Top 8+ Best Shoes For Running On Pavement

The best shoes for running on the pavement should offer plenty of cushioning, flexibility, and traction on the road. Furthermore, the shoe should be long-lasting and provide consistent comfort during your run.

Wearing the right shoes is crucial to your running safety and comfort. See shoestorenyc.com reviews of the Top 8 best shoes for running on pavement

Running on pavement

Pavements make up the majority of running surfaces, therefore avoiding them is nearly difficult. You’ll see that asphalt is used to pave most city streets, country roads, and some walkways.

Running on a paved surface has both benefits and drawbacks.

Pros

• The majority of pavements have a smooth and regular surface. This stabilizes your foot, reducing the risk of ankle sprains.
• The outsole of your shoe has more traction than asphalt running surfaces.
• Marathon races take place on asphalt-coated roads. As a result, you’ll be getting ready for race day by familiarizing yourself with the actual running surface.
• Asphalt allows you to run quicker than soft surfaces such as grass, turf, or track.
• Except in extreme weather circumstances, you can run on pavement all year.

Cons

• Pavements, especially concrete, have a high impact on your lower body’s joints, muscles, and connective tissues. As a result, you’re at risk for impact injuries such as knee soreness, shin splints, and IT band syndrome.
• Running on narrow and packed sidewalks or bike lanes is too inconvenient.
• Accidents from negligent drivers or other road users are a possibility. As a result, when running on the road, it’s important to follow the rules of the road

Top 8 best shoes for running on pavement

1. BROOKS GLYCERIN 19

The Brooks Glycerin 19 helps insulate you from the roughness of concrete by being plush and cushioned, with a smooth transition zone for an even ride.

A seamless upper that is flexible and can accommodate bigger feet is new to version 19. This stretchy material continues all the way to the ankle collar and tongue. Both are thickly padded yet nevertheless responsive, with soft, breathable fabric and no bulky overlays. It performs a good job of keeping your feet safe while also making you feel good.

A new sock-liner has also been included. Isn’t it tedious? It isn’t — this is what gives the Glycerin that soft, comfy feel when you first put your feet in them. The heel cup is firm and stable, preventing your heel from lifting. No matter how you hit the ground, the 10mm drop will assist soften your landing.

Thanks to DNA Loft foam, the midsole returns energy with pep and bounce. While offering energy return and durability, this compound maintains the shoe soft and cushioned.

The tread pattern on the outsole is the Glycerin 19’s trademark design. It disperses impact during landings according to Brooks’ Ideal Pressure Zones. In addition, the outer sole provides excellent grip in a range of circumstances.

2. ASICS GEL-KAYANO 28

The ASICS Gel-Kayano 28 is a dynamic long-distance running shoe that uses a number of unique technologies to make it stable yet exceptionally soft and velvety. It’s perfect for sidewalks and pavement because of the plush cushioning.

The innovative mesh upper has been modified to securely hug the foot. The upper is flexible and soft thanks to FluidFit technology. The ASICS Heel Clutching System, which is an external component designed to stabilize and lock your heel into the back of the shoe, holds the heel in place. In the meanwhile, the Ortholite X-40 Sockliner cushions the underfoot.

The Kayano 28’s FlyteFoam midsole provides a bouncy and comfortable ride while remaining lightweight. The major source of the Kayano’s smooth ride is ASICS’ conventional cushioning gel, which is tucked inside the midsole.

The outsole is made of ASICS High-Abrasion Rubber for dependable traction, while the Rear Foot Crash Pad protects the heel from jarring contact. DuraSponge provides, even more, cushioning while also lowering supination. The Impact Guidance System (I.G.S.) also aids in foot guidance and smoothing the transition from heel to toe.

3. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35

Pegasus 35 is a classic running shoe that is built to outperform asphalt surfaces like pavement. The duration rubber is useful for giving the shoe a high level of resistance to surface abrasion. There are also several flex grooves to improve surface flexibility and traction.

The middle portion has an air cassette that runs the length of the bike to provide a bouncy ride and absorb shock. To add to the cushioning, the air cassette is placed between two cushion carriers.

A designed mesh on the upper section keeps your foot secure while allowing air to circulate freely within the shoe. It’s also strong enough to prevent tearing. Flywire cables are also included in the lacing mechanism, adding to the shoe’s overall comfort.

The reflective features on the back of the sneaker will come in handy if you’re running at night.

4. HOKA ONE ONE CLIFTON 8

The Clifton 8 retains the soft cushioning of previous versions while remaining durable, thanks to an enhanced midsole rebound and a new mesh upper. The Clifton is well-known in the industry for its comfortable ride, and despite its small weight, it has ample cushioning to relieve pain from running and walking on pavement.

The upper of the Clifton 8 is made of a thin mesh with a few overlays, and it’s soft, comfy, and breathable. The heel portion of the shoe embraces your foot securely, and the front of the shoe widens. Because the toe box narrows as it approaches the toes, people who require more room in the front may choose to size up or try a larger size.

The midsole of the Clifton 8 is made up of a single piece of CMEVA foam. It’s a little harder than previous models, but it’s still very soft. The Clifton genuinely protects your feet from harsh urban streets thanks to its soft, cushioned sole.

The midsole is also rockered, with the heel and toe angled upwards for a comfortable ride. Despite the substantial midsole cushion, this shoe has an excellent energy return.

Hoka has added rubber to the outsole to preserve the midsole from wear, which was a major concern with previous models. This rubber strip now spans almost the whole lateral side of the outsole, which is often the side that makes the most contact with the ground.

5. BROOKS ADDICTION 14

The Brooks Addiction 14 is a cushioned and stable trainer designed primarily for over-pronators. Brooks’ BioMoGo DNA gel cushioning is abundant in the midsole, protecting you from the jarring impact of running on concrete. The impact causes the fluid gel to bounce back, and the higher the impact, the more it will bounce back. When jogging on hard surfaces, this is critical. The shoe, not your joints, absorbs the shock.

The Addiction’s breathable mesh top keeps the foot cool and dry while also reducing friction. Moisture-wicking technology is used on the internal lining, and the tongue and collar are padded to avoid blisters.

The Brooks Addiction 14 features an Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar to help with overpronation. This makes the ride more comfortable and guarantees that the foot strikes the ground in a neutral position.

The outsole’s thick rubber not only protects you from impact but also protects the shoe from abrasion. A segmented crash pad in the heel adds flexibility to the shoe while also smoothing out landings.

6. ALTRA PARADIGM 5

The Paradigm range of Altra shoes is the company’s most cushioned, making them excellent for jogging on concrete. They’re also incredibly light for a shoe with this much cushioning, weighing in at 10.3 oz. The Paradigms, like all Altra running shoes, have a zero-drop construction and a wide toe box to let your toes spread out naturally.

The upper is made of a light and breathable quick-dry mesh that keeps runners’ feet cool and dry. The toe box has more room because of the foot-shaped design. The shallowness of the upper, which exposes a bit of the ankle and makes the shoeless secure than other shoes, is one potential drawback.

The 32mm cushioning on the Altra Paradigm is a standout feature, especially considering the zero heel-to-toe drop. Altra’s GuardRail technology provides extra support where the sole and upper connect to fight over-pronation, stabilizing your gait and providing a very smooth ride.

7. SAUCONY ECHELON 8

The Echelon 8 is a comfy, responsive trainer excellent for jogging on pavement, with its soft underfoot cushioning, various shock absorption layers, and flexible construction.

The upper of the Echelon is composed of Open Mesh, lightweight fabric with pores that allow air to pass through and keep the foot cool. A support frame in the heel area avoids instabilities and slippage. For runners with foot issues, the Echelon works well with orthotics.

Saucony’s FormFit technology employs a series of overlays attached to the laces that assist the top mold to the wearer’s foot for a more personalized fit.

The PWRRUN Foam from Saucony runs the length of the shoe and is soft, responsive, and lightweight, resulting in a responsive ride. The 6mm detachable polyurethane sock liner adds even more comfort.

The outsole features a Tri-Flex design for optimum flexibility, ensuring that the entire foot makes touch with the ground with each stride. The heel is made of XT-900, a tough rubber that improves traction and reduces wear and tear. A soft rubber compound is used in the forefoot to improve responsiveness during toe-off.

8. Skechers Afterburn

The cushioning system is the pair’s main selling point. It sports a mesh upper with supportive overlays that are ergonomically developed. It also has a padded collar and a mesh tongue that is cushioned. In addition, it has a memory foam insole.

This pair, like the last one, weighs 12 ounces and has a built-in heel of 12 inches. Unfortunately, the manufacturer did not specify the traction and support qualities of this pair, so it’s safe to infer that it’s solely designed for walking and running on every pavement.

Finally, just like the last pair, this one is created by a well-known sports footwear manufacturer. Sketchers, which has been around since 1992, has earned a name for itself in the business by producing high-quality, trendy shoes.

Guide to selecting the best shoes for running on pavement

1. Proper Fit

You won’t enjoy your running if your shoe is the improper size and fit, regardless of its quality or attractiveness. That is why it is critical to select running shoes that are designed specifically for your foot.

When strolling, a shoe may feel comfortable, but when running, it may feel tight. This is due to your feet’ proclivity to grow while you run. In addition, your running gait is distinct from your walking gait. As a result, you should obtain a half-size larger running shoe than your walking shoes.

2. Arch Support 

For every type of foot arch, there is a proper shoe. If you have a high arch, neutral shoes with enough cushioning and flexibility will help you avoid ailments like plantar fasciitis. Midsole cushioning and moderate arch support are required for normal foot arches.

Flat feet have a tendency to over-pronate, putting your feet, knees, and ankles at risk of injury. To prevent your ankles from turning inwards, you’ll need motion control running shoes. Shoes in this category should be less flexible and well-padded below the arch.

3. Suspension

If you’re going to run on asphalt, you’ll need plenty of cushioning. The surface of your treadmill or playfield is softer than asphalt. As a result, there is more impact under your feet, which could result in injury.

It should also be able to absorb shock to prevent injury to your feet.

4. Dropped Heel

The distance between your heel and toe is referred to as heel drop, and it impacts how smooth your transition is during the gait cycle. You’ll need a minimalist running shoe with a 0 mm-4 mm heel-to-toe drop if you’re a heel striker. This enables you to establish a normal foot movement, which helps you avoid problems like compartment syndrome.

Foot strikers, on the other hand, demand maximalist running shoes with a 2 mm – 6 mm heel drop. Thick cushioning is used to assist natural landings rather than forefoot striking.

5. Longevity

When you run on asphalt, the soles of your running shoes will naturally endure a lot of wear and tear. As a result, the outsole should be made of abrasion-resistant rubber of excellent quality.

Abrasion-resistant rubber should be used to cover the heel and toe areas, which are particularly prone to wear and tear. Choose shoes with a long-lasting upper unit to get the most bang for your buck.