Standing on concrete is hard on your feet and your body. This is because most surfaces, such as roads, grass, and clay, absorb some shock. When you walk, stand, or run on them, they provide natural cushioning. This is not the case with concrete. On concrete, your body must absorb 100% of the shock.
In other words, concrete cannot be treated like any other surface. And buying thick, padded soles is not the solution. Studies have shown that soft, maximalist soles can hit the ground harder. This can result in stiff legs and shins and poor foot positioning. If this continues for too long, it can lead to flat feet, knee pain, and even back pain.
So much for the bad news. The good news is that the body has a way of absorbing and cushioning the shock. When all joints are functioning properly, the feet act like little cushions. They propel us when we run or walk, and they also cushion the impact of our feet on concrete. In other words, what we are looking for is not just a thicker sole. We want shoes that allow our feet to do their job as we stand, walk, and work on concrete for extended periods of time.
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Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for shoes to wear when walking on concrete.
Low Heel Drop
Many shoes these days have a high heel drop. In other words, the heel is raised off the ground and the toe portion is elevated. This causes the foot and body to lean forward. This allows them to generate the strength needed to run faster or lift heavier objects.
But in everyday life, heel drop is bad for you. It is like wearing high heels. It shortens the Achilles tendon. It decreases the arch and mobility of the ankle. It kills the natural cushioning of the foot. And it disturbs your posture by making you lean forward.
This is difficult on any surface, but especially on concrete. This can lead to foot problems such as flat feet and high arches. It can also lead to heel, knee, hip, and even back pain. In short, high heels are absolutely unnecessary. The safe heel height is .5 inches. Anything over that is like wearing high heels on concrete all day long.
Important note on this subject Many of the shoes recommended in this article also have thick padding in the forefoot. In this type of shoe, the heel height is the difference between the toe box height and the heel height. Do not measure the height from the ground to the heel. It is the position of the foot that is important, not the total distance from the ground.
Arch Support
The medial arch plays an important role in the cushioning performance of the foot. The problem is that the muscles that support this arch become fatigued over time. On surfaces such as concrete, they tire twice as fast. This is one of the main reasons for the modern epidemic of flat feet. We spend so much time on concrete that our feet are left sagging. The result is sore feet, sore heels, and in turn, thick soles.
The solution is to look for arch supports. Supportive insoles, especially large and semi-rigid ones, are good; I like EVA foam because it provides good support after hundreds of hours of use. However, if you walk a lot, you may want to look for arch support in the midsole and outsole as well.
This usually means looking for an insole with some height around the midfoot area. Rigid arch frames that support this height are also of interest. A deep heel cup that keeps the heel under the midfoot is also desirable.
Weight distribution is another form of arch support. Excessive pronation or supination, high or flat arches, can result in uneven weight distribution. The part of the foot that takes the most weight will wear out quickly. Eventually, this can lead to significant pain and discomfort. Good arch support will help distribute weight evenly and avoid this problem.
Cushioning Material
If you do a lot of walking on hard surfaces, you need something with good cushioning. That’s why I’m not a fan of the standard Birkenstock for factory workers and outdoor activities. These cork soles are heavenly, corrective, supportive… But I really want a softer sole.
At the same time, we don’t like soles that are too thick or too soft. They allow the foot to hit the ground harder, with less sensory feedback. We want soles with the right amount of cushioning and the right amount of softness.
I like modern foams. There are too many to keep up with, but our team of testers has highlighted some of the best for this article. Specifically, a high-quality synthetic sole can actually be better than a rubber sole. Many synthetic soles are amazing these days. We also appreciate gel-like heel cups and air cells, such as those found in Nike shoes.
Abrasion Resistance
Concrete is a surface that is prone to abrasion. Soft rubber or synthetic soles will feel this immediately. Because of these soles, our shoes are at risk. If the soles wear out too much, cushioning, arch support, and weight distribution will not work properly.
Therefore, we are looking for several specific features. First, we have chosen to use a more durable rubber outsole in conjunction with a softer, more cushioned midsole. This will extend the life of the softer part of the sole. second, deeper and thicker soles. This may be disproportionate to the hard ground… But you also need the best shoes for walking and standing on concrete all day long. As they wear down, they will protect key areas of the sole and last longer.
Third, you want an outsole that is slip-resistant, if possible. Slip resistance means less wear, even on concrete. They are also a good choice for some concrete surfaces, such as indoor concrete floors, which are smooth and slippery.
Lightweight, Elastic, And Breathable Material
Concrete has excellent heat absorption properties. When working outside or in a hot environment, feet can quickly become hot. If the shoes are not well ventilated, they may swell. This causes the shoes to constrict the feet and reduce cushioning. So you want shoes that are well ventilated.
The shoes should also be elastic. They should bend and tilt to accommodate the foot as it moves and stands, effectively absorbing shock. Mesh-like materials are preferred. Leather or synthetic uppers with elastic panels are also good. Stiff materials such as thick leather are also suitable, as long as they are well perforated and designed with overlays to ensure flexibility.
Features Of The Best Shoe For Concrete Floor
Standing all day can be hard on the hips, joints, and feet. The comfort level of a good concrete shoe depends on several factors. Most important are insoles, insoles, fit, cushioning, and moisture control.
Insoles
The insoles of good concrete shoes are made to reduce fatigue and keep feet comfortable over long periods of work. Many are made of EVA; others are proprietary materials. These materials provide resilience when walking and shock absorption when standing.
Insole Most concrete supportive insoles. They support and cushion the foot and provide comfort. Some also offer enhanced support in the heel and arch area. Some are also removable and can be replaced when worn out.
Fit
Making sure your concrete shoes fit properly is perhaps one of the most important things you can do for comfort. Shoelaces should hold the foot in the shoe without slipping off the heel. They should also provide some room for the toes so that they are not too tight.
Humidity Control
Hot, sweaty feet can quickly lead to foot problems and blisters. Fungal infections and athlete’s foot can become a problem. One way to alleviate this problem is to purchase concrete shoes with breathable linings and uppers. This will help wick moisture away from your feet and control odors that can build up over time.
Strong toe protection
The toes are the most vulnerable part of the foot to injury. There are 26 different kinds of small bones in the foot. More than half of these bones are in the toes. It is vital to properly protect these delicate areas. In the case of concrete footwear, this protection is usually provided by a toe safety device. In fact, many machine-operated workplaces require these safety shoes.
Note that several different types of materials may be used for these toe caps. Typical examples are alloys, steel, and composites. This section describes the differences between these three materials.
Alloy Tip
This is the latest safety toe cap to appear on the work shoe scene. They offer the same protection as steel toecaps and are usually made of materials such as titanium or aluminum. Alloy toecaps are generally thicker than steel toecaps, but 30-50% lighter. This makes them ideal for sneaker-type work shoes rather than work boots. They also deform upon impact, but still offer tremendous protection.
Steel Toe Caps
For decades, it has been a staple of work and concrete shoes. Their strength and durability are unmatched. Sure, a heavy object dropped on a steel toecap can damage it somewhat, but even so, its protection is unrivaled. There are drawbacks, however. If you do a lot of walking in an Amazon concrete, for example, heavy steel toe shoes will tire much faster than alloy or composite shoes.
Composite Toe Caps
Made from high-tech materials such as carbon fiber, Kevlar, plastic, and fiberglass. The absence of metal makes these toecaps ideal for workplaces with high electrical hazards. However, they tend to be bulky and heavy.
FAQs
Are running shoes suitable for walking or standing on concrete?
Running shoes are not suitable for walking or standing on concrete. The heel drop tends to cause the body to lean forward. This reduces the natural cushioning ability of the ankle and foot. If this continues for too long, it can lead to knee pain, hip pain, foot pain, and worse. Think of it this way. You wouldn’t spend all day on concrete wearing high heels, would you? The same goes for high-heeled running shoes. They are used for running, not walking, standing, or working.
How do I make my work shoes last longer?
The first part of the shoe to deteriorate is the insole. Replacing the insoles will extend the life of your shoes. In addition, look for wear-resistant outsoles. Many walking shoes have them.
Are running shoes suitable for walking or standing on concrete?
Running shoes are not suitable for walking or standing on concrete. The heel tends to drop and the body tends to lean forward. This reduces the natural cushioning ability of the ankle and foot. If this continues for too long, it can lead to knee pain, hip pain, foot pain, and worse. Think of it this way. You wouldn’t spend all day on concrete wearing high heels, would you? The same goes for high-heeled running shoes. They are used for running, not walking, standing, or working.
How do I make my work shoes last longer?
The first part of the shoe to deteriorate is the insole. Replacing the insoles will extend the life of your shoes. In addition, look for wear-resistant outsoles. Many walking shoes have them.
Is walking on concrete floors bad for my feet?
Standing or walking on concrete floors for long periods of time can cause foot pain, swollen feet, knees, hips, and back pain. Over time, you may injure yourself or suffer from chronic pain.
Are memory foam shoes suitable for standing all day?
Memory foam is the perfect material to avoid foot pain when standing or walking on concrete floors for long periods of time. It also provides softness and cushioning for the soles of your feet, making them feel comfortable as you move around.
Conclusion
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