When Boots are More Than Boots

When Boots are More Than Boots

When Boots are More Than Boots

Work boots are more than another pair of clothing. Most of the time when we think of shoes, our first thought is fashion. Do they match my outfit? Are they stylish?

Recently, I was talking with my girlfriend about Christmas present ideas for me. One of the things I suggested was a pair of hiking boots. I'm not a hardcore hiker, by any means. However, there are times when hiking boots would make a significant difference. Normally I wear an old pair of beat up, steel toe work boots. They were good work boots in their heyday, but that era ended a long time ago. Now they barely get the job done.

Her response to my hiking boot suggestion: "Ew, I can't stand hiking boots. They're so ugly." That's a typical response by anyone. I agree with her - hiking boots often times are ugly. Like a work boot, though, a hiking boot is more than just an article of clothing. It's more than just a boot or a pair of shoes.

A good shirt or a pair of pants serve two purposes. They cover you for modesty's sake, and they're worn to be fashionable. The ugliest pair of pants in the world, regardless of what you think of how they look, does the first job. It does it well. Just as well as the hottest, best looking designer pants you've ever seen.

That's the difference between work boots, hiking shoes, logger boots, or whatever other utility shoes you can think of, and other clothing. Their purpose is often a little more intensive than just covering you for the sake of modesty. Their utility purpose is to be comfortable, to keep your feet dry, to protect your feet, to grip the surface appropriately, or whatever it might be.

They might be ugly.

They do their job.

Unlike shirts and pants, if they're the wrong pair of boots they may not do their job. A pair of hiking boots doesn't cut it in the work force. Steel toe work boots aren't typically the best choice for hiking. Logger boots aren't meant to be worn on the dance floor.

A boot isn't a boot isn't a boot.

Choosing the right boot for the job at hand is important. Consider comfort. Consider special needs like waterproof, high top, steel toe, grip, fit. Unlike other articles of clothing, fashion comes second. Utility comes first.

So yes, get me a pair of ugly hiking boots for Christmas. Some of them are fashionable, that's not important. I'm not wearing them to go clubbing. They're hiking boots.

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