By Rehan Iqbal
When you work on a concrete floor all day, you can feel tired and achy all over. With all the walking long distances back and forth being on a hard surface all day can really take a toll on your body. After skimping on good quality shoes and undergoing foot pain, I realize now that investing in a good cushioned, supportive shoe would have made my work day or night go much more easier. I still remember how my feet used to ache from walking on concrete. Choosing good work shoes can help avoid the pain in the heels, arches, and ankles when you need to be standing and walking long hours on hard floors.
Best Shoes for Concrete Floors
Walk the Tough Unyielding Hard Floors with the Best Shoes for Concrete Floors
Whether you’re a basketball coach who spends hours running back and forth on a black top court or a supervisor in a warehouse walking on a concrete slab or a waiter at a restaurant, good shoes can make knees, hips, back, and neck pain diminish or even disappear. Finding shoes that are both stylish and comfortable can be a tough one. Luckily I have you covered. Here’s the latest list of the best shoes for men and women to wear while standing or walking on a hard floor for long periods of time:
1. New Balance MID626V2 Sneaker Work Shoe Men's
Real leather and a non slip rubber sole come together to make a shoe that is stylish, easy to clean, and comfortable. The Shoes meets slip resistant standard ASTM F2913-11 as well as oil resistant standard ASTM D471-16a. This work sneaker is great choice for anyone struggling to find safety, comfort and a great fit in a shoe.
The foam cushioning is not only extremely comfortable, it also creates the perfect fit for every foot by having the sole mold to the foot. The lace up closure adds to the ability to get the perfect fit for every person since the laces can be tightened our loosened at will. The New Balance work sneakers are available in Medium, Wide, X-Wide and XX-Wide widths and sizes ranging from size 7 to size 18. So, if you have large feet like me, there are size options for you. This is a Medicare approved shoe. It comes with an internal shank for added stability.
The midsole is designed to support the foundation of the body. The compression molded midsole helps athletes maintain balance and get the arch support they need. The shoe features a non marking outsole so as not leave scuff marks on your clean hard work floors. The two cushioning systems located at the front and back of the shoe will give added shock absorption as you pace over the solid foundation. Available in black, brown, and neutral colors, this shoe is a great choice for anyone with foot pain caused by walking on concrete for long hours.
2. Skechers Ghenter Bronaugh Food Service Shoe for Women
These shoes are one of the best choices for women who work in the food service field, as they come highly recommended by fellow service people. The leather upper was crafted with durability and comfort in mind. The slip resistant rubber sole offers traction even on challenging worksites. Working women love the way the memory foam insole cushions their feet. Those with frequent heel pain are finding relief in these amazing shoes. The arch support is lacking so women who need to wear orthotics will need to replace the standard memory foam insole with and arch supporting one.
The uppers are 3M® Scotchgard® coated to resist water and stains. This would be ideal for anyone working in the food service or Heathcare industry.
The lace up closure can also give ladies the fit they want. Women appreciate the effective indentions at the ankles that keep them from getting blisters due to unwanted friction all day. The synthetic breathable mesh upper enables your shoes to stay odor free and the feet from getting in a pool of sweat. All in all, one amazingly comfortable shoe.
3 Top Shock Absorbing Slip Resistant Women's Skechers Work Shoes for Standing on Tough Concrete Floors
Skechers Squad SR
Skechers Trickle
Skechers Nampa-Annod
3. Skechers USA Men’s Segment The Search Slip On Loafer
Skechers has always been a go-to brand for and anyone looking for a comfortable walking shoe. They understood that sometimes men need to be both comfortable while still looking work appropriate and they made the Segment The Search Loafer to meet both standards. Available in black, brown, and dark brown these loafers can match almost any work uniform.
The gel infused memory foam insole gives added cushioning as you walk or stand on a hard surface. Working men love how supportive the midsole is and how much shock absorption they get in every step. I found the casual dressy shoe easy to get on and off, equipped with a pull-on tab at the tongue. The elastic goring makes them easy to maneuver in, as it provides your foot with flexibility when you need to walk a long distance. Men appreciate how roomy they are as some work shoes can make their feet feel cramped. These shoes have a rubber outsole with good traction, but not tested for slip resistant standards.
3 Top Shock Absorbing Slip Resistant Men's Skechers Work Shoes for Walking on Hard Cement Floors
Skechers Cessnock
Skechers Felton
Skechers Nampa-Groton
4. Skechers Men's Cankton-U Industrial Shoe
If you have worked in the construction industry like me, you will find Skechers Men's Cankton-U Industrial Shoes to be a useful and practical choice for several reasons. Firstly, they offer excellent comfort, safety and support, which is essential for me since I'm constantly on my feet on concrete floors. The memory foam insole, padded collar, and tongue provide cushioning to my feet with the the shock absorbing midsole reducing fatigue and discomfort, especially during the long hours on extended shifts.
The slip-resistant lug pattern can provide good traction on concrete surfaces, reducing the risk of slips, trips, and falls, which are common hazards in the construction industry. It comes with solid steel toe protection enabling one to do their job safely and effectively without injury worries. The breathable upper will keep your feet cool during hot and humid conditions. It comes in regular, wide and extra wide widths.
5. Dansko XP 2.0 Clog Women's
For women who want a cushy work shoe that isn’t too shiny, Dansko is one of the best choices on the list. This fabulous shoe is available in many different colors and styles. Working fashionistas can choose from brown, black, espresso, rust, crimson, tan, and black and white plaid. A lot of women love the look high heels give them, but hate the back pain that follows them after a couple hours of walking in them.
These shoes can also give you a little more height with its .75 inch platform and a 1.75 inch demi wedge shock absorbing heel. This footwear is APMA certified so you know you are buying quality. These comfortable shoes are a favorite among women with average to narrow feet, as some “comfortable work shoes” can be built a little wide. The insole can be removed, but they offer enough cushioning that most women won’t need to put in padded insoles.
6. Timberland PRO Men's Powertrain Sport Alloy Safety Toe
If you are looking for a lightweight safety shoe for walking on concrete floors, this is on of the best you will find. With its anti fatigue technology it provides superior cushioning keeping your feet discomfort free even if you have to work and stand all day on hard cement floors.
I used to slip and fall now and then when walking on wet concrete floors. One of the main factors was not doing my due diligence when buying shoes that did not conform to non slip standards. Slip resistance is an essential feature a shoe should have if you are going to encounter slippery conditions at work. The Timberland Powertrain ticks that box with it being oil and slip resistant.
7. Skechers for Work Women's Synergy Sandlot Alloy Toe Lace-Up Work Shoe
Ladies, you have not been forgotten when it comes to safety work shoes for walking on hard cement floors. Whether it is carry heavy loads or operating machinery, the lighter weight alloy toe in the Skechers Synergy Sandlot shoes will provide you with ample protection. This is a top shoe choice for women working in industries such as construction, manufacturing, electrical work, and maintenance.
Its got the safety standards that you would need. Alloy toe meets ASTM F2413-2011, 1/75 C/75 standards for impact and compression. ASTM F1677-2005 Mark II rated slip resistant outsoles will help you stay on your feet when walking on slippery concrete floors. If your work exposes you to electrical hazards such as live circuits or wires, these shoes meet ASTM F2413-2011 standards for electrical hazards. If you feel the cushioning of the shoes is not good, you can always replace them with your favorite or custom insoles.
8. Rockport Men’s We are Rockin Chranson Walking Shoe
If you spend a lot of your day walking on black top, you may want to consider the Rockin Chranson as your next shoe, as it offers outstanding comfort that lasts all day. You’ll get both breathability and durability from its leather and mesh upper. If you suffer from heel pain, these sneakers can help! Has a latex footbed, which helps cushion the foot and reduce fatigue and provide exceptional comfort.
If you have flat feet, then you will also like the arch support they get from the shoe’s beveled heel and forefoot flex notches. Their patented Adiprene system decreases the weight of the sole while securing the shoe’s structural integrity. The built-in support system offers excellent stability as terrain and incline changes. The rubber outsole can also give you needed traction as you walk. The interior lining is made up of mesh which wicks away moisture and works to keep your feet feeling dry throughout your workout or workday! I found that even with my normal arches, these fitted quite well on my feet.
9. Clarks Women’s Hope Roxanne Flat
These shoes come with a cute rouching detail on top and are an ideal choice for women who want the look of a trendy flat, but not the pain they can get from the lack of cushioning. As many working ladies already know, sometimes comfy clogs can make your feet appear bigger than they actually are, but these comfortable work shoes are the exception. Some fashionistas say these shoes make their feet look smaller!
The skid-proof sole is a nice feature for anyone who may spend their work day on hardwood or tile floors. The Clarks come in black, dark brown, or navy so they’re easy to match to any work uniform. The ortholite footbed can also keep your feet feeling dry which is great for women who work in a hot or humid environment. These shoes are sure to keep your feet feeling cozy all day even if you spend hours standing or walking on a concrete floor.
10. Merrell Men’s Encore Gust Slip-On Work Shoe
You don’t just look for comfort in your work shoes, you also want them to be functional. Functionality is exactly what you’ll get from the Merrell’s Gust Slip On. First off, there are no laces so you won’t be having to check to make sure your shoes are tied before going up and down the stairs. Secondly, The ortholite footbed conforms to your anatomy for support and comfort. Thirdly, these shoes work hard at keeping you odor free as you work hard all day.
The shoe is lined with a microbial solution to absorb any harsh smells caused by sweat. They are available in brown and black. Another functional aspect of these shoes is the heel. What man doesn’t want to look a little taller? This shoe can add two inches on to your height and you’ll feel like you’re walking on air, because you will be! The feel has an air cushion to keep those who work on a concrete slab feeling great from going in to clocking out.
11. Rockport Men’s Eberdon Loafer
This is a fantastic shoe for anyone who needs to look professional at work but also needs some serious cushioning for their feet. Available in black and brown, the outside is made out of sharp looking leather. If you spend a lot of time at work walking around or going up and down stairs, you’ll appreciate that the Rockport loafer has a slip on design with no lace. This makes them simple to put on and workers won’t have to worry about retying their laces throughout the day.
These shoes are also flexible, making walking all the more pleasurable. The rubber soles give these shoes a grip on a variety surfaces. Men who wear this shoe are giving it outstanding praise, saying that they can walk for hours without feeling like they’ve been walking for hours. This comfortable shoe is an excellent choice for anyone who has to maintain an office appropriate look while spending most of the day on their feet.
12. Alegria Keli Women's
Working women often put up with discomfort during the day caused by sub-par shoes. They want a professional style, but that can come at the cost of comfort. The Alegria Keli can give them the elegance they desire in their footwear without compromising on comfort. These fine comfortable shoes come in a variety of colors and styles including: navy blue, black, brown, patent black leather, snakeskin, and bronze floral. A 1.5 inch heel can give you the dressy look you want and comfort with leather lined cushioned footbed.
These work shoes are also stain resistant, which can be great for rainy days when you have to go outside. The slip resistant outsole can also be a plus if you spend your workdays on a slick hardwood floor. It is a good idea to try a half size smaller than your regular size as they can run slightly large. Another good thing about the Keli shoe is if you need additional support in your shoe, the insole can be taken out and replaced with a custom orthotic.
13. Dunham Men’s Windsor Waterproof Oxford Shoes
I do a lot of walking outside to get to work or throughout your workday, this shoe has a unique feature that can make Monday-Friday go a lot smoother: the leather is waterproof. Not only will these shoes shield your feet from the elements, it will wick sweat away from your feet! Men like the durability that comes with any Dunham shoe and also like the lace up style so they can get the snug fit they need.
These comfy shoes are a good option for any man with hard to fit feet, as they are available in extended sizes. It can be hard to find a shoe that looks dressy enough for work while still offering superior comfort, but this oxford style shoe can give you both! It comes in black, brown, and polished brown leather. The rubber sole and cushy windsor give working feet the comfort they need and deserve!
Any of these cushioned shoes can have you saying goodbye to your clunky orthopedic looking shoes and hello to your new stylish work shoes. Co-workers will be impressed by how well you’re dressed and never know that you have on some of the best shoes for concrete floors out there.
Can you Wear Running Shoes for Work on Concrete Floors?
I will give you that running shoes are very comfortable and absorb a lot of the pounding and keep your feet safe on the walking track. But will they do that for you at work?
Most of the work shoes listed above have been rated for different safety standards. They would protect your feet in a variety of unforeseen circumstances. These work shoes are supposed to ensure your safety and comfort at the job site. They tick all the boxes for working on concrete floors. Safety, Shock absorbing and durability.
While the running shoes tick only one box - shock absorption, they are not certified for any slip resistant standards. They can increase your risk of falling and slipping. Not durable enough to withstand the heavy use in a work environment they will lead to faster wear and tear, compromising your comfort and safety.
