Boots are not just all about fashion and comfort; they can be a lifesaver at times. But the thing is, good footwear like work boots or hiking boots comes at a hefty price. So, it’s only natural to look for a pair of boots that serve multiple purposes. But the question is, can you hike in work boots?
Boots are boots! Therefore, it is possible to hike in work boots. The best way to understand whether you should or not is to know the difference between work boots and hiking boots. You may also be looking for boots to use in both work and hiking. So, without further ado, let’s find out together.
What’s The Difference Between Hiking Boots And Work Boots?
Have you ever wondered why hiking boots are suitable for trails and work boots for hard-day labor? Both these types of boots have some specific features that distinguish one from the other.
Weight
Work boots are heavier than hiking boots. According to OSHA, safety footwear like steel toe boots is a necessary protective gear in hazardous job sites. So, safety boots are heavier due to steel toe, safety shanks, and leather uppers.
On the other hand, hiking boots don’t need such protective measures. The material used in these boots is mostly rubber. Softer EVA foam insoles in hiking shoes also make them more lightweight than work boots.
Flexibility
The thick rugged rubber outsoles in safety boots protect you from stepping on sharp objects. Likewise, the leather uppers, steel toe, and shank keep your feet secure from heavy objects. Still, these features cut out a lot of flexibility.
Although hiking boots have somewhat similar rubber outsoles, they are more flexible. You don’t necessarily need the additional puncture resistance while taking a hike.
While steel toe boots aim to keep your feet well-protected, hiking boots provide better flexibility and stable footing.
Traction
Both hiking and work boots feature a thick layer of lug soles, but they have different outsole patterns.
Mountain trails are uneven with rocks, pebbles, and even boulders. So, good hiking boots come with odd patterns and grooves for increased traction.
Similarly, work boots also feature oil and slip-resistant outsoles for manufacturing, construction, and other hazardous job sites. However, hiking boots would be preferable if you expect bad weather conditions such as rain, snow, muddy, and rough terrains.
Durability
A boot’s durability depends on the type of work you are putting it up against. Both hiking boots and work boots have rubber outsoles and high-quality uppers. As a result, both are highly durable in constant fight against harsh conditions.
Nowadays, many manufactures offer puncture and scratch-resistant leather boots. Moreover, if you get one with Goodyear welting, you need not worry about a work boot’s durability. However, work boots tend to wear off quicker than hiking boots due to regular use.
Waterproof
Modern hiking shoes sometimes come with breathable Gore-Tex fabric that keeps your feet dry. These boots are designed to wick out moisture quickly and make you feel comfortable on long hikes, even without the Gore-Tex feature.
But with steel toe boots, it’s quite difficult to get a pair that is both breathable and waterproof. Some work boots are water-resistant, but these are not well suited for hikers where rain is a real threat.
Can You Hike In Work Boots
Yes. You can go hiking with lightweight and flexible work boots that offer decent traction. But, if you plan to hit the trails multiple times a year, a pair of comfortable hiking boots would be the more suitable option.
Hiking is an exciting way of connecting with nature. But, high-performing hiking shoes cost quite a fortune. Work boots can be a decent alternative in that case as they also feature stiff rubber soles for increased traction.
Besides, some boots are dirt and water-resistant, which is an excellent advantage while hiking. So, if you are not going too technical, you can hike in light-duty work boots.
Does this mean you can wear all sorts of work boots for hiking? Not exactly. If you’re planning to put on a pair of steel-toe boots for long-distance hikes, it may not end well. Steel toes are pretty heavy and far less flexible than a regular hiking boot. You’ll end up exhausted and probably with sore feet.
In addition, most work boots are not waterproof. If wet, they get heavier and may start to release a bad odor. Besides, there are health hazards of keeping feet moist for too long.
Even though both types promote excellent grip, hiking boots are more adapted for extremely uneven terrain. As a result, these are more stable and easy to move around with.
All in all, each type of boots is specifically designed for a particular task. So, it’s always the best option for hikers to choose hiking boots and workers to choose safety work boots.
Are There Hiking And Work Boots?
Yes, there are work boots you can use for hiking. But that depends on a few considerations you need to make first. Below I’ll mention the features you need to look for while picking a multifunctional work boot for hiking.
- Rugged Outsole- Hiking requires a tough rubber sole with lots of grooves for better grip. This outsole also comes in handy for construction, logging, and other tough jobs. But, a wedge or flat sole is not suitable for hiking.
- Footbed- Footbed or insole is where you rest your feet. You should pick one that provides excellent cushioning and comfort.
- Midsole- While hiking, you don’t want the extra weight and stiffness a steel shank would bring. TPU is alright, but EVA insoles are best suited for hiking due to their flexibility and shock absorption.
- Waterproof- A hiking trail may have river streams, or you may get caught in the rain. In such cases, you need waterproof boots.
- Safety Toe- Although I mentioned how steel toe invites some problems while hiking, it’s not all that bad. Suppose the boots are lightweight and flexible enough. In that case, a steel toe or composite toe can provide you additional stability while walking.
Conclusion
Through your journey, you’ve got various aspects of wearing work boots while hiking. It’s possible indeed, but you will need the right type of work boots. However, if you plan to go on several hikes a year, buying a hiking boot is your best bet. But what’s more important is following safety measures during hikes and knowing the area first.
