What is the difference between hiking boots and work boots?

[Thomas2]

I am going on a trip to Canada and will be hiking around 7 miles a day. I have a cheap pair of work boots that are broken in fairly nicely. Will these be sufficient? They seem like they would but, they are steel toe and don't look anything like a pair of hiking boots. If not where can I find a fairly nice cheap pair of hiking boots?

[jason]

It depends on what terrain you're hiking on. If it is extreme gradients and rough bush, I would go with some proper hiking boots. Hiking boots will support you ankle and prevent you from rolling them. I wouldn't mind wearing work boots if it holds your ankle and they are comfortable and light weight. But weight of the boot will be a main factor especially on extreme hikes (they will make your legs work harder).To find out if 7 miles will hurt your feet do a pack march around your block and fill you bag with weights. If weight, tiredness or soreness wasn't a problem but... your foot hurts( blisters, hot spots, flat foot etc.) get a new inner sole from your local pharmacy/doctor or camping store/disposal if you don't want to spend too much money.

Biggest difference is likely to be outsole--hikers tend to have deep lugs, so as to grip better on SOFT surfaces like snow/slush, and mud---but they are not worth much on hard surfaces--ice and rock, and many so called work boots also can be had with Vibram or lugged soles. Biggest issue for either style is COMFORT---any boot that doesn't fit well is a hazard; not only will you not enjoy your hike, you may end up with blisters, sore toes or other foot parts. Less important than the sole is the presence of a midsole (stiff layer in between outsole and inner sole/welt) to provide stability and puncture/pressure resistance to hard sharp objects like rocky areas. I've hiked all over the world--work boots are my general preference. Do NOT get steel-toed work boots for hiking, though--they'll kill your toes from lacking flexibility and room for expansion.

[Gondor]

I have very strong boots with the steel toes. Those are working boots, extremely strong. I used them couple of times for some very rough terrain hiking and they were quite comfortable. Although it was winter and I couldn't go with lighter ones so sometimes they are not that bad solution.

[Barney]

Check out these, they also have steel toe Timberland Pro men's wheat Pit Boss work boots - steel toe

I never got to wear such strong boots while trekking, I wonder how they would feel, they would probably be too heavy. They look very cool though.