Running shoes for city runs on asphalt, concrete and pavement

Roads are the most common running surfaces for running. Don't worry, not literally. We definitely do not recommend shared runs with cars! The "roads" mean hard surfaces in this case - sidewalks, paved roads, and cycle paths. In short, a combination of concrete, asphalt, or paving.

What matters when choosing road shoes?

We have several important factors for you to think about when choosing running shoes.

• Level of cushioning - Hard impacts are a big burden on joints, tendons, and ligaments, so road shoes are equipped with cushioning components that reduce the shocks and pressure. You can choose lower or higher cushioning. However, remember that the higher the cushioning, the heavier the shoe.
• Drop - Drop is the difference between the heel and the toe. The lower this number, the more natural step through the midfoot to the toe the shoe will allow you. Shoes with a drop of 0 - 4 mm are for experienced runners who have precise running technique, the famous "zero drop shoes" are, for example, Altra models. Shoes with a drop of 5 - 9 mm encourage you to step through the toe to the middle of the foot and are suitable for hobbyists or occasional competitors. The highest drop is 10 - 12 mm, which is suitable for those who step on the heel or for overweight runners.
• Running foot problems - Ankle deviations called pronation and supination also have an influence on the choice of running shoes. These are conditions in which the ankle turns excessively inward or outward. There are also running shoes with pronation support, but it is important to strengthen the muscles of the foot and ankle and focus on proper running technique.
• Durability and comfort - The uppers of the road shoes are made of high-quality, durable, and breathable materials, and the insides are made of fine fabrics, which will give you comfort during fast sprints and especially during long runs.

Basic categories of road shoes

Depending on the purpose for which you will put on running shoes, they fall into three basic divisions:

• Long runs shoes  - For long runs, more cushioning, and plenty of comfort. These shoes are also suitable for beginners, due to greater shock absorption and comfort.
• Tempo shoes - For shorter tempo runs or occasional races, medium level of cushioning, narrower cut.
• Racing shoes - Ultralight, low cushioning, lower comfort, narrow fit, but the ability to develop maximum speed during the race.

The right running shoe means something different for everyone and these parameters are very individual. We recommend trying and finding out what suits you. But don't worry, we have 6 tips for you on quality road running shoes and maybe you will find YOUR DREAMY SHOE!

1) On Cloudmonster

With this shoe, you can rely on the monstrous CloudTec cushioning, thanks to which you will enjoy even the hardest landing. But don't worry, the shoe is still light and promises an "on cloud" feeling when running. Dynamic bounce is provided by Helion foam and Speedboard. Thanks to the pronounced rocker, it supports a quick transition from the impact to the rebound part. You can wear it even in the rain because it promises great grip even on wet surfaces and will serve you best on long runs.

Men Women

2) Asics Gel-Nimbus

A popular Asics shoe that is famous for its comfort and promises a soft impact. Cushioning is provided by a combination of FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO foam and iconic PureGEL™ technology in the heel and toe, which effectively absorbs shock. Traction and stability are provided by the HYBRID ASICSGRIP™ rubber outsole, which can also handle gravel or pebbles. The soft and breathable knit upper adds support in strategic places and comfort, especially in the heel and Achilles area, which are encased in a comfortable material. The shoe is ideal for easy to medium pace, recovery and volume training. It is therefore suitable for both beginners and advanced runners. If you want to experience superior comfort, you'll definitely get along with the Asics Gel-Nimbus.

Men Women

3) ASICS Novablast

For your daily runs and training sessions, we have a neutral Asics model for you - the Novablast. It's an energetic road shoe with high but bouncy cushioning that delivers a balanced combination of comfort and dynamics. The cushy material will add comfort to your foot, and the support in the heel area gives you better stability and control with every step. Hard impacts are cushioned by FF BLAST™ PLUS foam so you can enjoy long runs. The AHARPLUS™ outsole has a "spring effect" for a more efficient transition from impact to rebound. The Asics Novablast is a great choice for intermediate to advanced runners who want a versatile training shoe with a touch of racing energy and a brisk pace.

Men Women

4) Hoka Bondi

The Bondi is Hoka's most cushioned road shoe. This makes it the ideal shoe for runners looking for maximum comfort on longer or lighter (up to slow) runs. The cushioning is provided by a thick layer of soft EVA foam, which effectively absorbs shock and takes care of the soft impact. It is important to mention that the shoe has a 5mm drop, which despite the high level of cushioning still allows for a natural step and good contact with the surface. The Durabrasion rubber outsole is highly durable and reliably grips the surface. The structured knitted upper with targeted breathability adapts to the shape of the foot and ensures a high level of comfort. The Hoka Bondi is perfectly suited for beginners, recovery runs, walking, but also for overweight runners - in short, when comfort is a priority.

Men Women

5) Hoka Clifton

And we'll stay with Hoka because it has a lot to offer in the road shoe area. The Clifton model is lightweight, versatile and suitable for runners with a neutral step for everyday running. The CMEVA foam midsole is slightly firmer than the Bondi model we mention above, but still very comfortable, making it a suitable choice for brisker runs at higher paces. A smooth transition from impact to rebound is provided by the Meta-Rocker geometry, and a lightweight outsole with strategically placed rubber segments ensures solid traction. The technical mesh upper is lightweight and comfortable on the foot. If you're looking for a shoe for volume training, long runs, or even moderate tempo runs, the Hoka Clifton is a hot candidate.

Men Women

6) Puma Deviate Nitro

The Puma Deviate Nitro is a performing but still training shoe containing Nitro Elite foam for the ideal mix of cushioning and rebound. The integrated PWRPLATE carbon plate provides increased stability and efficient energy transfer. The upper is made of lightweight and highly breathable technical mesh that hugs the foot tightly, and targeted PWRTAPE reinforcement adds extra support and durability. The PUMAGRIP outsole is one of the best on the market and will give you great traction even in wet conditions. The Deviate Nitro model is especially suited for tempo runs, races, but can also handle the everyday faster runs of more advanced - faster - runners.

Men Women

7) Nike Streakfly

For short and fast trainings or races up to 10 km, wear this ultralight shoe. Compared to the first version, it brings a major innovation - a full carbon Flyplate, which provides greater rigidity and efficient rebound. ZoomX foam provides protection, comfort and helps you push your pace to the limit. The thin and grippy outsole delivers traction reliably and without compromise - exactly when you need it most at a fast pace. Due to the lower cushioning and direct contact with the surface, the shoe is more suitable for intermediate runners looking for dynamics and excellent rebound. It is not an ideal choice for pure beginner runners or longer volume runs.

Men Women

8) adidas Adizero Adios Pro

The ultimate running shoe for long road runs and races. The midsole is cushioned with two layers of durable Lightstrike Pro foam. The midsole also contains optimized ENERGYRODS 2.0 carbon parts, thanks to which you get an optimal level of stiffness and energy return. The Continental rubber sole has a great grip and will keep you going even on wet surfaces. The upper is breathable and reinforced in the places where you need the most stability. As it is an elite running shoe, the Adizero Adios Pro is particularly suitable for advanced to elite runners who run fast, have strong running technique and can make the most of the shoe's features.

Men Women

9) Nike Vaporfly

Last but not least, one more racing recommendation and it can't come from anyone other than Nike. The Vaporfly is an elite racing shoe designed for maximum efficiency and speed in the half marathon and marathon. The midsole uses a redesigned version of ZoomX foam that is extremely lightweight, soft and exceptionally responsive. Inside, there is a carbon plate along the entire length. This provides high stiffness and significantly helps with energy return on rebound. The innovative upper is ultralight, well-ventilated and precisely hugs the foot without unnecessary pressure. The outsole has improved geometry and includes rubber segments for better traction and durability. As we mentioned at the beginning, performance and elite runners who run races at sub-4:30/km pace and want to reach a personal best will benefit the most from the Vaporfly. This is not a shoe for everyday training - more for sharp tempo runs and races.

Men Women

Running in the rain, snow, and wet conditions

The road is a flat and easily predictable surface most of the time. Even so, the rain, snow, or fresh mud can hit you and this can radically change the asphalt. We recommend wearing trail shoes for these conditions. They have a better pattern on the sole, with which you will be more stable on the track and your runs will be safer.