What are the best work boots for concrete floorsConcrete is a standard building material used all over the world. Composed of coarse and fine grit mixed with cement or another binder, it is designed to be strong and durable. Civilizations have used some form of concrete for nearly 9,000 years.
Today, concrete is used in buildings, treads, highways, and several other massive structures. For those who work in construction, walking or standing on concrete surfaces without a good pair of work boots can have several adverse health effects.
Plantar fasciitis, lower back strains, arthritis, stress fractures, and bone and muscle pain in the feet, legs, knees, and back are common symptoms.
Investing in well-made work boots can ultimately save you money: cheaper styles should be replaced in a few months, while a pair made with quality materials and artistry will last for years. While every employer has specifications for their employees' footwear, the best work shoes for working on concrete surfaces should generally have a composite toecap, foot and ankle support, and shock absorption. Most importantly, they should be comfortable! You will wear them all day long. Read our picks for the best work shoes for walking on concrete!
Timberland PRO Pit Boss 6" Steel Toe Men
Timberland has been making outdoor shoes for men since the 1950s. It's model of waterproof leather
boots, launched in 1973, was so popular that the company officially changed its name to Timberland. Since its inception, it has expanded into other areas such as casual shoes and women's wear.
The Timberland PRO Men's 6” Pit Boss Steel Toe is one of the most comfortable work shoes on the market due to its design. It is made for people who work on their feet all day.
The Anti-Fatigue technology provides shock absorption in the areas of the foot that receive the most impact, such as the heel and ball of the foot.
Their odor-fighting fabric on the inside attracts some buyers, but they aren't waterproof, which can be a problem for those who work in humid environments.
Pros:
- Non-slip, oil, and puncture-resistant outsole
- the inner lining of antimicrobial fabric makes the shoe more breathable and fights odors
- Steel boot with the big toe
- Shock absorber
- Molded sock liner absorbs shock at the heel and toe
- moderately appreciated
- Our selection of the best work shoes for walking on concrete
Cons:
- not waterproof
- Some reports of lower manufacturing (seams, sole, and lace loops)
- Reports lasting less than a year
- Some report that the back seam on the heel causes blisters.
Carhartt CMF6366 Men's 6-Inch Composite Toe Boot
Carhartt is a well-known manufacturer of work boots that have been in business since 1889. Walking
on hard surfaces such as concrete can strain your heel and cause foot pain. The Carhartt CMF6366 Men's 6-Inch Composite Toe Shoe features multiple layers of polyurethane to help cushion the impact of frequent walking throughout the day.
While the boot offers cushioning and foot protection, its claim to be waterproof and spill-resistant may confuse some buyers.
The 100% leather CMF 6366 protects you from splashes and minor spills, but not much more than that.
Pros:
- Cheap
- wide toe
- light
- Padded tongue to protect the top of the feet from blisters
- Multi-layer polyurethane soles with cushioning
Cons:
- Run big
- Requires a break-in period
- Some reports on replacing insoles with an insert for convenience
King Rocks 6" Steel Toe Cap Safety Construction & Industry Water Resistant Men's Work Shoes with Oil & Acid Resistant Outsole
King Rocks is a shoe and work shoe store that continues to innovate in its production process. As part of the Golden Fox brand, the company prides itself on creating high-quality work shoes that meet
different requirements and require less maintenance than other brands.
Options include safety boots, uniform boots, and industrial footwear. The King Rocks 6-inch Steel Toe Cap with Waterproof Construction and Industrial Work Shoe for men has a full-grain leather upper that protects your feet without a lengthy break-in period.
With a very grippy, puncture-resistant footbed, these work shoes are ideal for construction or mechanical work.
They are designed to be a comfortable boot, with a roomy toe cap and shock-absorbing soles to relieve pressure from the heel, arch, and ball of the foot.
For those who require special footwear due to foot conditions, there is an extra layer of support in the heel to reduce impact when walking on hard surfaces.
Pros:
- Cheap
- StretchFLEX technology reduces stiffness
- Wide suitcase with a steel nose
- The padded interior keeps feet dry by wicking moisture away
- Shock-absorbing, puncture-resistant soles with extra heel support
Cons:
- walk narrow
- Some complaints that comfort is not there during long hours of standing
Thorogood American Heritage 6″ Classic Flat Toe Pointed Toe Safety Boot
Weinbrenner Shoe Company is an American boot manufacturer that has been in business since the mid-19th century. When creating the Thorogood line of work boots during World War I, the brand had one
goal: to create quality work boots that meet specific requirements.
The company created models for certain types of jobs, such as mining, military service, and railroad construction.
The American Heritage 6″ Thorogood Safety Toe Classic Flat Toe Boot for men features Goodyear welding for extended wear.
Goodyear welding is a labor-intensive process found in high-performance work boots.
By sticking a trim (made of plastic, rubber, or leather) along the outside of the shoe, it acts as a barrier between the insole and the sole. Although the welding process keeps extra moisture out of the boots, these boots are heavier than most work boots.
Pros:
- Also available with a steel nose
- Anti-slip sole with 90-degree heel
- shock absorption:
- Breathable
- Little or no break-in period
Cons:
- Duration
- Some reports of loose laces
- narrow toe box
Wolverine Overman NT Waterproof 6-Inch Men's Work Boot
Wolverine is one of the most popular American brands of work boots. Wolverine World Wide has been operating since the 1880s, using quality materials and constantly innovating its design to fit different
work environments. Not only do they market their line.
Wolverine also designs shoes for other shoe manufacturers. The Wolverine Overman NT 6-inch Waterproof Work Boot for Men, with its CarbonMax technology, keeps your feet safe and makes the boot lighter, relieving foot and leg pain.
While the brand advertises that the Overman has a contoured brim for added water resistance, there are reports of moisture still getting into these boots. If you work in a dry environment, this is no problem. Although it is a US-based company, Wolverine imports most of its products from Asia. Those who prefer a work boot made in America will have more success with another brand.
Pros:
- Moderately appreciated
- Little or no break-in period
- Non-slip and shock-absorbing soles
- Composite toe
Cons:
- Big toe bed
- Walk narrow
- Some notifications last less than a year before needing to be replaced
- Although they are light, they offer little breathability.
Pittsburgh Keen Utility Work Boot for Standing and Walking on Concrete
KEEN, one of the newest shoe manufacturers on the market, was founded in 2003. They target a target audience who love sports and outdoor activities and their shoes are made to withstand a variety of different environments.
KEEN is also known for his philanthropy: Just a year after he founded the company, he siphoned off his advertising funds and donated them to disaster relief.
The company continues its philanthropic and conservation work today, collaborating with several organizations.
The KEEN Utility Pittsburgh Steel Toe Work Boot for men is designed to handle a variety of environments, including walking on hard surfaces such as concrete.
With an EVA sock liner and midsole, the foam design relieves pressure on your joints and comforts your foot as you walk.
One of the few work boots true to their hype about their waterproof properties, the Utility Pittsburgh has dual protection against moisture. With external nubuck leather and an internal waterproof liner, the KEEN Utility Pittsburgh is designed to keep liquid out of your boots while wicking sweat away from your foot.
Pros:
- Rubber bumper over steel toe cap provides extra toe protection
- waterproof, oil-resistant, non-slip
- EVA foam insole and midsole
- Extra heel and arch support.
Cons:
- Duration
- Reports of poor durability in lace hooks.
- Some reports of rapidly deteriorating soles
Smith and Wesson Footwear Breach 2.0 Tactical Boot with Side Zip for Men - 6"
More recognizable as a firearms manufacturer, Smith and Wesson has released a line of The Breach 2.0 Series tactical boots with a side zip for easy removal, making them a convenient option for those who
like a pair of work boots that are easy to remove.
Made of leather and nylon, the Breach protects your foot while increasing flexibility. For those who work on hard surfaces, the EVA foam midsole adds extra cushioning at the ball and heel. The reinforced steel sole has more durability than other models.
The non-slip sole makes it a safe work shoe for those who work in damp or wet environments but has no toe protection.
The Smith and Wesson Footwear Men's Breach 2.0 Side Zip Tactical Boots are soft, so if your employer needs a safety or steel boot, this boot isn't for you.
Pros:
- EVA foam midsole and steel reinforcement relieve impact from the heels and ball of the foot
- Supple nylon and leather.
- high traction outsole
- Cheap
Cons:
- No finger rest
- Not waterproof
- Not very breathable
Wolverine W02421 Raider Men's Boots
Wolverine made our list again, for good reason. The Wolverine W02421 Raider men's boot is made for those who work long hours on their feet with added cushioning for comfort.
The rubber outsole has incredible grip and the Multishox comfort system includes shock-absorbing pads in the insole to reduce the impact on your feet. The contoured edge also makes the shoe resistant to different types of terrain.
The Raider boot appeals to some because the insole is removable. If you need extra support, such as an orthotic insole, you can replace the insole with your favorite insert. The leather upper makes the shoe durable, but the mesh lining makes it breathable.
While the overall construction of the boot works in its favor, it lacks a toe guard, which could be a deal-breaker for some buyers.
Pros:
- Oil and slip-resistant outsole
- Mesh lining for breathability.
- Contour trim makes it more durable.
- Wide toe
- A light shoe with no adjustment period
- Moderately appreciated
Cons:
- Tight: leather takes a while to stretch
- Only available in brown
- Sizes can be tight.
- Not waterproof, no toe protection.
- Metal lace hooks can break.
Finding comfortable work shoes can be a gamble if you have certain limitations: Many employers have certain specifications that can limit your options. My husband is a mechanic and walks on concrete all day; Finding a comfortable work boot is a regular adventure in our house.
He had tried different brands and models, but mostly he replaced the insole with his orthopedic insole (he has knee problems). He's always been a fan of Timberland products, so we spent some extra cash and invested in the Timberland PRO Men's 6” Pit Boss Steel Toe.
Long story short, he loved boots. She has always had issues with arch support and found that she didn't need to replace the insoles in this shoe with an insert. He could walk around the job site all day and noticed a difference in his knee and foot pain.
While there were some reports of inferior construction making us a little nervous buying them, we didn't have that experience. The boots held up well and lasted for years.
When looking for a great pair of work boots, it's always important to keep in mind that aside from job specs, it's all about preference. Some prefer to use the same brands, while others are more likely to try a different brand if it offers more comfort.
If you're walking on concrete all day, you need extra cushioning for the heel and ball of your foot, which have the most impact. As long as you find a work shoe that is supportive and fits you well, you will find that your foot pain subsides.