Best Shoes for Walking, Standing & Working on Concrete
Are you one of those people who are conscious about their health? If yes, you must be aware of the fact that walking on concrete surfaces with some poor-quality shoes can sometimes be detrimental to your health. It may lead to swollen feet and back pain, so one must be really careful about it and choose a nice pair of shoes to avoid any such problem.
This issue can also become chronic and may lead to severe disorders such as arthritis, joint pain, muscle injury, and many other complications. These problems can simply be avoided by making the right choice while selecting any footwear. A lot of people may be ignorant and may not consider all these factors but later on, have to pay a huge price for their ignorance.

In order to keep these difficulties away from yourself, you deliberately need to consider all these factors in your mind while buying shoes. A good pair of shoes can protect you from shin splints which is basically a result of sudden excessive physical activity from being inactive for a prolonged period of time. It may damage your muscles and harden them and you certainly do not want that to happen to you.
So, given below is a list of some of the best shoes for walking on concrete that may prove helpful:
7 Best Quality Shoes to Walk on Concrete
1. Skechers Performance Men’s Go Walk 3 Slip-On Walking Shoe
Skechers is a US-based footwear brand that is famous for producing casual wear. This company is known for its quality products that are shipped worldwide because it has gained immense popularity and trust among people across the globe. Skechers has focused not only on the style but also on the comfort and durability of their products.

Performance men’s go walk shoes have a composition of pure mesh which is a fabric responsible for keeping the feet dry since it is made up of polyester or sometimes nylon. This material makes the shoe quite breathable hence protects your feet and gives comfort. This series of shoes is not only for men but also for women and has the same properties.
The sole of the shoe is composed of Goga pillars which play the role of absorbing any shock and make the shoe super flexible. Basically, Goga pillars act as a spring so you do not feel the ground and you actually feel extremely light while walking on a concrete surface. Commonly, these shoes are available in gray, black, and navy blue colors which seem quite sober.
Apart from that, the midsole of the shoe is made up of a yoga mat which is a thick material and acts as a cushion keeping your feet warm and secure. The best part about these shoes is that they are equally comfortable whether you wear them with socks on or not.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Light-weight
- Flexible
Cons
- Color loss upon frequent washing
Overall, these are some of the few best shoes for walking on concrete surfaces because they are extra cozy and flexible. Moreover, the yoga mat in these shoes helps in keeping your feet warm. Therefore, it must be given preference.
2. New Balance Women’s 411 V1 Walking on Long Hours
Women’s 411 V1 walking shoe is the product of the very famous American sports shoe store, New Balance. These shoes are designed in such a manner that you can wear them for the entire day without feeling tired or uncomfortable. Moreover, the material of the shoe is based on mesh which makes it breathable. Whereas, the sole of the shoe is made up of pure rubber which makes it durable and long-lasting.

Apart from that, the color variety is really vast such as black, blue, indigo, white, etc. The insole of the shoe cushions the feet and helps in maintaining the comfort level as such shoes with extra cushioning protect knees while running as well. Moreover, the shoe has a really sophisticated appearance and gives a super casual look that looks quite smart.
You can wear these shoes while working on concrete surfaces because of their toughness and flexibility. In fact, these shoes can be worn while performing everyday activities be it simply walking on concrete roads, running on the ground, or performing daily chores.
Pros
- Longevity
- Stylish
- Durable
Cons
- May lack arch support
So, these shoes can prove to be a good choice for those seeking comfort as well as style especially, for a casual look. They are flexible and last longer than other ordinary shoes and are suitable for rough surfaces because of their toughness. Those seeking style, as well as durability, must go for these shoes.
3. Wolverine Women’s Harrison WMS 6″ LACE UP
Wolverine, a popular American shoe manufacturing company, is known for its quality for quite a few years. It gives you the most comfortable and best quality shoes at the most reasonable price range. The company aspires to keep on upgrading its products according to various fashion trends.

Women’s Harrison WMS 6 is a very stylish, leather-made shoe with a high shaft. Other than that, it has a composition of gore-tex which is waterproof material but lets the air pass through which means that it is a breathable material too. Moreover, the midsole, as well as the insole of the shoe, are made up of polyurethane that makes the shoe extra soft and comfortable from the inside. Plus, these shoes look really classy.
You can easily wear them all day long without any fatigue and with or without socks. These shoes can be worn while working on concrete surfaces or while walking and not just that, you can even wear them while hiking because they seem to be really tough.
Pros
- Tough
- Stylish
- Super comfortable
- Waterproof
Cons
- No apparent drawback
Finally, these shoes seem to be perfect from all aspects and there seems to be no significant drawback. One should definitely go for these shoes. They are comfortable, durable, stylish, and whatnot. Above all, these shoes are waterproof which makes them one of the best walking shoes suitable for traveling.
4. Skechers Men’s Go Max
These are some of the most reliable shoes for working on a concrete surface because they are made up of mesh which is a fabric that provides support and acts as a cushion. Skechers Men’s Go Max is extremely flexible shoes so that they do not break easily even if bent or molded.

Other than that, another important feature of these shoes is that they are built upon Goga max technology which helps in absorbing shocks and acts as a spring. The material used in these shoes is breathable and helps in keeping the feet dry thus avoid any discomfort.
Moreover, Skechers Men’s Go Max is water-resistant and protects you from skidding. These shoes are available in so many different colors i.e. black, gray, white, blue, khaki, and much more. You can wear these shoes for an entire day without being uncomfortable. For instance, you can wear them for running, while doing a workout or while working on concrete surfaces. These shoes are suitable for both: daily chores and playing sports.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Flexible
- Multi purposes
- Variety of colors
- Affordable
Cons
- Correct sizes unavailable
Overall, these shoes are suitable for everyday routine because they are comfortable and can be used for various purposes. Moreover, these shoes come in a variety of colors so you can pick and choose your favorite. Plus, they are water-repellent too.
5. New Balance Women’s 928 V3 Walking Shoe
New balance women’s 928 V3 walking shoe is made up of pure leather and its sole is composed of rubber. Leather makes the shoe waterproof, thus protects them from wearing out. Moreover, this shoe has an advanced feature known as ABSORB which provides extra cushioning to your feet and also helps in absorbing shock. Thus, makes your walk light and smooth.

Other than that, the outsole of the shoe has a composition of “Ndurance rubber” that adds value to the durability of the shoe and increases its lifespan. The insole of the shoe is easily removable and is made up of polyurethane that makes it comfortable. Furthermore, the shoe is based on rollbar technology that helps in maintaining the rearfoot movement.
New balance women’s 928 V3 shoes come in a variety of different colors such as white, gray, black, navy blue, etc. So if the shoe fits you rightly, you can wear them all day long while performing regular duties.
Pros
- Based on several technologies
- Rubber and leather composition
- Color variety
Cons
- Narrow toe box
So, overall these shoes are comfortable and light based on various technologies that make the shoe easy and comfortable. However, the toe- tip can be a problem for some. The insole of the shoes is replaceable and its material is really soft and easy.
6. Skechers Men’s Go Walk Evolution Ultra-Impeccable Sneaker
Skechers Men’s Go Walk Evolution Ultra-Impeccable Sneaker is based on advanced technologies such as ultra go cushioning technology that plays the role in maintaining a distance between the ground and your feet. Moreover, the insole of the shoe is made up of a Goga mat which absorbs the shock because of its bouncy nature and makes your walk smooth and light.

The outer portion is composed of mesh material which makes it breathable and allows that air to pass easily. This means that you can wear these shoes in summer as well as in winter. Apart from that the shoe is really flexible and does not crack while bending.
Men’s go walk sneakers have a variety of different colors. It is available in black, white, gray, khaki, charcoal, and many other colors. So, the customer has a lot of different options to pick and choose the one that best suits them.
Pros
- Cushioning
- Affordable
- Shock absorber
Cons
- A bit bouncy
Finally, these are nice and comfortable shoes for everyday routine. These shoes are super light and springy because of extra cushioning and they actually make your walk enjoyable. Moreover, they have the tendency to absorb the shock. You can try them out first and make a choice then.
7. Clarks Men’s Tilden Cap Oxford Shoe
Clark’s store is popular worldwide not just for its shoes but also for its accessories. The store has almost every product be it handbags, belts, wallets, or footwear. Clarks products are for men, women, and children with a wide variety and you can easily pick and choose from a vast variety.

Clarks Men’s Tilden Cap Oxford Shoe is an extremely sober shoe that comes in various colors such as black, brown, tan, and many other colors. The shoe has a composition of pure leather which makes it durable and long-lasting. Apart from that, the sole of the shoe is pure rubber material which makes it tough and perfect for concrete surfaces.
These shoes are meant for formal wear and have an inch of heel height so you do not feel the rocks on the ground. Other than that, the insole is made up of ortholite material which acts as a cushion and provides comfort. Ortholite is basically responsible for reducing friction thus protecting you from any discomfort.
Moreover, the outsole of the shoe is composed of thermoplastic rubber which is a very light material and makes the grip of the shoe firm on slippery surfaces and protects you from skidding. Plus, it is really flexible, good in quality but cheap in price.
Pros
- Stylish
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Formal
Cons
- Narrow toe box
These shoes are really classy and suitable for formal wear. They are durable and comfortable to a great extent. Plus, they are quite economical. Their rubber insole makes them perfect for concrete surfaces. So one must go for these shoes.
What type of Shoes are Best to use on Concrete?
Shoes can make a lot of difference towards your health so you must be careful while selecting one. A good pair of shoes can enhance your productivity level because you are not distracted over and over again unlike with some bad quality shoes which keep on irritating and make you uncomfortable. Given below is a list of some of the important factors that may help you so you need to keep these points in mind while choosing shoes:
1. Shock-Absorbent and Cushioning
While purchasing shoes, you need to be mindful of whether your shoes provide extra cushioning or not because lack of cushioning can lead to discomfort and pain. Moreover, if the shoes are shock-absorbent then you will feel lighter while walking because there will not be extra pressure on your joints.
2. Insoles
Those who have flat feet need to be extra careful of the insole because your arch needs extra support. Lack of support can cause strain in your muscles. So those who have to work on concrete surfaces all day long must keep in mind this factor and look for shoes that better support overpronation and the problem of flat feet.
3. Breathable
Your shoe must not be air-tight because it can lead to so many problems such as fungal infection, discomfort, sweat, and many other issues. The material of the shoe should always be breathable no matter how tough the shoe is. While purchasing a shoe, one must be mindful of this factor that your shoe keeps your feet dry and comfortable.
4. Flexibility
The property of being flexible is essential because it makes the shoe much more durable. Due to flexibility, the shoe does not wear out easily because it can be molded and bent. The elasticity of the shoe makes it long-lasting and protects the shoe from cracking.
5. Lightweight
If the shoe is heavy, it will lead to discomfort and you will lose your focus on the chores and all your attention will be diverted. If the shoe is light in weight then you will require less energy to walk and you will be able to move faster.
6. Rubber Tread
Make sure that the tread of the shoe is really thick before buying the shoe. The reason that a thicker tread must be given priority is that you certainly do not want to feel everything on the ground. You do not want the rocks to keep pinching and hurting your feet. So, the tread should be made up of pure leather and must be kept in mind.
7. Heel Collar
A lot of shoes have an extremely uncomfortable heel collar or some do not even have one that leads to scratches and irritation on your ankles. No matter how good the shoe seems, if it is not comfortable enough then it is a big turn-off. A soft and thick heel collar provides cushioning and support so this factor should also be kept in mind.
8. Toe-tip
The tip of the shoe must be a little bit wide so that there is a space because if it is too narrow then it will irritate you and will be painful. A wider tip lets your feet breathe and adds value to the quality of the shoe.
9. Waterproof
If the shoes are waterproof, they will last longer than usual because most shoes wear out as water touches them. Waterproof shoes are mostly made up of rubber material that is a tough material and does not wear out easily. It also keeps your feet dry and keeps your feet warm while avoiding stickiness.
10. Fitting
Before you purchase any shoes, you must try them out if they perfectly fit you or not because if the shoe does not rightly fit you then it can lead to serious deformities and injuries. The shoe must not be too tight or too loose because if it is tight then you will feel suffocation and your feet will ache. On the other hand, if it is too loose then you will not be able to walk properly because your feet will keep on slipping from the shoe.
A person who has to walk or work on concrete needs to be mindful of all these things because you cannot perform your tasks if you keep losing your focus because of a bad pair of shoes.
FAQs
How do you keep your feet from hurting when standing on concrete?
In order to protect your feet from hurting while standing on concrete surfaces, you need to make the right choice while buying shoes. Invest money in some good-quality shoes that are comfortable and durable. There are various properties that a good-quality shoe possesses. For example, thick outsole, cushioning, arch support, flexibility, and many other traits. So, one must consider all these factors while looking for a reasonable pair of shoes.
What’s better gel or memory foam insoles?
Foam is responsible for cushioning purposes and makes the shoe soft and easy to wear. On the other hand, gel contributes to absorbing the shock. So both have different functions and are equally important. One big advantage of memory foam is that it changes its shape and molds itself according to the shape of your foot. Memory foam is light in weight and contributes to maintaining stability.
However, memory foam needs to be changed and replaced after some time if you wear the shoes on a daily basis because the foam eventually wears out.
On the contrary, gel insoles are shock-absorbent because of which you are protected from getting injured. The pressure is reduced and you are less likely to get strains. In short, it protects your joints and muscles.
What is the best material for insoles?
The best material for insoles is Sorbothane which is extremely effective in absorbing energy thus making it easier for you to walk. Sorbothane is basically a viscoelastic material and this material is not only used in shoes but in other things as well such as helmets, computers, etc. Its main purpose is to provide protection by absorbing the energy.
In shoes, this energy can be a result of stress produced while walking or running and it can also be a result of sheer force.
How long should a pair of work boots last?
There is no hard and fast rule as to how long a working shoe lasts because it depends upon various factors like the quality of the shoe or how much you wear it every day or what kind of activities you perform while wearing those shoes. However, on an average scale, a shoe must at least last for about a year. Afterward, it must be replaced with a new pair of shoes because they will start becoming uncomfortable or may wear out.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the shoe that best fits you and is of good quality should be the top priority when you go to stores for shoes because health comes first and all other factors are secondary. Given below is the recommendation of three best quality shoes that are required to walk or work on concrete surfaces:
- Skechers Performance Men’s Go Walk is flexible, light in weight, and really comfortable
- New Balance Women’s 411 V1 Walking Shoes are long-lasting, stylish, and durable
- Clarks Men’s Tilden Cap Oxford Shoes are durable, stylish, comfortable, and perfect dress shoes
So, all these factors must be considered while buying shoes.