Are Work Boots Good For Hiking? Here's What You Need To Know -

Wondering “are work boots good for hiking”? Wonder no more, because we have all the answers for you!

There are several reasons why hiking boots and work boots are perfect for their respective purposes, and I’l tell you everything about them here.

Working boots are made from heavier and thicker materials that are perfect for protecting your feet from heat, cuts, or impacts that can happen at the workplace.

Hiking boots, on the other hand, are way more flexible and provide better grip and support, which is a great thing to have when you’re hiking around on the uneven grounds of a forest or any other outdoor setting.

Although you can wear some work boots for hiking, especially for short hikes or periods, the truth is that not every pair of work boots will have you covered when you’re outdoors.

In fact, the wrong work boots will leave your feet hurting or bleeding after a day of adventures.

So keep on reading to find out more about work boots vs hiking boots for hiking.

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Can You Hike In Working Boots?

The answer is, that it depends. On a few factors, actually:

The type of work boots you´d be wearing.
How long the trail in, and,
How many hours you´ll be hiking, to name a few.

So here are some pros and cons to keep in mind next time you ask yourself “are work boots good for hiking?”.

Pros

1. Working boots are very durable since they are made for enduring harsh environments potentially full of dangers, such as cuts, punctures, heavy impacts, chemical, and electrical hazards, etc.

2. The materials that are used for making working boots usually include thick leather and steel toes, that will protect your feet from a considerable amount of damage.

3. Their thick rubber soles have great grip and will tolerate heavy use and slippery grounds.

Cons

1. Working boots are heavier, stiffer, and less flexible than hiking boots. Wearing them for long hikes or periods will leave your feet fatigued.

2. The leather used for manufacturing working boots has poor breathability. You´ll want breathable shoes (and socks!) while walking outdoors.

3. Although they have patterns to provide grip on slippery grounds, their traction is not as great as the one provided by hiking boots.

Purpose Of Working Boots

Work boots are thick, stiff, and heavy, which will protect your feet from abrasions, impacts, and punctures.

They can also protect you from electrical and chemical hazards, depending on the model and construction materials, and some of them are oil and slip-resistant and waterproof.

Be mindful of the dangers your job entails before making the decision when it comes to working boots vs hiking boots.

When To Wear Protective Boots For Hiking

If you´re planning to hike on rocky grounds or uneven and stony lands, then protective boots will definitely protect your feet from the impacts.

Trust me: you won’t want to knock your poor toes against a rock because you chose to just wear sneakers for hiking. O_O. If you were wondering “are boots good for hiking?”, the answer is YES.

If you´re a trail maintenance work and you don’t have hiking boots, then it´d be wise to wear protective footwear.

It not only protects your feet from impact but also rattlesnakes’ venomous bites!

When Not To Wear Protective Boots For Hiking

On the other end of the spectrum, if you´re about to hit a fairly easy trail, without rocks to step on, slippery surfaces, rivers to cross, or rocky grounds to climb, then protective boots won’t be as necessary.

Also, keep in mind the weather conditions: are you planning to hike in the winter? Because the steel on the shoes can freeze your toes!

You shouldn’t be wearing protective boots if you aren’t in physically good shape, because the weight of the shoes will make you feel tired quickly.

Top Best Work Boots For Hiking

1. Irish Setter Afton

These boots have a steel toe that will offer your feet protection in case something heavy is dropped by accident.

They also have the EVA insoles and anti-slip rubber outsole combo, which makes it perfect for hiking on tricky grounds.

These boots are heavier than regular hiking boots due to the steel toes, but it’s a safe bet when it comes to working boots for hiking.

2. LaCrosse 6´´ Alpha Range Air-Circ

These boots are a great option if you´re hiking and it starts to rain.

They are made of full-grain leather, which is waterproof, so no uncomfortable wet feet here!

The mesh lining dries quite fast, and the rubber sole provides a great grip on wet, harsh grounds and mud.

3. Blundstone 143 Steel Toe Boot

Surprisingly lightweight (for a working boot), these boots will still protect your feet thanks to the steel toes and heels.

The sole has patterns that help you fearlessly walk on wet surfaces and slippery outdoor grounds.

Additionally, they look gorgeous and stylish, so get ready to look seriously fashionable in what are one of the best work boots for hiking.

Difference Between Working Boots And Hiking Boots

To each, their own, as the saying goes. In a setting in which you may accidentally hurt your feet, work boots are your best option.

On the other hand, if you’re going for a hike, you´ll need a pair of boots that protect you but are comfortable and flexible at the same time. And that’s when you’ll appreciate a comfy pair of hiking boots.

But what exactly makes them different? Let’s find out.

Weight

Hiking boots are designed to be as lightweight as possible when you have them on.

Those long hiking distances on uneven grounds require shoes that are comfortable and don’t take every step as painful.

This makes them great for use at work, as long as you don´t work in a construction area or carry heavy items.

In this case, going for a steel-toe working boots is recommended. They will offer more protection in case something falls by accident on your feet.

That steel, however, it’s why working boots are not ideal if you´re thinking about hiking for a long time or distances.

It makes working boots heavy, which will make a long hike a nightmare. So if you’re thinking about using work boots as hiking boots, do it for short distances or one or two hikes.

Flexibility

When it comes to working boots vs hiking boots, it’s safe to say that for long hikes you´ll want flexible footwear.

This is where hiking boots excel.

They usually have an EVA insole, a material that is very flexible, comfortable, and lightweight.

On the outside, the sole is made of a type of rubber that´s waterproof and anti-slips.

This combo makes hiking boots comfortable and flexible and offers great ankle protection.

On the other hand, working boots´ soles are made of a stiff, thick rubber that protects your feet from punctures.

This rubber has a thickness element that doesn’t make the boots exactly flexible.

This is a huge difference between work boots and hiking boots.

Traction

Ahh, the soles… So underestimated yet they have the power of saving our lives in tricky conditions (aka, climbing rocks).

Soles provide traction by having different patterns on them, which provides more points of contact with the ground.

This is why hiking boots have lots of patterns on the bottom of their lug soles. They will help you avoid dangerous slips and falls when you’re outdoors while it is raining or snowing.

Working boots also have patterns and can provide good traction if the conditions are suitable (the ground is not excessively wet or snowed in or icy).

However, we’d recommend you stick to your hiking boots if you love going outdoors at different times of the year.

In a dangerous work environment such as an industry where chemicals or heavy things are around, working boots´ soles will provide good traction since they’re usually oil and water-resistant.

Comfort

Both working boots and hiking boots are generally comfortable, to be honest.

However, hiking boots are usually more so, since they provide more cushioning, better ankle support, and are more lightweight.

Durability

Let’s be real, we’d love to get high-quality stuff for a cheap price, but unfortunately, we´re not there yet folks.

Sadly for our pockets, the more we spend, the better the product.

So if you want durable boots, either working or hiking boots, be prepared to spend some cash. Luckily, they tend to be built with high-quality materials that make them resistant to damage.

Getting wet and muddy, and dealing with impact and abrasion are things to expect if you´re hiking and wearing working boots at work, respectively.

So go for reputable brands when buying both types of boots, and keep in mind that the thickness and purpose of working boots make them more durable than hiking boots.

Price

As mentioned above, your high-quality boots need excellent materials to be built, and this costs money.

The cost of making a great working boot is usually less than manufacturing hiking boots, because of the materials involved and the place where they were manufactured.

Expect to pay from $60 to $800 for either type of boot.

Construction

As mentioned before, hiking boots have insoles made of EVA foam, which is not only lightweight but also waterproof.

The thickness of the leather work boots, along with the steel toes, make them heavier and stiffer than a hiking boot, which is why they’ll protect your feet better from impact, punctures, chemicals, etc.

Hiking boots are also more breathable, a huge difference between work boots and hiking boots.

The superior air circulation will allow your hiking boots to dry quickly during your outdoor adventure.

This doesn’t happen with work boots, since the thick leather and toe protection devices decrease air circulation. This means you may very well end up with stinky feet if you get them wet while hiking!

Accessories

Little things that seem unnecessary but make your life easier, accessories in boots will have a great impact sometimes.

For hiking boots, you can find shoe inserts and shoe trees, which correct some foot issues and protect the shoe shape while not being used, respectively.

Some working boots have hooks that make it easier to put them on and take them off.

Tips For Hiking In Work Boots

Now that you have selected the perfect hiking trail, let’s see how to hike with your working boots the best way. Here are my tips:

1. Go Light

Let’s not push things, okay? You already have heavy boots, so there’s no need to add into the mix heavy backpacks or any other gear.

Bring a lightweight backpack and you´re ready to go.

2. Go On A Slower Pace

There’s no need to rush and burn all your precious energy by hiking at a fast pace with heavy shoes.

3. Bring Extra Help

If you have a pair of walking poles somewhere in your closet, this is the perfect occasion to use them.

Walking poles will help you distribute your weight better and support you while hiking.

4. Wear Proper Socks And Clothes

Socks that are specifically designed for hiking, will be a blessing while you are on the trail with your working boots.

They are comfortable, provide cushion, and are breathable, all pros when being outdoors.

FAQ

Are Work Boots Okay For Hiking?

So, are work boots okay for hiking? Well, if you’re planning on hiking more than once or making hiking your new hobby, then no.

Hiking boots are more breathable, which is extremely helpful if you cross any water body while hiking. They will dry soon and prevent your feet from being super smelly at the end of the hike!

They´re also more lightweight and flexible while still protecting your feet, so they’re the best option for your hikes.

Are Steel Toe Work Boots Good For Hiking?

No, steel boots are not good for hiking. Steel-toe working boots are heavier than hiking boots and lack flexibility. Hiking boots are better because of their sole patterns and how they provide traction and add that slip-resistant element.

All great things to have when hiking outdoors.

So steel toe work boots are not okay for hiking unless you use them for very short-distance hikes.

What Makes A Boot Good For Hiking?

If you’re wondering what makes a boot good for hiking, it is important to keep in mind that great hiking boots will maintain the delicate balance between offering support and stability without being heavy; protecting your feet from impact and being comfortable and cushioning, and being breathable while being stiff enough.

They should be durable and properly fit into your feet, to enhance comfortability.

Are Steel Blue Boots Good For Hiking?

The short answer is no, steel blue boots are not good for hiking. Steel blue boots will be extremely useful if your workplace is dangerous (such as a construction zone or a factory).

But since they’re not lightweight and are not as comfortable as hiking boots, your feet will suffer if you use them on the trail, especially for long-distance/long-time hikes.

Are Duck Boots Good For Hiking?

Duck boots are not the most ideal footwear for hiking, although you can occasionally use them for short hikes. However, they have no ankle support, have a bad grip and the breathability is not the best.

Investing in a proper hiking boot would be a wiser idea.

Are Caterpillar Boots Good For Hiking?

Thankfully, yes, caterpillar boots are good for hiking. These boots’ leather is damage-resistant and will protect your feet from rocks and mud. They will ensure your feet remain dry, thanks to the waterproof mesh lines.

The toe area has composite instead of metal, a material that will protect your toes with equal success. Also, the rubber soles have enough patterns to provide a great grip, even on wet and slippery grounds.

Are Logger Boots Good For Hiking?

Yes, logger boots are good for hiking. They resist the impacts of rocks and the hazards of uneven ground since they’re very well built, provide ankle support, and have great traction due to their soles patterns.

They are heavier than hiking boots, however, and you´ll need to break them in as soon as you can, before your hike.

Logger boots are purposely made for people that work in the logging industry, which requires excellent traction and stability.

Are Red Wing Boots Good For Hiking?

No, Red Wing Boots are not good for hiking. Because they don´t provide good ankle support or traction, I wouldn’t recommend wearing Red Wing boots for hiking. Besides, they´re not very durable or waterproof, two essential traits that you should have in hiking boots. Plus, Red Wings boots wear out quickly if worn on uneven grounds.

Are Wolverine Boots Good For Hiking?

100% yes Wolverine boots are good for hiking! Wolverine boots are incredibly high quality, durable, waterproof, comfortable, and affordable hiking boots. Plus, their insoles provide cushion and the boots provide superb ankle support.

Final Thoughts

Now you have the answer if you were wondering “are work boots good for hiking?”. If you´re planning on short hikes or hiking for short periods, you can get away with wearing work boots for hiking.

The Blundstone 143 Steel Toe Boot is a great option to look into if you need to purchase boots for your workplace, and want to hike around sometime.

But overall, I´d recommend investing some cash in a good pair of hiking boots if you´re thinking about hiking as a hobby. They will provide better ankle support, will resist impact, and be flexible enough to be comfortable.

And let’s not forget about the fact that they have better breathability, which reduces the risks of having stinky feet at the end of the adventure!

If you found this post useful, consider sharing it with any friend who has doubts when it comes to choosing between work boots vs hiking boots.

That’s all from me, folks. Until next time!

Are Work Boots Good For Hiking? Here’s What You Need To Know

Can You Hike In Working Boots?

Purpose Of Working Boots

When To Wear Protective Boots For Hiking

When Not To Wear Protective Boots For Hiking