When I heard from a guy teacher that “shin splints” is a common pain they experience while running, I immediately thought there must be good footwear for this. So without taking it long, I looked for the best running shoes for shin splints in men, and luckily, I found ten!

If you’re a physical education coach or a runner yourself, you may experience too much strain on your lower legs. Have you ever thought that there is footwear designed to help lessen incidents of shin splints?

While all running shoes are designed for running, footwear recommended for shin splints has a more specialized mechanism to help you run more effectively. I say a lot better because, unlike regular running footwear, these shoes provide shock absorption that supports the feet during the repetitive motion while running.

Below I explained the most important things you need to understand before buying the right shoes and a few common questions raised by runners.

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<<<<In a hurry? 

Shin splints happen when you overwork your leg muscles, especially the shin bone. It’s a sharp pain that concentrates along the large bone in the front of your lower leg shin, just between your knee and ankle. You will feel tenderness in the area and soreness inside your shinbone.

The muscles and tissues surrounding the shinbone are pulled and tagged by the excessive amount of force applied on them causing irritation and pain. It affects about 2 to 6 inches of muscle and tendon in the shin area.

When the muscles begin to swell, it leads to pain and inflammation. Worst is, it can be a lot painful when you get up after sleeping. The reason is that the sore tibialis muscle has shortened while you’re resting so you feel pain as you put weight on your foot while trying to walk.

This leg pain will slow your training and running gains.

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:

The right footwear will help you integrate exciting ways to plan innovative lessons with fun and keep students engaged.

Is there a way to prevent shin splints?

Strengthen the calf and muscles. You can do this by shifting your weight to one leg while placing your toes on a curved surface like a stairway. Carefully lower yourself and gently raise yourself back up again. The longer you hold the stretch, the more it stretches the muscle region concerned.

Stretch your lower legs. Lack of physical activity can weaken the muscles of the arch of the foot which can affect your lower leg area and expose them to shin splints.

Use a foam roller. This helps to reduce calf tightness. Try changing the angles for which you are rolling for the best results.

You will also find relief in a trigger ball. Bring the ball under the arch of the foot to release those flexor muscles. Work your way around the bottom of the foot paying attention to tender and tight spots for 5 minutes.

Choose more pliant or softer surfaces. Exercise on the mud, sand, and grass. When the foot continuously lands on hard surfaces during an activity, the increasing amount of force will shock your bones and muscles causing them fatigue and eventually, shin splints.

Correct your landing technique. Incorrect running, jumping, and landing can cause shin splints. Seek advice about improving your exercise moves and how to stretch or strengthen muscle points.

Use foot orthotics or arch support. These facilitate movement on the foot. Using orthotics with high arches significantly reduce stress by increasing shock absorption. Shoes that don’t fit or without the proper features can stress the arch area and contribute to shin splints.

Choose the right shoes. Without the right footwear, you may need to replace shoes often. It would be helpful to have several pairs of good athletic shoes that you can rotate to use. Speak with your physical therapist about the right shoes for shin splints in men.

Stay or maintain healthy body weight. Being overweight can lead to a higher risk of shin splints.

Let me help you understand the connection of shoes to shin splints. Here’s a video that explains what shin splints are, why they happen and how walking and running shoes help prevent them.

Tips on How to Prevent and Treat Shin Splints

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Features of Running Shoes That Overcome Injuries 

To find the right shoes, look for trainers that offer stability. Regular running shoes work by allowing the foot to flex with comfort. Stability shoes have additional motion-control mechanics that counterbalance excessive pronation, or the inward rolling of a runner’s feet after it thumps the ground.

Stable shoes will keep your feet in the right position and avoid any minor or major injuries. Therefore, it all begins with understanding the biomechanics of running shoes from their form, efficiency, and optimal performance.

1) Shock Absorption

Unsupported shoes are footwear that doesn’t offer good support and cushioning. Designs that cater for comfort in every stride help with shin splints for their comfort, both on how the body of the shoe wraps the feet to the support it provides for landing.

Look for running shoes with the Gel, EVA, or Memory Foam cushioning feature. These are special footbed foaming properties that boost comfort and alleviate the pressure from the balls and heels of your feet. A well-supported footbed gently absorbs the weight of every step and helps the foot distribute it properly and with ease.

The maximum motion control provided by the stability shoes greatly limits how the foot moves while running. When extra soft layers are inserted into the midsole, they will cradle the foot, gently support the arch, and supply additional stability when the muscles in the feet and lower legs start to feel fatigued and can’t continue a good running form.

Your feet while running, especially in a hard run, deserve a soft landing. Shoes that claim to be soft, cushioned, and padded can be tricky. There are fully-cushioned ones yet are not soft for running, and there are also those claiming to use soft fabric material but are not sufficiently layered with foam.

2) Fit and Stretch

Your running shoes should give you the proper fit right out of the box. If you’re not particular about this detail, you may end up forcing yourself to wear footwear that causes stress on your lower legs. You don’t want to wait until they are worn out so you can replace them.

Look for an upper that is shaped like your foot. Since the upper is everything that’s above the sole, then all fabrics and mesh sewn and glued together should be smooth wherever it touches without chafing anywhere.

Shoes with the right fit will have the entire foot well-supported in the midsole – this is very important. See to it that no part of the foot protrudes over the side of the midsole, otherwise the upper shoe will be holding up the protruding part of the foot which can look bulky and uneasy.

If the upper is too-loose, it offers insufficient support and will force your lower legs to do more work to reinforce the foot. The ongoing pressure may place stress on your feet, ankles, joints, and lower legs; contributing to pain and injury.

While a little tight may feel like a good snug, note that your upper is meant to keep your foot securely on the midsole. So the stretch should not deform the footwear’s original shape, nor your foot moving loosely on the footbed. If any of these happens, the upper can no longer perform the way it has been designed to.

3) Good breathability 

Breathability in your shoes also means flexibility. Simply put, breathable shoes are footwear with fabrics that permit airflow and water vapor to escape. While breathability benefits runners living in hot weather or climates, you will find this feature extremely helpful in your running escapades.

Running shoes with better breathability allows the foot to move through an unrestricted and pain-free range of motion. This is influenced by the foot’s ability to move freely and easily. It also allows your sweat to evaporate more quickly and helps keep your feet cooler.

This function also lessens the chances of getting stinky feet at the end of the day, as well as the risk of blisters. Because your body also loses a lot of heat through your feet, wearing breathable shoes not only helps your feet breathe but keeps your body cooler, as well.

4) Midsole Drop

Many consider the midsole to be the key component of a running shoe not only for shin splints but for complete foot support. But some runners do not mind or sometimes are not even aware of a midsole drop.

Your midsole is the part of your foot between the sole and the top. The midsole drop is the difference between the height or ​thickness of the midsole under the heel compared to the same measure under the ball of the foot.

This is important because the midsole drop is the heel-to-toe motion of the foot. It is the variance in height from the back to the front of the shoes. The correct drop will make it easier to land on your midfoot or forefoot while running.

Your midsole drop will help you transfer from heel to toe better without dragging or pulling stiffly. This will also sustain the integrity of your arch and consequently reduce the forces on specific muscles during running.

A 10mm drop is most common, while a 12mm drop is also available if you think a higher drop is something you find extremely helpful on your part. Many runners find the zero-drop as easier and more efficient to run with, though it’s still possible to run efficiently in shoes with higher drops or with slightly raised heels.

If you have flat feet or a high arch, the midsole drop may be an added benefit to the athletic sole inserts designed for shock absorption. This decent stability in the midsole should give you flexible heel-to-toe steps.

5) Durable outsole

Since the outside sole serves as the bottom of the footwear, it will quickly wear off.  This makes it a fundamental part of your search. There are choices to choose from – the designs, the materials, the length of the heels, and the traction, of course.

The most important thing to look out for is an outer sole with an excellent grip and traction while running on varying surfaces.

Low density or soft rubber is frequently used in trail running soles to improve traction on a variety of surfaces including grassy, muddy or rocky terrains. That’s the reason why there is a shoe designed for trail running and for running in asphalt.

Check if the sole runs all the way to the tip of the shoe, or does it come with reinforcements to surely protect the foot from impact? Good running shoe stores will help you find the right outsole for your requirements.

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Best Running Shoes for Shin Splints in Men

1) BROOK’S Adrenaline GTS 20 Running Shoes

The answer to addressing shin splints is a unique cushioning throughout to provide comfort and softness. Brook’s Men’s Adrenaline GTS 20 is for runners who need perfect support and flexibility.

The modernized design uses DNA LOFT Crash Pad cushions to bolster each footfall. DNA loft is the softest cushioning that is responsive to the runner’s stride, weight, and speed. You’ll appreciate the modernized fit using an upper mesh with 3D Fit Print without making the shoes looking bulky.

Brook’s Adrenaline GTS 20 focuses more on the injury-prone area of a runner’s body which is the knees. To do it right, they employ the GuideRails Holistic Support, a system added to transform the traditional stability of running shoes.

With the support that concentrates on the arch and middle areas of the foot with a 10mm drop, I supposed GuideRails also gives more lateral support in the ankle, which even more gets you moving comfortably by keeping excess movement in check.

Experience-wise, Brook’s Adrenaline GTS 20 provides cushion level 2 for neutral support in every step and is recommended for the runner looking for a soft run with a cushion. These shoes are more than just your typical sneaker type because their totality is for the solid daily trainer who logs miles in.

This is for you if you wish for cushion and support to eliminate any foot pain, as well as the knee pain that usually develops. Some users claimed they have noticed an immediate increase in endurance and overall comfort during their runs, and even their speed has increased.

 If you are intrigued why some say they’re like walking in the clouds, it’s your time to try the GTS 20.

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2) ADIDAS Adizero Adios 4 Running Shoes

What do you think of a really stylish trainer with a thinner but 100% synthetic sole? While the Adios 4 forefoot has a slightly different outline with some more substance on the outsole, it is a lot more improved than a regular running shoe.

The Adidas Adizero Adios 4 is known for its durable Aadiwear bottom from Continental™ rubber outsole. This has caught runners’ and athletes’ attention for their excellent traction and durability in both wet and dry conditions.

Master Japanese shoemaker Omori designed the Adidas Adizero Adios 4 to fit top marathon runners in the world. He specialized in a breathable mesh to equip the upper shoe area with breathable properties. The shoe structure understands that runners’ feet get hot and a mesh is a solution that allows air to move freely.

These running shoes come with responsive cushioning to feel like they respond to the ground by giving energy back, instead of feeling flat in every stride. You know that one way to combat shin splints is to wear well-cushioned shoes that can absorb most of the shock from your feet hitting the ground.

With a neutral-level of support and bounce, it’s a great shoe for a treadmill for its really light and snug performance. Its micro-fit technology will provide a lock-down fit for faster runs and the lace-up front allows a secure and snug fit.

Adidas Adizero Adios 4 features a 10mm heel-to-toe drop, so its name “Adzer0” means your foot will have enough landing support, as opposed to the 00-mm zero drops. With this thickness under the heel and forefoot, your feet will hit the ground with support and lift back up with more ease than that of extremely flat locomotion.

Runners who have used the Adidas Adizero Adios 4 said the lockdown fit that feels comfortably tight makes it a great running shoe for fast running and racing. If you’re a casual runner who wants a shoe to be simply versatile for school sports yet equally comfortable to run on – this is a pair you can trust.

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3) HOKA One One Arahi 4 Running Shoes

The Hoka One One Arahi 4 is a moderate stability trainer for an overpronator.

You probably haven’t heard Hoka One One among the popular names of running shoes, but it is a growing brand patronized by more and more runners. In fact, it has become one of the modern runners’ choices.

Hoka struggles to provide you with a soft and breathable design as seen in its upper one-piece engineered mesh. Plus, it matches a unique bottom utilizing the early stage Meta-Rocker geometry – ever heard of this? This is a rocker-like shaped midsole to allow an even more smooth impact, transition, and toe-off.

One top-qualifying factor of the Hoka One One Arahi 4 is its RMAT-made soles. It’s an EVA and rubber-lightweight formula used for midsoles, outsoles, and ground contact foams. RMAT produces superior cushioning, traction, and durability that results in an incredible ride on different surfaces.

The shoe has been the first of two support options in the Hoka lineup with its narrower and more responsive ability. More cushioning also offers a support type that guides the foot to prevent pronation. So you can power your runs with dynamic cushioning.

What’s more, is the footwear’s J-Frame technology. This is the brand’s stability-with-freedom patented design to combat overpronation. Here, the frame provides firmer foam from the forefoot down the medial side that delivers extended support as your foot rolls inward.

Another major component you will love is the heel-to-toe differential of 5 mm drop. This alone introduces a midsole brace for a smooth ride on every stride. So other than its J-form comfort is a good midsole+outsole structure that naturally cradles your foot while in motion.

Although moderate stability trainers can find the One One Arahi 4 for its good support in holding the feet in place, the minimal cushioning around the heel collar may require you to keep retying the shoe for the fit you need. That is if you have a smaller build of legs along the ankle area, otherwise, it’s a good help in preventing shin splints.

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4) ASICS Gel Nimbus 22 Running Shoes

If you wear a gel-nimbus running shoe, you are getting a 95% shock absorption support that dispels an immense amount of kinetic energy that the foot receives with each step. Very helpful, right?

The Gel-Nimbus works by pooling the rearfoot and forefoot with GEL cushions to decrease shock during impact and toe-off phases. It has an additional vertical flex groove system to promote forefoot flexion across the foot for enhanced gait efficiency. These two features will allow your foot to move in multiple planes.

Asics Gel Nimbus 22 provides a level 4 cushioning, thanks to ASICS’s energetic foam formulation, FlyteFoam Propel Technology. This combines inter-linked sets of elastomer compounds and organic super fibers to work together for more natural foot motions.

What’s great is Kevlar fibers are embedded in the foam to create airy structure protection from pounding pavement, a thing that helps the foot to spring quickly back to its original shape. Overall, it adds softness and airiness to the 10mm-drop midsole for a more responsive and smoother feel.

Gel-Nimbus 22 has its upper material designed with a lightweight mesh. Some who have used this pair had issues with the mesh getting torn after encountering a rough stick. In this aspect, you’ll have to be concerned about making sure they don’t badly hit sharp objects.

This pair is also a neutral running shoe that is in the same category as the choices above. ASIC’s Gel-Nimbus 22, in my opinion, has the top-of-the-line standard of road running shoes. All runners will love how it is built for speed and high mileage.

Marathoners who have used this pair said, the first thing they noticed was how comfortable and flexible the shoes with a really nice grip in the heel – the full heel-to-forefoot comfort is there. No slippage. The responsive cushioning heel support just keeps giving them happy heel strikes, every time.

Speaking of appeal, the ASICS Gel Nimbus 22 is virtually winning and appealing. Newer than ASICS Nimbus 21, they look so cool and unique, not so bright yet arguably trendy. I bet your first run with this ASICS version will be like running on the clouds for miles and miles.

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5) MIZUNO’S Wave Rider 24 Waveknit

Mizuno boasts a redefined performance in a new, softer, and more responsive Enerzy foam.

Enerzy cushioning means a thick wedge of soft foam in the heel and beneath the midfoot area as the new version. The purpose is for the footwear to withstand ground contact better than the previous Mizuno U4icX foam version.

The Mizuno Wave Rider 24 also utilizes a plate design that distributes energy from an impact to a broader expanse of a stable platform. In fact, Mizuno worked for the extra flattening of the wave plate to accommodate the added foam.

Do you require a higher mid-drop? This rider has a tall drop of 12mm bringing the plush heel to sit higher off the ground than the forefoot. Check if this is right for you as midfoot strikers may have a different feel to a higher midsole differential.

Although some testers agree that Mizuno Wave Rider 24 doesn’t offer much room around the ball of the foot, thanks to the new Enerzy foam, it provides a more responsive and softer midsole area. I believe this is important.

Similarly, the Waveknit rider secures both sides of the shoes with a thick locked-in feel and tightly woven knit to wrap the foot closely. With minimal padding that’s fully connected to the sides, the shoes will not give you issues with sliding, bunching, or blistering.

For this neutral shoe, you’d definitely like some support from an external heel counter. Then it’s like getting a package of thick and tightly woven knit wraps with more stretch for the toe splay.

Looking at the soles, your Wave Rider 24 Waveknit uses a decent layer of X10 solid rubber. Other than flex grooves and deep guidance lines, you can expect the shoes to perform well on soaked and flooded roads. Another bonus is the gap in the rear of the outsole that likes picking up road rocks and debris so they don’t get lodged inside.

Testers agree that the shoe doesn’t offer much room around the ball of the foot, although the toe box feels adequately roomy. But if you consider the Waverider 24’s optimal shock reduction and the well-cushioned property, they’re a lot reliable.

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6) New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro V5 Trail Running Shoe

These comfortable running shoes are the latest in the Fresh Foam Hierro delineation.

The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro V5  has a cushioning design of soft underfoot support that compresses the moment it feels the weight. The high-volume Fresh Foam midsole purposely delivers an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride to support feet motion while running.

Despite its being maximally cushioned, Fresh Foam Hierro V5 Trail is highly breathable. But while it does not have a rock plate, the Fresh Foam midsole, and a textured rubber toe-protect work as additional protection from scrapes and sharp hazards. Thanks to the lace-up closure, you can tackle the trails with the right snug construction.

It also employs a highly durable TPU coated textile that has given the footwear a lively look along with a soft mesh layering on top. TPU is not only durable but is weatherproof.

Although they drop at 8mm in the midsole, they have super comfortable cushioning. Plus, the thick Fresh Foam midsole that rides atop the Vibram Mega grip outsole remains mostly intact. The midsole then absorbs the impact well. So regardless of having a different drop, this version is a great ‘multi-purpose’ choice ideal on all surfaces.

From its name Hierro V5 Trail Running Shoe, they have very good heel strike cushioning excellent for most types of terrains due to their very grippy features, even on wet surfaces. However, some users say this version may not be the best on difficult to traverse roads and steep descents.

Also, while this model marks a traditional padded heel collar with a lot of layers for extra protection, Hierro V5 is quite rigid and does not flex easily. But I’m sure they feel great about your daily runs and school running programs from the first stepping into the shoe to the time you remove them.

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7) SAUCONY Ride 13 Running Shoes

You’re looking for more energy returns, more spring in your stride, and maybe more miles to go than before? Then enjoy the ride with this neutral trainer!

There are three good things you need to know about the Saucony Ride 13 Running Shoes. First, it has the New PWRRUN cushioning that provides just the right softness for a springy and responsive return. This foam property is like an improved regular EVA foam.

The second is the increased speed provided by the blown rubber outsole with added cushioning. You might enjoy its Tri-flex outsole that provides more distribution of force on greater surfaces with excellent flexibility and traction.

Fit for all is the third. The clean look of the new FORM FIT construction combines a breathable engineered mesh with 3D-printed overlays. You’ll like it that the footwear can accommodate a wide range of foot shapes.

Saucony’s Ride 13 has a nice finish as the shoe upper comes in a single piece of fabric held together at the back with a reflective strap. It has an appeal that’s both durable and breathable. Of course, you’ll like Saucony’s flair of 3D-print overlays that scatter behind the logo.

Look closely and you’ll notice that the laces on the Saucony Ride 13 are unique. They come flat and moderately stretchy and most likely expands by up to 30% in length. This allows you to find a perfect snug every time your feet expand during the run.

The only probably drawback is that the laces may lose their flexibility over time and also warp with too much stretching.

Also belonging to the neutral category, Ride 13 has an offset of 8mm. So its drop may add to its unique midsole in keeping the weight down while returning a decent amount of energy back in every stride. As your foot get good support in every roll, it also helps prevent stressing your lower legs.

While some say this model slips on wet surfaces, the Ride 13 type of upper that gently cradles and supports the feet also gives you a locked-down feeling enough for the foot to exert and provide the traction needed.

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8) ON CLOUDVENTURE Peak Running Shoes

The On Cloudventure Peak is the highly-improved evolution of Cloudventure’s previous version. What makes it recommended to help prevent shin splints is its entirely revamped outsole, midsole, and upper.

This pair consists of a set of foam “pods” layering at the bottom of the shoe. The pod system works by providing a rich cushion only when needed, especially during the transfer of weight.

Cloudventure takes advantage of the brand’s exclusive Cloudtec Elements for topmost comfort and responsiveness on the midsole. This technology uses tiny compressed balls to better absorb and distribute the impact and return of energy. Additionally, its full-length Speedboard equitably distributes concentrated loads on the whole surface area and reduces the risk of injury to the user.

Since you need support in the midsole, it also employs a thicker layer of EVA foam. If you look at the entire cushioning, the combined layer of the EVA foam, reinforced pods, thicker rubber, and an inner lining of foam altogether help improve the cushion throughout the midsole.

The On Cloudventure Peak offers a 6mm heel-to-toe drop with neutral arch support. Overall, you’ll like its amazing ground feel with no stiff heel counter cup, thanks to the “support frames” on the heel sides.

The upper, I believe is very appealing. It’s a ripstop material, the stretching is really comfortable, and the taped area on top adds to the firmness that locks your feet down for extra security. Very ideal for runners with wide feet as well.

Some users, though, noticed that their feet tend to slide to the front while descending longer on steeper trails. But other than that, On Cloudventure Peak maintains a good snug that’s comfortable on the feet despite facing a challenging descent.

What’s more, it has an aggressive outsole with true lugs that help provide grip and traction in technical terrains. Many runners see this as an improved ability for the shoes to manage on a variety of trails. Plus, the shoe works great on rocks and against impact loads.

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9) SALOMON Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoes

This version of the trail running shoe has several extras for even greater traction and higher durability, including water-resistance and reinforced upper.

The Salomon Speedcross 4 is ideal for a range of terrains, from dusty and muddly paths to rocky trails. The enhanced grip on the sole not only adds a new dimension to your trail running but they decrease the impact on your joints by encouraging a larger group of your stabilizer muscles to work.

While this version is not heavily cushioned, it implements the “Sensifit System” to cradle the foot for comfortable support. It also covers a lightweight shock-absorbing midsole compound to disperse loads of weight that enter your body with each step.

With the injected EVA for further absorption, you will experience an increase in speed, attributing it to the shoe’s responsiveness and energetic push-off urging you to go faster.

I bet the anti-microbial OrthoLite sock liner or insole makes a useful plush underfoot cushion that makes the shoes comfortable to wear. Well, I bet with this type of footbed, you will get a natural and comfortable bounce that wards of shin splints.

If you’re familiar with a Contragrip rubber outsole, you know you are getting a balanced mix of higher and lower densities for durability, traction, and flexibility. Salomon developed this technology because they wanted to be 100% certain that their footwear performs really well in the rain, hot, asphalt, or rock surfaces.

Speedcross 4 uses wet traction arrow-shaped lugs that measure 6mm each intended to help the foot generate extreme propulsion on wet, slippery, and muddy trails. Thanks to the mudguard, design of the studs, and spacing, they prevent mud from building up on the outsole and they don’t get clogged up with mud.

Above everything is the traditional 10mm drop that helps promote midfoot strike which is considered by many runners to have a lower impact stride.

The Speedcross 4 has its own share of drawbacks like how the insole moves forwards and creases up under the forefoot while running downhill, but all these commonly happen to shoes when in a descending motion.

Overall, from the tough, water-resistant upper, toggle-type lacework, footbed properties, midsole height, and precise foothold; I can say the Salomon Speedcross 4 running shoes are one of the best all-around shoes for shin splints in men.

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10) NIKE Air Zoom Pegasus 35 Running Shoe

Nike keeps doing a great job of taking the positive aspects in their running shoes like this version that draws more in the midsole.

NIKE’s Pegasus 35 is the newest update of their popular Pegasus shoe line. Aside from being budget-friendly, this shoe features a combination of cushioning and responsiveness that reduces impact shock.

This updated model features the Cushlon foam responsible for the footwear’s responsiveness. However, the foam’s rubber additives can get exhausted in high temperatures and may react by becoming overly soft around 90ºF.

The Zoom Air Pegasus 35 showcases a low-profile airbag inserted into the shoe to reduce the weight and instead provide a more cushioned pad for the foot to land on. It gives a toe-off transition that encourages natural foot motion. This also offers an elongated heel collar that suitably hugs the Achilles.

The 10mm toe drop adds to the midfoot convenience being the go-to heel drop you can run without worrying about midfoot fatigue. This means your foot will find it easier to land on your midfoot and can even get a nice breeze on a run.

Combined with the full-length air zoom smoother ride, the enhanced tread pattern on the outsole similarly improves the footwear’s grip. You’ll be thankful for the shortened lugs positioned in the front of the shoe because you get a more aggressive toe-off that helps keep traction intact while on the front foot.

Because Nike saw some upper issues with previous models, the Pegasus 35 now moved the bottom eyelet to open the toe box and provide more flexion through the front to the midfoot – an effort that boosts its neutral arch support.

What is so great about this new design is the greater range of motion of the plantar flexing as well as less friction on the Achilles. Meaning, the upper has been improved to hold your foot in a hug-like fit that helps it in a downward motion away from the body.

From what I’ve heard, many runners find Air Zoom Pegasus 35 as the version that takes all the best aspects from previous models being very responsive in a variety of activities like tempo-paced runs, intervals, recovery runs, and even half-marathons

While some say the upper unit is a bit wide to secure the foot, I would say tightening the shoelaces would minimize that.

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FAQ

1) Do shin splints happen even if I’m not an athlete?

Yes. Shin splints are a common injury even to non-athletes. Even outside of sports, people tend to involve in strenuous activities that force the lower legs to work too much. The continuous stress on the connective tissues – muscles, tendons, and bone tissue surrounding the shinbone tug and pull causing them to inflame. When this happens, it radiates pain up and down the front of the leg.

2) Does this muscle-pain thing occur suddenly? 

Shin splints usually happen after you perform an abrupt forceful movement that engages the lower legs without warning. In short, after sudden changes in physical activity. These can be changes in the frequency, such as increasing the length of time you repeat an exercise or the number of hours you run each day.

Changes in the manner your stretch, the fullness of strength, duration, and intensity, are episodes for a sudden trigger. Being informed of the tendencies of an episode may help you prevent shin splints to happen.

3) How do you describe the pain in shin splints?

Different people may experience different symptoms of discomfort. Most people say they first feel soreness around their shinbone or slight swelling and tenderness in their lower leg. Some say the pain goes away with a simple exercise, or when they stop exercising. However, to others, the pain may be constant.

Splints in general are muscle injuries where pain normally fades once the muscle is warmed up, massaged, and rested. With a pain that doesn’t go away, it can be a different thing as it may have to do with fractures. Bone injuries also create pain that worsens with movement. As such, you have to see a doctor for an x-ray.

4) You mentioned that “midsole drop” is important in running, how does it relate to the prevention of splints?

Every running shoe offers a drop of about 10mm and up – some are 4mm low, 12mm high, and some have even a 00mm drop.

When you’re running, the foot does a lot of controlling motions from abnormal to excessive movements. The way your foot rolls inward for the landing contact is called pronation, and the different weight distribution the foot receives upon landing can create an impact shock to the lower legs.

This is why pronation control and cushioning in running shoes are emphasized in the midsole, which is located between your shoes’ upper and the outsole.

A midsole drop is the heel-to-toe drop motion of your foot. It is the difference between how high a shoe is in the heel and the forefoot. For example: If your running shoes have a midsole drop of 8mm, it means your heel will sit 8 millimeters higher than your forefoot when you’re wearing the shoes.

Shoes with higher drops may load your hips and knees more, as well as shoes with lower drops can promote midfoot strikes that require your Achilles tendon to work more. As you can see, insufficient drops may put greater stress on the hips, lower leg, ankle, and foot.

Here is where the correct midsole drop comes in – to provide a balance that can support the foot, Achilles tendon, and calf. A good midsole drop helps prevent injuries. Since drops depend on individual needs, finding what suits you can help lower shin splints episodes and make running more enjoyable.

5) How will I find the right fit, midsole drop, and outsoles?

You first have to understand your foot type from how you move to your landing stance. I can attest that 3 out of 5 runners encounter injury due to shoes that don’t suit their foot and running style.

Get the right fit by doing an intense fitting, although you can do this when shopping locally. Stand, walk, jog, and act like running on both shoes. Roll both your feet as if you’re running. The motion will let you check and feel the middle part. The way it is cushioned, the density of the foam, and the flexibility of both the upper, middle, and outsoles.

When it comes to midsole drop, there are different angles to look from: Do you have high arches, low arches, or are you flat-footed? If yours is a normal-sized arch, then neutral shoes are good for you. Your personal experience will help you get the right drop values.

A drop of zero, for instance, means the heel and ball of the forefoot have the same height off of the ground while a drop of 12mm means the heel sits 12mm higher off the ground than the forefoot.

You can also learn about your foot type by analyzing your gait. You want to get the right-fitting shoe, so see to it that your foot can spread out inside the footwear and feel nice and supported when you run.

6) Besides getting a shoe for shin splints, what other tips should I know about buying the best running shoes?

I believe it’s important to take into consideration where you are planning to run. Are you fond of running uphill, downhill, or do you mostly hit the road? This question will help you understand the design you need if you require better grip and traction for trail or over asphalt.

Decide the type of cushioning you want. Do you like it light and heavy all over, or do you need a specially layered midsole? The reason here is to find stability in your shoes.

Do you need a specific type of support for your gait? Not all runners know what they need for gait support because they don’t usually see how their body, legs, and feet move while running. To help you find yours, read here.

If you wish to understand more and know your correct type of gait, I strongly suggest visiting a podiatrist.

7) Are those shoes on your list only good for runners? I am a teacher but I’m not a runner?

Any of the shoes above are not just for runners. They are perfect for non-runners too. You are by nature active. You move a lot, think a lot, work a lot, walk a lot, and stand a lot. Going around the campus rushing to every classroom is close to running activity.

Shin splints are the human body’s natural reaction in the lower leg area due to the high impact activities overloading the lower leg muscles. If you do a lot of activities, it puts you at risk of this discomfort. You cannot say when a trigger can happen unless you are sure of how you move your feet while working or exercising.

Running shoes for shin splints provides the necessary support to help your feet move comfortably. They have the right insoles that follow the curves of the feet. They have a well-structured arch to allow the middle part of the foot to comfortably rest.

These running shoes also help relieve strains on your muscles in any physical activity, on long walks, and long-standing, too. While they are intended for runners, non-runners wearing specialized shoes will give their feet an assurance of no shin splints episodes.

8) Do you think the right footwear is a guarantee that I will never have splint episodes in the future?

As explained above, shin splints occur when the lower legs are loaded with more than their full strength capacity movement. It also happens after an abrupt change in the intensity and duration of the exercise.

While no shoe can arrest and totally stop shin splints, footwear designed to help prevent them can help. The right running shoe has extra substances such as cushions, fabric, and other materials used that can take some of the pressure off your shins.

The shoes on my list above have all the important features that can help correct your running form. Wearing any of them coupled with your running style and care for your feet – are what will definitely help prevent and stop shin splints, eventually.

9) Granting that I already have the correct running shoes. Are there steps and techniques I should practice to make the most of them?

When running, your foot should have a good landing on your mid-sole and then find its way to roll through to the front of your toes with ease. If you land on your heels, the wrong step may stress the lower leg and lead to shin splints. Similarly, running on your toes can also lead to bouncing, which is detrimental to a good running stance.

10) What advice can you give me? I’m a teacher and a runner, too.

If you’re a health and physical education teacher, you most likely will be handling certain sports, or the runner’s program. If you’re a runner yourself, I suggest that you get more than just a pair of running shoes. It’s even advisable to replace your shoes about every 300 to 500 miles, which is between 500 to 800 kilometers run.

Different shoes will vary in wear depending on how and where you wear the shoes. Is it daily wear, for sports activities, or for running alone. You need to make sure the layer patterns are not worn out. It’s for your comfort after all.

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Conclusion

In the world of running shoes, almost every brand seems to have its own version of light, fast, comfortable to wear, and ready for the running race. You can take your peak from the style, color, form, and wearability.

But since you’re on the eye for a running shoe for shin splints, now is the time to consider more than just design and traction, but ease on the most used part of your foot when running, which is the midsole. I chose the most popular shoe brands above for their well-concentrated support on the arch region.

If you look at each model, you’ll see the innovatively lightweight bridge in the middle of the forefoot and heel – which is important. However, I want you to take note that wearing a specialized shoe is not the only way to prevent shin pain, but it can be a helpful tool in helping you manage any current shin pain and preventing future triggers.

The appropriate footwear should help you run with ease, both while in school or on the trail, with less worry about getting shin splints every now and then.

Do you want healthy and non-smelly feet? Read our Foot Care Solutions for Teachers, you’ll love the tips.

There you go, I hope you will find the best running shoes for you. Did I miss something? Share it with us in the comments.