Best Shoes for Walking on Concrete
Running on hard surfaces like concrete requires a specific type of shoes that can absorb shocks from contact with the ground. But while many of us care about the type of shoes to use while running on different surfaces, a lot of us take walking for granted.
Yet, we spend the majority of our days walking and not running, which is why it’s also very important that we pick the right footwear for the job, especially in the case of hard concrete.
The thing is, finding the best shoes for walking on concrete can be a little tricky with all the great options on the market, and that’s where this guide comes in handy!
In today’s article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before getting the right shoe for walking on the concrete floor. So without further ado, let’s jump right in!
Is Walking on Concrete Bad for You?
Walking, in general, is an excellent exercise that has a lot of benefits. According to various studies performed on the health benefits of walking regularly, it can
- Control hypertension and enhance cardiovascular health
- Improve cholesterol profile
- Fight aging and slow down the progression of osteoporosis
- Alleviate the mood and relieve stress
However, the hard surface of concrete floors can be a little too rough on the foot, which can cause a lot of unwanted side effects with time. For that reason, you should always look for a good running shoe with proper shock absorption.
Here are some of the most common issues that are associated with walking or standing on concrete for long hours without wearing a good shoe for proper shock absorption:
- Heavy pain and foot fatigue due to constant pressure on thin muscles and bones of the feet
- Pain in different parts of the body, such as knee pain and back pain (lumbar strain) from weak arch support and improper posture that starts from your feet
- Stress fractures: Microscopic cracks in the bones of the feet due to overloading them on a hard surface, especially with low bone density.
- Plantar fasciitis: A common inflammation that causes sharp pain around the heel area from constant pressure.
- Foot bunions: The misaligned bones in the big toe joint usually cause a noticeable swelling that causes a lot of pain and might require surgery
In addition to all that, ignoring the foot pain and walking on hard surfaces without proper footwear can also worsen a lot of foot related conditions. These include shin splints, arthritis, Achilles tendinitis, neuromas (pinched foot nerves), and much more!
Are Running Shoes Good for Walking on Concrete?
Running shoes are designed with plenty of padding and cushioning around the foot, especially in the foot ball area where our feet come in contact with the land.
This design is essential to provide the feet with proper protection against hard surfaces like concrete floors while running.
The cushions don’t only absorb the initial shock from the contact with the ground but also diffuse and distribute that pressure across the entire foot to dissipate it.
In addition to shock absorption, running shoes are also lightweight and breathable, which is essential to keep you comfortable and moisture-free while exercising.
Despite the difference between running and walking in terms of mechanics, they’re still anatomically the same. The main distinction between the two is that running is a more intense activity that requires even more padding and protection against hard floors.
In other words, using running shoes for walking is an excellent idea, as they’re equipped with the right tools and design features to handle tougher activities, so walking with them is usually very comfortable as well!
Are Tennis Shoes The Best Shoes for Walking on Concrete?
One thing that tennis shoes have in common with running and walking shoes is cushioning at the right places. A tennis shoe is usually padded with foam to handle the heavy impact on different angles of the foot, although it can be less cushy than a running shoe.
Another difference between the two is that tennis shoes are a little heavier towards the bottom. For runners, this added bulk might be a good thing because it boosts the levels of stability.
Yet, while walking, stability isn’t as big of a concern as it is while running. This means that the main advantages of using tennis shoes outside their field are somewhat lost while walking.
This doesn’t mean that tennis shoes are bad or unsuitable for walking. They’re still a great choice and having a walk in them should still work pretty decently.
However, if you have the choice between walking in the best tennis shoes or ordinary running shoes, you should always go for the running counterpart.
Running and walking shoes have got more padding where it matters and are quite lighter in weight, which accounts for less foot fatigue in long walks, especially on hard floors like concrete.
What is the Best Surface to Walk or Run On?
Although wearing the right type of shoes is quite essential for proper running or walking form, the surface that you run on will also have an impact in the long run.
Different surfaces have specific properties that can make them better or worse for activities like running and walking.
Concrete is an acceptable surface for running and walking but it’s certainly not the best. Whether you’re walking or running, the ideal surface should be balanced in terms of softness and flatness.
For example, concrete and asphalt are both flat surfaces, so they help you pick up a walking rhythm easily. However, they’re too hard on the feet and can cause several health problems.
Other terrains that are too rocky or sandy are usually not recommended for continuous walking because they affect your posture and put too much stress on the joints.
The best natural surfaces for running or walking out there are trails, especially the ones with grass. These are usually relatively flat and much softer than concrete, which reduces the pressure on the feet.
All in all, the most ideal surface for walking is club tracks. These are flat routes that are lined with a layer of polyurethane or synthetic rubber to cover the concrete or asphalt, which makes them soft enough on the feet while staying flat for a healthy rhythm.
Things to Keep in Mind While Buying Shoes for Walking on Concrete
Walking and running are among the healthiest activities for our general health and choosing the right footwear for such activities depends mainly on the surface we’re running on.
While buying a walking shoe, there are plenty of aspects that you need to consider in order to make the most out of your purchase, especially if you’re buying the shoes for a specific type of terrain, such as concrete.
In this section, we’ll take a look at these aspects to help you pick the ideal walking shoes for your needs:
The Type of Walking Shoe
The first thing you need to consider while buying walking shoes is the purpose of use. This is because, unlike running shoes that are designed for one specific task, walking shoes can be used in a wide variety of activities.
For example, some users are looking for a walking shoe that they can use while going on a casual walk. In that case, there’s no specific restriction on the kind of shoes you should go for.
However, if your line of work involves a lot of walking, such as airports, retail, warehouses, hospitals, and more, picking a proper monochrome work shoe should be ideal for you.
Alternatively, if you want a versatile shoe for your walking workout, you should consider running shoes as a good option because they do a pretty good job at protecting the feet from shocks and stabilizing your gait at a consistent rhythm.
Some people are also looking for a hiking shoe that can be used on all kinds of terrain, whether it’s a rocky trail or concrete surface.
As you can see, deciding on the type of walking shoe is pretty essential and will have an impact on all the next aspects, so you should always start with it.
Size and Fit
No matter how comfortable and cushy a shoe is, it’s no use to you if it doesn’t fit you right. For that reason, you should always make sure that the shoe offers a wide range of size options that includes your sizing.
However, you should keep in mind that sizing isn’t standardized and will easily vary from one manufacturer to the other.
In fact, a lot of people simply buy their usual size without making sure if it has the right measurements, only to be surprised that the shoe runs too big or small.
In order to avoid that, all you have to do is to measure the length and width of your feet at furthest points from heel to toes and check these measurements against the provided sizing chart for the shoe to pick the right one for you.
Additionally, if you have wide feet, you’ll need to check if the manufacturer offers a wide version of the shoe. Luckily, some brands will offer up to 3 width varieties of the same sizing.
Similarly, you should make sure that the shoes’ toe box is wide enough to accommodate your toes without cramming or misaligning to prevent foot fatigue.
Materials and Durability
The quality of the shoe you’re buying is directly associated with the materials used in its construction.
Although walking isn’t as intense as running, we use walking shoes more often, and therefore, put the shoes through more wear and tear every day.
Walking shoes can be made from a world of materials, depending on the shoe function and the part of the shoe.
For example, when it comes to uppers, they’re usually made from leather (synthetic or genuine) or mesh fabric. These two materials are both comfortable and supportive.
Of course, leather has an advantage when it comes to durability but mesh fabric is better when it comes to moisture control. The choice here depends mainly on your personal preference and design.
In addition to materials used, also make sure that the shoes are properly stitched so that it doesn’t show signs of wear with time, such as sole separation.
As a rule of thumb, if you use the shoe for a 1 hour walking session every day of the week, you should expect a sturdy walking shoe to last up to 6 months at tip top condition.
The Soles
The sole is one of the most critical aspects of a walking shoe. Ideally, you should look for a walking shoe that has a comfortable sole that is made of either rubber or foam.
Rubber is an excellent sole for walking shoes because it’s hard enough to support your feet while walking and provide a natural gait while absorbing the shocks from rough terrain easily.
Foam, on the other hand, comes in a wide range of types. However, the best ones for walking shoes are Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and memory foam.
EVA is known for its softness, which makes it pretty smooth and comfortable in footwear. Additionally, the material is pretty springy, which is great for absorbing shocks while walking on hard floors like concrete and reduces foot fatigue significantly.
Memory foam is commonly used in mattresses because it has an excellent ability to conform to the curves and contours of a body. This makes it ideal for a snug fit when used in making soles.
Cushioning
As previously mentioned, for any shoe to function as a walking shoe, it has to provide a lot of padding and cushioning around essential parts of the foot, such as the heel and arch areas.
A good walking shoe will also provide some padding around the upper to protect your feet from friction.
When it comes to cushioning, nothing beats the quality of orthopedic shoes. These medical shoes are specifically designed to alleviate the pressure on sensitive parts of the feet, especially for people with orthopedic conditions, such as diabetic feet, bunions, hammertoes, etc.
Yet, regular walking and running shoes may provide enough cushioning to keep a healthy foot comfortable, so you should consider the pricey orthopedic alternative only as a last resort or recommended by a podiatrist.
Breathability and Moisture Management
Comfort isn’t only about padding and cushioning. In fact, a very important factor that also impacts it is the moisture management in the shoe.
If your feet start to sweat while walking, it’s necessary that you keep your feet well ventilated by opting for a shoe with breathable construction.
This can be achieved using small air holes or by using mesh fabric, which allows the air to circulate freely in and out of the shoe to keep your feet dry.
This doesn’t only resist the accumulation of odor forming bacteria but also reduces the risk of fungal infections.
Arch Support
Another essential aspect that should always be on your watchlist while buying a shoe is the arch support.
A shoe with proper arch support will offer a firmer cushioning beneath the arch area to keep the foot pronation in a natural configuration.
This firm cushioning will alleviate the pain around the foot arches by evenly distributing the pressure applied on them, this way, the pressure won’t be focused only on the heel and foot ball area.
While shoes with healthy arch support are important for everyone, it’s exceptionally critical if you suffer from flat feet because these feet lack natural arch support.
Ease of Cleaning
Walking shoes is the kind of shoes you’re going to use on a daily basis. So it’s usually a good measure to make sure that it’s easy to clean in order to maintain your shoe for a long time.
Luckily, some shoes are machine washable, such as mesh fabric ones with EVA foam midsole and rubber outsole.
Additionally, work shoes are usually treated with a protective layer of polyurethane coating that makes them resistant to oil stains.
Design and Style
After settling on all the essential aspects for comfort and support, it’s important to choose a walking shoe that appeals to you.
Although design is mostly aesthetic, it can still have an impact on the structure of the shoe. For example, if you’re going to use the shoe for walking on hard floors, make sure that it has a stiff body around the heel and bends well at the heel area.
Top 10 Best Shoes for Walking on Concrete
Now that you know more about walking shoes and how a comfortable shoe goes a long way, it’s time to choose a good pair for you.
To help you with the process of picking the best shoes for walking on a concrete floor, here are some of our top recommendations along with a brief overview of each one of them:
1. Skechers Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe
Kicking off the list with one of the overall best walking shoes that the market has to offer. The Joy Walking Shoes from Go Walk Series is specifically designed by Skechers for all purposes of walking, which is why many users believe that it’s the overall best walking shoe out there.
For starters, the Sketchers Joy Shoe has a remarkably attractive design that can work in a variety of settings, including work and casual use. In addition to that, the shoe comes in an incredibly large range of color options, so you can mix and match the colors with any outfit.
The walking shoe is made of a stretchy mesh fabric that is surprisingly durable and lasts for a long time, even with continuous use. The fabric is also highly breathable, which helps in circulating the air inside the shoe to prevent the accumulation of moisture.
We also like that the shoe comes in a huge range of size options, ranging from size 5 to 13, and is available in normal, narrow, and wide varieties of each size to provide a snug fit for your feet.
The Sketchers Joy is also nicely padded with responsive cushioning along with a rebound insole and a slip resistant rubber outsole.
Key Features
- A highly versatile walking shoe that can be used as a work shoe in many occupations
- Excellent level of comfort
- Available in a huge range of colors
- Comes in narrow and wide varieties of each size
What People Say
One of the most popular features of the shoe among users is the versatility of the shoe, as many pointed out how these walking shoes keep them both comfortable and stylish.
Click here to read more reviews on Amazon
2. SkechersArch Fit Walking Athletic Shoe
Next up, we have another excellent entry from the Go Walk Series. The Sketchers Arch Fit is an athletic walking shoe that offers all the cushioning and padding found in the Go Walk Joy shoe but with extra arch support that offers extra stability and comfort as you go!
One of the best things about this shoe is the design. Sketcher even used the help of a certified team of podiatrists with over 20 years of experience to design that shoe. The design included scanning over 120,000 feet samples for an unmatched level of cushion distribution.
The Arch Fit even has a topped insole cushion that is also designed to wick the sweat away and keep your feet dry while walking in hot weather.
Like the previous model, this one is also a multipurpose shoe that you can wear on a wide range of occasions, whether indoors or outdoors.
The Arch Fit Walking shoes come in various colors, although not as diverse as the Go Walk Joy.
Key Features
- Designed by a group of experienced podiatrists
- Improved arch support for better stability and comfort, especially for flat feet
- Durable construction that can be used in different weathers
- Machine washable and easy to clean
- Air cooled insoles for improved sweat dissipation
What People Say
A lot of users praised the arch support of the shoes and how this shoe is excellent for many conditions that cause foot pain, such as plantar fasciitis.
Click here to read more reviews on Amazon
3. Orthofeet Orthopedic Walking Shoes
Walking can be a tough task if you suffer from painful conditions, such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, diabetic feet, hammertoes, extreme cases of flat feet, and more.
In that case, you need an orthopedic shoe that is specifically designed for comfort with excellent cushioning, and that’s where the Orthofeet walking shoes hop in for the rescue!
The uppers of these shoes are made from stretchy mesh fabric, which improves its moisture control and makes it easier to put on.
Additionally, the sole on this shoe is made of several layers of foam with extra care at the heel and arch regions.
What’s great about this shoe is that it didn’t skimp on looks for ergonomics, as it also has a beautiful design that makes it suitable for various occasions.
The Orthofeet shoe is available in two different colors and sizes ranging from 7 to 14 with 2 wide varieties in each size.
Key Features
- Excellent choice for those who are suffering from foot pain
- Available in standard, wide, and extra wide for each size
- Ergonomic yet stylish design
- Anti odor mesh fabric for continuous use
- Comes with an arch booster for added arch support
What People Say
Reception about this shoe was fairly mixed, especially in terms of price and looks, although a lot of users appreciated the overall style when putting comfort into consideration.
Click here to read more reviews on Amazon
4. Brooks Men’s Glycerin 17
If you want one shoe that you can use for running as well as walking, a running shoe like Brooks Glycerin 17 is probably what you’re looking for.
What we like about this one is that it has got all the essential elements of a good running shoe right!
The cushioning is great, the looks are sleek and super stylish, even the heel to toe loft is optimized for a perfect rhythm while running with a midsole drop of about 10 mm, which makes it one of the best running shoes on the market.
The sizing system of the Glycerin 17 is also one of its major features. The shoe offers a wider range of sizes, with options from size 7 to size 15, so it’s an excellent option if you have a wide foot.
The shoe has a rubber sole with thick padding that makes it excellent for walking on hard surfaces like concrete. The slip resistant pattern also ensures stability when you walk on extra smooth surfaces.
Key Features
- Stylish design with a breathable mesh upper
- Available in wide and extra wide sizes
- Suitable for running and walking with excellent midsole drop
- Remarkably comfortable thanks to the Ortholite sockliner
What People Say
Many buyers enjoyed the build quality and comfort provided by the Glycerin 17 and think that it’s a worthy pick despite the steep price tag.
Click here to read more reviews on Amazon
5. Adidas Men’s Ultraboost 21 Running Shoe
The Adidas Ultraboost 21 is another superior running shoe with an advanced design that works very well for a variety of occasions and even for casual use.
The unique aspect of this shoe is the extensive cushioning that is integrated into the shoe’s aesthetic design. This way, you get more padding without making the shoe ugly or bulky!
Not only that, but like many Adidas shoes, this one is available in almost all sizes imaginable and up to size 18.
The breathable upper is designed to fit around the foot like socks, which provides extra comfort and support, especially with the bottom heel counter.
The continental rubber on the outsole with a stretch web design also improves the traction and performance of the shoe. Additionally, the shoe features a midfoot cage that improves its responsiveness and allows for a natural gait while walking.
Key Features
- Available in a huge range of colors and sizes
- Provides a snug fit for better support and stability
- Excellent design that uses more padding without bulking up the shoes
- Remarkably durable and comfortable to wear
What People Say
A lot of runners enjoyed the remodeling of the Ultraboost 21 and the massive upgrade from its predecessors. The users were also quite satisfied with the fit and versatility of the shoe, with some of them using it for cross training without any performance left on the table.
Click here to read more reviews on Amazon
6. New Balance Men 626 V2 Industrial Shoe
The New Balance 626 V2 is originally a work shoe that is designed for those whose work involves a lot of standing and walking, especially on hard floors like concrete.
The shoe upper is made of leather with durable stitching to ensure durability and sturdiness. It’s also equipped with a relatively thick rubber sole for added support. The rubber also improves the slip resistance level of the shoe.
This one may not be the most good looking walking shoe on the market but it’s excellent at what it does. The shoe features an internal shank to improve stability and a shock absorbing pad for extra cushioning and comfort while walking around.
The New Balance 626 V2 is also approved by some insurance companies and can be eligible for reimbursement by Medicare.
When it comes to sizes, the 626 V2 comes in an excellent range of options with standard, wide, X wide, and 2X wide variations, ranging from size 7 to size 18, so you can rest assured that you’ll find one that will provide you with a snug fit!
Key Features
- Excellent protection for those who work on a concrete floor
- Can be eligible for Medicare reimbursement
- Available in an unmatched range of size options
- Durable construction that stands the test of time
What People Say
The vast majority of customer reviews about this shoe are positive. A lot of people who work and stand all day long on concrete floors swear by this shoe. However, some were disappointed by the lack of color options.
Click here to read more reviews on Amazon
7. Reebok Men’s Work N Cushion 4.0 Walking Shoe
Another work shoe that does the job and handles hard surfaces like concrete very well is the Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0.
This one is considered a budget friendly work shoe, thanks to its affordable price tag and low-profile design. The shoe is available in monochrome white or black to match a wide range of uniforms and work outfits, but they can work for general use as well.
The shoe upper is made from leather and synthetic fabrics, which make the shoe durable and decently comfortable.
The DMX Ride+ midsole design adds to the internal cushioning of the shoe and also boosts its stability and support in long term use.
Coupled with the memory foam sockliner, this shoe guarantees the maximum level of comfort while walking around on rough surfaces all day long!
The shoes’ outsole is made of slip resistant rubber with an oil resistant tread pattern, which improves the shoe performance on polished floors as well.
Key Features
- Made from durable materials with heavy stitching for extra ruggedness
- Heavily padded with memory foam to provide a snug fit that matches the contours of the foot
- Slip resistant rubber sole
- Easy to put on and off with velcro straps
What People Say
When it comes to cushioning and comfort, this shoe left a lot of buyers with complete satisfaction. The only issue regarding this shoe with the lack of size options, as some users claim that the shoe runs a bit narrow.
Click here to read more reviews on Amazon
8. Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot
Although hiking boots are originally designed to handle trails and off-road surfaces, they’re classified as all terrain shoes. This means that you can also wear them on concrete surfaces without compromising comfort.
While not all hiking boots will work well for that purpose, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II is an excellent example for one that gets the job done! In fact, you can use this hiking boot as a work boot too because it’s designed to be worn for a long time.
Unlike the rough looking exterior, this shoe has a lot of cushioning around the heel and the forefoot bones. The durable midsole also provides support and comfort.
The upper is made of full grain leather, which is resistant to moisture and rain. Yet, the boot is quite breathable, thanks to the internal mesh construction.
Moreover, the grip of the shoe is reinforced by the rubber sole, which ensures high stability and slip free gait when walking on surfaces like concrete.
The adjustability of the boot provides a secure fit and the boot is available in a huge range of colors and sizes.
Key Features
- Highly comfortable and protective
- Available in many colors
- Durable construction with a hard slip resistant outsole
- Excellent for different weathers
- Highly breathable and coated with polyurethane for extra water resistance
What People Say
The multi-purpose design of the hiking/work boots makes them a great value for money, according to many buyers.
Click here to read more reviews on Amazon
9. Rockport Men’s Eureka Walking Shoe
If you want a loafer style walking shoe, there aren’t many options out there that can compete with the comfort level provided by the Rockport Eureka walking shoe.
This one has an upper that is made from genuine leather, which makes it somewhat resistant to moisture and elements of weather. It also makes it easier to clean.
The shoe is fitted with a latex foam footbed as well as plenty of cushioning for extra comfort and blisters prevention. This design alleviates the pressure on the feet while walking on hard surfaces like concrete.
The shoe’s midsole is made from EVA foam, which also conforms to the curves of the feet, providing support and comfort on long walks, all the while absorbing shocks from hard surfaces.
As for the outsole, Rockport uses high quality rubber to ensure the maximum level of traction and stability.
In addition to the leather upper, the shoe also comes in a suede finish that suits a variety of outfits. Additionally, the Eureka walking shoe comes in various sizes, starting from size 6.5 wide and all the way up to standard size 14.
Key Features
- Available in both leather and suede finishes
- Remarkably comfortable and stable on hard grounds
- Excellent shock absorption with internal EVA foam padding
- The rubber outsoles are great for traction and stable stride
- Noticeably breathable for a dress shoe
What People Say
The Rockport Eureka is quite popular among users, although some of them complained about the shoe’s flimsiness upon continuous use.
Click here to read more reviews on Amazon
10. Saucony Men’s Cohesion 13 Walking Shoe
Last but not least, if you’re on a limited budget but you still want a good walking shoe that can handle daily walks on hard surfaces without sacrificing quality, you should look no further than the Saucony Cohesion 13 walking shoe.
In addition to its incredibly affordable price tag, what’s great about these shoes is the build quality and design.
The Cohesion 13 is also noticeably lightweight for a walking shoe, which puts as little strain on your legs as possible while walking around.
The upper is made of breathable mesh fabric that does an excellent job at wicking moisture and controlling sweat. The outsoles of the shoe are made of rubber for excellent traction and stability while walking on slippery floors.
As for the cushioning, the shoe features a grid like foam padding design that doesn’t only keep your feet comfortable on surfaces like concrete, but also supports your footbed for a more natural stride and proper posture.
Key Features
- Ideal for buyers on a strict budget
- Comes in various colors to match your outfits
- The mesh uppers guarantees excellent ventilation and air circulation
- Equipped with versaform grid foam technology for added support and comfort
- Sturdy rubber outsole to prevent slipping on a smooth floor
What People Say
Although the shoe lacks the variety of size options found in other walking shoes on the list, many users found this shoe to fit them perfectly. All in all, the majority of users were extremely satisfied with the quality offered at such an inexpensive price.
Click here to read more reviews on Amazon
Final Thoughts
This wraps it up for today’s guide that walks you through everything you need to know before buying the best shoe for walking on concrete.
As you can see, there are plenty of excellent shoes that can keep you comfortable while walking on such a hard floor, so you should pick your favorite depending on your specific requirements.
However, if you’re looking for general recommendations, we believe that Skechers Go Walk Series is an excellent choice to consider, whether it’s for the Arch Fit for men or the Joy Walking Shoe for women.
Alternatively, if you’re on a tight budget and looking for a versatile shoe that can be used for walking and standing for a long time on a rough surface, you should consider the Reebok Men’s Work N Cushion 4.0 Walking Shoe or the Saucony Men’s Cohesion 13 Walking Shoe.