By Rehan Iqbal
It is time to shop for some work boots, and one thing immediately jumps out at you. Some of the highest rated work boots have 90° elevated heels.
Have you ever wondered why such hard-working, functional work boots have heels? Of course, there has to be a reason why work boots with heels are so popular for disparate groups, such as farmers, bikers, and loggers, to mention a few. But why?
Why Do Work Boots Have Heels?
There are many reasons work boots have heels, from safety to comfort. These are some of the main reasons to wear heeled work boots.
1. Stability
Heeled work boots, elevated and with a broad heel base, provide a stable, comfortable platform for different adverse working conditions. The high-heeled work boot has a high, elevated sole to support the ankle and the foot when working in rough, rocky, and uneven terrain.
When working on uneven, rocky terrain or with debris, such as tree limbs, the high-heeled workbook provides a stable working platform, especially when required to work on ladders or other ringed structures.
The elevated heel work boot differs from a wedged sole work boot is due to a separate 90-degree heel. A wedged heel is more integrated into the sole of the boot, resulting in less traction and stability. The heeled workbook has extra stability in the form of lugs and grooves that dig into the earth when bracing against protrusions in the ground or rocky terrain.
The heeled work boot is essential when working outdoors, especially in wilderness areas required by loggers or firefighters. In addition, the heels on work boots are critical for professionals who are required to work on ladders, such as construction, electrical workers, including lineman and tower workers. The heel provides additional "locking" power to help remain securely on the ladder.
2. Durability
Working in wilderness environments and uneven terrain places a lot of stress on work boots. This stress is lessened with logger boots with high heels because the heels help to keep the outsoles in constant friction with the terrain. Raised heel work boots will also have thicker outsoles that will be more durable and wear longer than wedge heels and other boot types.
3. Balance
Working in uneven terrain can be challenging, and wearing the correct gear, including work boots, can mean the difference between a long or dangerous work day. High-heeled work boots move center of gravity forward, which is the ideal position to maintain your balance and relieve the weight load on your heels.
With the body balance moved forward to the balls of your feet, it strengthens the muscle part of your foot, resulting in improved balance. Improved balance is essential when walking down a steep, log-strewn hill at the end of the day or climbing down the ladder for the umpteenth time.
Who Needs High-Heeled Logger Boots?
High-heeled logger boots are ideal for:
1. Loggers
Climbing up uneven terrain, often stepping over trees and other debris, then climbing trees for trimming, loggers need boots with superior traction on a stable platform.
2. Linemen
Often walking on uneven, rocky terrain to spend the day climbing utility poles, the high-heeled logger work boot is necessary for comfort and safety with their locking heels.
3. Farmers and Ranchers
High-heeled logger work boots are perfect for farmers and ranchers for two reasons:
4. Mountaineers and Bike Riders
Logger boots are perfect for mountaineers who hike through mountains on highly challenging terrain, where durability, traction, and stability are critical. The motorcycle rider enjoys excellent all-weather protection (when appropriately treated) and a comfortable fit with high heels, ensuring a good grip on the motorcycle's footrests.
Best High-Heeled Work Boots
These are some of the highest-rated work boots with heels:
1. Chippewa Men's 9″ Waterproof Insulated Steel-Toe EH Logger Boot
The Chippewa logger boot is one of the best in the industry with exceptional quality, design, and durability, thanks to the Goodyear Welt construction technology. In addition, the Chippewa Chip-A-Tex membrane lining prevents water seepage and is perfect for riding in the rain or walking on muddy terrain.
2. Skechers Men's Cascades Logger Boot
The rugged and comfortable Skechers Cascades logger boot is made with durable upper leather and a lace-up front. The shock-absorbing midsole and 1.5-inch heel work together to provide a comfortable environment. These boots have steel safety toes, are electrical hazard certified, and have excellent traction control with a rubber outsole. In addition, the Skechers Relaxed Fit® design ensures a comfortable, secure, and relaxed fit.
3. Georgia Boot Loggers
The Georgia Boot Logger is the perfect boot for protecting your feet when required to work in harsh environments, often found in hard work. Built to hold up in extreme working conditions, the Georgia boot logger has steel toes and the Georgia boot waterproof system. In addition, the steel shank and scalloped heel provide a stable working platform with orthotic inserts to create a comfortable footwear environment.
4. Kenetrek Lineman Exteme Boots
Featuring exceptional gripping and traction control with custom K-73 outsoles, the Kenetrek Lineman boot is perfect for lineworkers. In addition, the Lineman boot has corrosion-resistant hardware and is water-resistant with a steel toe. Lineworkers also like the Kenetrek boot's superior insulation properties as they meet the required ASTM safety and impact standards.
5. La Sportiva Karakorum Hiking Shoe
With cut-outs in the single-piece leather upper, the rugged La Sportiva Karakorum hiking boot requires little break-in time like other burly boots. The 2.8-mm thick leather is silicon-impregnated for a waterproof and armor-tough finish. The ideal boot for hiking the most challenging trails or taking those long bike rides on with its exceptional breathability, honey-comb shock-absorbing air pockets, and nylon plates for torsional stability.
6. Carhartt Waterproof Composite Toe Boots
If you are in the logging and wilderness industry, the rugged demands of the work environment require heavy-duty work boots with firm yet comfortable toe box protection. Carhartt Composite Toe boot is the perfect companion for tired feet at the end of a work day.
Loggers work in various weather conditions in the wilderness, where dampness often occurs, and keeping the feet dry is highly important. The Carhartt Storm Defender waterproof protection keeps the feet dry in most wet weather conditions, while a heel stabilizer provides heel and ankle protection.
Carhartt Woodworks rubber outsole has a Goodyear Welt and 90-degree heels with steel shanks and Ladder Lock grips.
