5 Best Shoes for Working on Concrete Reviews in 2024

If your occupation forces you to stand on your feet all day, you’re probably considering investing in a pair of shoes that can relieve your foot pain. We know that standing on concrete for prolonged periods can be tiring at best and unbearable at worst, so it is essential to carefully consider your choice of shoes to minimize the side effects.

The proper footwear can provide adequate support, cushioning, and shock-absorption so the pain becomes manageable and it’s much easier to prevent problems such as Plantar Fasciitis and capsulitis. If your feet still haven’t delved into those problems yet, it is best to switch to supportive shoes right away before it gets to that point.

Since the well-being of our feet can affect our productivity levels and our overall ability to do daily activities, it is paramount that we invest in taking care of them.

We’ve tried and tested several shoes for working on concrete to come up with our top five picks that are not only efficient but are also easy on the bank account. Check out our picks to ensure you have happy and healthy feet for years to come!

Our Top Picks Reviewed

01 adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe (Top Women’s Choice)

Why it Stands Out to Us 

What the Adidas Cloudfoam lacks in arch support, it makes up for with its comfort, aesthetics, ease of use, and traction. If you need a pair of lightweight shoes that will ensure your feet remain dry at the end of the day, you’ve come to the right place.

The soft padding in the insole cradles your feet to give you the utmost sense of comfort so you can navigate your day without worrying about pain and swelling. The best part is that all these cool features are available at a highly economical price, so you won’t have to worry about bleeding your bank account dry to get these staples in your wardrobe!

Our Experience with the Adidas Cloudfoam DB0694

• This pair was comfortable, aesthetic, stylish, easy to slip on, and form-fitting.
• They were slip-on shoes despite the presence of the laces. We didn’t have to tie up the laces every time we had to get ready in the morning so it saved us some time. We could simply slip them and we were ready to take on the workday!
• The elevated back was a convenient place to hold while slipping them on.
• The snug fit ensured that our feet weren’t moving around within the shoes. It also reduced the risk of injury and provided a comfortable feel.
• If you’re constantly experiencing sweaty feet due to working in warm conditions, you’ll appreciate the lightweight and breathable mesh fabric in these shoes just like we did! The fabric prevented our feet from overheating so we could keep working without the disconcerting feeling of wet feet annoying us.
• The insoles of the Adidas Cloudfoam were super soft and gave us the feeling akin to walking on clouds, as the name suggests. Working on concrete for several hours a day can exert a consistent pressure on our feet that builds up to become problematic. So we definitely appreciated the softness of the cushion and padding.
• The toe box was wide enough for our feet to wiggle around without feeling constricted.
• The traction did a phenomenal job at providing flexibility and stability so we didn’t slip while working.
• The variety in colors and patterns the brand offered was also highly convenient for us. It’s important to us to wear shoes that don’t clash with our outfits, so we take great care in finding pairs that are compatible with our existing wardrobes. Major props to Adidas for all the nice neutral colors that look great with practically everything.
• We also liked that the shoes came in wide sizes. A lot of women’s shoes don’t offer such a wide variety in sizes, especially wide, so we were quite satisfied with the brand’s consideration of women with wide feet.

What We Didn’t Like

• They were not the best for rough or consistent use.

What Could be Improved

• It would’ve been better if the durability of the outsoles could be increased.
• Users would feel more comfortable if the ankle and arch support were improved. This would make frequent movement easier.

Specifications

Pros

• Extremely lightweight
• Moderate arch support
• Breathable
• Great value for money
• Flexible
• Well-cushioned
• Easy to take off and slide on
• Great traction

Cons

• Not the most durable
• Not the best arch and ankle support

02 Skechers Men’s Afterburn Memory-Foam Lace-up Sneaker (Top Men’s Choice)

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Skechers Men’s provides brilliant traction on the outsole and offers a malleable memory foam that molds to the contours of your feet. Though some users may prefer lighter colors, we’ve seen from our experience that most men tend to lean towards darker options.

In this regard, the brand did a good job at offering up 12 different dark-toned options that are functional and fashionable at the same time. Overall, these shoes are comfortable and effective at a highly affordable price range, so we were pretty satisfied at the end of the day.

Our Experience with the Skechers Men’s 50125

• These shoes were comfortable, breathable, well-cushioned, form-fitting, supportive, and affordable.
• The rubber outsole was thick and flexible. It provided good traction and flexibility while working on concrete floors.
• These Skechers shoes’ upper construction was made with mesh material. While it’s commonly assumed that mesh is more prone to wearing and tearing, the reinforced sides in these shoes ensure that the material will hold up for a long time.
• The mesh also ensured that the shoes were lightweight and breathable. After a long day of working in hot temperatures, we wanted your feet to be dry and odor-free. The breathability of the mesh fabric helped us achieve exactly that.
• Though the memory foam loses its cushioning power over time, we found that the outsoles were sturdy and flexible enough to provide adequate shock absorbency. Even when subjected to solid unforgiving concrete floors, the outsoles held up well.
• While most of the color options were dark tones only, the general style and design of the shoes ensured that they could be worn with many outfits with ease.
• Overall, they’re functional, economical, and versatile enough for many occasions. If you’re looking for a comfortable pair of shoes to work on concrete all day, these will serve you nicely.

What We Didn’t Like

• The memory foam loses its cushioning capabilities after a few months of rough use, which forces users to replace the entire shoe.
• There were not a lot of color options to choose from.

What Could be Improved

• It would’ve been better if the quality and durability of the memory foam could be increased.

Specifications

Pros

• Lightweight
• Arch support
• Breathable
• Durable
• Provides stability
• Great value for money
• Flexible
• Well-cushioned

Cons

• Memory foam could reduce durability
• Not a lot of color options

03 New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker (Best for Plantar Fasciitis)

Why it Stands Out to Us

Plantar Fasciitis can make your life unbearable, even going as far as to impede your daily activities. As such, it is important to minimize its effects by adopting the proper footwear in your life. With the New Balance V1’s solid fit and support, your feet can get the sense of comfort they crave.

They can drastically reduce the swelling and flaring of pain in your legs, and overall improve the quality of your life. Their economical price also means that you won’t have to empty your pockets to buy an efficient pair of shoes.

Our Experience with the New Balance V1

• These shoes were shock-absorbent, lightweight, stable, breathable, and comfortable.
• The sturdy upper construction of the shoe prevented our feet from moving around in the shoe unnecessarily.
• The insole was removable, which meant that we could place our orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis in them.
• The padding in the heel area was adequate. It wasn’t as voluminous as other shoes but it was enough for our feet to be cradled snugly with a comfortable cushioned feeling.
• The laces on the shoes might make you think these aren’t slip-on shoes. But we only needed to use them when we wanted a tighter fit. Due to being slip-on, we could simply slide the shoes on without needing to sit down and tie up the laces every morning before we needed to go out.
• The toe box was wide enough for our feet to not feel restricted within the shoes. We could wiggle our toes without feeling suffocated.
• The mesh fabric ensured that the shoes remained lightweight and that our feet were dry even after working long hours on concrete. The enhanced breathability made the entire experience of standing for extended periods tolerable.
• Having forty different color options helped us find a pair of shoes that were just right. We appreciate it when brands offer such a diverse range as it definitely helps improve the sales experience and customer satisfaction. With the New Balance V1s, we got the privilege to pick a pair that resonated with our personal fashion sense.
• Even at the end of the workday, the usual pain and swelling caused by Plantar Fasciitis were kept at bay. Due to the minimized pain, we felt that these shoes did their job right and can help others who have the same issues.

What We Didn’t Like

• If subjected to vigorous movements, the toe area tends to crease.
• The shoes weren’t waterproof so that meant being exposed to water made the shoes emit squelching sounds.

What Could be Improved

• It would’ve been better if the shoes were waterproof.
• Increasing the arch support would be more convenient for individuals with high arches.

Our Recommendations

• Since the shoes are a bit too snug in the original size, you may want to order a size up.

Specifications

Pros

• Great for plantar fasciitis
• Extremely lightweight
• Moderate arch support
• Breathable
• Durable
• Provides stability
• Great value for money
• Flexible
• Well-cushioned
• Easy to take off and slide on

Cons

• Arch support could be improved
• Upper part prone to creasing
• Not waterproof

04 Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 8 Running Shoe (Best for Warehouse Pickers)

Why it Stands Out to Us

When it comes to Under Armour, you can rest assured knowing that the level of quality and comfort will be unparalleled. With the Charged Running Shoes, the brand has once again proven its dedication towards phenomenal arch support, well-cushioned heels, and variety in sizes and colors.

We felt that these features were perfect for people who work in warehouses where they have to work on concrete floors for hours on end. The affordable price point is also a great feature of this shoe.

Our Experience with the Under Armour Charged 3021952

• This pair was lightweight, well-cushioned, breathable, stable, and flexible.
• Due to how great the fit was, we felt as though the shoes were tailor-made for us. Our feet were swathed in the utmost comfort while wearing these form-fitting shoes.
• Working on concrete is usually a nightmare due to the hardness of the surface. The foot pain seems to be constant without proper support, but that all changed once we adopted the Under Armour Charged. The arch support was sublime and we felt that we didn’t have to exert our feet excessively. This feature would definitely come in handy for those who work all day in warehouses with concrete floors.
• The synthetic outsole was sturdy and provided great traction. We wanted shoes that would last us for some time so we appreciated how durable the sole was, even when subjected to rough use. Working on concrete can have dreadful effects on shoes, so we were pretty happy with how much this pair held out.
• We also appreciated that the insoles were removable. This allowed us to replace them with our orthotics whenever we thought that was necessary.
• We enjoyed the variety in colors and patterns the brand offered. It made our overall sales experience much more convenient as we had a diverse range of options to choose from.
• We liked that most of the shoes were offered in wide sizes as well as normal sizes. For individuals with wide feet, this feature would allow them to choose a pair that was the perfect fit.
• Overall, we were genuinely surprised at how efficient the shoes were, given the affordable price. The comfort, support, and variety in colors and sizes definitely left us satisfied with the Under Armour Charged running shoes.

What We Didn’t Like

• Due to a portion of the outsoles being white, it became very obvious whenever the shoes got dirty.

What Could be Improved

• If the entire outsole had been made in a darker shade, it wouldn’t be apparent whenever the shoes got dirty.
• The quality of the default insole could be improved so that users don’t feel the need to replace them with externally purchased insoles or orthotics.

Specifications

Pros

• Lightweight
• Arch support
• Breathable
• Durable
• Provides stability
• Great value for money
• Flexible
• Well-cushioned
• Flex grooves

Cons

• White outsole
• Not the best insole

05 New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer (Best for Standing All day)

Why it Stands Out to Us

With 57 different shoe sizes in regular, wide, and extra wide, the New Balance 608V5s hail as the ultimate shoes that cater to pretty much every pair of feet. Not only are they comfortable to wear, but their phenomenal shock absorption technology also makes them a leader in the functionality department.

If you need shoes that are specialized in helping you survive a long day of standing on concrete, look no further. The 608V5 will fulfill all your requirements.

Our Experience with the New Balance 608V5

• This pair was flexible, stable, well-cushioned, and highly shock absorbent.
• We have to mention that the cushioning in these is absolutely unparalleled. The insole was super soft with a heel that served as a crash pad. It absorbed all the impact from the ground using cushioning and compression resistance so our feet felt none of the pressure.
• Moreover, the dual-density collar foam aided in supporting our Achilles tendon. It was cushioned well and prevented us from getting blisters from chafing.
• The fit was snug and comfortable. New Balance did a great job at ensuring the shoes were true to size.
• We could easily wear these for extended periods without our feet screaming for relief. The futuristic foam ensured our feet were encased in comfort throughout the entire day.
• We really appreciated the variety in sizes. Everything was available in both wide and extra-wide, so if you’re someone who has really wide feet, you don’t need to fret about not finding a pair in your size.
• The toe boxes were roomy and had plenty of wiggle room without being loose.
• The design was subtle enough for us to wear these out and about on errands, even though we mostly used them for work.
• The outsole was also flexible and provided great traction to prevent us from slipping.
• Overall, we got great value out of this pair due to its economical price, enhanced support, and durability.

What We Didn’t Like

• The color options were limited.
• Some users complained that it took some time to break in the shoes.

What Could be Improved

• The brand could incorporate more colors in order to diversify the shoes’ appearance.

Our Recommendations

• We’d recommend this pair to people with flat feet as it doesn’t have arch support.
• These shoes would also be great for people who have wide feet and high insteps.

Specifications

Pros

• Lightweight
• Compression resistance
• Padded heel
• Shock absorbing technology
• Breathable
• Durable
• Provides stability
• Great value for money
• Flexible outsole
• Well-cushioned
• Soft

Cons

• May take time to break-in
• Limited color options

A Comprehensive Buying Guide: What to Expect From Your Shoes

1. Comfort

• Fit

You’ll want a pair of shoes that are just the right fit. Being too tight or too loose can lead to health problems and increase the chances of injuries.

• Padding

Your shoes need to be well-cushioned, especially in the heels, so they can absorb all the shock from the impact with concrete floors. Otherwise, your feet will feel the pain from taking all the pressure all day.

• Insole

It is best to go for a pair of shoes that has a removable insole. This is to ensure you can take out the default soles and replace them with your orthotics if needed.

• Arch support

For individuals with high arches, a pair of shoes with arch support is vital if they want to avoid extreme foot pain. Arch support ensures that your arches are well-cushioned and are not straining excessively during walking or any type of movement.

2. Moisture Control

You’ll need to ensure your shoes have adequate breathability if you want to prevent smelly and sweaty feet. This is especially important if you work in hot temperatures. Usually, shoes made of mesh material are lightweight and breathable enough to let air get to your feet. They keep you dry and fresh throughout the workday.

3. Toe box

It is best to opt for a pair of shoes with roomy toe boxes to facilitate comfortable movements without restricting your toes. If you have wide feet, wearing shoes with wide toe boxes will assist you greatly in accommodating your feet.

4. Durability

Some shoes made of mesh material come with reinforced sides that increase durability and strength. Rubber or synthetic outsoles are also great at increasing your shoes’ lifespan. You may also opt for shoes made of waterproof leather or have synthetic uppers as they can usually withstand adverse weather conditions.

5. Stability

To maximize your stability, you’ll want to wear shoes that have rubber or synthetic outsoles. They are the best at providing traction and help keep you stable on your feet. Many shoes are also equipped with anti-slip technology that ensures your pair remains firmly on your feet despite heavy movements.

6. Support

Your feet will thank you for wearing shoes that provide adequate heel and arch support as this will ensure your feet don’t swell up and experience unnecessary pain while you’re busy working all day on concrete floors.

7. Style

This may not be at the top of your priorities, but it’s still something to consider while shopping for shoes. Many brands offer a plethora of options when it comes to styles, colors, and patterns. Since you’ll be wearing these shoes for a significant amount of time, it is best to opt for a pair that resonates with your style and is compatible with most of your existing outfits.

8. Price

The prices of shoes for working on concrete can range from as low as $15 and delve well into the four-digit area. However, you don’t necessarily have to invest thousands of dollars to ensure your feet are comfortable and supported. Our picks include affordable pairs that can serve you nicely in the long term without emptying your pockets.

FAQs

1. Can standing and walking on concrete cause foot pain?

Ans. Concrete is a hard and unforgiving surface that doesn’t accommodate your feet. This can create consistent pressure and shock that stretches from your feet to your knees to your back. Without proper footwear, your knees and feet don’t have the support they need. This can lead to health issues later on.

2. Can I wear running shoes on concrete?

Ans. If you’re planning on doing so, you should ensure your shoes have proper arch support and padding. They should protect you against blisters, chafing, and swelling for prolonged periods.

3. Are memory foam shoes good to stand all day?

Ans. Since memory foam can mold to the contours of your feet, it can be quite helpful when you’re standing on concrete all day. They also offer a soft and well-cushioned space for your feet so they make you feel more comfortable during movements.

4. Are there any health effects from walking on concrete?

Ans. There are several health effects. Consistently walking on concrete for extended periods can cause swelling, inflammation, Plantar Fasciitis, capsulitis, and general pain in the feet, knees, and back.