10 Best Shoes for Walking on Concrete- Work and Move in Comfort

Concrete is one of the hardest materials in the world. It provides no cushion when you walk on it, so you need to have durable shoes with excellent support. Whether you have concrete floors at work, concrete floors at the gym, or you love to go sightseeing around town, having the right footwear will relieve tired, achy feet and prevent injury.

We’ve reviewed the top-rated shoes for walking on concrete so that you’ll be prepared for your work day or your next adventure.

Shoe Model	Fit	Price	Best Feature
New Balance MW577	Men's	Moderately priced	The best men’s shoe for walking on concrete Polyurethane midsole with ABZORB technology for extra shock absorption, cushion, and bounceback
Skechers Afterburn	Men's	Budget-friendly	Articu-Lyte midsole is shock absorbent and flexible
Rockport Eureka	Men's	Budget-friendly	Walking Platform Construction keeps your feet stable when walking long distances, corrects your gait
Rockport World Tour Classic	Men's	Expensive	Flexible EVA midsole diffuses impact away from your feet and joints, reduces foot fatigue
New Balance MX608V4	Men's	Moderately priced	ABZORB technology in heel and midsole for shock absorption and energy return
Saucony ProGrid Integrity ST2	Women's	Moderately priced	The best women’s shoe for walking on concrete Shock absorbent heel
KLOGS Naples	Women's	Expensive	Slip-resistant synthetic polyurethane outsole with flexible rocker design to propel you forward
Clarks Wave Trek	Women's	Expensive	Wavewalk technology reduces foot and leg fatigue
Skechers Sure Track	Women's	Budget-friendly	Shock-absorbent 1” heel and FlexSole midsole keep pressure off of your joints
TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes	Women's	Budget-friendly	Thick and durable shock-absorbent rubber outsole with elastic properties that prevent deterioration

Best Men’s Shoes for Walking on Concrete

New Balance MW577

For active men who love to travel or run their errands on foot, the New Balance Men’s MW577 Walking Shoe is a moderately-priced athletic walking shoe for life on the move. There are many repeat customers for this model who say that the MW577’s feel like walking on air. The leather upper holds up well, with reflective designs for visibility during nighttime wear. With Walking Strike Path Technology, the shoe has extra traction along the center of the rubber outsole where the foot naturally touches the ground. A shock-absorbent polyurethane midsole and an ABZORB heel crash pad diffuse impact away from your feet and joints for comfortable, all-day wear.

Great for men with flat feet with foot conditions, the New Balance MW577 is eligible for Medicare reimbursement. They run small and narrow, but the shoes come in wide sizes so you can find the perfect fit. Extra cushioning in the padded tongue and collar keep you comfortable during the mild break-in period. Although they have little arch support, the insole is removable. You can replace it with another insert more suited to your foot. The New Balance MW577 holds up well for about a year of daily, all-day wear before they start to fall apart. This athletic shoe by New Balance has the stability and comfort to suit your active lifestyle.

Pros

• The best men’s shoe for walking on concrete
• Great for flat feet or men with foot conditions
• Moderately-priced athletic walking shoe eligible for Medicare reimbursement
• 100% leather upper protects you from rain and cold with reflective designs for nighttime wear
• Rubber outsole with Walking Strike Path technology has extra traction along the center of the outsole where the foot touches the ground
• Padded tongue and collar
• Polyurethane midsole with ABZORB technology for extra shock absorption, cushion, and bounceback
• Available in wide sizes

Cons

• Run small and narrow
• Mild break-in period
• Poor arch support
• Don’t breathe well
• Soles wear down in less than a year

Skechers Afterburn

If you explore your surroundings on foot, the Skechers Men’s Afterburn Memory-Foam Lace-up Sneaker is a supportive athletic shoe with shock-absorbent and comfort features. Available in wide sizes, this shoe runs true to size with a roomy fit. With a thick rubber outsole with excellent traction, Skechers’ flexible Articu-Lyte shock-absorbent midsole relieves stress on the bones of your feet and your joints to decrease foot fatigue. The removable memory foam insole cushions the whole foot, whether you are standing or walking. Additional comfort features include a memory foam insole, a padded collar, and a plush tongue.

Skechers designed the Afterburn to keep your feet dry and comfortable. The mesh interior has moisture-wicking technology, and the leather upper has synthetic mesh overlays. Unfortunately, this model doesn’t hold up well if you are rough on your shoes. They usually last for about a year of daily wear before they start to break down. With the thick outsole and leather upper, the Skechers Afterburn feels heavy. Despite some durability issues, the Skechers Afterburn Sneakers are a great budget-friendly option for men who walk on concrete all day.

Pros

• A budget-friendly, comfortable walking shoe for standing or walking on hard surfaces
• The thick rubber outsole has excellent traction with 1.5” heel for shock absorption
• Memory foam insole, smooth interior lining, padded tongue, padded ankle collar for comfort
• Leather upper with synthetic mesh overlays for breathability
• Reinforced areas on the heel and toe for more support
• Articu-Lyte midsole is shock absorbent and flexible
• Have a roomy fit
• Available in wide sizes

Cons

• Rubber outsole separates from the upper with consistent use
• The memory foam insole isn’t removable, breaks down easily
• Mild break-in period
• Don’t breathe well

Rockport Eureka: Best Shoes for Working on Concrete Floors

If you work in a factory or a warehouse, you need a comfortable walking shoe for long shifts. The Rockport Men’s Eureka Walking Shoe is great for supervisors and workers alike. Although they run narrow, the Eurekas come in a variety of sizes and widths. The curved synthetic outsole easily bends in the forefoot, propelling you forward as you walk. With the company’s Walking Platform Construction, the engineered outsole provides excellent traction that corrects your gait for extra stability. The lightweight and flexible EVA midsole is shock absorbent to protect your feet and joints from significant impact.

With a removable latex foam insole for extra cushion, the Rockport Eureka has a padded tongue and collar for comfortable wear. A padded mesh interior liner with moisture-wicking technology keeps your feet dry to eliminate odors. The shoes hold up relatively well after the mild break-in period, but they only last about a year of constant wear. Including a variety of features for comfort and stability, the budget-friendly Rockport Eureka is designed for long hours on your feet, with a classic casual look to match any work uniform.

Pros

• Budget-friendly, comfortable, professional walking shoe with shock-absorbent and stability features
• Comes in wide range of sizes and widths
• Walking Platform Construction keeps your feet stable when walking long distances, corrects your gait
• Durable leather upper
• Synthetic curved rubber outsole propels you forward, has excellent traction and flexibility in the forefoot
• Padded tongue and ankle collar and a removable latex foam insole for extra cushion
• Mesh interior liner with moisture-wicking technology to keep your feet dry and eliminate odors
• Flexible and lightweight EVA midsole for shock absorption and bendability

Cons

• Mild break-in period
• Run narrow
• Sole separates from the upper within a year of use
• Stitching comes loose

Rockport World Tour Classic

Another casual walking shoe, the Rockport Men’s World Tour Classic Walking Shoe, is ideal for professional and recreational settings. With a 100% leather upper that forms to your foot, the Rockport World Tour Classic has the company’s Walking Platform Construction for traction and flexibility. The EVA midsole diffuses impact away from your feet and joints, with a steel shank for more stability. This relieves foot fatigue during long days of walking. Several comfort features – such as the padded tongue and ankle collar and the removable polyurethane insole – make the shoe a great selection for men with foot conditions.

Available in wide sizes in multiple styles and colors, the Rockport World Tour Classic is better for men with small, flat feet. They have a narrow fit with a short tongue, a tight ankle collar, and a small toe box. The removable polyurethane insole absorbs moisture and prevents odors, but it has little arch support. The shoe will sound noisy before they are completely stretched out during the mild break-in period. Although the Rockport Men’s World Tour Classic Walking Shoe has a few drawbacks, their reputation for comfort and durability make their expensive price tag worth the investment.

Pros

• A casual walking shoe that is extremely comfortable and easy to clean
• 100% leather upper that forms to the shape of your foot for extra support and protection
• Durable synthetic rubber outsole with Walking Platform Construction: excellent traction, more flexibility while correcting your gait
• Available in wide sizes, multiple styles and colors
• Padded tongue and ankle collar
• Removable polyurethane insole absorbs moisture and prevents odors
• Flexible EVA midsole diffuses impact away from your feet and joints, reduces foot fatigue
• Steel shank in the midsole for extra stability
• Better for men with short, flat feet
• Excellent cushion and support for men with foot conditions

Cons

• Expensive
• Run narrow with little arch support
• Short tongue, tight ankle collar and toe box
• Mild break-in period; noisy before broken in
• Insoles wear down easily (replace with another insert)

New Balance MX608V4

As more men become concerned about their health, they begin a fitness regimen that includes daily walks. Your everyday footwear isn’t designed for fitness, so you need a comfortable walking shoe to encourage you to stick with your fitness routine. The New Balance Men’s MX608V4 is available in multiple styles and color schemes, with narrow and wide sizes to fit every type of foot. A durable rubber outsole has excellent traction for different terrains, with great forefoot flexibility to complement your natural stride. A breathable interior lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable, and the ABZORB shock-absorbent technology in the heel and midsole relieves impact stress from your bones and joints.

A stability shank in the midsole adds an extra layer of shock-absorbent protection and stability. With great arch support and a padded construction, the New Balance MX608V4 are so cushioned that you may make them your go-to footwear for a variety of activities. A narrow toe box makes the shoe feel a little tight during the break-in period. After a few wears, the leather upper will stretch to make fit much better. Like most athletic shoes, they start to break down after about a year of consistent use. The moderately-priced New Balance MX608V4 will last you much longer if you only use them for your fitness routine.

Pros

• Moderately-priced athletic walking shoe available in multiple styles/color schemes
• 100% leather upper with padded tongue and ankle collar
• Durable rubber outsole with excellent traction, forefoot flexibility, and toe bumper for extra protection
• Heel pull tab for convenience in putting your shoes on
• Breathable interior lining to improve air circulation to the foot
• Removable cushioned insole with arch support
• ABZORB technology in heel and midsole for shock absorption and energy return
• Stability shank in the midsole
• Great for foot conditions
• Available in wide sizes

Cons

• Leather stitching unravels in about a year
• Run large but narrow
• Tight toe box
• Mild break-in period

Best Women’s Shoes for Walking on Concrete

Saucony ProGrid Integrity ST2

Saucony built its reputation on constructing a sturdy athletic shoe that holds up to any activity. With no break-in period, the Saucony Women’s ProGrid Integrity ST2 Walking Shoe is comfortable right out of the box. Designed for the fitness walker, this moderately-priced shoe has Walk Trac technology in the outsole. It has excellent traction with extra protection along high-impact areas under the heel and the ball of the foot for longer-lasting outsoles. Packed with comfort and support, the ProGrid has soft padding throughout the interior, with a padded tongue and ankle collar.

With a defined, shock-absorbent heel, it diffuses impact away from your feet as you begin your stride. The wide toe box keeps your toes splayed, for a more natural gait. The ProGrids do not come in wide sizes, and the removable insoles do not provide much arch support. They are best for women with narrow feet with medium to low arches. Although they are only available in three color schemes, the shock absorption and comfort of the Saucony Women’s ProGrid Integrity ST2 Walking Shoe make them worth checking out. They are our best choice for a women’s shoe for walking on concrete. 

Pros

• The best women’s shoe for walking on concrete
• Moderately priced walking shoe with excellent cushion and sturdy construction
• Walk Trac technology in outsole with traction and extra protection along high-impact areas
• Padded tongue and ankle collar
• Leather upper with a soft, padded interior
• Wide toe box
• Shock-absorbent heel
• No break-in period
• Best fit for narrow feet with a medium to low arch

Cons

• Insoles are thin without much support, but they are removable for another insert
• Limited color and style availability
• No wide sizes
• Poor arch support

KLOGS Naples

For an excellent work shoe for any foot type, the KLOGS Footwear Women’s Naples Closed-Back Clog has a professional look with cushioned comfort. This durable walking shoe is a favorite in many professions, especially nursing and restaurant work. Available in many designs and colors, the KLOGS Naples fits any outfit or work uniform. The 100% leather upper and roomy toe box keep your feet comfortable all day. A 1” platform and 2” heel with the slip-resistant polyurethane outsole in a rocker design encourages your natural stride. This relieves pressure off of your feet and joints for long days on your feet.

Available in medium and wide widths, the KLOGS Naples is an extremely comfortable pair of slip-on walking shoes that have many repeat customers. The uppers are available in leather and plastic designs. The plastic tends to disintegrate quickly with constant wear, so the leather options are best for daily use. The Naples run large with wide heels, so they are great for women with large feet. They are expensive for a simple clog, but their comfort and durability will soothe your aching feet.

Pros

• Great fit and support for any foot or arch type
• Durable work walking shoe for a variety of professions; a favorite among nurses and restaurant workers
• Available in many designs and colors
• 100% leather upper with a roomy toe box
• Slip-resistant synthetic polyurethane outsole with flexible rocker design to propel you forward
• 1” platform and 2” heel for shock absorption
• Removable, thick polyurethane insoles with extra cushion in the heel and the ball of the foot
• Available in medium and wide widths

Cons

• Expensive
• Run large with wide heels
• Design peels away with heavy, consistent use; leather holds up better

Clarks Wave Trek: Best Shoes for Working on Concrete

If you need a stylish walking shoe ideal for work or play, the CLARKS Women’s Wave Trek Sneaker has a durable construction for long-lasting wear. This lightweight walking shoe has great arch support, a roomy toe box, and a wide heel that allows your foot to rest naturally. Best for standing or walking long hours on sidewalks, walking tracks, and other concrete surfaces, the Wave Trek has Wavewalk technology in its construction to improve foot and leg fatigue. A flexible rocker outsole relieves stress off of your joints and muscles as you walk. The outsole and midsole have shock-absorption, diffusing impact away from your feet.

The upper, interior liner, and Ortholite insole all work together to keep your feet dry all day long, eliminating odors and sweaty feet. This comes in handy because they shoes don’t breathe that well. The CLARKS Wave Trek has a mild break-in period, and they run small and narrow. These walking shoes are ideal for women with small, narrow feet. The CLARKS are an expensive option, but their quality construction gives you your money’s worth.

Pros

• A lightweight, comfortable walking shoe with arch support, a roomy toe box, and a wide heel
• Best for standing and walking for long hours
• Wavewalk technology reduces foot and leg fatigue
• Waterproof upper and a moisture-wicking interior liner
• Flexible rocker outsole with great traction and a shock-absorbent heel
• Carbon rubber pads on outsole under the heel and forefoot for durability
• Soft fabric interior and a padded tongue and ankle collar
• EVA midsoles are shock absorbent with good energy return
• Removable Ortholite insole has moisture-wicking technology and odor control
• Work best on sidewalks, walking tracks, and pavement

Cons

• Mild break-in period
• Expensive
• Run small and narrow; not for women with extremely wide feet
• Don’t breathe well

Skechers Sure Track

The Skechers Women’s Sure Track Slip-Resistant Slip-On Work Shoes were designed for the active woman. If you are going on vacation or you need a reliable, slip-resistant work shoe, this budget-friendly option has a relaxed fit for long-term wear. Made for comfort, the soft interior and upper stretch panel let you slide into this shoe without wasting time with lacing. Shock-absorbent features in the midsole, the removable memory foam insole, and the synthetic rubber outsole keep pressure off of your joints. This relieves heel and ball of foot pain and eliminates foot fatigue.

If you need a reliable shoe for your work environment, the Skechers Sure Track passes all safety standards, with slip and electrical hazard protection. Although they have a wide toe box, the shoe itself runs small and narrow. They are best for women with narrow to medium feet. There is a mild break-in period for this shoe, and they last for about a year of continuous wear. Available in black and white, the Skechers Women’s Sure Track Slip-Resistant Slip-On Work Shoes are a comfortable walking shoe for a variety of activities.

Pros

• Budget-friendly, lightweight slip-on walking shoe
• Ideal for running errands, lengthy work shifts, or all-day sightseeing
• Comfort features: a relaxed fit, soft interior, and upper stretch panel with pull-on heel loop
• Shock-absorbent 1” heel and FlexSole midsole keep pressure off of your joints
• Reduces leg and foot fatigue; relieves heel and ball of foot pain
• Easy to clean leather upper with protective overlays over the toes and heels
• Passes safety standards: electrical hazard protection, waterproof, slip-resistant, oil-resistant, chemical resistant
• Removable, durable shock-absorbent memory foam insole with excellent arch support
• Rests below ankle joint to eliminate rubbing
• Wide toe box
• Best for women with narrow to medium feet

Cons

• Run small and narrow
• Mild break-in period to stretch them
• Last for about a year of continuous wear
• No ventilation

TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes

Are you looking for a walking shoe that doubles as a fashion statement? Although TIOSEBON isn’t as well known as other athletic footwear companies, they design comfortable shoes with a stylish appeal. The TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes are an extremely budget-friendly slip-on shoe that comes in a variety of colors. The fabric upper molds to your foot like a sock, and the elastic collar stretches for easy slip-on. This breathable and lightweight shoe has a thick, long-lasting shock-absorbent rubber outsole with extra height at the heel. When you walk, the heel absorbs the impact from traveling to your joints and back.

The best feature of the TIOSEBON is its flexibility. The SoLyte midsole has a unique construction that makes the shoe completely bendable. This supports your natural gait, creating a shoe that moves with you. A removable pigskin insole with ComfortDry technology pulls moisture away from your foot, while the latex arch support complements women of most foot types. Unfortunately, they are not slip-resistant, so they are better for dry, warm climates. Over time, the fabric upper will stretch, altering the fit. This won’t bother you since they are so budget-friendly that you will probably want to buy multiple pairs in different colors.

Pros

• Budget-friendly, breathable and lightweight slip-on walking shoe available in many colors
• Thick and durable shock-absorbent rubber outsole with elastic properties that prevent deterioration
• Fabric upper stretches to your foot
• Removable pigskin insole with latex arch insert
• ComfortDry technology pulls moisture away from your foot
• SoLyte midsole for flexibility; completely bends in half
• No break-in period

Cons

• The elastic collar may not extend enough for women with wide, thick feet
• No wide sizes; run small and narrow
• Fabric upper stretches, altering the fit
• Not slip-resistant

Effects of Walking on Concrete

While there are many health benefits to walking, this activity can also cause long-term pain and injury. Walking decreases our weight, improving our heart and lung health, making it an ideal fitness routine. However, if you walk on concrete without supportive shoes, it can lead to stress and pain in your feet and joints. Several foot conditions link to walking on pavement for extended periods of time.

Your natural walking gait strikes the ground with your feet first, which is why you will feel pain in your heels before any other part of your foot. Ailments such as plantar fasciitis, the inflammation of the heel bone, come from striking the ground with your heel without proper support. Another painful condition, Achilles tendonitis, happens when the tendon that connects your calf to your heel becomes inflamed or injured. This is a serious injury that might require surgery to correct.

When you walk, you naturally push off of the ball of your foot into your next stride. This can lead to pain in the balls of your feet and your toes. When walking on concrete, the ball of the foot becomes vulnerable to injury if you don’t have enough support in your shoes. Morton’s Neuroma, also known as pain in the ball of your foot, can radiate to your toes, making walking extremely painful. You can also develop bunions and ingrown toenails if your shoes do not fit properly.

Injuries from walking on concrete without proper support are not limited to your feet. You can develop stress fractures in the delicate bones of your feet which take weeks to heal. Shin splints are common in people who walk on hard surfaces all day long. The impact of walking or running without proper shoe support stresses the shin bone, leading to stiffness and pain. In many cases, the stress can radiate up to your joints and your back. Inflamed ankle, knee, and hip joints may require medical care. A lumbar strain, or the inflammation and injury of the ligaments and muscles of the lower back, causes debilitating pain during any activity. While you can treat this condition with hot and cold compresses and anti-inflammatories, more severe cases require a visit to the doctor.

What to Look for in Shoes for Walking on Concrete

You can avoid many of these painful conditions by investing in a supportive and comfortable shoe. Athletic footwear, such as running and walking shoes, have the cushion you need when walking on concrete, but they are designed differently. Walking shoes have support in both the heel and the ball of the foot, while most running shoes have more cushion in the ball of the foot. This varies by the manufacturer, but many shoe companies are now designing supportive footwear for a variety of activities, such as work boots and professional work shoes.

When looking for shoes for walking on concrete all day, you should purchase a pair with the following features:

• Shock-absorbent features in insole, midsole, and the outsole. This diffuses impact, relieving stress on your feet, joints, and muscles.
• Arch support. If you have a high, defined arch, this feature is a must. Without proper arch support, walking on hard surfaces will lead to pain and discomfort in the ball of your foot.
• Removable insole. While this feature isn’t necessary, it is helpful if you want to replace your insole with custom orthotic or a more cushioned insole. These options will be more catered to your foot, giving you a better fit.
• Durable outsole. Most shoes have a rubber outsole, making them more durable against abrasion for long periods of time. When walking on hard surfaces on a daily basis, try to find a shoe that has a slightly rounded shape. This naturally propels your foot forward when you are walking, reducing stress on your bones and joints.
• Comfort features such as a mesh interior liner, padded ankle collar, and a cushioned tongue will keep your feet more comfortable if you will be walking or standing for long hours.
• Compression-molded or injection-molded EVA memory foam midsole. This is probably the most important characteristic you can find in a proper shoe. The midsole is located between the outsole and the insole, and it usually houses most of the shock absorbent features for walking on hard surfaces. Midsoles most commonly come in two forms: compression-molded (CMEVA) or injection-molded (IMEVA) memory foam. While both diffuse impact, the injection-molded midsoles have more bounceback and energy return. The downside is that they are only in more expensive models.

We’ve reviewed the best shoes for walking on concrete all day. Whether you need a comfortable pair of casual shoes for sightseeing or a decent pair of shoes for work, you’ll find the perfect selection on our list. If you need a quality pair of work boots for walking on concrete all day, read our article on the best work boots for walking on concrete.

The Bottom Line

Finding the perfect shoe for walking on concrete doesn’t have to be difficult. While not every shoe has enough support and durability, shoes with shock-absorption and comfort features will always give you the protection you need. Our choices for the best shoes for walking on concrete are the New Balance Men’s MW577 Walking Shoe and the Saucony Women’s ProGrid Integrity ST2 Walking Shoe. They have superior impact diffusion to eliminate foot fatigue, and they are comfortable enough for all-day wear. These models are also versatile enough for either work or leisure time. By choosing the right shoe, your days of tired, achy feet are over.

Resources:

“13 Health Side Effects of Walking on Concrete.” Dr. Health Benefits. https://drhealthbenefits.com/lifestyle/unhealthy/health-side-effects-of-walking-on-concrete

“Common Types of Foot Pain and Their Causes.” verywell health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/painful-foot-conditions-1337744