Are you tired of normal work shoes that wear out too quickly when you are working on concrete surfaces all day or on other abrasive type surfaces? Well, there is something you can do about it. There are many work boots to choose from in the work footwear marketplace but only a handful work well when you constantly move across rougher floor surfaces all day. That’s why we are here to tell you about the best work boots for standing on concrete floors.
We will start out by doing a series of reviews about the top rough surface boots. We will also show you a handy buying guide that tells you what to focus on when buying boots to be used on concrete floors. By the time you are finished reading, you will know more about the features that make a boot hold up especially when used on rough work floor surfaces such as concrete.
Best Work Boots for Standing on Concrete Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
IRISH SETTER 6″ WORK BOOT |
| View On Amazon | |
KEEN UTILITY MEN’S PITTSBURGH WORK BOOT |
| View On Amazon | |
WOLVERINE MEN’S 6″ WORK BOOT |
| View On Amazon | |
THOROGOOD MEN’S AMERICAN HERITAGE 8″ WORK BOOTS |
| View On Amazon | |
WOLVERINE MEN’S RAIDER BOOT |
| View On Amazon | |
TIMBERLAND PRO MEN’S ENDURANCE 6″ WORK BOOT |
| View On Amazon | |
GEORGIA MEN’S 6” WEDGE WORK BOOT |
| View On Amazon |
10 Best Rough Surface Work Boots (New List 2021)
Here is what we feel are work boots that will hold up better if you work on rougher surfaces such as concrete all day long.
1- IRISH SETTER 6″ WORK BOOT
This shoe and boot company is well-known for making quality work footwear. The great boots for using on the concrete floor are no exception. They have a long-lasting tread design that will not only hold up when used on concrete floors but will last a long time on other somewhat abrasive floor surfaces as well.
The secret to these 6-inch high tough soled work boots is in their tread construction. They are made using a rubber-EVA ‘Traction Tred’ outsole. This hybrid type outsole is known for being heat resistant and long-lasting on all types of surfaces.
That’s not the only great feature either. At 1.5 pounds they are fairly light and have a stay-dry non-woven nylon lining. Among the more important features on these Irish Setter work boots is the fact they are electrical hazard-resistant too.
Pros:
- 6” Tall all-leather work boot
- Long-lasting/heat resistant rubber-EVA ‘Traction Tred’ outsole
- Electric hazard resistant
- Stylish antique brass eyelets
- Non-woven nylon lining
- Each boot weighs approximately 1.5 lbs.
Cons:
- Water resistant only
- No hardened toe protection
Check The Latest Price on Amazon!
2- KEEN UTILITY MEN’S PITTSBURGH WORK BOOT
This is not only a great work boot for rough surfaces but it is a comfortable and stylish one too. The popular Keen Footwear Company really has done a nice job with the design here. Their boots will definitely last longer than most other products if you work on concrete floors all day.
And here’s what makes these boots so durable on rougher surfaces such as concrete. It has everything to do with their all rubber sole construction. The outsoles on these boots are also made with thicker gussets which help greatly with traction and prevent wear too.
There are other very nice qualities you get with these Keen 6-inch high work boots as well. They have such nice comfort features such as a removable Metatomical EVA footbed and a moisture-wicking Dry-Lex lining. These boots also offer those that wear them nice steel toe protection.
Pros:
- 6” high nubuck leather work boot
- Rubber outsole w/heavy gussets
- Asymmetrical steel-toe protection
- Removable Metatomical EVA footbed
- Dry-Lex footwear lining
- Each boot weighs approximately 1.7 lbs.
Cons:
- Need a break-in period before wearing
- A little slippery on metal floor surfaces
Check The Latest Price on Amazon!
3- WOLVERINE MEN’S 6″ WORK BOOT
The name Wolverine has become synonymous with high-quality work boot products over the years. This fine pair from them definitely fits that description. These are a solidly built pair of work boots that are designed to hold up against such rigors as working on concrete floors all day.
These work boots are made using an extra-thick outsole design. It’s also an outsole that uses crepe material in its construction too. Those two things combined are what give these boots a longer lifespan even when used on concrete or rough surfaces every day.
These are a really good looking pair of work boots too. They are made using soft but durable genuine leather. These Wolverine work boots are also very comfortable. Included comfort features you get with them are their flexible Goodyear welt construction, shock-absorbing nylon heel shank and fully cushioned footbed.
Pros:
- Genuine full-grain leather 6” work boot
- Extra-thick crepe outsole
- Flexible Goodyear welt construction
- Shock absorbing nylon heel shank
- Full-cushion footbed/Padded rubber midsole
- These boot weigh approximately 2.1 lbs. each
Cons:
- Leather needs to be treated periodically
- No safety toe protection
Check The Latest Price on Amazon!
4- THOROGOOD MEN’S AMERICAN HERITAGE 8″ WORK BOOTS
This is a somewhat taller 8” work boot that will not break down quickly when worn on concrete or other rough surfaces. The sole on this work boot is extra-thick to help make them last longer when used on any type of floor material.
This great work boot for use on concrete also is made using Goodyear welt construction. That technology adds to this work boot’s comfort because that makes it flexible and decreases its break-in time. Other comfort features you get with this Thorogood work boot are a shock-absorbing nylon heel shank and a Poron comfort-cushioned insole.
At 2.1 pounds each these boots are fairly lightweight. They also have a cut-resistant leather upper and a steel safety toe for protection.
Pros:
- Genuine full-grain leather 8” high work boot
- Extra-thick crepe outsole
- Flexible Goodyear welt construction
- Shock absorbing nylon heel shank/ Poron comfort cushion insole
- Steel toe protection
- These boots weigh approximately 2.1 lbs. each
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Run about a ½ size large
Check The Latest Price on Amazon!
5- WOLVERINE MEN’S RAIDER BOOT
If you are looking for a tough pair of boots that are great for working on aggressive floor surfaces all day, you will really want to take a closer look at these work boots from Wolverine. Everything about these boots speaks of durability.
Some of the great features built into these boots are such things as ‘Multishox’ insole and nicely cushioned midsole which provide all-day comfort when walking on harder surfaces at work. Ribbed concrete and other rough surfaces also won’t affect much the abrasion-resistant rubber outsoles on these rugged work boots from Wolverine.
These 6” high work boots are a good looking work boot too thanks to the genuine leather that’s used in making their upper. The dual ‘ContourWelt’ construction makes these boots bend and flex as your foot does too.
Pros:
- Genuine leather 6” high work boot
- Lugged/Abrasion-resistant rubber outsole
- Dual ‘ContourWelt’ construction
- ‘Multishox’ insole
- Cushioned midsole
- These boot weigh approximately 2.2 lbs. each
Cons:
- No steel toe protection
- Boot leather needs periodic conditioning
Check The Latest Price on Amazon!
6- TIMBERLAND PRO MEN’S ENDURANCE 6″ WORK BOOT
If you are looking for a work boot that won’t break down easy on hard concrete floors and is stylish at the same time, then these great work boots from Timberland should excite you. They are a rare work boot that combines comfort, durability and looks equally well.
This genuine leather work boot can stand up nicely to just about any work conditions you subject it too. It handles concrete work floors no problem thanks to its slip and oil-resistant rubber outsole.
It’s a comfortable work boot due to such characteristics as having a mesh antimicrobial lining, added anti-fatigue technology, and short break-in time promoting cement construction.
These great work boots from Timberland also include such safety promoting features as steel toes, electrical shock hazard resistance, and a puncture-resistant plate built into its outsole.
Pros:
- Stylish real leather 6” high work boot
- Puncture-resistant plate/Slip and oil resistant rubber outsole
- Cement style construction
- Mesh antimicrobial lining/Anti-fatigue technology
- Rubberized toe covering/Safety steel toe
- Each boot weighs approximately 1.7 lbs. each
Cons:
- Not waterproof at all
- It’s a bulky work boot
Check The Latest Price on Amazon!
7- GEORGIA MEN’S 6” WEDGE WORK BOOT
One boot manufacturer that has a reputation for making durable work boots is the Georgia Boot Co. These well-designed work boots from them are no exception. They will handle the rigors of working outdoors on a farm or inside on concrete floors equally well.
You definitely don’t have to worry about the soles of these high quality work boots breaking down when worn on aggressive floor surfaces. That’s because the soles on these work boots are made using an extra-thick oil-resistant polyurethane wedge outsole.
Other ideal features on these 6” tall special treated leather work boots include flexible Goodyear welt construction, shock-absorbing steel heel shanks and nicely padded insoles. They are fairly lightweight at just 1.8 pounds each too.
Pros:
- SPR leather 6” tall work boot
- Extra-thick oil resistant polyurethane wedge outsole
- Flexible Goodyear welt construction
- Shock absorbing steel heel shank
- Cushioned insole
- These boots weigh 1.8 lbs. each
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- No safety toe protection
Check The Latest Price on Amazon!
8- CHIPPEWA APACHE LACE-UP BOOT
These boots from the well-known boot manufacturer Chippewa may not look too stylish, but they really get the job done well when it comes to being durable and functional work boots.
Why do these Chippewa boots not wear down when worn all day on rough surfaces such as concrete? It’s because of their superior all synthetic, deep lug Vibram® rubber outsole. Soles on boots don’t come any tougher than those on these Apache leather 6” tall work boots.
You can expect to be comfortable when wearing these Chippewa boots too. They have such comfort promoting features as drill vamp linings and Chippewa’s own UCM removable orthotic footbed. Their Goodyear welt construction also makes them a shoe that easily moves exactly as your feet move when you are wearing them.
Pros:
- Apache leather 6” tall work boot
- Synthetic/Deep lug Vibram® rubber outsole
- Flexible Goodyear welt construction
- Drill vamp lining/Chippewa UCM removable orthotic
- Triple ribbed steel shank
- These boots weigh 1.9 lbs. each
Cons:
- Not a safety toe enhanced boot
- Some may not like its rustic looks
9- TREDS 17″ PULL-ON STRETCH RUBBER OVERBOOTS
Are you looking for just a part-time work boot that works well when standing on or working around concrete? Then you should take a closer look at these pull-on stretch rubber work boots from Treds. They are meant to go over your regular work boots when working in wet conditions or under conditions where you want to protect your regular work shoes.
Once you put these knee-high work boots on you will be well protected from getting moisture to your feet. They feature a block-tread patterned rubber outsole and their one-piece molded design makes them completely waterproof.
These boots are available in several different sizes and they are puncture and tear-resistant too. Treds 17859 are lightweight in nature too because they only weigh 1.2 pounds each.
Pros:
- Knee high stretch pull-on work boots
- Block-tread pattern rubber outsole
- One-piece molded design
- Available in several different sizes
- Puncture and tear-resistant
- Lightweight at 1.2 lbs. per boot
Cons:
- Not very breathable at all
- Don’t fit well over bulky work boots
10- MUCK BOOT ADULT MUCKMASTER HI-CUT BOOT
Some of the best waterproof boots that are made come from the Muck Boot Company. That’s why they are so popular among hunters, outdoorsmen, and laborers. They are built tough and provide excellent traction on all different kinds of surfaces too.
These 15” commercial grade boots are great for working with concrete, doing landscaping, and performing other outdoor cold weather labor tasks. There thick neoprene shell upper is puncture-resistant and completely waterproof.
Other nice features on the Much Boots are their comfort promoting foam under footbed and their breathable Airmesh lining. They also have a thick and gusseted rubber outsole that won’t break down easily even when standing all day on rougher type surfaces.
Pros:
- Commercial grade15” high cut rubber work boots
- Thick and gusseted rubber outsole
- 5% neoprene blend/100% waterproof
- Foam under footbed/Breathable Airmesh lining
- Excellent for cold-weather outdoor work
- Weight is 2.8 lbs. per boot
Cons:
- Extremely warm in hotter weather
- Will feel heavy for some wearers
BOOT BUYING GUIDE – WORK BOOTS FOR CONCRETE FLOORS
When you work all day on concrete or other aggressive surfaces that ruin work boots you need to be very selective in the new work boots you buy. Otherwise, you will just be throwing away money and looking for a new pair of work boots sooner than you had hoped. These are some of the traits to look for when buying work boots that will hold up well while working on rougher surfaces.
- Tread design/Tread material
Of course, the area of your shoes that are most affected by wear when working on concrete floors is the sole. Once these go, it does not matter how good of condition the rest of your work boot is. You will be looking to throw them out and get a new pair. Fortunately, we have already discussed all the top-notch types of boots available on the market today. There are two main areas of concern you need to take a close look at with any work boot you buy to use on concrete or other rough surfaces.
- Tread/Outsole material
The key here is finding a material that will not wear down easily on aggressive floor surfaces. You also want a sole material that is oil and chemical resistant because these things make it easier for your boots outsoles to wear down even faster. Generally speaking, sturdy molded rubber or high-quality synthetic outsoles tend to last the longest on any harsh working conditions.
- Tread/Outsole design
Not only is the material your work boot treads and outsoles are made of important to how well they wear, but the design of your work boots treads and outsoles are very important too. As a general rule thickness plays a very important role in tread and outsole wear and tear.
The thicker the sole material the longer it will take to wear through. Long gusseted treads also tend to make your work boot soles less prone to wearing out quickly too.
So make sure you strongly consider these two important factors when buying work boots to wear on rough surfaces like concrete.
- Safety features
The safety features any work boot best safety shoes you own has are a big bonus as far as foot and body protection is concerned. Some jobs can be very dangerous just by the nature of the work and the materials that are present in that work area. It’s not just warehouses – police officers also don’t have it easy. If you are mobile and spend time outdoors, you should definitely check out our reviews on the top tactical boots.
- Safety Toes
Not only is it a good idea to own work boots with toe protection built into them but it’s required on many different types of job sites too. It’s especially important at job sites and in work areas where there is a better than average chance a heavy object can land on your toes. Steel, alloy, or composite toe protection can help you avoid major foot injuries that can cripple you for life.
- Electrical shock resistance
Whenever you are working on a job site where electricity is present there is always the danger of electrocution if there is any standing water around. Using dielectric and electrical hazard shoes will help greatly minimize this workplace risk.
- Good traction/Slip resistance
One of the biggest hazards at any job site or work area is slipping and falling. Even the slightest amount of moisture on some surfaces can make them as slippery as ice. Smooth concrete is one of these surfaces. So look for tread designs and materials that will help your work boots grip better to help you avoid slipping and falling.
- Support
The less wiggle room your foot has inside your work boots the better. That’s why you want any work boot you own to have good support. Good lacing designs, solid heel shanks, and ergonomically designed footbeds all are examples of good support features on work boots.
Even if you think you may not need a particular boot safety feature in your specific type of work environment, don’t rule out buying a work boot that has it. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. These days you can have safety features in a work boot that does not hurt the comfort level. This is especially true for work boots for flat feet, for instance, because they simply have to be comfortable.
- Insole features/Comfort
You most likely will be working 8 hours plus on your feet while at work. That means you want a rough surface work boot that is comfortable too. Look for boot characteristics such as foam footbeds, breathable and moisture-wicking liners, shock-absorbing technology, and other features that will help keep your feet comfortable during a long workday.
- Weight
The more you move about during the day at work, the more weight plays a role in the work boot you are wearing. That’s why it’s important to consider the weight of any work boots you are thinking about purchasing. As a general rule, the lighter the work boot you are wearing, the less it will contribute to fatigue during your workday. After all, there is no doubt that there exists a tight relation between work boots and fatigue.
- Height
The height of the work boots you wear is usually only a concern if you work outdoors. That’s because indoors as long as your work boots go over your ankles you are in pretty good shape. Height plays a bigger factor when outdoors because the higher the boot the less chance you will be exposed to wet conditions such as standing water, mud, and snow.
- Waterproofing
It does not matter how high your work boots are if they are not waterproof and moisture can go right through them. So if you are a cement finisher, landscaper, or any other type of laborer that works in wet conditions; make sure your work boots are waterproof or at the very least water-resistant.
- Warranty
Some work boot models can run well over $100. That means that your new work boots are certainly not a disposable item. In order to protect your purchase, you need the best warranty possible on your new work boots. A good warranty is one which covers every part of your work boots for the longest possible amount of time.
Safety Tips for Working with Concrete
Concrete itself is a caustic substance because it contains lime and other ingredients that are harsh on skin, eyes, and so forth. So you have to be careful when working around concrete. Here are some safety tips to consider when doing that.
- Because concrete is caustic you run the risk of getting cement burns. Always wear eye protection when doing any type of concrete work. This applies if you are breaking up old concrete too.
- Rinse any concrete residue you get on your skin off immediately or it can severely dry or damage the skin area it touches. Wear pants and long sleeve shirts to help avoid getting any concrete on sensitive skin areas. Dry concrete can be very abrasive to the skin also.
- It’s also recommended that anyone who works on concrete wear hard hat protection. Even unfinished concrete often contains rocks and gravel which can severely injure you if enough of it hits your head.
- We have discussed in this article the importance of protecting your toes when working. When you work around concrete in any form it’s a good idea to wear work boots with composite, alloy or steel toe protection.
- Always be careful when shoveling or leveling concrete too. It’s a heavy material that’s not easy to move around. Be sure to use your legs and not just your back when breaking up, refinishing or shoveling concrete. Otherwise, you can really hurt your back muscles.
- Wear gloves, knee pads, and elbow pads when doing the tedious task of finishing concrete. The extra protection will help protect these vulnerable areas of the body.
- Do whatever it takes to do concrete tasks in an ergonomic fashion so it does not overwork just one muscle group in your body.
How to Remove Cement or Concrete Stains from Shoes
Are you buying your new work boots because you work around concrete all of the time? Maybe you are a skilled concrete finisher or take part in the initial pouring process. Whatever the case is; chances are you are going to get concrete on your work boots and will need to get it off quickly so it does not ruin your work boots.
Here are some steps for keeping your work boots clean when working around concrete:
- Wash your boots off immediately when you are done working
It’s no big secret that the longer concrete stays on your work boots the harder it is to get off. Dried concrete also becomes abrasive to your work boots the longer it stays on them. Concrete usually will come off your work boots very easily when sprayed with water if it’s done right away.
- For work boots that have hard concrete or concrete stains on them do the following
Use a stiff-bristled brush to gently get off any excess concrete residue on your work boots. If some concrete dust or a concrete stain remains after this do the following.
- First, use a dull knife or plastic spatula to remove any leftover concrete residue from the stained area of your work boots.
- Next, take a cloth and dampen it. Be careful not to have it soaking wet. Gently blot the area of the stain with the damp cloth and rub it.
- You met have to repeat the above step several times until the stain is gone.
- For very bad stains you can try very small amounts of chemicals that break up lime (concrete is a lime-based product) to remove the stain on your boots. Keep in mind that this may severely discolor the boot fabric and if this happens you will need to die the faded area to match the rest of your work boot.
Wrapping Up Our Article on the Best Work Boots for Use on Concrete
So after reading this article, you should have a pretty good idea of what the best work boots for standing on concrete are. If you work on concrete or other abrasive floors it’s very important to purchase a work shoe that does not wear down too quickly on these types of surfaces. If you make a mistake here you will be purchasing new work boots much sooner than anticipated.
Keep in mind you can never go wrong purchasing any of the work boots we reviewed here. Each and every one of them will hold up well on aggressive surfaces that tend to eat up boot treads. Follow the advice in the buying guide found in this article too. If you do that then you should have no problem finding a pair of work boots that won’t wear down so fast on concrete or other rough work surfaces.