Does running on asphalt hurt your knees?

Question

I was wondering if it really matters what type of surface you run on if you have good shoes? Will running on concrete/asphalt wear your knees down over time?

Answer 1

It depends on the quality of your running shoes. If you run in a good pair of shoes, and with no more than 700 miles, it's okay. If you want to make it softer and avoid knees and other injuries, try to run on the grass. There are some negative points also in the grass as the lack of stability. The better surface is on dirty roads, but they're very difficult to find depending where you live. The worst is on the concrete. I'd rather run on the asphalt as I did for more than 70000 miles for several years training for marathons.

Thank you.

Answer 2

it gives me back pain. Buy shoes specifically made for running, it should help alot

Answer 3

One of my knees always hurts when I run, no matter what the surface.  Five minutes and I'm done.

On the other hand, I can bike for hours, get no cramps and no knee-pains.  Biking ftw.  More fun too.

More on topic:  I used to run and it was common knowledge that running on surfaces such as grass is better for your knees than asphalt.  Just think about it.  The ground is softer, its not as hard as an impact as your feet come down on it.  Asphalt is hard, there is no "give".  Your knees take the punishment.  

Certain shoes will help lessen the impact of the asphalt, but if you have relatively weak knees, shoes aren't going to help that much.  

Go buy a bike dude.

Answer 4

1. It depnds on your shoes and feet type too.

2. visit

http://runningandliving.com/ and   http://www.runnersworld.com/ and also http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/

and check the shoes and type of feet sections.

Rahul verghese (running and living)  will give you personalised answers.

I did experience slight pain on running; I changed my shoe and it worked; but now I run on earth.

Answer 5

yes it very much can hurt your knees, but a good pair of shoes and proper training can help you avoid it

depending on where you live, asphalt may be the only safe surface you have available to run on. If you are just starting out running, i recomend starting on a very soft surface and working your way up to asphalt....like start running on grass, then traile, then a track, then asphalt..this will allow your knees to get used to the impact of running.

also, shoes are very important. the reccomended use of shoes is 400 miles...not 700 that is way too much...my coaches reccomend owning two different pairs of shoes and alternating between them...that allows the shoes to dry and get back to shape..alternating between two pairs is better both for your shoes as well as your body

finally rest and nutrition are also very important...i do not suggust running every day of the week...take a day off every 4 or 5 days (or even 2 or 3)...if you still wish to excercise, i suggust crosstraing such as riding a bike or even swimming laps. Make sure you eat well and get a well balanced diet. Keep hydrated as well!!

running is a great way to stay in shape, have fun, and feel better about yourself. If, however it causes you to be in pain (not just a day after sore or stiffness...but actual pain) you should stop running and see a doctor before you continue.

Happy Running!

Answer 6

oh yeah! during this track season, they were redoing our track. so they got the asphalt on the track done but they had to wait until it got warmer before they could put down the actual track. so we ran on the asphalt. and when it got warm we had to run in the parking lot while they put down the track. out of the 16 sprinters we had, about 9 could physically run (we ALL had shin splints) and only 5 could relatively compete in the sprints with other teams.

one of my teammates had issues with the fluid in his knee.

another one had some tear in his hip. it was horrible. you are better off running on dirt no matter how good your shoe is.