New Trend in Jakarta: Casual Running Without Goals, Here's Why Cushioned Shoes Are Gaining Popularity

New Trend in Jakarta: Casual Running Without Targets, Why Cushioned Shoes Are Gaining Popularity — Why cushioned shoes are gaining popularity

Urban runners in Jakarta are now adopting the trend of casual running without speed targets to prioritize comfort and inner peace.
This activity takes place in various city parks in Jakarta as a means to take a break from routine and maintain mental health.
This trend encourages runners to choose shoes with thick cushioning to support physical comfort during slow-paced activity.

Amid the almost never-sleeping hustle and bustle of Jakarta, a new trend is emerging among urban runners: running without speed targets. It’s no longer about pace, nor chasing a personal best, but rather enjoying every step.

This style is known as “slow living running,” which places comfort and tranquility as the main goals.

This phenomenon is increasingly felt in various green spaces of the capital, from Suropati Park to Menteng Park. In the morning or at dusk, runners are seen moving slowly, occasionally stopping, and often just walking while enjoying the increasingly rare fresh air.

Unlike the running trend of a few years ago, which was synonymous with competition and numbers—from pace to distance—the slow living style invites runners to “slow down.”

Many runners now choose to reduce the pressure of time targets, focusing on breath and body rhythm, and enjoying the park atmosphere, trees, and social interactions.

Along with this trend, the choice of running shoes is also changing. Runners now tend to choose shoes with thick cushioning (max cushioning) to support comfort, not speed.

Some models popular among casual runners include:

Hoka Clifton 9 – known for its soft and lightweight cushioning
Nike ZoomX Invincible Run – offers a gentle “bounce” sensation
Adidas Ultraboost – comfortable for casual jogging and walking
This type of shoe helps reduce pressure on the feet and joints, especially for runners who want to enjoy longer periods without excessive fatigue.

City Parks Become an “Escape” from Routine

Jakarta may be known as dense and hot, but city parks are now becoming small oases for residents who want to take a brief break from routine.

Some favorite spots for slow running:

Lapangan Banteng Park
Tebet Eco Park
GBK Senayan

In these places, running is no longer just a physical activity, but also a form of healing—a simple way to maintain mental health amid the pressures of a big city.

The slow living running trend reflects a change in the lifestyle of urban society. Amid high demands for productivity, many people are becoming aware that the body and mind also need a pause.

Running slowly in a city park, with comfortable shoes, becomes a small symbol of resistance against a life that is too fast.

It’s not about who is the fastest to the finish line, but about who can best enjoy the journey.

Suropati Park

Suropati Park is a historic public park located in the Menteng district of Central Jakarta. Originally built in the 1920s during the Dutch colonial period, it is a popular green space known for its collection of modern sculptures representing ASEAN nations and as a peaceful retreat in the bustling city center.

Menteng Park

Menteng Park is a public park located in the heart of Jakarta, in the historic Menteng district. It was officially opened in 2007 on the site of the former Menteng Stadium. Today, it serves as a popular green oasis and recreational space for city residents, featuring sports facilities and open areas

Suropati Park

Suropati Park, located in the heart of Jakarta’s Menteng district, is a historic public square originally built by the Dutch colonial government in the early 20th century and known as *Buffelsveld*. Today, it is a popular green space and cultural landmark, famous for its central “Monument of the People’s Sorrow” and its collection of ASEAN friendship sculptures donated by neighboring countries.

Menteng Park

Menteng Park is a popular public park located in the heart of Jakarta, Indonesia, in the historic Menteng district. It was officially opened in 2007 on the site of the former Menteng Stadium, which was a significant sports venue built during the Dutch colonial era in the early 20th century. Today, it serves as a vital green space for recreation and community events in the densely populated capital.

Lapangan Banteng Park

Lapangan Banteng Park is a large public square and green space in Central Jakarta, Indonesia, historically known as *Waterlooplein* during the Dutch colonial era. It was later renamed *Lapangan Banteng* (Buffalo Field) after Indonesia’s independence and has been a significant site for political gatherings and national monuments, including the towering **Monumen Pembebasan Irian Barat** (Monument to the Liberation of West Irian). Today, it serves as a popular urban park for recreation amidst the city’s bustling government district.

Tebet Eco Park

Tebet Eco Park is a revitalized public green space in South Jakarta, Indonesia, which opened in 2022. It was transformed from a neglected, muddy retention pond area into a modern ecological park featuring wetlands, walking paths, and native plant gardens, designed to manage floodwater and provide recreational space for the community.

GBK Senayan

GBK Senayan, officially known as Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex, is a major sports and event venue in Jakarta, Indonesia. It was built in 1962 for the Asian Games with support from the Soviet Union, symbolizing the nation’s post-independence ambition under President Sukarno. Today, it remains a central hub for international sports competitions, concerts, and national celebrations.