Anyone who has ever spent more than a few hours standing on a slab of concrete knows how painful it can be on the body. Due to its ultra-dense nature, concrete can cause your feet to ache and joints and muscles to constrict and sometimes lock up, resulting in reduced blood flow. Work boots help make prolonged standing on concrete surfaces more manageable while protecting your feet from workplace hazards.

With the plethora of work boots currently on the market, it’s hard to distinguish the good from the bad. We researched and tested a variety of options and discovered some of the best.

What to Look for in Work Boots for Walking on Concrete

• Ankle Support: Choose a pair of work boots that offers adequate ankle support which can help prevent injury and keep your core stabilized as you work.
• Shock Absorption: Concrete is one of the hardest ground materials. Proper shock absorption helps to protect the foot’s heel pad and the rest of the body.
• Comfort: Long hours walking on concrete can cause damage to your muscles and joints. Find a pair of work boots that offers proper padding for comfort.
• Lightweight: Boots can feel heavy when walking across concrete. Choose work boots that are lightweight, breathable, and easy to walk in.

 

1. Caterpillar Men’s 2nd Shift 6” Plain Soft-Toe Work Boot

Our top choice for best work boots for walking on concrete is the Caterpillar Men’s 2nd Shift 6” Plain Soft-Toe Work Boot. These rugged work boots are made of durable leather with a synthetic sole and lace-up soft-toe. The boot’s shaft measures about 6.5 inches from the arch, the heel measures about 1.5 inches, and the platform measures about 0.75 inches.

This classic work boot offers the perfect balance of durability, comfort, and support, perfect for workers that stand for prolonged periods of time on hard surfaces like concrete. This hardworking boot also features a full grain leather upper, as well as a Goodyear welt construction, slip-resistant rubber outsole, and Climasphere sock liner.

What Users Are Saying:

•    Great work boots at a great price
•    I wear these boots daily for construction and they are very solid
•    Well-constructed and fit as expected
•    These boots are really comfortable and keep my feet dry
•    Good for construction or to wear in bad weather
•    These boots are made to last

2. Timberland PRO Men’s Pitboss 6” Soft-Toe Boot

Timberland is known for making extraordinary, yet affordable work boots and the Timberland PRO Men’s Pitboss 6” Soft-Toe Boot is no exception. Available in brown, wheat, and gaucho oiled full grain, these masculine leather boots are perfect for walking on concrete and other hard surfaces. What drew us to this boot were its roomy rounded toe, cushioned insole, padded color, and speed-lacing hardware for a snug and secure fit.

The traction-grip on the bottom of the boots also helps keep you protected from electrical hazards and on wet or slippery surfaces. When working for prolonged periods of time, comfort is key. These work boots have removable contoured sock liners that help protect against blisters and sore feet.

What Users Are Saying:

•    Not too heavy and are very durable
•    Look great, fit great, and are comfortable
•    I can wear these for hours on end and they never hurt
•    Well-made and constructed of quality materials
•    Perfect work boot
•    Great boot at an affordable price

3. Wolverine Men’s Steel Toe Raider Boot

For a powerful work boot that’s sure to withstand prolonged walking on concrete, try the Wolverine Men’s Steel Toe Raider Boot. The premium leather boot has a rubber sole for proper traction and safety. With multi-shock absorbing compression pads, you can spend hours comfortably walking on concrete without putting excess pressure on the delicate pads of your feet.

What we really liked about this unique boot is its moisture managing mesh linings that help keep your feet dry and comfortable as you work. The boot also has a removable full cushion foot bed that allows you to personalize the fit and comfort level. Wolverine’s Contour Welt feature provides additional flexibility as the boot provides the durability of a work boot with the comfort of an athletic shoe.

What Users Are Saying:

•    One of the best boot options available
•    The MultiShox sole is flexible, yet durable
•    Insoles are very high-quality with a firm gel-like feel
•    Best boots I’ve ever owned!
•    These boots required a very short break-in period
•    Comfy in the heat and cold

4. Red Wing Heritage Roughneck Lace Up Boot

For a classic style combined with unsurpassed durability, the Red Wing Heritage Roughneck Lace Up Boot is the ultimate option. After testing these work boots, we found them to fit snug and comfortably while providing adequate ankle support and cushioning. The boot is made of durable leather with a synthetic sole and round toe styling that allows for plenty of toe room. The shaft measures about 6 inches from the arch, the heel measures about 1.5 inches, and the platform measures about 0.75 inches.

The full grain leather upper coupled with the bold stitching gives these work boots a rugged look, perfect for a wide range of physical jobs. You can find these boots in a variety of colors to suit your needs, including black spitfire, olive brown roughneck, briar oil slick, and copper rough/tough.

What Users Are Saying:

•    The leather is beautiful
•    Best boots for the money
•    These work boots are well-constructed
•    Flexible but provide adequate support
•    Best boots I’ve ever had
•    If you appreciate quality you’ll love these

5. EVER BOOTS “Tank” Men’s Soft Toe Work Boots

With its full grain leather construction and durable rubber sole, the EVER BOOTS “Tank” Men’s Soft Toe Oil Full Grain Leather Insulated Work Boots are the perfect remedy for sore feet that develop from walking on concrete. Available in tan and dark brown, these work boots combine functionality with style. The Goodyear Welt construction ensures maximum durability for industrial construction concrete.

The comfort cushion insole is removable to achieve a personalized level of comfort and the slip-resistant rubber outsole protects you from falls in the workplace. Easily slide the boots on and off thanks to the speedy hooks and back loops. When purchasing, take note that these work boots run about ½-size bigger than Caterpillars and Timberlands.

What Users Are Saying:

•    Great price for a quality boot
•    Fit as expected and are very comfortable
•    My husband can’t get over how fantastic these boots are!
•    Excellent craftsmanship and premium materials
•    Contain quality insoles for comfort
•    Look good and feel great