Our Topic Picks of Best Steel Toe Work Boots for Standing on Concrete All Day – Reviewed

Do you spend your working hours standing on hard surfaces like concrete or tile floor? Every job or activity that's not related to work but demands lots of walking and standing requires proper shoes.
As a matter of fact, you need a comfortable solution that will keep your feet and ankles safe and stabilized. The goal is to avoid injuries that show up after years of exposing your body to exhausting activities and physically difficult jobs.
Choosing the right shoes is essential so don't hesitate to pay a little bit more to get something you will be able to use for years. High-quality shoes are a bit pricey for a reason. They keep your feet and ankles safe and stabilized. On the other hand, price is not the only indicator that says your potential new shoes are the best solution for you.
That's why we are here - to help you decide which ones are suitable for your needs and which ones your body is going to appreciate the most.
Top 11 Steel Toe Work Boots for Standing on Concrete All Day
KEEN Utility - Mesh Panels
These casual outdoor boots are made from synthetic leather, which provides ample ventilation to your feet during those long days on the construction site. The rubber sole is resistant to slips and abrasions, helping you stay balanced even in the most precarious situations.
The boots are equipped with steel toe caps that protect your toes from being crushed by falling objects. The insole of the shoes is fitted with a thermoplastic polyurethane shank for added midfoot support, providing maximum comfort for, particularly, grueling shifts.
These shoes are favorite among buyers for being comfortable and durable in the most challenging situations on the construction site. They are also waterproof, making them an excellent choice for construction workers who often come in contact with wet cement. The shoes also provide ample wiggle room for the toes allowing you to stay nimble when working with heavy loads.
What Consumers Say
A few people complained that the shoes fell apart in six months or so, but this sounds like they had unwittingly bought a fake pair of shoes. If you go to a legitimate store, you are sure to get the real deal that is built to last.
PROS
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Good Ventilation
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Slip and Abrasion Resistant
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Comfortable
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Durable
CONS
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There are Fake Variants
Timberland PRO – Abrasion Resistant
Timberland is a top-notch brand, known for years of producing high-quality shoes for both women and men. This time, they bring the best shoes for standing on concrete all day.
Firstly, these footwear have a structure that is suitable for keeping both your feet and ankles safe and stabilized. They are made of high-quality leather, with abrasion-resistant rubber and double toe for increased protection.
Their steel-flex system brings a puncture-resistant plate which comes as a quite useful solution for flexible underfoot protection. Outsole shape and radius are made to prevent slippage. Again, other safety standards.
No need to worry if they are safe enough because they are ASTM F2412-11, ASTM F2413-11, and ASTM F2892-11 certified. Also, they are electrical hazard resistant as well.
These wonderful comfortable shoes are average heavy so wearing them won't leave your feet tired.
PROS
CONS
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Waterproof
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Insulated
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Releases Air Pressure
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Slip-Resistant
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Durable
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Not Lightweight
KEEN Utility – Slip-resistant
KEEN Utility produced footwear line which offers pretty good shoes for walking on concrete. They are an excellent waterproof solution with high quality locking metal lace hooks.
These footwear also meet ASTM F2412-05 and F2413-05 I/75 safety standards. Their structure provides you with high compression resistance and material is mostly nubuck leather. That part makes them an excellent waterproof solution for rain, snow and other wet conditions.
Also, they guarantee you soft-toe flexibility which is important for proper blood circulation in your toes. These shoes have removable dual-density EVA footbed which guarantees stability for your foot.
Outsoles are quite thick which makes them ready for dealing with aggressive walking surfaces as well as oily and wet terrains.
KEEN Utility shoes are comfortable and ready for everyday challenges your body will have within your regular working environment.
PROS
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Durable
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Comfortable
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Waterproof
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Lightweight
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Support
CONS
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A Bit Slippery
Caterpillar – Synthetic Sole
Caterpillar is also one of the deservedly popular brands that earned their costumers trust with top quality and comfortable shoes. They came up with one of the best shoes for standing on concrete for long hours.
Their steel toe work shoes are made of thick and durable leather which makes them quite hefty. It's an ankle-cut work with a padded tongue and collar for some extra comfort as well as a tighter seal for stabilizing your ankle. They are also heat and abrasion-resistant. Outsoles are pretty well constructed and more than suitable for slippery or oily areas.
These shoes are not 100% waterproof since the leather always eventually starts soaking the wetness from the outside. You will be safe since they are highly tolerant of muds, snow or other wet conditions.
On the other hand – remember that impregnation spray we have mentioned before? Don't hesitate to use it to provide your shoes with some extra protection from unwanted dirt and liquids.
You can choose Caterpillar boots in various colors, suitable for your preferences. Don't worry, you won't be wrong with these footwear.
PROS
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Comfortable
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Water-Resistant
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Durable
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Easy to Put On and Off
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Support
CONS
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Not Quick-dry
Thorogood – Fiberglass Shank
Thorogood came up with the most comfortable work shoes for concrete and long hours you are spending over there. It's because of their top quality leather which softly seals on the ankles. With a system like that, they don't even need additional cushions on the collar and tongue area.
They are also 100% leather with extra-thick synthetic soles. Comfortable cushion insoles are going to keep your feet stabilized and warm for your entire work shift.
They are a durable solution that meets all safety standard criteria.
Thorogood shoes are excellent for carpenters, electricians, ironworkers, boilermakers and many other workers that need top quality shoes that will keep their both feet and ankles protected and safe.
At the same time, they are not waterproof so keep in mind to protect them with impregnation spray and adjust them to your work needs.
PROS
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Heavy-duty
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Comfortable
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Good Traction
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Affordable
CONS
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Break-in Period
Irish Setter – Electrical Hazard Resistance
Irish Setter is a premier footwear brand known for decades of manufacturing high-quality footwear for workers or hunters. Their shoes are suitable for walking on concrete or any other types of surfaces under quite unpleasant outdoor conditions. It's mostly because of their thick 6-inch high synthetic soles.
Their PU V-Grip outsoles are a feature that is going to provide you with safe walking on oily or slippery ground. They are high enough to softly seal your ankle and keep it stabilized.
These 100% leather shoes meet ASTM F2413-11, M/I/C/75 standard for impact and compression as well as electrical hazard safety standards.
This is a long-lasting purchase you surely won't regret!
PROS
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100% Leather
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Breathable
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Good Traction
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Shock Absorption
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Slip-resistant
CONS
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A Bit Heavy
EVER BOOTS – Durable
These leather shoes have a rubber sole and also meet all the safety criteria for toe protection and feet stability. Their thick and long-lasting outsoles have a multi-layered surface, which is excellent for foot stability and resistance to oily and slippery surfaces. This pair also meets all the safety standards when it comes to electric hazards since EH protection passes 18,000 V standards at 60 hertz for one minute.
With their steel shanks, you will get a good break at the ball of your foot without feeling any pressure. They keep your feet stable while walking and are extremely comfortable.
EVER BOOTS steel toe model comes as an excellent and helpful solution amongst electricians, linesmen, plumbers, construction workers, etc. They are little bit bigger than Timberlands and Caterpillars models. They also have more sizing details which will help you with picking the right ones.
PROS
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Weather Resistant
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Easy to break in
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Comfortable
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Efficient Lacing System
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Easy to Wear
CONS
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Too Wide for Narrow Feet
Condor – Ultra Cushioning
Condor produced excellent and quite comfortable steel toe shoes your feet are simply going to love. They are made of nubuck leather. Unlike regular leather, this one is made by sanding and buffing the leather which results in a velvet-like finish.
These excellent boots are ASTM F2413-11 certified which means their resistant upper part is adjustable to work accidents that might include dropping some heavy objects on your feet. The soles are cushioned so you don't have to worry about comfort.
These Condor shoes also have flexible polyurethane (PU) midsole and insole which gives your feet great support during long working days. They are suitable for oily and slippery floors since their thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) outsoles are both abrasion resistant and flex tested.
Although these footwear are of high quality, you might want to use impregnation spray to protect the leather on them.
Condor offers you three different colors for this model: brown, tan and black.
PROS
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Durable
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Abrasion Resistant
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Durable
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Slip and Oil Resistant
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Easy to Wear
CONS
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Noisy Outsole
Rocky – Waterproof
Rocky created top-notch steel toe boots made of full-grain leather. That means the material hasn't been buffed or sanded in the process of removing imperfections. That's the most durable and strongest leather which often has the highest price.
The advantage is it looks nicer as time goes by so you don't have to worry that rain, snow or some other unwanted weather conditions might ruin it.
These Rocky shoes are waterproof, but also a breathable solution with rubber soles adequate for oily and slippery surfaces. They are an excellent choice for hiking or hunting as well as for all outdoor activities which demand long hours of walking or standing on different types of surfaces.
Their cushioned tongue and collar will provide your feet with comfortable and pain-free oasis.
They are built for both working men and women.
PROS
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Breathable
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Lightweight
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Comfortable
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Flexible
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Tear Resistant
CONS
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Break-in Period
Georgia - Slip- Resistant
Focusing on comfort and performance, these work boots are built for both with leather of the highest quality. It is three times stronger and two and a half times more resistant to abrasions than regular leather.
The cushioned insole and steel shank provide the support for your foot arch that makes these boots one of the most comfortable on the market.
Built with Goodyear welt construction, they are exceptionally strong and durable, being able to take a lot of damage over a long period before wearing out. These boots indeed are the most comfortable on the market, going by the response from many happy customers.
Several of them have even bought a second pair for casual use because they look as good as they feel. They are also excellent for people who have suffered ankle injuries and need a pair of shoes that offer the best ankle support.
Comments from Buyers
A few detractors have said that the soles came loose after a few months of use. This sounds like the shoes they bought were not original. It is always best to buy boots like these directly from a licensed store to ensure that you get the originals.
PROS
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Breathable
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Lightweight
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Comfortable
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Flexible
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Tear Resistant
CONS
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Break-in Period
Caterpillar - Insulated
These boots were engineered to mold themselves to your feet, supporting their natural movement and enhancing stability, flexibility, and comfort. They are equipped with 200 grams of thermal insulation to keep your feet warm in cold and wet weather, but the lining is also breathable to keep your feet cool and dry in hot weather.
Your toes are protected from falling objects by a steel tip and are also protected from electrical hazards with a fully insulated insole.
Consumer Feedbacks
People who bought these boots are extremely satisfied with the fit and the comfort that they provide even through long grueling days at the construction site. They break in on the first day itself, ensuring that you never have to experience sore feet or blisters and calluses.
A few people who bought these shoes claimed that they were not waterproof or non-slip. However, this must be a case of fraudulent shoes because Caterpillar is one of the most trusted brands in the world. Buying from a store is your best bet in getting a pair of originals.
PROS
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Flexible
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Comfortable
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Strong Protection
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Electrical Hazard Resistant
CONS
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Not Waterproof
What are Steel Toe Work Shoes and Why Do We Need Them?
First of all, are you familiar with the common effects of standing on concrete?
Swollen legs, sore feet and back pain are only some of them. Increased pressure in veins that usually occurs in these conditions can also be a problem and a result of many heart diseases. As you can see, choosing the right footwear not only affects your feet and ankles but it keeps your entire body healthier.
Steel toe shoes are a durable solution that gives your feet protection from compression injuries as well as from heavy objects falling onto them. They are also known as safety shoes or steel-capped shoes and are essential when it comes to a job where you spend lots of time standing or walking on concrete.
Steel Toe vs. Composite Toe
Do you know the difference between steel toe and composite toe shoes?
Composite toe ones are lightweight which makes them a popular solution amongst many workers. They are also more bulbous than steel toe ones, although some new carbon fiber composite toe models are thinner and a little bit less like that. They are an excellent solution in prison setting, transportation jobs and industry where you often go through metal detectors.
In addition, they are more adequate if you are going to spend your time on uneven surfaces, harsh terrains or long-mile walks. You are going to find composite toe work footwear quite useful if you need a moderate level of protection. They meet safety criteria, but not on the level steel toe shoes do.
The steel toe model is not suitable for a work environment where people deal with extreme temperatures, whether it's cold or hot. On the other hand, these footwear come as a lot safer solution in many industries since their toe-box is made of heavy thick steel. They are not predicted or designed for long walks; they are also not flexible enough for activities like that one.
Although both types have high quality and handy models, this article is mostly focused on steel-toe work shoes suitable for standing on concrete all day.
What to Look for in a Steel Toe Work Boot for Concrete Floors?

So, how to to make sure which ones are a good choice? Let's go through its essential features together.
Safety Features
To make sure your potential shoes meet required safety criteria, always check if they are at least ASTM F2413-11 certified. That's a safety test that is performed by dropping an object that weighs 50 pounds from 1.5 feet of height. Shoes that passed this test can keep your feet safe even when it comes to compressive loads up to 2,500 pounds.
Electric Shock Resistance
Another important feature is an electrical hazard (EH) resistance. Many workers who are these shoes intended to deal with everyday risks of electric shocks, especially if they are surrounded by water. Because of that, it's necessary to have a footwear with a protective heel and sole construction that is designed to reduce hazards.
Insoles
Since your job involves lots of standing and walking, it's essential to choose footwear with high-quality insoles. They are supposed to softly brace your feet as well as keep them stabilized. Your insoles should be breathable foam footbeds made out of moisture-wicking materials. Top-notch insoles will provide your tired feet with comfort and pain relief.
Outsoles
Outsoles are bottom most parts that come as an extremely important feature during direct contact with the ground. They need to be shaped according to specific activities you are going to perform.
For example, with running shoes, your outsoles are supposed to be softer and more flexible to adjust to your feet and movements that are specific for that particular activity.
Pharmaceutic clogs are also orthopedically adjusted to long hours of standing on floor tiles in pharmacies. On the other hand, shoes for standing on concrete have outsoles that are going to ease your direct contact with concrete and release pressure from your feet. Also, if this part wears out, don't worry, your cobbler can easily replace it.
Tread/Traction
It's essential to find boots with a tread that won't wear down while walking on uneven or harsh surfaces. Make sure to choose synthetic or rubber outsoles. The thicker their material is, the longer they will last.
You want to find shoes that are going to be your allies, especially when it comes to difficult and unpredicted circumstances. In other words, you need a solution that will keep you safe from falling or slipping on wet and oily surfaces. Make sure to carefully check tread designs that will help you avoid accidents like that.
Height/Weight
Height is a feature that is quite more important when it comes to outdoor working rather than indoor activities. When you walk over uneven or dangerous surfaces, the ankle is the first part that can get injured - that is why it needs to be extra stabilized. Your shoes are supposed to have a properly shaped tongue and collar that softly seals your ankle while keeping it safe.
Be aware that quality work shoes are going to weight a bit more than regular ones, especially a steel-toe model. Still, keep in mind to choose a lighter solution because you don't want to feel like carrying some extra weight when you are walking. Adjust it to the needs of your working environment.
Support
Good working boots need to give your feet enough space as well as keep them tight. In other words, your foot and toes shouldn't suppose to have too much wiggle room.
Keep in mind to always search for good heel shanks and quality lacing design. Well designed boots are going to provide you with easy movement during long working days spent on the concrete.
Waterproof Ability
If your work requires to spend lots of time outside, you have to be ready for all weather conditions. Long hours will pass by till you get home so you need to be careful and avoid working with wet feet when it's raining or snowing. Not only you need to check if your shoes are waterproof, but it would also be very good to buy impregnation spray as well.
After buying your shoes, spray it all over their surface and leave them for at least 30 minutes to dry out. The layer that spray creates on your footwear is going to prevent water from coming to your shoes or even ruining their surface. That way your footwear will last longer.
Comfort
Above all, your shoes must be comfortable. There are so many other things you need to think of while working, that you really shouldn't have some extra concerns about what you wear on your feet.
Cushioning is the key when it comes to comfort, but it doesn't mean more is necessarily better. For example, extremely cushy insoles are excellent if a person is stationary most of the time. On the other hand, workers who are in constant motion won't be satisfied with this solution because it won't be that effective when it comes to fighting fatigue. On the contrary – it could even increase it.
It's important to find boots with the right amount that is adjusted to your particular job. Give yourself some time while picking your working shoes and, if possible, try them on. Compare several models so you can find boots that suit you best.
Warranty
Keep in mind that there are always some things that you might not see while buying boots, or at least not until you get home. Also, what if something breaks? What if they guarantee you waterproof boots, but during the first slight rain, you feel your toes are floating in the water?
Many things can go wrong, and it doesn't have to be your fault. You deserve a high-quality product you paid for, so be aware that your boots need a warranty. That way you can bring them back and get new ones that will meet the following criteria.
So, now we determined essential features when it comes to choosing the right working boots, it's time for our comprehensive list of the best ones!
Extra Cushioning
This is of the utmost importance when working on hard concrete because doing so does take its toll on your ankles and knees. To relieve the strain on your joints, you need a pair of boots that can absorb the shock generated by stepping on the hard, unforgiving surface of the concrete repeatedly throughout the day.
Slip Resistance
The thing about hard concrete is that it becomes slippery when it comes in contact with water. This makes slip resistance an important feature to have in a pair of work boots that are going to be used on hard concrete surfaces for long periods.
Flexibility
Since concrete doesn’t “give” as wood does under pressure, it creates increased pressure on your feet when you walk around on it. Work boots that are designed to be used on concrete surfaces are often made to accommodate the motion of your feet. This makes up for the unmoving nature of concrete.
Consequences of Working for Long Hours Standing on Concrete
Concrete has built up an excellent reputation for being strong and versatile. Still, it is not the best surface to be walking on for long periods, especially for construction workers. The reason construction workers are at higher risk while working on concrete is that they have to walk on it all day long, often while carrying heavy loads.
This creates a tremendous amount of pressure on the joints of the lower body, including the knees, ankles, and feet. Sometimes, the pain in these joints could be a sign of slow bone damage. Either way, these consequences tend to reduce a worker’s productivity drastically.
So what exactly are the long-term consequences of standing on concrete?
Back Pain
According to a study done at ETH Zurich in Switzerland by a team of scientific investigators, standing for long periods is significantly associated with prolonged muscle fatigue in the lower extremities. This fatigue may then increase the long-term risk of developing back pain among a variety of musculoskeletal disorders.
Muscle fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders account for about a third of all worker injuries and illnesses. Millions of workers around the world have jobs that require long periods of standing at work like construction workers, carpenters, teachers, bank tellers, assembly line workers, security guards, traffic enforcers, and many more. Standing for most of the day at work can be detrimental to this particular demographic because it is associated with fatigue, backaches, and muscle cramp, particularly in the leg.
Regardless of one’s gender or even age, workers who spend most of their time standing are more likely to experience a high level of muscle fatigue or strain. When standing, muscles particularly in the back and in the lower extremities, are maintained at a high-stress position. This is because they are supporting the entire body. This can result in exhaustion and pain not only in the lower back but also in the legs, ankles, and feet.
One major contribution to this muscle fatigue and pain is that standing takes a heavy toll on the joints. It places immense pressure on the hip joint, knee joint, and ankle joint. This pressure decreases the normal lubrication and cushioning of these joints, causing them to dry out and eventually tear. This wear and tear of the joints make it painful not only to stand but also to walk.
Varicosity
Another consequence of prolonged periods of standing is the development of so-called varicose veins. Standing pulls the blood towards the lower parts of the body, mainly due to the gravity. This mechanism is mostly due to the valves in the veins becoming weaker as a result of standing for very long periods.
When this happens, the valves cannot push the blood back into the heart as effectively because their distensibility is compromised. As a result, there is pooling of blood in these veins causing them to expand further. The valves of the vein work best when coupled with regular muscle contractions. While standing, the muscles become stationary, and they become weakened as time goes by, which contributes to the formation of varicose veins and other circulatory disorders, including hypertension.
Because standing for long periods can significantly alter the distribution of blood in one’s extremities, the blood pools, and therefore decreases the blood plasma volume that circulates in our body. This is associated with the advancement of atherosclerotic disease. It also increases the risk of coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, carotid artery disease, and aneurysms.
Helpful Tips
Change Positions Often
This may not seem to be that helpful of a tip, but it does help a lot. Try to avoid standing in the same position for an extended period. Shift your weight from one leg to the other every few minutes to reduce the strain on your joints.
Resting Spots
If you can, try to have a resting spot somewhere in the vicinity of where you work. An ideal thing to have would be a chair that you could sit on whenever you have the chance. This is the best way to take the weight off your feet for a few moments throughout the day. If you can’t arrange a chair or a stool, you can try resting one of your feet on a footbar or leaning against a countertop to take the pressure off your feet and back.
Appropriate Footwear
Wearing work boots that are designed for concrete surfaces is probably the best thing you can do to protect yourself from moderate injuries. The cushioning in these boots absorbs the shocks generated by your footfalls that would generally take a massive toll on the joints of your lower body and back. It is also good practice to have a second pair of work boots on hand to rotate their wear. This will add to the life of both pairs of boots in the long run.
Anti-Fatigue Mats
If possible, you should consider placing an anti-fatigue mat on the floor of your resting spot. This mat will further reduce the strain of your knees and ankles and provide a great resting place for you when you are on your break.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are steel toe types recommended?
Work boots with steel toe protection are recommended when there is the risk of heavy objects falling on your feet. If you are working on a building site, then it would probably be better to wear steel toe boots. If you are working on a road, then you may not need it. However, it is up to you to decide based on your circumstances.
Are slip-on boots recommended?
Since there is the risk of walking on slippery surfaces like hard concrete that is covered with water, it is probably not a good idea to wear slip-on boots. Although some excellent work boots are slip-on, there is still a small chance that they may come undone when you are walking across a wet surface. Laced shoes will hug your feet very comfortable and will greatly reduce the chances of you slipping on hard concrete.
Conclusion
Keep in mind you should always adjust your footwear to job conditions and safety standards your working environment requires. Whether you buy your new work boots on places like Amazon or at physical store, make sure to collect all relevant information about essential features.
Feel free to ask others about their experiences. Sites like Amazon have a review section where you can ask whatever confuses you or even read other people's opinions on boots you might want to buy. Be smart about this choice because this is a purchase you are supposed to use for a long time.
Additionaly - although choosing proper shoes makes a huge impact on your health during those long hours of standing on concrete, there are still some other things you need to pay attention to.
Change your position as much as possible. Keep in mind to stretch out from time to time. If you must stand and there is no option of sitting for a few minutes, try to use some small step stool just to rest your feet off the ground.
Provide your body with a proper rest and reward yourself with massages or other treatments that are going help you relieving the pain from your body. Don't forget physical activity in your spare time as well.
Take proper care of yourself and your health!