Standing or walking on concrete all day? You need the right warehouse shoes, and this guide will tell you exactly how to find them. Enjoy. Show
For those who work in a warehouse, you know the importance of proper footwear. Having the best shoes makes all the difference. Walking all day on hard concrete floors takes its toll, but with the right shoe choices you can minimize your risk of injury, improve your comfort while walking, and maximize your effectiveness in unforgiving conditions. Consistent walking, heavy load lifting, rapid movements, repetitive motions, and the strains of hard surfaces such as concrete and linoleum take a heavy toll on your legs and feet. Ultimately, this results in inefficient work, and down the line back pain and other injuries. You can improve your odds of avoiding all these issues by choosing the best warehouse shoes for your workplace needs. Our Picks for the Best Warehouse Work ShoesFinding the best warehouse shoes can be a monumental task to deal with. There is a ton of information out there about what works, what doesn't, and how none of it matters because everyone's situation is different. One thing we want to address quickly is running shoes for warehouse work. These can work, but you need to be careful. If you need safety shoes for an industrial warehouse, or a warehouse where you work around heavy machinery, then running shoes are not an option. If you're a warehouse picker then running shoes can work. However, don't get a shoe with a huge heel that sticks out the back, and don't choose a running shoe with a knobby outsole. You want a flat sole for walking on flat surfaces like concrete. We've chosen the adidas UltraBoost 5.0 DNA, the Nike Revolution 5, and the Saucony Integrity Walker in our list as good running shoes for a warehouse. (You can also check out the Nike Air Presto for a Nike option that has a more comfortable mesh upper.) We ran across the following on the AmazonFC subreddit that summed it up pretty well:
We have outlined a dozen solid warehouse shoe and safety shoe options below. The first three are mostly for pickers or others who are walking all day, after that we get into options with various safety features. We've included options with soft toe, composite toe, and steel toe designs. We also included some ESD (Electro Static Dissipative) shoes for those working in warehouses with lots of robotics or equipment that builds up static. Here are the Best Warehouse Shoes You Can Buy:
What to Watch Out for With Our RecommendationsWe've included options with soft toe, composite toe, and steel toe designs. Which one you need depends on your work environment and the policies of your job. Our general rule of thumb (beyond clearly hazardous environments where you obviously need safety shoes) is that if you are working in areas with active forklifts, you need a safety shoe. Similarly, if you move heavy items that can fall, you also need a safety toe. You know better than we do what safety features your warehouse job requires. The other safety shoe option we've covered is ESD (electro static dissipative) shoes. The Timberland PRO Drivetrain Sport and Reebok Sublite both feature ESD/SD+ technology in some models. If your warehouse has static build up, these solve that problem. We've gotten lots of reports that as Amazon centers add more and more robotic equipment, the static discharge problems in their centers gets worse. We've gotten a lot of email from Amazon pickers looking for ESD shoes, so we included some options. Finally, we included a number of running/walking shoe options. If you work as a picker, and your main concern is 10-12 hours a day walking on concrete, these can work well. The other upside to spending money on running or athletic shoes is that if they aren't good for work, you can still use them for everyday wear. That's harder to do with a specialized work boot or safety shoe. A Couple of Pro TipsBetween us, the ShoeGuide editors have worked countless warehouse and fulfilment center jobs. Over the years, we've acquired some tips that we collect for you here.
You can get some other great tips from this reddit thread on the issue. The Best Warehouse Work Shoes - Detailed Reviews1. adidas UltraBoost 5.0 DNAOriginally released in 2015, adidas' UltraBoost quickly gained popularity for a variety of reasons. Many dubbed this "the most comfortable sneaker of all time." The UltraBoost lineup underwent several iterations after that release, including a major performance overall that began with the UltraBoost 19 and continued with the 20 and 21. These turned the UltraBoost in to a pure running shoe, and left us non-runners out. However, in late 2019, adidas introduced the UltraBoost DNA which brought back many features from the original UltraBoost models. Especially, it ditched the larger heel and the running shoe features, and returned to its roots as a pure comfort shoe, meant for keeping your feet cool and comfortable all day. Here we are in 2021, and the latest model, the UltraBoost 5.0 DNA continues this commitment to a great shoe for all day wear. It's our top choice if you need a warehouse shoe for walking on concrete all day as a picker or other worker, but you don't need a safety shoe. This is lightweight, cool, and has great cushioning underfoot. Pros of the adidas UltraBoost 5.0 DNA
Cons of the adidas UltraBoost 5.0 DNA
2. Nike Revolution 5Our next pick for a running style shoe for people walking all day who don't need safety shoes is the Nike Revolution 5. This is something of an under the radar pick. It doesn't have devoted fans like the UltraBoost, but we found it quite comfortable for working on hard floors all day. The mesh upper will polarize. Most people we talked to liked it, but some really didn't. It provides a sock-like fit to the shoe that worked almost like a compression sock in our opinion. Having a really snug fit around the foot felt good after walking a while. There was not the usual sense that the shoe was starting to loosen up. Also, if your feet swell through the day, these should work well. You won't find your feet aching from laces that are too tight. These come in as a bit less expensive than the UltraBoost, so make a good option on a tight budget. If you're following our "get two pairs " recommendation then one of each is solid way to switch shoes and vary the pressure points on your feet. This can help a ton in preventing specific pain points from walking on concrete all day. If you like Nike and want an alternative, we recommend the Air Presto. Pros of the Nike Revolution 5
Cons of the Nike Revolution 5
3. Saucony Integrity Walker 3Getting the ideal pair of warehouse shoes when you work in, say, an Amazon warehouse, moving boxes and walking 15+ miles per day, can be difficult. One of the best soft-toe shoes that we have found that truly fits the mold for long-distance warehouse workers on concrete is the Saucony Integrity Walker 3. These shoes have a lot of benefits, including impressive cushioning, and stability centered in the heel, providing a balanced, safe stride, perfect for long shifts spent walking on concrete. Additionally, a Walk Trac outsole patented by Saucony is long-lasting, durable, and provides a slip-resistant and smooth walking experience. Pros of the Saucony Integrity Walker 3
Cons of the Saucony Integrity Walker 3
Our VerdictOverall, despite a few potential disadvantages, if you find yourself on concrete walking extensively as part of your warehouse job, and safety toe requirements are not in place at your place of work, you can’t go wrong with the Saucony Integrity Walker 3. There are options for men and women, and come at a solid price point for what they offer. 4. Timberland PRO Drivetrain Sport
The Drivetrain from Timberland is one of the strongest models for an athletic-style shoe that still has a composite safety toe. While we wouldn’t go as far as to call these shoes “exciting”, they definitely are innovative for work shoes, especially seeing a sport shoe from boot-focused Timberland. These shoes are surprisingly lightweight for composite-toe shoes, and have an overall very light design. And this is all from Timberland, one of the top companies in the work shoe market. The leather upper and high-value composite toe provide support and plenty of injury protection. The inside of these shoes is made from textile materials. These not only better accommodate your feet, but also let you have proper ventilation, to avoid the issues associated with sweat. The design of these shoes are like an athletic shoe, though, while remaining safe and comfortable, and providing the protection necessary for the hardest of jobs. If you search around on Zappos, they also make these with Static Dissipative features. We linked to the standard model, but last time we checked (October 2021), they offered these with the SD feature as well. Pros of the Timberland PRO Drivetrain Sport Composite Toe
Cons of the Timberland PRO Drivetrain Sport Composite Toe
Our VerdictOverall, if you are looking for a solid, safety toe warehouse shoe that doesn’t have the feel and weight of a boot, but still has the comfort and durability to last, look no further than the Timberland PRO Drivetrain Sport Composite-Toe SD Industrial & Construction Shoe. 5. New Balance Slip Resistant Fresh Foam 806If you are on the hunt for a pair of stylish warehouse shoes that you can wear anywhere, and your workplace doesn’t require a safety toe, you can’t go wrong with the New Balance Slip Resistant Fresh Foam 806. New Balance engineered their “industrial” shoe to ensure people who are on their feet, working in warehouses consistently, have strong comfort and protection for long hours. These shoes feature a synthetic-upper with no stitching or sewing, allowing for a seam-free and smooth fit, no rubbing issues, and simple cleaning. Additionally, the 806’s come with New Balance’s signature midsole Fresh Foam, which offers long-lasting wear with extremely plush support. Finally, the outsoles feature slip-resistant lugs, arranged strategically based on pressure data from the foot. They gather this from the New Balance research lab, and work hard to ensure both all-day comfort and stability while performing warehouse work. Pros of the New Balance Slip Resistant Fresh Foam 806
Cons of the New Balance Slip Resistant Fresh Foam 806
Our VerdictOverall, we were very impressed with the advantages present in the New Balance Slip Resistant Fresh Foam 806. A slick, stylish work shoe that can be worn out and about, these soft-toe options are ideal for those who work in an environment where safety-toe shoes are not a requirement. 6. Reebok Sublite Cushion Work Allow Toe SDWhile these work shoes from Reebok may look like a relatively stylish cross between a running shoe and a hiking boot, they come packed full of features that make them perfect for warehouse work. In addition to their many features, these shoes also come in a wide range of sizes and widths, from 4-13 (half sizes from 4.5-11.5) and in both wide and medium. This makes them perfectly suitable for women, too. Reebok is known for their athletic shoes, so it should come as no surprise that their flagship work and warehouse shoe option has athletic inspiration. However, these shoes are also flexible and lightweight, coming in lighter than most competing options. Despite this, these shoes have micro-webbed leather uppers for support and breathability, and a steel toe cap, as well as inner fabric comprised of nylon mesh, and a cushioned, removable footbed. The midsole is made from EVA, and the shoe’s footbed is Reebok’s own proprietary “FootFuel” tech. These shoes have a sole made from their Reebok Sublite foam, with a slip-resistant tread to ensure you don’t have any slip and fall issues when working in a warehouse. Finally, the lack of exposed metal on the shoe, and its dual-resistor design, helps ensure static is fully dissipated. Pros of the Reebok Sublite Cushion Work Alloy Toe ESD
Cons of the Reebok Sublite Cushion Work Alloy Toe ESD
Our VerdictThis warehouse shoe is a solid option for those looking for a lightweight and breathable shoe for all-day wear. Despite athletic styling, a steel toe and strong dissipation of static make these great shoes for general warehouse work. 7. KEEN Utility Detroit XT Steel ToeKEEN has been an innovative company from the get-go. Known for being one of the first shoe manufacturers to develop work shoes made specifically for women, their unique way of thinking puts them into the mind of the customer and their own needs, instead of what is best for the corporation. As such, one of the things they noticed was that the left and right foot are in no way perfectly symmetrical. For this reason, their Utility Detroit work shoe is made with asymmetrical, irregular steel toes, which works to accommodate variations present in each foot’s symmetry. The toe box of the KEEN Utility Detroit Low Steel Toe Work Shoe is double reinforced. This helps to protect the toes and keeps them from getting injured in the workplace, which happens all too often for those who lack the proper footwear. Additionally, the shoes are comfortable, stylish, and have plenty of space for the toes to move about. Pros of the KEEN Utility Detroit XT Steel Toe
Cons of the KEEN Utility Detroit XT Steel Toe
Our VerdictOverall, these shoes were a great all-around option for those looking for a relatively stylish but still workhorse-level warehouse shoe for their day to day. KEEN makes great shoes, so we were not surprised by the outstanding reviews and performance of this work shoe option. 8. Timberland PRO Pit Boss 6" for MenTimberland says it best in their overview of the Pit Boss: “The Timberland PRO 6" Pit Boss Steel Toe is everything a work boot should be: Safe, tough and really comfortable. These boots aren't anything if they aren't tough. Go ahead, just try to wear them out.” If you need a durable, long lasting, but still affordable work shoe for warehouse related work, it’s hard to go better than a Timberland, and the PRO Men’s Pit Boss is the cream of the crop. These shoes come with a stellar nubuck leather upper, providing long-lasting wear and impressive comfort. Additionally, their metal eyelets, cast-metal top hooks and standard lace-up design provide a secure fit that remains snug for the entirety of a workday. Added comfort comes from the padded collar and tongue, and durability is second-to-none with coveted Goodyear welt construction. Pros of the Timberland PRO Men's Pit Boss 6" Steel Toe
Cons of the Timberland PRO Men's Pit Boss 6" Steel Toe
Our VerdictOverall, if you are looking for a solid work boot with a steel toe and the ability to last for years of hard use, you can’t go wrong with this option from Timberland. 9. Timberland PRO Titan 6" for WomenTimberland is known for their incredibly long-lasting, hard-working boots. However, for women who want a lightweight option, and prefer boots to alternative shoes in the warehouse, Timberland has a great choice for you with the PRO 6” Titan for women. These are by far some of the strongest boots on the market for warehouse working. These shoes have an upper made from dark leather, with an upper that is six inches in height, and additional padding at the ankle and tongue. Another bonus of these shoes is that they are completely waterproof, which is surprisingly not common with warehouse shoes. Additionally, these shoes come in full and half sizes at just about any point you might need them for proper fit. They come with mesh liners, which work to channel sweat away from the feet, as well as an antimicrobial treatment, which helps to keep the feet dry and comfortable. Additionally, polyurethane midsoles provide cushioning, which is durable and lightweight. Also, there is a nylon shank in these shoes, which provides support and rigidity. These shoes are alloy toe-capped, which decreases overall weight. Finally, the outsoles are classic Timberland Pro rubber, offering slip-resistance, heat-resistance, and resistance to both abrasions, electrical hazards, and oil. Pros of the Timberland PRO Titan Women's 6" Titan Alloy Toe Work Boots
Cons of the Timberland PRO Titan Women's 6" Titan Alloy Toe Work Boots
Our VerdictOverall, if you’ve got a good sized budget and are looking for the perfect warehouse boot for women, you can’t go wrong with this incredible offering from Timberland. Although a bit heavier than some alternatives, these shoes will last for well over a year of long distances. 10. Skechers Afterburn Memory Foam for MenOverall, if you’ve got a good sized budget and are looking for the perfect warehouse boot for women, you can’t go wrong with this incredible offering from Timberland. Although a bit heavier than some alternatives, these shoes will last for well over a year of long distances. These shoes are an incredible value for what they offer warehouse workers. They are made from a variety of synthetic and leather materials, as well as thick rubber soles, working together to ensure a strong combination of style, support, and comfort. The memory foam insoles of the Skechers Afterburn are composed of a surprisingly high quality foam for Skechers products. While the longevity leaves a little bit to be desired, these insoles are removable and replaceable. Testing revealed that these shoes are perfectly supportive and comfortable over long timespans, ideal for extensive shifts and time spent on your feet. Pros of the Skechers Afterburn
Cons of the Skechers Afterburn
Our VerdictOverall, if comfort is your number priority, and you are on a budget, you can’t go wrong with the Skechers Afterburn. While there are a few drawbacks, there are plenty of feature-rich aspects that make these warehouse shoes a great pick. 11. Skechers D'Lites Memory Foam Lace Up for WomenOne issue that can be had with the above reviewed Skechers Afterburn is that it is a warehouse shoe made for men. While women can convert the sizing of the Afterburn to meet their needs, there needs to be a good warehouse shoe that fits the unique needs of a woman. Enter the Skechers D'Lites Memory Foam Lace-Up Sneaker. These shoes are the classic Skechers style with more modern features and amenities. Made of “trubuck leather”, these shoes have a fabric upper, a casual look, and mesh fabric overlay accents and contrast stitching. Additionally, there is an air-cooled memory foam insole to ensure your comfort levels stay on the up-and-up hour after hour while working in a warehouse. Added features include smooth, synthetic trim around the edging, and side panels that vent for additional breathability throughout long days. Comfort is enhanced with more than just the insole, there is also a light, shock-absorbing high-support midsole, as well as a flexible rubber traction outsole. With its 1.25-inch built-in heel, these shoes lift you up and ensure you can work comfortably day after day. Pros of the Skechers D'Lites
Cons of the Skechers D'Lites
Why Are Warehouse Shoes Important?In many cases, employers have rigorous safety protocols in place to ensure everything goes by the book and OSHA doesn’t crack down on them. Over 70,000 workers in the United States suffer injuries to their feet annually. In many of these cases (over 80%) the injuries are crush-related, caused by heavy items falling. Most warehouse shoes are made with additional toe protection, which helps alleviate these injuries or prevent them entirely. Typically, these shoes have enhanced support as well, keeping extensive standing, walking, and general wear and tear from taking a permanent toll on your feet. Things to Look for in Warehouse Work ShoesThere are plenty of things that you need to be on the lookout for when weighing your options for a strong safety shoe. From comfort to toe protection, durability, stability, and safety, there are features that weigh more heavily than others when doing your due diligence. Below, we dive into these in detail. Comfort for Extended Time Standing on ConcreteStanding on your feet all day takes a toll on your back, joints, and feet. There are a few factors that play into the comfort level of good warehouse shoes. Some of the most important are midsoles, insoles, fit, padding, and moisture control.
Strong Toe ProtectionThe toes represent the most vulnerable part of the foot for injury. Each foot has 26 different small bones. Over half of these bones are located in the toes. Having proper protection for these delicate body parts is crucial. With warehouse shoes, this protection typically comes in safety toe caps. In fact, many workplaces that have running machinery around require these safety toe caps when working. It should be noted that there are multiple different types of material that these toe caps can be comprised of. Some of the most common are alloy, steel, and composite. Here is what makes these three different. Alloy Toe CapsThe newest safety toe to the workplace shoe scene. They offer similar protection to steel toe caps, and are usually made from materials such as titanium and aluminum. While alloy toe caps are usually thicker than steel alternatives, they are also 30% to 50% lighter. This makes them ideal for sneaker-type work shoes versus work boots. They also bend upon impact, but still do an incredible job for protection. Steel Toe CapsA mainstay in work and warehouse shoes for decades, and for good reason. Their strength and durability is very difficult to match. Sure, you can dent steel toes a bit by heavier falling things, however the protection they offer is still second to none. They do have their downsides, though. For example, if you do a lot of walking (for example, in Amazon warehouses, etc), heavier steel toe shoes will bring about fatigue far faster than alloy or composite alternatives. Composite Toe CapsMade from high-tech materials such as carbon fiber, kevlar, plastic, or fiberglass. These toe caps have no metal in them, which makes them ideal for workplace situations where electrical hazards may be common. While they are advantageous in many ways, they tend to be bulkier and lighter than alternatives. General Considerations with Safety Toe Warehouse ShoesOne of the considerations you need to take into account is the comfort of the toe caps. For starters, your toes should not be hitting the front of the caps. On the other hand, they shouldn’t be so far back that the caps fail to provide adequate protection from hazards. You can check if your toes are in the proper location by putting on your warehouse shoes and squatting down. When squatting, the base of the toes should be sitting behind the flex point (where the shoe bends). Durability, Stability, and SafetyThere are definitely some features to look out for with warehouse shoes. Namely, look for features regarding safety, durability, and stability. However, inquire with your employer regarding their safety requirements. Some of the most common factors include electric hazards, non-slip capabilities, and overall durability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Warehouse ShoesWhat Should I Look for When Walking on Concrete Floors All Shift?It’s true, concrete is highly unforgiving on the feet, especially after long periods spent walking and standing. For this reason, you want to ensure that your warehouse shoes have ample, thick cushioning. Additionally, it’s important to look for durable soles, as well as uppers that will not wear out quickly with extended use. Are there other safety precautions I should take?This depends on your workplace. Some warehouse work, for example with smaller, local companies, have relatively lax safety requirements. When this is the case, use your judgment and do your due diligence to ensure your feet stay safe, secure, and attached. Comparatively, there are other workplaces, for example larger corporations with armies of safety personnel, who have far more stringent safety precautions. We have even seen some safety manuals with entire chapters on footwear! When this is the case, follow those guidelines to a tee. What are the best shoes for working in an Amazon warehouse?This is up for debate, as Amazon has a variety of requirements for safety and security of warehouse employees. Some employees have mentioned receiving a 30% discount off Skechers shoes for Amazon warehouse workers. If so, that price decrease would bump warehouse shoes such as the Skechers D'Lites Memory Foam Lace-Up Sneaker for women, or the Skechers Afterburn for men, close to the top of the running. The safety requirements for Amazon also vary from location to location. Some require safety shoes, others do not. If you're an Amazon picker and can wear regular shoes, you'll be walking all day every day. We recommend the adidas UltraBoost or Nike Revolution 5 for those folks. Our Final ThoughtsIt should come as no surprise that warehouse work comes inbuilt with pressure and extreme strain put on the feet day in and day out, as well as the potential for injury. It doesn’t matter if you spend all day on an assembly line, or walk 20 miles through an Amazon warehouse, or spend your days loading and unloading heavy equipment or boxes, things happen. For this reason, it’s crucial to pick a pair of warehouse shoes or boots that are not only comfortable, but meet required safety standards for injury prevention. However, don’t discount the other shoes we have reviewed as the best options. Everyone’s situation is different, everyone’s workplace is different, and knowing the steps needed to get the perfect warehouse shoe for you will make all the difference in your comfort level, safety, and your overall work experience. We hope that this guide has been useful and informative. Feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts on which is the best warehouse shoes. We at Shoe Guide would love to hear from you! What are the best shoes to wear when you work on your feet all day?Hoka One One Bondi 7 Sneakers. BEST OVERALL. ... . Brooks Ghost 13 Sneakers. BEST SUPPORT. ... . Dansko Professional Clogs. BEST CLOGS. ... . Skechers D'Lites Memory Foam Sneakers. BEST MEMORY FOAM. ... . Yhoon Sock Slip-On Sneakers. BEST SLIP-ONS. ... . Oofos Unisex Clogs. BEST OPEN-BACK CLOGS. ... . Calzuro Classic Clogs With Holes. ... . Asics Gel-Venture 7 Sneakers.. Are running shoes good for standing on concrete?Softer, lighter footwear is good for most distances on concrete surfaces, but for long-distance hiking or trail running more specialized shoes will be the best choice. Running shoes are ideal for walkers ( as well as those who move more quickly) for short or long distances, however.
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