If you suffer from the common problem of having a serious throbbing pain or ache in your shins, you might need to find the best running shoes for shin splints. Shin splints is a condition that is, more often than not, caused by running. So, what do you do for shin splints? If you want to continue your running hobby pain free, you are going to need to find some good running shoes for shin splints. However, before you decide on which shoes you need, first you should understand just what shin splints actually are and how they are caused, prevented and treated.
So, What Are Shin Splints Exactly?
The first thing that you should understand about shin splints is that they are an extremely common condition for runners. Generally, any pain that is felt in the shins as a result of running, dancing or exercise is referred to as shin splints, but specifically any pain that is below the knee and above the ankle on the front side of the leg – where the shin is obviously. However, there are different kinds of shin splints. You could have anterior shin splints which are in the back of the leg as well as medial shin splints, which happen inside of the leg.
Some of the symptoms that can come with shin splints include pain in the shin area in the section described above, a reduced capacity to flex your toes upwards, or accompanied by pain. Pain in your legs that occurs after running just a couple of miles. However, you should be aware that there are other conditions that can have similar symptoms as shin splints. You should talk to your doctor if you aren’t sure what your condition actually is. Your doctor may check for fractures and take X-rays of the area.
The Cause of Shin Splints
In order to choose the best running shoes for shin splints you have to understand all of the causes of them. The shoes that you wear is only one of the causes of shin splints, and even if you do choose the best running shoes for shin splints, you may still experience them if the problem is due to one of the other causes. Poorly fitting shoes is definitely a major cause, as well as shoes that are simply worn out. Overpronation, or the foot rolling inward and the arch flattening out, is also a cause as is a lack of proper stretching before running or problems with the muscles themselves. However, most of the time, shin splints can be traced back to the shoes that you are wearing.
How to Choose Good Running Shoes for Shin Splints
Before we get to the recommended shoes for both men and women if your shoes are indeed the problem, let’s explore some of the factors that you should consider before you buy a running shoe. These are general running factors, but they do affect how well you’ll be able to correct problems like shin splints. Choosing the right running shoe is an exercise in reflection on your running habits.
- How do you land? Do you strike your heel or land on the front part of your foot when you run? This is easy to determine. Just have someone take a video of you running. Whichever of these areas hit first should be the areas you look for the most cushion in when it comes to your running shoes.
- Is your lower leg joint stiff or flexible? If you have limited lower leg mobility you probably want to stay away from shoes that have a zero-drop or low drop.
- Are you a girl or a guy? Girls have tibias that are more narrow than men’s and so it is important to find shoes that are specifically designed for this, and for females in general.
- What is your preferred running surface? your training surface will determine what type of shoe you should pick. If you run on a solid surface that remains constant, your leg will become better at complying if you use a shoe with a stiffer sole. If you have shin splints in the lower part of the leg, you should probably go with a softer, more cushioned shoe.
- How often do you run? If you run daily, you may want to invest in at least two pairs when you find the perfect running shoe. Remember, shoes that are worn out is a major cause of shin splints and the best running shoes for shin splints are those that are newer and still retain the shape and cushion.
Best Shoes for Shin Splints – Women’s
1. Hoka One One Women’s W Conquest Running Shoe
The first shoes on our list of the best women’s shoes for shin splints is a brand of shoes called Hoka One One, and specifically the Hoka One One Women’s W Conquest Running Shoe . Runners everywhere are highly recommending the Hoka One shoes as a treatment for shin splints. There is reason why that is quite easy to see by looking at them and reading the reviews on them. They offer cushioning like no other shoe does. They last a very long time as well, and are durable enough to be worn every day on a variety of surfaces. As a bonus, they actually are mid-range shoes when it comes to price.
2. ASICS Women’s GEL-Kayano 21 Running Shoe
Second on the list is the Asics brand, particularly the GEL series and the ASICS Women’s GEL-Kayano 21 Running Shoe is the perfect example. This shoe features support and major cushioning that will help to prevent shin splints from every happening and keep the foot supported so that the current injury will heal and not cause pain when running.
3. New Balance Women’s W850v1 Running Shoe
The New Balance Women’s W850v1 Running Shoe is a great shoe for shin splints and helps to hold and support the foot without being too lightweight for you to feel it. It is from New Balance so it is affordably priced and made of extremely durable, high-quality material.
4. Mizuno Women’s Wave Inspire 10 Running Shoe
The Mizuno Women’s Wave Inspire 10 Running Shoe is from Mizuno, a brand that has been used by competitive marathoners for years. However, they are suitable for running long and short distances or even working out in the gym. The heavy cushioning that comes with the Wave Inspire series (as well as the Wave Rider series) is perfect for shin splints.
5. Brooks Women’s Ghost 7 Running Shoe
The thing about the Brooks Women’s Ghost 7 Running Shoe and Brooks shoes in general is that they are incredibly sturdy and are designed for heavier runners. If you feel like your shoes aren’t sturdy enough and you need more support, try Brooks. They are also cushioned to help with shin splints.
Running Shoes for Shin Splints – Men’s
1. ASICS Men’s GEL-Kayano 20 Running Shoe
First on our list for men’s shoes that help to prevent shin splints is the ASICS Men’s GEL-Kayano 20 Running Shoe. This is a great shoe with cushioning that will help to protect you and keep the pain at bay when you are running.
2. Nike Men’s Lunarglide+ 5 Running Shoe
One of the best shoes for shin splints on men comes to us from the Nike company, and it is number two on our list. The Nike Men’s Lunarglide+ 5 Running Shoe has been called the “solution shoe” for the problem of shin splints. The LunarGlide has support so that you don’t suffer from overpronation and continue the injury as well as cushioning and gripping to hold the foot like it should. This is one of the best cushioned shoes around and is extremely comfortable to wear, and reviewers are raving about how much it has improved their problems with shin splints.
3. Saucony Men’s Omni 12 Running Shoe
The Saucony Men’s Omni 12 Running Shoe is from a brand that understands runners and works to create the perfect shoe for everyone from the casual exerciser to the professional athlete. The reason that these shoes work so well for shin splints is that they are cushioned with a full-length ‘PowerGrid’ midsole foam pad and feature a support frame for the back of the foot. They implement some of the latest medical technology and knowledge in running shoes.
4. ASICS Men’s GEL-Nimbus 16 Running Shoe
Fourth on our list of the best running shoes for shin splints for men is the ASICS Men’s GEL-Nimbus 16 Running Shoe. We discussed this shoe’s female counterpart in the previous section and all of the things that make that such a good shoe for women are similar to what makes this shoe great for men. However, this shoe was designed specifically with men in mind and those who have worn it are impressed by its sturdiness.
5. Nike Men’s Flyknit Lunar 2 Running Shoes
The final shoe on the list of men’s shoes for shin splints is the Nike Men’s Flyknit Lunar 2. This offering from the well-known name brand Nike, is actually a very comfortable, very cushioned pair of running shoes that do wonders for people with shin splints. What’s great about this shoe is that the price range is lower than you’d expect for a Nike product, but the quality is the same as the huge prices that you see teenagers in the mall paying for their favorite pair of Nikes.
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