Podiatrists Say These Comfy, Supportive Shoes Are the Best for Walking on Concrete

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A comfy pair of walking shoes is an absolute must, especially if you’re walking on concrete.

“Walking on concrete, especially if you are doing it everyday at work, leads to a large amount of increased pressure on the feet,” says Timothy Oldani, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., a podiatrist at Missouri Foot and Ankle. He says that because concrete is an unforgiving surface, it can cause pain to highly sensitive areas of the heel and across the ball of the foot.

Meet the Experts: Timothy Oldani, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., a podiatrist at Missouri Foot and Ankle; Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute; Brent Allen, Senior Manager, Development Footwear (Basketball) at Adidas.

This can lead to foot pain issues and conditions like plantar fasciitis. Oldani says other causes include knee, hip, and back pain in the long-term. When I asked him for his insights on finding the best shoes for walking on concrete, he told me to look for shoes that provide maximum cushioning and shock absorption, evenly distribute pressure, and have a supportive sole.

“Plus, any shoe with a foam midsole, higher stack height, or proper molded sock liner insert could provide mental and physical comfort,” adds Brent Allen, Senior Manager, Development Footwear at Adidas. To help you find the perfect pair, we’ve rounded up the best top-rated shoes recommended by podiatrists and footwear developers below, from cushioned running shoes to comfy recovery sandals.

Bondi 8

Oldani recommends this pick from popular running shoe brand Hoka, which he says is a great all-purpose shoe. “There is balanced cushioning and shock absorption extending all the way from the heel to the toes,” he says. “These are also available in wide sizes to help accommodate bunion and hammertoe deformities.”

Top highlights of the style include an extended heel, ultralight bouncy foam, and a pillowed tongue. In fact, the Bondi 8 sneakers have earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health.

They also have a removable cushioned insole, breathable mesh construction, and an internal heel counter for a locked-in, supportive fit.

What an editor says: “I recently injured my tailbone and haven’t be able to go on my usual runs. Instead, I’ve been easing back into exercise by walking in these comfortable sneakers,” says Christie Calucchia, Prevention’s former senior commerce editor. “They feel supportive and balanced and don’t agitate my injury.”

Gel-Nimbus 25

With soft, cloud-like gel cushioning in the midsole, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 shoes have the stamp of approval from Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute.

These neutral running shoes are constructed with a breathable knit upper that wraps the feet with a soft, comfy feel, as well as a flexible knit tongue that extends around the ankle. All these features make these shoes especially great for long-distance runs and walks.

It’s also a favorite of Calucchia, who is an avid long-distance runner and successfully tested out the shoes while training for a marathon.

What a reviewer says: “I walk five miles a day, and this shoe is the best for walking. Cushioned, comfortable, and light, and I can’t feel the pavement! They're like walking on air.”

Ghost 15

The Brooks Ghost 15 running shoes are beloved for a reason. Great for both running and walking, these neutral shoes are constructed with the brand’s special “DNA Loft” cushioning, which offers great shock absorption and a super-plush and lightweight feel—meaning they’ll provide you with soft, supportive comfort while walking on an unforgiving surface like concrete.

The unique GlideRoll Rocker, the brand's version of a rocker bottom sole, promotes smoother landings and effortless heel-to-toe transitions.

The Brooks Ghost 15 not only come in a wide range of colors but also multiple width options (including medium, wide, narrow, and extra wide) to fit many types of feet.

What an editor says: “After wearing them while logging thousands of miles on concrete, dirt, gravel, and even the treadmill, I’ve found they’re some of the most versatile sneakers on the market—whether you’re an experienced runner, avid walker, or someone who spends hours on your feet,” says commerce editor, Samantha Jones. “Within the first few strides, I noticed that the shoe felt incredibly natural...It simply feels like a natural extension of your foot.”

Adonis

Oldani also recommends the Naot Adonis sneakers. They're casual, everyday sneakers that easily slip on and off. Odani likes that the shoe offers a heel indentation and raised footbed–both, which according to him, specifically reduce the high pressure areas associated with walking on concrete.

The shoes feature a 1.25-inch rubber and foam sole that provides great shock absorption, as well as the comfortable cork and latex footbed.

Additionally, reviewers like that the style fits true to size, feels lightweight, and offers moderate arch support.

What Oldani says: “As an added bonus, these shoes are orthotic friendly, so if you wear custom orthotics, the footbed can be removed and replaced with your custom orthotics.”

Go Walk Joy Sneaker

This popular Skechers pick is Amazon’s best-selling walking shoe (it’s racked up over 64,000 five-star ratings!), and for good reason. Specifically designed for walking, this comfy, easy-to-wear pair offers a lightweight and responsive midsole with high-rebound cushioning, a breathable mesh upper, and a flexible traction outsole.

Ample cushioning, engineered mesh upper, and a sleek design make this style a fan favorite. Bonus: They’re machine-washable, and one of the cheapest options on this list.

What a reviewer says: “These were amazing. I’m super picky and I felt like I was walking on air. By the end of each day, not one single pain... Haven’t found a sneaker or sandal yet to offer such comfort. My husband got tired of me telling him [our] whole trip how great my feet felt after eight hours of walking on concrete, cobble stones, and rocky dirt.”

Ora Recovery Slide 3

We've named the Hoka Ora 3s as the top recovery sandals for a reason; plus, it's backed by podiatrists like Sharkey.

They offer foot-cradling comfort with a molded EVA midsole and four air flow channels for maximum breathability. They also feature a non-slip footbed, making speed walking or coming out of the pool a little easier.

The shoes also have the AMPA Seal of Acceptance and come in a wide array of colorful shades as well as unisex sizing. Just note that you should size down one.

What Sharkey says: “Recovery shoes like the Hoka Ora 3 are great for hard surfaces because of their construction with foam materials specially manufactured to absorb shock. They’re a great option for taking short walks, running errands, or even while you’re up on your feet around the house.”

Kayla Sandal

These sandals provide comfort in every step thanks to a lightweight EVA rubber sole and a contoured cork footbed.

The supportive hook and loop straps help keep your foot in place, and the cork and latex footbed molds to your foot over time with each step.

The shoes also hold the APMA Seal of Acceptance, so they were reviewed to ensure they foster better foot health.

Just keep in mind that if wear a half size, you should size up one.

What a reviewer says: “Hands down the best walking shoes—worth every penny! I bought these for a backpacking trip where we’d be walking 10-plus miles a day, and these sandals held up great and never hurt my feet.”

Women's Professional Clog

If you have a job that requires you to stand and work on concrete all day, these Dansko clogs are a great choice. Specifically designed to keep your feet comfy for long hours, these shoes feature an anti-fatigue rocker bottom that provides shock absorption, as well as a contoured footbed with a padded instep collar, a roomy toe box, and a protective heel counter.

Reviewers, including many people who are nurses—or otherwise on their feet all day—swear by them for long hours at work. Bonus: They come in over 80 different colors and styles, including leather and suede options.

What a reviewer says: “Love these shoes! I work in a dental office and in catering so I am on my feet on concrete hours on end and have no leg pain after wearing them...They are well worth the price.”

How to choose the best shoes for walking on concrete

“To be fair, everyone’s feet can vary, so it’s best for you to understand your feet and body first,” Allen says. He reminds readers to consider your foot width, if you have low or high arches, or need custom orthotics.

But at the end of the day, Allen says you'll want a shoe with a foam midsole or higher stack height for more cushion and support.

✔️ Look for cushioning and shock absorption. According to both Oldani and Sharkey, the best shoes for walking on concrete will have maximum cushioning as well as a good level of shock absorption. “A shoe that evenly distributes pressure and provides maximum shock absorption is ideal for walking on concrete,” says Oldani. “It’s essential to have adequate shock absorption on the bottom of the heel and across the ball of the foot.”

✔️ Check for a supportive sole. Oldani also recommends looking for a shoe that has a “supportive, fairly stiff sole” to keep your feet comfy during long hours of standing or walking.

✔️ Consider the type of shoe. Sneakers are generally a great choice for walking shoes, but you may also want breathable, open-toed options—like sandals—for walking during the warmer seasons, or even slip-on clogs for work. “For athletic shoes, you want to look for a shoe with cushioning in the midsole. This is typically done with foam or EVA materials,” says Sharkey. “For casual shoes, look for those with a cushioned or padded insole.” Recovery shoes are also a great option for hard surfaces, notes Sharkey, due to their construction with foam materials that’s specifically manufactured to absorb shock.

What factors should I avoid when shopping for shoes specifically for walking on concrete?

You'll want shoes that actually fit you, Allen says. “Shoes that are too loose or tight can cause hot spots, irritations and/or discomfort,” he explains.

What are the best footwear brands for walking on concrete?

The brands we've mentioned on this list include Hoka, Skechers, Brooks, Asics, and more.

We've recommended Hoka shoes time and time again—they have several models that offer supportive cushioning, removable insoles and firm heel counters. Podiatrists recommend them for several of our shoe roundups, and they often feature a Vibram sole, which was originally engineered for mountaineering (which means it's great for grip and traction). This makes the brand a solid choice for walking on concrete.

Prevention editors also consider Brooks and Asics sneakers a top brand choice for walking or running on concrete. Several Asics styles offer lightweight, gel cushioning, which is ideal for a flat hard surface. Meanwhile, several Brooks styles come sidewalk-ready as they were designed for all types of running situations.

What’s the best shoe for walking on concrete all day?

The right shoe for walking on concrete will depend on your preferred fit, comfort, style, and many more factors, but generally, the ideal pair will offer maximum cushioning and shock absorption to keep your feet comfy and pain-free for miles.

Most running shoes and walking shoes are designed for wearing on hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt, making them a great choice. Popular options for shoes to wear on concrete include picks from comfortable running shoe brands like Hoka, Brooks, Skechers, Asics, and more.

How we chose the best shoes for walking on concrete

We consulted Timothy Oldani, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S, a podiatrist at Missouri Foot and Ankle; Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute; and Brent Allen, Senior Manager, Development Footwear (Basketball) at Adidas on what to look for when buying the best shoes for walking on concrete.

Additionally, we combed through countless online reviews, ratings, and product specs to find the best, top-rated pairs, taking into account editor experience with select styles.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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