10 Best Work Boots For Concrete in 2023

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Last Updated on February 9, 2024 by Azad Asf

Workers must deal with lots of problems when working on concrete such as:

  • Hard impacts on feet and knees due to walking or standing all day on concrete
  • Inflammed joints and muscles due to lack of rest that walking all day on concrete generates
  • Injuries due to falling or slipping on concrete
  • Busted work boots made with low-quality materials that can’t deal with hard and abrasive materials such as concrete

These problems require workers to get work boots with a specific mixture of attributes precisely designed to be used when in contact with concrete.

In this article, I will attempt to give you a list of those boots so you don’t have to waste time and money.


The Best Work Boots For Concrete

This is the list of the best work boots for concrete I’ve arrived at after extensive research:

  1. Irish Setter 6″ 83606 Work Boots for Concrete
  2. Wolverine Raider 6″ Concrete Work Boots
  3. Wolverine Moc-Toe 6″ Concrete Work Boots
  4. Timberland PRO 52562 Endurance 6″ PR Work Boots for Concrete
  5. Georgia G6152 Mid Calf Boots for Concrete
  6. Red Wing Heritage Roughneck Lace Up Boots for Concrete
  7. Timberland PRO 6″ Pit Boss Steel-Toe Concrete Work Boots
  8. KEEN Utility Men’s Milwaukee 6 Inch Concrete Work Boots
  9. Thorogood American Heritage MAXwear 6 Inch Concrete Work Boots
  10. Timberland PRO Rigmaster XT Steel-Toe 6 Inch Concrete Work Boots

1. Irish Setter 83606 6″ Aluminum Toe 6 Inch Work Boots For Concrete

Features

  • Safety toe caps: Aluminum toe caps
  • Outsoles: Rubber-Eva Traction Tred outsoles
  • Footbeds: “Texon” cushioned PU footbeds

Keeping wet concrete and other liquids outside your work boots is essential, which is why I loved the waterproof leather used in these Irish Setter boots as it kept my feet dry when exposed to those substances.

Moreover, these Irish Setter work boots have special rubber EVA traction tread outsoles which provide excellent traction when walking on wet concrete surfaces.

Their aluminum safety toe caps are also included to provide maximum toe protection, which is a nice feature all tradesmen will find useful.

Also, they come manufactured following the Goodyear welt method of construction that adds years of durability to any pair of work boots.

Regarding their comfort features these work boots for concrete surpassed my expectation too.

I mean, they have the so-called “Texon” removable polyurethane footbeds and EVA Traction Tred outsoles that provide perfect support and ergonomic cushioning on all hard concrete surfaces to prevent foot conditions from developing (i.e. plantar fasciitis)

Pros

  • Aluminum safety toe caps for toe protection
  • Rugged full-grain leather offers long term durability
  • Rubber EVA traction tread outsoles that provide perfect traction on all surfaces
  • “Texon” PU cushioned footbeds cushion the feet on every step taken on hard concrete surfaces
  • Goodyear Welt construction

Cons

  • They run narrow

 

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 2,625 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.5 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

2. Wolverine Raider 6″ Concrete Work Boots

Features

  • Safety toe caps: Safety steel toe caps
  • Outsoles: Slip, oil, and abrasion-resistant Multishox rubber outsoles
  • Footbeds: Cushioned footbeds

From the first time I opened the box and tried on these work boots, I fell in love with their safety features.

I mean, they come with:

  • Slip, oil, and abrasion-resistant Multishox lugged rubber outsoles that allow workers to walk on wet concrete without fearing slipping and getting badly injured
  • Full-grain leather uppers for great protection and durability when in contact with wet concrete
  • Steel toe caps that prevent serious toe injuries from taking place

Most other work boots labeled as “best work boots for concrete” do not come near to these Wolverine work boots in terms of support, and that’s mainly because they offer features such as:

  • Removable, full-cushion Wolverine Multishox insoles that provide cushioning and support after walking all day on hard concrete
  • Lightweight midsoles for perfect shock absorption and the reducing of bulkiness
  • Compression pads that absorbed the shock and provided me with perfect support in the heel and foot area.

Pros

  • Steel toe caps provide great compression and impact resistance to the toe box area
  • Full-grain leather keeps the feet safe from exterior substances
  • “Multishox” rubber lug outsoles that have slip, oil and, abrasion-resistant capabilities
  • Breathable mesh lining keeps the feet dry and cool on heavy summer days
  • “Multishox” insoles provide the cushioning needed to survive the workday without dealing with serious pains
  • PU midsoles are great for providing shock absorption on bumpy and rocky surfaces
  • “ContourWelt” construction adds solid ruggedness and durability to the boots

Cons

  • Laces Can Untie Easily

 

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 1,325 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.4 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

3. Wolverine Moc-Toe 6″ Concrete Work Boots

Features

  • Safety toe caps: Soft toes
  • Outsoles: Oil, water, and abrasion-resistant outsoles
  • Footbeds: Removable full-cushion footbed

Most workers are used to standing and walking all day on hard concrete surfaces with little to no rest.

Luckily, these Wolverine Moc toe work boots stand as a great way to let these workers tackle their hard work shifts without suffering that much pain as they come with great features such as:

  • Full cushioned footbeds that provide superior comfort all day long
  • Rubber midsoles that offer excellent shock absorption to dissipate the impacts generated by the feet when walking on rocky concrete surfaces
  • Padded collars

Regarding their protective features these Wolverine boots knocked it out of the park too.

I mean, for once, they come manufactured with a 100% full-grain leather that keeps the feet safe from exterior substances (i.e. chemicals)

Last but not least, their oil, water, and abrasion-resistant outsoles are essential features as they deliver superior traction on slippery concrete surfaces commonly found in almost all construction sites.

Pros

  • 100% full-grain leather protects the feet from getting in contact with wet concrete and other substances
  • Oil, water, and abrasion-resistant outsoles provide excellent traction
  • Goodyear Welt construction
  • Padded collar for all-day comfort
  • Full cushioned footbeds
  • Springy rubber midsoles provide excellent shock absorption to tradesmen used to walking all day on hard concrete surfaces
  • Nylon shanks provide excellent boot stability

Cons

  • They Might Be A Bit Bigger Than Average

 

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 1,128 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.3 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

4. Timberland Pro 52562 Endurance 6″ Pr Work Boots For Concrete

Features

  • Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
  • Outsoles: Slip, oil, and abrasion-resistant outsole
  • Footbeds: Contoured single-density open-cell PU footbed

These PRO Endurance work boots provide incredible safety levels to any worker. I’m talking awesome features such as:

  • Slip, oil, heat, and abrasion-resistant rubber outsoles that deliver perfect traction when walking on wet concrete surfaces
  • Lasting toe protection thanks to steel safety toe caps
  • Underfoot safety thanks to puncture-resistant Steel-Flex plates

Regarding their comfort features, these boots come with PU midsoles that offer workers superior shock absorption which is key if you want to avoid long-term issues such as sore feet or bad knees.

Their breathable linings are also perfect for those workers used to walk all day on concrete surfaces while exposed to heavy summer temperatures as these will maintain the feet cool and refreshed.

Last but not least, thanks to their Cement construction, these boots are not only very durable but have little to no break-in time which is awesome given the number of features they offer.

Pros

  • Abrasion-resistant rubber double toe for increased wear and protection
  • Puncture-resistant plate for flexible underfoot protection
  • Electrical hazard protection
  • Steel toe shaped on a titan last for protection and a superior fit
  • Rugged full-grain leather for comfort and durability
  • Cement construction for a flexibility and break-in time
  • Mesh antimicrobial lining for odor control and comfortable feet
  • Slip, oil, and abrasion-resistant outsole
  • Contoured single-density open-cell PU footbed
  • Lightly padded collar with heel pull tab for your convenience.
  • Cushioned PU midsole featuring anti-fatigue technology with conical geometry
  • Fiberglass shank for added support
  • Steel-flex puncture-resistant plate for flexible underfoot protection

Cons

  • Price-tag is a bit high

 

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 1113 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.4 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

5. Georgia G6152 Mid Calf Boots For Concrete

Features

  • Safety toe caps: Soft toes
  • Outsoles: Proprietary oil-resistant polyurethane wedge outsoles
  • Footbeds: Cushioned footbeds

These Georgia G6152 work boots did a good job in keeping my feet safe from the risks of working with concrete thanks to features such as:

  • High-quality SPR full-grain leather resistant to abrasions
  • Oil, slip, and chemical resistant proprietary wedge outsoles that provide great traction when walking on wet concrete

In terms of comfort, the work boots came with cushioned insoles responsible for cushioning my feet when walking on hard concrete for 8 to 10 hours with no breaks (which is what most of us do daily).

Last, they come manufactured with the so-called “SPR” leather that’s very rugged and durable and requires almost no break-in time, which is always a nice addition to get on work boots.

Pros

  • Rugged SPR full-grain leather
  • Proprietary oil-resistant PU wedge outsole
  • Flex-notched quarters
  • Steel shank for superior boot stability
  • Covered cushioned insoles
  • 6 inches in height for added ankle protection
  • Goodyear welt construction acts as a stamp of long term durability

Cons

  • Can be bulky for some people (not to me!)

 

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 390 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.5 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

6. Red Wing Heritage Roughneck Lace Up Boots For Concrete

Features

  • Safety toe caps: Soft toe
  • Outsoles: Slip-resistant Vibram lug outsoles
  • Footbeds: Cushioned footbeds

It’s fairly difficult to find a work boot that’s both attractive and functional for walking on hard concrete surfaces for the majority of the day.

Luckily, that’s exactly what these Red Wing Heritage Roughneck Lace Up boots bring to the table as they come with:

  • Durable oil-tanned leather that is not only stylish but also waterproof, stain, and perspiration resistant, which is perfect when working in contact with wet concrete (especially in summer)
  • Quality outsoles with the patented Vibram Lug that offer maximum traction when walking on slippery concrete to avoid nasty injuries

Moreover, these Red Wing Heritage work boots should fit comfortably very quickly.

This is due mainly thanks to features such as their leather footboard and cork midsoles that provide superior shock absorption which is essential in reducing the negative impact of walking on hard concrete.

Finally, their nickel eyelets and hooks are present to offer the user a perfect fit, which is vital for surviving a long and hard workday.

Pros

  • Manufactured in America, which is always a sign of top-notch quality
  • Can be resolable
  • Goodyear Welt construction guarantees long term durability
  • 100% waterproof, stain, and perspiration resistant leather
  • “Vibram” lug outsoles provide unmatched traction on slippery concrete surfaces

Cons

  • A Bit Pricey (But They’re Definitely Worth It!)

 

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 255 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.3 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

7. Timberland Pro 6″ Pit Boss Steel-Toe Concrete Work Boots

Features

  • Safety toe caps: Safety steel toes
  • Outsoles: Slip, oil, and abrasion-resistant outsoles
  • Footbeds: Removable, open-cell polyurethane footbeds with antimicrobial treatment

Most other work boots labeled as “the best work boots for concrete” by some people do not have as many protective features as these Timberland Pitboss have.

I mean, they come with awesome attributes such as:

  • 100% rugged leather to keep wet concrete away from coming in contact with the feet
  • Slip & oil resistant outsoles to provide the best possible traction
  • Safety steel toes that maintain toes safe from getting crushed

And, in terms of comfort, these Timberland work boots also surpassed expectations as they have features such as their PU midsoles that deliver perfect shock absorption which becomes essential when walking all day on hard concrete.

The anti-fatigue open-cell PU cushioned footbeds are also present to cushion the feet when walking on hard concrete, keeping the tradesmen safe from dealing with unbearable foot pains at the end of their work shifts.

Pros

  • Goodyear Welt construction
  • Rugged full-grain leather offers excellent overall protection
  • Steel toe caps maintain toes safe from getting crushed by heavy falling tools and other similar objects
  • Timberland PRO oil, slip and, abrasion-resistant outsoles keep tradesmen safe from slipping and risking getting seriously injured
  • PU midsoles provide excellent shock absorption
  • Open-cell PU footbeds with antimicrobial treatment are excellent for cushioning the feet
  • Breathable “Cambrelle” fabric lining with antimicrobial treatment

Cons

  • Leather is easily scuffed

 

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 7,458 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.3 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

8. KEEN Utility Men’s Milwaukee 6 Inch Concrete Work Boots

Features

  • Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
  • Outsoles: Oil and slip-resistant rubber outsoles
  • Footbeds: Dual-density EVA footbeds

Have you ever spent hundreds of dollars on work boots to later find out they aren’t as protective as they marketed them to be? I know I did.

Well, luckily, that’s not going to happen with these Keen Utility Milwaukee work boots as they come with solid safety features such as:

  • Steel toe caps that work as a metal barrier that maintains the toes safe from getting crushed by heavy falling tools
  • Slip and oil-resistant outsoles made of rubber which provide superior traction on slippery surfaces
  • Abrasion-resistant and waterproof leather

I mean, they even offer electrical hazard protection!

But, it doesn’t end there as these Keen Utility boots come with great comfortable attributes that make working standing all day on hard concrete surfaces much easier.

For once, they’ve got dual-density EVA footbeds that cushion the feet making the experience of tackling long work shifts much nicer.

And, they have a breathable lining that lets the air flow freely through the boots substantially reducing the feet temperature when exposed to hot and humid summer temperatures.

Pros

  • Dual-density EVA footbeds are responsible for cushioning the feet
  • Breathable lining keeps the feet fresh and cool at all times
  • Slip and oil-resistant rubber outsoles
  • Steel toe caps maintain the toes safe from getting injured
  • Waterproof and abrasion-resistant leather
  • Electrical hazard protection

Cons

  • Laces aren’t of the best quality (but can be easily replaced)

 

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 971 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.4 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

9. Thorogood American Heritage MAXwear 6 Inch Concrete Work Boots

Features

  • Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
  • Outsoles: Slip-resistant outsoles
  • Footbeds: Removable Ultimate Shock Absorption footbeds

A great pair of work boots for concrete must be safe, there’s no way around it. The good news is that these Thorogood American Heritage work boots are exactly that, a very safe pair of work boots.

First, they come with steel toe caps responsible for keeping the toes safe from getting seriously injured in case any heavy piece of equipment were to fall in the toe box area.

Then, they come with “MAXWear” wedge outsoles making these boots perfect for walking all day on flat concrete surfaces as they provide a solid level of traction to avoid nasty slips and falls.

Moreover, they come manufactured with fiberglass shanks, allowing Thorogood to offer a solid and stable work boot that’s not that heavy to carry around.

Lastly, these boots have the so-called Ultimate Poron removable footbeds which come with cushioning that allows the worker to stand all day on concrete without really feeling it in their feet at the end of the day.

Pros

  • Steel toe caps prevent nasty toe injuries from happening
  • MAXWear wedge outsoles with slip-resistant attributes
  • Fiberglass shanks make. the boots really stable without adding that much weight to them
  • Ultimate Poron footbeds cushion the feet during the workday

Cons

  • No waterproofing

 

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 2,157 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.5 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

10. Timberland PRO Rigmaster XT Steel-Toe 6 Inch Concrete Work Boots

Features

  • Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
  • Outsoles: Oil, abrasion, and heat resistant outsoles
  • Footbeds: Open-cell PU footbeds with antimicrobial treatment

The best way to make sure you won’t regret dropping hundreds of dollars on work boots for concrete is making sure they come with solid safety features.

And that’s exactly what these Timberland PRO Rigmaster work boots offer as they have:

  • Safety steel toe caps that maintain the toes totally protected at all times
  • Abrasion, heat, and oil-resistant outsoles
  • Waterproofing membrane that keeps the feet dry when working in contact with exterior liquids

Regarding their comfort features, these work boots do a nice job too.

I mean, they come with anti-fatigue midsoles and open-cell PU footbeds, that together act as the perfect combination to offer shock absorption and superior cushioning throughout the workday.

Last but not least, their breathable mesh linings are responsible for wicking away moisture and keeping the feet cool and fresh when working under the blazing sun. Pretty good, huh?

Pros

  • Steel toe caps
  • Abrasion, oil, and heat resistant outsoles make these boots perfect for walking on wet concrete surfaces
  • Waterproofing membrane keeps the feet dry when exposed to exterior liquids
  • Anti-fatigue midsoles provide excellent shock absorption to dissipate the shocks coming from walking all day on hard surfaces
  • Open-cell PU footbeds are great for cushioning the feet
  • Breathable mesh linings wick moisture away and keep the feet cool and smelling fresh

Cons

  • Take two weeks to break in

 

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 1,341 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.4 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com


What is the Best Work Boots For Concrete?

Timberland Pro 6″ Pit Boss Steel-Toe Concrete Work Boots

I selected these Timberland Pro Pit Boos work boots as the best ones for concrete due to the following features:

  • Steel safety toe caps that provide total protection for the toe box area
  • Slip oil and abrasion-resistant outsoles that prevent workers from falling on slippery hard concrete surfaces
  • Open-cell PU footbeds with antimicrobial treatments which are not only comfortable but key for wicking moisture away and keeping the feet fresh

If you’d like to read its entire review you are welcome to click the button down below.

Review

What are the Most Comfortable Work Boots for Concrete?

Wolverine Raider 6″ Concrete Work Boots

I picked these Wolverine Raider work boots as the most comfortable ones for concrete due because of their abundant ergonomic attributes, such as:

  • Cushioned footbeds that keep the feet relaxed at all times, even after standing all day on hard concrete
  • “Multishox” rubber outsoles which aren’t only slip, oil, and abrasion-resistant rubber outsoles but also very comfortable to walk on
  • Safety steel toe caps

By the way, you’ve got the chance to read its complete review by clicking the button down below in case you’re interested.

Review


Quick Comparison Table

NameSafety toe capsOutsolesFootbeds

1. Irish Setter 83606 6″ Aluminum Toe 6 Inch Work Boots For Concrete


Aluminum toe capsRubber-Eva Traction Tred outsoles“Texon” cushioned PU footbeds

2. Wolverine Raider 6" Concrete Work Boots


Safety steel toe caps
Slip, oil, and abrasion-resistant Multishox rubber outsoles
Cushioned footbeds

3. Wolverine Moc-Toe 6" Concrete Work Boots


Soft toes
Oil, water, and abrasion-resistant outsoles
Removable full-cushion footbed

4. Timberland Pro 52562 Endurance 6" Pr Work Boots For Concrete


Steel toe capsSlip, oil, and abrasion-resistant outsole
Contoured single-density open-cell PU footbed

5. Georgia G6152 Mid Calf Boots For Concrete


Soft toesProprietary oil-resistant polyurethane wedge outsolesCushioned footbeds

6. Red Wing Heritage Roughneck Lace Up Boots For Concrete


Soft toeSlip-resistant Vibram lug outsoles
Cushioned footbeds

7. Timberland Pro 6" Pit Boss Steel-Toe Concrete Work Boots


Safety steel toesSlip, oil, and abrasion-resistant outsoles
Removable, open-cell polyurethane footbeds with antimicrobial treatment

8. KEEN Utility Men’s Milwaukee 6 Inch Concrete Work Boots


Steel toe capsOil and slip-resistant rubber outsoles
Dual-density EVA footbeds

9. Thorogood American Heritage MAXwear 6 Inch Concrete Work Boots


Steel toe capsSlip-resistant outsolesRemovable Ultimate Shock Absorption footbeds

10. Timberland PRO Rigmaster XT Steel-Toe 6 Inch Concrete Work Boots


Steel toe capsOil, abrasion, and heat resistant outsoles
Open-cell PU footbeds with antimicrobial treatment

Must-Have Features of the Best Work Boots For Concrete

There is a group of features that work boots should have to be perfect for concrete. These are the most important ones:

Lightweight Materials

Lightweight materials are crucial for easing up the knees which are the main receptors of the stress generated by walking all day on concrete.

Thus, checking out how much a certain pair of work boots weighs before buying it might be a great idea. Additionally, you could just ask current owners or read online reviews to see if they are lightweight or not.

Cushioned Footbeds & Shock Absorbing Midsoles

The best way to let your lower joints rest after walking all day on hard concrete surfaces is with cushioned footbeds and shock-absorbing midsoles. 

These features will provide the feet, ankles, and knees the support needed to avoid long-term injuries.

Slip Resistant Rubber Outsoles With Good Density

slip-resistant outsole is a very important feature that will provide perfect traction on concrete srufaces.

I mean, nobody wants to fall on such a hard surface as concrete is, I mean, you’ll be feeling it for weeks and you might get seriously injured too!

High Heel And Tie Up At The Top

Using a high heel work boot has a clear purpose, and that is to prevent dirt and slurr from getting inside, as well any form of wet concrete, thus keeping one’s feet clean and dry.

Safety Toes

Have you ever got your toes crushed by a heavy falling tool? I have and it’s the worst, I don’t wish to anybody.

This is why I always recommend spending a few more bucks and getting work boots with quality safety toes that will keep you safe from these kinds of injuries. These will act as hard barriers providing impact and compression resistance to the toe box area to avoid such nasty injuries.

Insulation & Breathability

Picture this: You working all day on hard concrete during winter without proper work boots to keep your toes from freezing.

Sucks, doesn’t it?

Well, that’s what will happen if you don’t get work boots with a good level of insulation. Also, don’t disregard the importance of breathability, as keeping your feet warm but sweaty won’t help you either.

I’d say you should get a work boot with at least 100 grams of insulation that also has a breathable mesh lining to wick moisture and keep your feet cool and smelling fresh.

Durable Materials & Great Construction Methods

I hate spending more than a hundred bucks on work boots that don’t last more than a few months.

To avoid such issue, I’s day it’d be nice to get work boots manufactured with great materials following quality construction methods. That way you’ll make sure that specific pair of safety boots will last for years (even decades) in concrete applications.

Difference Between “In Concrete” and “On Concrete” Work Boots (And What Should They Have)

If work boots are to work in concrete, the feet are most likely to make contact with water, cement slurr, etc.

So, to protect the feet from those substances, the work boots must have proper waterproofing.

Moreover, they must be easy-to-clean and easily removable too as the boots are bound to be stained by wet cement and debris.

On the other hand, if the boots are to work on hard concrete, then workers will be exposed to standing all day on hard surfaces which will put serious stress on their joints.

Therefore, I’d say work boots of this nature must provide excellent ankle support and perfect shock absorption to reduce the chances of serious long term consequences (i.e. plantar fasciitis)


Frequently Asked Questions

There’re certain questions people ask about the best work boots for concrete. This is my attempt to answer most of them.

How To Protect the Work Boots From Wet Concrete?

It’ll be essential to have work boots made with rugged leather and abrasion-resistant outsoles to resist the caustic attributes of wet concrete.

What Is The Recommended Height For The Best Work Boots For Concrete?

I’d think that going for tall work boots is your best bet as they’ll protect your feet and ankles the most, especially when in contact with wet concrete.

This is why I think 8-inch work boots would be the best if you’re in constant contact with abrasive wet concrete.

However, if you’re only wearing them to stand all day on concrete then my focus would be on low-top work boots which are slightly more comfortable.

What Types of Safety Toes Should I Use For Concrete?

This is mostly based on preference.

Steel and alloy toe safety toe caps provide a more ‘metal-based’ protection which is the most protective but at the same time the heaviest and bulkiest to carry around the construction site.

An alternative for this kind of safety toe caps is going for composite safety toes that not only are a bit lighter but also don’t conduct electricity which is great if you work close to live wires.

Again, it depends on what you prefer. We have reviewed them both here (composite toe work boots) and here (steel toe work boots).

How Do I Take Care Of The Boots?

The best way to make sure that your work boots for concrete are properly maintained is following the next steps at least once a month:

  1. Brush the work boots to make sure all the cement and debris is off the boots
  2. Clean your work boots with saddle soap and rinse them with water
  3. Let the boots dry for about 2 hours
  4. Apply a light coat of leather conditioner and massage it with your fingers (if possible)
  5. Let the boots dry again and remove excess conditioner with a clean cloth
  6. Done!

What Type Of Insulation Is Best For The Best Work Boots For Concrete?

Insulation becomes essential when working exposed to low temperatures. 

As to what level of insulation you need, I’d say to follow this guide to choose the best option for their specific case:

  • If exposed to 30°F to 50°F going for around 200gr of insulation is a good choice
  • 400gr to 600gr of insulation is best when exposed to lower temperatures than 30°F
  • While if exposed to even colder environments, going for higher insulation than 800gr could be your best bet

5 Tips For Concrete Workers

After many years working on concrete, these are some of the most important tips I’ve gathered:

1) Protect Your Eyes

Working with concrete is dangerous on your eyes both in its wet and dry forms. Little specs of hard concrete or concrete slur could fly into your eyes seriously hurting them.

Thus, wearing safety goggles is a good idea if you frequently exposed to this situation.

2) Rinse It Off

If any part of your body gets in contact with wet concrete, make sure to rinse it off with plenty of water as it’s a caustic substance that can easily burn your skin.

Being fast is key here, I mean, so chop chop!

3) Wear A Hard Hat

This is a no brainer.

Concrete is one of the hardest surfaces in its dry form, and if by any chance a piece of concrete fell in your head, you’d be instantly dead.

Thus, when at the construction site, wearing a hard hat is the best choice to substantially reduce the probability of getting a life-threatening head injury.

4) Avoid Carrying A Lot Of Weight

When working with concrete it’s almost a guarantee that you’ll be carrying lots of heavy concrete.

It doesn’t matter if its wet or dry, they weigh the same!

To avoid long-term injuries and short-term back pain, make sure to use proper form (lift with your knees, not your arms!) to carry the weight. In fact, using a back brace is also not a bad idea at all!

5) Use Protection Pads

Concrete is rough on the skin. I mean, if you ever slip and fell when walking on concrete you’d know this causes serious skin wounds.

This is why I recommend to wear added protection such as:

Author: Joe Strong

9 thoughts on “10 Best Work Boots For Concrete in 2023”

  1. I enjoyed reading some of your articles. But got a question that I can’t find answers to. What is a good work boot or shoe for working in a cold environmental warehouse job? Here’s the reason I ask. I work in a food distribution warehouse air temperature between 36 degrees Fahrenheit to -10 degrees which puts concrete surface temperatures a bit lower. Plus always on the move either loading trucks with power jacks or standing on a high reach fork lift for sometime. On my feet anywhere from 9-14 hours at a time. So what work shoe or boot would you recommend for this kind of work? Thank you in advance for your help.

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  2. I have been on a mission for it seems like forever trying to find the right boot for my style of work….. I go through boots every 6 mos and am tired of paying $150 a whack for a 6 mos boot. I work in a recycling plant that recycles catalytic converters…. I’m a supervisor (working) that walks a lot and am around very sharp metal as we use shears to cut the cats up to process…. I also get in machines to do maintenance and they can be extremely hot…. I often cut my boots with the sharp metal laying aroumd. We cut our material into drums so sometimes I have to manhandle a 4-500lb drum so I often drop them on the tip of my toe….. I’m at a loss, im looking for a boot that is Goodyear welted so I can resole them when the time comes…… I was recommended Ariat catalyst vx work hog only to get them In and they be so heavy it felt like waking around with a bowling ball on my feet… Also, they were pull on which im more of a lace up guy… I also was recommended danners new gritstone but after looking online cause it’s hard to find a dealer with a big selection of danners In my area notice they didn’t have any kind of toe cap only the alloy toe underneath the leather….. I was leary of that’ve cause idk how tough their leather is. Please, PLEASE, any suggestions…. Idw spend over $300.

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  3. I bought the Timberland Pro Endurance a year ago and had to send them back in less than a month because the soles were glued and not sewn onto the boot. The concrete immediately ate away the glue and it fell apart and i was very cognizant of keeping them free of wet concrete for very long. They are junk. I got a full year out of the Timberland Pro power welt Ringmaster steel tip boots being put to the most rigorous circumstances boots could go through in AND on concrete for 10 hours a day 6 days a week. They’re also water resistant, nearly waterproof, as I’ve had them submerged on my foot and breathe well as they stink less than most other boots that I’ve ever worn. Just a concrete guy’s take.

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  4. Your site sounds convincing, and not sure which one is the best for my feet? I just started my job at a plant standing on concrete for twelve hours and when I say my feet and around my ankles is swollen every night that’s what I mean….I keep taking back shoes and I need your help to find the right pair. Thank you….

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  5. Having had to buy my husband’s boots for over 40 years now. He does not like to shop or is to busy that once he finds a pair he likes we continue to buy. We own our Concrete and construction company and it seems to be when you find your shoe they go and change them or even discontinue them. Mind you he buys a new pair every 2-3 months at most. Have never found anything last longer. When dealing with concrete you need hooks 4 at least because concrete dries In holes, no dips in back of boot as they age shoes never hold so they wrap around ankle, when on knees pulling concrete he always has a hole in the toe (still toe or not) . Some he has loved and lost. 1) Sears 2) Rocky’s 3) Red Wing …he does not like at all ! 4)wolverine and now they have changed with scoop in back and taking away the hook toe grips. Ok so now what do I get him, this life is killing his body! Gotta have good shoes! Thank you

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  6. This is total horse shit. I was a concrete finisher for seven years before I decided to try driving a concrete truck. The laces and boots listed constantly rot and the people (including myself) often end up with something similar to trench foot and unbearably smelly feet due to your lace up boots having a very low tolerance to wet and muddy conditions which is normal in the concrete world altogether. You will rarely ever see a concrete worker in any other capacity wearing anything besides slip on boots. There should and will be lawsuits in the future for corporate think types in their offices demanding workers to wear inferior boots with their feet wet and in poor conditions all day from trudging though mud and washing out. I got out of the business simply because of it.

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  7. This is the second pair of Irish Setter boots I have bought. I bought the first pair about 3 years ago and I love them! Comfortable, light, and durable. I work in a distribution center and I’m on concrete all day and these boots never hurt him.

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