7 Best Shoes for Running on Pavement 2024
Running on pavement can be tougher on your body because of the hard surface. Thus, you’ll need to invest in Best Shoes for Running on Pavement.
- If you plan to participate in a marathon, you’ll need to train on pavements. After all, most races happen on paved roads.
- Therefore, training on pavement will make you super ready to handle running on the road during the race day.
- Pavement running shoes can handle repeated movements on hard surfaces. Therefore, it’s crucial you choose shoes that are sturdy, have additional padding, and have maximum to mid-level stability.
Thus, I’ve compiled the following list of Best Shoes for Running on Pavement. I hope you’ll find your favorite pair. Also read: Best Running Shoes for Ice and Snow
Review: Top 7 Best Shoes For Running On Pavement
1. ASICS GEL-KAYANO 26 (4E)
ASICS GEL-KAYANO 26 is one of the best shoes for running on pavement. It’s durable, stable, supportive, and well-cushioned.
Runners with overpronation who want to run on pavements or roads will benefit from the arch support and stability that this shoe offers. The shoe features DUOMAX midsole that helps to control overpronation protecting the runner from bunion and flat feet.
The upper of GEL-KAYANO 26 features a synthetic mesh material that’s soft. The collar and the padded tongue add extra comfort. The forefoot section is spacious and allows ample room for your toes to move naturally.
You’ll appreciate the natural and comfortable feel the KAYANO 26 provides. This is thanks to the anatomically shaped insole that adapts to your feet’s natural shape.
The midsection of KAYANO 26 features a great combination of Gel, Flyte Foam Propel, and Flyte Foam Lyte.
Flytefoam Lyte aids in shock absorption thus allows safe landing of feet while running on pavement. The Gel provides needed cushioning and protects your feet against injuries. The Flyte Foam Propel is located at the heel and toes area and it works to ensure shoe responsiveness during running.
Furthermore, the KAYANO 26 also features a Guidance Trusstic System with the midsole area that helps to enhance the foot’s natural movement. If running on unstable or hard surfaces you wouldn’t need to worry about your ankle twisting. The system provides needed protection against foot and ankle injuries.
On top of that, the external heel counter keeps the rear foot secured properly. This 26th version of Kayano promotes comfort, stability, and protection while running on hard surfaces like pavements or roads.
- Well-cushioned midsole
- Breathable upper
- Provides excellent stability and support
- Durable
- The best shoe for flat-footed runners
- Comfortable
- Expensive, but worth it
- Some customers complained that the shoe color scheme is not attractive
2. Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 20 Running Shoe
If you’re one of those runners that require extra support, cushioning, and stability while running on pavement, then you need to pick Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20.
The outsole of Brooks GTS 20 features a full-blown rubber material that’s softer, flexible, and lighter. The rubber covers the whole outsole to provide needed protection against abrasion. Underneath the outsole and midsole, there are Omega Flex Grooves that allow the foot to move naturally. These grooves facilitate a smoother heel to toe transition.
The upper of the GTS 20 features a modernized, engineered mesh that provides a firm and flexible fit to control overpronation. The mesh upper also ensures breathability as well as a spacious forefoot area, hence, runners with wide feet would benefit from this shoe.
The midsection of GTS 20 features a GuideRails support system that provides excellent stability and support for running on pavement. The GuideRails also prevents overpronation by ensuring the runners’ feet don’t move excessively while running. Therefore, if you’re an overpronator or neutral runner who struggles with poor running form, then the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20 would be a great choice.
The midsection also features DNA Loft foam and BioMoGo DNA foam that deliver superior cushioning and high performance. The shoe also features a segmented crash pad that provides extra cushioning and support.
- Stylish design
- Comfortable
- Provides stable ride
- Spacious toe box
- Offers
- Excellent arch support
- Cushioned
- Perfect for running on pavements
- Limited color variations
3. Skechers Go Run Razor 3
Skechers Go Run Razor 3 is a comfortable and highly responsive shoe that’s ideal for road and pavement running.
It has an outsole that utilizes a durable carbon rubber. The rubber is located strategically below the outsole to give the underfoot needed support. Other than that, the rubber outsole delivers needed traction and durability to allow you to run without fear of slipping or falling.
On top of that, the upper of the Razor 3 features a durable and lightweight ripstop mesh that facilitates free airflow inside the shoe for a dry and fresh running experience. The molded heel counter ensures you’ve got a secure and stable fit by keeping the foot in place during running. The 3D-printed overlays on the mesh upper provide extra comfort and support.
Another feature that the Razor 3 boosts are the M-Strike. This component is found within the midsole area and works to enhance the mid-foot strike, hence, promote efficiency in every step you make.
The midsole also features Hyper Burst form. This form is lightweight and durable for a great-cushioned midsole.
- Highly responsive
- Perfect for running on pavement
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Durable
- You might need to break in on them
4. ASICS GEL-Nimbus 22 (D)
ASICS GEL-Nimbus 22 is a comfortable neutral running shoe that’s loved for its soft and responsive ride. The shoes feature various technologies, thus considered one of the best shoes for running on pavement.
The outsole of Nimbus 22 features a durable AHAR rubber material. The material offers protection against excessive while running on pavement. The AHAR rubber also promotes durability, protects your feet against unforgiving surfaces like pavement or roads, and ensures the platform is safe from wear and tear.
Furthermore, the outsole also features eight flex grooves that contribute to the shoe’s responsiveness, allow your feet to move naturally. Further, the groves promote a seamless heel to toe transition while ensuring ample traction on wet, dry, or slippery surfaces.
The upper features an engineered mesh that’s lightweight and comfortable. Thus, it delivers needed breathability for a dry and fresh wear experience. The Nimbus 22 also has a padded heel collar that prevents the foot from accidentally coming out of the shoe while running. The lacing system allows you to adjust the shoe to your comfort level.
The midsole features Gel™ technology that aids in shock absorption while improving performance. This Gel technology has an excellent cushioning mechanism that allows the shoe to adjust to the foot’s natural movement.
The FlyteFoam material in the midsole also offers extra support and cushioning, the Trusstic™ technology provides arch support and stability for a more efficient run.
- Comfortable
- Supportive
- Durable
- Spacious toe box
- Stylish design
- Expensive
5. Nike Men’s Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Pavement Running Shoes
The Nike Men’s Air Zoom Pegasus 36 is a comfortable shoe with a simple and sleek design that adapts to the foot’s natural movement.
The upper of the Pegasus 36 features an engineered mesh that facilitates excellent breathability for a more comfortable running experience. Dynamic Flywire technology ensures maximum lockdown for an enhanced and responsive ride.
The midsole features a Full-length Cushlon form while the heel section incorporates the Nike Zoom unit. These features ensure the runner has a responsive cushioning and excellent forefoot flexibility.
The outsole features a solid rubber that incorporates a classic Waffle for durable traction. The outsole also has Lateral rubber blades that aid in cushioning.
The Air Zoom Pegasus 36 is high quality and comfortable shoe that has the right level of cushioning to allow one run on pavement. They’re breathable, have excellent outsole, and their weight is just perfect for pavement running.
The shoe flexes well around the forefoot and goes back into its original shape immediately. This means, your toes are protected from the hard surface.
- Excellent underfoot cushioning
- Comfortable
- The extremely lightweight excellent lacing system
- The outsole offers excellent traction
- A customer complained that the shoe is not durable
6. New Balance Women’s 990 V5 Sneaker
The New Balance Women’s 990 V5 offers superior comfort, stability, and flexibility. Most runners training for marathon confirm that the 990 V5 is one of the best shoes for running on pavement and road.
The shoe comes in various width options including extra-wide, wide, narrow, medium, and extra narrow. The outsole of the 990 v5 features a standard blown rubber. The rubber provides cushioning to protect the foot from high impact during foot strike. The rubbers also provide needed grip.
The heel and the lateral sections of the outsole feature a Ndurance rubber compound. This compound promotes the durability and sturdiness of the shoe.
The ABZORB midsole form offers the runner needed cushioning for pavement running. Hence, it promotes a smoother heel to toe transition. Within the underfoot of the 990 V5, you’ll find Acteva. The Acteva offers extra cushioning, flexibility, and durability.
Furthermore, the heel section features thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and collar. The TPU is found around the Achilles and promotes a comfortable fit by locking the feet securely. The collar promotes security and comfort for a responsive ride.
The upper of 990 v5 features pigskin suede and mesh material. The pigskin provides breathability, durability, and comfort. The mesh allows the free flow of air into the shoes.
- Provides flexibility
- Excellent cushioning and support
- Comfortable
- Snug fit
- Ideal for pavement running
- A customer complained that the shoe is a bit heavier
7. Skechers Men’s Afterburn Lace-up Sneaker
Skechers have built their brand around quality, comfort, style, and innovation and this Skechers Men’s Afterburn sneaker is no exception. The shoe is ideal for pavement running thanks to its amazing features and technologies.
The upper of the Skechers Afterburn sneaker features a smooth leather that incorporates mesh and synthetic material. The material is well perforated for breathability and has detailed stitching for that classic look.
The rubber sole offers durability, comfort, and needed traction while running on pavements. The sole feature Articu-Lyte rubber compound that ensures maximum support and comfort while running. It also provides a reliable grip on the pavement. The memory form features a high-quality form component that ensures its durability.
The tongue and the padded collar provide extra comfort while the soft fabric lining prevents foot irritation or blisters. The overlay accents offer additional support to the foot during running.
The heel counter prevents accidental shoe removal and facilitates easier wearing or removing of the shoe.
- Comfortable
- Cushioned
- Durable rubber outsole
- Leather upper
- You might need to replace the memory foam frequently
Buyers’ Guide for Best Shoes for Running on Pavement
Comfort
When buying the best shoes for running on the pavement you may want to consider comfort. Pavement presents a hard running surface that might have a toll on your body. Hence, there’s a need to invest in comfortable and supportive shoes. Things to consider when looking for comfortable shoes include breathability, spacious toe box, and good traction.
Perfect Fit
Ensure that your pavement running shoes fit you perfectly and that all parts of the foot are comfortable. Ensure your feet have enough room to wiggle around and the shoe should offer a snug fit. The shoe shouldn’t pinch or limit foot movement. The lacing system should allow you to adjust the tightness or looseness of the shoe for additional comfort. Overall, the shoes should be comfortable and supportive.
Cushioning
When looking for the best shoes for running on pavement cushioning should be in your mind. If you log many miles and you need additional support and cushioning, you’ll need Max cushioned shoes. For daily trainers, a mid-cushioned shoe would do, as they provide responsiveness and cushioning. However, if you’ll be participating in a race you’ll require lightweight cushioned shoes.
Conclusion
When buying best shoes for running on the pavement it’s crucial you consider your comfort, level of cushioning that suits you, and a perfect fit. All the reviewed shoes above have all these features and picking either of them will ensure you’ve got a good time running on pavement.