Shin Splints

Barefoot running in the warm down progressing to using it for tempo could be another option. I believe the foot strength gained from these activities (and as mentioned by UnlimitedSteel) will significantly aid in overcoming the pronating foot, which is typically long and flat due to a lack of musculature in the medial longitudinal arch. Developing these muscles will subsequently develop this arch and help pronation conditions e.g. bunions.

It is also worth noting the change in running biomechanics in ‘big comfy shoes’ vs. barefoot/nike free. typically runners in shoes will strike heel/toe, allowing for much more pronation, and subsequently, a greater strain conveyed to the rest of the body. on the other hand, barefoot runners will tend to strike on the balls of their feet, almost in a toe/heel pattern (think of how you land from a plyo jump), allowing for much less pronation - which has the major benefit of absorbing the ground forces more efficiently. surely barefoot running presents the better option in terms of biomechanics - although shoe dwellers may take some time to adjust. i think training on grass or sand in bare feet could be a hugely beneficial general prep idea.

if we were meant to run in shoes, how did nomadic humans run for hundreds of miles at a stretch to track their prey? don’t think they had shin splints, plantar fasciiitis or achilles tendionopathies back then!