I'm looking for footwear which will not cause shin splints

[LauraRose10]

Hi there,

I apologise, this is going to be a long post!

I initially started running with Adidas shoes, with an orthotic insert. Yet, this made them too small for my feet. I went and bought a pair of Asics however they caused shin splints. I went to the Physio who advised this shoe provided too much support and caused the shin splints. I am slightly flat footed, however not enough to warrant a large amount of support. I am currently on a recovery plan as 2 weeks on the pain is still there, can anyone recommend a pair of running shoes to try once I am back able to run?

[Changemylife]

I’ve suffered shin splints when walking to work in morning and it’s driving me mad, was looking at shin supports but not sure, keen to see your replies

[Madge50 Graduate]

Hi Laura,

I’d advise getting a gait analysis at a good running store, an independent is best if you can find one - I’m very lucky, got an independent store local to me. They should do a full gait analysis, filming your gait etc whilst running, maybe on a treadmill. They will then recommend shoes and allow you to try several pairs (treadmill/inside and outside) then the choice is yours. Some stores will charge for the gait analysis if you don’t buy shoes - remember this takes time, so you have 1:1 attention of (usually) an experienced runner/store assistant.....for getting on for atleast an hour, so it’s a reasonable charge.

Some chain stores do gait analysis, but I’ve never tried them, especially as once I asked a person in one if a particular shoe was a trail or road shoe, their reply was ‘they’re for running’, needless to say, I left the store empty handed! (And haven’t been back since)

Once you find your best fit, there are plenty bargains to be had on line when new versions/models come out. Old stock etc., I’ve run in the same model of shoe for a couple of years now and managed to find some half price as newer models come out.

Anyway, hope this is helpful, hope you find something that suits, shin splints are miserable....☹️

Mx

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

This article about shin splints might be a good place to start runnersworld.com/shin-splints/

It is very common on this forum for people to complain of shinsplints and the general recommendation is to reduce the impact of running, by slowing down, avoiding heelstriking, keeping footfall under your body not out in front, running on treadmill or grass and getting proper running shoes fitted after a gait analysis done at a specialist running shop.

If your physio cannot give more advice about the most appropriate footwear for you, the gait analysis route is probably the best way to go. A good running shop should be able to suggest the most suitable shoes for your condition.

In general terms, this post healthunlocked.com/couchto5... give advice about buying shoes and contains a link to a post about gait analysis.

[dmb0058 Graduate]

I don't have much to offer I'm afraid but I used to hardly exercise at all and then started walking a roundabout route to my local station on the way to/from work that took 30 mins each way just to get some exercise. I used to get awful shin splints after about five mins and had to slow down so much I was virtually shuffling along to keep going ! However I found if I started slowly and kept a relaxed pace everything was OK.

After a few months I could walk as fast as I physically could without running, and have never had a problem with shin splints again, no matter what I wear. Maybe there are loads of different causes though, not just building up stamina, I'm no expert