When you spend your days standing or walking on concrete, your feet, knees and back take a lot of impact. The right shoe can take some of that load off. This guide covers what to look for in a shoe for concrete floors and compares six pairs, each available in men’s and women’s versions.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have lasting foot, leg or back pain, swelling, or a condition such as diabetes or poor circulation, talk to a doctor or podiatrist before you choose footwear.
Concrete floor shoe basics
- Concrete is one of the least comfortable floors to work on, and long periods of standing are a common cause of aching feet.[1]
- Regular standing work can cause sore feet, swollen legs, muscle fatigue and low back pain.[2]
- Wear a shock-absorbing, cushioned insole when you work on cement floors.[2]
- Slips happen when there is too little traction between your shoe and the floor, and well-fitting footwear is more comfortable and safer.[3][1]
- Try shoes on at the end of the day, leave about a half inch past your longest toe, and replace shoes once the cushioning wears out.[4]
How Concrete Floors Affect Your Feet
Concrete does not give. Every step sends the impact of your heel strike up through your feet, knees and lower back, and Canada’s occupational health agency compares working on a hard floor to a hammer pounding your heel at every step.[1] Standing for hours also tires your legs and back and can leave your feet sore and your legs swollen.[2] If swelling is your main problem, see our guide to shoes for swollen feet.
Footwear that fits poorly, or that lacks arch support or cushioning, adds to the problem.[1][2] If pain or swelling keeps coming back, see a doctor or podiatrist instead of relying on shoes alone.
What to Look for in Shoes for Walking on Concrete
- Cushioning – A soft midsole and a cushioned footbed take the sting out of each step. Use a shock-absorbing insole on cement floors.[2] Cushioning also wears out with time, even in shoes you do not use much.[4]
- Support – A firm heel grip and arch support keep your foot steady. If the heel is too wide or too soft, the shoe slips and your foot gets sore.[2]
- Fit – Leave about a half inch between your longest toe and the front of the shoe, with room to wiggle your toes. Try shoes on at the end of the day, when your feet are at their largest.[4]
- Traction – Slips happen when there is too little friction between the shoe and the floor, and wet or oily concrete makes it worse. Pick a rubber outsole with a clear tread.[3]
- Durability – Concrete wears soles quickly, so a well-made outsole lasts longer. Lace-up shoes also hold your foot in place better than loose slip-ons.[2]
Midsoles, Uppers and Outsoles
- Midsole – EVA or other foam, or Gel in the heel and forefoot, absorbs impact. Foam softens with wear, so replace shoes when they feel flat.[4]
- Upper – Breathable mesh, synthetic or leather keeps your feet cooler. Sweaty feet and non-porous synthetic uppers can lead to blisters and athlete’s foot.[1]
- Outsole – A durable rubber outsole with a deep tread grips better on smooth floors.[3]
How We Chose These Shoes
We do not test shoes ourselves. We compare each model’s cushioning, outsole, fit and widths using The web and the makers’ product details, and we only list shoes sold on the web in the US. Brands do not pay to be included, but we may earn a commission from purchases.
Key Specs
| No. | Shoe | Type | Closure | Width options | Drop / Cushion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asics Gel Contend 10 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | GEL technology |
| 2 | Dr. Comfort Stallion / Annie (women's) | Walking | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – |
| 3 | Merrell Jungle Moc | Walking | Slip-on | Medium, Wide | Boost |
| 4 | Skechers Flex Advantage Bendon / Squad (women's) | Walking | Lace-up | Medium, Wide | Air cooled memory foam |
| 5 | Asics Gel Cumulus 28 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | FF BLAST MAX |
| 6 | Reebok Floatzig | Running | Slip-on | Medium | – |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
Our Picks for Walking on Concrete
These six pairs include cushioned trainers, a slip-on, dress shoes and a work shoe. Each comes in men’s and women’s versions. If you buy through the links on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
1
Shoe for Walking on Concrete
Asics Gel Contend 10 - Men
Currently unavailable
Asics Gel Contend 10 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Asics Gel Contend 10 is an everyday running-style trainer with Gel cushioning in the heel. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The engineered mesh upper is light and breathable.
- Rearfoot Gel cushioning softens each heel strike, which is where concrete is hardest on you.
- The Amplifoam Plus midsole is soft underfoot, and an OrthoLite sockliner adds cushioning and wicks moisture.
- It comes in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
2
Walking on Concrete Dress Shoe
Dr. Comfort Stallion - Men
Currently unavailable
Dr. Comfort Annie - Women
Currently unavailable
If you walk or stand on concrete in dress or work settings, Dr. Comfort makes the Stallion for men and the Annie for women.
- The Stallion is a lace-up, moccasin-style dress shoe made from top-grain leather.
- The Annie is a low-heeled Mary Jane style.
- The removable insole has a polyurethane layer with gel pods in the forefoot and heel, so you can swap in your own orthotic.
- The heel and tongue are padded, and the Stallion comes in sizes 6 to 15 in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
3
Slip On Shoe for Walking on Concrete
Merrell Jungle Moc - Men
Currently unavailable
Merrell Jungle Moc - Women
Currently unavailable
The Merrell Jungle Moc is a slip-on that is easy to get on and off. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- An air cushion in the heel absorbs shock.
- A lightweight EVA foam midsole adds stability and comfort.
- Double stretch gores make the slip-on fit easy, and the suede upper is built to last.
- The M Select Grip outsole gives traction, and a treated footbed cover helps control odor.
4
Work Shoe for Walking on Concrete
Skechers Flex Advantage Bendon - Men
Currently unavailable
Skechers for Work Squad - Women
Currently unavailable
The Skechers Flex Advantage Bendon for men and the Skechers for Work Squad for women are lace-up work shoes for hard floors.
- The breathable mesh upper keeps your feet ventilated, and the fit is relaxed.
- Air-cooled memory foam cushions the footbed.
- The outsole is slip resistant.
- Both are rated for electrical hazard protection.
5
Walking on Concrete Athletic Shoe
Asics Gel Cumulus 28 - Men
Currently unavailable
Asics Gel Cumulus 28 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Asics Gel Cumulus 28 is a cushioned daily trainer with a soft midsole. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The FF Blast Max midsole foam is soft and springy, with PureGel cushioning in the heel.
- The engineered mesh upper is lightweight and breathable.
- The Fluidride outsole blends EVA and rubber for traction and durability.
- An OrthoLite X-30 sockliner adds cushioning and manages moisture.
6
Hard Concrete Running Shoe
Reebok Floatzig - Men
Currently unavailable
Reebok Floatzig - Women
Currently unavailable
The Reebok Floatzig 1 is a slip-on running shoe with a springy midsole. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The Floatride Energy foam midsole has a zig-shaped geometry that keeps weight down.
- The carbon rubber outsole gives traction on pavement and concrete.
- It has a slip-on closure and a medium width.
Index Table: Shoes for Walking on Concrete Compared
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asics® - Shoe for Walking on Concrete |  |  |
| Asics |
| 2 | Dr. Comfort® - Walking on Concrete Dress Shoe |  |  |
| Dr. Comfort |
| 3 | Merrell® - Slip On Shoe for Walking on Concrete |  |  | Merrell | |
| 4 | Skechers Flex Advantage® - Work Shoe for Walking on Concrete |  |  |
| Skechers Flex Advantage |
| 5 | Asics® - Walking on Concrete Athletic Shoe |  |  |
| Asics |
| 6 | Reebok® - Hard Concrete Running Shoe |  |  | Reebok |
Sources
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Foot Comfort and Safety at Work. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Working in a Standing Position – Basic Information. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Athletic Shoes. Accessed October 26, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the shoe notes for all six pairs, added a how-to-choose guide, and replaced the sources
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs table and a Sources section; checked availability of every product
- May 2020: Published
