7 Best Shoes For Walking On Concrete in 2024

Laci
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7 Best Shoes For Walking On Concrete in 2024

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Standing long hours on hard surfaces will essentially take its toll on your feet and whole body. To help alleviate this pain, you should wear a good pair of walking shoes suitable for concrete.

To help you out, we have gathered several recommendations that you can use for your difficult days at work or your next walking session. We subjected these walking shoes to intensive testing before we vouched for them. Read over our life-changing suggestions to make your walks and standing on concrete more fun and enjoyable. 

How we test walking shoes

We have meticulously assessed and tested more than 80 walking shoes to help you find the best one. For honest and fair reviews, here is our approach:

  • We buy walking shoes using our money.
  • We put these shoes through a series of wear tests to determine their comfort, durability, flexibility, and many other parameters. We walk, stand, and even lightly jog in them on various surfaces, focusing on cemented or concrete ones both indoors and outdoors.
  • We also do tests in our lab. We cut the walking shoes in half to examine every little detail properly. One essential characteristic we look for in the best walking shoes on concrete is cushioning. We measure the heel and forefoot stack height, softness of the foam, platform width, stability, and flexibility.

Best shoes for walking on concrete overall

Hoka Transport
84
Good!

What makes it the best?

While searching for the best concrete shoes, we looked for a shoe that’s tough enough to handle rough days on the job. We found what we were looking for in the Hoka Transport with its soothing cushioning, resilient outsole, and secure fit. These factors grabbed our attention when we tested them in the lab and on the streets, putting the Hoka Transport firmly above the rest.

The Hoka Transport’s cushioning felt heaven-sent as we pounded the streets in them. We looked into this further in our lab, where we pressed our durometer to its midsole to see how it compared to other shoes. We got a reading of 21.9 HA (after performing the test 4 times for improved accuracy), making it 23% softer than the average walking shoe - truly a gift for those who want to give their feet some pampering.

Since concrete can be a bit more abrasive than other surfaces, we found it great that the Hoka Transport’s sole is well-protected. Our durometer test on its outsole yielded a reading of 81.9 HC, making the shoe 13% firmer than the average. Even if something does make a dent, the Hoka Transport’s outsole is sufficiently thick to remove all worries about it wearing through. In the lab, we used our caliper to measure its thickness, giving us a figure of 3.7 mm which is impressive since the average walking shoe’s outsole thickness is at 1.7 mm.

Another thing we found amazing about the Hoka Transport is the way that it keeps feet locked in. After systematically pushing and prodding its heel counter, we gave its stiffness a reading of 3 out of 5 (where 1 is the most flexible), making it stiff enough to reliably resist ankle wobbling. We also found that it was able to embrace our feet well with its semi-gusseted tongue, giving us better lockdown.

One thing we must warn about is the Hoka Transport’s lack of breathability. It performed worse than the average walking shoe in letting air in and out, so we cannot recommend it for those who spend their days in sweaty conditions.

Pros

  • Unbelievably comfy
  • Spacious toe box
  • Adequately cushioned
  • Superior traction
  • Reliable outsole durability
  • Easy to slip in and out
  • True-to-size fit
  • Easy to clean
  • Sustainable

Cons

  • Not great for warm weather
  • Squeaky during break-in
Full review of Hoka Transport

Shoes for walking on concrete with the best comfort

Nike Motiva
90
Great!

What makes it the best?

We walked and pounded the concrete streets for long hours and found Nike’s Motiva serves the ultimate comfortable experience. Our lab reveals why: it has generous and plush cushioning, a unique geometry that promotes seamless transitions, and a grippy and long-lasting outsole.

Motiva brought the clouds to the street through its above-average stack height with below-average density. Our caliper shows a 34.9 mm heel that absorbs much of repetitive landing impact. Meanwhile, our durometer unveils a plush 15.0 HA foam, explaining Motiva’s all-day comfort and leg-saving nature.

Motiva elevates comfort with its effortless, smooth strides, courtesy of its prominent rocker. It has raised curvy edges that lead us forward. To preserve this rocking motion, a level of resistance is needed. Upon checking with our bend test, Motiva is 43.1% more resistant than average.

Beneath the shoe is an outsole that blends traction and durability well. We had no issues with grip even on wet surfaces and the shoe barely had wear after extensive testing. Our lab confirms its compound is a tough 92.0 HC that’s 3.0 mm thick, both exceed the average and indicate a long lifespan.

Unfortunately, taking this shoe out on a hot day isn’t the best idea because of its subpar breathability. Best to use this during cooler seasons.

Pros

  • Rocker makes for effortless walks
  • Audaciously plush cushioning
  • Out-of-the-box comfort
  • Very wide and stable base (for walking/jogging only!)
  • Durable and grippy sole
  • Amazing wear resistance in the upper
  • A Nike shoe that's NOT tight and narrow

Cons

  • Lacks breathability for hot weather
  • Sole develops wrinkles easily
  • Rocker takes time to get used to
Full review of Nike Motiva

Best shoes for walking on concrete all day

Hoka Clifton LS
88
Good!

What makes it the best?

Hoka Clifton LS gave us exactly what we’re looking for when standing on hard surfaces for extended periods — an unbelievably cushioned, supportive, and durable platform. We wore and lab-tested the best concrete walking shoes and confirmed Clifton LS is the best for all-day wear.

Our feet can’t get enough of the generous foam that protects our legs from solid surface impact. We measured the stack with our caliper at an above-average 35.2/27.0 mm. The moderate rocker paved the way for smoother transitions.

Surprisingly, this monstrous beast feels steady on foot. It’s soft for all-day wear, yet firm enough to not collapse easily when we move laterally. Our durometer confirms a balanced 21.3 HA. The midsole offers a very generous landing platform, adding to our surefootedness. Its 122.8/95.5 mm heel and forefoot area is one of the widest in our lab.

Underfoot, the Durabrasion Rubber impressed us with its excellent traction and resistance to wear. In all our lab tests, the results point to a sturdy outsole. Our durometer shows an above-average 80.5 HC that’s 1.1 mm thicker than the average walking shoe. It performed with flying colors in our Dremel test by showing only 0.6 mm indentation, 60% more resistant than average.

The upper has real leather and suede parts for durability but at the expense of breathability. We find that Clifton LS isn’t ideal for warm weather.

Pros

  • Very generously cushioned
  • Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
  • Wider-than-average and stable platform
  • Exceptionally durable
  • Secure foothold with no heel slips
  • Excellent grip in various conditions
  • Amazing in-shoe comfort

Cons

  • Could be more breathable
  • Heavier than average
Full review of Hoka Clifton LS

Best rocker-bottom shoes for walking on concrete

KEEN WK400
82
Decent!

What makes it the best?

Among walking shoes we tested on concrete, the KEEN WK400 proves it’s the best-rockered shoe. It paves the way for seamless and effortless strides, packed with luxurious comfort and toughness in its outsole.

The ride feels enjoyable thanks to its plush and responsive cushion. Our durometer reveals it’s 12.0% softer than average. Further delivering impact protection is its very generous 45.7 mm heel—one of the tallest we’ve ever seen. On the other end is a modest forefoot that leads to a staggering 21.4 mm drop. A steeper incline translates to smooth forward motions and less pressure on our Achilles and feet.

To boost stability, WK400 has a rigid plate beneath the midsole that also helps retain the KEEN CURVE's shape. This stiffness is essential in maintaining our forward momentum, and our bend test reveals it’s 60.8% more resistant than average.

Our lab tests show the rubber in the outsole is 12.7% harder and 2.4 mm thicker than average. Our observations further support its durability since it looked new despite rigorous testing. We also found it to be grippy and protective enough for moderate trails.

Our cut-in-half shoe reveals a dual-layer fabric in the upper, which explains why it lacks airflow on hot and humid days. Best to use this pair in moderate to cooler temperatures.

Pros

  • Rocker sole propels you forward
  • Copious amount of cushioning
  • Takes stress and pressure off the feet
  • Amazingly comfortable step-in feel
  • Highly durable and abrasion-resistant
  • More stable than it seems!
  • Can go from road to trail

Cons

  • Needs some getting used to
  • Heavier than average
Full review of KEEN WK400

Shoes for walking on concrete with the best arch support

What makes it the best?

The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 delivered exceptional stability in our trials and comfort for prolonged wear, making it our concrete walking shoe with the best arch support. It displayed remarkable durability in our lab and sturdiness in its platform that promotes foot health, earning the approval of podiatrists.

The AW2 inspires surefooted strides even as our feet get tired. An Extended Progressive Diagonal Bar enhances support and minimizes excessive movements, earning a 5/5 in stiffness, which helps maintain control. The midsole, measuring a balanced 25.9 HA, provides comfort without bottoming out.

The AW2 features a resilient framework, from its all-leather upper to its tougher-than-average 84.5 HC outsole. It bravely resisted our abrasion test, earning a 5/5 in toebox durability and sustaining 40.0% less damage than average in the outsole. As if that wasn’t enough, the rubber is 5.5 mm thick! It feels impossible to wear this shoe down.

Unfortunately, its durable build comes at the expense of weight. At 13.7 oz (388g), it felt like a drag vs. the 9.8 oz (277g) average walking shoe.

Pros

  • Unmatched stability and arch support
  • Broadly recommended by podiatrists
  • Incredible abrasion resistance and durability
  • Thick and lasting cushioning
  • Wide and steady platform
  • Great for cold and drizzly days
  • Comfortable in-shoe feel
  • True to size and fit
  • Can match formal work attire

Cons

  • Heavier than average
  • Quite stiff, needs breaking on
  • Lacks slip resistance on wet tiles
  • Not breathable
Full review of Brooks Addiction Walker 2

Shoes for walking on concrete with the best cushioning

On Cloudtilt
90
Great!

What makes it the best?

Steady pillowy landings and springy takeoffs are what we experienced in the On Cloudtilt. Its plush nature erases the harshness of concrete ground, making it our best-cushioned walking shoe for this type of surface. Moreover, our lab even shows the outsole is durable enough for rough ground.

Our durometer confirms the heavenly bliss our feet experienced with a 20.2 HA reading, 17.9% softer than average. As if that’s not enough, Cloudtilt stands at a sky-high 35.5/26.8 mm for unmatched impact protection. The CloudTec compression takes comfort to the next level by making the shoe feel softer than it is.

Despite its height, Cloudtilt feels light and stable. Our scales show it’s only 9.4 oz (266g), feeling effortless on foot compared to the average walking shoe (9.8 oz/277g). Further alleviating our worries is the wide 117.7/96.7 mm base, providing a secure feel with every step.

The tough 81.6 HC rubber covers the shoe’s high-wear areas in the outsole. It resisted our abrasion test fiercely and sustained minimal damage compared to average, cementing its durability.

However, we can only recommend this pair in cool weather because of the tightly woven upper’s lack of ventilation. Those who need more breathability should check other options.

Pros

  • Plenty of cushioning for long hours on feet
  • Soft and smooth ride
  • Feels nice and light on foot
  • Abrasion-resistant upper and outsole
  • Wide and steady platform
  • Easy on-and-off with bungee laces
  • Upper made of recycled material

Cons

  • Not very breathable
  • Flimsy inner lining and insole
  • Not for wide feet
Full review of On Cloudtilt

Best waterproof shoes for walking on concrete

What makes it the best?

We felt ultimately protected in our strolls while wearing the Hoka Transport GTX. It has a robust framework—from its tough Cordura upper to its rugged Vibram outsole—that can withstand any road and weather conditions while securing our strides. Based on our lab results, it’s the best waterproof concrete walking shoe.

Besides the effective Gore-Tex membrane, Transport GTX adds a tough fabric called Cordura. Combining the two creates an impenetrable barrier, as confirmed by our breathability test with the lowest 1/5 score. This makes it highly effective in keeping us warm and dry. Additionally, its 4/5 durability score makes it our shield.

The shoe’s tough construction enhances stability by containing unwanted twists and ankle rolls. Our manual assessment proves it strongly resists movement torsionally, earning the highest 5/5 score. Even in our bend test, it emerged 22.8% stiffer than average.

Beneath the midsole, the Vibram outsole does the dirty work. Our lab confirms its solid defense with an above-average 81.0 HC durometer reading and a thickness of 3.4 mm. Furthermore, it showed 33.3% less damage than average in our Dremel test, cementing its durability. 

However, its solid build is a heavy 11.6 oz (330g), 19.1% above average. If weightlessness is a priority, best to look elsewhere.

Pros

  • Top-class waterproofing
  • Cushioned and supportive for all-day wear
  • Smooth strides thanks to rockered shape
  • Very stable platform
  • Highly durable construction
  • Good grip on wet city streets
  • Quick and easy lacing system (regular laces included in the box as well)
  • Reflective elements all throughout the upper
  • Sustainable materials in almost every shoe part

Cons

  • A bit heavier than average
  • Major stack and drop discrepancy with official specs
  • Not for wide feet
Full review of Hoka Transport GTX

Choosing the best shoes for walking on concrete

Let’s face facts: human feet did not evolve to walk on hard surfaces like concrete. Proper footwear is an essential adaptation tool to keep your feet comfortable, protected, and injury-free.

Walking shoes designed for concrete surfaces offer abundant cushioning and support that not all shoe types possess. They also have the right kind of rubber outsole that can handle long-term abrasion from this unforgiving surface.

Cushioning and shock absorption in walking shoes for concrete

Walking on concrete – or other hard manufactured surfaces – subject your feet to repetitive, unforgiving impact forces, leading to discomfort and fatigue.

The best concrete walking shoes feature relatively thick midsoles and insoles to provide lasting protection.

hoka-transport-heel-stack.JPG

TIP: Look for at least 30 mm of stack height in the shoe's heel because anything thinner than that will not provide enough shock absorption for long hours on hard surfaces.

We measure the stack height of every shoe in our lab to find out exactly how much material you can expect underfoot.

 

There is no rule about how soft the midsole cushioning should be in a walking shoe for concrete. It all depends on your personal preference.

To let you know what to expect in a given shoe, we use a Shore A durometer to measure the softness of each midsole as precisely as possible in HA units. The smaller the HA reading, the softer the midsole:

  • soft: < 20 HA
  • balanced: 20 - 30 HA
  • firm: > 30 HA  
best-walking-shoes-for-concrete-measuring-midsole softness.jpg
15 HA is a rather plush midsole; you can see it in action in the video below

Choose a softer shoe if:

  • you just want that nice and plush underfoot experience
  • you want to keep your feet free from fatigue after hours of standing and walking

Choose a firmer shoe if:

Concrete requires a durable shoe outsole

The outsoles of concrete walking shoes are engineered for durability. Rugged outsole compounds and a thicker construction will help your shoes withstand the abrasiveness of concrete surfaces without wearing them out quickly.

best-walking-shoes-for-concrete-choose-hard-durable-rubber-outsole.jpg

TIP: For concrete, choose shoes with a full-length rubber outsole, or at least make sure that rubber covers 2/3 of the shoe's bottom.

We also recommend that the rubber layer is at least 3 mm thick to ensure its longevity.

best-walking-shoes-for-concrete-measuring-rubber-outsole-hardness.jpg

It is also crucial to check how hard and wear-resistant the shoe's rubber is. As a rule, harder compounds tend to be more durable. In our lab, we use a Shore C durometer to gauge the firmness of each shoe's rubber outsole. We expect to see a durometer reading of at least 80 HC.

But not all walking shoes with hard rubbers pass our demanding Dremel test where we apply sandpaper for 22 seconds at a high speed of 10K RPM.

If the depth of the dent exceeds 1.2 mm, we don't tag the shoe as concrete-ready. This doesn't mean that the shoe can't be worn on concrete at all but we can't recommend it for extensive wear on this type of surface because of limited rubber durability.

best-walking-shoes-for-concrete-outsole-durability-comparison.jpg
Two outsoles after the Dremel test; that's why rubber is a must for walking on concrete.

 

How often should I replace my concrete walking shoes?

It's generally recommended to replace walking shoes every 500 miles as that's when cushioning starts to lose its original properties. However, signs of wear and reduced cushioning can be indicators for a replacement.

Can I use running shoes for walking on concrete?

As long as a running shoe meets the criteria mentioned in this guide, it can easily double as a walking shoe for concrete!

Brooks Ghost 15 outsole

Because we perform the same midsole and outsole measurements across all categories, we can pick out the top 10 running shoes for walking on concrete too:

 

Author
Laci
Laci
Laci is a contemporary dancer turned shoe aficionado. She is the most knowledgeable person when it comes to athletic shoes, size conversions and details people nitpick about footwear. She keeps the RunRepeat content gears turning 24/7. And she walks 20miles/week.