How to choose sneakers for running on asphalt: tips and recommendations

Before you start running, it’s important to determine three main things for yourself: what your goals are, what kind of terrain you plan to run on, and what kind of running shoes are best suited to your goals.

Let’s assume that the first two points have already been determined. The goal is general body strengthening. Since there is no stadium with rubber tracks near your home, the surface will be asphalt. Now you can move on to the choice of sneakers. This point directly depends on the previous one. Asphalt is a hard surface, and sneakers should correspond to it.

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How to choose the perfect pair of sneakers for running on asphalt? To answer this question, you need to understand the nuances of running on different surfaces and understand what depends on the shoes.

What are the differences between different surfaces? Globally, it is possible to distinguish three main types of surfaces on which runners train:

special rubberized surfaces (treadmills or tracks in stadiums);
asphalt and other hard surfaces;
rough terrain.

It is no secret that the main load when running is on the feet. The task of proper footwear is to compensate for it. To do this, it is important to pay attention to the two main characteristics of the sole of the sneaker: the quality of traction and shock absorption.

Asphalt is a hard surface. If a professional runner is already trained to place the foot correctly and thus reduce the shock load on the joints, then a novice athlete needs the help of properly selected shoes.

Running on hard surfaces is always about running shoes with good shock absorption of the sole. And the more rigid the coating is, the more important this indicator.

In addition, asphalt is a smooth surface. Therefore, it is important that the shoes provide reliable traction, especially in the rain or after it. This is the main difference between asphalt and other surfaces. Rubberized tracks themselves create cushioning and also do not slip well. On the ground, however, the tread pattern is important – its lines should be deep and embossed.

Let’s take a detailed look at all the important points to consider when choosing sneakers.

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How to choose sneakers for running on asphalt?

The sole

Sneakers with a flat sole are recommended for running on asphalt. This is important for better contact with the surface and the transmission of force when pushing off. The material used is usually abrasion-resistant rubber, which even after time allows the foot to be anatomically correct.

You should also make sure that your running shoes are soft enough and provide quality cushioning. For this purpose, manufacturers usually use solutions like special foam and/or gel that allow the foot to spring when it comes into contact with the surface.

Weight

In general, weight is important so as not to put additional strain on the feet. The optimal figure here is between 250 and 400 grams.

At the same time, sneakers for running on asphalt can be both light and relatively heavy – it all depends on the main task. For everyday training is suitable and shoes of medium weight category. But for speed exercises, you need lightweight, competitive models. As a rule, they use a foam sole, which is a truly weightless material.

Foot support

Good sneakers for asphalt provide enough support for the foot to prevent the foot from twisting while running. To do this, the shoe should have a stiff back and side reinforcements. It is important to pay attention to this point.

Size and fit

When choosing any running shoes, it is important to adequately size and ensure a comfortable fit on the foot. Ideally, a gap of 5-7 mm in length should be created. The fact is that during running training, the foot always slightly increases, and this anatomical feature should not lead to discomfort.

It is not recommended to buy sneakers that seem small or too big to you. This can lead to injuries, blisters or soreness.

Breathable sneaker uppers

For a comfortable run on asphalt, it is important that the upper material is breathable and provides good ventilation for your feet. This will help to avoid sweat and discomfort during sports activities.

You should choose shoes with mesh synthetic uppers, but natural fabrics, leather and leatherette are better left for fashionable looks.

If you plan not to stop your training even in rainy weather, think about the appropriate “sneaker option”. What is important here? It is important that when creating sneakers, the manufacturer uses GoreTex membrane as an intermediate material. It consists of microscopic pores that allow air and water vapor to pass through, but repel liquid water.

Anatomical design

Good sneakers for running on asphalt should have an anatomical design that takes into account the peculiarities of the foot, fixes it during running. Basically we are talking about pronation and supination here.

In most cases, when running or walking, our foot is slightly inward (pronation) or outward (supination). To determine the peculiarities of your foot, you can go to sports hypermarkets. There are special stands where they conduct tests. You can also find out the position of your foot at home. It is enough to stand with a wet foot on a piece of paper and scrutinize the print.

If the foot is imprinted in its entirety, the foot is blocked inward. If the heel and the area in front of the toes are more manifested – outward. Normally, the trace should be solid, and the heel and toes – connected isthmus thickness of 2-3 cm.

Properly selected sneakers allow you to level out the natural anatomical features and adequately distribute the load on the muscles, ligaments and joints. In addition, sneakers should be flexible in the transverse plane to allow the foot to move naturally, but at the same time stiff enough in the longitudinal axis to prevent it from twisting.

Tread

The tread on the sole of your asphalt running shoes should have a minimal pattern to ensure better contact with the road and more efficient force transfer when pushing off.

7 best sneakers for running on asphalt – expert’s choice

Puma Magnify Nitro Surge – for enhanced cushioning, the model uses two special foam layers that provide effective shock absorption while not weighing the pair down. The durable rubber outsole allows the sneakers to maintain a reliable grip throughout use.
Demix Pulsar Ernblast Wave – A two-piece outsole with a special polymer insert in the heel provides reliable cushioning, energy return during running and reduces shock load on the joints. Special elements on the sides of the sneaker provide support for the foot.
Saucony Triumph 20 – soft and lightweight sole effectively copes with shock loads, and a durable rubber outsole provides quality traction even on wet asphalt. At the same time, the manufacturer uses recycled materials to manufacture the pair, which is in line with the trend for sustainability and reduces harmful emissions.
Demix Gravity– lightweight and resilient EVA sole provides excellent cushioning, rubber inserts ensure reliable traction even during sharp turns, and antibacterial impregnation of the inner part of the sneaker protects from unpleasant odor.
Asics Gel-Cumulus is a lightweight model, the sole of which has a special gel insert. It provides effective shock absorption, comfortable cushioning and excellent support for the foot. The pair is ideal for recovery and long runs.
Li-Ning Spark Lite – thanks to the midsole, the model perfectly dampens vibrations and absorbs shock loads on the joints. Special cross strips on the sole allow the foot to move as naturally as possible, so you won’t feel discomfort even after a long workout.
DeFila Nitro foam outsole and air insert in the heel area provide excellent shock absorption and energy recovery, while the synthetic rubber midsole keeps traction even in rainy conditions.