Running has become a compulsory part of the lifestyle for many people. The masses are shunning the regular fitness regime for running. More and more people are leaving the confines of the gym and are coming out in the open to embrace fitness.
Early mornings welcome hundreds and hundreds of runners running towards a leaner and fitter frame. But, not every runner wears a perfect pair of shoes.
There are many people who wear wrong shoes while running and subject themselves to injuries.
Many people buy one pair of running shoes and wear the same shoes while running on the track, grass as well as concrete.
At its core is Hoka's famed midsole geometry, which has been given an upgraded foam package to ensure consistent cushioning through the life of the shoe.
It is very important to wear right running shoes while running, especially if you run on a harder surface i.e. concrete. Also, it is equally important to wear a perfectly fitted shoe.
If you do not know how to select a good running shoe, take a cue from us. Keep reading to know how to select the best running shoes for concrete surfaces
Contents
Understand the Difference Between Walking And Running Shoes
Many people do not pay heed to the fact that walking and running shoes are not the same. Walking shoes are stiff. On the other hand, running shoes are flexible.
They come with added cushioning in order to absorb the high impact and protect the knees.
Furthermore, the running shoes are divided into concrete running shoes, track running shoes, artificial running shoes, etc.
Find a perfect fit
A perfectly fitted running shoe is bliss. Here is how you can buy a perfectly fitted running shoe:
- When you run, your feet tend to expand. So, to accommodate it, there should be some amount of extra space between the big toe and the shoe’s front part. You must keep about half an inch of extra space.
- Buy a fit and snugly shoe that’s not too tight and not too loose.
- The best time to buy a shoe is evening when the feet are a little swollen.
Buy shoes that fit your feet arch
Many leading brands make shoes keeping in mind the arch of the feet. For higher arched feet, there are neutral shoes that are very flexible and have extra cushioning.
For the feet with a normal arch, there are shoes with moderate arch support and midsole cushioning.
For the people with flat feet, the companies make specially tailored motion-control shoes that are heavy, stiff, and less flexible. These shoes offer a greater support to the inner part of the feet.
Buy shoes according to the pronation
Pronation is the way your feet roll when you run or walk. It is basically the inward rolling motion of the joint located below the ankle. Pronation occurs when a person lands on the ground.
For every individual, the degree of pronation is different. Some over-pronate while some underpronate.
- If you are a normal pronator, you must buy a shoe with an S-shaped pattern tracing the outer heels to the big toes.
- People who pronate less tend to receive a greater impact when they land on the ground because their feet do not roll inward. Thus, these people need a shoe with extra cushioning.
- The feet of over-pronators roll excessively inwards and hence, it affects their knees as well as hips. Over-pronators should buy stability shoes as they offer more support, comfort, and cushioning.
Buy shoes according to the heel drop
According to the heel drop, the shoes can be categorized into minimalist shoes and maximalist shoes. Heel drop is the distance between the heel and the ground.
The heel drop in minimalist shoes is 0 mm to 4 mm. They offer minimal arch support. They allow for a more natural feet movement.
On the other hand, maximalist shoes have a heel drop between 2mm to 6mm. They have soft density and high volume.
Best Running Shoes for Concrete Surface
Experts believe that you need different shoes for running on different surfaces. If you run on concrete, you need special shoes made for the purpose.
Concrete is around ten times harder as compared to asphalt. Running on the hard surface enhances the in-shoe pressure by leaps and bounds. This makes the lower limbs more susceptible to injury.
Thus, for running on a hard surface like concrete, you would need shoes with extra cushioning as well as extra support. The extra cushioning absorbs the impact.
Neutral shoes, as well as stability shoes, are considered as apt options for running on the hard-concrete surface. For the runners who have high arch feet, orthotics shoes are the perfect option.
Things to look for while buying running shoes for concrete
There are certain things that you must keep in mind while buying running shoes. The first thing is the running surface. As already mentioned, running on concrete can be dangerous as it is much harder than the other running surfaces.
Here are some features that you should look for in running shoes:
- Cushioning: As concrete is hard, running with regular shoes can cause injury to your knees. Thus, you should look for a shoe that comes with good amount of cushioning.
- Fit: A good fit is prerequisite while buying any shoe. But when it comes to buying a running shoe for the concrete surface, you need to be extra cautious. Running on concrete causes a greater impact on the limb and if you don’t buy a shoe with proper fit, you can hurt your limbs.
- Flexibility: Running shoes need to be very flexible. You must look for flexibility while buying a running shoe for concrete.
5 Best Running Shoes for Concrete Surface
Here we have reviewed the best running shoes for concrete surfaces.
Hoka One One Bondi 5
| Hoka One One Bondi 5 | |
| Type of shoes | Running shoes for concrete |
| Weight | 10 oz. (283 gr.) |
| Price | Around $150 (Check out the latest prices here!) |
| Drop | 4 mm |
| Outsole technology | Rubber |
| Midsole technology | EVA soft foam |
| Upper design | Engineered mesh |
Notable Features
- Maximum cushioning to offer a smooth run
- Fabricated using early-stage meta rocker technology
- The engineered mesh gives a great look
- Flexible and breathable upper
- Soft EVA foam sole
- An amazing heel to toe transition
- Great stability
Sole Technology
Outsole technology
The outsole of the Hoka One One Bondi 5 is completely covered with rubber sans the middle portion of the foot. It offers a great grip while running. It also ensures greater durability.
Midsole technology
The midsole of the Hoka One One Bondi 5 is made from amazingly soft EVA foam. The foam covers the entire length of the foot.
The cushioning is thick enough to absorb the impact. Also, it provides a greater flexibility.
Upper
The upper of the Hoka One One Bondi 5 is made up of engineered mesh. It not just looks stunning but also accounts for a greater breathability.
It snuggles the midfoot and expands at the toe area.
Design
The beautiful mesh upper gives a superb look to the shoes. A big padded tongue adds on the look.
Pros
- Extra soft cushioning
- Greater stability
- Comfortable
- Offers a smooth ride
Cons
- The large padded tongue feels a little rigid
- The upper mesh is susceptible to wear and tear
A good set of footwear can make it or break it when it comes to enduring the rigorous workouts you wear them for. Fortunately, Hoka One One shoes were created with your lifestyle in mind.
Why buy Hoka One One Bondi 5?
If you’re looking for a featherweight, comfortable shoes for making it easier for you to run on concrete, then Hoka One One Bondi 5 shoes are the best choice.
Soft and stylish, they come with a thick cushioning to protect your feet from sudden impact or shock on landing.
Read More: The Best Hoka One One Running Shoes Guide
Brooks Glycerin 15
| Brooks Glycerin 15 | |
| Type of shoes | Running shoes for concrete surfaces |
| Weight | 10.30 oz. (292 gr.) |
| Price | Around $150 (Check out the latest prices here!) |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Outsole technology | Rubber |
| Midsole technology | Brooks super DNA foam |
| Upper design | Four-way stretch air mesh and 3D fit print technology |
Notable features
- Super comfortable shoes
- Apt for high mileage running
- Well-cushioned
- Offers a smooth and soft ride
- Plush transition zone
- Smooth heel to toe transition
- Greater flexibility due to grooves in the rubber
- Greater durability
- Comfortable upper
Sole technology
Midsole technology
The midsole of Brooks Glycerin 15 is fabricated using the Brooks super DNA foam. The taper at the toe offers a great transition and hence, utmost comfort.
Outsole technology
The outsole of Brooks Glycerin 15 is made from rubber. The rubber features grooves beginning at the midfoot. This ensures greater flexibility while running.
The plush transition zone at the lateral sides of the outsoles allows for a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
Upper
The upper of Brooks Glycerin 15 is made using the four-way stretch air mesh. The thin and stretchable mesh offers great flexibility. The 3D fit print technology is excellent.
The plush heel as well as tongue ensures a snugly fit on both the sides of the ankle and around the foot.
Design
The mesh design on the upper looks very cool and stylish.
Pros
- Very breathable
- Excellent quality material
- Very comfortable
- Smooth ride
Cons
- They are a little heavy
Give your feet the boost they need during short or long runs with the Brooks Glycerin 15. With its cushioned footbed and steady ride, you can go from mile marker 1-13 in comfort every step of the way. Take each mile in stride with Brooks Running!
Why buy Brooks Glycerin 15?
If you are more into high-mileage running, then Brooks Glycerin 15 shoes can make running on concrete a delightful experience for you. The high-quality Brooks super DNA foam makes transitions easier than ever before and the four-way stretchable upper air mesh provides awesome breathability.
An uber cool look for a stylish sports person like you.
Hoka One One Clifton 4
| Hoka One One Clifton 4 | |
| Type of shoes | Running shoes for concrete surface |
| Weight | 9.30 oz. (264 gr.) |
| Price | Around $130 (Check out the latest prices here!) |
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Outsole technology | Rubber |
| Insole technology | One-piece CMEVA foam |
| Upper design | Thin mesh |
Notable features
- Offers marshmallow-soft like ride
- Use of excellent foam
- Wide midfoot fit
- Rockered design to offer a smooth ride
- Highly durable
- Rubber strip covering the lateral length of the outsole
- Excellent rebound
- Very comfortable
Sole technology
Midsole technology
The midsole of Hoka One One Clifton 4 is fabricated from one-piece CMEVA foam. The base of the midsole is a little narrow. The marshmallow-like cushion and the rockered design comprising a little upward taper at the toe and the heel ensure a very smooth ride.
The finest quality midsole material attributes to greater durability. The most notable feature is the enhanced rebound. The midsole rebound is a subject of appreciation.
Outsole technology
The outsole of Hoka One One Clifton 4 is made from rubber.
Upper
The upper of the shoe is made from a thin mesh material which is very soft and highly breathable. The upper also features puff print overlays.
The upper has no seams leaving no scope for friction and hence, no irritation. The upper fits the heel nicely and keep the feet in place ensuring comfort.
Design
The mesh design looks excellent and the overlays create a great texture. The shoe is very stylish.
Pros
- Amazingly comfortable upper
- Enhanced rebound
- Durable
Cons
- Weight is a little problem
At its core is Hoka's famed midsole geometry, which has been given an upgraded foam package to ensure consistent cushioning through the life of the shoe.
Why Hoka One One Clifton 4?
Hoka One One Clifton 4 is the best bet for concrete surface runners who are struggling to find a perfect pair of shoes that can provide a soft landing.
The shoes come with excellent rebound and are highly comfortable and durable. A must buy for those who love shoes with the perfect rebound and comfort.
Saucony Kinvara 8
| Saucony Kinvara 8 | |
| Type of shoes | Running shoes for concrete surface |
| Weight | 7.90 oz. (224 gr.) |
| Price | Around $110 (Check out the latest prices here!) |
| Heel drop | 4mm |
| Outsole technology | Injection blown rubber |
| Midsole technology | Resilient EverRun SSL |
| Upper | FlexFilm |
Notable Features
- Best lightweight shoe
- Extra toe-box width ensuring greater comfort
- Softer ride
- Great midfoot fit
- Injection blown rubber outsole
- Best pick for long runs
- Pro-Lock lacing system
- Comfortable and breathable
Sole technology
Midsole technology
The midsole of Saucony Kinvara 8 comprises of resilient EverRun SSL midsole. The midsole is dense but is extremely soft. It is much better than EVA foam.
Outsole technology
The injection blown rubber sole offer greater stability. The injection blown rubber is placed very strategically. It covers the lateral arch as well as forefoot. This also ensures even distribution of shock across the sole. The outsole lateral forefoot does not contain the injection blown rubber.
Upper
The upper of the Saucony Kinvara 8 running shoes use FlexFilm overlays. The seams do not contain the overlays. The strategic confinement of the FlexFilm overlays offers a greater flexibility while running. This also enhances the breathability.
The shoe features a Pro-Lock lacing system.
Design
The stunning design of Saucony Kinvara 8 catches the attention. The shoes are amazingly stylish.
Pros and cons
- Offer sot ride
- Very comfortable
- Flexibile
- Versatile
- Lightweight
Cons
- Pro-Lock midfoot technology is not up to the mark. It is unnecessary and restrictive. It tends to restrict the natural movement of midfoot
- The laces are very thin and cheap
Purposeful design and an amplified underfoot sensation come together in our most energized kinvara ever. With the addition of a full-length Everun top sole and stripped down upper, the Kinvara 8 gives back more energy with every stride while cradling the foot only where it's needed most.
Why buy Saucony Kinvara 8?
These are the best lightweight shoes out of the lot. If you’re hunting for the running shoes for concrete that is flexible, versatile, and great for longer runs, then you can blindly buy the Saucony Kinvara 8 shoes.
Nike Zoom Vomero 12
| Nike Zoom Vomero 12 | |
| Type of shoes | Running shoes for concrete |
| Weight | 10.60 oz. (301 gr.) |
| Price | Around $140 (Check out the latest prices here!) |
| Heel Drop | 10 mm |
| Outsole technology | Rubber |
| Midsole technology | Nike’s lunarlon cushioning with Air Zoom units |
| Upper | Flywire/Flymesh system |
Notable feature
- Extra cushioning
- Extra comfort
- Redesigned flywire/fly mesh system
- Internal bootie construction
- Unique lacing system
- Great responsiveness
- Comfortable upper
- Lightweight
Sole technology
Midsole technology
The midsole of the fabulous Nike Zoom Vomero 12 brings in use Nike’s lunarlone cushioning with added air zoom units. The lunarlone cushioning that incorporates outer supportive foam which is firm to offer support and an inner soft foam core gives a great structure to the running shoes.
The midsole also features 2 Nike air zoom units and beneath the inner cushioning in the forefoot and heel. This offers a smooth ride to the runner. It also offers a great amount of comfort too. The wide base of the shoe lends great stability to them.
Outsole technology
The outsole of Nike Zoom Vomero 12 is made from rubber but is slightly different and better from other shoes. The modified outsole is lighter. It also features a better traction pattern that is durable. The outsole rubber features grooves across the shoe as well as along the length of the shoe. This adds on to the flexibility while running.
From midfoot forward, the shoes have an amazing ground feel.
Upper
The upper of Nike Zoom Vomero is extremely comfortable. It features a redesigned Flymesh/flywire system. A thing flywire cable runs through the strap and fuse to the base of upper. The design does not exert any pressure on the foot’s lateral or medial sides. It does not cause any amount of irritation.
Another noted feature of the upper is the use of internal bootie construction. The internal bootie ensures smoothness inside the shoe. The internal bootie is fabricated from a thick and soft fabric that runs on the sides of the upper. The fabric reaches the toe area and holds the foot.
The shoe has a plush tongue containing a thick cushioning. The thick cushions also hug the heels. This adds to the comfort. The toe box of the shoe is little constricted. This could create a problem for the runners who have big toes.
Design
The overall design of the running shoe is very impressive. Nike Zoom Vomero is a comfortable and stylish shoe.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Flexible
- Soft cushioning
- Very responsive
- Flywire/ fly mesh technology
Cons
- The toe box is quite small. This could be downhill for the runners who have a big toe.
The Nike Air Zoom Vomero 12 men's running shoe delivers a plush, cushioned ride with a responsive feel for your fastest miles.
Why buy Nike Zoom Vomero 12?
If an intriguing lacing system is something that excites you, then the ideal choice for you would be Nike Zoom Vomero 12 running shoes for concrete. They come with an extra soft cushioning which is a boon for your heels and sole, a highly comfortable upper design.
Overall, a brilliant shoe will an impressive design and style elements.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned running shoes are the best picks if you have running on concrete in mind.They are specially designed considering the hard surface of the concrete and offer great comfort with a soft ride to the runner.
So, now that you know the best running shoes for running on concrete, you must invest in one before you injure your foot on the road.
At its core is Hoka's famed midsole geometry, which has been given an upgraded foam package to ensure consistent cushioning through the life of the shoe.
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