With loafers, walking sneakers, and flats (oh my!), there’s an array of walking shoe styles for any occasion—even if the path leads you straight from work to a night out with friends. So, how can you tell which kicks are right for a concrete floor?
In this guide, we’ve broken down what to look for in a pair of walking shoes, especially if you’ll spend a lot of time on hard surfaces like concrete, and include a list of our favorite pairs for some extra guidance while you shop.
Why Walking on Concrete Requires Special Footwear
When going for a stroll through the park or walking across the grass in your own backyard, you may notice that the ground gives in slightly under the pressure of your feet. Although it may not feel like much, this subtle cushioning helps to support your feet, ankles, and knees as you move.
Instead, concrete is a much harder surface without any give. This means that every time you take a step, it sends a shock wave up from the soles of your feet to your knees and spine. Over time, walking for several hours on concrete can lead to pain and swelling, or even the development of more serious podiatric and spinal conditions, including:
- Plantar fasciitis – Walking on hard, concrete surfaces can put significant pressure on your feet, leading to the inflammation of the plantar fascia. This thick band of tissue runs across the bottom of your foot, and when it’s inflamed, it can cause significant pain and discomfort because of a condition called plantar fasciitis.
- Bunions and corns – Wearing unsupportive shoes while walking on concrete can also lead to the development of corns (thick, calloused lesions) and bunions (large, bony bumps on your big toe). These unwelcome guests may form on your feet when your shoes don’t fit properly, leading to sensitivity, pain, and even difficulty walking.
- Lower back pain – The rigidity of a concrete floor can put pressure on your spine, leading to chronic misalignment. This spinal pressure can cause intense and potentially long-term lower back pain without the proper precautions, including supportive walking shoes.
- Flat feet – Since concrete requires your feet to act as shock absorbers when you walk, it’s essential to have adequate cushioning for your soles. Without the support they need, the arches of your feet can collapse, leading to flat feet from the continuous pressure over time.
But not to fear! The right footwear makes it easy to move across a variety of surfaces, including concrete. With extra shoe cushioning and ample arch support, you can help stabilize your feet and ankles and intercept the shock your body would normally absorb, keeping you comfortable and helping to prevent injury.
Key Features to Look for in Shoes for Concrete Walking
Concrete is a popular building material and a key component of sidewalks because of its hard and rigid consistency. While its texture makes it stable and durable, it’s not always the most gentle on your body, especially if you spend several hours a day on foot.
This means that when you’re searching for the best shoes for walking on concrete, there are a few key features you’ll want to prioritize. Here’s an overview of what you should look for in a pair of walking shoes for protecting your feet on concrete:
Midsole Cushioning
Navigating walking on concrete can seem daunting since this inflexible material can put pressure on your feet and joints. Fortunately, shoes that feature thick midsole cushioning help to relieve the tension.
Ideally, the extra cushioning in a supportive shoe should span from toe to heel, offering a broad range of shock absorption. You’ll also want a thick outsole to complement the midsole cushioning for added support.
Arch Support
Aside from a soft, cushiony feel, you’ll also want a comfortable walking shoe that features sturdy arch support to prevent you from developing flat feet when walking and standing on concrete.
Sufficient arch support helps distribute weight evenly across the soles of your feet, preventing or improving painful conditions like plantar fasciitis.
Breathability
If you spend long hours on your feet, you know how important it is for your shoes to breathe, especially if you’re outside in the sun or working up a sweat walking at a brisk pace.
Whether or not you plan on walking miles on concrete surfaces, it’s important for your shoes to feel light and breathable so your feet can stay cool and dry, no matter where you’re headed. Look for pairs that feature materials like mesh, suede, and polyester.
Our Top Picks: Best Shoes for Walking on Concrete
So, what are the best shoes for all day walking on concrete? We’ve made a list of our top picks to make it even easier for you to find the perfect pair:
23Walk 2.0 Sneaker
This customer-favorite got a make-over! The Vionic 23Walk 2.0 Sneaker features the same Vio- Motion support technology that made the original version (the 23Walk Classic Sneaker) such a hit.
Now with upgraded materials, this sneaker includes a breathable, moisture-wicking mesh liner for unmatched comfort and easy all-day wear.
Walk Max Sneaker
For a unique balance of stability and support (with a side of unmatched comfort) you’ll want to check out the Walk Max Lace Up Sneaker. It features a lightweight midsole rebound technology for the shock absorption and easy rebounding you need when walking on concrete and other hard surfaces.
Looking for a slip-on option for added ease? Try on the Walk Max Stretch Lace Up Sneaker. Tie them once and they’re ready to go, no matter how often you slip them off and on.
Walk Strider Sneaker
Whether you’re already an avid explorer or you’re hoping to boost your step count, you’ll want to check out the Walk Strider Sneaker.
This high-performance walking shoe features anti-roll technology to keep your ankles stable and protected while also including lateral rigidity constructs for extra support. Complete with ample cushioning, this sneaker takes walking as seriously as you do.
Other Walking Shoes Made with Your Soles in Mind
Here’s a look at other walking shoes that’ll be your concrete companions, all equipped with built-in orthotics for the arch support and cushioning your soles need:
- Miles II Sneaker – The next gen version of a classic style, the Miles II Sneaker features a sleek design and a reimagined V logo for added sporty flair.
- Kimmie Court Sneaker – Are you after a casual, leather sneaker for all-day comfort? Look no further. The Kimmie Court Sneaker is your next go-to shoe for looking chic on concrete, featuring underfoot support and a padded collar for stability that delivers.
- Winny Sneaker – Classic and understated, the Winny Sneaker is a wardrobe essential, complete with a rubber sole lace-up design that’s easy to wear day or night and supportive enough for long walks on concrete surfaces.
Whether you’re heading up the block or on the job, long hours on concrete can take their toll, so make sure to give your feet some TLC with a pair of the best shoes for walking on concrete floors all day.
Tips for Maintaining Your Shoes for Longevity and Performance
Want to get the most out of your favorite pair? Here’s a look at how you can maintain your shoes to ensure their longevity and boost performance:
- Clean your sneakers regularly – Clean your shoes after long outings to ensure there isn’t built-up dust and debris in your soles.
- Let your shoes breathe – Try to store your walking shoes in a dry, well-ventilated room. They may be damp after a long walking session, so it’s important that they have the opportunity to dry completely before you wear them on your next outing.
- Keep an eye on your walking habits – If your feet are prone to supination or pronation, you can wear out your walking shoes unevenly. Consider orthotic insoles to help evenly distribute your weight across the entire sole of your foot for more comfortable walking and even wear.
Once you’ve found the best shoes for walking on concrete floors, you’ll want to make them last. With a few helpful tips, you can take care of your favorite walking sneakers to ensure they’re in peak performance shape for the journeys ahead.
FAQs About Shoes for Walking on Concrete Answered
So you know you need a pair of shoes that were designed with surfaces like concrete in mind, but where should you begin? Here’s the 411 on the best shoes for walking on concrete all day:
What’s the Most Important Feature in Shoes for Walking on Concrete?
When it comes to shopping for walking shoes (especially for use on hard surfaces), remember the two C’s: comfort and cushioning.
Shock absorption should be your number one priority when trying on different pairs so you find footwear with long-lasting support that will help keep your feet, joints, and spine comfortable and pain-free.
How Often Should You Replace Your Walking Shoes?
So, how long do walking shoes really last? As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to replace your walking shoes every 300 to 500 miles (480 to 800 kilometers) of walking, especially if you spend the majority of time on your feet walking on rigid surfaces like concrete.
If you walk around three to four miles a day, you’ll probably want to replace your walking shoes once every six months. One way to hold on to the pairs you love a little longer is by rotating between a couple pairs every few days.
Find the Walking Support Your Feet Deserve with Vionic
For walking shoes that’ll go the distance, Vionic has got you covered. Whether you’re looking for the best athletic shoes for walking on concrete or you’re after a summer sandal that won’t leave your soles feeling sore, our footwear selection has styles that offer comfort and flair.
You’ll find our exclusive Vio Motion footbed in every shoe. These built-in orthotics were bio-mechanically designed to offer you dynamic stability and grounded support so you’re ready for any terrain, no matter where your feet take you.
Sources:
Dignity Health. Dignity Health: Find Healing for Corns and Bunions in Arizona. https://www.dignityhealth.org/arizona/services/orthopedics/orthopedic-conditions/foot-ankle-conditions-injuries/corns-bunions
Florida Foot Specialists. Best Shoes for Standing All Day On Concrete Floors. https://floridafootspecialists.com/what-are-the-best-shoes-for-standing-all-day-on-concrete-floors/
Harvard Health. Tips for Choosing Walking Shoes. https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/tips-for-choosing-walking-shoes
Hinge Health. Standing or Walking On Concrete All Day? What Physical Therapists Want You to Know. https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/walking-on-concrete-all-day/