Are hiking shoes good for walking on concrete? This is the most frequently asked question by all types of hikers. Mostly people don’t agree to wear hiking shoes on concrete.
There are many good things in these hiking shoes, but some things may still make them less appealing than other options for walking. Let’s uncover these things that help you to choose better shoes for your walk.
What’s the Difference Between Hiking and Walking Shoes?
Hiking shoes are made for rough ground and long outdoor activities. These shoes are designed to provide stability in tough hiking. And provide traction and protection during outdoor activities.
They have durable soles with deep treads to grip unbalance surfaces. Its durable, tough uppers to withstand abrasion and padding to reduce stress on feet.
When you walk on a flat surface with these shoes, they may feel heavy and uncomfortable. Normal walking shoes are lighter and have breathable material. They have different kinds of support that are more flexible on flat surfaces.
Before you select your hiking shoes, you must check the pros and cons section.
Pros of Hiking Shoes on Concrete
- Supportive Structure: Hiking shoes are designed to provide ample support to the feet and ankles, which can be an advantage to use them for walking on concrete. Their built in ankle braces balance your each step.
- Durability: Hiking shoes are more durable shoes due to their hard structure. Their strong construction can resist on concrete roughness. Their tough soles shrug off wear and tear easily. They can bear pressure and abrasion due to their strong materials and construction.
- Traction: Many hiking shoes have aggressive tread patterns that provide exceptional support on different surfaces. Their aggressive treads works like a grippy gloves for your feet. This can also reduce the chance of slipping and sliding while walking.
- Comfort: Hiking shoes often provide large cushioning and padding during walk on concrete. Hiking shoes also provide comfort during long walks on concrete. Their built-in shock absorbers, soaks the impact of each step on hard surfaces.
Cons of Hiking Shoes on Concrete
- Stiffness: Some hiking shoes may feel stiff while walking on flat and hard surfaces. They are basically designed for rugged surface like mountain. These are less enjoyable on concrete than other flexible shoes.
- Weight: Hiking shoes tend to be heavier than typical walking or running shoes, which may cause fatigue during long walks on concrete. Their built-to-last construction make them heavier. They can easily tackle rough surface but on flat walk, they can lead to fatigue.
- Lack of Breathability: Many hiking shoes favor durability above breathability due to its hard usage on hiking. They can lead sweaty and uncomfortable walk on concrete or r may cause painful for your feet particularly in warmer temperatures.
Also read is basketball shoes OR golf shoes safe for walking on concrete.
Things to Consider While Selecting Hiking Shoes for Walk
While hiking shoes are designed for outdoor activities, they can also be used for walking on concrete with simple adjustments.
- Choose Lightweight Options: Select lighter hiking shoes that minimize fatigue during extended walks on concrete.
- Add Insoles: Cushioned insoles or inserts can enhance comfort and reduce the impact on concrete surfaces.
- Break Them In: Before going on long treks, break in your hiking shoes by using them for a short period to ensure they fit your feet and feel more comfortable.
- Select Breathable Designs: Search for hiking shoes with breathable materials to prevent excessive sweating and discomfort.
Alternative Footwear Options for Walking
If you don’t find an adjustable factor in any hiking shoe model for walking on concrete, then consider these alternative options.
Walking Shoes
These are specifically design for walking on hard surfaces. Walking shoes are lightweight, cushioned, and flexible. These features makes them ideal for walking on rough surfaces.
Their lightweight functionality helps to slide over cracks and rough ground. These shoes move and bend with your feet to make them feel less tight and painful. Walking shoes are the best shoes for a casual walk because they are reliable and comfortable.
Running Shoes
Running shoes provide cushioning and flexibility for walking on concrete while being versatile for other sports. This is another ideal option for walking on concrete. Their flexible structure keeps your feet stable and helps in natural movements. Its breathable also prevents sweating during walk on concrete.
Cross-Trainers
This is the multi usage footwear, who can hundle both gym and sidewalk easily. Cross-training shoes combine the advantages of many sports footwear types. They provide appropriate support, cushioning, and traction for walking on concrete.
Bottom Lines
Hiking shoes can be suitable for walking on concrete due to their supportive structure, durability, and grip. Hiking shoes may not be as comfortable as footwear that is expressly for urban conditions.
You can select suitable hiking shoes for your walk with proper research. They can be given a pleasant and dependable option for walking on concrete.
Finally, the most appropriate footwear is determined by personal preferences, comfort needs, and the length of walks on concrete surfaces.