Shin splints aren't caused by hard surfaces. Mostly you get them because your using muscles and connective tissues that are being over taxed. So if you aren't a regular runner you'll get them. It's a good way to tell the bullshitters from those that exercise regularly on their feet (running, jumping, sprinting...) I always get them if i take a long time off from workouts (6+ months), but they go away after getting back into the swing of things. There is one other type of shin splint that I know of (but can't remember what it's called) and it can be a serious medical condition requiring surgery even. Most don't have that.