Shoes for concrete floor

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Is it a tool? I guess...

I walk around on concrete floors all day long. My feet hate me. I don't want "dad" shoes, the typical white nikes or new balance old people shoes. But I need comfort, any suggestions?

 

[bob15]

New Balance Postal sneakers: 706v2

Or are these considered old people shoes?

https://www.newbalance.com/pd/postal-706v2-made-in-us/MK706-V2.html

 

[Henricogolfer]

Look at Spenco inserts, did worlds for me and plantar fasciitis. I’m 46, but have plenty of cool NB.


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[bobg03]

When I walked lots of concrete floors, I had a pair of Rockport work boots light duty and comfy...I took a pair to the railroad when I made a career change, they were useless on the ballast but stupendous on concrete.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Do you walk or stand? If you’re in a few places for longer periods of time, those foam mats that professional chefs use are godsends. I have had great luck with red wing boots. Been wearing the same style for 11-12 years now on expanded metal, diamond plate, concrete, dirt gravel and everything in between without incident.

 

[Oggy]

I had some Redwing I've gone back to multiple times.


Edit: those were boots, but their shoes are also comfortable.



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[RTM]

I used to wear Rockports when I was on my feet on hard concrete surfaces. Their soles worked much better than Vibram etc. my one pair of redWings aren’t bad, for safety shoes, but the Rockport Rocksports kicked their ****. Dunno what they make in boots anymore.

 

[Djosbun]

I love my pull-on Redback boots. Extremely cushy sole but I also wear them with Superfeet insoles (black). I just purchased my son some Redwing shoes this past weekend, the ones that look like Vans. You can't go wrong with Redwings once they break in.

-- Dave

 

[The Cobbler]

Rockport, unfortunately has gone online sales only. they did this pre covid as a business decision. I don't know how you buy shoes without trying them on

 

[logical]

Get some GEL insoles and any shoes will be good on concrete. Just don't be like me and leave them in your truck bed overnight in winter and have to wear popsicles when you get to the plant the next morning.

 

[Jacobs976]

I liked hard rubber sole military boots. They were made for standing, walking, and crouching plus the occasional walk across hot coals if you're in to that. Unfortunately after 5 years daily wear they finally broke down, soles worn through. Been wearing some newer-ish Nike running shoes with the soft soles and they're fine enough beyond any random piece of gravel gets stuck between the pads and clicks till you pry it out. Most of my coworkers have worn wolverine boots from tractor supply or a look alike, same idea as the military boots but not as well done or expensive, military retailed 500 while wolverine can be found on sale for 30. Military isn't hard to find surplus though for probably 30 or less.

 

[BombShelter]

I own a lot of shoes and boots, I'll switch for whatever I'm doing but it's usually standing/walking for long periods. I'm surprised guys say Redwing, I love the look and durability but I'm in pain after a day of use.

Lately I've been getting more into the heavy duty sneaker boot looking shoes. KEEN, the made in USA Line, has some really comfortable boots, both hi and low top. Some even have a steel toe, which is a bonus for me. The grip on the tread is awesome and it has a nice flex to it. I hate tying shoes and can leave the laces tied and just slip my feet in and still have a great fit.

I'm done with Chinese Shoes and Boots, I've never found one that felt good, I've got normal wide feet and don't like getting blisters on the sides of my feet because they seem to run narrow.

For most of my boots, except the USA KEENS, I have insoles, that helps a ton. Don't get the cheap ones, get the expensive ones or see a specialty shop that will make custom ones for you.

 

[sparky 1971]

I weigh in at 300 pounds, am on concrete all day and I love my Carolina and Thorogood wedge sole boots. It doesn't appear that either company makes a shoe version, but I have seen a moc toe, wedge sole shoe somewhere. Both of mine are 6", but the Carolinas are significantly shorter, the top isn't above my ankle.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I own a lot of shoes and boots, I'll switch for whatever I'm doing but it's usually standing/walking for long periods. I'm surprised guys say Redwing, I love the look and durability but I'm in pain after a day of use.

Lately I've been getting more into the heavy duty sneaker boot looking shoes. KEEN, the made in USA Line, has some really comfortable boots, both hi and low top. Some even have a steel toe, which is a bonus for me. The grip on the tread is awesome and it has a nice flex to it. I hate tying shoes and can leave the laces tied and just slip my feet in and still have a great fit.

I'm done with Chinese Shoes and Boots, I've never found one that felt good, I've got normal wide feet and don't like getting blisters on the sides of my feet because they seem to run narrow.

For most of my boots, except the USA KEENS, I have insoles, that helps a ton. Don't get the cheap ones, get the expensive ones or see a specialty shop that will make custom ones for you.

Shoes and boots are so personal that a blanket one size fits all doesn’t work. I’ve had years of great experience with Red Wing stuff. But I break them in very meticulously and slowly before they become daily wear. I like the feeling of Wolverine boots, but they self destruct and I can’t stand paying good money for short term use like that. I know lots of people who like the Ariat lineup as well, but back to that they wear out too fast in my eyes.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

Im on my feet 12hrs a day and i use inserts. Got to find one you like. Also socks with the arch support in them help alot

 

[richfinn]

Although comfortable in the short term, I find running shoes/sneekers a little bit too soft for me when working

I like a good quality Hiking boot like the Salomon 4D quest, I size up a full size as feet tend to swell a little after a long day.

I would try a few brands before you purchase, hiking stores are good as they l will measure your feet and let you wander around indoors to see if they fit correctly

 

[lardy1]

New Balance Postal sneakers: 706v2

Or are these considered old people shoes?



https://www.newbalance.com/pd/postal-706v2-made-in-us/MK706-V2.html

I found the plate steel deck of a merchant ship to be way harder on my feet than concrete. Old sailors limp and it isn't because of balance issues. It's from beating your feet on an ungiving, cold steel deck for years.

Those New Balance postal approved worked very well for me when I was inside. Outside I was required to wear safety toes. I also really liked the Skechers slip ons with memory foam insoles. But they had a very short life span out there.

I tried many different brands and styles. For boots I wore Wolverine and I also bought a pair of US made Keen with safety toe which I don't care for.

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis in my feet, ankles and knees as well as the torture of the steel deck. I threw away or gave away a lot of shoes trying to find what worked for me.

 

[pizza]

I don't want...new balance old people shoes. But I need comfort...

i think new balance is swag. it's not (only) for old people, lol. i even wore them in high school.

besides, how can something functional not be cool?

 

[Kscardsfan]

I found the plate steel deck of a merchant ship to be way harder on my feet than concrete. Old sailors limp and it isn't because of balance issues. It's from beating your feet on an ungiving, cold steel deck for years.

Those New Balance postal approved worked very well for me when I was inside. Outside I was required to wear safety toes. I also really liked the Skechers slip ons with memory foam insoles. But they had a very short life span out there.

I tried many different brands and styles. For boots I wore Wolverine and I also bought a pair of US made Keen with safety toe which I don't care for.

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis in my feet, ankles and knees as well as the torture of the steel deck. I threw away or gave away a lot of shoes trying to find what worked for me.

Standing on the rig floor of drilling rigs is what made me aware of the finer points of shoes and boots. Coco mats seemed to help a little, but mainly used those to insulate yourself from the heat or cold that seemed to constantly radiate off that surface.

 

[Macneil]

If you can spare the cash or have benefits to pay for them, look into going to a podiatrist and getting custom orthotics. I have a high arch and wide feet and without them, my back feels like it’s 40 years older than I am in no time.

I am a mechanic by trade and if I am lucky, I get to stand on concrete all day in a shop setting. Most of the time I am on “the beat” (ramp, drift, headings) in an underground hard rock mine.

I’ve recently switched to these boots with my orthotics as mentioned previously. I love them. I’m not a cowboy boot kind of guy (wide feet..not a fan of country lol) but these are fantastic and have a met guard that is as soft as puppies ears.

https://www.muckbootcompany.ca/pro...hJRm_Pc8LpVyDxsgIVpp4kdNRu_FuHPhoCHnkQAvD_BwE

If you don’t need a boot that tall, is be also had excellent luck with Timberland steel toes. They’re honestly more comfortable than most shoes I’ve purchased in the past.

https://www.fieldandstreamshop.com...ots-15tldm6ndrctttchsfbo/15tldm6ndrctttchsfbo

If it’s just a show you’re going for, I haven’t a clue haha!


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[mepstein]

If you can, supplement the shoes with some rubber mats in the places where you are standing. It makes a huge difference.

 

[Kscardsfan]

If you can, supplement the shoes with some rubber mats in the places where you are standing. It makes a huge difference.

Can't agree with this enough. I love those ergonomic floor mats.

 

[X1 Mike]

I don't want "dad" shoes, the typical white nikes or new balance old people shoes. But I need comfort, any suggestions?

I asked a family member who is a doctor the same question and said I didn't want old man New Balances.

He said, "Oh, so you want your feet to hurt."

I wear new balances.

 

[mepstein]

Can't agree with this enough. I love those ergonomic floor mats.

Years ago, I ran a bike shop. I was an avid cyclist and racer but standing on the concrete all day would do me in more than any ride. We bought the commercial floor mats to stand on while working at a bike stand. It made a huge difference even though I wasn't in front of the stand all day.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I asked a family member who is a doctor the same question and said I didn't want old man New Balances.



He said, "Oh, so you want your feet to hurt."



I wear new balances.

Lol. I don't mind new balance, just not the tan, gray, black or white velcro, boring shoes.

 

[Blt2Lst]

If you can spare the cash or have benefits to pay for them, look into going to a podiatrist and getting custom orthotics.
[/QUOTE] Best advice so far, worth the investment.

 

[Flash and Flare]

I'm on indoor concrete 12hrs a day as well.
Get yourself a good pair of Carolina boots, expensive but they last and are the most comfortable boots I have ever worn.

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[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I'm on indoor concrete 12hrs a day as well.
Get yourself a good pair of Carolina boots, expensive but they last and are the most comfortable boots I have ever worn.

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I have the boots and you're right, they are awesome. Most comfortable boots I've ever walked in. But I have a severed ACL and most of the building is tiled and no real need for boots.

 

[madmanmerc]

i wear stanley zeiss saftey shoes. work like a charm

 

[Ign]

I say this in every work boot thread, but I really don't understand how people ignore socks. I wear Thorlo Trekking socks every. single. day.

For boots Timberland Pro Titans work for me. Standing on concrete as I type this (shrug)

 

[jonshonda]

Back when I was a union carpenter we all raced to get the deck build on the first floor, so we could get off the cement floor. Concrete is not forgiving, and I was always amazed how much better I felt after a day of walking on osb floors.

 

[Mikea57]

I was diagnosed with Charcot Foot about 5 yrs ago (http://www.footpodiatrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/charcot-foot.jpg) and now my right foot has widened out to a 6E, and a bulge has replaced the arch. (The left is still a 3E, normal arch) It's non-diabetic related which is the most common cause of Charcot Foot. If you're not aware of it and you're diabetic with foot problems, google it. It's much better if you get on it early as opposed to later when they want to amputate your foot like they talked about doing to mine. JFYI...
6E shoes/boots are EXTREMELY hard to find. And if you do find some they are uglier than Sin! I have a pair of Orthotic shoes (Mt. Emey) that don't look real bad and work real well and then I have a pair of Avenger Steel toe boots that are clunky but I wear them because they are as comfortable as shoes will ever be for me. Fortunately, the neuropathies I experienced before Charcot Foot killed all the nerves in both feet so I don't feel pain in my feet but if my legs start aching I know my feet are tired. If anyone knows of a boot maker that makes 6E width boots & shoes, I'd really appreciate hearing about them.

 

[Will Allen]

I'm done with Chinese Shoes and Boots,

Then stay away from Red Wings. Most of it is made in China but they put the laces in here and call them American made. A lot of products use deceptive language. One way they do it is to say they are ASSEMBLED in the USA

You see the USA flag and think it is made here.

 

[Semi-hole mechanic]

I work retail and am on concrete floors all day. I've found that I need to wear a boot with a little bit of heel. If I wear a tennis shoe, no matter how much of a cushioned sole, I end up with horrible shin splints. For the last sevral years I've worn Justin Lacer style work boots. They're fairly light and have just enough heel (roper heel) o prevent the shin splints. Excuse the condition, I'm overdue to get a new pair.

 

[briann898]

I walk around on concrete floors all day long. My feet hate me. I don't want "dad" shoes, the typical white nikes or new balance old people shoes. But I need comfort, any suggestions?

I would definitely take some shoes with the thick soles. And would purchase only after some fitting in an actual shoes' store, avoiding orders via websites. Although my wife prefers to use nursing shoes for any type of floor. I was ordering some pairs of those after reading an article here for details and some comparison among three or four models.

 

[zze86]

Would like to second the suggestion for a hiking boot. They're literally made to be walked in all day and there are tons of styles available with plenty of choices out there that are a cross between a boot and a sneaker. Obviously, not many (if at all) have a steel toe though (if its needed).

 

[mbunimog]

If you want comfort you would want USA handmade boots fitted to your size and arch in the foot and made of leather and with a sewn in sole (several choices of hard to soft soles) and built up last of several layers of leather as well. Then add the Spenco insoles and you are all set for all day work on concrete> The test is when you get home you don't feel like taking the boots off because they are sooooo comfortable.
Stay away from molded soles such as Redwings. But you need to spend about 500 dollars to get them

 

[mbunimog]

Getting these boots actually saves money for most folks because they will last many years and can be resoled multiple times. Other boots used on a full time basis will be lucky to last a year

 

[mbunimog]

Also I like the lugger heels that are higher than normal heels and feels very comfortable to me anyway. The point is that you can get the boots made to your prefence

 

[Xcursion88]

D
A
N
N
E
R

USA made boots day long.
Super rain forest for me.


Be careful..Danner makes a lower line to compete with the other trash imported footwear. Rocky's, etc...


Make sure they're USA made.

I've a pair of hunting boots worn hard ...Santiam is the model
17 years and counting. Never repaired...hell original laces.

Good luck