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If you’re planning on walking for exercise or exploring cities, visiting Disney World, or trekking all over the globe to see the MANY historic sites, you are going to want the best shoes for walking on concrete.
Wearing the best shoes for walking and standing all day can make so much difference, especially for those with spinal, joint, or muscle issues or painful feet due to nerve damage, plantar fasciitis, or other health conditions.
The best walking shoes on concrete are really also the best shoes for all-day walking on any hard surface. Concrete is particularly hard and unyielding, so if your footwear can keep you comfortable while coping, you’ll be ready to head out for just about any adventure – whether close to home or far away!
What makes me the expert?
I walk…A LOT! Most days, I walk over 5 miles for exercise around my neighborhood & the city where I live. Also, as a travel blogger, I'm often out & about exploring cities all over the country & the world, walking on sidewalks, streets, cobblestones, etc. So, I really do know a thing or two about finding the most comfortable shoes for walking on concrete. In this guide, I've combined my personal experience with tons of research!
🏆The winner is: Brooks Ghost 14
My Top All-Around Pick For Men & Women: The Brooks Ghost 14 are the BEST shoes for walking in New York City, London, Bangkok, or anywhere else you’ll find hard surfaces beneath your feet. I love the fact that they’re actually APMA-approved, have excellent cushioning from heel to toe, and come in so many colors & designs – from basic to bright & funky!
As you can see, these really are my favorite and I always have several pairs on hand😉
This guide to the best shoes for walking all day will help you find the best shoes for walking in women’s and men’s sizes. From the best shoes for Disney walking to the best shoes for walking long distances all over town, all options are covered.
Also included is a quick reference table so you can compare the best shoes for walking for women and men at a glance. I then move on to what to look for when choosing the best shoes for walking and travel, before listing all the top options.
If you are looking for the best shoe for walking on concrete for your next vacation or to just stroll around the neighborhood, don’t miss the frequently asked questions section toward the end of the article. Read on to discover a pair of the best comfort shoes for walking that will be a dream to wear. In some cases, they’ll leave you feeling just like you’re actually walking on air!
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The best shoes for walking on concrete comparison chart
This quick reference chart allows you to quickly compare the key features of each of the best shoes for walking in ladies' and men’s options and check the current price.
| Picture of Item | Name | Pricing/ availability | Key features |
 | 🏆Brooks Ghost 14 (Top Pick) | Men Women | APMA approved, seamless design, ultra-lightweight |
  | Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 | Men Women | Stylish looks, many colors, very lightweight & breathable |
  | ⭐Adidas Grand Court | Men Women | Iconic design, lots of colors, ‘Cloudfoam’ midsole padding |
  | ASICS GT-2000 | Men Women | ‘Propel’ technology, stylish looks, wider fitting options |
  | Skechers Arch Fit | Men Women | Added arch support, very breathable, good range of colors |
  | Hoka One One Bondi 7 | Men Women | Wide fit, walk for longer, loyal customers love them |
  | Adidas Ultraboost | Unisex | 44 colors, very versatile shoes, ultra-stylish looks |
  | New Balance 608 V5 | Men Women | Crashpad heel, great flexibility, good value for money |
  | ⭐Skechers Go Walk | Men Women | Slip-on, Goga Mat insole, shock-absorbing pillars |
  | Xero Prio Cross | Men Women | Low profile, vegan & eco-friendly, barefoot feel |
The best shoes for walking on concrete – Top 10 recommendations
You've seen my top pick & comparison chart. Now, let's dive deep into each of our top 10 recommendations!
🏆Brooks Ghost 14 – My Top All-Around Pick
- For: Men & women
- Type: Running shoe
The best Brooks shoes for walking come from the company’s Ghost line, and the Ghost 14 is my top pick from the line. Featuring the brand’s own DNA padding, it’s a lightweight, ultra-comfortable, and versatile choice.
As running shoes, these are lightweight yet offer plenty of cushioned support for your feet. They’re available in men’s and women’s versions and come in a selection of colors. For females, there are 38 shades, with 24 for men. That just shows how popular this footwear is!
The midsole features an especially well-thought-out seamless design, which makes for a super smooth transition with every step taken. Since they’re made for running on the hard surface of the road, they’re also ideal for walking on hard surfaces like concrete & the rubber outsole is more slip resistant than some other options.
There is also a ‘crash pad’ to make sure of shock absorption every time your foot lands on the ground. The upper, meanwhile, uses 3D fit technology to make sure each shoe moves with, rather than against your feet.
📝Personal note: The thing I love most about these is that even a brand-new pair feel like they were made for me from the first moment I put them on!
I'm obsessed with:
- American Podiatric Medical Association seal of acceptance
- Sleek toe-to-heel transition with every step
- Ultra-lightweight with superior cushioning
Not so hot:
- A few customers prefer previous versions
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36
Best for – modern looks
- For: Men & women
- Type: Running shoe
The best shoes for walking from Nike belong to the Air line – namely the Air Zoom Pegasus 36. This comes in men’s and women’s models and is from one of the most respected sports brands around.
Nike is renowned for designing ultra-stylish sports footwear that’s also uber-practical, so anyone grabbing a pair of these Nikes can have complete confidence in their purchase. 38 colors are available for women, and 22 for men, so there’s something bright, light, or neutral to suit whatever look you go for.
Nike Air shoes are just as the name suggests – super lightweight to make the wearer feel like they’re walking on air. They are also very breathable to ensure your feet don’t get too hot while on the move.
These are the best Nike shoes for walking in women’s and men’s sizes and will take anyone just about anywhere in style.
I'm obsessed with:
- Cool looks
- Lots of colors
- Very lightweight & breathable
Not so hot:
- Big brand price tag
⭐Adidas Grand Court – a personal favorite
Best for – retro style
- For: Men & women
- Type: Tennis shoe
Tennis shoes are some of the best sneakers for walking on concrete, as they’re designed for the running and jumping that occurs during a game. Their relatively low-profile design also places them among the best shoes for city walking.
The Adidas Grand Court for men and women stands out as a great all-around choice for the best shoes for walking all day on concrete. A rubber outer sole provides a good grip as your feet move along or around on hard concrete, and the classic style of this Adidas tennis shoe will take you anywhere.
The ‘Cloudfoam’ midsole ensures this sleek footwear is one of the best shoes for lots of walking, despite its less chunky look as compared to other products. Looks-wise, the Adidas Grand Court is a modern yet retro style classic, with the three stripes on the sides that we all know and love.
For women, these come in over 80 colors, while more than 40 are available for men to choose from. These are some of the most stylish & best shoes for concrete walking.
📝Personal Note: These were perfect for walking the streets of Dublin, Ireland. We walked all over town all day long & they were super comfy. Plus, the leather was really easy to clean after walking all day in the rain (and a bit of mud).
I'm obsessed with:
- Iconic design
- ‘Cloudfoam’ technology
- An amazing array of colors
Not so hot:
- Not walking or running specific
ASICS GT-2000
Best for – wider feet
- For: Men & women
- Type: Running shoe
My pick as the best Asics shoes for walking is the GT-2000. This shoe comes in versions for men and women and uses gel technology to provide extra cushioning underfoot. The company’s own ‘flytefoam’ is comfortable yet very lightweight to walk around in all day.
A 3D design is also used to improve the wearer’s comfort as the foot strikes the concrete or other hard surface beneath. There are some pretty cool color options too, with ombre or multi-tonal styles, as well as some more neutral choices.
The arch support, superior padding, and spacious toe area get the thumbs up from happy owners. You can also order this footwear in a wider size, so it’s among the best women's shoes for walking on concrete with wider feet. For men, there’s an extra-wide option as well.
I'm obsessed with:
- Wider fittings available
- Stylish design & colors
- ‘Propel’ technology for comfortable stepping
Not so hot:
- Fewer color choices than some
Skechers Arch Fit
Best for – arch support
- For: Men & women
- Type: Walking shoe
Skechers are known for their innovative, super comfortable footwear and the Arch Fit line is among the best shoes for walking all day in women's and men’s styles. For men, we like the Arch Fit Oxford, while for women we’re recommending the Arch Fit Keep It Up shoes for concrete walking.
This footwear comes in a range of colors for both men & women and is fitted with a supportive arched insole. This places it among the top picks for those with flat feet – or other conditions causing pain, such as diabetes, fallen arches, or tendonitis. Happy customers say they can walk further and for longer when wearing these Skechers walking shoes.
The built-in arch may mean dispensing with orthotic inserts, so it makes life much easier. Skechers make some pretty cool footwear suitable for people of all ages, and the Arch Fit models are no exception. With an extra cushioned sole, they’re so cozy to wear, yet are very breathable too.
I'm obsessed with:
- Wide range of colors
- Well-padded yet breathable
- Podiatrist-designed arch support
Not so hot:
- Not as supportive as running or hiking footwear
Hoka One One Bondi 7
Best for – comfortable cushioning
- For: Men & women
- Type: Walking shoe
My pick of the best Hoka shoes for walking is the One One Bondi for men or women. These come in a regular or wide fitting, so they’re the best shoe for walking on concrete all day when you have wider feet.
Like the Skechers, these Hoaka shoes have a breathable mesh to the upper, which comes in useful when you’re pounding the city streets during the warmer months of the year. There are some nice color options too in both the men’s and women’s styles.
Hoka has more than its fair share of devotees, who say things like they’ll never wear shoes from another manufacturer or that they’ve been recommended to them by an orthopedic specialist. The cushioning seems to be the feature that keeps people coming back for more, as it apparently has the power to reduce the pain caused by conditions like plantar fasciitis.
I'm obsessed with:
- Wide fit available
- Attracts many repeat customers
- Increases walking time for many
Not so hot:
- Relatively expensive
Adidas Ultraboost DNA
Best for – sporty sneakers
- Unisex
- Type: Running shoe
While Adidas does offer men’s and women’s versions of their Ultraboost line, it's the unisex option that more customers prefer. This major sports brand has a wealth of experience behind them, so you can be confident in buying footwear that’s comfortable and supportive – as well as stylish.
In fact, there are 48 colors available, and if they can sell that many then surely this must be an incredibly popular product (and many colors sell out regularly, which speaks to their popularity). The best Adidas shoes for walking come in neutral tones like gray or black, pastels such as vapor pink or chalk white, and brighter hues like signal pink or coral.
Customers highly rate this footwear as the best shoes for working on concrete, running, or walking around while traveling. In terms of looks, it’s definitely a winner, Adidas being up there with the most stylish and reliable sportswear brands in the world.
I'm obsessed with:
- 48 colors
- Uber stylish looks
- Versatile & ultra-comfortable
Not so hot:
- Not a gender-specific fit
New Balance 608 V5
Best for – budget buy
- For: Men & women
- Type: Cross trainer
If you're looking for the best New Balance shoes for walking on concrete, you found them!
You know you’ve found a versatile pair of shoes when they’re called a cross trainer, as they’re designed for walking, running, and other types of sport. This one again comes in men’s and women’s versions and offers very good value for money.
They are available in a range of colors and you can pick between a leather upper or suede finish. An absorbent ‘crash pad’ to the heel ensures comfort every time you take a step, whether running or walking. On the outsole, there are flexible grooves to enable the shoe to move with your foot.
New Balance stands out among sportswear brands as they don’t spend any money on getting celebrities to advertise or endorse their products. Instead, their funds are plowed back into research and development, with the aim of creating practical, great-value footwear that offers performance, style, and comfort.
I'm obsessed with:
- Good flexibility
- Great value for money
- ‘Crash pad’ heel design
Not so hot:
- Perhaps not as stylish as other options
⭐Skechers Go Walk – a personal favorite
Best for – slip-on shoe
- For: Men & women
- Type: Walking shoe
Another product from Skechers here is a contender as the best shoes for walking in Europe, Asia, the US, or indeed anywhere on earth. We decided to feature this one as it’s a slip-on shoe, which for anyone with spinal or joint issues is just so much easier to put on and take off.
These are some of the best walking shoes for long-distance on concrete because they’re designed with just that in mind. The Goga Mat insole is ultra-cushioned and comfortable, and this is also a lightweight, breathable shoe to keep you cool in summer.
Beneath the foot, the outsole has specially-made pillars to provide extra support when wearing. This helps with shock absorption as you walk on hard surfaces.
The men’s Evolution version comes in a dozen colors, while the women’s Joy offers buyers a choice of 27 shades.
📝Personal Note: I am not even kidding…these shoes are easily as comfortable as house shoes! Here's a text I got from a friend after I recommended them to her:
I'm obsessed with:
- Slip-on and off
- Goga mat cushioned insole
- Outsole pillars for shock absorption
Not so hot:
- Not the most robust option
Xero Prio Cross
Best for – barefoot feel
- For: Men & women
- Type: Cross trainer
As well as tennis shoes and Skechers Go Walk products, those who want a more low-profile style could consider the Xero Prio Cross. This comes in versions for both men and women and has a less chunky look than the standard options.
There are 7 colors for men and 5 for women. Each features the Xero Drop sole, which is designed to encourage a natural gait and posture when walking. This footwear is made for wearing with or without socks depending on your preference.
The idea behind this Xero footwear is to create an all-purpose pair of shoes that can be worn in the gym, when trail running – or as one of the top women’s or best men's shoes for walking.
For those who are eco-conscious, the fact that this footwear is eco-friendly and vegan-friendly also ticks another box in its favor. A 5,000-mile sole guarantee is also supplied.
I'm obsessed with:
- Low profile style
- Eco and vegan friendly
- Wear barefoot or with socks
Not so hot:
- Less supportive than some types
Choosing the best shoes for walking on concrete
Here are some of the key factors to look out for when picking out the best shoes for travel and walking. They include the fit, the inner and outer soles, the support offered, and the distance you plan to walk.
Fit
Whether you want the best shoes for walking with flat feet or simply a really comfortable pair, the fit is what really matters. There should be ample room in the toe box for wiggling your toes, so the shoes don’t pinch or feel tight when worn.
At the top, the upper should also help to cradle your foot. Depending on your needs and travel plans, you may also wish to look for footwear that will guard against rain or chilly winds – or that wicks away sweat and offers ventilation when the weather is hot.
On the back, a padded heel collar will hold your foot in place while providing some support. This should be fairly firm so it provides some protection for your Achilles tendon.
Sizes do vary according to the brand, so be sure to check size charts carefully before you order. Another hot tip is to read the latest customer reviews, as they will often mention whether or not the footwear is true to size. Luckily, Amazon makes it SO EASY to return/exchange items, so you can easily swap them out if you end up with a pair that are a bit too snug or roomy.
Insole
The right insole can really make or break a pair of the best shoes for walking for men and women. Arch support is one element to look out for, and padding is another.
Materials like memory foam, for instance, can make it seem as though you’re walking on air, and provide all-day comfort even when you’re always on your feet. ‘Air’ designs will have a similar effect. Some midsoles may also contain gel for cozy softness with each step.
Look out for lightweight cushioning – the last thing you want is heavy footwear that feels like it’s dragging you down with every step. Although you do want sufficient cushioning to ensure comfort.
Outsole
If you want the best travel shoes for walking then it’s highly likely you’re concerned about comfort. There’s nothing less likely to make you comfortable than sustaining an injury, so making sure your footwear has good traction is essential if you’re going to walk on uneven (many old cities have this o, slippery, or icy surfaces.
Shoes designed with a lot of grip typically aren't necessary for exploring cities. Flatter soles are better suited to level surfaces.
Some traction is good, though, especially if wet weather might make the ground slippery. Depending on where you live or travel to, features like a durable rubber outsole and slip-resistant tread may be very important.
Support
Support is the most important factor, in my opinion. We've all walked for too far or too long in flats, or other shoes with little to no support & suffered the consequences. Sometimes, you may see hiking boots recommended among the top options. This is because a wider footbed offers more stability than regular footwear.
As a hiker myself, I am a huge fan of having a quality pair of hiking shoes if you plan to hit the trails. But, I can tell you that hiking shoes are designed for walking on uneven surfaces & can get uncomfortable quickly when walking on flat hard ground. They are not well-suited for walking or standing on concrete.
Distance
The distances you’re going to walk will affect what makes the best shoes for walking on concrete – all day, every day, or for shorter periods of time.
Softer, lighter footwear is suitable for most distances on concrete surfaces, but for long-distance hiking or trail running more specialized shoes will be the best choice. However, running shoes are ideal for walkers (and those who move more quickly) for short or long distances.
To make sure your feet feel good, buy the best shoes for walking all day on concrete as well as more specific footwear for other activities you have planned (such as hiking boots which have the grip you need for trails but tend to be heavier and less breathable than regular walking shoes).
Not sure what all to pack? Check out The Ultimate Vacation Packing List.
The best shoes for walking on concrete FAQs
What are the best shoes for walking on concrete all day?
Walking on concrete is different than walking on other types of terrain. The best women's athletic shoes for walking on concrete will be different from the kind of footwear worn for hiking or train running. The same applies to men’s walking shoes.
Concrete is not the most forgiving surface to walk on. Though it may be flat, it’s very hard and unyielding. This means it’s associated with spinal, joint, muscle, and ligament strain, as well as the painful foot condition plantar fasciitis.
The best shoes for walking in the city or on other concrete surfaces are lightweight, cushioned shoes for walking or running rather than hiking. Like when walking through theme parks or exploring large cities and sightseeing.
What type of shoe is best for walking on concrete?
In my research, sneakers & tennis shoes were the clear winner due to the support they provide compared to other types of shoes.
What are the best shoes for standing around and walking all day?
The same rules as mentioned above apply when standing, as concrete is a hard, cold surface. Your feet ideally need some protection from that firmness underfoot. Features like a memory foam insole and a thick rubber outsole can also provide extra comfort when you’re standing still (like waiting in line for hours to get on that Disney World ride).
In any case, few jobs or activities involve standing all the time – you’ll be moving and walking around as well, so shock absorption is important each time you shift around or take a step.
In short, the best shoes for walking on concrete in women's or men’s sizes are those that are also good for walking or running in.
Are hiking shoes good for walking on concrete?
Hiking shoes are made for hiking…scrambling over boulders, walking through streams & creeks, and dusty & rocky surfaces. They aren't really designed to walk on a hard flat surface (like concrete) all day.
What are the best tennis shoes for walking on concrete?
The best tennis shoes for walking on concrete include the Grand Court by Adidas and the New Balance 608 V5 cross-trainer.
Tennis shoes are just one option among good shoes for walking on concrete, however, footwear made for running and walking is often just as good – or even more suitable than a pair of tennis shoes.
Which are the best shoes for walking on concrete for you?
Whether you want to find the best shoes for walking with plantar fasciitis, diabetes, or tendonitis, the best Nike shoes for walking, or simply require comfortable footwear for travel, we hope this guide helps you track down the right footwear for your specific needs.
Until next time…
About The Author
My mission is to inspire and empower families to prioritize travel now, creating unforgettable memories and deeper connections with their loved ones.
I provide guidance and practical solutions to help busy parents integrate travel into their lives, fostering joy, fulfillment, and stress-free adventures. Don’t wait until it’s too late; the time to travel is now.
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