Compartment syndrome is one of the most painful and frustrating conditions that many runners face and suffer from while running. It happens when your muscles are squeezed in a tight space causing immense pain that you would do anything to get rid of it-literally anything.
Chronic pain can ruin the days and may even hurt your health badly. And you may have visited several doctors in the hope of eliminating the problem, only to see it increasing with your every stride.
But, it has an easy solution…..
Invest in the best running shoes for compartment syndrome and see how it magically removes the pain to offer you a comfortable running time. These shoes feature a sufficient and roomy toe box along with enough padding to relieve pressure from the toe as you run.
Nonetheless, finding the right running shoe for compartment syndrome isn’t easy as not all shoes will fit your requirements.
We have analyzed the shoe market, talked with experts and compartment syndrome sufferers to figure out the 7 top running shoes to battle the pain and inconvenience. These shoes have excellent padding, roomy toe box, flexibility, and traction to remedy the medical condition soon.
So, you have come to the right place if you want to get relief from the problem and start running like a normal person.
Now, let’s dive into it.
Can Running Shoes Help Compartment Syndrome?
Finally, here’s a solid question. But before we talk about how a good pair of running shoes can help you remedy the pain, let’s clarify what compartment syndrome means.
Chronic External Compartment Syndrome, aka, CECP refers to a physical disorder. It happens when we experience pain and ache in our bilateral lower leg. Surprisingly, it will be present while we exercise or run, especially without proper foot cushioning. But in regular life, most people, even avid runners, won’t face CECP.
It happens mostly while running and hard training. And scientists have figured out the main cause of it as improper shoes, often with tighter toe boxes. Human feet stretch while running. If you wear a shoe with a tight toe box, the feet can’t find enough space to stretch when you run for an extended period.
When it starts regularly occurring, slowly, your feet will start paining and develop into chronic pain if not treated timely.
Henceforth, investing in a quality running shoe is the key to compartment syndrome. When you wear a pair of running shoes with excellent cushioning and a roomy toe box, it easily accommodates your leg and its slight expansion while running and jogging.
Also, running shoes will have good flexibility will mimic the natural expansion and compression of human legs for a comfortable feel. Therefore, running shoes helps to prevent compartment syndrome with the following benefits-
- A roomy toe box ensures the toe has enough space for lateral and sideways movement. It removes pressure ad burden from the toe to help it stay in good condition and pain-free while running, training, and jogging.
- A proper running shoe will have maximum padding. So, when your feet land, they will absorb the shock and impact without hurting your toe, heel, and other parts of the feet. Therefore, you are less likely to face any severe pain and aches.
- Finally, these running shoes often have enough flexibility to mimic the natural expansion of human feet during exercise and running. Thus, when you run for a long period, its flexibility will cope up with the slight expansion of your toe for a snug fit without any tightness.
But, the real question is how to know if you need a pair of compartment syndrome running shoes or not? Let’s check these out-
- If you feel pain or aches around your lower leg, especially around the toe, after starting your exercise and running for a few minutes.
- If the burning or aching sensation keeps increasing while running for extended pain, it keeps coming back whenever you start running.
- You will see the pain occurring mostly in your shins (anterior compartment) and calves (exterior compartment). That’s why it gets the name compartment syndrome. When the pain seems to be increasing, you have to shift from regular running shoes to specially engineered ones to combat the chronic pain.
- You will also feel tightness and numbness while exercising. At worst, it becomes unbearable, and you would be forced to stop your exercise.
- After you stop running and exercising, the numbness and pain will eliminate within 20 to 30 minutes. Thus, it is an indication that it is happening only due to running and exercising.
Thus, when you wear a well-cushioned and roomy toe-boxed shoe, you can get rid of these problems soon and start feeling confident of improving your running performance again.
Table Of Content:
Compartment syndrome is painful and frustrating. You can go through our quick review to find the right running shoes to get rid of the problem shortly.
7 Best Running Shoes For Compartment Syndrome Reviews 2023
Earlier, people had to undergo surgery to eliminate compartment syndrome. Thanks to the advancement of shoe technologies, you can choose a high-quality running shoe pair and get relief from the problem forever.
Here’re our top 7 picks for the best running shoes for chronic compartment syndrome that will help you combat the problem without any medical remedy.
1. Best overall: Vibram Men’s KSO EVO Cross Training Shoe
The Vibram Men’s KSO EVO is a top running shoe for combatting CECP plus dealing with off-trail runs for adventures. Targeted for urban runners, this cross-training shoe ensures maximum durability, excellent gripping, and a lightweight feel to boost your running comfort.
Its perfect balance of flexibility and padding makes it an ideal choice for hard trainers and athletes. Also, it doesn’t require breaking in and is ready to wear right out of the box.
Flexibility and grip
The star feature of this champion shoe is its high-performing traction and flexibility. The sole is made of XS Trek. It is a technical and compound material. It ensures the outsole has enough traction to withstand successfully wet conditions.
Durable and responsive
The XS Trek sole is engineered especially for good comfort and stability for your feet. Apart from grip and traction, the sole offers excellent responsiveness with the combination of EVA foam. So, you will enjoy the perfect cushioning that helps in removing stress and pain around your toe and feet.
Sockliner fit
The shoe features sockliner fitting. It is soft and comfy. Therefore, you will love its nice and hugging feel throughout the feet. Also, its softness and flexibility promise that the legs don’t feel stressed and numbness which is the primary concern for compartment syndrome.
Lightweight design
The shoe weighs only 3.5oz. Thus, it is one of the lightest shoes you will get to wear. Thanks to its l8ightness, your feet are free from the burden of carrying extra weight. It helps in removing the pain and ache that an overweight shoe can cause.
Breathable and protective
The upper portion of the shoe features PU material construction. It is breathable and well-ventilated. Therefore, you will enjoy the ventilation. Proper air passing through the shoe keeps your feet cool and lessens the risk of numbness.
Specifications
- Weight: 3.05oz
- Insole: 2mm
- Outsole: 3mm
- Upper: PU material
Summary
Vibram Men’s KSO EVO is an excellent running shoe to relieve compact syndrome thanks to its ample room, outstanding cushioning, and lightweight comfort. Also, it is high-performing and responsive to improve your running pace.
2. Best for women: Merrell Men’s Vapor Glove 2 Trail Running Shoe
While we were talking with experts and customers to make the list of best running shoes for exterior compartment syndrome, almost all of them unanimously agreed that Merrell Men’s Vapor Glove 2 deserves a place in the list.
The shoe is well-made, has a spacious toe-box, and has an excellent barefoot feeling that runners and trainers would love. Plus, it is lightweight and easy to carry without any exterior and interior leg pain.
Contact to the ground
The key point of the shoe is its full contact with the ground with an awesome barefoot feeling. It provides zero-drop for your heel to toe, adding stability to every stride. Plus, barefoot design and contact with the ground will give you more freedom for movement.
Lightweight design
Unlike any bulky shoes, Vapor Glove 2 offers an incredibly lightweight construction to remove excess stress and burden from your feet. So, your muscles will remain free of any additional stress and fatigue. It helps in encountering compartment syndrome better.
Wobbling and slip-resistance
The shoe has a Vibram outsole, and it is the best in the business. Vibram outsole is known for its stability. So, you won’t experience any wobbling at all. Plus, it is sticky enough to prevent slippage on wet grounds adding further to its safety features. The traction offers excellent grip on every surface for safe running and training.
Breathable TPU upper
The upper of the shoe is made using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material. While it ensures maximum durability, the mesh fabric also has incredible breathability. So, cool air can pass through it to give your feet a nice sensation and helps to remedy numbness.
Wider toe box
The shoe has a wider toe box compared to regular shoes. So, your toe won’t feel any tightness while running, which is the primary reason for CECP. It means it ensures you enjoy greater comfort and stability with every stride for a brisk running session.
Specifications
- Weight: 6oz
- Insole: 2mm
- Upper: TPU material
- Offset: 0
Summary
The Merrell Men’s Vapor Glove 2 is a dependable shoe to combat compartment syndrome. Also, it improves your running performance with a cozy barefoot feel and excellent grip. You will appreciate its lightness to remove stress and pain on the feet as well.
3. Best For Stability: Xero Shoes Men’S Prio Cross-Training Shoe
Those who want a minimalist shoe with unlimited versatility must consider Xero Shoes Prior as the best bet. It is equally high-performing for off-trail, regular running, and cross-training. The shoe provides a natural fit and flexible motion to mimic the human feet, ensuring maximum comfort.
On top of it, it has a perfect blend of agility and balance to improve your running and cross-training performance even at the professional level.
Lightweight and stable
At 7.4oz weight, the shoe is highly lightweight. So, your feet are free from any burden and stress. Additionally, the outsole has brilliant grip and traction, ensuring maximum stability. It helps in cross-training, weight lifting, and off-trail hiking, where you will often meet wet roads or challenging situations.
Vegan-friendly design
Another amazing feature of the shoe is its vegan-friendliness. It has no animal or natural latex element in the shoe construction. Therefore, it is eco-friendly and ideal for vegan people. And despite such things, the shoe is highly durable.
Zero-drop feature
The toe to heel transition features zero drops. So, it gives an even feel without any ups and downs. Also, the zero-drop feature brings additional comfort and safety with every stride you take. Zero drops also ensure proper posture to eliminate the symptoms of the compact syndrome and helps you in improving agility and running pace.
Barefoot design
The outsole of the shoe is thinner than most running shoes. Thus, you will enjoy a nice and cozy barefoot feel. It has only a 2mm insole for a comfy feel without added burden. Thanks to the barefoot design, you will also get a snug fit.
Versatile application
The Prio shoe is designed to be used for different applications. Whether you plan for regular running, weight lifting, cross-training, or adventurous hiking, this shoe is ready to serve every purpose. So, it ensures multi-functioning applications.
Specifications
- Weight: 7.4oz
- Insole: 2mm
- Upper: PU material
- Stack height: 7-8mm
Summary
The shoe is versatile, reliable, durable, and high-performing. You can use it to fight against CECP and perform hard training for weight lifting and professional running. Also, the shoe has a nice barefoot feeling for added comfort.
4. Best For Minimalist Design: Vivo Barefoot Women’S Lace-Up
Our previous three reviews for the best running shoes for anterior compartment syndrome were all for men. So, we decided to bring one for women, especially those suffering from severe and chronic compartment syndrome.
The Vivo barefoot shoe is perfect for women to run, train, and jog without any additional burden to their feet. Plus, it comes in five attractive colors and provides a comfy feel even after hours of running sessions.
Thin and barefoot comfort
The 3mm sole is ultrathin. So, you will appreciate its barefoot design to find maximum contact with the ground. At one point, it adds stability to your feet. On the other hand, a thinner outsole prevents burdening your feet with bulkiness.
Lightweight and secure fit
The running and training shoe is lightweight. Also, it fits with your fit snuggly, ensuring maximum support and safety. Therefore, you won’t experience any wobbling, and also, a lighter feel is ideal for long training sessions.
Decent heel support
The smart design of the shoe is suitable for high-performing training. It provides superior heel support to prevent twisting. Plus, its improved heel support permits you to get a few extra mileages to boost your running performance.
Honeycomb outsole
The outsole of the shoe has a nice honeycomb design. Therefore, the sole has a deeper groove and traction to be used on any ground. You can wear it for running on an outdoor, treadmill, and hard surfaces.
Breathable and comfy
The upper sole also has a honeycomb design with nice breathability. It has PET mesh fabric. Thus, you won’t experience any sweaty feel inside. Also, it allows nice ventilation for a cooler and comfier feel while running and training.
Specifications
- Weight: 7.4oz
- Insole: 3mm
- Upper: PET mesh fabric
- Outer sole: Rubber
Summary
Women have delicate legs and may suffer from chronic compartment syndrome more. Those women can wear the Vivo barefoot Women’s Lace-up shoe and get rid of the pain quickly. Also, the shoe has nice laces for a tailored fit.
5. Best For Achilles Support: Brooks Men’s Ghost 13 Running Shoe
The Ghost 13 running shoe from Brooks is another brilliant addition that has lived up to the expectations of Brooks’ fan base. The shoe is designed for all-purpose use, including concrete, asphalt, and of course, for people with compartment syndrome.
Whether you are a casual jogger or a serious marathon runner, this shoe is ready to deliver unbeatable performance with every stride you take. It also is durable and should serve you for several years without any wear and tear.
Reliable transition
The Ghost 13 running shoe offers a brilliant transition from your toe to the heel. Its improved smoothness in the transition means you will face less distraction. So, you can focus more on the truck and boost your running performance. Plus,
Excellent cushioning
This shoe includes DNA LOFT, and BioMoGo made cushioning. Thus, it has just about the right padding to prevent any stress and fatigue to your feet. Also, its enhanced padding means your foot is less likely to encounter pains to cause chronic compact syndrome.
Lightweight and balanced
The shoe is lightweight and ensures the perfect balance between responsiveness and softness. So, your foot will enjoy the added coziness it brings with every step. Plus, its lightweight design is useful to level up a few miles of speed for professional runners.
Shock-absorbing facility
The enhanced cushioning of the shoe means it can tackle hard landing and impacts better than you imagine. So, you can use the shore for running on concrete, asphalt, and even treadmill. Henceforth, you will enjoy its versatility.
Easy stretchiness
The outsole and upper portion of the shoe have nice stretchiness. So, when you run for an extended period, it expands slightly to match your feet. It is crucial to prevent compartment syndrome as it ensures a roomy toe box. It, therefore, promises safe and cozy running and training sessions for all.
Specifications
- Weight: 8.08oz
- Type: Neutral
- Cushion level: 2 to 3
- Offset: 8mm
- Color: Black
Summary
You will enjoy its 3D print upper for quick molding to ensure a tailored fit. Plus, the shoe offers premium cushioning to relieve pain and ensure maximum comfort while running and cross-training.
6. Best For Secure Fit: Nike Men’S Revolution 4 Running Shoe
You can quickly and easily get a few extra mileages with added pace for running with Nike’s Revolution 4 shoe. It will be one heck of an addition to your shoe rack with its added durability, comfort, and promising performance right out of the box.
Lightweight and durable
The best part of the shoe is its durable and lightweight construction. While the premium material ensures excellent durability, it also makes the shoe lightweight. So, your feet are free from any stress, unlike the bulkier shoes.
Multi-layer traction
The Revolution 4 comes with a molded pod. This molded pod has been engineered to offer multi-layer traction for the outsole. Therefore, it has a maximum grip in tricky conditions to ensure that you remain safe and sound.
Responsive cushioning
What’s more, the pod molding features a unique technology that allows it to flatten and spring back to its original position, mimicking the natural feet movement. This technology offers maximum responsiveness and ensures you lose the least energy while running.
Supportive and comfy
The midsole of the shoe is thickened to offer maximum padding. It combines with responsiveness to offer you excellent support. Also, the toe tip will have enhanced protection that comes in handy for professional athletes. Thus, it ensures versatility.
Tailored fit
The Revolution 4 shoe has a dynamic fit system. It uses a piece of stretchy mesh fabric to lock the feet against the contours for a secure and comfy fit. Thus, your feet will stay firm without additional movement and won’t cause any fatigue, pain, and aches.
Specifications
- Weight: 8.8oz
- Type: Neutral
- Offset: 10mm
- Toe box: Medium
Summary
Nike’s Revolution 4 shoe is the best running shoe for chronic compartment syndrome with its maximum padding, ultra-plush construction, and secure fit. Also, the shoe is ideal for speeding up your running performance.
7. Best For Versatility: New Balance Men’s Nitrel V3 Trail Running Shoe
The New Balance Nitrel V3 is for those who want a good-quality running shoe at affordable pricing but don’t like compromising the key features. The shoe is priced pretty reasonably and still includes all the premium features that a runner or trainee would look for in a shoe.
The shoe is made for walking and running on all terrains, including treadmill, mud, off-road and regular pavements.
Updated midsole
The Nitrel V3 has REVLite midsole. It is a new and innovative midsole that increases the responsiveness of the shoe. Plus, it makes the shoe 30% lighter and so, you can run for an extended period with the shoes on your feet.
Versatile traction
The shoe is designed for versatile applications. Its outsole is made of AT Tread. Thus, the shoe offers multi-level tractions for added grip. It means you can wear the shoe for both on and off-trail running and training.
Excellent comfort and safety
The shoe has a specially engineered mesh lining. It has enough breathability to allow your feet to stay cool and dry through proper ventilation and perforation for water vapor to escape at ease. Plus, it ensures you enjoy the utmost comfort while running.
Sufficient cushioning
The shoe also features improved padding. So, people suffering from chronic compartment syndrome will be benefitted from its cushioning as it relieves the feet from any pain and aches. Also, it helps in absorbing the shock and impact better for a safe landing.
Durable functioning
The lightweight shoe promises a long-lasting performance, thanks to its premium materials and puncture-resistant outsole. So, you won’t have to invest in the 2nd pair of running shoes anytime soon.
Specifications
- Weight: 3.6oz
- Type: Neutral
- Offset: 10mm
- Toe box: Medium
Summary
If you want to get rid of compartment syndrome and feet sore, the padding and comfy design of the Nitrel V3 will be the perfect option for you. It also has durable construction for long-lasting service.
Factors To Consider When Buying Running Shoes For Compartment Syndrome
When you want the best running shoes for chronic compartment syndrome, you can’t just pick any shoe from the market. Instead, you should focus on a few key points to make the right choice.
Proper cushioning:
One of the main reasons for compartment syndrome is less or inappropriate cushioning of the feet. Thus, you have to choose a shoe with the right padding to offer your feet comfy and plush cushioning. The enhanced cushioning will prevent your feet from impacts and shocks.
Plus, it gives the feet a softer feel and so, you won’t face feet sore and aches.
Zero drops:
Another primary reason for compartment syndrome is the hell striking the ground excessively. It happens when the shoe has an improper balance between your heel to toe. When the heel strikes the ground with force, it causes swelling and bleeding of your feet.
Choosing a shoe with zero drops will reduce the impact of heel striking on the ground. So, you will enjoy less swelling and get relief from the chronic disorder.
If it doesn’t have zero drops, make sure the distance from the heel to toe or the drop is as less as possible, ideally, not more than 8mm.
Traction and grip:
When you run at full speed, you won’t want to slip and fall on the ground. You need a pair of shoes with good traction and gripping to avoid such annoying moments. Thus, the shoe you choose must have good traction at its outsole.
It will allow ideal grip in all conditions to ensure you remain stable and steady. So, you can run with confidence in all situations without any performance drop.
Check the flexibility:
A flexible shoe will resemble the natural movement of your feet with proper stretchiness and compression. So, it will match every stride you take and also relieves your feet from swelling and bleeding.
The flexibility enables you to move over any uneven and bumpy without putting too much stress on your feet. So, your running performance will increase substantially.
Breathability:
The upper sole of the shoe must be breathable. If it lacks ventilation, your feet will face sweating, and you will feel the dampness in your feet. Thus, you have to look for a breathable upper mesh fabric so that you get sufficient ventilation.
As your feet remain cool and dry, you will love running, training, walking, etc., with the shoe on your feet.
Durability:
Who doesn’t want a durable and long-lasting shoe? Well, if your shoe starts wearing out soon, your investment will be a bad one. Ideally, you need to check the material of the footwear. If it is of good quality, your shoe will surely be durable.
For instance, shoes made from synthetic or rubber with breathable PU or TPU material will offer maximum durability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I run as well as previously I had compartment syndrome
Although the answer isn’t pleasing, we have to say it. Once you develop chronic compartment syndrome, you have to tone down your running intensity. You may not run long distances and off-trails after developing the problem.
How Do I Fix Chronic Compartment Syndrome?
Once you have developed chronic compartment syndrome, you have to undergo surgery to get rid of the problem. A surgeon will cut your skin and fascia to open it and relieve the added pressure and stress to fix the syndrome.
Can Running Shoes Combat The Acute Compartment Syndrome?
If you wear a good quality running shoe with proper cushioning, flexibility, and spacious toe box, it will help you relieve swelling. So, CECP is likely to occur in your leg.
Can I Go Back To Running After A Compartment Syndrome Surgery?
Yes, you can go back to running after your compartment syndrome surgery. Usually, the recovery period is around 2 to 3 weeks. So, after recovering from the surgery, you can slowly start running.
Is Surgery A Must For Removing Chronic Compartment Syndrome?
Although undergoing proper surgery is the last remedy to get rid of the problem, you can wear special running shoes for the compartment syndrome to lessen its effect. That’s why we have reviewed 7 top choices for the syndrome so that you can reduce the impact without undergoing surgery.
Final Words
The compartment syndrome is indeed painful and may force you to stop running unless you undergo surgery. But you can wear the best running shoes for compartment syndrome to get rid of the problem with surgery.
The list here includes 7 excellent running shoes with proper cushioning, flexibility, roomy toe box, and durability worth the investment. But if you are still unsure about which shoe to choose, you can check out Vibram Men’s KSO EVO Cross Training Shoe. Thanks to its brilliant articulation, thinner midsole, and zero-drop facility, it won’t cause any swelling on the feet.
Therefore, you won’t face any excess weight, stress, and pressure on your fit. Also, the shoe is exceedingly well-built to offer you maximum durability.
