Can You Wear Work Boots Hiking?

It’s not ideal to go hiking wearing your work boots. Having said that, you can wear your boots once or twice if you MUST go hiking.

Let’s say you’re a full-time construction professional who has just been invited for a big weekend hike. And you don’t have the proper gear that’s needed for hiking. But you do have a pair of safety boots.

Are you going to miss out on the fun just because you don’t have hiking boots?

I wouldn’t! (As long as I know my regular safety boots are going to be enough to protect my feet out there)

Keep reading to find out more info such as

• what are some pros and cons
• difference between work boots and hiking boots

…and much more!

Let’s get into it starting with a question that many people are asking:

What is the difference between work boots and hike boots?

Both boots are ultimately designed to protect your feet on rough terrain. But while hiking boots are designed so that you can tackle tough terrain, like an uneven forest floor or a mountainside, work boots are designed to make sure you are completely out of harm’s way. 

Work boots arw tougher than hike boots. They’ll protect you against all sorts of hazards, such as:

• Toe injuries from falling objects
• Nail or screw punctures
• Electric shocks
• Solo and falls on oily & grease surfaces

And much more.

Three features demonstrate the different purposes work boots and hiking boots are designed for.  

Sole

The soles of a hiking boot are made of rubber and are usually thick enough to protect you against stones on the floor or wooden chips, but not against the power tools and sharp objects that might be on the floor that you will find on a work site. So many work boots will have much thicker soles made of a slightly heavier material. 

Toe Caps

By law, safety footwear needs to have toe protection in any working environment in which heavy machinery is used. These toe caps need to be able to withstand a heavy hit, 200-joules being the industry standard (or a 20kg object dropped from 1m up).

To meet this standard, most work boots will have steel toe caps. Usually hiking boots will only have a rubber cap on it, which might not be enough protection if you drop a heavy metal object on it. 

Ventilation

Hiking boots will have a lot of ventilation in them so that you can keep your feet cool on that big walk. Work boots are to keep you safe, and so will not have any ventilation features. 

Pros of using work boots for hiking

Of course, the biggest pro for if you take your work boots onto a big hike is the financial savings! Nobody wants to have to buy two pairs of boots when one will do. 

Another pro is that a lot of work boots have good traction to prevent slips and falls. This makes them very useful in hiking situations when grip is of the essence. Finally, work boots are made of tougher material than hiking boots, and so if you think you are going to be hiking on a rough surface, then the extra tough material could be helpful. 

Cons of going hiking in work boots

There are unfortunately quite a few disadvantages to taking the work boots out on a hike. 

Ventilation and weight

Work boots, as already noted, are made from a tougher material than normal hiking boots. This means they have fewer vents on them and are usually heavier owing to their material. This makes hiking in them for very long distances more difficult than using hiking boots.

Quick dry

If you end up walking through rivers or deep puddles on your hike, it is better to get a pair of hiking boots that dry quickly rather than work boots that will absorb lots of water and stink out the car on the long journey home.  

Flexibility

Work boots, again, are designed to protect you from anything. This means they are made from thick rubber that is not as flexible as the EVA foam that hiking boots are made from.

EVA foam is light and flexible, which means that over time it will conform to the shape of your feet, making hiking more comfortable. You will not get this advantage over several hikes with work boots.

Finally, though they are strong, work boots do wear down over time, and they will wear down more quickly if you take them on hikes as well as using them for work. You won’t save any money if you wear your boots down, and added to the discomfort felt while hiking in them, it is very much a false economy. 

Are Timberland work boots good for hiking?

This depends on the type of Timberland boot you buy. The 6” basic boot is not suitable for hiking because it is very heavy.

The weight of a single boot is 1 pound and five ounces. This compares to about 1 pound 1 ounce for their flume waterproof hiking boots. Eight extra pounds of weight across both feet over a long hike.

Not to mention the other issues already mentioned of ventilation, waterproofing, and flexibility. It’s easy to see why taking Timberland work boots, particularly the 6”, could be a big mistake. 

Timberland has a wide range of boots that are suitable for both hiking and work available to look at here. Remember the key features to look for when deciding whether boots are for hiking or for work is their flexibility and water resistance. 

Are steel toe boots good for hiking?

There are pros and cons to having a steel toe boot when hiking. The obvious con, which we have already gone into, is the extra weight that comes with a steel toe boot will make hiking harder. 

On the other hand, a steel toe cap boot can provide good ankle support for you when you are hiking. And obviously, if you stub your toe against a rock or a low tree branch while hiking then the extra protection provided by the steel toe cap can make that a lot less painful than a normal hiking boot.

So, a steel toe cap can, in some instances, prevent injuries where normal hiking boots cannot. 

Conclusion: Can you wear work boots while hiking? Should you?

You can most certainly wear work boots while you are hiking, and if you are only planning on going for the one hike then it does not make sense to buy a brand-new pair of hiking boots for only one trip.

You may be slightly uncomfortable, but if it is a simple root, and not a particularly long one, then you will be fine. 

But if you are planning on going hiking regularly, or if the hike you are going to looks tricky, then a specialist pair of hiking boots is the better investment. You will be more comfortable, and you will not wear your work boots down. 

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source https://bestformyfeet.com/are-work-boots-good-for-hiking/

Are Danner Work Boots Any Good? (All You Need To Know)

Be honest! How many times have you been tempted to invest in a pair of Danner work boots? Anyone who owns a model of the Danner work boots is almost always raving about them, but given the hefty price tag, it’s a big decision!

And we’re here to help you by providing some in-depth info on the Danner brand and their work boots!

But first …

The Brand: never heard of Danner before?

If you’ve ever looked up on the internet about a good pair of boots, chances are the name ‘Danner’ might ring a bell for you.

If it doesn’t, then here’s a little insight into the Danner Boots: almost a century back in 1932, Charles Danner had his eyes set on one goal, to make the best logging boots known to man!

And he finally breathed life into his dream with The Danner Company as he designed boots for people who had an urge to explore the world despite its rough landscape.

Since then every boot manufactured by the company since then has the same passion breathed into it!

Where are Danner work boots manufactured?

With its roots set in the United States of America, the company has its manufacturing units divided between the USA and overseas to meet the increasing demand.

While they manufacture most of their more popular designs at the Portland factory, their website has the exact details of where a specific boot is manufactured, which you can go through before making a purchase.

The quality of the Danner work boots

Your feet work the hardest on the job, especially when it involves rough and harsh environments where you want to support and durability in one boot.

Danner has one for everyone out there. If you’re someone who spends most of their time working indoors and is looking for something lightweight, comfortable, and yet sturdy, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from.

The same applies to someone whose work involves hiking onto rugged landscapes and mountains; the possibilities are endless!

The Danner Boot is made for men and women ranging from different areas of expertise:

• hunters and their hunt for the perfect boot
• military-grade trainers for the ones training to meet their full potential
• the tactical ones for people who are almost always on their feet

… and many more!

Are they comfortable?

Despite the rugged materials used in the construction of these heavy-duty boots, they’re still very comfortable to wear and move around in.

But with specific designs catered for more challenging circumstances, durability comes first and then comfort.

So it all depends on the kind of job you have, the places you’re aiming to wear it, and the style you choose.

Rest assured, the boots are way more comfortable than any other heavy-duty boots out there in the market.

Are Danner work boots durable? How long do they last?

When it comes to Danner boots, they have quite a reputation for durability. With a single pair lasting year after another for decades some users have claimed, durability is great. After all, a good pair of boots can take you places, quite literally!

How long a pair of boots will last mostly depends on how you take care of the boots.

If you’ve outgrown a pair and continue wearing it, there’s nothing that can save your precious pair of boots from losing their shape and integrity, and don’t even get me started on the discomfort it may be causing you.

So the first step to making your boots last longer is by finding your perfect fit.

Once you’ve found your ideal fit, know that conditioning your boots on the regular will prolong your boots’ life, but then again, not all conditioners are made the same!

Considering that the shoes are of leather, anything silicone-based will ruin it. If you’ve wet them, letting them air-dry in a shaded area away from direct sunlight will be more than enough to ensure your boot spends the years to come safely with you!

What type of work boots Danner produces?

You name it, and they’ll have it! But to make a choice less daunting for you, I’ve broken down every type that they have to offer, so hang tight!

• Bull Run: Ideal for people living in hot temperatures since the boots are unlined.
• Quarry: Ideal for comfort and built to last.
• Vicious: Ideal for everyday wear
• Steelyard: Ideal for almost everyone in terms of comfort, durability, and grip
• Rainforest: Ideal in terms of comfort, protection, and durability for those involved in heavy, outdoor work.
• Crafter: Ideal for those who want a tough exterior, soft cushion-ey interior, and the ability to withstand anything it stepped into.
• Crucial: Ideal for those who work at muddy and rainy sites and look for comfort, stability, and responsiveness underfoot.
• Workman: Ideal for those who want a resilient yet lightweight boot.
• Danner Logger: Ideal for those who want the arch support of a classic logger heel without the added weight.
• Springfield: Ideal for those who want the support of a trail boot and the durability of a work boot.
• Trakwelt: Ideal for those who are in rough and tough landscapes.
• Stronghold: Ideal for everything nature would throw at you.
• Power Foreman: Ideal to withstand cold and harsh landscapes.
• Field Ranger: Ideal for anyone who spends most of their day on foot.
• Run Time: Ideal for those who want the benefits of a sneaker, with the added durability of a boot.
• Ironsoft: Ideal for those who spend long hours on hardened surfaces.
• Tactical: Ideal for maximum mobility and safety against the slippery landscape.
• Blackbelt: Ideal for indoor work and everyday wear.

What industries are Danner work boots good for?

From everyday wear to facing the toughest and harshest that nature can offer, there’s a shoe that fits every industry, just like I explained in detail above.

Price: Are Danner work boots expensive?

Expensive is a subjective term!

For the most part, Danner boots might seem like a costly option when you take a first glance at them but considering the years that they’ll spend on your feet, they’re cheaper if you compare them to the cost of replacing regular boots every two years.

What do the reviews say about this work boot brand?

No matter how much a brand boasts about its features, it’s the customers who put the boots through the test, with rave reviews on almost every style of boot that they offer; customers have even reported seeing their dads use the same pair; for over a decade!

It doesn’t matter how good you are at making a product, you’ll have some products coming out and last less or other issues. Let’s be honest, there’s no such thing as the perfect brand.

But the majority of users who bought a pair of Danner work boots ended up leaving a positive comment about the product!

Does Danner provide a warranty for their work boots?

Yes, Danner do provide warranty for their work boots. Danner offers a full-year warranty from the date of purchase in case anything goes faulty.

Where can you buy Danner work boots?

You can purchase your favorite pair of Danner boots from their official website, Amazon, and in-person from the Danner retail stores.

Top 3 Most popular work boots models from Danner

And in case you don’t know where to start with these work boots, here’s a quick start talking about some of the most known Danner boots models.

1. Best sold and most reviewed model

Danner Mac Toe Work Boot

These are 100% leather with a moccasin stitch around the toe of the boot.

They have a rubber sole and come in four different colors. It is important to note that these boots do not have a steel toe.

At first, the boots might be a bit tough but after continuous wearing, they will shape themselves to fit your foot better.

This is the best soft toe work boot Danner has. They do make this model on steel toe too if you’re working in an environment where safety footwear is required.

2. Most popular 8 inch

Danner Bull Run 8 Inch

These boots are 100% leather with a synthetic sole.

The shaft measures approximately 8.5″ from the arch with a steel shank which is great for maximum protection.

3. Most rated non metallic toe protection

Danner Vicous Work Boot

These boots are 100% leather with a Vibram sole. The Vibram soles give the boots the benefit of traction, durability, and comfort.

They also help make the boot more breathable so it isn’t that constricting. A great feature to have if you’re looking for summer work boots.

The shaft measures approximately 8.5″ from the arch giving ample protection to your foot.

There are a ton of other great models that you can find online. For the sake of keeping this article short and sweet we decided to include only top 3 models. Here’s a wider selection of Danner work boots over to Amazon.

Conclusion: Are Danner Work Boots Worth The Money?

If you’re looking for outdoor boots that can withstand the test of time and almost any weather, look no further.

While Danner Boots might seem expensive at first, in my opinion, they are definitely worth the money given the comfort, safety, and durability they offer in the long run, a wise investment indeed! 

Team Members Working On This Page

Adrian – Web Master / Construction Professional

Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!

source https://bestformyfeet.com/are-danner-work-boots-any-good/

Are Work Boots Waterproof? (What You Need To Know)

Starting a new job where you’ll be working outdoors or moving to a much rainier city and you’re wondering if all work boots are really waterproof?!

Well, the truth is that not all work boots are waterproof (even though you’ll read waterproof on their labels).

This article will give you all the information you’ll need about how to tell if a pair of work boots are waterproof without trying them on and it will tell you the difference between waterproof and water-resistant!

Plus it will give you some advice as to whether waterproof work boots are the right purchase for you depending on what you’re occupation might be.

How do I know if my boots are waterproof?

Here are three tips to ensure your boots are waterproof even if you’re ordering them online and so don’t have the chance to try before you buy

1. Look for waterproof materials in the product description- like the vinyl of rubber
2. Look for seamless boots- like Wellingtons, or look for waterproof seam materials.  
3. Check out customer reviews! If a boot claims to be waterproof and is not, there are bound to be a lot of angry customers with soggy socks in the reviews. 

If you buy in person, then another test you can implement is to feel the work boots inner’ lining with your own fingers. 

The inner lining should feel thick and it should protect your feet. 

And if you have a chance to try before you buy, make sure they fit properly! An ill-fitting pair of work boots can allow water in through being too loose.  Here’s our page on how work boots should fit if you need more info on that!

There are loads of fun water-based tests you can try but alas, most work boot shops probably won’t let you do that in their shop. 

But maybe see if such videos exist on YouTube for your preferred brand! 

Waterproof or water resistant work boots: what’s the difference?

Waterproof work boots could be completely submerged in water, a wet puddle for example, and the water wouldn’t soak the materials 

So your feet will stay dry in waterproof work boots. 

Water resistant on the other hand only guarantees a certain amount of protection from water. 

If you dipped a ‘water resistant’ boot into the same puddle at the same depth, it would stay dry for a while. 

But quickly, water would soak into the fibers and soak your socks. 

Water resistant is still better than no protection at all, but it is not as good as waterproof. 

Do you need waterproof work boots?

In short, it depends on the work you do and whether your worksite is more indoors or outdoorsy.  Do you work in rain or snow in the winter time where usually your work boots will get wet faster? Or do you work indoors or in a nice area where is summer and the sun is out most of the time?

Bear in mind that waterproof work boots generally don’t let water in, but neither do they let water out. So after a few hours of working, your sweaty feet may struggle in a pair of waterproof boots.  That could increase the risk of you getting an athlete’s foot infection if you’re not taking the right precautions!

It’s also worth noting that waterproof work boots are generally made from more inflexible materials. 

This can make them more uncomfortable to wear than other types of work boot made from less rigid materials. 

So if you’re indoors, and you know your feet get sweaty while working, and you value flexibility and comfort, waterproof work boots may not be for you 

But if you work outdoors, or if you walk to work and you live in a very rainy city, then they may be worth purchasing. 

Are steel toe boots waterproof?

It generally depends on the specific brand of work boots you are buying. 

Some such as the Keen Utility are waterproof, and some, such as the Rock Rooster are unfortunately only water resistant. 

Whether a pair of work boots contain steel toe caps or not will generally not inform you as to whether they are waterproof or not. 

Are leather work boots waterproof?

Generally no, leather boots are not waterproof, but they can be waterproofed. 

You do need to ‘break in’ leather work boots before waterproofing them, they need to be clean and they need to be dry. 

There are a number of excellent substances that will waterproof your leather work boots, however, the product that comes most highly recommended is the Nikwax Waterproofing Wax Cream. 

So don’t let concerns about waterproofing deter you from buying a high quality pair of leather boots, as just a bit of extra money and effort can go towards making them waterproof. 

Quick Q&A about waterproof work boots

Here’s a quickfire round of questions that we didn’t feel needs too much research but that you might have in mind.

1. Are timberland boots waterproof?

Timberland claim all of their work boots are waterproof. 

The uppers are water resistant (which is not the same thing) however the lower bits and the outsole are made from a waterproof rubber. 

And the tongue is joined to the boot, to prevent leakage from below.  

2. Are Ariat work boots waterproof?

Many of them are, you have 39 to choose from, however, with 185 products in ‘Men’s Work footwear’, some are, by their own admission, not waterproof.  

3. Are Justin work boots waterproof?

Justin’s work boot selection page lists 179 total products, 91 of which are waterproof 

4. Are Caterpillar work boots waterproof

Again, some in their range are waterproof, but many are not.  

5. Are Dickies work boots waterproof?

A couple of their products, like the Cameron Safety Boot and the Trenton Pro are explicitly listed as waterproof, but many are not listed as waterproof. 

6. Are Wolverine work boots waterproof?

Wolverine has over 150 waterproof work boots to choose from, so you will be spoiled for choice when you shop with this brand. 

However there are also 244 work boot products on Wolverine’s website in total, so by implication over 90 of their products are not waterproof. 

7. Is GoreTex 100% waterproof?

Goretex offers a 100% guarantee on their products for waterproofness. 

However, rather than just taking their word for it, I found an excellent product test on one of their work boots from a small Youtuber. 

And boom- the video shows, it’s as good as they claim. Completely dry after a near-complete immersion. 

8. Does wd40 waterproof boots?

Yes,  you can use wd40 to waterproof  your work boots and other shoes. 

Simply clean your work boots and ensure they are warm and dry. 

Spray over the pair of boots using the precision applicator, ensuring complete and accurate coverage. 

And leave alone until dry. 

The bottom line is

If you really need waterproof work boots go with a pair of GoreTex work boots or have a look at these pull-on work boots that are considered the best slip-on work boots and many of them are waterproof.

Keep in mind that just because it says “these boots are waterproof” on their label it means they are waterproof. Remember to look at what type of material the boots are made of (like we said above) to give you a real understanding if they are or not waterproof!

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Team Members Working On This Page

Adrian – Web Master / Construction Professional

Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!

Theo Cox / Researcher, Writer

I’m an MA student currently working on a research project for King’s College London Museum of Life Sciences alongside my MA dissertation. I have been published in my student newspaper, The Spectator, and the Adam Smith Institute. I’m doing part of the research and writing of the content you’ll read on BestForMyFeet.com Enjoy!

source https://bestformyfeet.com/are-all-work-boots-waterproof/