The Best Running Shoes for Concrete in Summer 2023
If you're looking for a cushioned shoe to help ease running on concrete, there's never been a better time. Here are the best options on the market today.
There's a reason it's called pounding the pavement. The beautiful sport of road running also introduces a lot of stress on the body, as the impact from landing on hard surfaces puts pressure on the joints and muscles in the legs. Thankfully, developments in running shoe technology over the past decade and a half have birthed a new generation of performance footwear that prioritizes impact reduction while retaining speed. Here are the best options for running on concrete on the market right now.
Best Running Shoes for Concrete in Summer 2023
The best running shoes for concrete have ample cushioning, solid traction and stable platforms. To find our list, we looked for shoes that offered support, stability and protection through high-quality midsole foams. Here are the best shoes for running on concrete that are out right now.
1. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 ($160): Best Overall Running Shoes for Concrete
It's likely you're here because you want a comfortable shoe that will reduce impact and keep your legs rolling along in plush pampered protection. The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 is your answer. It's built with a tall stack of the brand's FlyteFoam Blast Plus ECO cushioning, an EVA-blend compound that's soft, cushioned and responsive. There's also a gel unit in the heel that helps absorb impact and a rockered platform through the forefeet that helps make the transition between strides a bit easier. The amount of cushion underfoot (41.5mm heel, 33.5mm forefoot, 8mm drop), it can feel like a lot of shoe that takes getting used to for some runners—but you'll certainly be protected from the harsh feeling of concrete.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25
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2. Hoka Mach 5 ($140): Best Uptempo Running Shoes for Fast Runs on Concrete
The Hoka Mach 5 is a great option if you're looking for a cushioned and protective shoe that also excels at picking up the pace. The Mach 5 has a comfortable and airy upper with a dual-foam midsole underfoot. The top layer of foam is the brand's ProFly+, a supercritical EVA compound that's soft and bouncy, while the bottom layer is a standard EVA that's durable and protective. Combined, they give a platform that's mildly responsive for uptempo efforts but highly soft, cushioned and smooth—the ideal ride for protecting your legs on harsh terrain.
Hoka Mach 5
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3. Saucony Triumph 20 Runshield ($120): Best Shoes for Running on Wet Concrete
The Saucony Triumph is a max cushioned cruiser that delivers comfort and reliability. It has a 37mm stack of the brand's PWRRUN+ foam, a beaded TPU material similar to Adidas Boost but lighter and bouncier. In the Triumph, it provides a cushioned and soft ride that's best for everyday aerobic-paced running and recovery runs. The Runshield is ideal for running on wet concrete, as this version has a water-resistant material on the upper that protects the feet and the same generous covering of grippy XT-900 rubber on the outsole as the standard version.
Saucony Triumph 20
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4. Brooks Launch 9 ($70): Best Affordable Running Shoes for Concrete
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The Brooks Launch 9 is a reliable and versatile daily trainer that's a great option for runners looking for a protective shoe under $100. It has a moderate 24mm stack of supportive and durable EVA foam which provides a slightly cushioned ride. While the stack isn't as high as some other shoes on this list, the Launch is a great option for short to medium distance runs (3 to 8 miles) and can be used as your sole trainer for budget-conscious runners. The Launch retailed at an MSRP of $100 but is now on sale at Brooks.com and other retailers like Zappos for $70.
5. Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 ($250): Best Race Day Shoes for Concrete
The Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 is the latest iteration of the original race day super shoe and one of the most comfortable racing options on the market today. The Vaporfly is famous for it's bouncy, cushioned and responsive ZoomX midsole, a PEBA-based compound that pioneered the super shoe revolution. The Vaporfly Next% 3 also has a carbon fiber plate for rigidity and propulsion, which helps increase efficiency on race day. Due to the carbon fiber plate, these shoes are best reserved for races and key workouts in training.
Nike Vaporfly Next% 3
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6. Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 ($150): Best Running Shoes for Concrete for Bigger Runners
The Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 is a max-cushioned shoe that offers a high level of support compared to other high stack shoes. The Shift 3 has a 39mm stack of Saucony's PWRRUN foam, a responsive, durable and slightly firm material made from EVA. The Shift also has a wide base and plastic heel clip around the back for mild stability and a rockered platform, which makes the shoe handle faster paces well. Due to the amount of cushioning and the fast that it skews firm and responsive instead of squishy and soft, the Shift is our favorite concrete option for bigger, taller and powerful runners who benefit from structured cushioning.
Saucony Endorphin Shift 3
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7. ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 ($160): Best Stability Running Shoes for Concrete
The ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 is a stability shoe that uses a wide base to create stable landings rather than complicated plastic orthotics. The Kayano has a tall 40mm stack of the same EVA-blend FF Blast Plus Eco foam that's in the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25, though it's slightly firmer in this application to help with stability. The ride is cushioned and smooth, perfect for lessening impact on the legs when running on hard surfaces like concrete. Due to the large amount of foam, the shoe is heavier than others on this list at 10.7 ounces, though it's in the standard range for stability shoes (10 to 12 ounces).
ASICS Gel-Kayano 30
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8. New Balance SC Trainer v2 ($180): Best Carbon-Plated Trainers for Running on Concrete
If you're looking for a carbon-plated shoe that works for everyday runs on concrete, the SC Trainer v2 from New Balance is one of the best options. It has a 40mm max stack of supercritical FuelCell foam, a compound that's soft, bouncy and protective, plus a carbon plate that helps with propulsion. While some carbon plated shoes can feel harsh and rigid from the stiff carbon reinforcement, the SC Trainer v2 offers more comfort than typical from the application of FuelCell foam. There's also a cavity in the heel area of the midsole and outsole, called EnergyArc, which encourages stable landings.
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2
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9. Altra Vanish Tempo ($170): Best Zero Drop Shoes for Running on Concrete
The Altra Vanish Tempo is a zero-drop shoe that's designed for runners who want a soft and fast underfoot experience. It's the non-plated version of the brand's Altra Vanish Carbon marathon racer, and it retains the same supercritical TPE EGO PRO foam, comfortable upper and EVA foam outsole instead of rubber. Without the plate, the forefoot and toe-off experience can feel soft when trying to pick up the pace, so the Vanish Tempo can be either a daily training option or a workout shoe depending on your preference. Either way, the EGO PRO provides a confident and comfortable ride that will protect the legs from harsh runs on concrete or asphalt.
Altra Vanish Tempo
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10. Tracksmith Eliot Runner ($200): Best Fashion-Forward Shoes for Running on Concrete
If looks are equally as important as protection and performance, the Tracksmith Eliot Runner is a great option. The shoe has prep-inspired style for days, reminiscent of casual sneakers like the Nike Killshot. Underfoot, there's a moderate stack of two different types of PEBA, a responsive and cushioned material that's comfortable for slow running, walking and faster efforts. The sockliner is triple the height of typical insoles and made with a supercritical version of PEBA that's soft and squishy on step-in. The midsole is made with standard PEBA which is firm and responsive, providing the pep when you pick up the pace.
Tracksmith Eliot Runner
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Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a cushioned shoe to help ease running on concrete, there's never been a better time: we are in the era of maximum stack heights and soft, squishy foams. Whatever your preference, there's a protective and comfortable shoe for running on concrete for you. Head over to running shoe marketplace to evaluate all the specs and data on the best performance running shoes out today.
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