Yes, Target sells work boots online. You’ll find a very short section of work footwear under their men’s shoe section.
I’ve done some research and put together some interesting data about this store and their work boots section compared to other stores and a lot more interesting data.
Let’s get right into it.
Is Target a legit site?
If you’re worried that Target might be a flight-by-night website or business, the answer is no. It’s not a scam. Target IS a legit website and a legit business with its headquarters in Minneapolis, MN. [1]
They are one of the biggest retail stores in the US and they’ve been around for more than 100 years (maybe with another name) and the first Target store was opened in 1962 in Roseville, Minnesota.
The website Target.com [2] came to life in 2004 and since then they’ve attracted millions of visitors per year.
Can you buy work boots at Target online?
Yes. Target does sell work boots and footwear in general online. According to their website, they do same-day delivery as well. Also, you can order ahead of time and collect it in-store.
What work boot brands can you buy at Target?
The catalog on work boots models and brands that Target offers is quite limited compared to Amazon, Zappos, and other online stores.
Here are the work boot brands they’re selling at the time I’m writing these lines:
Georgia
Iron Age
Rocky
Timberland
Timberland PRO
S Sport (Skechers)
SlipGrips
Michelin
Lehigh Outfitters
You might recognize a few big names in that list, but as you can see the choices are very limited. Additionally, when you go to check the specific models from any brand on that list, again, the options are super limited.
Let’s take the Timberland brand for example. If you select just Timberland, again, at the time I’m writing this page, they have only 2 models.
Pros and cons?
You’d think that a store of this size would offer you many more options to choose from. So one of the obvious cons is that you don’t have many work boots available on their online store.
A pro is that you could buy online and collect in-store. So, in theory, if you order in the morning before you go to work for example, by the time you finish your shift they should have your product ready for you to pick it up!
What do the reviews say about Target?
One of the reasons you might think Target.com is not a legit online store is because of the high number of poor reviews from their customers.
I was literally shocked to see the number of disappointed users. During the research for this article, I found about 245 reviews on BBB (Better Business Bureau) [3], 2258 reviews on TrustPilot [4], and another few hundred on Yelp.[5]
I looked mostly for what people were saying related to shopping online.
It seems that online shoppers are not happy at all with the Target customer service. Also, some users had bad experiences when it comes to products being out of stock right after submitting the order, even though before that action on the website was saying “in stock”.
It’s impressive to see such a big store having such a poor rating. On TrustPilot, they have been rated 2.2 stars out of 5 based on 2258 reviews.
And on BBB they are rated 1.12 out of 5 based on 245 reviews.
You should always take the reviews with a pinch of salt since nowadays anybody can leave a bad review about your business…but it seems like there are way too many!
Target alternative stores to buy work boots online
Here are a few other online websites I like to shop for work boots. My favorite one is Amazon.
For the only reason that the catalog is huge, you have same-day or next-day delivery and also you can send them back if you’re not happy with them.
I did a quick check before wrapping this article up. Just for curiosity I went and checked which store prices their work boots higher.
There are not too many products I can compare since the list is quite short. But when I looked at Georgia Athens steel toe work boots, at Target it was $178 and on Amazon, it was $148.60.
Whereas other work boots will have exactly the same price, $168.00. I guess this is not that strange. I see this pattern with many other products. When it’s cheap in one store it’s expensive in another. Later on, this changes.
The takeaway
So Target.com it’s not a fake website or some scam. It just seems that they’re doing a poor job at serving their customers and that’s why you’ll read so many poor reviews.
If you want to shop work boots online at Target.com just keep in mind that the options are very limited.
Anyway, I hope this was helpful to you. Good luck buying good work boots!
If you want the quick answer, a pair of work boots weigh between 1.2 pounds per boot all the way up to 3 pounds per boot (or even more in some cases)
That’s just an average number we came up with after looking at a few hundred work boots of all types and shapes.
There are many reasons why a work boot is heavy and we’ll talk about them below.
Keep reading in order to find out more. about that. Also, I’ll share with you a few examples of some of the most popular work boots available out there and how much they weigh.
But first …
Are work boots heavier than normal boots?
Yes, work boots weigh more than your regular boots. That’s because casual boots don’t have any safety features.
So you’ll find that normal boots weigh way below 2 pounds per boot (1 kg more or less) most of the time. Even hiking boots like this one from Salewa that has some extra features to make them good for outdoors and off-road activities, weigh less than 2 pounds.
Some work boots don’t come with a steel toe because it’s not needed for some industries. Or it’s not required. And that will make this type of work boots lighter, but still a bit heavier than the normal everyday boots.
For example, this pair of Timberland Pit Boss weighs more or less 1.5 pounds per boot. The steel toe version is 2+ pounds per boot. You can read our Timberland Pit Boss review here if you want more details.
Are steel toe work boots heavier than composite toe?
Some people will say that composite toe work boots are much lighter than steel toe work boots.
Although it’s true that steel toe work boots are heavier than composite toe work boots, it’s by a lot!
There are many other factors to be considered when it comes to how heavy work boots are. Will discuss that below.
What makes work boots heavy?
Now let’s dive in and see what things make safety boots heavier than other boots.
1. The Upper
This probably is the first one that comes to mind of why work boots are heavier than regular boots.
The leather on GOOD QUALITY work boots is thicker than on regular boots. And that makes a lot of sense because if you work in construction there are many sharp objects and items lying around the site that even the silliest cut or puncture can put you off work for days or weeks.
On the contrary, some work boots are made with a textile upper or Gore-tex and that makes them much lighter than leather work boots or rubber work boots.
The 10” pull on boot weighs 1.90 pounds per boot more or less
The 6” ankle boot weighs 1.70 pound per boot more or less
It makes sense that the bigger the boots are, the heavier they are going to be since more material is needed in order to produce a pair of boots.
3. The outsole
Some work boots’ outsoles are made of pure rubber, some are made of TPU (Thermo Polyurethane), others are made of leather. Wedge is used as well in the making of outsoles but you won’t find it in that many boots. Thorogood has some of the best wedge sole work boots out there.
Each one of these materials has different densities. And when attached to the upper, it will add different weights to the work boots. Hence a work boot with a leather outsole is lighter than a work boot that has a TPU outsole.
4. The toe cap protection
As you probably know, work boot’s toe caps come in different sizes, shapes, and materials they’re made of.
This is another factor that will affect how heavy a work boot is.
Here are the toe caps you’ll find in work boots. They are listed from heavier to the lightest.
Steel toe cap
Aluminium toe cap
Composite toe cap
Leather toe cap
The steel toe cap is the one that will offer you the most protection whilst the leather cap will offer closer to zero protection.
5. Shank
This is a great feature to look for when shopping around for work boots. That’s because this little piece of material is placed in between the midsole and the outside of the boot providing you with more support and stability when walking.
It’s made of different materials:
Steel
Wood
Composite
Leather
Fiberglass
So depending on which one of these shanks your work boots have, it will make it more or less heavier.
How much do lightweight boots weigh?
When you hear this term is thrown around: “lightweight” work boots you just have to take it with a grain of salt.
Many sellers will put this term into their product description to make you more interested in their product. Which of course it’s fine as long as it’s true.
It’s a bit hard to define what is lightweight, right? It will depend on each one of us. If you’re a male or a female, how strong you are, etc
To me personally, whatever it’s under 1 pound per boot, I consider it to be lightweight
How the weight of the boot can affect you?
This will depend on your situation. Luckily I don’t have feet problems, not anything big anyway other than the regular foot athlete that I have to deal with every now and then or maybe a fungus in my toenail.
But related to the weight of the boot, it makes sense that the heavier the boot is, the more tired you’ll feel at the end of your shift.
It’s worse if you work as a landscaper walking through the soil or a farmer or construction worker pouring concrete. The fact that you have to walk through uneven ground makes you feel exhausted.
You might experience some pain in your legs and lower back after wearing heavy work boots for a whole day.
My suggestion is to have at least a couple of work boots.
One or two pairs for heavy-duty use and another one or two for more light work. Of course, the heavy-duty ones will have lots of safety features to keep you safe making them heavier.
Whilst the light-duty ones will have maybe a composite toe cap and a lighter outsole too.
Lightweight or heavy work boots: which is best for you
It will depend mostly on what kind of job you’re doing.
If you’re a mechanic, for example, it makes sense to go for a more heavy-duty work boot. There are tons of heavy items that can drop on your feet in the garage. Construction workers as well.
You might want to get a pair of great waterproof work boots to keep your feet dry all day. Especially if you work outdoors. If you work indoors as an electrician, you can go for a pair of more lightweight work boots.
So choose a work boot based on your activities and the risks you’re exposed to.
Final words on the weight of steel toe work boots
If you’re brand new to work boots looking into how heavy steel toe work boots are and if they are comfortable the answer is, it depends!
Yes, most of the work boots on the market are heavier than your casual boot but they come with a lot of features you won’t find in regular boots.
They might be a bit uncomfortable at the beginning but as soon as you wear them a little bit and get used to the weight, you’ll love them. (assuming you buy good quality boot)
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!
Love technology, going to the beach, take care of my body, and writing (amongst other things). You’ll see my face around here a little bit since I’m responsible for part of the research and writing of some of the articles you’re reading on BestForMyFeet.com. I hope you’ll find our content helpful and enjoyable! See you around, thanks for reading!
If you’re wondering which pair of work boots is better, the slip-on or the lace-up boots you just landed on the right page.
In reality, you can’t really compare lace-up work boots with pull-on work boots because they have different features and different purposes as you’ll see below.
So keep reading to find out what are the differences between lace-up and slip-on work boots, which one is best for different jobs, differences in price, examples, and much more.
Let’s get into it.
What are the uses for these boots?
This is not a matter of lace-up work boots being better than slip-on work boots or vice versa.
This is more a question of what are you going to use them for? What’s your job? Something along those lines…
…here’s what each one of these boots is usually used for.
What are lace up work boots used for?
Lace-up work boots are used by most workers, no matter the industry and what the job is.
From van and truck drivers to warehouse workers, construction workers to plant operators, and everything in between.
They are a great choice for anybody working indoors and in dry conditions. Also if you need ankle support you must go with a lace-up pair of boots. Much better than the pull-on boots.
What are slip-on work boots used for?
Slip-on work boots are used much more when you have to work in wet conditions.
Personally, I prefer to wear a pair of rubber boots than a lace-up work boot when it’s wet and raining outside.
Yes, the slip-on boots are going to be less comfortable, but at least you keep your feet dry.
This type of work boots is perfect for farmers, people working in the oil and gas industry. Also a good option for those of you working in construction where there’s a lot of mud or even concrete pouring.
Different types of slip on and lace up work boots
Both types of work boots have a few variations. For example, when you shop around for any of these work boots you’ll find that they have different heights as you see in the table below.
8 differences between lace up and pull on work boots
Ok, now that you’ve seen what each one of these boots is used for, let’s dive in a bit more and look at some of the most important differences between lace-up and slip-on work boots.
Feature
Lace-Up Work Boots
Slip-On Work Boots
Materials
– Leather
– Leather + Sintetic
– PVC
– Rubber
– Leather
– Leather + Textile
1. Boot construction
Nowadays, work boots come in a wide variety of materials. Which is great. That gives us a lot of options to choose from.
Before, you could only see slip-on work boots made of rubber. Now you’ll find that most online stores sell slip-on work boots that are made of
PVC
Leather
A mixture of leather and nylon (amongst other things)
It’s almost the same with lace-up work boots. Only that these types of work boots are mostly made of different types of leather.
On some occasions, you’ll find some boots made of a mix of leather with some nylon or textile material.
Just as I’ve mentioned above, when you look to buy pull-on work boots or lace-up work boots, you must look at which one fits your purpose/activities better.
So if you’re an electrician, working mostly indoors, you really should go for a nice pair of lace-up work boots. And if you’re a landscaper, it makes much more sense to go for a slip-on boot.
Here are some suggestions for each one of the boots based on my experience and general knowledge.
Slip-On Work Boots
Lace-Up Work Boots
Farmers
Concrete pouring
Construction in general
Oil and gas industry
Landscapers
Gardeners
Excavations
Pipe Installations
Agriculture
Food processing
Fisherman
When it comes to which one is more comfortable, slip-on or lace-up, I’ll have to give it to the lace-up work boots.
Especially if you compare PVC or rubber work boots with lace-up work boots.
The rubber is a bit better since it’s not as stiff as the PVC but the outsoles on these boots are usually a bit more uncomfortable.
Although if you buy leather slip-on work boots, these tend to be much more comfortable. They come with a midsole and an insole that makes it more comfortable from the get-go.
You can even improve that by getting some good quality insoles.
That’s the case for the lace-up boots as well. Many companies will not put too much effort into a good insole because they know you’ll probably remove it and use one that makes you feel good at work.
I personally change my insoles every 3-4 months. I even wash them to remove the sweat and avoid stinky feet.
The way these two types of boots are built, the material used to make the lace-up boots, and other little details make me prefer lace-up over slip-on boots.
Another detail is that by having the option to tighten the boots all the way up and make them stick to my feet like glue I felt less tired at the end of my shifts.
When wearing the slip-on boots it seems like I’m dragging them around and by the end of my shift, I feel like I’ve been working for a whole week.
Based on my experience the lace-up work boots are more comfortable than slip-on boots.
The only time I feel slip-on boots are more comfortable than lace-up boots is when it comes to putting them on or taking them off. (sometimes I feel lazy and I do prefer them for this simple reason though)
4. Protection
Not all boots are made the same way or for the same user. Each type of boots is going to protect from different hazards.
Usually, you’d go for a slip-on boot when you want to protect yourself from water and hazardous chemicals that could get into the boot and cause injuries.
Many slip-on boots nowadays come with some kind of toe protection, electrical hazard, and other safety features to keep you safe.
The same goes for lace-up work boots. Lots of different safety features to suit all your needs.
You’re going to be well protected with both of them (assuming you buy good work boots that is)
The biggest difference is that pull-on work boots offer better protection working in wet conditions dirt, mud, etc but lace-up offer better ankle protection.
5. Maintenance
Lace-up or slip-on, which is easier to maintain?
Many times I feel tired (or lazy) and I don’t want to spend my day taking the laces off, clean the boot, oil it (assuming is made of leather), and all that jazz.
So in all honesty, the easiest one to clean and maintain is the slip-on work boot. And remember that the more you take care of your boots, the longer they’ll last. Here’s a guide on how to clean your dirty work boots with items you might have at home.
6. The look & style
Which one is more stylish? The slip-on or the lace-up?
Depending on your style you can go for either of them.
Some people really like the look and the feel of wearing a pair of jeans with a beautiful cowboy-style work boot. And by the way, here’s the difference between cowboy boots and work boots in case you’re curious about that.
Others want to feel more urban and prefer the lace-up work boots since they usually look more casual and you can wear them outside of your job too.
I’ve seen people wearing slip-on boots that looked so good on them and I wish they could look as good on me too…
…but when I go and try them on I look like a clown!
So I stick to what looks good on me. Lace-up work boots for me!
7. Size
The only thing I wanted to highlight here quickly is not necessarily the size of the boots but the fact that usually (not always) slip-on work boots have a wide feel when you put them on.
If you read the reviews on any online store you’ll quickly see people saying the lace-up type of boots feels tight for some of the users.
You won’t see that very often when reading slip-on work boots reviews. They usually have a lot more room around your feet and toes.
8. Price
How much you’ll spend on a slip-on work boot or a lace-up work will depend most of the time on the brand’s name and popularity.
Also, the material it’s made of, where the particular work boot is manufactured, safety features, etc.
Below I show you a few examples of some of the most popular brands and models. Just click to check in-store to see the most up-to-date price.
But for a slip-on boot usually, you can spend anywhere from 25 all the way up to a couple of hundred bucks. And for a pair of good lace-up work boots, you should start at 70-80 bucks all the way up to a few hundred dollars.
Examples of comfortable lace up work boots
These work boots are in no particular order. They are just examples and I hope it can inspire you either to get a pair for yourself or to dig further! If that’s the case, we’ve put together an awesome list of some of the most comfortable boots for work here if you want to check it out for more inspiration.
Great pair of soft toe work boots. Being a non safety toe you won’t be able to work with them on a construction site for example. The Irish Setter is a sub brand of Red Wing and they make some of the most comfortable work boots you can buy.
The model you see is made of 100% leather that will adapt to your feet as you wear them. Electrical hazard and EVA outsole are just some of the features you’ll find in this boot.
That’s until some famous people decided to wear them and that took Dr Martens to the next level.
Anyway, contrary to the Irish setter model above, these Dr Martens boots can be used on construction sites, warehouses and other industries where a toe protection work boot is required.
Thick leather, rubber sole, steel toe, steel shank and much more. The part that’s weird is that although it is heavy … is very comfortable at the same time. Especially if you need foot support.
Also, if you’re into Timberland boots, check out this Timberland PRO work boots reviews round-up we did in which we’ve included the top rated work boots from this brand.
Hermosa means beautiful in Spanish. And I have to agree that this boot is “Hermosa”!
Many Ariat fans are using these boots to ride horses. If that’s what you want them for you can choose the soft toe. And if you feel like you need toe protection the Ariat Hermosa comes in a steel toe version too.
They are slip resistant due to the rubber soles that provide good grip on most surfaces.
This is a rugged lace up work boot. If you want something that’s heavy duty this Carhartt is a good option.
What’s interesting is that even though they’re heavy duty they are not that heavy. And that’s probably because Carhartt decided to go for a composite toe instead of a steel toe!
This Servus work boot is an excellent option for you if you just want to use it every now and then around the house, in the garden or around your animals.
Also, being chemical resistant it’s a no brainer to buy a pair of these work boots if you’re pouring concrete. Nothing fancy really but it has some good safety features including a steel toe cap. It’s a great steel toe work boot for less than 100 dollars. (less than 50 actually)
This is a 14” high slip on boot. Next one is a 10” high boot.
A very stylish cowboy work boot that comes fully packed with safety features. This is a great boot to use as a farmer and ride horses. It will keep you on your feet safe when working on wet surfaces thanks to its rubber outsole.
Having a square toe, it will give you a bit more wiggle room inside the toe box which is always welcomed.
You don’t really want to have your toe compressed in there. It’s going to give you a lot of pain. So the more room, the better.
This is even a shorter work boot. It’s only 4 inches high from the arch and this makes this Romeo boot excellent for those of you who want a stylish work boot with a casual look.
It looks modern, casual, urban, it doesn’t even look like a work boot. It’s one of the few brands that still manufacture their work boots in the US. You can find out here where your favorite work boots brand is manufactured. (over 30 brands checked)
One of the great things about this boot is that it is made of high quality leather and the sole has a welted construction. Which simply means that you can resole these work boots in the feature. Helping you save money in the long run.
What a great looking work boot. This reminds me of a motorcycle riding type of boot. That doesn’t mean you should buy it and use it for that purpose though. We wrote a separate article about this here Can you wear work boots for motorcycle riding?
It definitely looks like a slip-on work boot that is made for people working in the toughest industries and harsh environments.
Due to all the heavy duty features this boot comes with, this Cebu pull on work boot is recommended to anyone working in construction, oil and gas industry, welding, etc.
This will be an overkill if you’re just looking for a boot to be used in agriculture, food industry or similar.
Another big name in the work footwear industry. This Revolver Caterpillar work boot is just another great example of a good slip on work boot.
Caterpillar likes to call it the “no nonsense work boot”. And that’s because this boot does exactly what it says on the tin.
Electrical hazard protection, steel toe cap, PVC midsole are just a few of these boots.
Some of the most important to mention is the upper made of water resistant leather and the Goodyear welt construction will help prevent water getting into your boots when working in wet conditions.
Slip on vs lace up work boots: which one is the best for you?
I believe we’ve covered this topic pretty well here. If you’re out there looking to buy a new pair of work boots just keep in mind that these two types of footwear are quite different.
Sometimes they are good for the same industry, sometimes they are totally the opposite.
When I have to choose between lace up and slip on work boots the only thing I ask myself is:
Am I going to work in a messy place with mud, oil, sand, concrete, animal waste, soil, water? If the answer is YES … most probably I’ll go for a slip on.
For all the other activities I like to go with lace up work boots.
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!
Love technology, going to the beach, take care of my body, and writing (amongst other things). You’ll see my face around here a little bit since I’m responsible for part of the research and writing of some of the articles you’re reading on BestForMyFeet.com. I hope you’ll find our content helpful and enjoyable! See you around, thanks for reading!
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!
Are you finding it difficult to decide whether to buy a hiking boot or a safety work boot? Your challenge is quite understandable because both boots have several similarities. Of course, you may want to get dual functionality out of a pair of boots and save your accounts from the hefty price tags.
What is the difference between work boots vs. hiking boots?
The simple answer is that work boots are for wearing at your workplace. They protect your feet from heat, chemicals, or solid objects that might roll or fall on your feet. And, hiking boots are the footwear you wear when going for long walks in the woods.
While work boots are stiffer, heavier, and stronger in order to protect you from compression, punctures, and corrosion (amongst other things) hiking boots are lighter and more comfortable to offer you enough support for your hiking adventures.
And yes – depending on the type of work you do, it is possible to blend both work and hiking boots and enjoy the features that come with both pairs. In this post, we analyze in-depth the characteristics and differences between work boots and hiking boots.
What is a safety boot used for?
Most of the places we work are full of hazards. Safety boots come in handy whenever you want to protect yourself from injury at your work.
A safety work boot is a piece of footwear with durable and resistant construction that protects your feet from any hazards posed by your work environment.
There’s a wide range of safety boots for every kind of work. Work boots are ideal for working in the construction industry or workplaces involving heavy machinery or moving heavy things around like a warehouse.
If you work for a chemical company, then you will have to wear corrosion-resistant waterproof safety boots. Read our article about what work boots are used for to find out more about the topic.
What is a hiking boot used for?
Hiking boots are special footwear that protects your feet, ankles, and legs from the hazards that you’ll find in nature whilst enjoying a walk or a hike keeping you comfortable at the same time.
A hiking boot’s durability, comfort, and support features determine how far a hiker can walk without getting injured or uncomfortable. So, these boots have several features to enhance support and comfort.
Hiking involves walking over long distances on uneven grounds, and that’s why these boots’ outsoles are designed specifically to provide you with firm grip and traction.
These boots will keep your feet on the ground whether you are climbing a steep slope or slippery terrain.
6 main differences between work boots and hiking boots
There are quite a few distinctions between work boots and hiking boots. The features in a work boot are aimed at safety, support, and protection.
On the other hand, the features of a hiking boot support your feet and ankles when you’re walking on rugged grounds, so these boots tend to be more comfortable and lighter.
Here are some of the significant differences between a work boot and a hiking boot.
1. Construction: Material used
One of the easiest ways to distinguish between safety work boots and hiking boots is their construction material. The hiking boots are lightweight because they incorporate waterproof materials, rubber soles, and shock absorption features.
Most hiking boots have EVA foam insoles and they almost feel like a running shoe.
The Goodyear welt construction ensures that your boot is not only durable but also waterproof. Also, this will make it easier to resole your favorite boot. If the sole is a cemented sole, it’s not impossible but it’s much more complicated to resole a boot than if the sole is a goodyear welted one.
A hiking boot also has breathable material with vents that guarantee seamless air circulation. Aerated feet feel comfortable and remain healthy throughout the hike. This feature is not always found in work boots.
Work boots have a heavy-duty construction to protect your feet from compression or crushing. Also, the work boots have a steel shank and rubber soles. The best construction work boots are made of 100% quality leather upper and have some kind of toe cap protection.
2. Traction
Work boots and hiking boots have soles with a firm grip. Both types of footwear feature lug soles even though they are a bit different.
Work boots have slip-resistant soles that can hold up on slippery floors. Most work boots have oil and slip-resistant waiting to make sure you don’t stumble or slip over any oil or slippery chemicals.
In most cases, the patterns on work boots are regular. However, the soles of hiking boots have odd designs, and they aim at keeping your feet on the ground in icy, rainy, or snowy conditions.
The irregular patterns on a hiking boot allow you to walk on uneven ground and scale through rocks, sand, or mud.
If you’re looking for a hiking boot to make it through slippery surfaces and conditions, get a boot with Vibram Megagrip soles. Boots with this kind of sole give you enough grip to climb mountains and slopes.
3. Durability (toughness)
Both work and hiking boots are designed for rugged conditions. Whether you’re working at a construction site or walking on a slippery trail, these boots should serve you well respectively.
Both footwear combine leather rubber and synthetic fiber, and sometimes even steel to make your boot durable.
When it comes to buying boots, what you pay for is what you get. Of course, there are cheap versions of boots, and their quality tells it all.
The most durable boots incorporate a lot of technology and high-end material. Although both hiking and work boots withstand harsh conditions, the quality of the specific brands will determine how long they serve you.
Hiking boots are made of different materials, including synthetic fiber and leather. The sole is mostly rubber and can withstand corrosion and abrasion.
Work boots, on the other hand, have a similar construction to hiking boots. But, they have more leather, steel, and thicker materials to shield your feet from any danger. So, work boots are typically more durable than hiking boots.
4. Flexibility
Safety boots have heavy and stiff components that protect you against punctures and any falling objects.
So, it’s not a wonder to find some work boots with resistant and rigid shanks and soles. Also, metallic features in work boots make them a little less flexible than hiking boots.
But, these features aren’t necessary for hiking boots. So, the hiking boots are a little more flexible and lighter to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible to walk over long distances on uneven surfaces.
Sometimes, the hiking boot is nothing more than a bulkier running shoe. They are light and have comfortable EVA foam but don’t offer as much protection as the safety work boots.
5. Weight
The materials used in manufacturing a work boot are far heavier than those needed in a hiking boot.
Some work boots come with a steel toe and shank, and leather upper. These materials add to the overall weight of the boot. On the other hand, hiking boots are relatively lightweight footwear with Eva foam and less dense synthetic materials.
If you’re working at a job that requires you to carry heavy things over long distances, then you should go for the lightweight hiking boot. But if your job is intensive and there are lots of falling objects, you should go for the heavier safety work boot.
6. Price
Safety work boots require several advanced materials to build a good pair of safety boots. If you were to make a high-quality work boot, you’d have to look for 100% nubuck or full-grain leather amongst other things.
Then, it would consist of EVA foam insoles as well as puncture-resistant parts.
On the other hand, a hiking boot has cheaper materials. Using some type of fabric and synthetic material to build a hiking boot is simply cheaper than high-quality full-grain leather for example. It doesn’t mean that the material is of bad quality, it just costs less.
So a work boot is more expensive than a hiking boot. Hiking boots go for about $60 to $600. But, work boot’s prices can skyrocket from $75 to $750, depending on the brand and model.
Another thing that will affect the price of a hike boot or a work boot is where the boots are manufactured. If they are made in the US the price is usually higher since the quality is better too.
But if it’s manufactured overseas (which is the case in many of the boots lately) they are cheaper. The quality suffers too though!
Safety boots or hiking boots: Which is the best for work?
The best boot for your work is the specialized safety boot. Of course, hiking boots are light and offer comfort and support to your feet, but that doesn’t make them as good as work boots.
Safety work boots have unique features that guarantee your well-being throughout the work shift. Understand that most safety work boots will have firm anti-slip and oil resistant soles, steel toe caps, and water-resistant construction.
These features will save you from injuring yourself in the work environment. The hiking boots on the other hand are lighter and don’t contain safety features.
Before you choose hiking boots for your work, first assess the dangers around you. You can wear hiking boots for work as long as they are not exposing you to the risks involved.
For instance, if you have lightweight footwear, it may not be ideal for concrete pouring. In the same way, logger work boots require you to have a raised heel and enough traction and grip so you can climb poles or trees.
Thus, make sure to consider the kind of work you are wearing your hiking boots for.
If I was working for example in a retail store, I could definitely get myself a pair of hiking boots or some soft toe work boots. It’s not such a dangerous environment, is it?
So yes, hiking boots can be used for work. Just be smart about your choice based on what type of job you do and what dangers you’re fencing whilst doing your job.
If you do light-duty jobs, then you can wear your boots for hiking (assuming your boots are comfy and lightweight like theCaterpillar Outline work bootfor example) Also, if the hike is not too technical, you don’t require the heavy-duty hiking boot.
But in the same way, some people should not wear work boots for hiking
If you work at a construction site, then chances are you have veryheavy-duty boots like the Timberland Pit Boss work boot. Your boots are probably designed for puncture resistance, anti-corrosion, and electrical resistance. Indeed, these boots will be too heavy anduncomfortablefor your hiking adventure.
Examples of popular work boots
If you are working in a harsh environment such as construction, railroads, or oil and gas, you need a boot that keeps you safe. But when you work in light-duty industries, you require specialized light-duty work boots.
This table summarises some of the best work boots for every application.
Are you planning to acquire a high-quality hiking boot? If yes, we will help you find the best hiking boots for you. Make sure to pick one that fits your size and quality. If you are going for long hikes, take the more comfortable heavy-duty hiking boots.
This table summarises some of the top hiking boots today
We hope we’ve successfully rested the hiking boots vs. work boots debate. Both types of boots protect and support your feet for their respective purpose.
If you are looking for work boots, put a lot of interest in your comfort, safety, and health. Find a work boot that saves your feet from injuries by the hazards at your workplace.
And, if you are planning to go on a long hike, get comfortable hiking boots with enough traction for uneven ground.
Love technology, going to the beach, take care of my body, and writing (amongst other things). You’ll see my face around here a little bit since I’m responsible for part of the research and writing of some of the articles you’re reading on BestForMyFeet.com. I hope you’ll find our content helpful and enjoyable! See you around, thanks for reading!
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!
Are you planning to buy Doc Martens boots for work? If yes, you need to understand the specific boots you should buy to serve you well at the construction site or during your work.
Of course, these boots are primarily for comfort and elegance, which is why the question is so valid.
So, are Doc Martens considered work boots?
Yes, some Dr. Martens boots are considered work boots because they have some kind of toe protection (steel, composite, etc) strong welt construction, air-cushioned soles, and other ASTM certified features that will help keep your feet safe at work.
In this article, find out the deeper details of how Doc Martens make good work boots. Also, find specific Doc Martens boots that we recommend for people working at the construction site.
First, what is considered a work boot?
Work boots are boots that you wear at your workplace. But, in comparison with normal boots, work boots have additional features that will protect you from specific hazards at your place of work.
A piece of footwear is considered a work boot if it can offer support and protection to the person wearing it.
OSHA defines work boots as footwear that passes the impact resistance and compression standards and is ASTM certified. Such work boots need to be puncture-resistant and have static dissipation as well as metatarsal protection.
They should also protect the wearer from electrical hazards and heat. So, there is a considerable difference between work boots and hiking boots or normal boots..
Was founded by dr Klaus Martens in 1947. The German doctor served in World War II as part of the German army when he injured his ankle.
The army boots he was wearing seemed too uncomfortable, especially on his injured foot. So, while he was recuperating, Klaus Martens designed boots that were softer and a little comfier.
The war ended, but while everyone else in the German army was recovering valuables and spoils, Klaus Martens went home with leather.
It’s from these materials that he came up with air-cushioned and comfortable soft leather boots.
Today, Doc Martens boots are famous worldwide and commonly referred to as Dr. Martens, Doc Martens, DMs, or just Docs. The British brand has its headquarters in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, England.
And, although the company is mainly famous for its boots, it also manufactures other leather attires, including clothing, shoes, and bags.
Doc Marten boots are primarily famous for their cushioned soles and welted construction, making them comfortable and durable. The shoes also feature yellow stitching.
Their Design Studio is located in London, but most of the boots are manufactured in China and Thailand.
What type of work boots Doc Martens makes?
Doc Martens makes a wide variety of work boots, including those for kids, men, and women. Some of their safety work boots are considered PPE in some situations. But every boot is unique depending on its features or technology.
Below is a classification of Doc Martens boots by their features
1. Orthopedic boots
Doc Martens has a series of waterproof and anti-skid shoes that help your foot relax.
2. Combat boots
If you’re looking for combat boots, then Doc Martens have well-stitched construction that is not only air-cushioned but also resistant to oil alkalis and other environmental hazards.
3. Work boots
Looking for strong footwear for your work then Doc Martens offers you slip-on boots with air-cushioned soles.
The sturdy construction is not only durable but also protects you from any hazards around you. Doc Martens’s work boots also feature steel toes to prevent your feet from compression.
4. Anti-static boots
These boots save your feet from electrical shock. They send the electric charges directly to the ground and therefore prevent electrocution.
5. Non-metallic toe boots
These composite toe boots ensure that your feet are safe from extreme climatic conditions.
6. Safety plate boots
A safety plate boot is a comfortable variant of the steel toe. Doc Martens uses the safety plate boots to provide you with extra reinforcement around the toe.
7. Slip-resistant work boots
This type of doctor Martens boots features deep tread patterns of rubber soles that increase traction.
8. SoftWair Doc Martens
This technology makes the boots lightweight and more comfortable. The software technology lets your feet breathe through the air-cushioned sole.
9. Grip tax technology Doc Martens
Boots with this technology are comfortable, durable, protective, and slip-resistant. They have enhanced fashioning and flex material that makes the DMs feel more comfortable and safe.
Can you wear Doc Martens to work?
Yes, Doc Martens are primarily for work, but they serve well for other fashionable stars. They look like a charming, trendy fashion of the 1990s, but most of their features are built for challenging work.
Doc Martens are not only elegant, durable, and comfortable but also have cushioned soles that will provide enough protection for the entire day.
However, you need to pick the right boot for your work. Doc Martens has some resistant leather work boots for construction or other challenging jobs.
There is a widely peddled misconception that Doc Martens boots are for women.
But, in the real sense, Doc Martens are socially acceptable for men as well. The company makes footwear for every gender, and there is no problem with you wearing them.
Back in the day, the Dalai Lama and the late Pope John Paul snagged a pair of Doc Martens boots. So, the DM’s are quite fashionable pairs of boots for both men and women.
Jobs you can wear Doc Martens
Construction workers
Engineers
Surveyors
Farmers
Metal and wood workshop
Military officials
Police and security personnel
Jobs you can not wear Doc Martens boots (or is not recommended)
Logging industry
Executive officials
Utility pole climbers
Healthcare workers
Normal Doc Martens boots versus Doc Martens safety boots
Doc Martens Safety boots
Normal Doc Martens Boots
– Great Arch support – Comfortable – Made of 100% leather
– Meet all ASTM safety boot requirements
– Welted construction – A relatively longer break-in period – Roomy – Added features to offer ultimate protection
– Comfortable
– Elegant
– No steel toe
– Do not meet OSHA requirements
– A relatively shorter break-in period
– Offers less protection
Are Dr. Martens boots comfortable for work?
The primary reason doctor Klaus Martens made the boots was comfort. The German soldier was trying to find a good boot design that would heal his injured ankle.
However, the break-in period for Doc Martens can be more extended, mainly because the leather has to mold its shape around your feet.
Some people consider breaking into Dr. Martens a rite of passage.
You have to suffer a little to earn the right to walk in them. But after the period is over, the torturous process goes away, and the leather absorbs enough softness.
Onwards, the boots become comfortable. But you can make the tortuous breaking-in period for Doc Martens a little easier with a few tweaks.
Here are a few tips for rattling up your DMs:
Wear thick socks to shield you from friction and save your feet from blisters.
Wear your DM boots for about 10 to 20 minutes daily.
Use leather softness but don’t expose it to heat or put it in water.
Seek the assistance of a professional cobbler who will break into your boots using specialized equipment.
The Doc Martens boots break-in period may take somewhere between 3 to 6 weeks. However, the actual time depends on the type and size of your boot.
So, it’s advice but pick a size that’s good enough for you. Get a boot that’s neither too tight nor too loose. Then, use a boot stretcher to help you break into your Doc Martens a little faster.
Are Doc Martens work boots durable?
One of the reasons people buy Doc Martens boots is longevity. They resist wear and tear and could last up to two decades without needing a replacement.
However, the 20 years of service of Doc Martens is the paper value. A good boot should be there for about five years.
If you want your boots to live long enough, you have to take care of them. Maintaining Doc Martens boots keeps its features and qualities functional throughout.
So, to help you keep your Doc Martens boots for many years:
Clean your work boot after use. Use a dry brush and remove any debris or organic matter stuck on the letter or under the soles. Get rid of all unwanted materials from your boot after a long day of work.
After cleaning your boot, apply shoe polish or leather treatment conditioning products. This will make leather hold on to its softness and toughness.
Then, if you don’t plan to use your Doc Martens work boots for long, zip them up in a polythene pack to protect them from dust and environmental moisture.
Are Doc Martens expensive?
When Doc Martens hit the market in the 1950s, they sold for $3 only. That price has skyrocketed today, and the boots go for as much as $300.
Some people keep wondering why Doctor Martens’s boots are so expensive and whether they are worth the money.
With a rich history of creating high-quality, comfortable work boots, Doc Martens have come from far to earn their price.
So yes- Doc Martens boots are worth the price because even though they are costly, they provide lots of comfort and safety. A lot of money goes into their production, mainly because of the durable, higher quality material.
Therefore, the signature boot retails at a higher price than the average boot in the market.
Video explaining why Doc Martens boots are expensive
Pros and Cons of Dr. Martens work boots
Pros
Cons
– Made for comfort, with cushioned soles – Has sturdy construction that offers ultimate protection – The welt construction and 100% leather guarantees durability – Trusted brand
– Great looking boots
There are several online stores from where you can buy the best Dr. Martens work boots. Amazon.com is an excellent place for you to start, but you can also expand your search to these platforms.
DrMartens.com
Amazon.com
Ebay.com
Top 4 most popular Dr Martens safety toe work boots
Here are steel toe industrial work boots from Dr. Martens. The iconic 2295 work boots have 100% leather with a synthetic sole.
The Eva foam footbed and cushioned PVC soles are not only durable but also resistant to breakage. The tumbled leather uppers are water-resistant, and the welted construction provides you stability and comfort.
If you want work boots that fit your industrial business casual attire, choose the Doctor Martens steel toe work boots.
The boot comes in both the dark brown Wyoming and black Wyoming colors that fit well with your business casual and construction work. This boot is specifically made for construction work because it wicks away moisture and has a removable cushioned insole.
Plus, the slip-resistant sole increases traction and reduces any chances of stumbling. The steel toe keeps your feet safe from any compression or crashing.
If your work involves a lot of heavy machinery, prioritize keeping your feet safe. Dr. Martens Ironbridge industrial boots come with steel toe and 100% leather that keeps you safe in risky environments.
The steel toe cap and slip-resistant synthetic are not only durable but comfortable as well.
The welted construction footbed gives you enough support during your work. You can wear this boot to business casual meet here because it comes in the teak industrial trailblaze color and the black industrial grizzly.
For less than $200, get the comfy and stylish Dr. Martens Unisex-Adult 1460 Sr St Work.
The true-to-size work boots come with the original 1460 design with the iconic DM’s air-cushioned air-cushioned sole.
The main color is the black industrial full-grain that works well for both the workplace and informal settings. It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or woman- the 1460s got you covered!
If you work a lot with fire and hot materials (maybe you’re a welder) these Dr. Martens are great for you.
They offer metatarsal protection and a lot of other features that you’ll see in the other safety boots from Dr. Martens (steel toe, slip-resistant sole, resistance to oil, fat, petrol, etc)
Bottom line: Do Doc Martens count as work boots?
So, Doc Martens count as work boots because they come with several protective features. But, it depends on the specific boot you take home because some of them are just for comfort.
When you decide to get a pair of Doc Martens to work boots, pay attention to what type of toe protection you might need. Also, make the sole to make sure it fits the type of surface you’ll be working on.
Some jobs will involve working on floors that are wet all the time. So you need a good slip-resistant sole.
In general, look for the features that protect you at the workplace and are specific for your industry!
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!
Love technology, going to the beach, take care of my body, and writing (amongst other things). You’ll see my face around here a little bit since I’m responsible for part of the research and writing of some of the articles you’re reading on BestForMyFeet.com. I hope you’ll find our content helpful and enjoyable! See you around, thanks for reading!
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!
