securely and keeps you stable when you run the rugged terrain. Its strong sole grip traction gives protection from injury as you run to keep you and everything else in balance. Headlining a removable Ortholite footbed, and an EVA dual-density midsole for a nice cushion feel this is a shoe that will last you through as well.
PROS: Made sturdy and transitions well on alternating terrain. No tie laces.
CONS: Not a good fit for those with wide feet.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 13 (Men/Women)
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The predecessor to the Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 that is on our list. The Wave Inspires 13 still stands tall as a good shoe for creating a barrier against shin splint pain. A strongly structured shoe, but with flexibility and breathability. Its double wave fan features support and moves with you. It also calls attention to its U4ic midsole foam for increased cushioning makes your jog or run effortless and smooth.
PROS: Removable insole, and is surprisingly light-weight.
CONS: None.
ON Running Cloud Road Shoe (Men/Women)
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The spotlight on these shoes is their cool CloudTec design that kicks in only when it senses your foot hit the ground. Its CloudTec sole design features zero gravity foam, and with its removal density insole, it all creates a great comfort and support. Add that its breathable mesh topping and synthetic overlay offer it extra support to the shoe as well. You just supported all over creating less stress.
PROS: Lightweight. Bungee cord strings.
CONS: Its durability is questionable.
Vasque Constant Velocity II Trail Running Shoe (Men/Women)
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Made for endurance running your feet and shins are encased in EVA midsole cushion comfort. Along with a compression resistance, it’s Axisgrip rubber sole provides a solid traction grip. Protection and durability are what you get.
PROS: Rubber molded toe cap. 8mm drop for heel striking. Comfortable
CONS: None.
Adidas Ultraboost Personal Best Running Shoe (Men/Women)
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Delivering energy-boosting cushion protection with each step you will think you never had a shin splint issue at all. Going farther than you thought you could before this crafted Adidas has the lightest mesh fabric of any Adidas shoe resulting in it being refreshingly lightweight. Its internal structure locks you in for a secure fit to race your day.
PROS: Comfortable and lightweight.
CONS: Said to have narrow build even in wide-width sizes.
Under Armour Charged Assert 8 Running Shoe (Men/Women)
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Looking for some good cushioning with added balance aid and flexibility? Under Armour Charged Asset 8 Running Shoe will give it to you. Targeting the casual runner, these shoes give you a strong leather overlay that gives stability and secure your midfoot in place. Its EVA sock liner gives the shoe is happy to comfort fit, and its empowered cushioned midsole has compression molded foam cushions that impact effectively while distributing energy return evenly.
PROS: Lightweight. Durable solid rubber outsoles.
CONS: Does not have removable insoles.
Conclusion
Even though you have good shoes, injury can still happen that is why you should take some precaution measures to prevent shin splints from even striking.
- Always make sure you warm up before any exercise and this includes walking too.
- Increase your exercise endurance gradually. Don’t just go all in hard
- Avoid uneven terrain if you can.
- Incorporate some calf strength training to build up your calf muscles.
- Lastly if you feel pain stop immediately. Never tough it out.
Now get out there and run!
Sources:
1. https://footwearox.com/best-running-shoes-shin-splints/
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/shin-splints#symptoms
3. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/shin-splints
4. https://www.shoehero.com/best-running-shoe-for-shin-splints/