Work and Wear Online

What is the difference between hiking boots and work boots? Will hiking 7 miles in work boots hurt my feet?

I am going on a trip to Canada and will be hiking around 7 miles a day. I have a cheap pair of work boots that are broken in fairly nicely. Will these be sufficient? They seem like they would but, they are steel toe and don't look anything like a pair of hiking boots. If not where can I find a fairly nice cheap pair of hiking boots?

Public Comments

1. If your work boots are broken in and comfortable, go with them! Newer boots may not conform to your feet comfortably, and the trail is NOT the place to find out! Good luck!
2. Biggest difference is likely to be outsole--hikers tend to have deep lugs, so as to grip better on SOFT surfaces like snow/slush, and mud---but they are not worth much on hard surfaces--ice and rock, and many so called work boots also can be had with Vibram or lugged soles. Biggest issue for either style is COMFORT---any boot that doesn't fit well is a hazard; not only will you not enjoy your hike, you may end up with blisters, sore toes or other foot parts. Less important than the sole is the presence of a midsole (stiff layer in between outsole and inner sole/welt) to provide stability and puncture/pressure resistance to hard sharp objects like rocky areas. I've hiked all over the world--work boots are my general preference. Do NOT get steel-toed work boots for hiking, though--they'll kill your toes from lacking flexibility and room for expansion.
3. It depends on what terrain you're hiking on. If it is extreme gradients and rough bush, I would go with some proper hiking boots. Hiking boots will support you ankle and prevent you from rolling them. I wouldn't mind wearing work boots if it holds your ankle and they are comfortable and light weight. But weight of the boot will be a main factor especially on extreme hikes (they will make your legs work harder). To find out if 7 miles will hurt your feet do a pack march around your block and fill you bag with weights. If weight, tiredness or soreness wasn't a problem but... your foot hurts( blisters, hot spots, flat foot etc.) get a new inner sole from your local pharmacy/doctor or camping store/disposal if you don't want to spend too much money. I recomend get a proper hiking boot.