All boots are not the same, as different activities call for different features in footwear. As you decide between the assorted products available to you, knowing what to expect from common boot categories can help you find the right fit for you. Learn the difference between hiking and work boots with the information we share here.
Flexibility is one major point of differentiation between boots. For hiking boots, stability on uneven ground is the highest priority since users will wear them on rocky terrain. For this reason, hiking boot soles are flexible, allowing them to distribute weight more evenly, protect feet from sharp stones, and keep you comfortable. In contrast, work boot soles are thicker and more rigid. While this makes them somewhat harder on the feet, it is necessary to keep sharp nails from puncturing them.
Another difference between hiking and work boots is in their level of traction. A strong grip is necessary for both hiking and work scenarios, but the specific patterns that boots possess will vary depending on which activity the manufacturer made them for. If you look at the patterns on a hiking boot sole, you’ll notice that they are highly diverse. Bumps and grooves point in all directions and come in many shapes and sizes within a single boot. This variety allows them to maintain traction when you walk over snow, ice, mud, rocks, and slimy plant matter. Work boots, on the other hand, have more regular lug patterns that offer adequate slip resistance for the jobsite but not as much as the lugs on hiking boots. Work boot traction stands up to bad weather and water.
Hiking and work boots diverge in weight because of the safety features that they have. Since hikers will carry backpacks while walking over unpaved and bumpy earth, they have rubber reinforcement or toecaps at the front to reduce the likelihood of tripping. At the same time, though, hiking boots must remain lightweight so that people don’t become over-exhausted while wearing them. Work boots need to act as armor because the people who use them may stand and walk near heavy objects, tools, and machinery. They frequently contain composite or steel toes to prevent foot injuries, which increases their weight.
To find versatile waterproof outdoor boots and work boots, visit ALTAI™ today online. We have several models of varying heights that are lightweight and robust for physically demanding situations.
