Running on Concrete
 

Is it OK? Will me knees get screwed up after a while, or is it ok?

It's not the best surface to run on. Neither is pavement. We do have a lot of both though. I would recommend get running shoes that are really good for shock absorption. Don't worry if they are heavier, I think the better protection will serve you more in the long run.

The more shock absorption the shoes have, the harder the feet will fall on the concrete, due to perceived softness of the ground. This is particularly true of a lazy runner who runs with no real control, and will plod along in complete non-awareness of their body. If running on concrete barefoot, the feet will fall very softly, and naturally adapt to a proper running form, because to do otherwise would hurt like hell. The more advanced the shock absorption of a shoe, the more likely it is to exacerbate twisted, unnatural running habits. If someone is already prone to running injuries, running badly, putting more insulation between the feet and the ground will actually make things worse. It is better not to run at all in this case.

Also, running with shock absorbing shoes makes the feet lazy. Try walking barefoot for a long time, especially on rough/grassy hilly terrain, or running. Even if you're used to running or walking long distances in your ultra-air cushioned running shoes, you will find your feet ache relatively quickly. This is because you're working your feet muscles for the first time. They become weak using these so called running shoes.

Running barefoot or with minimalistic cushioning is a lot like fasting and eating less. People think it is dangerous and will hurt you, when in fact it is just the opposite. Proof that they are dangerous is often cited from immediate symptomatic effects, like tired feet, or the feeling of a bit of pain walking over rough areas for the first time barefoot, or having to, horror of horrors, actually learn to run all over again and be careful as opposed to smashing down without regard for what is underfoot.

I've had some knee trouble in the past when running. After around 8-10km my knee would start to hurt, even though I was far from out of breath and physically could have kept going a lot longer. Just yesterday I got a pair of Vibram Five-Finger shoes, which are made to be as close to barefoot running as you can get while still wearing shoes, and plan to try them out in the weeks to come. Hopefully running "barefoot" will lessen the load on my knees, and let me run again. :)

here's the kicker, your knees might end up screwed up if you dont run at all.

I tested the Vibram FiveFingers in the gym for the first time today. Ran for about 30min on the treadmill, before lifting weights.

So far so good. My knees don't hurt, and my feet are fine. Of course, it will take a few weeks before I know for sure if they are right for me. I'll also need to run a bit longer, but I'm taking it gradually to begin with.

You got me there.

While I do think some bodies could use the extra help, especially if a person is running on hard surfaces, using the "glove" or "sleeve" or whatever you want to call it foot wear that is basically bare feet with protection from getting cut can benefit a lot of people.

The questions is, do you believe it will? If you do it will.. if you believe you'll be fine, you will :).

Running on concrete is not going to screw up your knees. Simply running on a harder surface doesn't mean that it will cause more of a problem for your knees.

Don't abuse your knees and they'll be fine :). Don't forget to STRETCH (VERY IMPORTANT)

Shoes are good for running, however barefoot is not a problem at all (unless it's starts hurting your feet).

You have been designed to walk for many hours a day. Running is there for an emergency situation like life or death. It has been this way for millions of years. Jogging does not fulfill a function.