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Feet can take a beating, especially if you’re standing all day on hard surfaces.
Concrete is an inflexible surface and is extremely hard on your feet, which can make them swollen and sore and affect other parts of your body, such as your knees and back.
It’s important to realize that wearing inappropriate shoes or boots while walking on cement can lead to irreversible damage to your body, causing years of pain.
For these reasons, you need to find the right shoes for standing on concrete and you’ll find a lot of information on this page to help you.
The good news is that you can get standard safety toe work boots (which could be steel toe, alloy toe, or composite toe) that are still comfortable for long days on hard surfaces.
Work Boots for Standing All Day
Wolverine Men’s Hudson Work Boot
Boots should be comfortable no matter what line of work you’re in; however, some boots offer that additional comfort you require when subjected to cement surfaces. Wolverine Work Boots are one of those brands that integrate extra comfort with a removable cushioned footbed, a removable cushioned insert and a lightweight nylon shank that prevents fatigue. In addition, a steel toe caps are incorporated with these boots for extra protection.
A moisture managing mesh lining wicks away moisture so your feet remain dry for hours of continuous wear. The outsole is constructed with a Wolverine cemented sole that provides flexibility. Equally important, the shaft of these boots measure 5” inches from the arch and provide adequate support to the ankles. Not only will these boots handle the torment produced by hard surfaces, they are also designed for those who work in several different fields of work because of the steel toes protection that is required at some jobs.
Check price at WolverineKEEN Utility Men’s San Jose Aluminum Toe Work Boot
Keen makes it on our list again with their very comfortable Men’s San Jose Aluminum Toe Work Boot.
As a light duty boot, they provide added comfort with an air-injected wedge midsole. The boots themselves are constructed of unlined water resistant leather to minimize any break-in period.
Lightweight aluminum safety toes are ASTM rated and help to make these some of lightest work boots around. The outsoles are made of non-marking slip and oil resistant rubber.
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Caterpillar Men’s Diagnostic Hi Cut Cap Soft Toe Waterproof Boot
Sometimes you need a boot that will serve you efficiently in colder weather as well as accommodating cement surfaces. This Diagnostic Hi Cut Cap Soft Toe Waterproof boot combines insulation with comfort by integrating 200 grams of insulation for warmth during those chilly days. In addition, they are also waterproof which will allow you to work outside when the weather is wet. The full-grain leather construction comes equipped with a rubber sole and a rubber toe cap.
Although they aren’t considered a safety toe boot, the rubber does help prevent wear and tear, and the sole has sufficient traction to keep you steady on your feet. All of the boots featured in this line offer a breathable mesh lining, steel shanks for support, and non-slip outsoles to prevent slipping on wet surfaces. As a boot that is meant to tackle hard ground, while providing comfort to your feet, legs, and back, it’s also a nice choice for someone working outdoors on the concrete and who is subjected to the elements of nature.
Check price at CaterpillarChippewa Apache Lace-Up Boot
Chippewa is another top brand that features boots that are comfortable working on or with concrete. These Apache plain toe boots feature an easy pull-on lace-up system with hardware accents for convenience, plus they are easily adjusted for adequate support. A removable cushioned insert and Drill Vamp lining provide long-lasting comfort, along with the lightweight Vibram gumlite synthetic outsole for a confident grip on surfaces. Furthermore, these particular boots are featured in a smooth chocolate leather top and a 6” leather shaft.
They are round-toed ankle-high boots and are very lightweight at only 1.9 lbs. The Apache Lace-Up Boots would be ideal for anyone in the road or cement construction fields as they are built durable and provide ample cushioning for your feet to eliminate stress to your knees and back caused by long hours subjected to hard surfaces. Click to read more Chippewa boots reviews.
Check Price on AmazonShoes For Standing All Day
Sometimes you spend your days on a hard surface such as concrete but don’t need the additional protection of a work boot. Here are some of the top shoes to protect your feet in the same way as safety boots.
Keen Men’s Sparta Aluminum Toe Shoe
Built for all-day comfort, the Keen Sparta work shoe is the almost like a sneaker.
This non-conductive ESD (Electro Static Dissipative) work shoe offers a breathable mesh upper and the KEEN.ReGEN midsole that is lightweight and compression-resistant.
The oil- and slip-resistant non-marking rubber outsole provides secure footing for a long day on your feet.
ASTM compliant aluminum safety toes protect you from hazards on the job.
Buy or Learn MoreRockport Men’s World Tour Classic Walking Shoe
The World Tour Classic Walking Shoe manufactured by Rockport, is a versatile shoe that can be casually worn every day or as a work-appropriate shoe for the office. They are designed with a forefoot flexibility and special walking platform construction.
A specifically designed Eva midsole with built-in Strobel Technology construction which is a thin sock liner that incorporates stability and flexibility, plus, a synthetic rubber outsole provides ample shock absorption to reduce strain on feet and legs. Plus, added traction ensures ample gripping on various surfaces. Furthermore, the full grain leather upper naturally conforms to your foot overwear to provide a personalized fit and the padded tongue and collar reduces rubbing and prevents blisters. In addition, these particular shoes are easily cleaned and maintained to extend the life of the shoe.
Whether you’re walking on cement or strolling down sidewalks, Rockport Men’s World Tour Classic Walking Shoe is built for comfort and flexibility on these hard surfaces.
Check Price on AmazonTimberland PRO Men’s 47015 Titan Soft-Toe Lace-Up
These Timberland Pro work shoes are equipped with Comfort System, Polyurethane midsole with a High-Rebound heel insert plus molded heel cup that cradles the heel providing that needed comfort and cushioning on concrete surfaces. Plus, the Energy Return Nylon Diffusion Shank returns energy to the feet and provides adequate torsional rigidity plus, supports the arch of the foot where needed.
Temperature is regulated in the shoe from an anti-microbial contoured Outlast Adaptive Comfort footbed. In addition, the outsole is slip, oil and abrasion resistant provides stability on slick surfaces such as wet concrete flooring. These full-grain oiled leather work shoes are designed for durability, long wear, and provide adequate protection to those who work in areas with cement and concrete floors such as factories and warehouses, or even fast-paced work environments where you’re always on the move.
However, something to consider if purchasing these shoes is they are not waterproof and will require a water resistant application if you’ll be subjected to water.
Check Price on AmazonHow to Choose Shoes for Standing on Concrete?
If you are looking for a shoe or boot that you’ll particularly be used for walking or standing on concrete, there are a few basic pieces of information that you should take into consideration before making a purchase.
Everyday footwear such as Chelsea boots, cowboy boots, hiking boots, and dress boots are fine, but not for long periods of standing on hard surfaces. It takes a special breed to maintain comfort and reduce fatigue and reduce pain in your back and knees during those long hours on hard, un-giving surfaces. Features that are designed for shoes or boots made for concrete are as follows:
- Extra Cushioning – Shoes or boots should have additional cushioning to absorb the shock and impact of your feet constantly coming in contact with the hard concrete. Oftentimes, the labeling will specify if it offers a shock absorbing footbed or sole. Removable footbeds and lining are convenient, as it manipulates the cushioning inside as well as allowing you to clean them or let them air out.
- Slip Resistance – We all are aware that concrete floors are rather slippery when introduced to water, so it’s imperative that your shoes/boots offer that protection to grip the surfaces to prevent falls or injuries.
- Flexibility – A lot of boots or shoes that are designed for walking on concrete offer a more flexible design to accommodate the motion of your feet.
- Support – The more support you have for your feet the better. Concrete and other hard surfaces are flat, and your feet take a beating when subjected to un-giving surfaces, so it’s important that your shoe or boots offer adequate support in certain areas of your foot such as the midsole, arch, and heel.
Tips for Walking on Concrete
Concrete floors are extremely harsh on your body and walking or standing on them for long periods of time can create health issues such as swollen feet and ankles, varicose veins, and severe back pain. Though sometimes conditions at work are unavoidable, and the only surfaces provided are concrete floors. However, there are a few tips we can give to assist you in preventing these issues contributed from cement flooring.
- Change Positions – Don’t stand in one place for too long, alter your stance often. Switch your weight to alternate legs every few minutes.
- Resting Spots – If at all possible have a chair or stool present that enable you to take the weight off of your feet for brief periods of time. If that isn’t possible, rest your foot on a foot bar, or lean on a countertop to alleviate pressure from your feet and back.
- Appropriate Footwear – Wearing appropriate footwear can make all the difference when walking on concrete floors. Appropriate heels and cushion provide the shock absorbing insulation between your feet and the concrete so your body doesn’t take all the pressure. In addition to having the right shoe or boot for cement, it is recommended that you also have an extra pair in order to rotate their wear.
- Orthopedic Inserts – If you’re especially sensitive to hard surfaces, or you are already plagued with a back or foot conditions, you might want to consider purchasing orthopedic inserts for your shoes or boots. They will provide additional padding and/or arch support for your feet.
- Anti-Fatigue Mats – Though not always present in a certain working environment, if it’s possible having a few well-placed anti-fatigue mats will give your feet and body a rest from continually subjecting yourself to concrete floors. They provide a resting place for your feet, take advantage of them.
How to Eliminate Back Pain?
Back pain caused by walking on concrete can be debilitating, and it makes your job virtually impossible especially when you’re constantly stopping to readjust or stretch. Plus, continuing your job when your back is already in pain, could make it worse. Pain is a warning sign, and it alerts you to something that’s not quite right with your body. It’s important to heed these warnings and do something about it before it becomes a condition that is irreversible.
If you are experiencing back pain from walking on the concrete daily, you should consider some possible remedies that will assist in alleviating your discomfort. As mentioned in a previous section, shoes and boots that are specifically designed for these occasions are a necessity. A well-cushioned insole and adequate support for your feet will take off a considerable amount of fatigue you’re experiencing.
Another option is to take a minute out of each hour to stretch, this can be done while you’re working and doesn’t require much effort. Basically, stretching is lifting your arms over your head, semi-rotating your body, flexing your back muscles, and grasping your knees and pulling them up to your chest. This prevents your body from becoming stagnant and stiff.
However, if you experience pain while stretching, cease that particular action; existing injuries to your back could become worse with certain movements. Pay attention to the way you are standing or walking, make sure you stand up straight and keep your shoulders and head aligned with your hips. This practice will ensure that your spine remains straight instead of curved from a slouched position.
Back pain can be a serious issue, and it’s suggested that you seek medical attention from your doctor if pain persists for long periods of time. In the meantime, by following certain rules to prevent back pain can assist in avoiding it all together.
Bottom Line
Feet are important, in order for them to last you the remainder of your life and serve you well, you also need to serve them well by wearing the appropriate boots or shoes for the occasion.
Having the right working boots for standing on concrete is imperative and in order to properly inform you on the specific top brands that offer these particular types of boots, we had to dig in and investigate.
Just because you work in a situation where you could sustain foot injuries, it does not mean you have to suffer with foot pain. The right safety boots (or shoes) will provide maximum comfort and keep you safe.
The best boots to buy is up to you but you won’t be disappointed if you start with the short list of the most comfortable work boots reviewed here.
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