Interesting. I used to get shin splints regularly when I competed in track, and also when I ran long distance. I later began to run barefoot as a training tool, to correct my stride. Running barefoot forced me to let my body dictate how to run, to protect my feet and legs. I used to heel strike, and land too forcefully. I then began wearing zero drop, minimalist shoes, and have never had shin splints since. That has been a good 20 years.

I still have some conventional running shoes, Saucony, and a pair of Altras, which are zero drop, as well as a pair of Xero shoes. No matter what I wear now, I do not get shin splints. Correcting your stride makes a big difference, as does strengthening your feet, and the leg muscles that help move the foot. Going barefoot goes a long way to strengthening your feet, and the muscles used to support them. Just take it easy while barefoot, and don't overdo it, especially in the beginning.

I will add, that over the pandemic I screwed up my left foot. I was home over the Winter, and had been wearing boots while walking, due to the cold. I usually am traveling in warm climates for work, and can continue to wear minimalist shoes to walk and run. After not being barefoot, and not wearing minimalist shoes for months over the Winter, I wore a pair of minimalist shoes for running over a few days in the Spring, without building up to it. I got a stress fracture, and damaged ligaments and tendon, and developed a lot of issues including plantar fasciitis. In short, I was stupid. I have been dealing with it since May, and still have foot pain, though the plantar fasciitis is gone for the most part, but still have some joint pain. I'm back in my Xero shoes, but take it easy when wearing them. Today I am in my Sauconys.