Standing or walking on concrete all day? You need the best warehouse shoes to keep your feet safe and comfortable. Our updated 2023 guide will tell you exactly how to find them! We’ve included the best shoes of this year and kept the ones that stood the test of time. We have options for men and women, plus an extensive buyer’s guide and FAQ section to help you make the best choice for your feet and workplace needs.
Whatever you need, we’ve got it!
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 a 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.
You can improve your odds of avoiding all these issues by choosing the best warehouse shoes for your workplace needs.
Pros and Cons: Choosing the Shoes for You
Finding the best warehouse shoes can be a monumental task. 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.
Running Shoes
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.
Warehouse Shoes & Safety Shoes
We’ve also 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 build up static.
If you need something more heavy-duty, have a look through our lineup of the best lightweight work boots.
The Best Warehouse Shoes
The Best of 2023
- Best Steel Toe: KEEN Utility Atlanta Cool II ESD Steel-Toe Men’s | Women’s
- Best Men’s Warehouse Work Boot: Timberland Pro Powertrain Sport Alloy-Toe EH
- Best Women’s Warehouse Work Boot: Women’s TiTAN Casual Alloy Toe
- Best Memory Foam Footbed for Men: Sketchers Cankton Steel Toe
- Best Memory Foam Footbed for Women: Skechers for Work Women’s Bisco Steel Toe
The Best of 2020 – Evergreen
- Best for Walking on Concrete All Day: Adidas UltraBoost 5.0 DNA Men’s | Women’s
- Runner Up: Nike Revolution 5 Men’s | Women’s
- Best Budget Shoes: Saucony Integrity Walker 3 – Men’s | Women’s
- Best Athletic Safety Shoe: Timberland PRO Drivetrain Sport Composite Toe Men’s | Women’s
- Best Warehouse Shoes for Wide Feet: New Balance Slip Resistant Fresh Foam 806 Men’s | Women’s
- Best Alloy Toe: Reebok Sublite Cushion Work Alloy Toe ESD Men’s | Women’s
What to Look for With Our Recommendations
We’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 (electrostatic-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 get worse. We’ve gotten a lot of emails 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 Tips
Between us, the ShoeGuide editors have worked countless warehouse and fulfillment center jobs. Over the years, we’ve acquired some tips that we collect for you here.
Get two pairs. It’s a bigger upfront cost, but each pair will last much longer. When you work a 10- or 12-hour shift, your shoes are soaked with sweat by the time you take them off.
Then, when you put them back on in the morning, they’re still wet inside. Continuing to wear them when they’re still wet will cause them to wear down faster, particularly the insole and midsole will compress and stop providing the cushioning you want.
Switching shoes each day helps prevent this, and ensures your shoes will last longer.
Use two different models. Since you’re getting two pairs anyway, get different shoes instead of two pairs of the same shoe.
The reason for this is that any shoe, no matter how comfortable and padded, will press on a few hot spots on your foot. Having these same hot spots day after day will eventually cause pain. If you switch models every other day, you won’t put the same stress on those spots each day, but give them a break instead.
We think getting the Adidas and one of the Nike options makes a solid shoe rotation for walking or standing on hard floors all day.
Use inserts. If you have problems with your feet, insoles do a great job. Don’t settle for cheap knock-offs! We recommend SuperFeet, which has different color-coded models for different foot issues. They’re available on Amazon and Zappos.
You can get some other great tips from this Reddit thread on the issue.
The Best Warehouse Work Shoes of 2023
The Best Steel Toe – KEEN Utility Atlanta Cool II ESD Steel-Toe Work Shoes
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KEEN 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 feet are in no way perfectly symmetrical. For this reason, their Utility Atlanta II work shoe is made with asymmetrical, irregular steel toes, which works to accommodate variations present in each foot’s symmetry.
The KEEN Utility Atlanta Cool II ESD Steel-Toe Work Shoes are the perfect pick for combating the unwanted side effects of working in a warehouse. The combination of concrete floors and constant motion can result in issues such as knee and back pain as well as bad posture.
One feature I love about these shoes is their Dual Density Compression Molded EVA Midsole, which is better at absorbing shock than regular walking shoes. They also have a Metatomical Dual Density EVA Footbed that’s removable so that you can switch it out for your own personalized inserts based on your foot needs.
To combat sweaty feet, the shoe’s mesh liner offers incredible breathability, so even when you’re working in a warm environment, your feet stay cool.
And if you’re worried about injuries due to lack of flexibility, the Torsional Stability Shank means these shoes will bend with your toes to allow for knee-down work. It also provides much better stability on uneven work surfaces!
Pros of the KEEN Utility Atlanta Cool II ESD Steel-Toe Work Shoes
- These shoes come with a removable insole and footbed for additional comfort.
- With molded reinforced toe boxes and steel toes, you will be very well protected from falling objects and other heavy hazards when working.
- Oil and slip-resistant non-marking rubber outsoles to avoid slipping on any spill, regardless of what it is!
Cons of the KEEN Utility Atlanta Cool II ESD Steel-Toe Work Shoes
- While the lining wicks moisture well, the breathability overall of these shoes is subpar compared to some alternatives.
- Even though they aren’t high-top boots, these were some of the heaviest shoes on our list of the best warehouse and safety shoes. If you are walking for most of your shift, be wary of this.
Our Verdict
Overall, 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.
The Best Men’s Warehouse Work Boot – Timberland Pro Powertrain Sport Alloy-Toe EH Shoes
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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 Powertrain is the cream of the crop.
These shoes are made to alleviate common problems like foot swelling and knee and back problems from walking on concrete floors all day. In addition to shock protection from their Anti-Fatigue Technology, they also have a breathable mesh lining to keep your feet cool and dry throughout the day.
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 Powertrain Sport Alloy-Toe EH Shoes
- If you’re looking for an incredibly long-lasting work boot, you can’t go wrong with the juggernaut that is the Timberland Pro Powertrain.
- As expected, the Timberland Pro Powertrain shoes have Electrical Hazard Protection that meets ASTM standards F2412-11, F2413-11, and F2892-11.
- They also have slip-resistant outsoles and an alloy safety toe, ensuring that no matter what your feet encounter at work, they’ll be protected.
Cons of the Timberland Pro Powertrain Sport Alloy-Toe EH Shoes
- If you are on your feet moving a lot or spending extensive time walking, these shoes may give you a hard time. They are rigid, don’t have much give, and are very heavy.
- There are some reports of the heavy-duty soles squeaking randomly, especially after getting wet.
Our Verdict
Overall, 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.
The Best Women’s Warehouse Work Boot – Women’s Titan Casual Alloy Toe Work Shoe
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Timberland is known for their incredibly long-lasting, hard-working boots. However, for women who want a lightweight option and prefer shoes in the warehouse, Timberland has a great choice for you with the PRO Titan Casual Alloy Toe Work Shoe for women.
While the outward leather appearance may be casual, the Titan Casual Alloy Toe Work Shoes are as tough as they come. Equipped with all the features of the classic Titan work boots, they’ll keep your feet safe and comfortable for hours on the warehouse floor.
To start, they have the all-important alloy toe, which decreases overall weight, and electrical hazard protection for maximum safety.
Finally, the outsoles are classic Timberland Pro rubber, offering slip-resistance, heat resistance, and resistance to abrasions, electrical hazards, and oil.
Pros of the Women’s Titan Casual Alloy Toe Work Shoe
- These warehouse shoes for women come with a light Titan alloy toe-cap, which is incredibly protective on the toes.
- If you need extensive protection, there aren’t many warehouse shoes that provide the level of protection that you will get from these options.
- Moisture-wicking inner liners and waterproof leather uppers ensure water stays out and sweat stays out as well.
Cons of the Women’s Titan Casual Alloy Toe Work Shoe
- If you want a good budget buy, consider other options besides the Timberland PRO series, as they are some of the most expensive options available in our list of the best warehouse shoes.
Our Verdict
Overall, 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.
The Best Memory Foam Footbed for Men – Sketchers Cankton Steel Toe Construction Shoe
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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 Cankton are composed of 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.
The biggest advantage of memory foam insoles is the stress reduction for your heel and toe pads. Being on your feet all day, and on concrete no less, can be an absolute menace on your feet. The last thing you want to do while working a job that requires so much walking is develop plantar fascitis. Having soft yet supportive soles like the Cankton is an absolute must for foot health.
Pros of the Sketchers Cankton Steel Toe Construction Shoe
- Safety rated ASTM F2412-2011 for full protection from workplace hazards.
- With supportive mesh overlays, padded collars for additional ankle comfort, and an incredibly thick memory foam footbed, these shoes are some of the most comfortable on our list.
- Replaceable and removable insoles mean that these shoes can last as long as the soles and uppers will last. Insoles are typically one of the first parts to fail on work shoes, no matter how high quality.
- Regardless of their longevity and features, these are some of the most affordable work shoes on our list. If you don’t need a safety toe and comfort is a priority, these should be a strong consideration.
Cons of the Sketchers Cankton Steel Toe Construction Shoe
- While relatively long-lasting, the removable insole doesn’t last forever. They will typically need to be replaced every few months, which is an unexpected additional expense.
- If you need a specifically non-skid outsole, or need a safety toe, these are not going to be the shoes for you. Additionally, it should be noted that they are surprisingly bulky, as most Skechers shoes are.
Our Verdict
Overall, if comfort is your number one priority, and you are on a budget, you can’t go wrong with the Skechers Cankton. While there are a few drawbacks, there are plenty of feature-rich aspects that make these warehouse shoes a great pick.
The Best Memory Foam Footbed for Women – Skechers for Work Women’s Bisco Steel Toe
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One issue that can be had with the above-reviewed Skechers is that it’s a warehouse shoe made for men. While women can convert the sizing of the Cankton to meet their needs, there needs to be a good warehouse shoe that fits the unique needs of women’s feet. Enter the Skechers for Work Women’s Bisco Steel Toe Shoe.
These shoes are the classic Skechers style with more modern features and amenities. These shoes have a fabric upper, a casual look, and mesh fabric overlay accents and contrast stitching. Additionally, there is a 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.
Pros of the Skechers for Work Women’s Bisco Steel Toe
- These are by far the most cushioned, supportive warehouse shoes for women. With an air-cooled memory foam cushion-comfort insole, you will be able to work without pain.
- Despite the bad rap that Skechers have gotten over the years for being “cheap,” these shoes have passed the test of time for longevity and durability in tough working conditions.
- The Skechers for Work Women’s Bisco Steel Toe are by far some of the most affordable warehouse shoes for women we have found.
- ASTM F2413-2011-approved for safety, with a slip-resistant outsole with oil resistance.
Cons of the Skechers for Work Women’s Bisco Steel Toe
- A lack of safety toe makes these strictly for non-hazardous warehouse conditions.
Best Warehouse Work Shoes of 2020 – Evergreen Picks
Best for Walking on Concrete All Day – Adidas UltraBoost 5.0 DNA
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Originally 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 into 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.
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
- Adidas UltraBoost technology in the midsole. This gives the UltraBoost amazing comfort and leads to the “most comfortable sneaker of all time” label some sneakerheads give it.
- Primeknit upper gives these great breathability. Walking all day means your feet end up hot and sweaty. If you have the option to avoid safety boots, a breathable shoe is key. This lets your sweat evaporate which helps cool your feet. Cooler feet are more comfortable feet.
- At only 11.5 ounces, these are the lightest shoes on our list. If you’ve spent time working in a warehouse with heavy shoes, you know how important every ounce is.
- Good selection of colors and styles. Looking good shouldn’t be your first concern with warehouse shoes, but it’s still nice to have some selection instead of the monochromatic options from brands like New Balance and Saucony.
Cons of the Adidas UltraBoost 5.0 DNA
- Cost. These are expensive at almost $200 retail, and Adidas exempts them from all discount codes.
- It’s not a safety shoe. If you need safety features for your job, you’ll have to keep reading.
Runner Up for Walking on Concrete – Nike Revolution 5
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Our 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 works 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 a 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.
Pros of the Nike Revolution 5
- Stretch sleeve upper means the shoe will fit snuggly throughout the day. Whether your feet swell as the day wears on, or you find your shoes start getting too loose, these will fix problems with fit. It’s also a mesh build that breathes well.
- Soft foam footbed gives good energy return. That means as you take a step the shoe springs back a bit and reduces the stress on your lower leg muscles.
- Solid look. If they don’t work out for your warehouse, you can still use these for everyday wear. Reduces the risk of the purchase somewhat, in our opinion.
- Variety in selection. Nike offers these in wide sizes, they have lots of colors available, and usually have some small and large sizes for this model.
Cons of the Nike Revolution 5
- Cost, again. These aren’t as pricey as the UltraBoost, but they’re not cheap. We think investing in shoes if you’re going to be on your feet all day is wise, but it’s still an investment.
- As always with Nike, availability is a concern.
Best Budget Shoes for Walking on Concrete – Saucony Integrity Walker 3
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Getting 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
- The Saucony Integrity Walker 3 comes with an asymmetrical sole, common in Saucony running shoes. These provide a more biomechanical fit for the wearer, and assist with comfort.
- Also, one of the most impressive additional features of these warehouse and walking shoes from Saucony is the premium sock liner, providing comfort, as well as breathability over long days.
- Finally, with responsive rubber and EVA compound construction, the Saucony Integrity Walker provides ample support and cushioning in all the right places.
Cons of the Saucony Integrity Walker 3
- If you suffer from flat-footedness, these shoes are great. However, there have been many reports that these shoes cause pain for those with extremely high arches.
- Next, there are some reports that, after a little bit of wear, these shoes started to squeak, which is not ideal for both concrete and extensive walking.
Our Verdict
Overall, 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.
Best Athletic Safety Shoes – Timberland PRO Drivetrain Sport
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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 sports 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 is 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.
Pros of the Timberland PRO Drivetrain Sport Composite Toe
- The comfortable insoles and interior of the Timberland PRO Drivetrain Sport Composite-Toe Industrial & Construction Shoe provide extensive support day after day.
- Strong breathability ensures that there are no issues with sweat and moisture as your day wears on.
- The Timberland brand is well known for its safety and warehouse shoes, and this option, regardless of its different look compared to most Timberland boots.
Cons of the Timberland PRO Drivetrain Sport Composite Toe
- Compared to many other Timberland shoe options, we were somewhat surprised to find that these shoes were not waterproof.
Our Verdict
Overall, 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.
Best Warehouse Shoe for Wide Feet – New Balance Slip Resistant Fresh Foam 806
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If 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
- These shoes come with a streamlined style, as well as impressive cushioning and strong safety measures, working in tandem. Together these features comprise a solid work shoe ready for the long haul.
- The overlays on these shoes are no-sew, using a strong glue instead to connect the sole and pieces of the synthetic upper, providing a smooth, streamlined fit.
- These shoes have a slip-resistant outsole that has been tested according to ASTM F2913-11 standards, to provide superior traction under various surface conditions.
- Several of the styles of these shoes are eligible for Medicare reimbursement, perfect for those on a budget who utilize Medicare for coverage.
Cons of the New Balance Slip Resistant Fresh Foam 806
- At times, the glue that connects the pieces of the shoe together can come apart. With no sewing as a backup, there is nothing stopping these shoes from just falling apart. While this is rare, it still has been reported to happen.
- Regardless of a non-slip outsole, there are some reviewers who have noted that these shoes don’t do well under a combination of slick surfaces and very wet floors.
Our Verdict
Overall, 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.
Best Alloy Toe Warehouse Shoe – Reebok Sublite Cushion Work Allow Toe SD
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While 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, a steel toe cap, an 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
- The best dissipation of static that we found when researching warehouse shoes.
- Fatigue-preventing FootFuel technology helps you power through long work days.
- While athletically-inspired and lightweight, these shoes still pack slip-resistance into the mix.
Cons of the Reebok Sublite Cushion Work Alloy Toe ESD
- They are on the expensive side for the features offered and the longevity of the shoe.
- The micro-web leather mesh is very prone to wear, especially around the toe area.
Our Verdict
This 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.
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 Shoes
There 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 Concrete
Standing 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.
- Midsoles. The midsoles of good-quality warehouse shoes are manufactured to assist in alleviating fatigue, while also keeping the feet comfortable through long shifts. Many are made from EVA materials, while others are company-specific proprietary materials. These materials assist by providing bounce-back when walking, as well as cushioning when standing.
- Insoles. Most warehouse and safety shoes come with very supportive insoles. These support the feet, provide cushion, and help with enhancing comfort. Some have additional support in the heel and/or arch area. Some can also be removed, which means they can also be replaced if they wear out.
- Fit. Ensuring your warehouse shoes have proper fit is probably one of the most important comfort-focused things you can do. The laces need to hold the foot in the shoe without slipping from the heel. Additionally, there needs to be some toe wiggle-room to keep from cramping.
- Padding. Having warehouse shoes that dig in thinner areas, like in the heel or under the laces, can be severely detrimental to comfort. For this reason, keep an eye out for a pair of shoes that has extra padding in the tongue and/or ankle. This stops this discomfort.
- Moisture control. Sweaty and hot feet can quickly cause foot conditions and blisters. Some conditions that can be problematic include fungal infections and athlete’s foot. One way to alleviate this is to get a pair of warehouse shoes with breathable liners and uppers. This serves to wick moisture from the feet, as well as controlling problematic odor that can build up over time.
Strong Toe Protection
The 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 Caps
The 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 Caps
A 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 Caps
Made 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 Shoes
One 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 Safety
There 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.
Electric hazards. You might or might not come in contact with significant electric hazards at your workplace. If you find yourself facing this, having shoes rated for electrical hazards is important. These types of warehouse shoes will keep you safe by protecting you from open circuits. Typically, these shoes won’t have any metal inside them (steel toes, etc), and will have rubber soles. Note these differ from SD+ or ESD shoes. They will usually have an EH in the name, and have labeling indicating they are rated for electrical hazards.
Non-slip capabilities. If you want to ensure your shoe is non-slip, lookout for outsoles with solid tread. Another good buzzword to keep watch is “slip-resistant”. Warehouse shoes with non-slip capabilities will ensure you don’t take a dive on a tiled or cement floor.
Overall durability. Simply put, it is important that your warehouse shoes or warehouse boots last. Remember, these are an investment in your body and your health. As such, you should purchase the highest quality shoe that your budget allows.
Frequently Asked Questions About Warehouse Shoes
What 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.
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.
You can also take a look at our lineup of shoes for runners with plantar fasciitis, which are also made to provide excellent cushioning and traction.
Our Final Thoughts
It 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, 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 the 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!
Very informative and helpful post. Feet are always closer to the ground mean always prone to danger. If something falls from the top feet is the most distant body part that will hit, And the impact will be strongest. lots of hazardous situation requires a rugged shoe to protect our feet. Better safe than sorry.
Nice explanation of warehouse shoes. I want to ask that can I wear these shoes for factory work as well?