Actually, such specialized sneakers do not exist. The label “asphalt model” simply hangs on lightweight shoes with a soft, but wear-resistant sole, to make them easier to classify and sell.
Maximum cushioning in the heel
Beginning runners might describe a sneaker for running on asphalt as an expensive shoe with the maximum number of cushioning inserts of all kinds in the heel area, so that on a hard surface, all these cushions soften a strong heel strike and, therefore, protect from injury.
Manufacturers support this illusion by creating know-how in cushioning materials and sole design every year. However, this is their forced measure, which allows them to stay in the trend. However, almost all companies also have minimalist shoes, aimed at advanced runners and pros who use the correct running technique.
However, to rush from extreme to extreme and choose either increased cushioning, or its complete absence, too, is not worth it. Especially if you are new to running.
- Super cushioning is almost always friendly with a thick sole and a strong height difference from heel to toe. This dulls the sensitivity of the foot and its natural response to the surface. In addition, the design of the sole of such shoes contributes to the heel digging into the surface and unstable positioning of the foot, as well as does not contribute to the training of technique.
- Minimalist running shoes require not only running skills, but also trained muscles and ligaments. Especially when it comes to asphalt. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to start running on a soft stadium treadmill in them. This is a good option, because mastering the technique will not be hampered by a thick uneven sole, provoking you to land on the heel, and the soft surface will soften the shock loads.
And yet, we are talking about asphalt models here. It is optimal to choose sneakers with little cushioning in the heel area, in which the height difference of the sole would not exceed 1 cm in any case. Otherwise, mastering the correct technique can be very difficult.
The complete absence of a drop is also not desirable for beginners, because it requires serious stretching work of the Achilles. It is necessary to level out the difference in thickness of the sole between the heel and the toe very, very gradually.
For the very first training, when stamina and technique are not yet developed, it is better to select models according to the degree of your pronation, it is most relevant when there is a strong deviation from the norm.
What won’t work
Do not consider any shoes in which the sole is quite thick, rough and not flexible. The foot must feel the surface. When this feeling is greatly blunted (including, on the contrary, due to very strong cushioning), this is when the risk of injury increases greatly. Especially when the runner tries to switch to lighter shoes and change running technique.
In general, not all cleats, trail and trekking sneakers, rubber boots, mountaineering boots and skiing shoes will do.
Cheap jogging shoes for asphalt
Of course, most advanced runners are convinced that you can’t buy inexpensive running shoes not only for running on asphalt, but in general, for running in principle. That’s not true for everyone. You shouldn’t turn regular running into a fetish. We looked at this issue in more detail here.
