The 10 Best Shoes for Standing, Walking & Working on Concrete All Day

When it comes to individual shoe preferences and purchasing habits, one major trend stands out regardless of gender: People tend to focus primarily on shoe style over shoe comfort, quality, and durability.

So, what does this mean for you? Well, if you are the type of person that has a whole collection of “special occasion” footwear, but very few practical, day-to-day shoes, this means that you are certainly not alone. While this approach to picking and purchasing shoes may work out well for fashion models, it is not sustainable or healthy for people who are on their feet in tougher walking conditions more often than not.

If you are in a profession that requires you to stand and walk on concrete for the majority of your day, you most likely already know that the best shoes for concrete must be highly durable and comfortable. These shoe qualities are not just optional, they are actually necessary and critical to avoid potential long-term health consequences.

This means that you must decide on the right pair of high quality, day-to-day shoes that are designed to prevent injuries and resist damage from walking extensively on concrete. This is great, but actually searching online for the right pair of shoes that meet your unique needs, however, can be a daunting and difficult task.

Top 10 Best Shoes for Standing, Walking & Working on Concrete All Day for 2020

The good news is that with this guide, we have done all of the research and work for you. We have sorted through hundreds of brands and designs to identify the very best shoes for concrete for you to consider.

Read on to learn more about each of these shoes. We provide a full review of each pair of shoes as well as an overview of their top pros and cons:

1. Men’s Soft Stride Canopy Slip Resistant Work Boot – View On Amazon

This 100% leather boot from Skechers features a rubber, slip resistant sole. A lot of work boots claim to be slip resistant, but – when put to the test in tougher conditions – don’t actually perform. This is not the case with the Soft Stride Canopy Work Boot. The boot’s sole is genuinely effective at handling wet conditions. This Work Boot is perfect for walking extensively on uneven or wet and unpredictable concrete.

The boot from Skechers for Work also has a solid heel cushioning of an approximate depth of 1.5 inches. Users from a wide variety of professions offer feedback that this cushioning provides the ideal amount of support for walking or standing on hard concrete surfaces all day.

Additionally, the Men’s Soft Stride Canopy Slip Resistant Work Boot from Skechers has inner sole inserts that are memory foam-padded. Across the board, owners rave about the long-lasting comfort provided by the combination of this boot’s extra thick heel and the memory foam inner padding.

2. Merrell Men’s Encore Gust Slip-On Shoe – View On Amazon

This utility-style shoe from Merrell achieves an optimal combination of a stylish and versatile design, and a sturdy foundation of comfort and durability. The Encore Gust Slip-On Shoe is 100% Full Grain leather, which is a guaranteed high quality and wear-resistant material.

The other key and notable element on this shoe’s material list is that it includes a breathable mesh lining. This lining hides directly underneath the leather. You will never have to worry about feeling overheated in these shoes, even if you are standing on concrete for 10 hours straight.

The Men’s Encore Gust Slip-On Shoe from Merrell also has a very thick 2-inch sole, with an outsole that is made from the company’s proprietary GRIP traction material. Although users can’t know exactly what goes into that GRIP material, we can tell you that it is very effective and is a top-rated, quality resistance base material used on most of Merrell’s best selling shoes.

The shoe even has an air cushioned heel to soften your every step. This material provides shock-absorbing, extra protective support that is geared towards individuals working in harsher or more challenging conditions each day. To top this shoe off, the Encore Gust Slip-On Shoe has a shiny, leather finish that will not fade, even when exposed to harsh daily walking conditions or extensive time standing on concrete.

3. Clarks Women’s Everlay Coda Flat – View On Amazon

This shoe is the gold standard for an everyday damage-resistant women’s flat that is also really stylish with a unique design. In line with all of the top shoes for concrete walking or standing, this Everlay Coda Flat is made of 100% genuine leather with a 1.40 inch heel supported by a rubber sole. This heel is slightly lower than average, but that is intentional. The shoe is designed to be flat. The less elevated heel works in your favor to reduce the strain on your feet in harsher walking conditions, such as continuous pounding along hard ground or standing on concrete all day.

The Coda Flat’s rubber sole outlay is definitely thin, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t supportive. Users of this shoe swear by the quality of the sole’s slip-resistant rubber. They also are big fans of the stylish hook-and-loop strap design that sits on top of this flat shoe. The design comes in both black and navy leather. Yes, the design is simple, but it is also really versatile. We are big fans of the fact that women can either dress this shoe up or dress it down, depending on the occasion. Finally, this shoe has super soft cushioning with its ortholite footbed.

4. Dansko Women’s Professional Clog – View On Amazon

The Dansko Women’s Professional Clog is truly versatile. Made of 100% leather with a Polyurethane sole, this shoe provides nearly unbeatable all-day support and a classic clog style that will fit you like a glove and not deteriorate upon repeated wear. Similarly to the CLARKS Everlay Coda Flat, this shoe is appropriate for pretty much any activity or occasion.

You may not have originally considered a clog shoe in your search for concrete-resistant and comfortable footwear, but this product offers shock absorption, water resistance and elevated levels of comfort with it’s spacious reinforced toe box design. This is a clear sign that the shoe is more than just a stylish clog. This clog is a fan-favorite largely because of the aforementioned toe box design. Users agree that the design creates a lot of added space and breathability in the front of the shoe. This added foot space and the Polyurethane supportive sole make these a really comfortable solution for longer-duration, high-intensity walking or standing on concrete.

5. New Balance Men’s MID626K2 Slip Resistant – View On Amazon

This men’s industrial shoe from New Balance is the best available when it comes to superior traction and slip-resistance support.

Designed specifically for workers who are on their feet all day, the MID625K2 features a brand new slip-resistant outsole design. The slip preventing sole on this lace-up shoe incorporates New Balance’s unique lug pattern for fuller coverage traction on hazardous surfaces. Even more, the shoe’s outsole is externally certified as being effective in almost all working conditions. This makes the MID625K2 one of the absolute best and most reliable shoes for concrete.

While people widely recognize this shoe for enabling a walking or standing experience with genuine traction and fall resistance, users also rave about the work shoe’s comfortable fit. You will stay comfortable all day in this shoe, taking advantage of the proprietary ABZORB cushioned foam padding, phantom lining design, and thick and sturdy, 100% leather upper style.

Rather than just take our word on the comfortable fit, here is what users’ say: A wide range of owners report that they work on their feet directly on concrete in these shoes for 50+ hours a week, with absolutely zero signs of discomfort. Even more, they love that these shoes require no break in period. Finally, with this sharp shoe design, you can easily transition the shoes from work situations into more casual wear.

6. Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes – View On Amazon

The Women’s Addiction Walker shoe stands out as one of the best shoes for concrete largely because of the shoe’s advanced stability and support capabilities.

Designed to mimic many of the best qualities of a great running shoe, Brooks delivers superior stability, cushioning and motion control with the Women’s Addiction Walker Walking shoe. This walking shoe is apparently genuinely addictive, with a large and growing fan base that swears by the effectiveness of the shoe’s durable and energy building MoGo midsole cushioning.

Beyond the Addiction Walker’s advanced midsole cushioning support, this shoe’s outlay is made from high quality, full grain leather. The leather gives the shoe a sturdy and supportive build and a design that can withstand both harsher working conditions and every day wear and tare.

Overall, this shoe absolutely makes the top of the list of best shoes for concrete due to its range of design elements ensuring comprehensive support, stability and all-day comfort.

7. Rockport Men’s We Are Rockin Chranson Walking Shoe – View On Amazon

With this shoe from Rockport, there are many notable product elements. However, with the We Are Rockin Chranson shoe, comfort really trumps all.

The Rockin Chranson Walking Shoe from Rockport is uniquely designed to provide unbelievably long-lasting comfort for people that work on concrete all day. Users across job classes and working conditions report that these shoes are so comfortable – in fact – that they sometimes forget that they are even wearing them after a long work day.

These shoes also fit really true to size and are compatible with both narrow and wide feet, so you can rest assured that the pair you order will fit like a glove from the first time you put them on. Pair this fit with the low profile and very rugged outer design, and you have one of the best shoes for concrete walking conditions.

This shoe is extremely versatile. The high quality insoles are fully removable (not glued into the shoe). The shoe is designed to ensure that users can quickly and easily place arch supports under the insoles when – and if – needed. Moreover, the shoe is really light weight, weighing in, on average, right under 2 pounds. This is a solid half a pound lighter than an average men’s work / industrial shoe. Overall, these are an excellent option if you are looking for a durable and comfortable shoe with a sneaker-like fit.

8. Skechers Skechers Work Sure Track – View On Amazon

The Skechers Work Sure Track shoe stands out mainly for the product’s cutting edge work safety-compatible design paired with its cutting edge, comfortable fit.

Don’t be fooled by the seemingly simple black or white style of the Sketchers Work Sure Track shoe. This shoe is extremely dynamic and sits at the top of the list as one of the best shoes for concrete walking.

First and foremost, this shoe is a very safe and secure option for anyone that works in more dangerous or risky workplace environments. The Sure Track shoe has been rated as an Electric Hazard (EH) safe design by the reputable ASTM F2412-05. Additionally, the shoe’s slip-resistant rubber outsole is compliant with the OSHA for both wet and oily surfaces.

Moreover, this slip-on work shoe has the added Skechers Work advantage of the brand’s proprietary Relaxed Fit design. Users are consistently satisfied with the design’s roomier fit and added support from the memory foam cushioning.

9. Timberland PRO Men’s Powertrain Sport Alloy-Toe – View On Amazon

The PRO Men’s Powertrain Sport Alloy is – technologically – way ahead of other work and utility shoes, making this the number one shoe for safety and protection for walking or standing on concrete all day.

All it takes is one look at this shoe, and you know that the design is an innovative and modern take on traditional work and industrial footwear. The Powertrain work shoe has more than just a modern and appealing exterior look, however. The Timberland PRO has built in technology that guarantees a safer and more comfortable walking experience. This includes the shoe’s proprietary outsole with built-in anti-fatigue tech and electrical hazard protection.

This safety technology, combined with the alloy safety toe design and water-resistant rip stop nylon upper style, makes this one of the best shoes for concrete walking and standing. Another major value add from this PRO shoe is that it has four unique accent coloring options, giving you owners the chance to personalize the shoe’s design to their liking.

While this shoe’s visual design is a knock-out, the real reason this shoe is a winner is that it actually delivers technology and fit solutions that drive enhanced job performance for those who work in extremely dangerous and demanding environments.

10. Saucony Women’s ProGrid Integrity ST2 Walking Shoe – View On Amazon

Last but certainly not least, we introduce you to the Saucony Women’s ProGrid Integrity ST2. This shoe makes the list of best shoes for concrete for many reasons, but the number one stand out feature is that this shoe perfectly blends classic style and all-day work comfort.

The ProGrid Integrity ST2 Walking shoe is incredibly lightweight and – at first glance – seriously resembles an attractive everyday walking or running shoe. This visual design makes the shoe especially appealing for users that want to transition their workday, utility shoe into other non-work oriented activities or events.

While the shoe’s style is excellent, the comfort level that this product provides is next level. Users describe this shoe as plush, roomy, and supportive. This can be equated to the ST2’s proprietary ProGrid, cushioned insole and a unique aspect of the full-grain leather upper. At the front of this upper, there is a built in “Stretch Zone”, that features improved toe space and a more forgiving fit for people that are walking on traditionally unforgiving surfaces like concrete all day.

The last feature worth mentioning for the Saucony Women’s Progrid ST2 is the shoe’s rubber sole. This shoe goes above and beyond when it comes to actually delivering on the promise of an outer sole that is durable, non-marking, water-resistant, and genuinely can provide traction coverage on even the most difficult of surfaces (concrete included). Match this excellent outside traction support and the shoe’s weather-resistant full grain leather upper with the plush and comfortable padded tongue and inner sole, and you have guaranteed walking or standing satisfaction in one of the best shoes for concrete.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. With this guide, we have broken down the top 10 shoes for concrete walking and standing. Although this list is not exhaustive, we can guarantee you that these are four of the leading shoes for walking or standing on concrete. Each of these products consistently receives positive user reviews and high levels of reported customer satisfaction. Even more, each product is made of 100% leather, with extra supportive and wear or water resistant soles made of only the most reliable materials.

We broke this review guide down by specific products geared towards both women and men. However, you may find that one or more of the shoes that is not specifically targeting your gender group are actually perfect for you. Check out the product on Amazon and you may be surprised to find that the brand has sizing available for both groups.

Regardless of which shoe you decide fits your exact preferences in terms of style and design, we can guarantee that every one of these top ten 2020 shoes for concrete walking and standing targets your other, equally significant needs. Notably, these include: Extra cushioning, a comfortable and adjustable fit, high quality materials that are weather resistant, and durable soles that withstand daily wear and tear. So, if you are a person that is planning to walk or stand all day on concrete in 2020, one of these pairs of shoes will surely fit. You may even never have to worry again about concrete and foot-related pain or discomfort.