Unyielding floors, such as concrete, are the most uncomfortable surfaces to work on. And if you’re required to stand or walk a lot for your career on hard floors, wearing the wrong shoes can cause serious foot problems that lead to further body injuries or chronic conditions. Proper footwear with a good supportive arch system and shock absorbing midsole can do wonders for your overall health. But there are so many options on the market that it’s tough to know where to begin.
Most Comfortable Shoes for Tough Hard Concrete Floors
Fortunately, we’ve done the dirty work for you and comprised a list of the best work boots and shoes for walking and standing on concrete floors all day at your workplace. If your workplace has a serious dress code and you cannot wear your comfortable sneakers to work, then you should have a look at some of the most supportive and shock absorbing shoes and boots listed here.
Best Men’s Shoes for Concrete Floors
1. Rockport Men’s Eureka Shoe
Rockport Men’s Eureka shoes are undoubtedly the finest example of technological advancements in the footwear industry. With biomechanically engineered outsoles to support your gait and rubber outsole to maximize grip on unpredictable terrain, these casual loafers are built to safeguard your feet during extended periods of walking. And the snug, glove-like fit further improves your stability on track, without limiting your freedom of motion. What’s more, the crisp construction ensures heel and forefoot stability, as well as additional flexibility around the sensitive areas of your feet.
The mesh lining on the outer end wicks moisture enhances breathability and keeps you comfortable even when the weather gets hot and humid. The flexible leather upper offers room to stretch your toes and relax while on the go. And the generous collar component and tongue padding further improve the amount of protection you receive from these shoes. The versatile design makes these shoes a nice accessory for teaming up with business outfits and casual jumpsuits, while the intricate and intuitive detailing in the design help to make sure your comfort needs are always met.
2. Skechers USA Men’s Glides Calculous Slip-On Loafer
Featuring gel infused insoles with attractive goring for the ultimate appeal, Skechers Glides Calculous gives what it claims. The tops of these shoes don’t get easily scuffed and never leave unsightly marks on the floor, so they are essentially scuff-resistant. Also, unlike many other entry-level loafers out there, these ones include durable memory foam that feels good and lasts long.
You can wear them for 9 hours a day and months at a stretch, and still, the foam padding will remain foamy. Additionally, these shoes do not rub painfully against your heels; it’s like wearing your bathroom slippers all day at work!
With such a sleek form and a naturally oily look, these shoes are just what you need for creating a favorable impression in conservative, formal gatherings. The design and padding make it apt for people who tend to walk from heel to toe, and even those who struggle to walk for hours due to debilitating feet ailments like plantar fasciitis. The textile lining is breathable for an airy feel, while the stretchy, roomy interior makes for a comfortable fit.
The only concern with these shoes is that they lose traction on slippery surfaces when the heel wears out, but fortunately, that time is in the distant future, and you will have covered many miles by then.
3. Clarks Men’s Cotrell Step Loafer
Clarks Men’s Cotrell loafers combine a plush leather construction with a lightweight, ventilated body to lend you maximum comfort and cushioning during those days when you are too busy to stop, take off your shoes and relax. They feature flexible, synthetic soles that add responsiveness to your stride, helping you stay in close contact with the ground, thereby negating the likelihood of slips and falls.
The outsole is not only slip-resistant but also smooth in texture, and doesn’t leave messy skid marks on the floor. There is sufficient memory foam padding on the insides and undersides of the shoe, so you have your comfort needs covered to the T! The leather upper is breathable and easy to wipe up. Plus, it doesn’t show up stains and smears, and can even tolerate a light rain without losing appeal.
Like most other Clarks Men’s shoes, Cotrell slip-ons also tend to run half-a-size smaller, so if you order the size you normally do, you might end up feeling too tight and sweaty on your feet. Other than this minor flaw, these shoes are perfect for long-lasting wear. They are also ideal for people who want to lay their hands on a pair of durable loafers without shelling one-third of their salary.
4. Dunham Men’s Bryce Oxford
How often have you felt the guilty pleasure of strutting downtown in your cheapest yet comfiest pair of slippers? Well, with the Dunham Bryce Oxford shoes, you won’t have to compromise on the class quotient, in order to attain the same amount of comfort that you get from wearing your bedroom slippers. These smart and practical shoes don’t feature a single component that may come across as flimsy or unnecessary. Additionally, they are flexible, lightweight and enclose oodles of room within, in order to lend a breezy feel to your feet even after prolonged wear.
The breathable textile lining feels soft against the skin, while the fine leather upper adds a second layer of protection to your delicate toes, helping them maintain their original appeal and health. Not just that, the inserts are removable and come with EVA heel cups for added stability. And the Ortholite foam padding delivers resistance from bad odors and superior breathability for long-term comfort. One of the USPs of this Dunham Bryce men’s shoes is that it incorporates the VersaLite technology to offer a light, airy feel that lingers till the end of the day, and ensures that your fatigue never comes in the way of your goals.
5. Skechers USA Men’s Segment the Search Slip on Loafer
The Skecher USA Men’s Segment presented us with the ‘The Search Slip on Loafer’. Made of leather this shoe has been designed for people who spend hours standing on hard surfaces like concrete. Unlike the previous two models, this model has been designed for men to use.
The synthetic sole forms a secure way of ensuring that the wearer has the required traction to move on the concrete paths especially when they are wet.
When compared to other shoes, this shoe gives a casual loafer appearance but don’t be fooled! This shoe has been designed for comfort on those days where long duration of standing is required. The shoe also comes with a memory foam comfort insole. The memory foam acts as a cushion which helps to reduce the effect of the weight of the body on the feet. It also reverts back to its original shape after use. This means that the sole will not wear out in a certain direction. Worn out soles can cause severe discomfort for the wearer and this shoe helps to avoid just that!
6. Dansko Men’s Walker Oxford
Dansko is known specifically for their comfortable work shoes. It was clogs, specifically, that they set out to perfect in the beginning when the company began in 1990. They perfected that arena and moved on, adding in flats, pumps, dance shoes, boots, slip ons, and oxfords. Basically, Dansko likely has a top selling model for any type of work-related shoe you can imagine. So it shouldn’t be surprising that the Dansko Men’s Walker Oxford is among the best shoe for standing walking on concrete floors. But why is that the case? It all comes down to comfort, quality, and commitment to customer demands.
Rich, waterproof leather upper and lining breath and allow the feet to remain cool and dry while maintaining a professional appearance under pressure. Thick padded collar and lace up styling offer the perfect tailored fit. Triple density foal insole provides long lasting comfort and is fully removable to allow the addition of your own orthotics. Rubber sole contains a 1.5” heel to the perfect lift, and provides the shock absorption properties and cushioning required for working or walking on concrete floors. The outsole is also contains the Dansko certification that assures these remain slip resistant in environments where oils and fats are present.
7. Dunham by New Balance Windsor Waterproof Oxford
The Dunham is a favorite by men on a global scale. It looks like a casual oxford, but feels like a sneaker. In four waterproof leather color choices, these can be dressed up or down to compliment a variety of work attire. The shock absorbing sole is nicely treaded and slip resistant. Comfort injected foam insole is removable so you can add your own orthotics if preferred.
Extra padding in the heel and toe help keep alignment and comfort stable through your shift. They do tend to run a bit snug, so consider going up a size if you’re not wearing thin dress socks.
Best Women's Shoes for Concrete Floors
1. Clarks Women’s Everlay Elma Oxford
Everlay Elma Oxford from the house of Clarks is an example of how some things never go out of style. It features a full leather body with a one-inch graduated heel that slopes towards the sole, giving you a very comfortable and tight feel. Its cushiony soft interiors guarantee a warm and snug feel when you’re slogging away at your desk all day or sweating out in the sun to make a buck. The heel height is just about 1.5 inches, making it perfect for oozing a chic quotient without looking over the top or distinctly different from the rest.
Plus, the Ortholite footbed means you get utmost traction with each step and don’t bend awkwardly to get a better grasp over the terrain. In the first glace, Everlay Elma Oxford may seem a little narrow due to its style, but the fact is that they are just wide enough to fit the middle portion of the standard foot and come in a variety of sizes and colors to suit your needs. While their insoles are not removable, they still have a decent amount of arch support and don’t depend on unnecessarily detailing to do the job.
2. Crocs Women’s Neria Pro 2 Clog
If you always turned up your nose at your colleagues who wore their crocs to work, then it may be time to reevaluate your opinions. Presenting Neria Pro Clog a skid-resistance, roomy and utterly comfy footwear that can be worn to the beach just as easily as to the office. Its big size may fool you into thinking that it fails to offer a snug fit, but the fact is that it offers a decent amount of arch support and gives you a tight feel on your feet. And while they do lack the typical ventilated exterior characteristic of casual crocs, they are big enough to promote unhindered airflow, allowing your feet to breathe and let out moisture and stay free of noxious odors all day.
Another misconception about Neria Pro Clog is that it will stretch out soon, but in reality, this shoe has been seen to hold its shape quite well and stay resilient to contact with hard objects. The equipped toe and heel area are extra supportive to protect the delicate parts of your feet as you go about meeting the demands of your work. The slip-resistant tread never comes in the way of your stride, which is a welcoming change from all the run-of-the-mill crocs out there. And if you’re thinking that they are going to make squeaking noises while walking on concrete floors, then you’re once again wrong.
3. Naturalizer Channing Slip-On Loafer
Finding shoes that are sleek and cushioned is not an easy task, but the Channing loafers by Naturalizer make it easy for you. Featuring a flexible sole, ultra padding on the insides, a lightweight body, and a breathable lining, Channing loafers have all the potential in the world to put even the more renowned shoes to shame. Its cool, unpretentious design makes you want to wear them daily and to every place in the town, right from the supermarket to the boss’s weekend party. Its no-nonsense design with just the right amount of detailing appeals to those who loathe frills and fancies. And the smooth leather finish on the exterior means easy upkeep.
The presence of a nice heel-to-toe balance, a flexible outsole and a padded footbed makes it a nice choice for those people who tend to walk a lot day or stand for prolonged hours at a time. There are stretchable inserts at the sides for optimal support around the most vulnerable parts of your feet. And a heel height of approximately 1-inch means you can flaunt your tomboy side while making a statement in the process. The average size may run a little larger than your ordinary shoe, but at the end of the day, a little more size only means a little more space for accommodating thicker socks, right?
4. Hush Puppies Heaven Slip-On
Crafted from buttery smooth Nappa leather, Hush Puppies Slip-ons are loafers that combine attractive design elements with a novel HPO2 technology to keep you comfortable and stylish at the same time. Inside, they enclose a layer of airy, foam padded cushioning to support and cushion your feet, so that you find it easier to stand at your desk for hours and meet the rigors of your job. The antibacterial sock linings allow your feet to evaporate moisture and sweat, and stay odor-free all day. This is especially beneficial for people who tend to sweat too much and/or suffer from body odor.
Even if you are having bunions and blisters in your feet, Hush Puppies Slip-ons are built to go easy on the most vulnerable parts of your feet. And since they are built so wide and flexible, they do not squeeze one bit. The toe box is spacious as well. Plus, there are elastic insets at the upper end that allow a stretchy yet firm feel, and double-stitching on the toe box area for maximum durability. What’s more, the outsole practically never wears out, even with endless miles of walking, nor do your feet feel that typical pinching pain of treading on hard concrete floors.
5. Hush Puppies Women’s Epic Mary Janes
Since 1958, Hush Puppies have been the essential brand for casual, classic, and comfortable footwear. The company now serves 120 countries across the globe, but it’s still a true American icon as its Michigan headquarters and millions of happy customers nationwide attest. When it comes to heavy duty work shoes, however, Hush Puppy truly shines.
That’s apparent in their Women’s Epic Mary Jane. Soft breathable leather upper comes in 4 fun and classic color options to meet your daily style. Lightly padded full circle collar, adjustable hook-and-loop strap, and soft microfiber lining add a fresh and luxurious feel to these sweet, lightweight Mary Janes.
Molded and contoured EVA insole is covered with the softest microfiber material and fully removable. But if left in, it provide extra cushioning and great arch support – both of which are needed when standing on concrete or other hard surfaces for hours at a time. Zero G Technology in the 1.25” wedge heel and rubber sole absorb shock, add to the durability of the affordable shoes, and reduce foot stress throughout the day. Traction concerns are eliminated thanks to the safety grip sole inserts. The combination of technological advancements and comfortable additions make the Women’s Epic Mary Jane the best women’s shoe for concrete floors.
No mention of Mephisto products despite Rockport’s steady decline in quality leather and insoles.
I stand 10+ hours a day on concrete with about 50% walking. I’ve gone through all the comments on several of these pages; however, all of the women’s shoes listed are Mary Jane’s, clogs, and slip ons. Are there any sneakers for women that can hold up to this work environment? I’m not sure about everyone else, but comfort comes before style for me.
Hi, You can have a look some of these sneakers that I written a post about. These should do well on concrete floors findmyfootwear.com/most-comfortable-walking-shoes-with-good-cushioning/
I am a female that works in a metal fabrication shop. I NEED something that will tie on and NOT slip on. Why are there no women’s work shoes or boots on this list?
What are the best boots for women who stand on concrete floors (not walk) but stand. Thanks,
Robin Soto