Shoes Causing Shin Splints?
How to Choose the Best Running Shoes for Shin Splints
When asked, many runners consider shin splints to be the number one worry of their running lives. It not only causes pain but also pushes one down the ladder in terms of performance. This is a condition that occurs when the muscles around the shin get swollen or torn and is often triggered when running more than usual or when someone just gets started.
In sportswear there has always been a solution for every foot condition and for shin splints, there’s relief in the best running shoes for shin splints. Running in the right shoes not only helps in pain management but also goes the extra mile to prevent further occurrences of the same.
In order to help you make the right choice for the right shoes for you, we will walk you through the features to look out for when choosing these shoes.
How to choose the best running shoes for shin splints
When looking for the best shoes for shin splints, here are the key factors that you should use to narrow down your options in the crowded markets:
- Material of Construction
Investing in shoes designed with quality materials could make a difference in pain related to shin splints. Your focus should also be on shoes made with lightweight materials, a mesh upper construction, EVA midsoles and make sure you have enough room in the toe box.
- Size and fit
There’s a close relation between how well a pair of shoes fits and how comfortable it will feel on the feet. A well-fitting running pair of shoes helps reduce flips which in turn minimizes shin splints. Finding the correct shoe-size, especially when shopping online requires that you have your right feet measurements as a buyer.
Today, you don’t need to see a professional to have your feet measured because you can do so by following these easy steps. With these, you can easily locate your perfect size based on the shoe-size chart provided by the supplier and also by going through reviews from those who have used the product. Reading through the reviews will guide you in knowing if the shoe is true-to-size or not.
- Level of Cushioning
Runners prefer different levels of cushioning, but if you often experience shin splints, look out for shoes with proper cushioning in them. This prevents anything that might trigger the pain by giving your feet the needed insulation, leaving you comfortable the entire time. You can still opt for shoes with removable inserts that can be adjusted for customized comfort.
The cushioning should also match your arches, but we also have neutral running shoes that can be used by all runners. However, all that matters is comfort, and once your feet get used to a certain level of cushioning, you should always stick to that to prevent shin splints.
- Breathability
I highly recommend shoes with breathable uppers for any type of running shoes and not only those for shin splints. Insist on shoes with mesh uppers because in addition to breathability, their flexibility also gives your feet the perfect fit, keeping you comfortable especially when you run for extended hours.
When running, there’s a lot of friction involved, making the feet prone to sweating. However, with breathable uppers your feet will stay dry, comfortable and fresh, and in the end it eliminates chances of shoe and feet odour.
- Shoe Brand
Not all the running shoes we have on the shelves are good for shin splints and that’s why it’s equally important to pay attention to brand name. Some of the 5 best running shoes for shin splints that you can choose from include: Brooks Ghost 11, Hoka One One Clifton 2, ASICS Men's GEL-Nimbus 20 , Saucony Cohesion 10 and Adidas Ultraboost All Terrain Running Shoe.
These are brands that guarantee quality, so investing in a pair or two from any of the aforementioned products will have your needs sorted for a long period of time. Some of them might be costlier than others on the shelves, but you shouldn’t have a second thought about such brands because with them comes value for money.
Another reason why I insist in well-known brands is that in case the pair of shoes don’t meet your requirements, you can easily get a refund or replacement.
- Stability levels
One of the reasons why most best shoes for shin splints are made with rubber soles is because they’ll always keep you on your feet. This is attributed to their sturdy and flexible properties. Such outsoles also help in absorbing impacts from the ground, thereby minimizing pains and injuries.
Conclusion
For a long-term solution for injuries related to shin splints, there’s more to choosing the best running shoes for shin splints. You can also opt for other ways like using ice packs to help with the swelling, keeping your legs elevated, wearing elastic compression bandages, massaging the shin with a foam roller or even taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory meds like ibuprofen.
Don’t let any pain or injuries hinder you from covering the miles that you should. However at the end of the day, you need to take it easy on yourself as a runner, if you’re prone to shin splints because as we have seen, overworking your muscles is the leading cause for such pains.