7 replies to this topic

[blastingthru]

Alright, I'm going to try and incorporate some running into my cardio regime this summer because they girl I'm with loves running outside and she's always is trying to get me to run with her. Here's the deal, I'm wondering if anybody has a recommendation on what brand, style, etc of running shoe is going to be good for us guys that aren't exactly built like marathon runners. Back in my high-school/college days I used to get shin-splints and I'm definitely going to need a shoe that will help avoid that if possible. I'll prob ask at a couple of shoe stores too, but depending on where you go, they always try and sell me the damn 260.00 nike "whatevers" and they might not even be the best shoe for what I'm looking for. Any thoughts or experiences would be awesome. Thanks fellas.

[mugzy]

I get shin splints as well. Here is some good info to help out with the splints .......


1. The muscle/tendon that becomes inflamed runs alongside the shinbone and attaches at various places on the bottom of the foot. If you have a weak arch in your foot it will put more stress on the tendon than it can handle. Remedy: arch support or orthotics.

2. When the heel hits the ground it generally does this on the outside. In some cases the motion following (rolling inward, the infamous pronation) stresses the tendon too much. Either have the heels of your shoes lowered on the outside or put a heel lift in the shoe to lift the inside of the heel.

3. Different leg length can put undue stress on the tendon also. Check for that (better: have it checked). Adapt your shoes accordingly.

4. Stretch your calves, particularly before and after the runs.

5. Strengthen the shin muscles that are not strengthened by running, thus eliminating an imbalance of lower leg muscles. The exercises recommended are toe crunches and lifting the front part of the foot against some resistance (furniture, bicycle inner tube, book bag lifts, pressing one foot against the other, ...).

6. Massage the bottom of your foot. Sore spots are likely to appear were the tendon is attached to the foot.

7. Ice your shins after the run. Also, ice the bottom of the feet where the tendon attaches to the foot.

8. Heat the shins before the run. This gets the blood flowing to the shins.

[blastingthru]

Thanks mugzy. I'll def try a few of these tips, unfortunately, I'm cursed with flat feet so arch supports are pretty much useless. I remember back in the day, wearing the knee-high socks to keep my shins warm and that always seemed to help a little too. If I can just figure out a good running shoe now I should be set.

[Realize]

New Balance makes very comfortable sneakers...I would start there.

[diese1]

Asics are spectacular IMO.
Check out this link:
http://www.asicsamerica.com/sports/running/shoeFitGuide.aspx

Nike Tailwinds are pretty comfy too but I would try the Asics first.

[mugzy]

Ok. Checked out a running forum and the concensus is buy a pair of super feet inserts whenever you buy new sneakers. Buy a comfortable shoe, add the inserts and change them every 400 miles.

[DECADOG]

[quote name='diese1' date='Apr 23 2009, 02:53 PM' post='280142']
Asics are spectacular IMO.
Check out this link:
http://www.asicsamerica.com/sports/running/shoeFitGuide.aspx

Nike Tailwinds are pretty comfy too but I would try the Asics first.
[/quote


Asics are definitely the best running shoe out there. The kayano 15's are top of the line and run around $120, but well worth the money. You wont need the extra pads with these. Ive had every top of the line brand name sneaker known to man....but after buying these 6 years ago, I found no need to look any further. My last pair lasted me4 years. I dont run, but I have lower back problems and these are the only shoes that I can wear all day and not be destroyed