Do you have a reliable pair of hiking boots that you want to bring on the trail?
Good sign: A pair of work boots will frequently be adequate for a trek. But when contrasting hiking boots with work boots, there are some significant distinctions to be aware of. Get all the information you need to take good care of your feet at work and in the mountains if you want to go hiking more frequently than once every year.
We’ll explain Hiking Boots VS Work Boots, why hiking boots function better outside, and why hiking boots may be a genuine asset throughout a long day of labor.
Stay tuned for our top suggestion if you’re trying to locate a pair of boots that can accomplish both tasks.
Hiking Boots VS Work Boots: What’s the Difference?
Do you need new footwear to go on a hike? As we’ll see, hiking boots have several benefits when hiking, and so nothing works as well as a robust work boot when you unintentionally step on a stone. The two styles’ main distinctions are listed below.
Durability
As with every boot, quality depends on price. Any inexpensive boot won’t last very long. However, work and hiking boots are made to survive rough handling, and high-quality models will last constant usage. Nevertheless, severe treatment may take many different forms, and each has advantages and disadvantages.
If you have to cross through a creek, hiking work boots are preferable since they dry rapidly and don’t warp. Most work shoes are made from leather; they won’t dry out completely for many days if they become wet. That gives enough time for a noticeable stink to develop.
Traction
Although lug soles are a common element of work boots and hiking boots, closer inspection reveals that the design and manufacturing are very different.
Each shoe’s slip-resistant rubber lug bottoms hold well in wet, slippery, and snowy weather. However, most manufacturers of hiking boots feature peculiar designs that almost look random. On rugged terrain, this modification might save your life.
Since there are constantly additional contact points when scaling hills and boulders, it is beneficial. Most booties have excellent grip and operate well in most hiking environments.
Boot Construction Method
The components of work footwear and hiking boots frequently overlap. Consider the iconic Danner Mountain hiking boots (shown above), which include leather uppers for enhanced ankle support, a watertight Gore-Tex (GTX) liner, a firm, gripping rubber outsole for shock absorption and traction, and a shank for more stability.
Modern hiking boots that are light and thin could feature Evo foam within soles and look like a thicker version of a type of shoe.
Flexibility
Have you ever worn work boots and stepped on a nail? If you have, the nail likely missed your foot. That’s because the soles of work boots are made of robust and rigid rubber. Although the thickness is excellent for preserving your feet’s soles, it is not the most elastic or comfy material.
Weight
The disadvantage of steel-toe boots is their weight, which might be an issue for hikers. Lifting your foot might not seem challenging at first, but as the miles pile up, a few extra pounds of weight can exhaust a hiker.
A hiking boot can be a great workwear option if your job necessitates being on your feet all day, but you don’t frequently handle heavy things (such as waste disposal workers or shipment delivery drivers). Yes, you might not receive the extra top-of-foot protection, but if hiking is a sporadic passion, the increased mobility is good.
Work Boots Types
Work boots fit into reasonably conventional divisions for legal compliance and are highly specialized in work. They must adhere to OSHA, ASTM, and CSA regulations to shield their feet from potentially hazardous terrain and working circumstances.
Heavy, Mid, And Light Duty Work Boots
Light-duty booties are the ideal compromise for men searching for a boot that can serve as both a work boot and a hiking boot. The Red Wings Truhiker is a good illustration; it is a light hiking shoe with extra functionality for work settings.
Mid-duty boots operate effectively in light- to medium-duty indoor and outdoor job conditions. They might not have the EVA cushion integrated into the midsoles like Red Wing’s King Toe Boot, but they might feature steel soles, shanks, and hazard resistance.
Thick-soled Boots
Big heavy boots are ideal for demanding workplaces like the oil and gas sector, building, manufacturing, and railroads. The extra-strength double-stitched heavy-duty TruWelt Boot from Red Wing is designed for severe conditions with a range of flat and irregular surfaces, including manufacture, cutting, and construction.
Hiking Boots Types
Similar to work boots, hiking boots are designed for a particular purpose but are only worn for hiking. This implies that their design has far less variance. Although they might not always be appropriate for the working site, they will function well on the trail.
Trekking Boots And Traditional Hiking Boots
Most traditional hiking boots are durable, cozy, light, and robust. Nowadays, most manufacturers include GoreTex to increase waterproofness and nylon or fiberglass shanks. It maintains stability, makes the shoe lightweight and uses polyamide for wear resistance and breathability.
Shoes For Hiking, Light Hikers, And Approach Shoes
Despite having various names, these shoes are practically the same. In contrast to traditional hiking boots, they frequently include lower profile uppers with EVA or cushions in the heel for increased comfort when trekking.
They are designed for speedier hiking when you might not be wearing a hefty backpack. Therefore they could not be utterly waterproof if they omit GoreTex. Light hikers sometimes resemble weatherized running shoes more than traditional hiking boots.
Is It OK To Hike In Work Boots?
Short answer: Work boots are OK for one trek, but if you’re thinking about going on two, you’ll want to spend.
You’ll be alright if all you have are a pair of work shoes and you want to go on a trek. Because of the increased weight and lack of flexibility, your feet could be a bit more painful at the end, but you won’t harm them permanently. But investing in a pair of walking work boots is sensible if you want to do a few walks during the year.
Your activity will only become more delightful because of the increased safety and comfort.
You’ll be glad you were carrying breathable hiking boots rather than cumbersome work boots if you’re hiking in an area with surrounding water, such as a stream, river, or waterfall, and you anticipate crossing a body of water several times. The scent can be overpowering after your work boots are wet, and the drive home may not be enjoyable.
Although both designs provide a lot of grips, hiking boots’ distinctive bottom patterns give them an advantage over unsteady, unpredictable terrain. Although it won’t usually matter much, we believe that whatever extra safety and security you can acquire when entering the great outdoors is always worthwhile.
The Boots We Love For Hiking At Work
A few manufacturers have created multi-use boots durable enough for the workplace yet light enough to wear when hiking.
You may like:
Men’s Afton Hiker Steel Toe Working Boot By Irish Setter
The Irish Setter Afton is our go-to hiking boot. Thanks to the polyester netting, EVA midsole, and drop rubber outsole, you get plenty of support for any problematic treading. The Afton also includes a steel toe, which adds weight but is a worthwhile trade-off for more excellent protection.
Concluding Remarks
If you anticipate hiking frequently, you might want to invest in a specific boot. Your hiking boots won’t disintegrate in your closet, even if you don’t wear them as frequently as your business boots. Every time you feel the want to walk outside into nature, they will be prepared.
According to us, a specialized hiking boot is a must due to its breathability, stability, flexibility, and weight if you’re taking up hiking as a passion. What do you think, then? Is there a unique boot for each circumstance? Will any boot do, or? Leave a comment below and do let us know which one you choose between Hiking Boots VS Work Boots!
FAQs
Can you wear hiking boots to the office?
Similar to work boots, hiking boots are made for a particular purpose but are only worn for hiking. This implies that their design has far less variance. Although they might not always be appropriate for the working site, they will function well on the trail.
Can I use my hiking boots Every Day?
You can, indeed. The lower tread will rapidly become worn out if you step on concrete. Your hiking shoes are a superior choice if you go to surfaces made of dirt. Since they are lighter, hiking shoes are preferable to higher hiking boots.
