If you are a logger and work in marsh places to cut down trees, a 4-inch work boot won’t be appropriate for your feet. You will probably need 8-inch height work boots to protect your feet. The same goes for those working in mines and oil rigs. On the contrary, construction workers, janitors, plumbers, or technicians can perform well and still protect their feet properly with 6-inch leather work boots with ease.
This height variation brings one important question for the workers, “What height should I order for my leather work boots?
Technically, most workers can do away with 4-inch to 6-inch work boots, while a few will need 8-inch work boots. However, those who need maximum protection of their feet, ankle, and leg in the most challenging workplaces might choose 10-inch work boots.
However, this is only a superficial idea. Don’t miss the article if you want to choose the right height for your leather work boot for maximum comfort and protection. At the end of this article, you will know the right height for your leather work boots.
Height Measurement And Common Heights Of Work Boots
During my long working career in the footwear industry, I have seen that most people, including blue-collar workers, focus on getting the right size for their boots and shoes. They also believe that work boot size is only linked with the length and width of the boot. Thus, many workers ignore the height of the work boot and end up getting the wrong height. So, they suffer afterward due to the wrong selection of the boot height.
What’s more surprising is that most people don’t understand how the height of a boot is measured. So, here’s the answer.
The height of a boot refers to its shaft length. So, what’s the shaft and shaft length of a work boot? The boot’s shaft refers to the part of the boot that starts right above the outsole. It continues right to the top of the boot.
To measure the boot height, run a measuring tape from above the sole right to the top of the leather boot shaft. This measurement suggests the shaft length, aka work boot height. Also, it will be described on the product label in most boots.
The most common shaft length or work boot heights are:
- 4-inch
- 6 inch
- 8 inch
- 9 inch
- 10 inch
- 11 inch
- 12 inch
- 14 inch
Although there are eight different height variations for leather work boots, the most common heights are 4-inch, 6-inch and 8-inch. In fact, most workers will either choose 6-inch work boots or 8-inch work boots for their workplaces.
Anything below 6-inch height is referred to as low-cut work boots. On the other side, if the work boot height is more than 6-inch, it is referred to as high-cut or high-top work boots.
Since different occupations will need different heights for the work boot, you might contact your workplace compliance. Also, in many workplaces, your authority will define the height of the leather work boots.
If they don’t tell you to get a preferred height, you can consider your occupational requirements and get the right height. Nonetheless, the main choice comes down to 6-inch work boots vs. 8-inch work boots in the workplace.
So, we will discuss the pros and cons of these two different leather work booth heights elaborately.
What Height Should I Order For My Leather Work Boots?
When you get into the market to choose leather work boots, you need to closely consider their fitting and height. However, most manufacturers will have 6-inch, 8-inch, and 10-inch work boots in their stores.
So, let’s see their usage along with the pros and cons to find which height you should choose.
6-inch leather work boots:
If you need optimal ankle support, 6-inch work boots can be the perfect fit for your feet. Although it lacks the ankle support of 8-inch or 10-inch work boots, it is still adequate for most workplaces. You can choose these boots for casual wearing with good support and comfort to your feet and ankle.
What’s more, you may even choose these leather boots for offices and even parties. People even go hiking or on trails with this height. Also, these leather work boots have standard ruggedness to ensure good durability and stability. Thus, 6-inch work boots are truly an all-around choice.
Furthermore, these low-cut work boots don’t get hot to provide inconvenience around your feet. It also has nice flexibility. Furthermore, these work boots have less weight due to optimal height since it doesn’t have too much height. Finally, this height of the boot is a perfect combination of good ankle support and comfort.
Benefits of 6-inch leather work boots:
- These leather work boots are less weighty
- You will enjoy better flexibility
- Low-cut work boots are easy and fast to lace up
- 6-inch work boots offer improved breathability
- Looks trendy and so suitable for different jobs and places
Cons of 6-inch leather work boots:
- It lacks ankle support only slightly
- Not a good choice for loggers and oil rig workers
Who should choose 6-inch leather work boots:
- Electricians
- Contractors
- Construction workers
- Plumbers
- Property workers
8-inch leather work boots:
If you want better ankle support in the most challenging workplaces, you should go for 8-inch leather work boots. Also, these work boots offer the perfect cushioning between the 6-inch and 10-inch leather work boots.
It has 2-inch more height than its 6-inch counterparts; it reaches easily over the ankle. So, you get the full protection of the ankle and leg. It is suitable for working in marshy and watery conditions where you often need to walk through water or mud.
However, these boots aren’t good for offices. Also, it provides you a bit more warmth which can be uncomfortable in many workplaces. Thus, workers in cold regions and during winter prefer the 8-inch height.
Also, it has nice flex and is ready to prevent any twisting of your ankle. Last but not least, if you want improved ankle protection but don’t want heavier leather boots, 8-inch leather work boots fit the gap perfectly. Thus, you will see these boots in the military, fire workers, and other fast responders’ feet.
Benefits of 8-inch leather work boots:
- It offers total protection to your ankle from twisting and damages
- Some specific occupations, such as first responders and military people, need 8-inch work boots
- It offers improved protection from mud, snow, rain, and puddles
- These leather work boots don’t rub against your ankle to cause a burning sensation
Cons of 8-inch leather work boots:
- These leather boots are slightly heavier than 6-inch boots
- They have slightly less flexibility
Who should choose 8-inch leather work boots:
- Logging workers
- Hunters
- Farming workers
- Military personnel
- Fast responders
- Firefighters
- Roofing professionals
- Workers in mines and oil fields
6 Inch vs. 8 Inch leather work boots:
Workers often engage in debate over this popular topic. Naturally, supporters of both the leather work boot height have their appropriate arguments. Nonetheless, the efficiency of the 6-inch and 8-inch work boots will depend on your worksite requirements.
Therefore, you can read the benefits and disadvantages of the work boot’s height and your working conditions. After that, you can easily judge which height will fit best to your feet.
10-inch leather work boots:
If you need some serious and maximum support to your ankle and leg, you should choose the 10-inch leather work boots. If you need maximum support for your lower leg and often walk in places where your knee might get submerged, you will need these leather work boots.
Thus, only a few workers will need 10-inch leather work boots. Also, hunters and backpack trekkers choose 10-inch work boots for the serious support it provides. Also, workers in cold regions and snowy workplaces love these boots for protection from colds. However, these boots will feel warmer on your feet due to the additional height. Also, it feels heavier and might limit your movement.
Many work boot manufacturers have many choices of 10-inch or even taller work boots. Thus, if you work in extreme conditions, you have the liberty to choose your favorite 10-inch work boot.
Benefits of 10-inch leather work boots:
- These boots provide maximum support to your ankle and lower leg
- 10-inch leather boots are designed for extreme working situations
- Even hikers and trekkers love these work boots for serious support
Cons of 10-inch leather work boots:
- These boots are heavier and might cause discomfort
- It will limit your flexibility and movement
Who should choose 1-inch leather work boots:
- Workers in snowy conditions
- Military personnel
- Fast and emergency responders
Frequently Asked Questions
How high should my work boots be?
Usually, work boots should be either 6-inch or 8-inch high for most workplaces. You need to check your working requirements and safety measurements to choose the right height from these two height recommendations for work boots.
What boot height is best for workers?
Footwear specialists and experts suggest that 6-inch leather work boots are the perfect choice for most workers. It works fine for most light manual laborers such as construction workers, woodworkers, etc.
Do work boots make you taller?
Yes, work boots with a taller heel or outsole will make you look taller. For instance, Timberland work boots have 1.25 inches to 2 inches heel height. So, when you wear Timberland work boots, you will look taller.
Final Words
The size and height of your work boot are as important as the material, protection features, toe design, and durability of these boots. Thus, you must choose the right height for your leather work boots. It will ensure proper protection and comfort to your feet in workplaces. Thus, this guideline on the leather work boot height should be useful. Now that you have learned which height you should order for work boots, visit your favorite shoe store and get the boot you want.
