We all love hiking boots! What’s not to like about them if you enjoy some outdoor time?
This article’s title is a not-so-subtle reminder of hiking boots’ popularity. Despite having designated shoes for work, you want to wear hiking boots instead. Sounds Interesting!
Can we wear hiking boots for work? Are hiking boots good for work?
Yes, hiking boots are suitable for work. You can wear them to work unless safety is an issue in your workplace. Some jobs require tested and rated shoes to keep you safe as you work. Unfortunately, hiking boots are not safety shoes.
There you go! Given the above, can you wear hiking boots to work? I’d love to hear your answer in the comment section below!
Meanwhile, why would anyone prefer working in hiking boots over regular work shoes? What are the significant differences between hiking and work boots? Are work boots good for hiking?
Let’s find out!
Working in Hiking Boots
So far, we know you’d love to wear hiking boots to work (whether that’s possible depends on your situation). There must be a reason behind that preference.
Again, I would love to hear what your reasons are below. Before we talk about why let’s try to understand the significant differences between hiking and work boots.
Differences Between Hiking and Work Boot
We can usually tell the difference by looking at them off the bat. However, there are cases where the similarities are so striking you’d have to be an expert to tell a work boot from a hiking one.
For example, the Keen Detroit Soft Toe Work Boot and Keen Targhee 3 Men’s Hiking Boot are identical twins. Funny, huh?
So, how can we tell the difference in cases where hiking and work boots look alike? We’ll go over that in a while.
You’ll find that the main difference lies in how the shoes are built and what type of materials they have. Whereas hiking boots focus on stability with lighter weight, work boots focus on durability and safety.
That said, let’s look at the meaningful differences between the boots below:
Weight
Keen Targhee 3 hiking boot (size 10) weighs 480 grams. It is lighter than the Keen Detroit Soft Toe Work Boot’s 670 grams.
I don’t know about you, but I love having the least amount of weight I can during my hikes. Heavy gear will eventually drag you down with fatigue in a long hike, which explains why manufacturers universally make lightweight hiking boots.
In contrast, work boots have more challenging or bulkier build to withstand the impact of daily 40-hour (or similar) shifts. The build enhances durability and safety!
Outsole
The part (of boots) meeting the ground will differ between boots (structurally and functionally different).
Hiking boots have an aggressive tread pattern buttressed with deep lugs. They are meant to increase traction on natural terrain.
On the other hand, work boots usually come with a more balanced tread pattern. Yes, you will find some depth with the lugs. However, the lugs are also big and flat, almost like a counter to the depth.
Why is that so? Manufacturers understand that you may work indoors and outdoors on the same boot. The tread pattern should allow traction while reducing wear due to long hours on concrete.
It is important to mention that work boots may vary in the tread pattern. What do I mean? If you’re exclusively working outdoors, the tread pattern on your typical work boot will be different from a general (hybrid) one.
In addition, work boots are usually rated oil and slip-resistant. That means someone tested them for both oil and slip resistance. You’ll find the rating written into the boot’s outsole if you are keen.
Hiking boots can be slip and oil-resistant. However, we may never know since they are not tested or rated officially!
Safety
As mentioned before, one of the key priorities of work boots is safety. Chances are you have to wear OSHA-approved shoes to work if you deal with heavy machinery.
So what do we mean by safety boots? Well, it’s primarily boots fitted with toe caps. The type of toe cap used depends on the degree of protection you need!
There are three main types of safety boots:
- Steel caps
- Composite caps
- Alloy caps
The most common type is steel toe-capped boots, which offer the highest protection against punctures and compression injuries. Steel toes are made to protect toes from falling objects.
Composite caps are made from various materials such as carbon fiber and Kevlar. Apart from providing a similar level of protection, they are also lighter than steel toes. A feature that has deservedly sparked their popularity.
Alloy toe caps are lighter than steel toes but more expensive. They usually come very thin, leaving a lot of space for toes in the toe box.
That’s more than enough about caps! My point is that work boots have distinctive safety features and build. Some jobs won’t allow hiking boots since they don’t offer any protection against potential hazards.
Quick Note
The highlighted differences will help you tell whether a shoe is a hiking or work boot. There are more differences between the two not mentioned above.
Why? Simple, the mentioned differences are enough to differentiate between a hiking and work boot efficiently!
Are Work Boots Good for Hiking?
Yes, we know we can wear (wherever possible) hiking boots for work. What about vice versa? Are work boots good for hiking?
Yes, absolutely. Work boots are not everyone’s first choice for hiking. They can be heavy and clunky, and they’re not always the most comfortable option for long hikes.
Apart from that, work boots are tough, reliable, and durable. They are worth considering if you’re looking for boots that can handle anything the trail throws.
Just keep in mind that work boots are not designed for long-distance hikes. They don’t have the same features as dedicated hiking boots, such as a comfortable fit, breathability, and support. So, if you’re planning on hiking seriously, it’s best to invest in a good pair of hiking boots.
Best Selling Hiking and Work Boot
As usual, I bring you a list of the current best seller on amazon. You don’t have to spend time researching anymore because I have covered that part. Alright, here you go:
Hiking Boots
- Waterproof membrane seals out water and lets moisture escape Pigskin leather and mesh upper 100% recycled laces and webbing Bellows tongue keeps out debris Protective toe cap 100% recycled mesh lining Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable contoured insole with reinforced heel cushioning for medium support Molded nylon arch shank Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability Lightweight EVA foam midsole for stability and comfort Vibram TC5+ rubber sole
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: The Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boot features a seam-sealed construction, combined with our TECHLITE lightweight midsole, for long-lasting comfort with superior cushioning and high energy return.
- DURABLE HIKING BOOT: This women's boot is inspired by classic mountaineering style. A durable mid cut waterproof hiker that provides great traction and comfort. This classic Columbia hiking boot, will deliver years of comfortable service.
- ALL TERRAIN TRACTION: Our signature Omni-GRIP non-marking traction rubber outsole provides high grip across a wide variety of terrain, and versatile three season use.
- HANDY FEATURES: Treacherous days out on the trail are comfortable and worry-free with this hiking boot's waterproof combination of supportive leather and suede construction.
- REINFORCED TOE AND HEEL CONSTRUCTION: Designed for extended years of use, we’ve reinforced the toe and heel barriers, and extended the outsole toe overwrap to guard these key wear points.
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot features our lightweight, durable midsole for long lasting comfort, superior cushioning, and high energy return as well as an advanced traction rubber sole for slip-free movement on rough ground.
- HANDY FEATURES: Treacherous days out on the trail are comfortable and worry-free with this boot's waterproof full-grain leather and mesh bootie construction and its durable mesh tongue for breathability.
- ADJUSTABLE FEATURES: The Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot features a lace-up closure for an adjustable, secure fit.
- VERSATILE STYLE: This men's waterproof hiking boot delivers style and durability with its contrasting color combinations and soft mesh exterior.
- OMNI-GRIP: This multi-terrain traction system matches specially formulated compounds and treads to specific environments. A dual-zone winter tread pattern ensures solid footing on surfaces such as ice and snow.
Work Boots
- Composite Safety Toe. Identifies protection against impact and compression hazards with a composite (non-metallic) safety toe. Composite toes meet ASTM F2413-18 standards.
- Electrical Hazard (Safety Toe). Identifies secondary protection against incidental contact with electrical circuits of 18,000 volts or less under dry conditions. Safety Toe EH styles meet ASTM F2413-18 EH standards.
- Insulation (400gm 3M Thinsulate) These shoes are designed to keep your feet warm in most types of cold conditions. 3M Thinsulate is a microfiber that insulates boots by trapping air molecules between you and the outside. 400 grams is used for cold conditions or moderate activity levels.
- Storm Defender Waterproof Breathable Protection. These shoes are designed to be completely waterproof and to keep your feet dry in most types of wet conditions. A waterproof and breathable membrane is used to keep your feet dry but promote air flow and circulation.
- Cushion Comfort Insole. Carhartt PU with Foam cushion insole provides comfortable support and reduces foot fatigue.
- STAY ON YOUR FEET: Our Pit Boss is everything a steel toe boot should be: Safe, tough & comfortable. These leather work boots meet ANSI safety standards and feature slip-, oil- and abrasion resistant outsoles for traction & padded top collars for comfort.
- SAFETY AND COMFORT: PRO 24/7 Comfort Suspension technology is a unique comfort system that meets the most rigorous work site demands -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It helps reduce foot fatigue, support the arch and cushion every step.
- A SOURCE OF PRIDE: We know you take pride in your work, so our soft-toed shoes and boots and steel-toe boots and shoes are designed to provide you with enhanced job performance day in and day out. Wear them at work well as at home with comfort & style.
- QUALITY WORKWEAR: Timberland PRO assesses the unmet needs of those who work in the most demanding environments and then develops solutions that deliver ultimate comfort, durability & protection—all day long—from work boots & shoes to anti-fatigue insoles.
- Rugged nubuck leather with breathable and moisture-wicking lining , built with goodyear welt construction for a durable mechanical bond
- RELIABLE DURABILITY: We reinforce our Boondock men's waterproof work boots with Ever-Guard leather and rubber toe protectors for abrasion-resistant performance. TPU outsole features deep lugs for traction and is slip-, oil- and abrasion-resistant.
- ANTI-FATIGUE TECHNOLOGY: A comfort system designed with shock-absorbing, geometrical technology that returns energy back to the foot to deliver all-day support and comfort.
- A SOURCE OF PRIDE: We know you take pride in your work, so our soft-toed shoes and boots and steel-toe boots and shoes are designed to provide you with enhanced job performance day in and day out. Wear them at work well as at home with comfort & style.
- QUALITY WORKWEAR: Timberland PRO assesses the unmet needs of those who work in the most demanding environments and then develops solutions that deliver ultimate comfort, durability & protection—all day long—from work boots & shoes to anti-fatigue insoles.
- Premium waterproof leather with waterproof membrane
Final Thoughts
There are many types of boots on the market, and deciding which is right for you can be tricky. Do you need a boot for hiking or work? Or maybe you need something that can do both?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether to choose a hiking boot or a work boot for your next outdoor adventure or work project. Whatever you go for between hiking and work boots is a personal decision.
We recommend choosing a boot equipped to meet the demands of your planned excursion or duty! For example, if you plan a long hike on rugged terrain, you will need a boot with good support and traction to help you stay safe and comfortable.
On the other hand, if you are working on a construction project, you will need a durable boot that can protect your feet from debris and other hazards.
Jesse is the main author of Tactical Angle. He’s also an avid survivalist, backpacker, and fishkeeper. He spends time setting up/maintaining my fish tanks, hiking, hunting, and climbing mountains.
