Can you Wear Hiking Boots Casually?

Hiking boots can be a great option if you are looking for a comfortable pair to wear around town. You can also wear these boots casually on rainy (not too heavy) days too. Hiking boots and shoes are designed to withstand almost all weather conditions. They are usually durable, waterproof, and provide great support. When you wear them, you feel like you can walk all day in these boots.

Considering hiking shoes for everyday use can be a much better option than the other way around (i.e. taking dress shoes on a mountain hike). As I mentioned earlier, hiking boots are much durable in their construction, as a result, they can be uncomfortable to walk on longer asphalt stretches and may also require a break-in period. However, if you must use hiking boots, I would suggest you stay light and choose lightweight shoes instead of boots because you won’t necessarily need features such as ankle support. Also, consider “approach shoes” and “trail runners”. They can be relatively lightweight and may also be more or less waterproof.

Considering Temperature

Even with decreasing temperatures, you may feel too hot in hiking footwear if you spend a lot of time indoors. These boots are warmer because of insulation and/or waterproofing. You can overcome this problem with lighter socks or consider breathable boots.

Wearing Hiking Boots in office

This entirely depends on your office policies. In my office, any footwear is acceptable. Most people in my office wear dress shoes but some folks do wear hiking shoes, trail runners, and even flip flops. Keep in mind that not every office allows such a casual dress code. If your job involves public dealing, chances are your office may not allow casual footwear.

Are Hiking Boots Good for Walking?

Hiking shoes and boots can be a good option to consider for walking around town. Keep in mind that all hiking footwear is meant to use on uneven terrains like mud, grass, soil, and rocks & roots. They don’t perform well in city conditions like pavement or concrete. However, if you live in a colder climate, these boots can keep your foot warm and comfortable than any other footwear. Most outdoor shoes are designed to be comfortable for longer walks as they offer a lot of padding, cushioning, and better support. So it’s up to you to decide if you want to wear them for casual walking.

Are there any Disadvantages?

One of the biggest disadvantages is wearing them out quicker. Most of the outdoor footwear has a softer rubber outsole. They are meant to provide a better grip on uneven terrain. If you wear them and walk on pavements, chances are the soles may wear out a bit prematurely. The lugs are also designed to penetrate the layer of soil which doesn’t happen when you walk on concrete.

Also, these boots have tread, which provides traction under certain conditions. Using these boots around town is like driving snow tires on dry asphalt; the tread wears down much quicker being introduced to conditions not meant for it.

Never wear outdoor footwear when going for an interview. Suppose you apply for a white-collar job where formal clothing is being expected, you might get rejected at the time when you walk in a pair of hiking shoes.

Price

Hiking boots are not cheap. They can be more expensive than your everyday shoes. But this price could be justified by the ruggedness and features they offer.

What are the best options for everyday use?

Well, this is a rather non-specific question. It depends on a lot of things like your age, gender, your town weather conditions, etc. There is a variety of shoes and boots available for different occasions. Choosing the one that is right for you can be a preference thing. Below are some options that you can consider for everyday use:

Casual Shoes

As the name suggests, these can be your go-to shoes. They are the most versatile ones and they go well with semi-formals, casuals like chinos and corduroys and they even look great with jeans. There are many sub-categories of casual shoes but these four are most common:

• Loafers & Slip-Ons: If worn properly, they can be extremely comfortable. Choose the ones with suede leather. They come in a variety of hues and shades if you want to be more experimental. Loafers can also be worn without socks and they look super cool.
• Suede Lace-ups: Wear them with the right patterned socks and they will look cool.
• Brogues: These are made with multiple pieces with sturdy leather uppers. They can be worn as outdoor or country footwear and are not meant to be used for business occasions.
• Chukka Boots: These are ankle-length leather boots with rubber or leather outsoles. They feature open lacing with two or three eyelets. Wear them with a pair of slim-fit jeans or chinos and they will look great.

Outdoor Shoes

As I mentioned earlier, these shoes are meant for rugged and uneven terrain but can be worn every day in certain conditions as described above.

Wedding Shoes

Wedding shoes are also called formal or dress shoes. They are as formal as they can get. These are stylish, sophisticated, and are meant to wear formally.

Sports Shoes

Sports shoes are extremely comfortable and can be worn every day. They are further classified as running shoes, training shoes, tennis shoes, etc.

Conclusion

Wearing hiking boots or shoes every day depends on your current situation. For example, if your office doesn’t have very strict rules on what you wear, then go for it because nobody is going to care. Don’t wear shoes that are too noticeable, which might garner strange looks from your colleagues.