When you invest in work boots, apart from doing their regular jobs you expect them to be much more versatile. For all the comfort and support they offer, you consider using your boots outside the work. So if you are really thinking going double duty with your boots, can you walk in them all day long?
The answer is YES, you don’t really need any kind of special gear for walking. Of course, a simple task like walking doesn’t demand much. With that said, you can definitely walk in work boots and be just fine. But not all work boots are recommended for walking throughout the day. Those eight-inch high ankles and heavy steel toes can really be an “overkill”. There are much more lighter and comfortable boots out there which can make your walking simpler and better.
Let’s have a look into some of the best work boots wearing which your feet won’t hurt at all.
Things to be kept in mind while choosing the right boot for walking
If you have to walk all day long then there are three main factors to be considered while choosing the right pair of work boots.
1.) Overall Weight
Most of us think that heavier boots are durable and hence we often end up purchasing them. Heavier boots might be durable but they definitely equate to more fatigue. If you have to walk all day then make sure that your feet are active and energetic.
Overall weight of the boots impact fatigue on the feet and legs. If you walk wearing heavier boots then chances are that you might get tired faster than after wearing lighter boots. Therefore it is advisable to explore work boots which are constructed using lighter materials and not just traditional leather boots.
2.) Balance
Balance is another important factor to be considered to have a comfortable walk. The overall maintained balance from heel to toe is very important. A work boot with a heavy toe can lead to shin splints and sore shins. These injuries can bring larger muscles into action resulting in more fatigue and hindered walks.
While purchasing work boots, always take the overall balance into consideration. While holding a work boot, make sure it feels fairly balanced and always check the toe must not feel heavier than the rest of the boot.
We all know that steel toe boots meet ASTM standards the best but the technology is continuously evolving. We now have composite, aluminium and carbon fiber toes that are much lighter in comparison to steel toes and offer a fair balance.
3.) Cushioning
If you are thinking that extremely cushy insoles will help you in walking then you are misinterpreted. Cushioning is important but not too much. Extremely cushy work boots are ideal for someone who remains stationary for a very long period. But if your work involves constant motion then highly cushioned boots may not be very effective. Infact, they can increase fatigue.
If you are in near-constant motion, design features like toe spring can be a better option as it provides a more natural flex. A boot with a stiffer frame can also be beneficial in absorbing shock and offering a swift walk.
Cons of walking in work boots
If you are choosing work boots over normal boots then you might have to face following consequences:
- Your work boots are especially designed for work sites which are full of hazards. Hence these boots have got a sturdy built with certain safety features like presence of steel toe boots which make them heavier and a bit unfit for walking.
- Your boots might not offer better traction and might serve you well in some situations but not all.
- Not all work boots are waterproof. If you are walking in wet places, chances are that water might damage the material of your boots and can result in bad odors.
- A work boot with a heavy toe can lead to shin splints and sore shins.
Tips to avoid foot pain if your job involves lot of walking
If your job demands you to walk endlessly then always follow these advice to avoid foot pain.
1.) Try relieving pressure on the ligament which connects your heel and your toes in order to make your feet feel comfortable and prevent acute heel pain.
2.) Spread the impact of each surface by covering the entire surface. This will decrease the pressure on the heel and the ball of your foot.
3.) Most of the time it’s the alignment of your body which aggravates the pain in your knee, leg and back. Make sure that you have got a stable position while walking with proper comfort.
4.) If you are in near-constant motion, design features like toe spring can be a better option as it provides a more natural flex. Try looking out for boots with this feature
5.) While purchasing work boots, always take the overall balance into consideration. While holding a work boot, make sure it feels fairly balanced and always check the toe must not feel heavier than the rest of the boot.
Best work boots for walking
Let’s have a look at the top three work boots which are suitable for the jobs that include walking throughout the day.
1. Timberland PRO Men’s Powertrain Sport Alloy-Toe EH Industrial Shoe
The Timberland Powertrain work boots are ideal if you are looking for the boots that can save you from feet and joint pains when walking all day. The boots have got some really ergonomic features like Anti-Fatigue Technology which offers ample support necessary to walk all day without any pain.
Furthermore, the breathable mesh lining in these boots allow your feet to breathe all day long keeping them fresh throughout your walk. Not just this, the slip resistant outsoles in these work boots provide enough traction to walk on any type of surface.
Features and Specifications
-
-
- Alloy Safety Toes
- Breathable Mesh Linings
- Anti-Fatigue Technology
- Slip-Resistant Outsoles
- Electrical Hazard Protection -These Boots Meet Astm F2412-11, Astm F2413-11, And Astm F2892-11
-
2. Wolverine Men’s Overpass 6″ Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boot
Offering just the right amount of cushioning, these Wolverine Overpass work boots makes walking and working both very easy. Induced with removable Ortholite footbeds, the boots provide a good amount of support without feeling any kind of foot pain.
The Contour welt construction in these boots makes them flexible enough to fit correctly in your foot. Additionally, presence of composite safety toes in the boots keep your foot protected and the boot light weight therefore reducing the chances of fatigue. Regardless of their state, the boots are perfect for giving you proper traction needed on all the surfaces.
Features and Specifications
-
-
- Flexible, Athletic Contour Welt Construction Moves With You By Bending And Flexing At Essential Points
- Premium Waterproof Leather With Abrasion Resistant Toe
- Removable Ortholite Cushioned Footbed For All-Day Comfort
- Slip, Oil, Water, Abrasion, And Chemical-Resistant Outsole For Added Protection On The Job Site
- Composite Toe Astm F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 Eh
-
3. KEEN Utility – Men’s Braddock Low Toe Work Shoes
Full of impressive features, these boots are quite good when you have to walk all day. Coming with direct-attach PU midsoles, the boots offer great shock absorption to walk on any kind uneven surface without feeling a bit of pain.
Some really good comfort features include PU heel cushions and stability shanks which offer both stability and comfort to your feet. When it comes to safety, the Keen Patented toe protection makes sure that the outsole of these boots covers the toe properly. The oil and slip resistant outsoles give you unmatched traction to walk on any kind of surface without the fear of falling and getting injured.
Features and Specifications
-
-
- Features Keen Patented Toe Protection, Where The Shoe Outsoles Wrap Up And Over The Toes For Ultimate Protection
- Oil- And Slip-Resistant Outsoles That Meet Astm Non Slip Testing Standards
- American Built
- Integrated Pu Heel Cushion
- Tpu Stability Shank
- Water Resistant Nubuck Leather Upper
- Direct Attach & Pu Midsole
- Lining With Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic 2-Zone Comfort Technology
- Removable Metatomical Dual Density Eva Footbed That Provides Excellent Arch Support And Cradle The Natural Contours Of The Foot
-
Conclusion
At the end of the day, your boots should be comfortable enough to support your feet and make them stable. While a good pair of work boots can save your feet from fatigue, having a proper walking shoe can make a big difference. However, if your work involves hazards then there is no better option then work boots which will serve you much better.
