Why do "walking shoes" kill my shins and dress shoes feel great?
April 17, 2015 9:32 AM Subscribe
The shin splints questions seem to be mostly about running or comfortable shoes. But my issue is weird, I think. I walk to and from work (about 45 minutes each way) and I have been wearing my work shoes.
This is a typical pair I own and walk in often. I find them very comfortable to walk in, but was getting worried about wear and tear, as the soles are delicate even with topys. I got some new shoes with a cushier sole -- like this -- and my shins started to really ache after about 10 minutes. Question: Will my feet get used to this type of cushy sole or am I just best in stiffer soled shoes with a bit of a heel? Why would shoes designed for walking hurt so much?
This is a typical pair I own and walk in often. I find them very comfortable to walk in, but was getting worried about wear and tear, as the soles are delicate even with topys. I got some new shoes with a cushier sole -- like this -- and my shins started to really ache after about 10 minutes. Question: Will my feet get used to this type of cushy sole or am I just best in stiffer soled shoes with a bit of a heel? Why would shoes designed for walking hurt so much?
There is evidence that runners in squashier, cushier shoes may actually experience equal or even higher impact forces on their legs when compared to runners in less-cushioned shoes. (For example.) There are various theories about why -- maybe squashier shoes make you search for a firm surface, or maybe less cushioned shoes make you more aware of the impact. I can easily see how less-cushioned shoes might actually be more comfortable for walking as well as for running.
posted by pie ninja at 10:22 AM on April 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by pie ninja at 10:22 AM on April 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: If you're sinking down into the shoe when you're not used to it, it's directly engaging your shin muscle. Flex your foot (heel down, toe up) -- see how the shin tightens? This is what happens now every time you take a step. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Eventually your muscles will sort themselves out if you continue to wear the shoes.
Also check and make sure the arch support (if there is one) is in the correct place -- that can lead to all kind of achey weirdness.
You can buy firmer insoles at most drugstores, look for the ones with firm 'gel' heel support. That may fix the problem so you can give yourself a break every now and then while you get used to the shoes.
posted by ananci at 11:58 AM on April 17, 2015
Also check and make sure the arch support (if there is one) is in the correct place -- that can lead to all kind of achey weirdness.
You can buy firmer insoles at most drugstores, look for the ones with firm 'gel' heel support. That may fix the problem so you can give yourself a break every now and then while you get used to the shoes.
posted by ananci at 11:58 AM on April 17, 2015
I see that the cushy soles are Nike. Here I am being a traitor to my hometown (Eugene, where Nike was born): Nikes are generally pretty terrible to walk in. It can depend, everyone's different and there are people who are better in them. Also, I use them for aerobics and basketball, so it's not all anti.
If you're feeling that much pain from just walking, I would advise going to a sports-centric shoe shop where they analyze your feet and gait. They'll be able to help you find the best shoes. Walking is considered a sport, you'll be taken seriously. It's a great way to learn about how your feet & gait affect your body, too.
For instance, I too am much more comfortable in firm or "barefoot" shoes. I have a pair of Merrell barefoots (Vibram soles) that I walk to work in, 30 minutes one way, and I change to my dress shoes at the office. We have lockers, so it's nice and practical. Then the Merrells go back on for the walk home in the evening.
And FWIW, if you look at hiking shoes, you'll notice that the better ones are pretty darn firm, even when the sole is thick.
As to "Why would shoes designed for walking hurt so much?" It's because everyone has a different definition of what "walking" entails, and when it's with dressier shoes like the ones you link to, they're probably not thinking 45 minutes but more like 5-15 minutes.
posted by fraula at 12:08 PM on April 17, 2015
If you're feeling that much pain from just walking, I would advise going to a sports-centric shoe shop where they analyze your feet and gait. They'll be able to help you find the best shoes. Walking is considered a sport, you'll be taken seriously. It's a great way to learn about how your feet & gait affect your body, too.
For instance, I too am much more comfortable in firm or "barefoot" shoes. I have a pair of Merrell barefoots (Vibram soles) that I walk to work in, 30 minutes one way, and I change to my dress shoes at the office. We have lockers, so it's nice and practical. Then the Merrells go back on for the walk home in the evening.
And FWIW, if you look at hiking shoes, you'll notice that the better ones are pretty darn firm, even when the sole is thick.
As to "Why would shoes designed for walking hurt so much?" It's because everyone has a different definition of what "walking" entails, and when it's with dressier shoes like the ones you link to, they're probably not thinking 45 minutes but more like 5-15 minutes.
posted by fraula at 12:08 PM on April 17, 2015
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That said, even with time they might just not be the right shoes for you. If you're used to and comfortable walking with a thin and/or hard sole, I don't think a cushy sole does you any big favors. Probably it's better for you to walk in a lower-drop shoe (walking long distances with heels will shorten up the muscles and tendons in the back of your legs, and can contribute to back problems) but I don't think a soft sole on its own does much.
posted by mskyle at 9:50 AM on April 17, 2015 [2 favorites]