What are the best work boots for concrete? Although concrete is a versatile and strong material, it is not the best type of surface to walk on all day. It is hard and very unforgiving on the body.
Unlike softer surfaces such as carpet or wood, concrete does not absorb shocks. Every movement you make is felt in your feet, legs, and joints.
Worst of all, that uncomfortable feeling stays with you long after you're done.
Construction workers and hard workers who work on concrete for years often suffer from long-term health problems. It can lead to lifelong joint problems, back pain, poor posture, and much more.
While you may not be able to avoid concrete surfaces, there are many things you can do to keep your feet safe and comfortable. A pair of high-quality work boots can make all the difference.
Many manufacturers make boots that can withstand the rigors of concrete. They protect your feet, absorb shock while you work, and help you avoid permanent problems. Here is a list of some of the best work shoes for walking on concrete all day.
5 of the Best Work Boots for Walking on Concrete Floors All Day
1. Men's Irish Setter 6″ 83605 Work Boot
These Irish Setter boots are as stylish as they are functional. The upper is made of high-quality dyed
and polished leather with a modern finish. The soles are made of thick rubber.
They have a wedge-shaped design that uses a moderate arch for support. The wedge heel is raised to create a thicker heel. The bottoms have a unique traction profile design to keep you stable whatever the conditions you're working in.
Inside the boots is a comfortable nylon lining. The boots have a lacing. They also meet electrical safety standards and have a heat-resistant finish.
2. Wolverine W02421 Men's Raider Boot
From Wolverine is this pair of great work boots. They are designed to keep you comfortable all-day
long, even on hard surfaces like concrete.
One of the ways they do this is with the Multishox template. Supports your arch and absorbs shock while walking. Despite the excellent support, it bends to give you control and stability. It is also completely removable for easy cleaning.
The upper is made of leather and has a 5.5-inch shaft with a full lacing system. The sole is made of rubber. It's curved for extra support and designed to keep you upright in slippery environments. There is also a 1.5-inch heel.
3. Timberland PRO Men 6 "Pit Boss Steel Toe"
If you're looking for maximum support during the day, consider this pair of work boots from Timberland.
Inside the boots is a unique polyurethane midsole. This stiff midsole gives you all the arch support you need to stay comfortable. It also absorbs shock and prevents your feet from getting tired.
The midsole works together with the nylon diffusion plate. The plate is directly integrated into the rubber sole. It gives you an extra layer of support and provides some torsional stiffness to prevent injuries.
The upper is made of elegant black leather. There is also an antimicrobial coating to help control odors.
4. Caterpillar Second Steel Toe Work Shoe for Men
These Caterpillar boots are a rugged option for men who work in hazardous environments. They will keep you safe and comfortable on virtually any construction site.
To avoid the effects of walking on concrete, these boots have a contoured footbed. It is shaped to follow the natural curves of your feet. This ensures that your feet are cradled in the boot rather than just sitting on a flat sole.
When you walk, the insole helps absorb shocks. The thick rubber sole also helps absorb the force of impact. Additional features include a leather upper, full lace closures, and a steel toe cap.
5. Thorogood Men's American Heritage 6 "MAXwear Wedge"
With a Goodyear welt construction and a premium leather upper, these boots are built to last. They can
withstand years of use and keep you comfortable in the long run.
Inside you will find a comfortable cushioning footbed from Poron. This cushions the shock of every step and allows you to walk with confidence. It works with a contoured footbed designed to absorb shock.
A fiberglass shaft is also built into the sole. This shaft keeps your foot stable while walking on hard or uneven surfaces. Prevent unwanted rotational movements. The sole is made of polyurethane and uses a wedge-shaped design.
How does walking on concrete affect your body?
While you may not feel the effects of walking on concrete right away, they will certainly catch up with you if you're not wearing the right footwear. The first thing you will notice is a pain in your feet and knees.
As mentioned above, concrete does not absorb shock. Do not flex when weight is applied. As a result, all that impact goes up your feet and legs. You may start to feel fatigued and experience significant strain on your legs.
Shin splints are another common problem. The muscles are being overloaded. As a result, the muscles will become inflamed. This can cause stiffness that affects the way you walk and work.
Eventually, your knees and joints will feel it. That shock has nowhere to travel except to your joints. Years of poor foot protection can even lead to arthritis.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that affects many office and construction workers. It is the result of poor heel and arch support. Essentially, the tissue that connects the heel to the toes becomes inflamed.
The pain can sometimes be paralyzing. It often requires regular treatment. If left alone it can eventually lead to significant tears and the loss of your bow.
Work Boot Considerations
To avoid all the problems associated with walking on concrete all day, you need to invest in a quality pair of work boots that give you the support you need.
There are many features to consider. By keeping an eye out for a few specific design features, you can narrow down your search to find the perfect pair of boots.
A Dense Sole
The sole of your boots is the first line of defense against your feet and the concrete. A thick sole will keep you off the concrete and provide an effective barrier against shock. Choose options that have a thick and fluffy sole. The denser it is, the better it will be in the long run.
A thicker sole will better absorb and distribute the impact. This will prevent it from going up your feet. Not only that, but thicker soles tend to last longer. Your boots will experience a lot of wear and tear on concrete. Having a well-constructed sole that is thick will save you the expense of having to replace it.
High Heel
A high heel of about an inch will put your feet in a good position. Even something as small as an inch can have a noticeable effect on your comfort at the end of the day.
When you walk, your heel should be the first thing that hits the ground.
This is where most of the shock is experienced. By having a little more height, the boot will take most of the impact before you place the rest of your foot on the ground.
Snug Fit
There is nothing worse for your feet than wearing a shoe that does not fit well. Your boots need to fit
well to do their job. Be sure to take accurate measurements of your feet before purchasing a pair of boots, and choose an option that will allow you to get the perfect fit.
Boots that only have Velcro or zippers are best avoided. Lace-up boots that extend well above the ankle are your best bet. They conform to the contours of your foot, so there's no unnecessary wiggle room to cause discomfort.
Slip Resistance
Concrete is quite a slippery surface. Depending on the level of polish and grit, it can be dangerous to walk on when wet. Keep yourself safe from harm by getting boots that have non-slip soles.
These boots have studs that divert water away from key pressure points on your feet. They prevent water from accumulating under the sole so that you are always in contact with the ground.
Over to You
Walking on concrete all day doesn't have to be uncomfortable. By looking for a few key features, like a chunky heel and a premium supportive insole, you can find a pair of boots that will tame any concrete surface.