Best Running Shoes For Concrete
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Running on asphalt or concrete increases the peak pressure felt by the foot when compared to running on grass by 9.3% – 16.6% in the rear foot and by 4.7% – 12.3% in the forefoot according to a 2012 study by Tessuti and colleagues [1].
Running shoes that can withstand the harsh impact of rigid surfaces, like those of concrete and asphalt, become increasingly important to avoid potential injury and pain as well make running a more enjoyable experience.
All within our list of running trainers will effectively withstand and absorb shock from hard surfaces and make running on hard surfaces a breeze. Our goal is to help you find a shoe that is great in terms of quality and within your budget.
At a Glance: Our Best Running Shoes For Concrete
IMAGE
PRODUCT
DETAILS
Best Overall
Best Overall
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Runner Up
Runner Up
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Best Affordable
Best Affordable
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Most Popular
Most Popular
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BUDGET PICK
BUDGET PICK
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BEST MEN'S RUNNING SHOES
BEST MEN'S RUNNING SHOES
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BEST FOR CONCRETE FLOORS
BEST FOR CONCRETE FLOORS
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BEST NIKE SHOES
BEST NIKE SHOES
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Best for asphalt
Best for asphalt
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BEST for for pavement
BEST for for pavement
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Best Rated Running Shoes on Concrete Reviewed
Several shoe brands offer running shoes that are ideal for running on solid surfaces like concrete.
However, getting one that best suits you in terms of flexibility, durability, traction, and comfort can be a daunting task.
Twelve of the best-known products that make running on concrete an exceptional experience are listed below:
Adidas Ultraboost
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Ultra-comfortable
- Light weight
- Supportive
- Plenty of cushioning
Cons
- On the narrower side, not great for those with wide feet
- Runs a bit small
Pros
- Ultra-comfortable
- Light weight
- Supportive
- Plenty of cushioning
Cons
- On the narrower side, not great for those with wide feet
- Runs a bit small
Looking for a light, airy, ride? Your search could be over. Adidas Ultraboost running shoes offer a fantastic combination of breathability and cloud-light weight.
Designed with breathable knit uppers to keep your feet cool and dry while the miles fly by, these shoes are specially ventilated throughout the zones where sweat tends to accumulate.
The outsoles are made with deep, responsive cushion for an energized feel and effortless weight transfer throughout the range of your stride. A stabilizing torsion system lends a secure feel, making it easier to run with confidence.
Choose from red, yellow, or blue outsoles to contrast with the solid black uppers.
Allbirds Tree Dashers
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- All-natural
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Well-cushioned
Cons
- Just one style available (for now!)
Pros
- All-natural
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Well-cushioned
Cons
- Just one style available (for now!)
After tendonitis, you need to slowly and gently get back into running with some walking, and then speed-walking to build strength. The Allbirds Tree Dasher is one of the newest (and best) running shoes for recovering from peroneal tendonitis that we’ve found, and it’s all-natural, too.
We’ll start with performance and support, since that’s what matters most when you’re dealing with peroneal tendonitis. The flared outsole and rubber traction pads offer exceptional stability, increasing pronation control and keeping your feet aligned while you focus on the road ahead. A cushioned Merino wool heel support contributes to the overall feeling of security.
Next, comfort and breathability: A unique knitted fabric made from sustainable eucalyptus fiber wraps your feet making you feel well-supported. The fit is flexible, so the muscles and tendons in your feet are free to work as nature intended. It is also lightweight, at 9.7 oz. (275 g) for a US M8.0.
Finally, this shoe looks great, so much so that we’ve been wearing it as a casual street shoe too. Choose from several beautiful color combinations and get ready to get back into the sport we love.
We’ll start with performance and support, since that’s what matters most when you’re dealing with peroneal tendonitis. The flared outsole and rubber traction pads offer exceptional stability, increasing pronation control and keeping your feet aligned while you focus on the road ahead. A cushioned Merino wool heel support contributes to the overall feeling of security.
Next, comfort and breathability: A unique knitted fabric made from sustainable eucalyptus fiber wraps your feet making you feel well-supported. The fit is flexible, so the muscles and tendons in your feet are free to work as nature intended. It is also lightweight, at 9.7 oz. (275 g) for a US M8.0.
Finally, this shoe looks great, so much so that we’ve been wearing it as a casual street shoe too. Choose from several beautiful color combinations and get ready to get back into the sport we love.
Reebok Forever Floatride Energy Running Shoes
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Lots of cushioning
- Roomy toe box
- Lightweight design
- Designed to perform well on paved surfaces
Cons
- Heel cup is on the narrower side
- Takes several sessions to break in
Pros
- Lots of cushioning
- Roomy toe box
- Lightweight design
- Designed to perform well on paved surfaces
Cons
- Heel cup is on the narrower side
- Takes several sessions to break in
Energy foam midsoles cushion your feet from impact as you eat up the miles. Reebok Forever Floatride Energy running shoes are an outstanding choice for everyday running on concrete, but not ideal for those who combine rugged trails with city streets and sidewalks.
Traditional laces make it easy to find the best fit for confident strides. Meanwhile, engineered mesh uppers combine support and stability with breathability, so your feet feel fantastic every step of the way. These shoes come in a few different color combinations to complement your sense of style.
Hoka One One Bondi 5
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Comfortable cushioning
- Eases foot pains
- Provides excellent support and comfort
- Perfect shoe for Limited Joint Motion
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Some issues with quality control
- Not that stylish
Pros
- Comfortable cushioning
- Eases foot pains
- Provides excellent support and comfort
- Perfect shoe for Limited Joint Motion
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Some issues with quality control
- Not that stylish
This model is specially designed for hard, artificial terrains like concrete. Also the Bondi 5 offers excellent comfort and great traction to get you off to a good start. It is probably a shoe with the highest amount of cushioning among all the the Hoka One One shoes. The shoe also features optimum support, breathability and compression.
So, its EVA midsole, Comfort Frame upper, and a padded tongue work together with the curved sole under the metal, to provide unparalleled comfort. Also, this shoe has a creatively constructed upper with a breathable mesh and allows proper air ventilation, and that keeps the foot cool and dry all day.
It also comes with an ortholite molded insole to provide a snug feel under the foot, extra support and cushioning. The Zonal Rubber outsole of the shoe shields it from wearing-down too easily.
ASICS Gel-Kayano 24
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Generous amount of cushioning
- Perfect for narrow feet and heels
- Exceptional foot support
- Available in amazing style and colors
- Provides super comfort
Cons
- Expensive
- Quality control issues
Pros
- Generous amount of cushioning
- Perfect for narrow feet and heels
- Exceptional foot support
- Available in amazing style and colors
- Provides super comfort
Cons
- Expensive
- Quality control issues
This ASICS model is unbelievably plush and soft and incorporates ASICS’ proprietary technologies to make it fit for running long-distances on concrete. The mesh upper gives greater flexibility by hugging the foot safely as it is backed by the ASICS’ FluidFit technology.
It comes with the Heel Clutching System, an external structure that holds the heel in place to provide stability and keep the heel to the back of the shoe.
Kayano is known for its bouncy, springy feel empowered by the FlyteFoam midsole and its Ortholite X-40 Sock liner keeps the underfoot well cushioned. It comes with a DuraSponge that gives extra cushioning and minimizes supination and Rear Foot Crash Pad that shields the heel from harsh impact.
Hoka One One Clifton 4
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Energetic rebound
- More durable than older versions
- Ideal lightweight trainer
- Great fit for wider feet and orthotics
- Often recommended by foot doctors
Cons
- Very expensive
- It may run narrow and small
Pros
- Energetic rebound
- More durable than older versions
- Ideal lightweight trainer
- Great fit for wider feet and orthotics
- Often recommended by foot doctors
Cons
- Very expensive
- It may run narrow and small
This lightweight trainer is made to be more durable than Clifton’s older models. So it gives extra cushioning to relieve the pain caused from walking and running on concrete and other hard terrains. Also its upper is made of a thin mesh for comfort, softness, and breathability.
Above all, the toe box is spacious and allows the toes to spread comfortably. It features a mid-sole made of a single CMEVA foam. Finally, this shoe is springy and soft despite being stronger than the older models and protects the feet from the harsh impact of concrete.
Mizuno Wave Creation 19
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Provides great arch support
- Exceptional grip
- Plush cushioning
- Offers unmatched comfort
Cons
- Durability is questionable
- It has a narrow toe box
Pros
- Provides great arch support
- Exceptional grip
- Plush cushioning
- Offers unmatched comfort
Cons
- Durability is questionable
- It has a narrow toe box
This masterpiece is a well-crafted, comfortable and responsive shoe designed to withstand the harsh impact of concrete. Also, this model is loaded with additional cushioning coupled with a sock liner that hugs the foot perfectly.
Above all, the AirMesh upper is quite breathable and keeps the foot cool and dry all day.
Likewise, its DynaMotion technology gives a perfect fit by reducing pressure from running on concrete and also minimizes the probability of contortion, making it durable.
It features a mid-sole that has assorted densities of EVA foam which makes it comfortable and responsive.
Mizuno Wave Creation 19 is definitely made for a smooth ride and has additional cushioning that runs along the bottom and all through the length of the shoe.
Brooks Addiction 13
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Offers excellent stability for motion control
- Suitable for overpronators
- Provides great arch and heel support
- Beautiful and spacious toe box
- Offers a great deal of comfort to the wearers
Cons
- Some reviewers reported that it is not durable
- A bit heavier than the previous model
Pros
- Offers excellent stability for motion control
- Suitable for overpronators
- Provides great arch and heel support
- Beautiful and spacious toe box
- Offers a great deal of comfort to the wearers
Cons
- Some reviewers reported that it is not durable
- A bit heavier than the previous model
Overpronators get to greatly benefit from this running shoe, which is specifically designed to meet their exclusive needs.
Also, this shoe is great at protecting the feet of the runners. The midsole contains the Brooks’ gel cushioning that shields it from the stress that comes from the impact on concrete.
Above all, this shoe keeps the foot cool and dry, while preventing friction caused by its breathable mesh upper.
To prevent blisters, this shoe’s interior lining is engineered with moisture-wicking technology, well-cushioned tongue and a collar.
Also this shoe effectively handles overpronation, as it has an Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar. Above all, the midsole of this shoe is made with a responsive fluid gel in its BioMoGo DNA midsole.
Hoka One One Gaviota
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Provides awesome stability
- Helps manage Plantar Fasciitis
- Richly-cushioned running shoe
- Supportive and responsive
Cons
- Its durability is being questioned by some reviewers
Pros
- Provides awesome stability
- Helps manage Plantar Fasciitis
- Richly-cushioned running shoe
- Supportive and responsive
Cons
- Its durability is being questioned by some reviewers
First of all, the underfoot foam cushioning of this beautiful trainer sets it apart from the rest. Plus, it is useful for runners running on hard surfaces and seems to be designed for that.
It also offers a great amount of support and stability while still being optimally soft. The upper is made of breathable, lightweight material to keep the foot cool and dry.
Also its breathable lining gives the wearer a snug fit.
Its midsole is quite stable because of the Arch-Lock Wings, and the extra layers connected to the laces.
It also has a well-cushioned tongue and collar coupled with the heel. While the heel has a pull tab to help with buckling and taking off the shoe.
Finally, to prevent overpronation and to maintain stability while running, the Gaviota is empowered with the RMAT J-Frame, a J-shaped EVA, and a rubber outline.
Altra Paradigm 3.0
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Has thick cushion but is lightweight
- Provides a natural fit for wide feet
- Offers a great deal of comfort
- Suitable for overpronators
Cons
- Wears down within a few months
- Has shallow upper design
Pros
- Has thick cushion but is lightweight
- Provides a natural fit for wide feet
- Offers a great deal of comfort
- Suitable for overpronators
Cons
- Wears down within a few months
- Has shallow upper design
First of all, a great deal of cushioning has gone into this Altra shoe in order to protect the runners from the harshness of running or walking on concrete. Also, it comes with a wide toe box that allows the toes to spread naturally, and with a zero drop design. Since there is a zero transition between toe and heel, it makes the running stride more natural.
The upper is made of a lightweight, breathable quick-dry mesh which keeps the wearer’s feet comfortable. Finally, the Altra Paradigm 3.0 features a 32mm cushioning that has no heel-to-toe drop. It uses Altra’s GuardRail technology to give additional support where the upper and sole meet, in order to address overpronation.
Saucony Echelon 6
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Has a roomy toe box
- Provides top-of-the-line cushioning
- Highly flexible outsole
- Very lightweight
- Offers a great amount of comfort
Cons
- It has an inflexible upper
- Rigid seams
Pros
- Has a roomy toe box
- Provides top-of-the-line cushioning
- Highly flexible outsole
- Very lightweight
- Offers a great amount of comfort
Cons
- It has an inflexible upper
- Rigid seams
Saucony has designed this trainer to meet the requirements of runners running on concrete.
Also it comes with many shock absorption layers, flexible design and comfy underfoot cushioning. So you can definitely count on this shoe for an ideal fit and to run or walk on hard terrains.
All of that combined together, this is a responsive, cushy and comfortable shoe from Saucony.
The lightweight fabric with tiny holes in its upper, is designed to keep the foot cool and dry. It also has a support frame around the heel area that guides against slippage and instability.
Saucony Triumph ISO 4
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Provides plush cushioning
- Comfortable
- Air ventilation keeps the feet cool and dry
- It absorbs shock
Cons
- Offers less traction
- It may run too heavy
Pros
- Provides plush cushioning
- Comfortable
- Air ventilation keeps the feet cool and dry
- It absorbs shock
Cons
- Offers less traction
- It may run too heavy
This Saucony model is a running shoe that comes with lots of cushioning. The thick cushioning makes it a perfect fit for all types of runners running on roads for long distances on concrete. Saucony’s upper has the ISOFIT lacing system that molds itself around the runner’s foot and allows him a great deal of flexibility while running.
There is a balance between comfort and breathability ensuring proper ventilation around the feet. Also, Saucony’s EVERUN foam offers optimum cushioning that covers-up the entire length of the sole.
Nike LunarTempo
Product
Overall Score
Pros
- Beautiful and stylish
- Good delivery service
- Lightweight
- Breathable mesh upper
Cons
- It may run small, you will need to order ½ size up
- It is way too expensive
Pros
- Beautiful and stylish
- Good delivery service
- Lightweight
- Breathable mesh upper
Cons
- It may run small, you will need to order ½ size up
- It is way too expensive
This Nike model offers unparalleled functionalities because it comes with Lunarlon cushioning system, creatively engineered mesh and Flywire cable that provides support for breathability and flexibility.
Also, its Lunarlon foam gives adequate comfort and a high level of responsiveness.
It also makes the shoe more lightweight as compared to the thickly cushioned trainers commonly available in the stores.
Above all, it comes with a thin rubber sole that provides extra traction and makes it durable. Its waffle pistons also offer great shock absorption from the impact felt on concrete.
Safety Tips for Running on Concrete
Experts often advise that some runners with certain conditions should totally avoid running on concrete such as those having plantar fasciitis, patellofemoral pain and shin splints.
The following tips may help alleviate the conditions:
- Focus on Form – First, try as much as possible by avoiding the harsh impact from concrete to your joints by running with proper form. Shift the impact to the mid and forefoot by running in a way that will initially feel similar to tiptoeing.
- Vary Amount and Intensity of Practice – Doing so may reduce the total stress on the musculoskeletal system and allow recovery in your joints, ligaments, and tendons.
- Use Springy, Cushioned Shoes – It is also advisable that those with the above foot conditions always run with trainers that have enough cushioning, so try choosing a pair that comes with an EVA foam mid-sole that helps absorb shock.
Also Read:Best Running Shoes For Shin Splints
Final Thoughts
For runners that run primarily on concrete or asphalt, shoe choice is very important due to the increased pressure on the foot and strain to the joints that the harder surfaces produce. The best defense is a pair of trainers with adequate stability and cushioning.
The shoe models reviewed in this article provide you with reasonable options to help you decide what shoe best suits your needs.
Citation
[1] Tessutti V, Ribeiro AP, Trombini-Souza F, Sacco IC. Attenuation of foot pressure during running on four different surfaces: asphalt, concrete, rubber, and natural grass. J Sports Sci. 2012;30(14):1545-50. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2012.713975. Epub 2012 Aug 17. PMID: 22897427.
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