What To Look For
Shin splints are trauma to the lower leg area often caused by running and high-impact sports. Having the right shoes for your foot-strike and stride is an important step in preventing shin splints. You'll want to look for shoes that offer the right amount of cushioning, support and motion-control. The extra cushioning in the shoes help prevent a large amount of shock in your lower leg when you land on your foot, therefore preventing shin splints.
Common Pitfalls
When shopping for running shoes, it is important that you buy them from a store with a good return policy. Despite trying on the running shoes and walking around with them in the store, you will not know if they work for you until you take them out for a lengthy run. You should run in them for at least 20 to 30 minutes to determine whether they are the right shoes for you. Make sure you test them on an indoor track or treadmill so they don't get dirty.
Where To Buy
Don't buy new running shoes somewhere like Target or Walmart. Go to a running store where they will measure your foot, analyze your gait and then fit you for a proper pair of running shoes. The Running Room is a North American specialty walking and running store that is known for carrying quality gear and having knowledgeable sales people to help fit you and find the best shoes for your feet. At the Running Room, you can return shoes within 30 days of purchase as long as they are still in new condition for re-sale. So once you have purchased shoes you can take them for a run on the treadmill or track to test them out and if they are not comfortable you can exchange them.
Cost
A good pair of motion-controlled, stability running shoes will generally cost between $120 and $200. Depending on how often you are running, they will need to be replaced every three to six months, or every 300 to 500 miles. If the new shoes help your shin splints but after a few months your shin splints start to come back, that is generally a sign that it is time to replace them.
Accessories
Recently, more and more runners have started using compression clothing to aid with recovery and injury prevention. Zensah shin sleeves are a type of compression clothing that encases your lower legs from below the knee to just above the ankle. The material is also light enough to be worn while running and can help lessen the pain from shin splints.
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