How Much Do Work Boots Weigh?

Regular and work boots weigh differently, with the latter being generally heavier. A shoe’s comfort level is significantly determined by the weight, particularly safety boots, so how much do work boots weigh?

The average weight of work boots is about 2 to 3 pounds. However, the weight of steel-toe boots can be 4.0-4.5 pounds (1.8 kgs), while alloy toes are about 1.5 pounds lighter. On the other hand, composite-toe boots are about 1.75 lbs to 4 lbs, while regular boots are less than 2 pounds.

Safety work boots weigh more compared to regular boots because  safety work boots are made to safeguard your feet from sharp, heavy, rolling, or falling objects.

What Makes Work Boots Heavy?

As mentioned above,  safety work boots are heavier than regular boots because they shield you from workplace injuries. Besides protecting you from sharp and heavy objects, you will also be protected from inconvenient temperatures, chemicals, electric shocks, and slippery floors.how much do work boots weigh?

With that in mind, let’s examine what makes work boots heavy.

1. The Boot Size

Bigger work boots weigh more than smaller ones because more material is used to manufacture them. Pull-on boots will be heavier compared to lace up pair of the same model.

For instance, a size 10” pull-on Wolverine work boot is about 1.90 pounds a boot, while a 6” ankle pair is 1.70 lbs per boot or so.

2. Material

The material used to make a boot massively contributes to its weight as some materials weigh more than others.

a) Leather Boots

Leather has gone through a tannery process resulting in the material beating the skin’s rotting and withering stages. This procedure makes leather boots exceedingly enduring; that’s why they are regarded as the most durable.

However, these boots are heavy, weighing up to 4 lbs (1.8 kgs).

b) Suede Boots

While suede is also a kind of leather, its preservation process and tissue type keep it softer and lighter compared to tanned leather. Consider suede boots if leather boots’ weight compromises your efficiency or work/walk outdoors during rainy days.

Suede boots are 3-4 pounds (1.4-1.8 kgs).

c) Fabric Boots

This is an artificial substance made of synthetic materials. Fabric boots were designed because leather boots are heavier.

These boots are durable, comfortable, and lighter, with their weight going down considerably due to technological advancements. They are excellent for walking, traveling, and hiking.

A quality fabric boots pair is about 3 pounds (1.4 kg).

d) Plastic Boots

Plastic is the lightest material; hence plastic boots are lightweight, weighing below 1 pound. These boots are made for wet weather, durable, but not as comfortable because there isn’t much space for breaking in or stretching them.

3. The Upper

Quality work boots have thicker leather than regular boots to protect you from sharp items in your workplace that can easily penetrate normal shoes. However, work boots with Gore-tex or textile upper are lighter than rubber or leather work boots.

4. The Shank

A shank is a tiny portion of material placed between a boot’s outside and midsole to provide more stability and support when walking. It’s essential to consider it when shopping for work boots to ensure the pair you get will serve you well.

The shank is usually made of fiberglass, leather, composite, wood, and steel. The weight of your boot will either increase or lower based on the material.

5. The Outsole

The outsoles of work boots are made of different materials, like Thermo Polyurethane (TPU), leather, or pure rubber. Alternatively, a wedge can also be used, but not commonly used.

The densities of each material vary; hence the outsole will add different weights to the work boot, depending on the material used. For instance, a TPU outsole weighs more than a leather outsole.

Also Read: What Is a TPU Toe Cap?

Other outsole types are commando outsoles, ridgeway outsoles, cork nitrile outsoles, and Kevlar outsoles.

6. The Toe Cap Protection

Toe caps in work boots are made of different materials and come in various shapes and sizes. While they affect your work boot’s weight, that depends on the fabric.

The weight of toe caps is as follows, starting from the lightest to the heaviest:

  • Leather toe cap
  • Composite toe cap
  • Aluminum toe cap
  • Steel toe cap

7. Insulation

Insulated boots are constructed differently than their conventional counterparts as they are fitted with additional properties like thermal linings. However, the extra material makes these boots heavier.

What Is Considered A Heavy Boot?

What is considered a heavy boot is relative in that what’s heavy to you might not be to someone else. However, your boot is generally heavy if you feel relief in your feet once you remove them.

How Much Do Steel Toe Boots Weigh?

The average weight of steel toe boots is 3.5 pounds to 4.5 pounds (1.0kg 1.8 kg). These boots are undoubtedly heavier than alloy toe caps and composite toe caps boots because steel is heavier than these materials.

However, the extra weight translates to better protection, making them the obvious choice among wood-cutters, iron-workers, pipe-liners, brick layers, construction personnel, and other workers in similar fields.

How Much Do Timberland Boots Weigh?

On average, Timberland boots are about 2.10 pounds a pair (around 1.0kg), but the weight varies based on their construction and size. However, no adult Timberland boots will weigh less than 1.0kg.

Check the table below for the average weight of different Timberland boots.

Model Average Weight (KG) Average Weight (Lbs)
Timberland Work Boot 0.98 kg 2 lbs 16 oz
Women’s Timberland Boot 1.025 kg 2 lbs 26 oz
Men’s 6-inch Timberland Boot 0.95 kg 2 lbs 10 oz
Kids Timberland Boots 0.25 kg 8.8 oz

 

How Much Do Military Boots Weigh?

Military boots weigh about 2.4 pounds to 4.8 pounds a pair, depending on different factors like construction and material. A single piece of the lightest military boots is 1.2 pounds, while the heaviest is 2.4 pounds.

Traditional combat boots weigh less because they are designed to help soldiers walk briskly without dealing with the additional weight in combat. These boots are typically made of nylon fabric or high-quality leather, but some are synthetic or rubber-made with medium-high arches, depending on their purpose.

The lightest traditional combat boots are 2.4 pounds a pair and go all the way to 4.8 pounds for the heavy ones. Tactical boots are lighter compared to conventional combat boots because they are made of thin synthetic or leather.

Moreover, military boots with steel toes are heavier than non-steel toe models.

What Effects Do Heavy Boots Have On Your Feet?

Boots are exceptionally durable, versatile, tough, provide better grip and stability, and offer more support and ankle support. However, to enjoy all these benefits, you must choose your boots wisely, ensuring they fit and aren’t too heavy.

Heavy boots can affect your feet in the following ways:

  • You will feel restless.
  • They cause joint and knee pains because of the increased weight on your feet and pressure to the subsequent joints and ankle knee.
  • They can cause back pains and eventually spinal damage.
  • Wearing stiff and heavy boots causes corns
  • Heavy boots weaken the legs’ tendons and muscles.

Conclusion

Weight is an essential factor to consider when choosing boots, whether work boots, dress boots, or casual boots. While a lightweight pair is easier and comfortable to work around, you must account for safety in your selection, especially if you walk in a risky environment.

It’s worth noting that simply because a boot is heavy doesn’t automatically mean it is tough or durable. Therefore, don’t rush into buying a heavy boot without considering other factors.

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