Welcome to our best work boots for standing and working on concrete floors review for 2022 (updated for 2024).
To bring you this article we’ve researched 68 websites looked at 22 work boots brands and models, read 100s of reviews and customer feedback for a total amount of 41 hours.
We’ve done all of this in order to bring you the best information about working on concrete surfaces and the best boots and features to look out for when shopping in this sector.
Alright, let’s go into it…
Compare these 10 comfortable concrete work boots
Here’s a quick comparison table if you’re curious about which work boots we’ve included in our round-up.
Reviews of the best concrete work boots for walking and standing all day
Alright, let’s jump into some detailed reviews of each one of these concrete work boots we’ve included in today’s round-up.
We’ll start with the one that our editor picked for you …
1. Thorogood Wedge Sole
These are the best work boots for people who want a short, six-inch pair of work boots for walking on concrete.
These boots are also made in the USA, so if supporting American jobs and families is important to you, then this is the pair of American-made work boots in this roundup.
They also feature a wedge sole. Wedge sole work boots are work boots that have a larger surface area at the bottom than heel or arch boots.
The advantage of this when working on concrete is that far more of the work boot is in contact with the ground at any one point while you are walking around.
This reduces the potential shock to your feet when you are walking around. This makes it our #1 choice for walking around on concrete, as well as the best US-made work boot.
If you are a fan of this brand then why not go and check out this great Thorogood work boots reviews round up article where you’ll find a lot more models similar to this one!?
2. Wolverine Overpass
Wolverine has been in the work boot business for decades, and they have over 200 products in their range.
So for us to say this is the best Wolverine product for concrete work in their extensive range is quite the compliment.
Weighing just 1.75 pounds per boot, your feet will feel much lighter in these boots than other brands, preventing you from exhausting yourself on the concrete surfaces.
Don’t think the lightweight means these boots are less safe. The boots meet all the requisite safety standards that you would expect from other boots in the sector.
And for working on concrete, this work boot contains an Ortholite cushioned footbed which delivers a combination of temperature regulation and comfort.
Perfect for absorbing shocks when you are working on concrete.
Plus, the flexible, athletic Contour Welt construction moves with you by bending and flexing at essential points, preventing the build-up of long-term pains and sprains.
And the slip-resistant soles also mean you won’t have to worry too much about falling over whilst on the worksite, even if you’re working in an environment with a lot of oil or slippery liquids.
So no need to worry about falling on that hard concrete floor. Check out this page if you’re still wondering if Wolverine work boots are any good. We went deep into researching this brand!
- Read My Full Review Of The Wolverine Overpass Work Boots
3. Ariat Rebar Flex
The ARIAT Men’s Rebar Flex 6″ H2o is the best composite toe work boot if you are in the construction trade and you need to work on concrete
This work boot features superb lightweight flexibility and supportive cushioning, with a 4LR footbed that keeps your feet cushioned and cool.
This makes them an ideal choice for outdoor construction workers worried about sweaty feet giving them a condition such as an athlete’s foot.
Made from waterproof leather combined with rugged mesh panels, these boots are highly durable and will protect your feet from the elements in harsh weather conditions, always assuring dry comfort.
So they are perfect for outdoor construction workers who work long days on concrete.
4. Skechers
The synthetic sole in these Skechers work boots makes it the ideal work boot for providing your feet with support and comfort whilst working on hard concrete surfaces.
And what’s even better is they are made from 100% leather, allowing your feet to breathe easily with those soft leather uppers.
People who have bought these boots have been delighted by how the memory foam insoles keep your feet ventilated with every step, allowing them to keep cool during every step.
Here’s a wider selection of great work boots to keep your feet dry and ventilated on summer days.
5. Heritage Classic
Red Wing is an excellent manufacturer of workboots who make all of their products in the USA and also run an in-house repair shop.
This means you can send your boots to them for repair for less than the cost of buying a new one, saving money, supporting cobblers, and preventing materials waste.
So if avoiding waste, shopping sustainably, and supporting American families is important to you, then Red Wing boots are the ones to buy.
The durability of the Red Wing work boots is great for most jobs that require you to stand or walk on concrete surfaces a lot.
Working on concrete does lead to work boots deteriorating more quickly- since the hard surface causes the boots to absorb a lot of shocks.
But people who bought this work boot have been delighted with how long it lasts.
Plus, for comfort, the full-grain leather that the upper boot is made from wicks away water, keeping your feet dry in treacherous conditions.
Nonetheless, the breathable membranes wick away internal moisture, keeping the inside of your boots cool and dry on a hot summer day.
6. Danner Bull Run
Danner has an extensive range of hundreds of products, from work boots to hiking and much much more.
However the Bull Run 6” work boot is the best of the best from within their range.
The boot contains a wedge sole, ensuring your weight is evenly distributed across your feet when you are working on concrete floors- reducing the risks of knee, feet, and ankle pains.
And the uppers are also made from durable, oiled full-grain upper leather for maximum comfort and durability.
Finally, it features a steel shank. This will minimize your risk of injury on the job by protecting your feet from punctures and giving them adequate support as you walk around.
Find out here if Danner’s work boots are worth the money and other cool details about the brand.
Also, we’ve put together a list of some of the best soft toe work boots here (in case you want to see what other alternatives to this Danner work boot model you can find out there)
Anyway, here’s some good and bad things about this boot…
7. Irish Setter
If you want to look like John Wayne on the worksite, the Irish Setter work boots are the most comfortable western work boots for concrete.
The heat-resistant outsole will keep your feet cool even as the concrete becomes baked in the hot outdoor sun.
It also possesses heat and electric resistant outsole that can withstand external temperatures of 475 degrees Fahrenheit and 18,000-volt shocks respectively.
Further, the 12-inch shaft measuring from the arch gives you the maximal support you need to take on the working day.
Finally, it features groundbreaking RPM technology, a breakthrough material that significantly reduces the weight of the boot, without compromising on the essential features of a work boot that keep you safe.
Want more models? Check out our top 10 best pull on work boots that you can compare with this Irish Setter boot…
8. Timberland PRO
The best pair of leather work boots from Timberland for concrete workers that we have to recommend for you is the Timberland PRO Drivetrain work boot.
These boots are simply amazing, from tough toe materials to breathability, it has it all.
This boot uses the toughest material there is, TPU, for the toe overlay, complimenting the composite toe cap for a lightweight but still very protective experience.
The outsole of the boot also uses polyurethane, which is a variant of TPU, one of the tougher materials companies are using to toughen up the soles of their boots.
The Timberland Pro Drivetrain contains an antimicrobial moisture-wicking lining, that prevents odors from lingering in the boot, keeping the feet of the users nice and fresh. It is an extremely breathable design.
And users simply love the fact that it barely weighs anything, with so many of them comparing wearing these boots to wearing basketball or tennis shoes.
The lightweight makes it ideal for walking on concrete, reducing the pressure on your feet and knees as you are walking around.
9. Merrell Men’s Moab 2
The Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is the right boot for the job if you are working in hot weather.
It contains lightweight, breathable mesh uppers with abrasion-resistant synthetic overlays. These breathable mesh uppers provide increased ventilation and comfort.
It also features an abrasion-resistant synthetic overlay that helps protect your work boots against the wear and tear of a modern worksite.
As well as keeping your feet cool in hot weather, these work boots are also waterproof, and so they are ideal for outdoor workers in rainy cities.
Another awesome aspect of this product is the contoured footbeds that cradle your feet to keep them comfortable all day long.
The Merrell air cushion in the heel absorbs shock while providing stability on uneven terrain.
10. Carhartt
If you’re working on cold concrete surfaces, then this work boot is ideal for you.
Carhartt boots are specially designed for you to work in hard winter conditions. They pride themselves on the highest standards of design and componentry to ensure that you’re able to do your work safely no matter the conditions in comfort and style.
Safety for Carhartt is a top priority. Their composite (non-metallic) toe cap will protect you from dropped objects of up to 125 joules (or the equivalent of 22.7kg dropped from 56cm).
Their toe protection also extends to electrical shocks, offering protection against incidental shocks of up to 18,000 joules under dry conditions.
This makes these boots suitable for electricians and engineers as well as bricklayers and other construction professionals.
But it’s not just your toes that the Carhartt Men’s 10″ Waterproof Insulated PAC Composite Toe Boot is designed to keep you safe.
The TPU heel guard with Achilles flex joint will offer support to your arched feet, allowing you to work confidently without needing to worry about collapsed arches and other forms of long-term feet condition that might develop.
And the insulative LiteFire membrane keeps your feet dry and protects them from extreme weather conditions like rain or snow whilst also promoting airflow.
So your feet will remain warm and dry, avoiding both frostbite and athlete’s foot.
Overall, we strongly recommend that if you are working on concrete during periods of extreme cold, you invest in this pair of boots.
You will feel warm, dry, comfortable, and safe no matter the weather if you have these work boots on. Here’s our best winter work boots page in case you want to see more models for the cold season.
This section of the article will tell you about the dangers for workers on working on concrete for lengthy periods of time, as well as what features to look out for in a pair of work boots for a comfortable, pain-free experience.
The dangers of working on concrete floors for long hours
Working on concrete for long hours can be very dangerous. Concrete is a tough, unforgiving surface that will cause pain and discomfort if you are not careful when working it.
This is why we’re going to look at some of the dangers of working on concrete for too long.
1. Trips and Falls
One of the worst things about working on concrete for long hours is the risk of falling down and hurting yourself.
Concrete, unlike grass or carpeted floors, is unforgiving.
This means a fall onto concrete from any height can result in serious injury or death.
This is particularly dangerous for professionals in construction; who according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration face twice as many deaths per capita as any other private sector occupation.
But even for workers in warehouses or other professions not involving high altitudes, slipping onto the surface can be a painful experience.
2. Feet Pain
Plantar Fasciitis is a condition that leads to pain at the point where your heel bone connects with the arch.
It can come as a result of working too much on concrete surfaces as they are inflexible, leading to unnatural pronation. Discover here if work boots can cause you plantar fasciitis.
3. Knee pain
Without rest, the knee joints can become excessively strained as a result of being over-worked
This can lead to the knees feeling stuck or tight.
In extreme instances, this can even lead to osteoarthritis.
4. Back pain
Working on concrete for long hours can lead to permanent spinal damage.
This is because concrete is a hard material, and when you’re constantly using your back muscles to work on it, it can become strained or overworked.
As a result, the discs between your vertebrae start to bulge out from their normal position due to the pressure put on them- causing lower back pain.
What you could do to avoid health problems whilst standing or walking on concrete for long hours
Walking and standing on concrete for a long period of time is, unfortunately just a fact of life for many workers, whether on construction sites, in warehouses, or people delivering the post.
There are three main things you can do to avoid health problems from this
Firstly, before starting work and during break times, it is worth doing some stretching exercises with your feet, such as ankle rolls, calf stretches, and touching your toes. This will keep your feet and legs flexible and supple for the long day of work ahead.
Losing weight can also be helpful. This will reduce the load on your knees and feet when you are standing or walking all day.
Finally, buying supportive work boots with features that will ease the strain on your feet and knees is the best thing you can do to avoid health problems. These features will be mentioned just below…
Features to look for in a good work boot for standing all day on concrete
If you’re a worker who spends long periods of time on concrete work surfaces, then buying a good pair of work boots is essential for preventing pains and long-term conditions.
This section of the buyer’s guide will inform you as to what to look out for in a work boot for standing all day on concrete, as well as some additional products you can purchase.
1. Comfort
Comfort is absolutely crucial when you are purchasing work boots and additional products. There are things you should look out for when it comes to comfort, both in the work boot and as an additional product.
2. Shock absorbing footbeds
Shock-absorbing footbeds or ‘insoles’ are great additional products.
They will provide your feet with cushioning and support, and also prevent unhealthy pronation (how feet roll to absorb shock when walking).
One particularly effective product is Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Insoles, which are clinically proven to relieve pain by workers.
They provide excellent cushioning, so it’s almost like you are walking on pillows.
3. Cushioned midsoles
As well as inserts, a good midsole is crucial to having a comfortable work boot.
The midsole is the bit of the work boot between the outsole on the bottom and the upper.
Making sure the midsole is well-cushioned will allow for ample shock absorption, flex support and will support good pronation.
4. Slip resistant outsoles
Hopefully, the concrete work surface you are working on is even, however, there may occasionally be spills, or if you are working outdoors and it starts to rain, then you can slip and seriously hurt yourself.
To prevent this, the outsole, the part of the shoe that comes into direct contact with the ground, needs to be made from a non-slip material.
Soft rubber will be able to grab hold of a slippery concrete surface whereas boots with a harder, stiffer outsole would not be able to.
5. Wedge soles
People often find wedge sole work boots, of which there are a couple in this roundup, most comfortable for working on concrete surfaces.
By spreading the surface area in contact with the ground more broadly, and having a wider area in play, distributes the force of the impact more than a typical boot sole.
So workers in construction, factories, warehouses, or garages find wedge soles more comfortable than boots with an arch.
6. Material
Leather is the best material for working on concrete as it is resistant to water and dust, making it ideal for concrete workers who work in construction or development.
Leather boots in general have a good combination of grip, stability, comfort, and durability, making them ideal for workers on concrete surfaces.
7. Brand
The benefit of a good brand of work boots is that they signify trust and innovation.
These brands will invest millions into research and development so as to make more effective products.
You can also find out more information more easily than for small independent manufacturers, such as the manufacturing process and how other customers found wearing the work boots.
Brands are often able to give great deals on warranties and returns owing to the volume of trade that they do.
The downside to brands is they may cost more. (But you’ll look more fashionable :D) Also, make sure these brands really do have the cutting-edge features they promise before paying out the extra $$.
Benefits of wearing a good work boot whilst working on concrete floors
The benefits of a good pair of work boots for people who work or move on concrete surfaces are comfort, the prevention of developing feet pains, and good support/ traction for the avoidance of more serious injuries.
Concrete Work Boots Q&A
Have questions about buying work boots for concrete you are too afraid to ask your supervisor?
Have no fear, this section of the article will address some of the most common queries users have had about concrete, comfort, and work boots.
Do all work boots for concrete have steel toe?
No, many of the work boots in this roundup have a soft toe or a synthetic toe.
What is the most durable work boot outsole for concrete?
For concrete surfaces, dense molded rubber is the most durable outsole material available.
A nice thick rubber will absorb the shock from walking on concrete to a much greater extent than other materials.
And it will also last longer due to the dense rubber being more durable than synthetic outsoles.
Why do your Feet hurt after Walking on Concrete?
The lack of flexibility of concrete floors, compared to say grass or carpets, creates muscle wear as a result of the shock being felt in the bones. Across the tendons, these shocks will result in pains, aches, and sores.
Your ankle also can feel pain as the ankle is a collection of bones. Think of it like shaking pebbles together in a rigid plastic bag.
Since many shoes encourage us to walk with our heels, this can exacerbate the problem.
Final Verdict On The Best Work Boots For Concrete
In our opinion, the best work boots for concrete are the Thorogood Maxwear.
This work boot contains the best in supportive technology, pain reduction, and cushioning.
Ensuring you can get a good day’s work done without having to worry about long-term feet pain, or tripping and falling over on the concrete.
Those are common dangers of working on concrete, and if you are spending long hours on the hard surface, you need to make sure that you are protecting yourself with a high-quality pair of work boots.
Wedge soles are good, but high-quality tread can also make all the difference.
As can a good internal cushion in the work boot, a steel shank, and a breathable leather design.
