Whether it’s the fact that they are comfortable, they are brand new, or that you want to get your money’s worth out of them, you may be wondering if wearing hiking boots every day is a good idea.

When it comes down to it – this is a personal choice.

Keep reading to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of this style choice.

Can You Wear Hiking Shoes Every Day?

If your plans include hiking every day, absolutely! If they don’t, well then, yes, you can still wear hiking shoes every day. If they are all you have or all you really desire to wear, there are no rules that say you can’t (besides the possible rules in your workplace).

However, wearing boots every day can not only affect your personal comfort but also severely lessens the lifespan of the boot.

Check out this breakdown of the pros and cons:

Pros

• Great traction
• Ankle support
• Specialized comfort
• Versatile
• Good conversation starters

Cons

• Hiking boots are more expensive
• Unnecessary features
• Everyday use will them down quickly
• Heavier
• Usually warmer than regular shoes

Can You Wear Hiking Shoes on the Pavement?

On most trails, you will encounter some pavement and this is fine. When considering wearing hiking boots every day, it is definitely safe to wear them on the pavement, but it will wear the outsole down faster.

The lugs of a hiking shoe are meant to grip the earth below, which is usually dirt and trees. When the earth below is asphalt or pavement, the lugs still do their best to grip.

Over time, these rough materials begin to take their toll on the lugs – wearing them down prematurely.

Can I Use Hiking Shoes at the Office?

If your office has a casual dress code, this shouldn’t be a problem. However, as I mentioned before, wearing boots every day lessens their lifespan. Considering the fact that hiking shoes tend to be about double the price of a sneaker or dress shoe, wearing your hiking boots unnecessarily is a waste of money.

If you work in a factory, wearing hiking boots for everyday wear would provide great traction on slippery surfaces and better ankle stability. Most office jobs do not require the extra features that hiking boots have – for example, weather resistance, insulation, heel cushioning, etcetera.

How Many Miles Should a Hiking Shoe Last?

There are a lot of factors that come into play when answering this question. You need to consider the brand, the type of shoe, the terrain, the weather conditions, and how you take care of them. Wearing hiking boots every day will positively make them die faster.

In general, hiking shoes last between 500 and 800 miles. A lightweight shoe tends to have a shorter lifespan and, as you can imagine, an extremely rugged shoe should have a slightly longer lifespan. Using hiking boots for everyday wear takes miles off the outsole, which is usually the first piece of the shoe to give out.

It is also important to remember that just because a shoe is more expensive does not mean that it will outlive another shoe. Carefully do your research before investing. Or, better yet, read some of our reviews to make it easier on yourself.

How Do I Know When to Replace Them?

It’s bound to happen – eventually, your boots will give out on you. One of the unignorable signs that it is time for a replacement is when the tread has worn down. Without tread, there is no traction… and that’s quite dangerous. Would you drive up a mountain with bald tires? Didn’t think so.

Another sign that it is time for a replacement is cracks in any part of the shoe – especially the midsole or outsole. This throws the weather resistance out the window and majorly affects stability.

Finally, if they just aren’t as comfortable as they used to be, it is probably time to retire them. This could mean that the insole has been worn flat or maybe that the lacing and eyelet system isn’t in suitable condition anymore.

Can I Drive in Hiking Shoes?

There are no laws that say you can’t drive in hiking shoes, but we wouldn’t recommend it. The thick sole of the shoe impedes your normal sense of touch with the pedals. Also, hiking shoes tend to be much clunkier than traditional shoes.

Generally, to protect yourself while driving, and also to extend the lifespan of the shoes themselves, it is best to bring your boots in the car and change after you park. When you finish your hike, take a moment in the parking lot to reflect and relax as you change out of your hiking shoes.

Do We Recommend Hiking Shoes For Everyday Use?

Can you wear hiking shoes every day? Yes. Do we recommend it? No.

Wearing boots every day is usually unnecessary and shortens their lifespan. If you work in a setting that requires good traction, ankle stability, and weather resistance, a pair of hiking boots is a good option, but they will wear out faster than they normally would on the trails.

However, if you just like the style or comfort of hiking boots for everyday wear, there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s a more expensive investment, but we understand that everyone’s ideas of comfort and style is unique.