If you don't want to wait that long for walking to strengthen the tibialis anterior, here's what you can do to speed the process and have highly effective shins . Tight calf muscles cause the anterior leg muscles to work harder to elevate the foot. According to Dr. Perry Julien, a sports podiatrist in Atlanta who will be part of the medical team for the 1996 Olympic Racewalks, tight calf muscles are a cause of many foot related problems such as plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Dr. Julien says that the two best things that walkers can do to prevent foot injuries and shin discomfort are things that don't cost as much as a visit to the doctor. Stretch your calf muscles often and buy new shoes before yours wear out.
Most running shoes have too much heel elevation for walking.
Shin pain can be aggravated by a shoe that is too built up or is not flexible enough. Stay away from racing flats for your regular training. They're not supportive enough, and unless you have perfect biomechanics, you're asking for injuries. Walk on your heels everyday to strengthen your shin muscles. In my advanced racewalking classes, the students walk around the track on their heels for 30 second intervals.