Shin splints — Sneaker advice?? | nike running shoes

Run Run Away » nike running shoes » Shin splints — Sneaker advice??

Shin splints — Sneaker advice??

Categories: nike running shoes

Question:

Haha – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was in the same boat as you about a year and a half ago, weighing almost 200 lbs at 6′. You’re a big boy for a 5th grader…

Response:

When I get shin splints I: 1. Ice them like crazy. 2. Put a weight on my toes – ankle weight, can of soup in a bag – and do toe raises. This is the miracle cure for me. Good luck. They’re no fun. Jim

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 25-year-old male and recently started running and have developed a pretty bad case of shin splints. I’m 6′4" 220 lbs and am curious what type of sneakers I should be looking to purchase. I’m assuming that at 220 lbs, I’m going to need something with more support and cushion than a sneaker for someone that is 140 lbs. Right now I’m wearing what I thought was a decent pair of Nike running sneakers, fairly new, but they’re not doing the job. Unfortunately because I live in the city, most of my running is done on concrete and pavement and I’ve got a pretty massive case of shin splints, so bad today that I could only run for 10 minutes and was about to quit even a minute into it because the pain was so bad. As a teenager that ran all the time and into college, I never experienced this until I started running again recently and I’m assuming it’s because of a combination of 3 things: 1-My height and weight (I’m 6′4" 220 lbs whereas when I used to run at 19 and 20 years old I was 6′4" 160-170 lbs) 2-the concrete/pavement 3-my sneakers I’d appreciate any advice, especially if anyone knows of a good sneaker for someone of my weight. Thanks a lot! -JR

Response:

Oh god, i’m losing it… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Haha I was in the same boat as you about a year and a half ago, weighing almost 200 lbs at 6′. You’re a big boy for a 5th grader…

Response:

oh god, i’m losing it…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Haha I was in the same boat as you about a year and a half ago, weighing almost 200 lbs at 6′. You’re a big boy for a 5th grader…

Response:

Unfortunately because I live in the city, most of my running is done on concrete and pavement and I’ve got a pretty massive case of shin splints, so bad today that I could only run for 10 minutes and was about to quit even a minute into it because the pain was so bad.

Summary: Healing Shin Splint Folklore and Prevention Some folklore on shin splints and ways to think about what causes shin splints. A different way to think about shin splints and some things to do about them. I continue to believe that the shin spints come more from the overstride and the deceleration and then the overstretch of the shin which should be relaxing but hasn’t had time. It is then being stretched by the contracting calf muscle. For me I define an overstride as landing on the back of the heel of the shoe. If I were jumping up and down, I would never land on the heels of my shoes nor on my heels if I were barefoot. So why run landing on the heels…and by this I mean the back of the heels if one were barefoot. For me the image remains that as I place my foot under my center of gravity, the rest of my body is catapulted forward from that platform. This means that the calf contracting isn’t pushing the entire body weight forward. The body weight has been catapulted forward by the glut/ham on the planted foot(the platform), the thrust forward of the elbow/shoulder of the platform side and the quad/psoas of the leg coming through to conterbalance the torque of the platform side. Anyway here, as you mentioned would show up in a few days, some of the shin splint folklore which I have shared with several thousand people over the past 2 decades. In case you didn’t see the post above or didn’t get others on your ISP, I’ve compiled them: Healing Shin Splint Folklore and Prevention by Ozzie c. 2000 Austin "Ozzie" Gontang, Ph.D. Folklore #1 Shin splints are from the posterior and anterior tibilis getting tight and holding on and not letting go. Every step becomes a pain in the shins when running. Remember that the problem may be the calf muscles which means the shins have to work against muscles which only partially relax putting all kinds of strain on the shin. See article mentioned in #3 below. As you run, walk, let your toes relax. Often going up on the toes means the shin is being elongated…and if it is tight and holding on, the calves have to overcome the tightness in the shins…gradually the shins from being overstretched, tighten even more…and then your body realizes that it is even difficult to walk. As you stand during your day practice standing so that you can wiggle your toes at all times. Lean forward and notice how the toes dig in. That posture can also be a problem spot for the shins which get chronically tight and the running when the shins should be relaxing…that is when the calves are contracting…the shins only partially relax and the pain is that of ripping a muscle that doesn’t want to let go. The ultimate muscle though which we have all passed goes from 0 cm to 10 cm. Now you realize the need to focus on relaxing as the crown pushes against that muscle attempting to force it to go to 10 cm too quickly. Breathing and relaxing can relax against that pressure. For the shins, it’s also teaching the shins to let go. Everyone (except a few of us) attempt to strengthen and make the shin stronger rather than release the tightened and bound shin muscles. Folklore #2 Get on all fours on a carpeted floor with the feet off the edge of a step. Place a tennis ball under one anterior tibialis. Keep most of the weight on the other knee and hands. Move foot easily up and down as you put more pressure on the tennis ball and roll it slowly over the belly of the shin muscle. Do the other foot the same way. See which foot is giving you the most pain. Folklore #3a See http://www.mindfulness.com/of1.asp. Face the railing. Turn the feet and entire body so that it is 45 degrees to the bar. Place the anterior shin over the bar so that the shin muscle and NOT the shin bone rest on the rail. If rail is too high, use the middle rail. Slowly make a small circle with the foot and slowly slide the shin down the railing. Do once or twice and then switch, facing the rail but turning 45 degrees in the other direction to do your other shin. Remember if you go too hard, too fast, too much, you’ll only end up causing added problems as your muscle will tighten up even more to protect itself from your intensity. Go for the grace. Also remember that folklore means that if something doesnt’ work for you, give it no power or energy but rather find someone who makes sense and whose folklore works for you. Folklore #3b One thing I’ve found over the years is that the peroneus, the muscle which runs down the outside of the leg – it everts the outside of the foot – often gets pulled and to protect itself it tightens- i.e. shortens. After the healing of the ligaments around the ankle, that peroneus (longus and medius portion) can remain in its semi-contracted state. which means it doesn’t fully relax when the posterior tibialis – its counterpart – lifts the inside of the foot up. Way to loosen it with someone else helping. Have your partner start about 3 inches above the ankle bone. Hold as if you are going to strangle – fingers wrap around the lower leg, thumbs pointing toward each other or one thumb rests on the other thumb (if more pressure is desired). Have your partner use light pressure by pushing in with theirthumbs as you make a small (emphasis on small), smooth (emphasis on smooth) circle. As you makes small smooth circles with the foot your partner strangling your leg, slowly slides the thumbs up the peroneus muscle. The idea is that you can loosen the muscle from any adhesions and also you can loosen up the fascia which may be holding the peroneus from relaxing and going through it full range of motion. Usually after 3 or 4 times of small circles and your partner holding, walk. More often than not, you’ll feel less pressure around the ankle as it can move more freely due to the freeing of the peroneus higher up the leg…which takes the tightness off the ankle area. The peroneus and posterior tibialis are often called stirrup muscles as they invert and evert the foot. They are also postural muscles and therefore slow twitch, in that they help maintain correct posture when functioning properly. To do the same thing, face a railing with a middle railing (see picture from web site). Turn your body 45 degrees and place the peroneus side of the leg on the bar, usually the lower is better unless you’re very tall. Do the same foot movement as mentioned above to loosen the peroneus and the fascia which may be constricting the ankle for its full range of motion. Get back to us and let us know how it works. The web site picture where I have a group of people using the railing to loosen the belly of the calf muscle, gives you an idea of how to use the railing. The railing you want to use is the middle railing: http://www.mindfulness.com/of1.asp Folklore #3c I have for the last couple of weeks had a pain just above my right inside

ankle. If I hold up my leg and roll my foot to the inside, it causes the ankle to hurt. Snip—– If I had that pain I’d look first to see if the posterior tibialis had tightened up in response to the hill work. Second, I’d have the "deep tissue cross friction message" read: "Please do some work on my peroneus, especially the longus; and show me a few ways of how I might do that myself." From what you’ve said, I’d look at my form to see where I was landing on my

foot. I have been a strong proponent for ball/heel or midsole landing. That way I know that there is no overstride. Probably you’re getting some overstride in you heavy workout, which causes the braking effect and causes the problem you mention. Folklore #4 I’d look at the posterior tibialis, that muscle behind the shin bone on the inside. 1. You are seated 2. Left leg crossed on right thigh so outside of left leg rests on right thigh about 3 or 4 inches above right knee. 3. place right thumb below left shin bone closest to you so it rests on the posterior tibialis 4. Right hand rest on the shin bone. 5. Place the left hand next to the right hand on the shin bone so that the left thumb rests on top of the right thumb. 6. Make small (emphasis on small) and smooth (emphasis on smooth) circles with the left foot so there is no (spelled NO) jerkiness – otherwise you’re just straining tendon. 7. As you make the circle and the left toe goes downward, push in with the thumbs. With each circle move the thumbs about a quarter of an inch further up the leg. 8. Find the spot that creates most pain and push more lightly at that spot so as not to create excrutiating pain and then move thumbs away first upward and then away downward, pushing harder so that you can feel the muscle under your thumbs let go. 9. If you push too hard, go too fast, wince the face, stop breathing because of the pain, go too deep, you’ll get the reverse of what you want. 10. What you want is that posterior tibialis to let go so that your circle can move easily. Usually if it is bruised, the blood came from up above where the muscle tear took place and gravity let it settle where the bruise is. 11. You’d like also to make sure that the posterior tibialis is not flush up again the shin bone. There should be some space where your thumb can go up that groove between the posterior shin muscle and the shin bone. Orgradually work to get it back, since if it’s not there, then your shin is holding and probably the fascia won’t allow the muscle to go through its range of motion and also the micro tears of the muscle or at the muscle tendon junction of the posterior shin muscle has scarred and also decreases the range of motion for the posterior shin. Let us know how it goes and … read more »

Response:

I think I’m psychotic too. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – God! I am SUCH an ass!

Response:

I was in the same boat as you about a year and a half ago, weighing almost 200 lbs at 6′.

You’re a big boy for a 5th grader…

Response:

God! I am SUCH an ass!

Response:

This guy is a loser, ignore him. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is not simple going to be resolved by a pair of running shoes.. Maybe in your case, but I’ll bet any amount of money it is in his case. You are the exception, not the rule. As for what I use now, I use a neutral shoe, so I can slip in my orthotic. I happen to use NIKE Air peagus, despite all the anti-Nike nonsence on this newsgroup, it’s a good shoe, anyone disagree’s I’ll have them a race If your using orthotics then you aren’t even running in stock Nikes, so there’s no comparison. Once you change the inserts to orthotics you are running in a custom shoe. Lastly, Shin Splint’s is an umbrealla term, like ‘Sore head’. Find out what you have exactly. Good luck T I’m a 25-year-old male and recently started running and have developed a pretty bad case of shin splints. I’m 6′4" 220 lbs and am curious what type of sneakers I should be looking to purchase. I’m assuming that at 220 lbs, I’m going to need something with more support and cushion than a sneaker for someone that is 140 lbs. Right now I’m wearing what I thought was a decent pair of Nike running sneakers, fairly new, but they’re not doing the job. Unfortunately because I live in the city, most of my running is done on concrete and pavement and I’ve got a pretty massive case of shin splints, so bad today that I could only run for 10 minutes and was about to quit even a minute into it because the pain was so bad. As a teenager that ran all the time and into college, I never experienced this until I started running again recently and I’m assuming it’s because of a combination of 3 things: 1-My height and weight (I’m 6′4" 220 lbs whereas when I used to run at 19 and 20 years old I was 6′4" 160-170 lbs) 2-the concrete/pavement 3-my sneakers I’d appreciate any advice, especially if anyone knows of a good sneaker for someone of my weight. Thanks a lot! -JR

Response:

A few of you mentioned Nikes aren’t good, well I’ve had a pair of Asics last year when I ran a few times and I could feel the pain starting then too. I didn’t continue running so I didn’t think much of it. But now that I’d like to start running 5-6 days a week, I’m pretty concerned.

What kind os Asics? If it’s a cheaper model then you aren’t doing yourself any favors, or maybe you just got the wrong design for your running style. In either case just remember this, you can get a far better shoe than Nike for at LEAST a third to half of what you’ll pay for a nike.

Response:

I was in the same boat as you about a year and a half ago, weighing almost 200 lbs at 6′. I gained about 40 extra lbs in college, and at 25 my body just couldn’t handle the extra weight. Several times I had attempted to play basketball and do some running, only to get major pain in my shins. I even went to a doctor, who really didn’t do much for me, except tell me I should stretch more. Today I’m down to 167 lbs and actually trying to eat more so I don’t lose anymore weight, and running 5+ miles 4 times a week with X-training on the off days. What I would suggest is, find some good shoes, but also take it slow, don’t concentrate so much on just running. Your legs can’t handle the added weight, since when you were active, they were used to 160 lbs. I’d suggest doing low impact cardio to lose the weight, whether it’s an elliptical machine, rowing machine, swimming, or biking. But since you probably want to run, just mix in enough running where you feel comfortable. At the same time, what I did was, I spent some time in the gym exercising my lower body. I was able to build up the strength in my legs so that I could handle the everyday pounding. I also took my doc’s stretching advice and made that a priority before and after every workout. Today, I haven’t had pain in over a year, with the only exception being last weekend’s knee pain (I had a pair of shoes that had seen better days, 350+ miles, so I am pretty sure that was the problem). I hope you’ll find this advice useful, I went through the same thing as you as I said 1.5 years ago and it’s very discouraging, especially when you’re used to being able to do those things. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 25-year-old male and recently started running and have developed a pretty bad case of shin splints. I’m 6′4" 220 lbs and am curious what type of sneakers I should be looking to purchase. I’m assuming that at 220 lbs, I’m going to need something with more support and cushion than a sneaker for someone that is 140 lbs. Right now I’m wearing what I thought was a decent pair of Nike running sneakers, fairly new, but they’re not doing the job. Unfortunately because I live in the city, most of my running is done on concrete and pavement and I’ve got a pretty massive case of shin splints, so bad today that I could only run for 10 minutes and was about to quit even a minute into it because the pain was so bad. As a teenager that ran all the time and into college, I never experienced this until I started running again recently and I’m assuming it’s because of a combination of 3 things: 1-My height and weight (I’m 6′4" 220 lbs whereas when I used to run at 19 and 20 years old I was 6′4" 160-170 lbs) 2-the concrete/pavement 3-my sneakers I’d appreciate any advice, especially if anyone knows of a good sneaker for someone of my weight. Thanks a lot! -JR

Response:

4-preventive exercises for the shins, used by coaches everywhere, esp. walking backward on the heels, lower leg stretches. 5-a training program that allows recovery and does not cause injury. Esp. for carrying an extra 40-50 lbs and running on pavement. Check out runnersworld.com and other posts on selecting shoes, but keep in mind that this is oversimplified and driven by Shoe Mfr Marketing. If your local library carries Runner’s World magazine, then browse through past issues to learn about shoes and gain inspiration. Running store clerks, even in highly touted specialty running stores, are often mouthing the marketing level formula for selecting shoes. An expensive way to learn about your particular needs, if you do not fit their model. Maybe, if you meet the owner, longterm staff or extremely bright grad who takes an interest, you might get good help. Mailorder sources: good price, 30 day return, fast shipping, holabirdsports.com best service, great selection, great catalog, some specials, roadrunnersports.com

Response:

Thanks to everyone for their comments and feedback! It’s very much appreciated! As for my shin splints, the pain is on the actual shin part of both legs, not so much the ankle. The pain runs from just above the top of my foot/ankle to the middle of my shins — the pain is in the front for the most part. They literally feel like someone is bashing them with their knuckles when I run and just feel bruised today now that I’m not running and letting it heal until I can get myself a good pair of sneakers. A few of you mentioned Nikes aren’t good, well I’ve had a pair of Asics last year when I ran a few times and I could feel the pain starting then too. I didn’t continue running so I didn’t think much of it. But now that I’d like to start running 5-6 days a week, I’m pretty concerned. Thanks again for all the feedback. Please keep it coming if you have any other suggestions. I’ll be taking everything into account and appreciate it greatly! -JR

Response:

Sounds very familiar! And a big guy like myself. I’ll definitely be keeping this shoe in mind. Mizuno — when I played baseball it was my mit of preference.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was getting some bad shin splints and I ended up getting fitted by a running shoe professional (runners den here in phoenix, az) and I ended up with a pair of mizuno wave mercury’s. Since then no leg pain. However I would recommend that you go to a running shoe specific store (no footlocker) and get fitted based on your foot needs. BTW I am 6′7" 285. I’m a 25-year-old male and recently started running and have developed a pretty bad case of shin splints. I’m 6′4" 220 lbs and am curious what type of sneakers I should be looking to purchase. I’m assuming that at 220 lbs, I’m going to need something with more support and cushion than a sneaker for someone that is 140 lbs. Right now I’m wearing what I thought was a decent pair of Nike running sneakers, fairly new, but they’re not doing the job. Unfortunately because I live in the city, most of my running is done on concrete and pavement and I’ve got a pretty massive case of shin splints, so bad today that I could only run for 10 minutes and was about to quit even a minute into it because the pain was so bad. As a teenager that ran all the time and into college, I never experienced this until I started running again recently and I’m assuming it’s because of a combination of 3 things: 1-My height and weight (I’m 6′4" 220 lbs whereas when I used to run at 19 and 20 years old I was 6′4" 160-170 lbs) 2-the concrete/pavement 3-my sneakers I’d appreciate any advice, especially if anyone knows of a good sneaker for someone of my weight. Thanks a lot! -JR

Response:

This is not simple going to be resolved by a pair of running shoes..

Maybe in your case, but I’ll bet any amount of money it is in his case. You are the exception, not the rule. As for what I use now, I use a neutral shoe, so I can slip in my orthotic. I happen to use NIKE Air peagus, despite all the anti-Nike nonsence on this newsgroup, it’s a good shoe, anyone disagree’s I’ll have them a race

If your using orthotics then you aren’t even running in stock Nikes, so there’s no comparison. Once you change the inserts to orthotics you are running in a custom shoe. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Lastly, Shin Splint’s is an umbrealla term, like ‘Sore head’. Find out what you have exactly. Good luck T I’m a 25-year-old male and recently started running and have developed a pretty bad case of shin splints. I’m 6′4" 220 lbs and am curious what type of sneakers I should be looking to purchase. I’m assuming that at 220 lbs, I’m going to need something with more support and cushion than a sneaker for someone that is 140 lbs. Right now I’m wearing what I thought was a decent pair of Nike running sneakers, fairly new, but they’re not doing the job. Unfortunately because I live in the city, most of my running is done on concrete and pavement and I’ve got a pretty massive case of shin splints, so bad today that I could only run for 10 minutes and was about to quit even a minute into it because the pain was so bad. As a teenager that ran all the time and into college, I never experienced this until I started running again recently and I’m assuming it’s because of a combination of 3 things: 1-My height and weight (I’m 6′4" 220 lbs whereas when I used to run at 19 and 20 years old I was 6′4" 160-170 lbs) 2-the concrete/pavement 3-my sneakers I’d appreciate any advice, especially if anyone knows of a good sneaker for someone of my weight. Thanks a lot! -JR

Response:

I was getting some bad shin splints and I ended up getting fitted by a running shoe professional (runners den here in phoenix, az) and I ended up with a pair of mizuno wave mercury’s. Since then no leg pain. However I would recommend that you go to a running shoe specific store (no footlocker) and get fitted based on your foot needs. BTW I am 6′7" 285.

Response:

Shin splint on which side of your ankle? If it is on the inside of your ankle, it might be a stress fracture and a stress fracture is not as hard to deal with as some people make it sound. Heck, I talked to someone just last Sunday that had a stress fracture, in the same place I had one and he had to wear an "Air cast." All I did was a few exercises and I was up and running again in no time. I’ve had shin splits on the outside of my ankle before, and they go away after one specific run that has two very steep up hills. Unfortunately I can’t say that has worked for anyone else. Roger

Response:

JR, I have not yet read the other responses to your email, so sorry if I repeat them. I have had shin problems for 11 years. I am just about over-coming it. But it has been a long painful, annoying road. In the last 5 years I have seen 17 physio’s and 3 podiarists. Find out locally who is the best at both fields, if possible get them together and to agree on a solution. This is not simple going to be resolved by a pair of running shoes.. As for what I use now, I use a neutral shoe, so I can slip in my orthotic. I happen to use NIKE Air peagus, despite all the anti-Nike nonsence on this newsgroup, it’s a good shoe, anyone disagree’s I’ll have them a race Lastly, Shin Splint’s is an umbrealla term, like ‘Sore head’. Find out what you have exactly. Good luck T

Response:

1. Your weight? Has some impact on the shin splints but is probably one of the least important. 2. Concrete/pavement? Unlikely 3. Sneakers? For the majority of runner the following would be suitable:- 1. Take a worn pair of shoes to a running shop and let them look at the soles to see how you foot moves on a normal stride pattern. They will advise the best type (Stability, motion control or cushioning) of shoe for you. Try as many different styles as possible to until you find one that feels OK. 2. Cut back the amount of running you do. Shin splints is an injury and need to heals. 3. Try not to run uphill too much. 4. Ice your shins after every run to reduce the inflammation. 5. When you can run your reduced mileage without pain, gradually increase you weekly mileage by 10% giving your muscles time to rest, strengthen and become accustomed to the workout. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 25-year-old male and recently started running and have developed a pretty bad case of shin splints. I’m 6′4" 220 lbs and am curious what type of sneakers I should be looking to purchase. I’m assuming that at 220 lbs, I’m going to need something with more support and cushion than a sneaker for someone that is 140 lbs. Right now I’m wearing what I thought was a decent pair of Nike running sneakers, fairly new, but they’re not doing the job. Unfortunately because I live in the city, most of my running is done on concrete and pavement and I’ve got a pretty massive case of shin splints, so bad today that I could only run for 10 minutes and was about to quit even a minute into it because the pain was so bad. As a teenager that ran all the time and into college, I never experienced this until I started running again recently and I’m assuming it’s because of a combination of 3 things: 1-My height and weight (I’m 6′4" 220 lbs whereas when I used to run at 19 and 20 years old I was 6′4" 160-170 lbs) 2-the concrete/pavement 3-my sneakers I’d appreciate any advice, especially if anyone knows of a good sneaker for someone of my weight. Thanks a lot! -JR

Response:

First mistake: you bought Nikes. Buy a pair of Asics, Adidas, NB, Brooks, Saucony, any brand but Nikes. They are crap and the likely reason you’re injured now. Go to a quality running shop where you can be tested and fitted for the right shoes. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 25-year-old male and recently started running and have developed a pretty bad case of shin splints. I’m 6′4" 220 lbs and am curious what type of sneakers I should be looking to purchase. I’m assuming that at 220 lbs, I’m going to need something with more support and cushion than a sneaker for someone that is 140 lbs. Right now I’m wearing what I thought was a decent pair of Nike running sneakers, fairly new, but they’re not doing the job. Unfortunately because I live in the city, most of my running is done on concrete and pavement and I’ve got a pretty massive case of shin splints, so bad today that I could only run for 10 minutes and was about to quit even a minute into it because the pain was so bad. As a teenager that ran all the time and into college, I never experienced this until I started running again recently and I’m assuming it’s because of a combination of 3 things: 1-My height and weight (I’m 6′4" 220 lbs whereas when I used to run at 19 and 20 years old I was 6′4" 160-170 lbs) 2-the concrete/pavement 3-my sneakers I’d appreciate any advice, especially if anyone knows of a good sneaker for someone of my weight. Thanks a lot! -JR

Response:

Shox are some of the most unstable shoes on the market today! DO NOT BUY NIKES!!!!! You can a much better shoe for much less money by buying one of the other top brands. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a 25-year-old male and recently started running and have developed a pretty bad case of shin splints. I’m 6′4" 220 lbs and am curious what type of sneakers I should be looking to purchase. I’m assuming that at 220 lbs, I’m going to need something with more support and cushion than a sneaker for someone that is 140 lbs. Right now I’m wearing what I thought was a decent pair of Nike running sneakers, fairly new, but they’re not doing the job. Unfortunately because I live in the city, most of my running is done on concrete and pavement and I’ve got a pretty massive case of shin splints, so bad today that I could only run for 10 minutes and was about to quit even a minute into it because the pain was so bad. As a teenager that ran all the time and into college, I never experienced this until I started running again recently and I’m assuming it’s because of a combination of 3 things: 1-My height and weight (I’m 6′4" 220 lbs whereas when I used to run at 19 and 20 years old I was 6′4" 160-170 lbs) 2-the concrete/pavement 3-my sneakers I’d appreciate any advice, especially if anyone knows of a good sneaker for someone of my weight. Thanks a lot! -JR go to a running store that can do stride analysis and they will tell you exactly what you need. I am no expert, but you seem to need a shoe with support and a shoe with cushion. The Nike Shox TL are great for people your size, but don’t have support, which it seems you need.

Response:

I’m a 25-year-old male and recently started running and have developed a pretty bad case of shin splints. I’m 6′4" 220 lbs and am curious what type of sneakers I should be looking to purchase. I’m assuming that at 220 lbs, I’m going to need something with more support and cushion than a sneaker for someone that is 140 lbs. Right now I’m wearing what I thought was a decent pair of Nike running sneakers, fairly new, but they’re not doing the job. Unfortunately because I live in the city, most of my running is done on concrete and pavement and I’ve got a pretty massive case of shin splints, so bad today that I could only run for 10 minutes and was about to quit even a minute into it because the pain was so bad. As a teenager that ran all the time and into college, I never experienced this until I started running again recently and I’m assuming it’s because of a combination of 3 things: 1-My height and weight (I’m 6′4" 220 lbs whereas when I used to run at 19 and 20 years old I was 6′4" 160-170 lbs) 2-the concrete/pavement 3-my sneakers I’d appreciate any advice, especially if anyone knows of a good sneaker for someone of my weight. Thanks a lot! -JR

Response:

go to a running store that can do stride analysis and they will tell you exactly what you need. I am no expert, but you seem to need a shoe with support and a shoe with cushion. The Nike Shox TL are great for people your size, but don’t have support, which it seems you need.

Response:

I’m a 25-year-old male and recently started running and have developed a pretty bad case of shin splints.

First, welcome back. Second, you have my sympathy. I’m 6′4" 220 lbs and am curious what type of sneakers I should be looking to purchase. I’m assuming that at 220 lbs, I’m going to need something with more support and cushion than a sneaker for someone that is 140 lbs. Right now I’m wearing what I thought was a decent pair of Nike running sneakers, fairly new, but they’re not doing the job.

It’s going to be nigh onto impossible for someone on a Usenet forum to tell you a specific brand and type of shoe to get. Get thee to a real runner’ store (not a mall or Sports Authority type store). They should (?) be able to tell you what *type* of shoe you need. The brand is secondary (this is the point where some will chime in with brands to avoid). Unfortunately because I live in the city, most of my running is done on concrete and pavement and I’ve got a pretty massive case of shin splints, so bad today that I could only run for 10 minutes and was about to quit even a minute into it because the pain was so bad.

It’s been my experience (but may not be yours) that shin splints are due to tight calves. Once I had massaged/rolled my calves to loosen them, the splints went away. The shoes can have an effect but tight calves can override any effect of shoes for beginning runners. IMHO, running shouldn’t hurt (OK, there are a few exceptions but you should be able decide when it will hurt). Your description says that something basic is wrong. As a teenager that ran all the time and into college, I never experienced this until I started running again recently and I’m assuming it’s because of a combination of 3 things:

My guess is that you’re probably right. Interactions can be a bitch to isolate. Start with the simple stuff: I don’t know how old you are but if you’re over 40, forget that you ever ran as a youngster – you ain’t that person any more. Start easy and build up. I used to podium in high school and college but now am lucky (and happy) to finish vertical. 1-My height and weight (I’m 6′4" 220 lbs whereas when I used to run at 19 and 20 years old I was 6′4" 160-170 lbs) 2-the concrete/pavement 3-my sneakers

I also agree with you that concrete is not as good a surface as a trail but we live with the hand we were dealt. Deal with it. Or, another way of putting it is that we can learn to run efficiently on concrete if we pay attention to form/posture. Shoes are an important trhing. I’d appreciate any advice, especially if anyone knows of a good sneaker for someone of my weight.

The type of shoe will depend on whether you are an overpronator, a neutral, or a Martian. OK, I made that last one up. A real runner’s store should be able to help you determine what type of shoe you need (much more important than brand). Thanks a lot!

Any time. Let us know how it goes. Layne The rec.running report archives may be found at http://kinder.cis.unf.edu/rec.running

Response:

Damn, it’s obvious that *I’m* over 40. You mentioned that you were 25. At 25, you should still be able to take some of the stuff you used in high school and college and use it now – AFTER you’ve developed a base. You’ll be able to build a base much quicker and easier than someone, well, my age (damn you <G). Sorry for the miscommunication on my part. Layne The rec.running report archives may be found at http://kinder.cis.unf.edu/rec.running

Run Run Away