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Work Shoes

5 Best Tennis Shoes for Walking on Concrete (2024): Reviews & Top Picks

If you’re on your feet working long hours and walking on hard surfaces like concrete, your feet are probably begging you for relief by the end of the day. We know what it’s like to experience the ridiculous foot pain and swelling that comes with wearing the wrong kind of shoes and we’ve singled out the best pairs to minimize issues like Plantar Fasciitis, back pain, and knee aches from flaring up.

Since all of these issues were connected to our feet, we figured we might as well invest in some tennis shoes that can take care of all these problems at once – kind of like hitting a flock of birds with one stone!

Our comprehensive list has all the features you need to make the most out of your tennis shoes – lightweight, breathable, shock-absorbent, good grip, roomy toe boxes, cushioned soles, and stylish designs that go with every outfit. Read ahead to give your feet the relief they crave!

Our Top 5 Picks

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

Why it Stands Out to Us 

While these shoes don’t have the best arch support, the level of comfort they offer to the wearer is simply unparalleled. If you want a pair of lightweight shoes that make you feel like you’re walking on clouds, look no further! The Adidas Cloudfoam, as the name suggests, cradle your feet with the utmost comfort.

Moreover, they also ensure proper shock absorption and prevent knee pain when you’re walking on concrete.

The variety in colors also makes the sales experience much more convenient and satisfying, especially if you’re a picky individual. Lastly, having all these wonderful features at such an accessible price was surprising for sure, but you definitely won’t see us complaining!

Our Experience with the Adidas Cloudfoam DB0694

  • These shoes were comfortable, aesthetic, stylish, easy to slip on, and form-fitting.
  • The shoes follow a slip-on style despite the laces, though you can tie them up to tighten the shoes in case they’re loose. Because we don’t need to tie and untie the laces every time we put the shoes on, it was very convenient and saved us time and energy. Moreover, the higher back made it easy to hold the shoes when we were slipping our foot inside.
  • The fit was snug and ensured our feet didn’t unnecessarily move around within the shoes. This prevented the chances of injuries and general discomfort.
  • The mesh fabric is great at making the shoes lightweight and breathable. This was the perfect feature to make sure our feet didn’t overheat or get too sweaty whenever we were walking or running.
  • The insole was moderately cushioned and extremely soft. It made us feel as though we were walking on clouds – something we immensely appreciated when we had to walk on concrete for several hours a day.
  • The toe box was roomy enough to accommodate our toes comfortably without making us feel restricted.
  • The traction on the rubber outsole was brilliant. It provided great grip and ensured we did not slip and get injured.
  • The variety in color options really impressed us! With up to 40 choices, we were able to find a pair that seamlessly blended in with our wardrobes and was compatible with most outfits, making these shoes incredibly versatile. We’re pretty sure that other women would also adore the diverse color availability.
  • Due to the cushioning, the shoes could absorb most of the shock when our feet made an impact with concrete. This ensured that our knees were free of pain and made for an overall pleasant experience whenever we had to walk on concrete floors.
  • Overall, we were happy to receive a comfortable pair of shoes at such an economical price.

What We Didn’t Like

  • These shoes were not manufactured for rough or heavy-duty use so they’re not the most durable.

What Could be Improved

  • The cushioning could be increased so users could run for prolonged periods.
  • The ankle and arch support could be increased to accommodate for extra movement.

Our Recommendations

  • You may want to order half a size down as they tend to run a little large.

Specifications

  • Available Sizes: 18
  • Available Colors: 40
  • Sole: Rubber

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

Finding such a comfortable and effective shoe at this price range is difficult, to say the least. Skechers has once again outdone themselves in both quality and comfort. With malleable memory foam and great traction on the outsole, these shoes make for the perfect accompaniment when you have to walk hours on end on hard and unforgiving concrete floors.

Since men tend to prefer darker colors, the brand does a brilliant job of offering a few subtly fashionable choices all in dark tones.

Our Experience with the Skechers Men’s 50125

  • This pair was comfortable, breathable, well-cushioned, form-fitting, supportive, and affordable.
  • The rubber sole was thick enough for us to know it’ll be durable for a long time.
  • When it comes to mesh on top of shoes, most people assume it’ll wear and tear very easily due to the fragility of the fabric. However, with Skechers, they make sure to line up the sides with reinforced material to prevent that very thing from happening. The mesh adds to the shoes’ lightweight and breathability, making for a great shoe all around.
  • Even if you subject them to rough use consistently, the soles will hold up. We know this because the material was extremely sturdy even when subjected to concrete floors. However, when the memory foam started to give out, it was time to replace the pair.
  • Though there aren’t a lot of colors to choose from, the style and overall design were pretty great. They’re functional, standard, and nice enough to be worn with a multitude of outfits. If you want to rock some cool shoes on concrete floors on your commute to work, these are the ones for you.

What We Didn’t Like

  • The memory foam tends to give out after a few months of rough use and loses its cushioning.
  • Despite all the great features, they need to be replaced due to the memory foam.

What Could be Improved

  • Since the memory foam takes away from durability, the brand could try remedying that issue.

Specifications

  • Available Sizes: 27
  • Available Colors: 12
  • Sole: Rubber

Pros

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

Cons

  • Memory foam could reduce durability

03 Skechers Women’s D’Lites Memory Foam Lace-up Sneaker (Best for Plantar Fasciitis)

Why it Stands Out to Us

Living with Plantar Fasciitis is uncomfortable at best and highly painful at worst. As such, it is crucial to manage the pain in any way possible, and that involves having the right footwear. The Skechers DLites are a pair of shoes that were made to minimize pain and flaring even when you’re on your feet all day.

With its flexible sole, Skechers ensures that your knees aren’t bearing the brunt of the impact and that your feet aren’t being subjected to shock from concrete floors. It’s also an economical choice that simultaneously provides great performance and doesn’t bleed your bank account dry.

Our Experience with the Skechers DLites 11931

  • This pair was comfortable, well-cushioned, form-fitting, supportive, and aesthetically pleasing.
  • The memory foam did a brilliant job of molding our feet to the contours of the material. This made us feel like we were walking on pillows all day. Without the foam, our feet would feel as though we were walking on a hard surface all day, but the give of the polyurethane material in the foam ensured the utmost comfort.
  • The well-cushioned sole made sure that the shock from our feet slapping on the group was absorbed readily so that no further pain was inflicted on our knees.
  • We’ve also seen some users saying that the shoes help to prevent pronation of the feet, which helps to reduce pain from Plantar Fasciitis.
  • The comfort and arch support of these shoes were unparalleled. There was additional support that really helped out with managing the pain and reducing excessive swelling.
  • The fit was also pretty snug and prevented our feet from uselessly flailing around in the shoes.
  • The shoes were also lightweight and helped a lot with our coordination. It kept our legs from feeling fatigued even after prolonged use.
  • The various colors gave us a lot of options to choose from. The design of the shoes was also quite fashionable and was compatible with most outfits.
  • The numerous sizes allowed us to find a shoe that was just the right fit.
  • Overall, we got a bunch of great features for a good price, so we were left satisfied at the end of the day.

What We Didn’t Like

  • We needed some time to break in the shoes.
  • The memory foam wore down after a few months of extended use and lost its cushioning effect.

What Could be Improved

  • The shoes have a thick outsole, which tends to add a bit of height. Some users may not prefer that and may find it chunky, so it could be reduced to a thinner outsole.

The insoles could be made so that they are easier to take out if a user wants to replace them with their orthotics.

Specifications

  • Available Sizes: 30
  • Available Colors: 31
  • Sole: Rubber

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Arch support
  • Breathable
  • Durable
  • Provides stability
  • Great value for money
  • Flexible
  • Well-cushioned
  • Variety in colors
  • Great for plantar fasciitis

Cons

  • Insoles hard to remove
  • Thick outsole

04 New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker (Best for Standing All Day Long)

Why it Stands Out to Us

The New Balance V1s are your best friends for everyday tasks. With proper arch support and a snug fit, this affordable pair ensures your feet are encased in comfort for a long day. If you want supportive shoes you can wear for hours on end but don’t want to bleed your bank account dry, you definitely want to opt for these.

Our Experience with the New Balance V1

  • These shoes were shock-absorbent, lightweight, breathable, comfortable, and provided great value for money.
  • Due to the sturdy upper construction of the shoes, our feet were cradled snugly so as to prevent unnecessary movements inside the shoe.
  • The toe box was wide enough to comfortably accommodate our feet without feeling constricted.
  • The insole, while not as foamy as other shoes, was padded well enough and provided a nice cushioned feeling for our feet, even after standing for prolonged periods. They were also removable, which means that if you have orthotics you want to replace them with, you can easily do so.
  • These were essentially slip-on shoes. We didn’t have to tie or untie the laces while putting them on or taking them off. This was highly convenient as it saved us time and effort.
  • The lightweight feeling we experienced was unlike any other. It made standing for long hours on end not the chore it usually is. The mesh fabric on the upper part of the shoes helped reduce the shoes’ weight and also contributed to its advanced breathability.
  • The forty different color options felt like a dream come true. We always find it super inconvenient when brands don’t offer enough colors to satisfyingly choose from, but with the New Balance V1s, we had a plethora of options to pick a pair that fit our personal style. The shoes were also quite stylish in their design and could serve as a chic addition to many of our outfits.
  • Moreover, the various sizes that were offered in wide were also appreciated. Many users prefer a wider toe box to accommodate their feet, and if that’s something you need, it’s readily available with these shoes.

What We Didn’t Like

  • The toe area is prone to creasing if you do vigorous exercise wearing them.
  • They weren’t waterproof and prone to squelching sounds when wet.

What Could be Improved

  • The manufacturer could increase the arch support of the shoes.

Our Recommendations

  • Order half a size up as these shoes offer a snug fit.

Specifications

  • Available Sizes: 30
  • Available Colors: 40
  • Sole: Rubber

Pros

  • 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

05 Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 8 Running Shoe (Best for Long-Distance Walking)

Why it Stands Out to Us

Under Armour is simply one of those brands that never compromises when it comes to quality and comfort. With the Charged running shoes, they’ve outdone themselves. Not only do these have brilliant arch support, but they also have comfortable cushioning that makes walking on concrete for long distances a breeze.

They’re also offered at a highly economical price, so you can bet that you’ll get great value out of these in the long run.

Our Experience with the Under Armour 3021952

  • This shoe was lightweight, breathable, stable, and flexible.
  • The fit was absolutely perfect. We felt like these shoes were tailor-made for us due to how snug and form-fitting they were.
  • Since we were walking around on concrete floors, we needed adequate arch support. And these shoes did not fail to deliver! We werehttps://geni.us/GnBc surprised at the level of comfort and support our feet experienced. It made walking for extended periods less of a dreadful experience.
  • The synthetic outsole was highly durable. Even when subjected to rough use, they held out very well. Usually, our shoes tend to wear down quite fast due to how much we have to walk on concrete, but these surprisingly lasted way longer than the usual shoe.
  • We appreciated the variety in colors and patterns. Having so many to choose from improved our sales experience immensely and helped us find a pair of shoes that resonated with our aesthetics. Moreover, they offer wide sizes that are hard to find elsewhere.
  • The flex grooves ensured our feet had a better grip within the shoes.
  • Another thing we liked was the removable insoles. We didn’t really enjoy the default ones, so we replaced them with ones that were more suitable for our feet. It felt astonishingly comfortable in combination with the shoes’ mechanics.
  • For the price point, we were ultimately shocked at how efficient these shoes were. It felt like our feet were being cradled even when we were walking long distances. We got great value out of our money and that’s all we could ask for!

What We Didn’t Like

  • Part of the outsole was white, which meant that if the shoes got dirty, it would be glaringly obvious.

What Could be Improved

  • We would’ve liked to see a darker color in the outsole. This would not make it as obvious if the shoes became dirty.
  • Since we had to walk for long distances, our feet started to ache after a while. We could reduce the soreness by inserting a different insole, which means that the default insole in the shoe could be improved so we don’t have to replace it.

Specifications

  • Available Sizes: 30
  • Available Colors: 25
  • Sole: Synthetic

Pros

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

Cons

  • White outsole
  • Not the best insole

Complications Related to Walking or Roaming on Concrete for a Long time

Walking on concrete for extended periods without the correct footwear can lead to a variety of problems. This is because when your feet make contact with the floor, there’s a significant impact on your knees, and this effect is especially amplified when the ground is as unforgiving as concrete.

Not only does it hound you with problems like back and foot pain but it can also lead to foot injuries and more severe ailments such as Plantar Fasciitis or capsulitis. Other problems include ingrown toenails, shin splints, leg fatigue, stress fractures, and even Morton’s Neuroma.

All of the above can leave your feet in severe pain and strip away your functionality. This is why it’s important to maximize the efficiency and comfort of your footwear in order to avoid such health issues.

05 Best Shoes For Walking On Concrete in 2022 [Buying Guide]Tennis Shoes for Walking on Concrete

1. Upper Part Features

Usually made of heavy-duty leather or synthetic fiber, tennis shoes for walking on concrete tend to be lightweight and durable at the same time. Sometimes, they are even made with a combination of both leather and synthetic fiber to maximize the comfort, stability, and durability of the shoes.

2. U or V-Shaped Indentation

These indentations are placed at the collar of the shoe to ease the pressure on the wearer’s Achilles.

3. A Heel Counter

The heel counter essentially locks the foot into the shoe. Without it, your foot cannot be anchored to the midsole. Moreover, the counter ensures that your heel and arch are cradled comfortably so as to relieve excess stress from them.

4. Toe Box

The toe box needs to be wide or roomy enough for your feet to rest in the shoes comfortably without your toes feeling confined. Constricted toes can lead to foot pain and will drastically reduce the time you can spend walking on concrete.

5. Midsole

Buying a tennis shoe with appropriate cushioning will ensure that there’s enough shock absorption from your feet’s impact on the concrete floor. The best materials for midsoles are polyurethane and EVA.

Polyurethane or PU is a great choice due to being an organic polymer. It is resilient, resistant to compression, and flexible. That means that the shoe can provide adequate support to your feet and survive for a long time due to the durability of the material. On the other hand, EVA is proficient at withstanding the weight of the wearer when they’re walking on concrete. The soft and firm material has enough give to comfortably accommodate you while you go about your day.

6. Outsole

The material of the outsole must have at least two rubber types to ensure maximum performance. One of the most common materials is blown rubber. It is used because it is lightweight, soft and firm enough to provide adequate cushioning, and also flexible enough to withstand movement. You should make sure that the outsole provides adequate grip and high traction, even on wet surfaces.

7. Flex Groove

The flex grooves are horizontal grooves on the upper part of the midsole that allows your feet to move naturally. They are put in place to encourage forefoot flexion across the metatarsal joints.

8. Split Heel

The split heel ensures that you have more control over your leg movements and provides more stability, helping you coordinate your limbs more efficiently. The extra cushioning in the heel absorbs more shock and offers more flexibility.

9. Comfort

Buying a comfortable shoe seems like a no-brainer, however, there are some features you should investigate to validate the comfort level of your desired shoe. Make sure you check whether or not the insoles are removable in case you want to replace them with orthotics. You should also ensure that there’s adequate arch support and cushioning.

Tennis Shoes Vs Other Sports Shoes

  • Foot Type

a) Ideal

If your foot type is ideal, that’s great news for you! Most tennis shoes are compatible with your feet, so go ahead and buy those shoes without any worries.

b) Pronated

If you have pronated feet, you’ll be able to see the indentations of your bare wet feet on the floor with barely any space.

Chances are you’re always noticing that your shoes are especially prone to wear and tear around the balls of your feet. If you need to make lateral movements while walking or running on concrete, it is best to get shoes that can sustain lateral movements without causing injuries to your knees or ankles.

c) Supinated

If you have supinated feet, a wet feet test would show a large space on the center arch in the impression of your foot. Your shoes would also be prone to wearing down around the outside of the heel and forefoot. You should go for shoes that provide arch support and have cushioned heels for added flexibility and shock absorption.

  • Best Fit

a) Forefoot

Having some extra space at the front of your big toe will let you have some space to move around comfortably. This would also come in handy if you experience swelling and your shoes need to accommodate the extra foot space. You may want to opt for Wide or Extra Wide if you face this issue persistently.

b) Midfoot

Your feet should be cradled comfortably yet firmly in the middle so that they don’t move around unnecessarily in your shoes and increase the chances of injury. This is also to ensure you have adequate stability and security while running or walking on concrete.

c) Heel

Having your heel slip out while walking or running is one of the most irritating feelings. So make sure your heel counters can firmly hold your heels in even during the roughest movements.

d) Shoe Size Conversion

Make sure you are wearing the socks you’d usually wear with your tennis shoes before you start measuring your shoe size. You can refer to these tables to convert your measurements to sizes:

Shoe Size Conversion: women

Shoe Size Conversion: Mens

About the author

Benedikt Meyers

Benedikt Meyers is an accomplished executive with significant experience in global sales and marketing, product development, and supply chain for the apparel and footwear industries. He’s a skilled relationship builder who has lived in Asia for 10 years and visited the world to develop key alliances with industry partners in order to meet production and supply demands in ever-evolving markets.

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