Should I Get 6 or 8 inch Work Boots?

While working at the work site, spending all day in your work boots there are always two possibilities, you either feel every single second of it or you don’t feel that you are wearing them at all.

If you are experiencing the latter then well and good but if you have to go through the former condition then I guess you are in the wrong boots.

6 inch and 8 inch Boot Comparison

Although there are many factors which are responsible for making your boots supportive and comfortable but a significant part of it is how far it reaches up your calf. The height of the boot is really essential to enhance airflow as well as for the proper support of your ankle. 

Both 6-inch boots and 8-inch boots give different aesthetics especially if you are blousing your trousers. The fact is both of them work well and it’s you who have to decide it according to your job. While 6 inch boots provide you with enough flexibility, 8 inch ones have plenty of ankle support to offer.

If you are thinking which boots are better then let me tell you one thing, it completely depends on the nature of your work you are going to perform. In this article we have given a complete overview of both the sizes and which one will be the best option for you to choose from.

Comparison Between 6 and 8 inches Boots

        6-inch Boots   8-inch Boots
Features
  • Injection-molded supports
  • Slip-resistant soles
  • Durable metal shanks
  • Steel toes
  • Leather or nylon uppers
  • Metallic or nonmetallic shanks
  • Open cell foam cushioning
  • Polishable toes
  • Rigid and semi-rigid heel and toe reinforcement
  • Moisture- wicking liners
  • Oil and slip resistant outsoles
  • Waterproof construction
  • Metallic or non-metallic shanks 
  • Phylon midsole for extra support
  • 5.11 shock mitigation system
  • Semi rigid heel and toe reinforcement
  • Cushioned insoles
  • Vent holes near arches of your feet for proper ventilation
Additional Benefits Provides flexibility and support to your feet. Provides extra protection to your feet and covers your leg.
Can be best used at
  • Commercial sites
  • Construction sites
  • Can be used while farming.
  • Working in uneven terrains
  • Used by safety guards, military personnel
  • Worn by loggers
  • People working in wet areas
Best Work Boots Keen Utility Men’s Pittsburgh

Caterpillar Second Shift Steel Toe

Thorogood Men’s American Heritage

Timberland Pro Direct Attach Steel Toe

Carhartt Insulated Waterproof Work Boot

Keen Utility Vernon Work Boot   

6 inch boots

These are smaller in size and are designed to offer decent ankle and joint protection. Not just this, the 6-inch work boots make sure that your feet remain cool by enhancing proper circulation of air through the collar.

The boots are generally lighter and are best if you are working outdoors. Moreover, these boots are well suited with shorter clothing like your farm pants and can go with almost anything in your wardrobe. Isn’t it great?

Where can you use 6 inch boots?

To be honest, the boots come in a wide range so they are well-suited in a variety of work environments.If you are in search of construction boots then you might end your search at six-inch boots for two main reasons that are flexibility and support. These boots are ideal for those indulged in farming. These boots can bend easily thus making it easier for workers who need to walk over uneven terrain. 

Another important field where you can consider these boots is when you are working in a commercial industry. 6-inch boots are generally considered professional and are appropriate to be worn out in restaurants or offices.

What are the considerable features of 6-inch boots?

Some of the features which you might want to consider while purchasing 6-inch boots are

      • Injection-molded supports
      • Slip-resistant soles
      • Durable metal shanks
      • Steel toes
      • Leather or nylon uppers
      • Metallic or nonmetallic shanks
      • Open cell foam cushioning
      • Polishable toes
      • Rigid and semi-rigid heel and toe reinforcement

8 inch boots

If your work demands protection against all kinds of hazards then you can opt for 8-inch boots because they are designed especially to provide that extra safety. The main advantage of these boots is that they are tall and can be used mostly for outdoor activities like hiking where you are going to get your legs exposed.

They offer better support than shorter boots and are just perfect for the jobs that require a little extra bracing. The only disadvantage of these boots are they are warmer and require some additional features when looking for ventilation.

Types of jobs that can be performed wearing 8-inch boots?

As mentioned earlier, these boots are perfect for hiking and other recreational activities where your legs are exposed most of the time. 8 inch boots are ideal for military personnel, security guards and police officers.

Although you can’t wear these boots when you are in the city because of improper ventilation. These boots are good for loggers and people working in bushy areas because of their height. The waterproof feature in the boots make them perfect for some wilderness and you can remain calm without worrying about water penetrating your boots.

What to look for in 8-inch boots?

A pair of right 8-inch boots should possess following features:

      • Moisture- wicking liners
      • Oil and slip resistant outsoles
      • Waterproof construction
      • Metallic or non-metallic shanks 
      • Phylon midsole for extra support
      • 5.11 shock mitigation system
      • Semi rigid heel and toe reinforcement
      • Cushioned insoles
      • Vent holes near arches of your feet for proper ventilation

Which Boot Size You Should Wear for Which job?

Work becomes much simpler when you fit in the right boot. That is why here’s a list of jobs that will be ideal for each boot type

1.) Construction workers

Top 10 Best Work Boots for Construction

Most construction workers emphasize on the safety feature of the boots instead of sizing. Therefore they can choose either of the two boot sizes keeping both, comfort and safety in mind. However, we will recommend that we focus on safety first.

2.) Hikers

Hikers have to decide the boots according to their terrain. If you are hiking in areas with thicker vegetation, you might want something longer to cover your legs. At the same time, open vegetation requires shorter boots so you can opt for 6 inch ones here. These will provide ventilation and will keep your feet cool.

3.) Loggers

Loggers have to deal with thick bushes when they are at their job and hence require something a little large. There could be many threats in the bushes like thorns and insects so in such cases having longer boots around 8 inches can ensure safety from any type of hazard.

Final Decision

The boots that you are purchasing should meet all the specific criterias required for a job. While comfort is the top priority, you just can’t ignore safety. For us both, 6-inches as well as 8-inches seem to work well and it’s you who has to decide which boot to select. So, keeping above mentioned specifications in mind just invest in the boot with the right size.

Stephen Luettgen
I have 12+ years of experience in construction, inspections, handy work, and currently working as a Construction Site Manager. In today’s day we spent a significant part of our time at workplace and a right work gear can have significant impact not only on your safety but also work quality.

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