Hard surfaces, such as concrete, can take their toll on your feet if you work all day. Many job site workers get plantar fasciitis, flat feet, heel and arch problems, and other kinds of discomfort. Even with the best work boots for the job, you might need a good insole for keeping you comfortable for all-day work.
Arch pain is the most common problem among people who walk around concrete and other hard surfaces from time to time. This results in less productivity because you feel the pain so intensely. That’s why it pays to invest in a good pair of insoles for keeping comfortable and focused on the job.
Concrete is a rough surface so if you feel that your feet are already suffering from daily walks, you can help counter these after-effects using the right pair of insoles. Most insoles are made to help relieve the problems of plantar fasciitis, shin splints, neuroma, and even lower back pain.
With that, you’ll need the best insoles for working on concrete and hard surfaces, and that’s why we wrote this guide to help you out!
What To Look for In the Best Insoles for Working on Concrete & Hard Surfaces
Here’s what you should look for if you want the best insoles for working on concrete and hard surfaces:
Check if it fits your shoes
While most insoles have a trim-to-fit design, always check if it is the correct size for your shoes to make sure it fits well.
Consider arch and ankle support
In this way, you feel comfortable with the way you walk around. You might want to ask your podiatrist on which foot arch works best for your needs.
Materials used
Gel types are common for insoles since they help you feel comfortable in hot weather and for all-day work. Foam is also a great material to keep you cushioned. Just ensure that the insole is made with durable material.
Anti-bacterial and anti-odor properties
Most of us will have to use the shoes and get sweaty afterward. Therefore, it pays to have insoles that can control odor and bacteria.
Best Insoles for Working on Concrete & Hard Surfaces
Here are our picks for the best insoles for working on concrete and hard surfaces:
Superfeet COPPER Insoles
When it comes to hard surfaces like concrete, the Superfeet COPPER Insoles are a great choice for both men and women. Since it has a low profile, it will easily conform to your work shoes and feet. The memory foam layer makes this insole very comfy for your feet.
We also like the narrow heel cup that helps with working for hours and walking long distances, such as if you’re at a job site or making road repairs. The rear part also has a stability foam layer for added comfort.
To help keep your balance, it has a stabilizer cap. It also comes with odor-control properties so your socks and feet won’t smell that bad.
Timberland PRO Men’s Replacement Insole
Equipped with Anti-Fatigue Technology, the Timberland PRO Men’s Replacement Insole is a synthetic insole that’s built for durability thanks to its rugged outside material. It is also an OrthoLite insole for those who need orthotics for their feet.
We recommend this pair of insoles to those at the job site or who are doing carpentry work due to its sturdiness. It will fit not just on most work boots but also on sneakers and hiking shoes.
These stay comfortable even when used with a cheap pair of boots. As cut to fit insoles, the arch support is just right in thickness and not too high or thick for most concrete workers.
Dr. Scholl’s Work Insoles
Suitable for working women, the Dr. Scholl’s Work Insoles is a size 6 to 11 pair of insoles that comes with a massaging gel. This will help those who work all day and out in the sun, such as gardeners, workers at a job site, and the like.
It has shock absorption so you can spring into action without feeling unsafe – especially on uneven terrain and surfaces. What’s more, it has good arch support so walking on concrete won’t be so strenuous.
Aside from the gel layer, it also comes with cooling vents in the middle to keep your feet dry as you go – which is important for hot climates.
Samurai Arch Support Shoe Insoles
Ideal for those suffering from plantar fasciitis, which causes pain at the heel, the Samurai Arch Support Shoe Insoles will help you to feel relief. Aside from that, it’s also suitable for people suffering from shin splints and other foot problems, such as neuroma and heel problems.
As it was designed by a podiatrist (a doctor or medical practitioner for feet), it gives the user comfort regardless of what shoes they have and if they suffer from problems such as flat feet and more.
The orthotic part is inside the insole, making it fashionable yet still comfortable. Moreover, the insoles fit into nearly any shoe, whether it’s your work or leisure pair.
Arm & Hammer Work Insoles
Suitable for both men and women, the Arm & Hammer Work Insoles are supported with memory foam, making them comfortable for all-day work and affairs. It also has a special arch that provides support to lessen fatigue at the end of the day.
Likewise, it also comes with Fresh Guard Technology to help keep your feet smell fresh and not funky. As a trim-to-fit insole pair, it fits women’s shoe sizes from 6 to 10 and men’s from 8 to 13.
Fitting most shoe types, it can be used for your work shoes as well as your leisure flats. The contoured heel cup also helps the wearer to stay comfortable and steady.
Happystep Plantar Fasciitis Shoe Inserts
Made with memory foam, the Happystep Plantar Fasciitis Shoe Inserts are suitable for men (size 8 to 12) and women (9 to 14) and have cushioned arch support. This PU-material insole will help you to do the job without feeling fatigued at the end of the day.
The memory foam will support your feet plus the soft velvet material will cater to your needs for all-day comfort on concrete.
This pair of insoles is a trim-to-fit type, meaning it can handle nearly all kinds of footwear. It is also quite flexible to wear due to its material. The density is high enough to give you cushioning for long and tiring work hours.
Dr. Scholl’s Heavy Duty Support Orthotics
For those who need extra pain relief, the Dr. Scholl’s Heavy Duty Support Orthotics can take up to 200 pounds of weight (for men) and are working all day. With its arch guard and shock guard, the weight distribution for your feet won’t make you feel fatigued at the end of the day.
Since it is equally balanced, the insoles can help relieve lower back pain and leg fatigue. It also comes with a deep heel cup so you can control your walking without feeling unsafe on uneven ground.
The shock guard is also helpful for impact reduction for dangerous job sites and features full-length cushioning, which also helps with its shock absorption.
Physix Gear Sport Insoles
When it comes to overpronation problems, the Physix Gear Sport Insoles are a great choice – also for arch support, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and if your feet are sore and aching. It has an ergonomic design, which is important in places where there is uneven ground or on slippery surfaces.
Made with PU material and EVA foam, the insoles are double-layered for added protection and comfort when walking on concrete.
It even has a deep heel cradle to help support your feet for long hours of standing and walking. Since the EVA foam base has the right amount of thickness, it will fit most running shoes as well (other than your work shoes).
JobSite Power Tuff Orthotic Insoles
Available in a variety of sizes, the JobSite Power Tuff Orthotic Insoles are good for workers with plantar fasciitis or who generally feel fatigued and pain in their foot and heel. It also has a high rebound to help with work flexibility.
Made with comfortable arch support, this pair of insoles also comes with an extra heel cushion to help walk comfortably on hard surfaces. What’s more, it has a nylon shell for additional support along with the polyurethane (PU) material.
The top area of the fabric is also odor-fighting so you won’t have to suffer with smelly socks or shoes. The insoles are not just comfortable but also supportive with carrying weight.
Copper Fit Men’s Work Insoles
Fitting men’s shoes from size 9 to 12, the Copper Fit Men’s Work Insoles are made with anti-shock foam that has two layers for added protection against impact when you’re working in rigorous environments. It can be used for both work and running shoes due to its design.
The heel and arch both have cupping and support to keep you lasting all day without much fatigue. The trim-to-fit insoles are also infused with copper for eliminating odor while you get sweaty feet.
There is also extra material on the insole for cushioning while on concrete. Due to the durability of the insoles, they are also suitable for men weighing 200 pounds or more.
FAQ
Here are some commonly-asked questions regarding insoles for working on concrete or hard surfaces:
Do you need insoles for work boots?
Yes, insoles are a great addition to your work boots because of their capability to keep you comfortable. More often, insoles help shape your feet better with their cushioning (usually memory foam or gel) so that you won’t have to suffer from aches and pains at the end of the day.
Insoles can help protect your feet from getting heel aches, as well as various kinds of foot problems, such as metatarsalgia, plantar fasciitis, and more. The overall design and the arch support are what make insoles comfortable and conform to your feet.
What boots can I wear on concrete?
For stepping over concrete, you will benefit more from boots that are not too heavy to walk with. Walking on concrete means that you will have to go through a hard surface all day so you’ll need a comfortable work boot that doesn’t compromise on quality and durability – especially for hard labor.
If it is not required to use steel toe boots, you can go with composite toes because they are lighter in weight and will still protect your feet from the dangers of the job site and working on the road. In general, make sure your boots are comfortable and lightweight for walking long miles all day.
Are insoles good for your feet?
Yes, insoles are helpful for your feet (and other body parts) if you work all day. Job site workers and the like often need to spend their day walking around so they need a good pair of insoles and boots together.
Among the benefits of getting insoles include arch support, better heel cushioning, improved posture, comfort for various foot problems, and support for your back, hip, and knees. Therefore, it pays to invest in good insoles for your feet to stay comfortable if you work all day and use your feet a lot.
Can you put insoles in boots?
As mentioned above, insoles can be used for most kinds of shoes, boots, and the like. If you have a pair of boots, regardless of how cheap or expensive it is, insoles can be inserted there. All you need to do is to know the size of the boots you have and purchase an insole that fits.
Most insoles nowadays have a trim-to-fit design, which means you just need to trim or cut the insoles to fit your shoes or boots. Just follow the instructions on how to trim the insoles properly so that they will fit your work boots.
Different insoles can be worn depending on what you need so it’s best to check your boots and your foot concerns before you buy insoles. Always take out the insert from the boots before putting your custom insole so that the insole doesn’t conflict with the boot and compromise your comfort.
Conclusion
As a whole, it pays to know what kind of insoles you are wearing to keep your feet comfortable the whole day. Whether you have plantar fasciitis, overpronation, heel pain, and/or other forms of heel and foot aches, you can count on a durable yet comfortable pair of insoles to keep your shoes comfy.
