Backpacking with steel-toe boos?
May 2, 2010 4:01 PM Subscribe
I have a pair of Wolverine Steel-Toe work boots that I like and have gone hiking several times in. However this summer I'll be going on a week long backpacking trip and was wondering if there are any major downfalls to long term hiking in steel toe boots.
We'll be backpacking in the mountains in Colorado. I'm not sure what the exact name of the boots are (I know the brand is Wolverine) because I've had them for years and I can't find it on the boot but it's very similar to these.
So are there any major problems I'll face hiking in these boots?
We'll be backpacking in the mountains in Colorado. I'm not sure what the exact name of the boots are (I know the brand is Wolverine) because I've had them for years and I can't find it on the boot but it's very similar to these.
So are there any major problems I'll face hiking in these boots?
I have lost toenails doing this. It takes a long time (up to a year or more) to grow them back, and it's a damned uncomfortable, ingrown-nail-courting process. But I didn't already use mine routinely for hiking, just occasionally.
I guess the weight might be a factor. They are a lot heavier than most day hikers or even mountain climbers.
Also, don't let your booted feet rest near a campfire - you cannot get your laces untied as fast as those steel shanks and toes can heat up. I was putting out a brushfire once and found out the hard way I was standing in a bed of embers ;-)
posted by toodleydoodley at 4:07 PM on May 2, 2010
I guess the weight might be a factor. They are a lot heavier than most day hikers or even mountain climbers.
Also, don't let your booted feet rest near a campfire - you cannot get your laces untied as fast as those steel shanks and toes can heat up. I was putting out a brushfire once and found out the hard way I was standing in a bed of embers ;-)
posted by toodleydoodley at 4:07 PM on May 2, 2010
What are the soles like? If they're very thick and rigid, you'll really regret it (and possibly endanger your safety) if your hike is rated "advanced" (i.e. requiring skilled scrambling/climbing over rocks).
posted by availablelight at 4:15 PM on May 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by availablelight at 4:15 PM on May 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: The bottom looks only a little thicker than a normal hiking boot and are not very rigid. They say on the bottom they are slip/oil resistant.
posted by Deflagro at 4:30 PM on May 2, 2010
posted by Deflagro at 4:30 PM on May 2, 2010
Response by poster: And by "not very rigid" I mean they are not extremely rigid.
posted by Deflagro at 4:30 PM on May 2, 2010
posted by Deflagro at 4:30 PM on May 2, 2010
Try a few miles with weight on your back beforehand. If you have any discomfort, buy hiking boots. Also, steel-toes really, really suck in the cold even with thick socks. (Having done well over 100 miles in the Grand Canyon, I'd much prefer rigid soles. I suppose it's gonna depend on the terrain.)
posted by coolguymichael at 4:39 PM on May 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by coolguymichael at 4:39 PM on May 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
You may want something more suited for summer hiking - something waterproof (depending on where you'll be and what you'll be doing, but breathable also. Think about having those on for a whole day when it's really, really hot - if you don't have a breathable boot or shoe, you're way more likely to get blisters. I don't even use a boot myself, but a hiking shoe. As far as brands go, I prefer Garmont.
If you do go with something that doesn't cover your ankle (some people prefer to build ankle strength this way when hiking) then make sure you get some summer gaiters to protect you from 'stuff.'
posted by jardinier at 4:45 PM on May 2, 2010
If you do go with something that doesn't cover your ankle (some people prefer to build ankle strength this way when hiking) then make sure you get some summer gaiters to protect you from 'stuff.'
posted by jardinier at 4:45 PM on May 2, 2010
I find that the steel toe is obviously not as flexible as a leather/nylon hiking boot, which can cramp toes or even bite into the top of the foot.
posted by KokuRyu at 4:54 PM on May 2, 2010
posted by KokuRyu at 4:54 PM on May 2, 2010
I'm not sure how cold it will get where you're hiking this summer, but take it from a guy who spent an Alaskan winter with steel toed boots: there are no wool socks thick enough to save you from the cold when you're wearing steel toes.
posted by QuarterlyProphet at 5:05 PM on May 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by QuarterlyProphet at 5:05 PM on May 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
I spent a lot of time hiking in the Sierras including trips of two and three weeks. You might want to consider bringing a second pair of boots with you. Alternating them daily is a way to improve foot health and having a spare when a sole rips off or a heel wears away on shale is handy. I prefer a boot that comes up higher to protect my shins from rocks that stick out but what comfortable for you is what counts.
As important as boots is your body conditioning. You don't state where you live, but if you live at a lower elevation, you will do yourself a favor by taking shorter trips (two or three days) at altitude to give your body a chance to build up to a week-long trip. Hike with a full pack and at some altitude on the last weekends before the trip. Also, try to get to altitude a day or two before you take off on the long trip. Your body - especially your lungs - will thank you for it.
Lastly, even though you are hiking in the summer, take along clothes to put on when it gets cold. Hypothermia kills as many hikers as falls and critters. I have been in snow storms in July.
Enjoy your trip.
posted by Old Geezer at 5:29 PM on May 2, 2010
As important as boots is your body conditioning. You don't state where you live, but if you live at a lower elevation, you will do yourself a favor by taking shorter trips (two or three days) at altitude to give your body a chance to build up to a week-long trip. Hike with a full pack and at some altitude on the last weekends before the trip. Also, try to get to altitude a day or two before you take off on the long trip. Your body - especially your lungs - will thank you for it.
Lastly, even though you are hiking in the summer, take along clothes to put on when it gets cold. Hypothermia kills as many hikers as falls and critters. I have been in snow storms in July.
Enjoy your trip.
posted by Old Geezer at 5:29 PM on May 2, 2010
The only cautionary tale I've heard about hiking in steel-toes generally is that if you drop something heavy on your foot it may crush the metal and your toes with it. If you're far from help or another pair of footwear, this can be a problem. Not trying to be an oogy-boogey person about it, but this is the only downside I'm familiar with besides heat/cold stuff. I have a pair of steel-toed redwings that I occasionally hike in and they've been fine.
posted by jessamyn at 5:44 PM on May 2, 2010
posted by jessamyn at 5:44 PM on May 2, 2010
Taking some weight off of your feet makes a gigantic difference in how comfortable your hike will be. I can't remember the numbers, but they say that even a small amount of weight off your feet is like a fairly large amount of weight taken off your back. Depending how heavy your particular boots are, I'd personally be looking to instead use some water-proof and lightweight hiking boots. If it's summer and somewhere without a lot of rain or mud, you may consider even a set of light hiking/trail shoes... or even running shoes can do ok in the summer in nice weather conditions (having "ankle-support" in your boots is a bit over-rated, as you need fairly high, very strong/heavy boots to really give any legitimate amount of support to your ankles)
However if your particular boots aren't too too heavy and you're comfortable with them for long distances, then sure, go with whatever works for you. It all comes down to your personal comfort in the end.
posted by Diplodocus at 6:19 PM on May 2, 2010
However if your particular boots aren't too too heavy and you're comfortable with them for long distances, then sure, go with whatever works for you. It all comes down to your personal comfort in the end.
posted by Diplodocus at 6:19 PM on May 2, 2010
I would worry about blisters.
I got some boots from L.L. Bean that I like a lot.
posted by jander03 at 6:23 PM on May 2, 2010
I got some boots from L.L. Bean that I like a lot.
posted by jander03 at 6:23 PM on May 2, 2010
I was coming in to say what diplodocus said: you add 2 pounds to your feet, and that's 2 extra pounds you are lugging around for however far you hike- makes a HUGE difference.
I don't know if you are planning on doing some SERIOUS hiking (sorry, not meaning to sound like an ass), but if you are doing some casual hiking, any boots should be fine. For any serious amount of distance, I usually just use trail tennies. Unless I'm carrying over 50 pounds over 5 miles a day, I won't use anything heavier.
Having ankle support, I agree, is overrated. Also, socks are REALLY important. I absolutely love bridgedale socks so much more than thorlos or smartwool.
Go light.
posted by TheBones at 6:42 PM on May 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
I don't know if you are planning on doing some SERIOUS hiking (sorry, not meaning to sound like an ass), but if you are doing some casual hiking, any boots should be fine. For any serious amount of distance, I usually just use trail tennies. Unless I'm carrying over 50 pounds over 5 miles a day, I won't use anything heavier.
Having ankle support, I agree, is overrated. Also, socks are REALLY important. I absolutely love bridgedale socks so much more than thorlos or smartwool.
Go light.
posted by TheBones at 6:42 PM on May 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
The weight would be the my biggest concern. After a week on the trail, every ounce feels like a pound. I'm not saying that you'll want to hike in crocs, but I generally prefer lighter-weight boots.
posted by chrisamiller at 6:52 PM on May 2, 2010
posted by chrisamiller at 6:52 PM on May 2, 2010
If you wear them and you don't have a problem you'll never know. If you wear them and after a day or so they begin to torture you well...
I would seriously recommend a different type of boot. Lighter, more flexible, and able to dry quicker.
posted by pianomover at 8:23 PM on May 2, 2010
I would seriously recommend a different type of boot. Lighter, more flexible, and able to dry quicker.
posted by pianomover at 8:23 PM on May 2, 2010
I'm chiming in with the others who say that the added weight will be your biggest problem. You wouldn't think that lifting your feet off the ground would be that difficult, but consider that on a good hiking day you're doing what, like 10,000 reps per foot per day (2000 steps/mile x 10 miles / 2 legs)? I have pretty light-weight hiking boots, but my legs are usually still dragging by the end of the day. Putting on flip-flops in camp feels like floating on air just because I don't have to lift so much weight with each step.
Toodley doodley's advice about keeping them away from the campfire is good, too. Wilderness firefighters aren't allowed to have steel toes in their boots for this very reason. They get hot, and by the time you realize they're too hot you won't be able to get them off in time to avoid a burn.
posted by vytae at 8:46 PM on May 2, 2010
Toodley doodley's advice about keeping them away from the campfire is good, too. Wilderness firefighters aren't allowed to have steel toes in their boots for this very reason. They get hot, and by the time you realize they're too hot you won't be able to get them off in time to avoid a burn.
posted by vytae at 8:46 PM on May 2, 2010
You wear steel-toed boots to protect yourself from heavy, dropping objects.
Your biggest concerns when hiking are not about what drops on your toes. They're about: slipping, twisting ankles, blisters, protection from sharp rocks & thorns underfoot (steel toes won't save your instep), and allowing your feet to do their heavy labor comfortably.
Steel toes are inappropriate protection for this job.
posted by IAmBroom at 8:48 PM on May 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
Your biggest concerns when hiking are not about what drops on your toes. They're about: slipping, twisting ankles, blisters, protection from sharp rocks & thorns underfoot (steel toes won't save your instep), and allowing your feet to do their heavy labor comfortably.
Steel toes are inappropriate protection for this job.
posted by IAmBroom at 8:48 PM on May 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
Steel toes are heavier and there is an edge inside your boot that you might start rubbing against if you are going down a slope.
You might be OK, but I wouldn't go on a big hike with unproven shoes. Go climb a big hill and then descend. See how they do.
posted by psycho-alchemy at 12:29 AM on May 3, 2010
You might be OK, but I wouldn't go on a big hike with unproven shoes. Go climb a big hill and then descend. See how they do.
posted by psycho-alchemy at 12:29 AM on May 3, 2010
I would go out and get a nice pair of hiking boots. Work boots != hiking boots. At all.
posted by InsanePenguin at 3:22 AM on May 3, 2010
posted by InsanePenguin at 3:22 AM on May 3, 2010
The only cautionary tale I've heard about hiking in steel-toes generally is that if you drop something heavy on your foot it may crush the metal and your toes with it.
Myth busted. I wouldn't wear steel-toed boots for a hike, but not because of fear they'd be less safe than regular-toed boots.
posted by Optimus Chyme at 5:34 AM on May 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
Myth busted. I wouldn't wear steel-toed boots for a hike, but not because of fear they'd be less safe than regular-toed boots.
posted by Optimus Chyme at 5:34 AM on May 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
it all depends on the terrain and the weather. I have waterproof breathable full-grain leather hiking boots with ankle support and a steel shank in the sole for stiffness -- I can walk all day over uneven trails and rock-hop over and through creek beds, and my feet feel great. Comfortable, broken-in steel-toed boots would fare equally well on some terrain, but would fail miserably elsewhere. Do remember that they're not designed for the task.
posted by Chris4d at 11:04 AM on May 3, 2010
posted by Chris4d at 11:04 AM on May 3, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
Assuming your boots support the ankles I'd consider the steel toe to be an added bonus for falling rocks and other thing that may land on your toes. But most sturdy hiking boots are sufficient in this regard.
posted by dfriedman at 4:04 PM on May 2, 2010