Best Womens Running Shoes For Shin Splints: The Top 5
Few serious runners want to let a running injury come between them and hitting the pavement. The best method is prevention, especially following a previous injury. By wearing proper footwear as you run, your shoes can help prevent shin splints from occurring or reoccurring.
For us, the top pick for womens running shoe for shin splints is the Saucony Womens Guide 8 Running Shoe. It helps prevent shin splints with technologies like midfoot outsole pods that absorb impact and a full-length PWRGRID cushioning system that cradles your foot for stability and comfort. It has all the features that women with shin splints need and more.
As an avid runner for the past eight years, I understand the toll that a high-impact activity like running can take on the body. I have dealt with stress fractures, muscle strains, and other common running injuries from running. This personal experience has given me the knowledge to evaluate running shoes for quality. I know what to look for in a shoe that provides the shock absorption and support that you need after struggling with a shin splint. By purchasing the right shoe, you are decreasing the chance of injury and preventing shin splints before they youre your running routine.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Through many years as a running coach and marathon runner, Christine Luff has dealt with bouts of shin splints and advises trainees on how to prevent and rehab from them. For shin splint protection, she recommends regularly replacing running shoes and sticking to reputable brands such as Asics, Brooks, New Balance, Adidas, Hoka, and Saucony.
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery. Shin Splints.
What Causes Shin Splints In Runners And Athletes
If you keep getting shin splints when you run, its likely due to one or several factors involving your footwear, running form or personal training program. Here are some of the most common causes of shin splints when running:
- Overuse of muscles. As an overuse injury, shin splints indicate that there is undue stress being placed on the muscles, tendons and bone tissue of your lower leg. This could be due to an increase in the intensity or mileage of your running program and not giving yourself enough time to rest and repair.
- Poor technique. How you land on your feet when you run can help to reduce the impact to your lower leg. When running, try not to overwork your tibial muscles by landing on your heels. Aim for a midfoot landing and avoid over-flexing your ankle during push-off.
- Overpronation. Flat feet and overpronation increase your chances of getting shin splints when running. Thats why its so important to get the right running shoes for your foot type .
- Worn Out shoes. An old pair of running shoes wont give you the cushioning and support you need, which can lead to shin splints and other overuse injuries. Look for signs of wear and tear and try replacing your shoes about every 500km.
- Hard running surface. Taking your running to softer ground such as trails and grassy parks will save your legs from the stress of pounding away on hard pavement.
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Where Do Shin Splints Hurt
Shin splints are the result of an imbalance in your muscles and joints. The pain can be felt on either side of the shin bone but usually most prominently on the inside of the lower leg. You can see the shinbone and the fibula run in the leg. There is the tissue between these two bones to connect them.
There is also a periosteum around these two bones, which is very sensitive. You can already feel that when you hit the shin. At the same time, muscles in the lower leg are attached to the tibia and fibula. When you often load the lower legs, as athletes and especially runners do, the lower legs’ muscles may not handle the load.
In this case, the muscles’ force can no longer withstand will also act on the shin. This can cause cracks in the shin, leading to inflammation in the tissue connecting the tibia and fibula.
Hence the name ‘tibial inflammation.’ The inflammation is often referred to as shin inflammation or shin splints. Therefore, this inflammation is due to the overloading of the lower leg. Overloading the lower leg can also be caused by other body parts, such as calves or ankles, being too weak. This puts more strain on the lower legs and also causes overload.
Wear The Proper Shoes
Wearing shoes with shock-absorbing soles and insoles may help to prevent repeat episodes of medial tibial stress syndrome , commonly known as shin splints.
Running shoes should fit properly and have a stable heel counter. Look for a shoe such as GEL-KAYANO 28 , featuring DYNAMIC DUOMAX technology and a redesigned heel fit for increased support and stability. The GEL-KAYANO style is recommended for overpronators.
For a neutral shoe, try GEL-NIMBUS 23 , providing a superior cushioning experience so you can rack up the kilometres with ease.
In both these shoes, youll find GEL technology for extra shock absorption and FLYTEFOAM midsole foam for greater responsiveness and softer landings.
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Try A Graded Running Programme
A graded running programme can help you build lower-leg strength. Start by running on a treadmill and increasing the incline for short periods to build strength and allow your lower body to adapt. Gradually increase the duration at an incline and then increase the incline percentage. Once you feel confident, progress to running hills outside on the pavement.
Hoka One One Mens Clifton 3 Running Shoe
If you need a running shoe for your shin splints with maximum cushioning, nice looking no further than the Hoka One One Clifton 3 running shoe. The shoes are updated with many eye-catching features.
Its midsole provides excellent cushioning with shock absorption. No-Sew SpeedFrame Construction will provide you a seamless interior that helps you reduce the risk of irritation. Theyre also very lightweight, breathable, and comfortable.
Accommodating Forefoot provides you better toe splay and improves stability and comfort. Air Mesh Upper for giving you proper ventilation to keep your feet cool and dry. Additionally, the midsole foam will give you enough energy to ensure your steps adjust throughout your run. These shoes are suitable for a light, smooth and supportive ride.
Reviewers suggest to them for running but say the Hoka one Clifton will make your running safe and enjoyable. They are best walking shoes for shin splints while in our top ten list.
PROS
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Try A Graded Running Program
A graded running program can help you build lower leg strength. Start by running on a treadmill and increasing the incline for short periods to build strength and allow your lower body to adapt. Gradually increase the duration at an incline and then increase the percent incline. Once you feel confident, progress to running hills outside on the pavement.
Mizuno Womens Wave Rider 24 Waveknit Running Shoe
Next we have the Mizuno Womens Wave Rider 24 Waveknit Running Shoe. The Mizuno Womens Wave Rider 24 Waveknit Running Shoe is perfect for women who are looking for a shoe that will provide them with a superior cushioning and a smooth and springy ride.
The U4ic midsole and the wave cushioning technology work together to propel you forward, while the wave knit upper hugs your foot and keeps it on the platform of the shoe. With its sleek design, this running shoe is sure to turn heads.
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Do I Have Shin Splints
Shin splints is also called medial tibial stress syndrome, or MTSS. Theyre characterized by a moderate to severe pain in the lower leg. The discomfort is often felt close by the tibia bone or anywhere between the ankle and the knee.
This injury is generally caused by a repetitive sports movement and builds up over time. Typically it affects someone new to exercise who is suddenly activating vigorously the tendons and muscles in the lower leg or a runner or walker who increases their training in preparation for an upcoming event for instance. One of the causes that can aggravate shin splints is inappropriate shoes.
Although it may take you some time to heal, luckily, you should recover without long-term effects. This is given that you get the right footwear and moderate the intensity of lower leg activity by resting and then increasing exercise gradually.
My long term running buddy suffered intermittently with shin pain for many years and I know he wont mind me saying but he was on the heavy side for a typical runner, especially for one who managed a high number of weekly miles.
It makes sense that being a bit overweight will put extra stress on the lower legs although I have no expert opinion on the matter. This just reinforces the requirement for good support and cushioning in your shoes for the heavier person.
For older runners like me visit our article on our pick of the best running shoes.
Why Trust The Wired Runner
Our review process starts with me, Ben Drew, The Wired Runner founder and head writer. As a longtime runner and running store owner, I’ve been using and evaluating running shoes and gear for over 15 years. I review every article published to ensure it’s helpful, accurate, and factual.
Besides myself, we have a team of runners, cyclists, and cross-fitters who research, write, and edit everything on the website. We have a multi-step research approach for each review before it’s published.
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Peak High Top Mens Basketball Shoes
There are many types of shoes for basketball, but the most popular type is the high top sneaker. These shoes are designed to provide good support for your feet, and they often come in a variety of colors and styles.
If youre looking for a good basketball shoe to help improve your foot support, then you should consider purchasing one from a reputable retailer.
pros:
- The shoes feature a fullgrain leather upper, which is very durable and offers a great level of support.
- The shoes also feature a PEAK Air Cushioning system, which is designed to provide a great level of comfort and cushioning.
- The shoes also feature a PEAK Grip system, which is designed to provide a great level of traction on the court.
- also feature a PEAK AntiRollover system, which is designed to prevent the shoes from rolling over when you are playing.
- The shoes are available in a variety of sizes and colors, so you can find the perfect pair of shoes for your needs.
- The shoes are also available in a wide width, so you can find the perfect fit for your feet.
cons:
- The shoes are not available in a wide width, so you may have to order a size up if you have wide feet.
- Weak muscles in the lower legs
- Tight muscles in the lower legs Shin splints can be painful and debilitating.
What Are Shin Splints
Shin splints are also called medial tibial stress syndrome. They cause pain along the inner side of the shin bone, where the muscle attaches to the bone. Pain is the most common symptom, and the intensity can vary from person to person.
The pain may be sharp or dull, and a person may have it before, during, or after exercise. A persons legs may be sore to the touch, and there may be swelling along the shinbone.
Shin splints can result from rapidly increasing levels of physical activity. Too much repetitive motion can inflame the muscles, tendons, and tissue around the shinbone. Although any activity could cause shin splints, running is a common factor.
Beyond sudden increases in activity, some causes of shin splints include:
- running on hard, uneven surfaces
Companies design running shoes to provide cushioned support that eases symptoms of conditions such as flat feet. Runners with shoes that fit well and have the right amount and type of support may be less likely to experience shin splints.
There is little research into how running shoes affect shin splints. However, a found that minimalist shoes with high flexibility, low weight, low heel-toe drop, and low levels of cushioning can increase the risk of injuries to the shin and calf.
This suggests that shoes with adequate cushioning may decrease the likelihood of shin splints.
A person might consider these factors before purchasing running shoes:
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Who Is More At Risk Of Shin Splints
Teachers are among those to develop shin splints because they lead athletics, train running, and participate in sports activities like soccer and basketball.
Shin splints typically appear after or a rigid physical activity. For example, running on uneven or hilly surfaces. This implies that everyone, athletic or not, can experience the pain. Although the pain can ease as they stop moving or exercising, it can linger and eventually cause constant discomfort.
You are prone to shin splints if:
- You are a runner, especially if youre just beginning a running program.
- You run on hilly surfaces, uneven terrain, or hard surfaces.
- You are a football or tennis player
- You increase the frequency, repetition, or intensity of exercise.
- You are undergoing military training.
- You are or doing other high-impact activities for extended periods of time
- You have flat feet or high arches.
The right footwear will help you integrate exciting ways to plan innovative lessons with fun and keep students engaged.
The Best Exercises For Shin Splints
Shin splints exercises can help to ease lower leg pain, while conditioning the medial tibial area of your shin. Here are some exercises and stretches for shin splints to get you started:
- Toe and shin stretches. Sitting on the floor with legs outstretched, flex your toes back, using a towel to maintain the stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times. This is a good stretch for your gastrocnemius and Achilles tendon.
- Calf raises. Sitting on a chair with feet flat, raise your foot onto your toes and hold for 3 counts. Repeat 16-30 times for 3 sets. Seated calf raises target your soleus and tibialis posterior muscle.
- Forearm plank. Perform this exercise to strengthen your core and hips. Get into a press-up position and lower your upper half down to rest on your forearms. Hold your stomach in and squeeze your glutes and quads. Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat 3 times. Remember to breathe.
- Supine hamstrings stretch. Lie on your back with legs straight and lift one leg up to rest against a door. Squeeze in your abs and push your lower back into the floor. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds, rest for 15 seconds and repeat 3 times before switching legs.
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Adidas Adizero Adios 6
Price: $$
At 8.1 ounces , this shoe offers a lightweight option for those who also want stability, comfort, and a roomy toe box.
Designed with both sprinters and long-distance runners in mind, the Adidas Adizero Adios 6 offers a responsive midsole cushioning to keep you pain-free. It also features a supportive fit for maintaining proper running form.
However, its worth noting that the Adios 6 has a relatively narrow platform under the heel. While its still plenty stable, some users mention that it can take a few runs to get accustomed to the feel.
How Can I Prevent Shin Splints
There are a few things you can do to prevent shin splints from occurring in the first place. First thing is, be sure to warm up before any physical activity especially for long time periods and for long distances. Second, avoid sudden changes in intensity or duration when starting a new exercise routine.
Third, make sure youre wearing the right kind of shoe that is a neutral shoe for flat fleet and provides the proper support on hard surfaces, so there wont be a good chance for splints. And finally, stretch your shin muscles regularly. This paired with finding the best shoes will be a game changer.
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Can The Right Running Shoes Prevent Shin Splints
In short, no. But taking care of your feet, regularly seeing a podiatrist, and investing in quality sneakers may help your case.
As Mendeszoon puts it, there is no special individual shoe to correct shin splints. But you do have options. Understanding an athlete’s body type, biomechanics, foot type, running goals and running services can help direct a specialist to get the runner into the proper shoe for the runner, he says. In addition, to proper shoe gear, a strength and flexibility program and cross-training can help alleviate and/or prevent shin splints. Rotating shoes can also dissipate pressure points on the foot impact points which could diminish lower leg pain and foot pain.”
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Compression socks are also a great addition to a runners toolkit to minimize lower leg pain by applying proper compression and improving blood flow and reducing swelling of the lower legs, according to Mendeszoon. In some situations, athletes may need over-the-counter insoles or even custom foot orthotics. Working with the appropriate medical specialist such as a physical therapist, chiropractor, sports medicine doctor, orthopedic surgeon and or podiatrist can get the runner back into activities safely and effectively, he says.
Best Walking Shoes For Shin Splints
Categories Wellness
When looking for the best shoes for shin splints, you want to get the best pair of shoes for the type of support your feet to reduce your risk of shin splints. If youre far from being an athlete but want to incorporate regular exercise into your routine, walking is a great option to get started on your fitness journey.
Whether on a treadmill, through your neighborhood, or at a local park, its a gentle form of exercise that is accessible to almost everyone. But if you already experience shin pain, you might be hesitant to aggravate it. Luckily, investing in the right shoes with adequate cushioning can make walking even long distances on hard surfaces a comfortable experience.
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