When I first started working at a warehouse job, I used to hike a lot. So I had a couple of hiking boots of different varieties, which kept me from buying work boots for the job.
What’d I do?
I wore those hiking boots to work instead of buying work boots! And the best part is, I didn’t have much of a problem, even though I always thought I’d buy work boots eventually.
Once, I accidentally stepped on a few nails at work, but I was wearing an older version of hiking boots with a steel shank.
Didn’t hurt my feet!
That incident made me realize I didn’t need to replace my hiking boots with work boots for this specific job.
So can you wear hiking boots as work boots?
In some situations, you can actually wear hiking boots as work boots. But at hazardous jobs like construction, farming, fishing, etc., you should wear the preferred work boots. And you should always comply if the OSHA standard requires you to wear one at your work.
Why You Can Sometimes Wear Hiking Boots as Work Boots
As I’ve already mentioned, you can wear your hiking boots as work boots to some jobs depending on the hiking boots.
The main reason for this is that there are some major aspects of both boots that make them quite similar to one another.
And even if they aren’t similar, you could still be able to wear hiking boots instead of your work boots.
Let me show you what I mean:
Traction
Some jobs require you to wear shoes that have an anti-slip feature on their soles. That’s because, at these jobs, you are susceptible to slipping on different types of liquids.
Imagine this,
You work at an oilfield service job. It means you might have to expect oil spills on a regular basis.
Now if you don’t wear a pair of work boots that has great traction on the outsoles that can protect you from slipping and falling, you are going to be in a lot of trouble.
You’ll slip at every corner!
That’s going to be painful as hell! So you need to wear a pair of work boots that has anti-slip technology on the outsoles.
Guess what?
You can get away with not having to wear work boots at all! Just wear a good pair of hiking boots instead!
Yes, hiking boots also have this anti-slip feature!
When you go on a hike, there’s a possibility that you will have to encounter wet and slippery surfaces that will make you slip and fall hard on your butt.
Not with hiking boots!
The right kind of hiking boots will give your soles enough traction to avoid these types of situations where you might slip.
Meaning you will be able to avoid slipping on oils or other chemicals if you wear the right pair of anti-slip hiking boots.
Weight
Hiking boots are lighter than work boots! I’ll tell you this from the get-go so you don’t have any misconceptions about this.
Why is that?
With hiking boots, you are supposed to walk long ways on your two feet for maybe hours. And that can put a lot of strain on your feet if you wear heavy shoes on a hike.
Even just standing on your feet for long enough can make your feet and even your legs hurt, which is a complete no-no.
That’s why hiking boots are designed in such a way that they are lightweight. Even the materials used to make them are lightweight, which can add up to the weight.
What about work boots?
Well, work boots are entirely the opposite in this aspect ofcomapred to hiking boots.
Work boots are heavier because they are made with heavy materials for the protection of your feet.
Most of the weight comes from the soles that are made with thicker materials to save your feet from sharp objects that you might be exposed to on the floors of your workplace.
Also, the toe boxes!
A lot of work boots have different types of toe boxes, like steel toe boxes, composite toe boxes, aluminum-toe boxes, and more.
These toe boxes are there to protect the toes on your feet from various injuries, which also make the boots heavier because of the added weight.
So if your job doesn’t require you to wear work boots that have these safety toe boxes, you can simply wear your hiking boots instead.
But what about the thick soles to save you from puncturing your feet?
Here’s the kicker!
You can get hiking boots that come with a stronger steel shank, which can somewhat protect your feet from different sharp objects on the floor or ground.
Durability and Flexibility
In this case, work boots and hiking boots are both very similar. Both their build and quality materials make them durable.
Materials like leather, rubber, and steel in different combinations can be seen to make both of these boots out of.
Durability isn’t the issue!
As I’ve mentioned before, you can find hiking boots with steel shanks, there’s a but here. You won’t find this design feature in modern hiking boots.
Modern ones usually use a lighter synthetic shank to reduce the overall weight. But you can always choose the ones that go with your job.
Flexibility!
I’m talking about the added thickness of work boots again because they also add to their durability while helping to protect your feet.
But that doesn’t make them flexible enough!
And even though hiking boots don’t have that, you are more likely to be a little bit more comfortable in hiking boots if you choose to wear them at work.
That’s because being lightweight is what makes hiking boots more flexible!
Hiking Boots to Wear as Work Boots
If you’re confused as to which hiking boots to get that will get you by for both hiking and working, I’ve got the perfect solution.
Here are some great examples of hiking boots that you can wear to work:
- Salomon Quest Prime GTX: This pair of hiking boots are extra light and comfortable for you to both go hiking and work at your job.
- Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP: Want a really comfortable pair of hiking boots that give you enough cushion? This one’s for you!
- La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX: If you want hiking boots that will replace the job of work boots by giving your feet enough support, you can buy these ones.
- Asolo Falcon GV: A tough pair of hiking boots is all that anyone who wants to work and hike at the same time can want. And this one delivers on that promise!
- Salomon Quest 4 GTX: Another pair from the same brand because it’s that good! Plus, his pair will save you from slipping on wet surfaces.
- Oboz Sawtooth II Mid: This pair of hiking boots are super comfortable and will give you amazing arch support that you won’t complain about walking all day at work anymore.
Final Words
Can you wear hiking boots as work boots? Yes, it’s entirely possible to wear your hiking boots as work boots to some workplaces.
However, I did double-check if OSHA advised my workplace to make the employees wear something else or not.
You should too!
So if you keep these things in mind and be sure of what kind of footwear your workplace requires you to wear, you’re gold!