Many of our readers ask if steel toe hiking boots are something we recommend. The answer is yes, but with proper planning.
That’s precisely why we created this guide to make sure you find the best steel toe hiking boots for your needs, and what to look out for when planning your next hike.
Note that most steel toe boots are generally designed as work boots, and that most dedicated hiking boots don’t offer a steel toe version, although there are a few, which we’ll cover here.
There are also some great hybrid boots that pull double duty as both steel toe work boots and hiking boots, which also made the list.
Read on for the best steel toe hiking boots available.
The Best Steel Toe Hiking Boots – Quick Reference
| Best Overall Steel Toe Hiking Boots | Thorogood Z-Trac 6” Sport Hiker Boots |
| Best Mid Cut Steel Toe Hiking Boots | Keen Utility Braddock Mid Steel Toe Waterproof Boots |
| Best Steel Toe Hiking & Work Boot Hybrid | Timberland PRO Keele Ridge Boots |
| Best Steel Toe Hiking Shoes | Skechers for Work Blais-Bixford Hiking Shoes |
The Best Steel Toe Hiking Boots
Thorogood Z-Trac 6” Sport Hiker
Thorogood has a reputation for high quality boots, and they’ve definitely delivered on that with the Thorogood Z-Trac 6” Sport Hiker boots.
The deep treads are great for traction on the trail, but also are designed to shed mud and small stones.
The sole is reinforced with a fiberglass shank, which provides support and piercing resistance where you need it.
The collar is well-cushioned and the inner features a waterproof lining that extends all the way up to the top, making this great for wet environments as well.
One amazing feature of these boots is that they’re only 35 ounces each, which are incredibly light for a steel toe hiking boot. They don’t require a lot of breaking in, and are even great for other activities like mountaineering.
Why We Like It:
-Excellent lightweight design
-Shank and steel toe provide key safety features
-Outsole provides great grip while shedding mud and small stones
-Durable and great-looking outer
Keen Utility Braddock Mid Steel Toe Waterproof Work & Hiking Boot
Keen is one of the best manufacturers of hybrid hiking and work boots on the market, and the Keen Utility Braddock Mid Steel Toe Waterproof Work & Hiking Boot is no exception.
It’s mid cut offers ankle support for safety when hiking, a shank for stability, and metatomical arch support to keep your feet in great shape whether on the trail or on the job.
The boot outsoles wrap up and over the toes for ultimate protection, and of course, these boots offer a steel toe cap too.
Comfort is a key feature here, as they offer a spacious toe box and added cushioning at the heel.
You’re also set for any type of weather condition, as these boots are waterproof and feature oil-resistant and slip-resistant non-marking outsoles.
Why We Like It:
-Excellent hybrid hiking boot and work boot
-Features many hiking-specific needs like a shank and roomier toe box than standard work boots
-Waterproofing makes these boots great for all types of hikes
Timberland PRO Keele Ridge Steel Toe Waterproof Hiking Work Boot
The Timberland PRO Keele Ridge Boots are a great combination of a hiking and work boot, featuring waterproof leather, a waterproof membrane, and key work safety features like electrical hazard protection and a steel toe cap.
They feature a nylon shank and cement construction midsole surrounded by EVA for flexibility.
The lining is antimicrobial, so it cuts down on odors, and is also breathable and moisture-wicking, keeping your feet dry when hiking or working.
The non-marking outsole is designed for gripping any kind of surface and is both slip and abrasion-resistant, helping you to keep your footing in nearly any environment.
Why We Like It:
-Shank and cement construction midsole provide support where you need it most
-Waterproof leather and waterproof membrane make these boots great in wet environments
-Outsole is excellent for gripping on different types of terrain
Skechers for Work Men’s Blais-Bixford Steel Toe Hiking Shoe
Skecher’s Blais-Bixford Steel Toe Hiking Shoe manages to offer hiking performance and a steel toe in a lightweight format, something not many manufacturers can pull off.
Although these hiking shoes don’t offer much in ankle support due to their low-cut style, they’re great for mild and warm-weather hiking for both short and long distances.
They feature a leather upper with mesh vents, a memory foam footbed, and a breathable waterproof liner, which is a very nice touch in case you’ll be hiking in wet conditions or crossing small streams or creeks on your hikes.
This hiking shoe can also double as a steel toe work boot thanks to it’s ASTM-compliant toe cap.
Why We Like It:
-Tape loop lacing eliminates pressure points
-Plenty of padding for extra comfort
-Doubles as an ASTM-compliant work boot
-Insert treads provide excellent grip across a variety of surfaces
How To Choose The Best Steel Toe Hiking Boots
There are so many boot options and styles available to hikers today that it can be disorienting at times.
Some hikers love having a steel toe cap, where others may need an appropriate work boot and may not have the desire or budget to purchase a separate dedicated pair of hiking boots.
No matter your situation, here’s what to consider to make sure you get the best pair of steel toe hiking boots for your needs.
Make Sure You’ve Got Adequate Support
Support is key in any boot, and especially for hiking. Make sure your boots support your ankles and prevent them from twisting while you move.
Also look for thicker outsoles that offer lug patterns that will help you to get grip and traction on a variety of surfaces.
Lastly, opt for a pair of steel toe hiking boots that offer a shank in the midsole, giving you extra support for rough terrain.
Pay Attention To The Materials
When possible, opt for materials that offer durability and breathability. Most steel toe hiking boots will have this naturally, as they are also designed to be used in work environments.
Waterproofing will also be a key consideration if you’ll be hiking or working in wet conditions.
Comfort Is Paramount
Keeping comfort in mind is critically important when choosing steel toe hiking boots, as you’ll be spending a lot of time in them.
Pay attention that your toes have enough room to wiggle around in the boot and that the sides of your feet and heel are snug.
Note that while a stiffer midsole may seem less comfortable at first, you’ll be thankful for the support when it comes to hiking on rough terrain filled with rocks or tree roots.
Think About Your Activities
Will you be doing basic hikes? Hiking steep terrain? Maybe even some mountaineering, ice climbing, or crossing water?
All of these will impact what steel toe hiking boots are best for you. Consider the boots’ compatibility with crampons or crampons depending on your needs.
Know The Trail You’re Hiking
It’s always a great idea to research a new trail before your first time hiking it to know the type of terrain and any potential obstacles you may be up against.
This will also allow you to choose the best boot features for your situation.
Consider Your Environment
If you’ll be using your boots for both hiking and work, think about the most common situations you’ll find yourself in.
Is water or moisture a concern? Best to go with waterproof boots here.
Same goes for ankle support and safety features – the value of these really depends on your use case, but you generally can’t go wrong with more support versus less.
Keep The Weather Conditions In Mind
Some boots are rated for specific seasons, while others are all-weather.
Pay attention to this (as well as the boot’s waterproof rating) when making your selection.
Factor In The Weight
Steel toes add in extra weight in hiking boots, not to mention the thicker soles and support shanks that are usually included.
Think about what types and lengths of hiking you’ll be doing, your overall fitness level, and your stamina when selecting your steel toe hiking boots.
Steel Toe Hiking Boots vs Regular Hiking Boots
Weight
The weight of a hiking boot is much lighter than a steel toe boot, and this weight can really make a huge impact on the enjoyability of your hike.
Steel toe boots are designed for safety and injury prevention, so features like steel toe are often included, which add extra weight.
The added weight of a steel toe hiking boot will add to the amount of energy you spend on your hike, so pay close attention to the total weight if using them on your hike.
Flexibility
The soles of work boots are designed with protection and puncture-resistance in mind. This typically means that they have stiff rubber soles for safety.
Although this is a great safety feature, it’s not such a great feature when hiking.
The rigid soles of some steel toe boots can reduce your grip on uneven terrain, affecting your stability.
Traction
The outsoles of hiking boots generally have larger lugs that allow for additional grip on rough and uneven terrain like rocks or tree roots.
Be careful of hardening additives on steel toe work boot soles that may make them slippery on wet surfaces.
Comfort
Hiking boots are designed to keep you comfortable over long distances, and the materials hiking boots are made from are designed to absorb shocks as you hike.
Simply put, most work boots will not provide extended comfort for longer hikes.
Waterproofing
Depending on the terrain you’ll be hiking, you may encounter streams or other bodies of water that you’ll be crossing.
Most of today’s steel toe hiking boots offer waterproofing and quick-drying capabilities, allowing the boot to dry as you continue to hike.
Make sure to get a waterproof pair of boots if you plan on crossing water when hiking.
Ankle Support
Ankle support is a very important factor to consider, especially if you’ll be carrying a backpack.
Depending on your needs, steel toe hiking boots can come in versions that support you with a low, mid, or high-cut profile.
Tips For Hiking With Steel Toe Boots
Maintain A Slow To Moderate Pace
Since most steel toe hiking boots weigh more than standard hiking boots, maintaining your pace will allow you to preserve your energy for longer distances and periods of time.
Wear Comfortable Socks
Always wear hiking socks, even if using a non-hiking-specific pair of boots.
Consider a pair of neoprene hiking socks if you’ll be going through water or when hiking through snow.
Use Walking Poles
Walking poles help provide extra support by distributing weight through the poles and keeping it off your legs.
Avoid Carrying Extra Weight
Minimize your load as much as you can, and if you must use a backpack, opt for a lightweight one rather than a bulky pack. This will help with load distribution during your hike.
Stay In Shape
Don’t skip leg day, especially if you’re an avid hiker! Staying in shape and doing leg exercises goes a long way when determining the length and enjoyability of your hiking trips.
Frequently Asked Questions On Steel Toe Hiking Boots
What Are The Best Steel Toe Hiking Boots?
We love the Thorogood Z-Trac 6” Sport Hiker boots due to their great support, comfortable materials, waterproof outer and liner, and lightweight design.
They aren’t cheap, but you won’t find a better pair of steel toe hiking boots!
What Are Steel Toe Boots Made For?
Steel toe boots are generally made for work use and are not very common in hiking boots.
However, some manufacturers include steel toes in hybrid work/hiking boots or in hiking-focused boots as an additional safety feature that some hikers prefer.
Steel toes provide extra protection against impacts against hard surfaces or from heavy falling items from damaging the wearer’s toes.
When Should I Wear Steel Toe Boots For Hiking?
If you are going on a shorter or simpler hike, or trail conditions are such that your toes are at risk from falling rocks or the path is littered with branches or stumps, then steel toe boots will be in order.
Also, if steel toe boots are the only boots you own, then go ahead and hike in them! If they area a hiking/work boot combo, they should be up to the task of longer hikes – just be sure that you are not planning an extremely long trek in work-only boots.
When Should I Wear Regular Hiking Boots Instead Of Steel Toe Boots?
If you already own hiking boots, you should almost always use them when hiking over work boots or steel toe boots.
The longer the distance of your hike, the less appropriate steel toe boots will be.
Can I Wear Steel Toe Hiking Boots In The Winter Or In Snow?
You can absolutely wear steel toe hiking boots in snow or winter, but make sure they are both insulated and waterproof – unless you like cold and wet feet!
Wrapping Up The Best Steel Toe Hiking Boots
As you can see, there’s lot to consider when choosing steel toe hiking boots. We hope that you’ve found this guide helpful.
Please let us know of any questions – or on what boots you ended up picking – in the comments below!
While you’re here, check out our guide to how should hiking boots fit and our discussion on hiking boots vs work boots.
