My switch from tri season to marathon training has again caused shin splints. While I know the cause, too much running too soon and too fast, I now am dealing with the effect. I will be spending a week in Mexico with 90F+ temps so sandal will be a must. Sandals seem to aggravate my shin splints so I am looking for a pair with some support or motion control. My orthotics duct taped into my current pair is not a viable option.
What brands have worked for my fellow overpronating, weak arched friends?
montrail molokai. they’re awesome. I’m on my second pair, and i love them.
more of a flip-flop style, with a functional arch (supports the foot/arch, instead of molding to the shape of the foot - which may not be the ideal shape).
Stick w/ Birkenstocks. The cork arch and complete lack of midfoot flexibility (a good bad thing mind you) will be helpful for you. They also last forever.
I used to have a lot of foot and knee problems. I went through 3 pairs of custom orthotics with little improvement. Now I wear Birkenstock sandals at home and Birkenstock sports orthotics for running and in my shoes. I love them.
Birkenstock’s are the classic suggestion. I’m in love with Chaco’s though. They are all made with a good footbed. I usually wear the flips, but the more burly Z/1 and Z/2 may give you more support. They have completely replaceable vibram soles too, basically makes them indestructible.
I would really look into Chacos. Overpronation begins with the heel and Chacos provide a nice heel cup to maintain stability throughout your foot strike. With a stable, molded heel cup from a durable material and a nice arch you will be fine!
I second the recommendation for the Montrail Molokai sandals. I have flat feet and overpronate quite a bit, and normally wear custom-made orthotics in my running sneakers. I used to wear more mushy sandals but eventually developed plantar fascitis and was told I couldn’t wear those anymore . I’m not a Birkenstock person, more into the casual flipflops. The people at Fleet Feet recommended those Montrail sandals to me as good for people with plantar fasciities/ other foot problems. (They also recommended the Chacos but I haven’t tried them). I love that you put the Montrails in the oven to mold the sole more to your foot- I’ve worn them for hours /most of a day with no problems and now I’m on my 2nd pair!
Thanks for the responses, I will check some of the recommendations out in the morning.
No way I can go with Birkenstock. Two years of living in Berkeley makes me associate them with drugged out Peoples Park residents. I am sure they are great shoes but I just can’t see myself putting them on.
Didn’t you post a testimonial to these a while back? I was trying to remember the thread so I could search it but couldn’t remember the name. I am going to the new Sports Basement in Walnut Creek tomorrow and check them out. If I can’t find what I want there I will head over to REI Concord. My Fleet Feet has no sandals of any brand.
You can get sandals with built in custom orthotics. Basically it’s a removeable orthotic that fits into a sandal shell. A company called Footmaxx makes these. I’m sure there must also be others.
. I’m not a Birkenstock person, more into the casual flipflops. The people at Fleet Feet recommended those Montrail sandals to me as good for people with plantar fasciities/ other foot problems. (They also recommended the Chacos but I haven’t tried them). I love that you put the Montrails in the oven to mold the sole more to your foot- I’ve worn them for hours /most of a day with no problems and now I’m on my 2nd pair!