Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), is a general term that is used to refer to lower leg pain that occurs around the front outside part of the leg, or around the shins. Shin splints are common in athletes of all types as well as in non athletes who are transitioning from a more sedentary lifestyle into a more active one.
The most common causes of shin splints include: overpronation, lack of proper stretching, non supportive shoes, excessive stress, or frequent, repetitive use of the muscles in the shin. Individuals with flat feet or high arches are also more at risk of developing shin splints while exercising or participating in other high motion activities. Most often, shin splints will primarily affect one leg in particular, which is usually the dominant leg of the individual (similar to the dominant hand). The pain tends to be most common on the inside of the shin, though shin splints can strike anywhere on the lower leg.
Despite understanding what can cause shin splints, there is still a great deal of confusion around the subject of what shin splints actually are. However, it is generally agreed that shin splint pain centers around inflammation of the muscles, tendons, or bone issue in the leg surrounding the tibia.
One way to try and reduce one’s propensity to develop shin splints is to seek out athletic footwear that is better suited for cushioning the foot and providing better shock resistance and support for the leg. The following short guide will go into detail on a few different shoes that are rated highly when it comes to preventing shin splints.
1. Salamon Speed Cross
Salamon is a company with a long past in providing outdoor gear for outdoor enthusiasts. The company began as a family project in 1947 selling skiing gear to skiers of the French Alps, and in the intervening years they have grown into a vast and complex business. The company continues to hold to its original values of trying to get people out and interacting with the wider world by providing them with the tools and gear they will need to conquer the outdoors.
The Salamon Speed Cross Trail Running Shoe is a perfect example of a running shoe that is designed to ensure that individuals can get out and moving with the full confidence that their shoes will protect their feet and keep them comfortable. These trail running shoes are made with a durable rubber sole with plenty of traction, water resistant materials, a comfortable fit, and are lightweight so they will not slow their wearer down. The shoes are available in both men’s and women’s fits and come in a variety of color options.
2. Saucony Speed Cross
Similar in many ways to the Salamon Speed Cross, the Saucony Speed Cross Running Shoe features a sleek and lightweight design that is perfect for keeping someone moving longer outdoors. Saucony combines its patented EVERUN Topsole and TRI-FLEX Outsole technologies in this shoe to ensure that it provides the maximum amount of cushioning, flexibility, and protection. These shoes are available in both men’s and women’s fits and come in a variety of color options.
3. Asics Gel Quantom 360
The most unique feature of these running shoes is the material that Asics uses in the shoe’s insoles to create a comfortable and yet lightweight fit. The insoles include a mix of gel and foam cushioning technology that is specifically designed to help increase overall shock absorption in the shoe so that, while running, the wearer is less likely to injure him or herself and/or otherwise develop painful shin splints. The Asics Gel Quantum 360 running shoes also feature a unique “FluidFit Upper” mesh material that makes the outer material of the shoe stretchy yet durable.
4. Saucony Triumph
Saucony has created a truly unique and efficient running shoe with their Triumph line. These shoes are specifically designed to provide pronation control, comfort, impact protection, and flexibility for the wearer. Add those features to the shoe’s ISO fit system that provides a custom fit for each wearer in addition to an 8 mm offset, or the difference between the heel and forefoot thickness, provides the wearer with an excellent running shoe that is adept at reducing the possibility of shin splints.
5. Mizuno Wave Rider
Mizuno is an exceptionally old company that has been around for more than century and has had all that time to work on creating an idealized form of the running shoe. Their Wave Rider Running Shoe is the newest in a line of high quality footwear that features Mizuno’s “cloudwave” technology which provides shock absorption and energy return for the active wearer. These shoes are crafted of a highly durable triple mesh outer material that is still extremely lightweight for more comfortable movement.
6. Brooks Ghost
These running shoes feature a neutral support that provides a smooth and cushioned wear for users. Brooks Ghost Running Shoes are designed to support medium or high arches and the outer mesh, which is made of an eco friendly blend of synthetic materials, is both breathable and lightweight. Inside, the shoe is lined with soft fabric for extra cushioning and comfort, and the foam insoles can be removed to add your own shoe inserts, if so desired.
7. Asics Gt
The Impact Guidance System Technology (IGS) employed in these Asics running shoes is designed to mimic the human foot’s natural gait and provide just the right amount of natural movement so that the foot is not strained or otherwise stressed while in motion. The insoles are made of a mix of gel cushioning in the toe and heel and a special SpEVA material in the midsole that provides extra bounce and impact absorption. Perfect for runners and athletes alike, these shoes are a prime example of how proper design and choice of materials can create a functioning, high quality shoe.
8. Brooks Adrenaline
The most unique aspect of this Brooks running shoe is its combined asymmetrical 3D Fit Print and TPU saddle wrap which provides extra support for the wearer’s middle foot and midsole. The inside is cushioned all around and can easily adapt and follow the movements of one’s foot while in motion. On the outside of the shoe, the flexible rubber sole and woven mesh create both a durable and a visually pleasing shoe. Furthermore, the Brooks Adrenaline Running Shoes come with an integrated segmented crash pad that greatly reduces impact and shock while running, especially across differing terrains.
9. New Balance M94v02
New Balance is another old name in the outdoor and athletic design business, and their running shoes are an excellent example of the future of running shoes. These shoes are designed more for urban running rather than trail running because they lack a more complex tread. To make up for this, these running shoes feature a highly comfortable foam midsole and heel cushioning that give the wearer a sense of plush comfort while running or just moving in general. New Balance’s running shoe is also specially designed to be more visually appealing than other running shoes, so they could work well as an all purpose tennis shoe for those individuals suffering from shin splints.
10. Nike Free 5.0
Nike is attempting something truly unique with their 5.0 Running Shoe, which is abundantly clear just by looking at this particular footwear. The outer design is thin and sleek with the toe slightly turned up. On the sole, Nike has decided to use an innovative hexagonal shaped “flex grooves” sole which are meant to reduce impact and provide a smoother, more natural feel while running or walking. The Nike Free 5.0 is exceptionally lightweight and vibrant in terms of design and color, making them truly unique in terms of running footwear.
