Should I Run on Soft Surfaces?

There's a point at which an ideal trail becomes too muddy or too hard-baked to be of much real benefit, but in practical terms, you can't go far wrong with good old accessible dirt. Pros: The medium to soft surfaces decrease the risk of overuse injuries and reduce impact on downhills.

Is it better to run on hard or soft surface?

Foot-contact time on soft surfaces has been recorded at over three times as long as it is on hard surfaces. But while harder surfaces provide faster times, they are also a faster route to impact stress and overuse injuries. Which surface you run on depends on what you're trying to accomplish.

What surface is better to run on?

Grass has to be the best option as it provides a nice balance of a soft surface that is easy on your bones and joints and one that also provides you with more of a workout since you don't bounce right back up like you do when running on harder surfaces.

Marcus Vance

Marcus Vance

Cybersecurity & Digital Privacy Researcher

Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.