Is it true that running on pavement is not bad for you??

Question

I am confused on this. I've always believed that running on pavement was terrible on your knees. But I have also heard that is actually better for you. So is running on trails better for you??

Answer 1

Actually, just get you self a nice pair of running shoes with shock absorbent soles. That should significantly decrease the impact of running  on the knees.

Answer 2

Here would be my list of running choices in this order from great to horrible:

Grass (such as a football field, very boring though)

Smooth trails (just dirt, no rocks or roots)

Hard packed gravel (see this in some parks)

Rough trails (still good, pay attention and don't twist a ankle)

Track (again little boring)

Roads (not bad, just run where not a lot of cars)

Concrete (this is the worst stay off at all cost if possible)

Hope this helped, good luck

Answer 3

My preferences are as follows. I do have some joint issues.

I first prefer a dirt track. Then I would do a paved track. Last, I HATE those rubber/tar tracks at a lot of high schools. My knees feel the worst after running on those type tracks. Also, they smell nasty and on a hot day I could feel the heat from them come up through my sneakers.

If you have good sneakers and are jogging, I see no problem with running on pavement.

Answer 4

your less likely to trip over things on a paved path as opposed to a trail