Shoes for logging mileage on concrete (Read 102 times)

I have a history of trail running/several short ultras and been off and on again running with ITB issues and now trying to build back up to regular 40-50 mile weeks.  Living in Eastern Europe where there are lots of lovely parks to run through but all the walking paths are made of concrete paver blocks which are very hard on the joints.  Usually run in low-med drop neutral road or trail shoes (currently using Salomon Sonic Aero road shoe which I like but is pretty firm).  I can get mileage in on dirt near my house but running the same 5 miles all the time is getting old and I'd like to be able to explore more of the city during runs without worrying about recurring injury from the concrete.  Long runs will probably always be done on dirt, so I really just need recommendations for a day to day easy run shoe that will help mitigate the hardness...

There are a few Hokas on sale at RW right now but do I need to go that cushy?  Any minimum stack heights I should look for?  Any new super foam that will work wonders?  Anybody else log miles regularly on concrete without trashing their legs?

Pic of general surface throughout the city:  Pavers EVERYWHERE

I have a history of trail running/several short ultras and been off and on again running with ITB issues and now trying to build back up to regular 40-50 mile weeks.  Living in Eastern Europe where there are lots of lovely parks to run through but all the walking paths are made of concrete paver blocks which are very hard on the joints.  Usually run in low-med drop neutral road or trail shoes (currently using Salomon Sonic Aero road shoe which I like but is pretty firm).  I can get mileage in on dirt near my house but running the same 5 miles all the time is getting old and I'd like to be able to explore more of the city during runs without worrying about recurring injury from the concrete.  Long runs will probably always be done on dirt, so I really just need recommendations for a day to day easy run shoe that will help mitigate the hardness...

 

There are a few Hokas on sale at RW right now but do I need to go that cushy?  Any minimum stack heights I should look for?  Any new super foam that will work wonders?  Anybody else log miles regularly on concrete without trashing their legs?

 

Pic of general surface throughout the city:  Pavers EVERYWHERE

 

If it's helpful to add that I've run using Asics for almost a decade across park runs and mostly road/pavement and they've been amazing. I use the GT-1000/GT-2000 series because they have some stability built into the sole. Hope this is helpful, if not let me know and I'll add something else ?

 Any new super foam that will work wonders?  Anybody else log miles regularly on concrete without trashing their legs?

 

I assume everybody and the dog. I myself use just anything from Xeroshoes Huaraches, to espadrilles, canvas sneakers, New Balance Minimus, Adidas racing flats, Adidas trainers, el-cheapo trainers from Decathlon and the Lidl and even some trail shoes like the ASICS GEL Fuji Attack. My legs are still in one piece and in it's place (one to the left and the other to the right).

We have stone roads here too in the Netherlands, they are preferred to concrete because they dissipate the sound of the cars.

And I do run ultras too

Ever since I discovered Hokas I've been looking for a better mouse trap. Haven't found one yet. The closest I can get is my Altra Olympus.  Not a bad shoe just a little firmer then a Hoka with the same stack height.  I've tried on a variety of other shoes such as the NB fresh foam and something from Nike that was supposed to be rather soft but didn't like them. The only thing that comes close to something I can run long in are  some of the Asic with the gel.

Basically I just stick to my Bondis   for the road and hard packed dirt.

Didn't you used to do your running and rock climbing in the southwest US or am I getting you mixed up with someone else?

Glad anything will work for you...

 

Not only for me but for 99% of the runners as most of the running shoes are made for concrete and we humans don't have such a variety of appendages

You can safely run with trail shoes, the only thing that happens is that they  "feel" a bit heavy and sluggish while most common road trainers will give you a ride that "feels" softer.

Your opinion has been noted.  Running on concrete in my Inov8 shoes with a firm midsole does not feel good to me, or my knees.  I guess I'm in that one percent.  Or I just shouldn't listen to my legs, or just tell them they are wrong and that they should be perfectly happy running 15 miles in my Toms.

 

Not only for me but for 99% of the runners as most of the running shoes are made for concrete and we humans don't have such a variety of appendages

You can safely run with trail shoes, the only thing that happens is that they  "feel" a bit heavy and sluggish while most common road trainers will give you a ride that "feels" softer.