Absolutely. Work boots are so diverse, they’re good for anyone with an adventurous lifestyle. From hiking to hunting, welding to working with cement, a pair of work boots aren’t worth their weight unless you can wear them for more than just work. That’s why we keep design top of mind in our boots, so that your boots aren’t just job-fitted, but fitted for your lifestyle.
How Long Do Work Boots Last?
When properly cared for, quality work boots can last a long time, but it also depends how many hours and the conditions you work in. On average, you’ll probably need to replace your work boots yearly. Leather work boots exposed to the outdoor elements without routine conditioning can quickly dry out and crack. If you’re constantly out in salty, winter snow and aren’t cleaning the salt off your boots afterwards, you’ll see wear and tear much faster as materials dehydrate.
High quality work boots can handle hundreds of miles under normal conditions, and you’ll end up spending less by choosing quality boots that last versus replacing cheap boots every three to six months.
When your work boots wear out, don’t replace them with your old sneakers. Work boots are designed to protect your feet and provide support to lower the chance of accidents on the job site. Plus, when you fork out the cash for a pair of quality work boots, know that you’re getting more than just footwear for your job. There’s a ton of other activities work boots are good for.
Are Work Boots Good For…
- Hiking – Our work boots are designed to be worn straight out of the box with minimal discomfort. If you choose a pair of hiker style boots, like the popular Crosstrex, you can wear them on the job site, hiking through wet conditions, or out on a hunt. These boots are extremely versatile to help make your dollar go further.
- Motorcycle riding – Since motorcycle boots and work boots share the same purpose – to protect your feet – they have a similar construction. Both are made of thick materials with heat-resistant soles with good thread. Don’t want to splurge on metal plated motorcycle boots? We don’t blame you; the classic look of American Heritage boots will work fine for us.
- Snow – If you’re working in cold conditions, it’s likely that your work boots will be great for snow days. Look for work boots that are taller, have waterproof features, and have some level of insulation. That way whether you’re shoveling the driveway, trudging through the snow on a hunt, or working on a freezing job site, you’ll have solid protection from the outdoor elements.
- Standing all day – A quality, properly fitted work boot is essential when you’re on your feet all day. Work boots can be good for long hours of standing and walking, or they can be terrible and cause sore feet and other issues. Choose a pair of boots that fit your feet, or size up and add a specialized insole. Some people opt for boots with a roomier toe box, like the Emperor series, to avoid cramped feet.
- Hunting – A lot of the elements that work boots have are also practical for hunting boots. Waterproof features? Slip-resistant soles? Quality construction? There are even Wellington style work boots (with a safety toe!) that you can slip on and off. Transition straight from the job site to hunting with your buddies without having to worry about forgetting hunting boots.
Thorogood® boots aren’t just ordinary boots – they have 130 years of thoughtful design and input from loyal boot wearing fans. Whether you want to wear your boots out on the town after work, on a construction site, or upland hunting, we’ve got you covered. Plus, our quality materials help people wear their boots for longer (if they’re taken care of properly). Need help deciding what kind of boots are the perfect fit? Check out our guide to choosing work boots for all types of jobs.