Working in Comfort
I find that on the whole, work shoes or boots are more comfortable than hiking boots, but that is obviously dependent on what type of shoes you wear for work. Typical low heel boots or shoes are much easier on the feet than heavy hiking shoes which tend to be rather restrictive and do not let the feet breathe. Because of the lace up styles, they do need to be done up quite tightly. Work shoes or boots tend to be softer on the feet and more suitable for everyday conditions, but hiking boots do have their uses though as I would not want to be wearing anything else if I was out in terrible weather conditions climbing a mountain or trudging through heavy snow. They are designed for all weather conditions so they need to be tough in order for them to last and to keep your feet dry at all times.
At my office I am allowed to wear any style of shoes as there are no restrictions in place, although judgement and common sense has to be upheld when choosing footwear. Open toes, boots or shoes are acceptable, but I feel that heavy army style boots or trainers for example would be frowned upon as they do not reflect the professional environment that the office has. Working in trainers and a Berghaus Fleece top can be acceptable while walking in with heavy boots and a thick hiking jacket may be seen inappropriate in a corporate or creative situation.
It really depends on what kind of job you do as to what footwear you should be allowed to wear, as company standards and health and safety matters need to be considered, so some companies would not be so flexible regarding footwear and clothing. A factory worker for example would not be able to wear open toe shoes, so closed boots or shoes would be the only style accepted. In this instance, hiking boots may well be accepted as a means of work footwear, if you find them comfortable enough to wear all day. Some people prefer the more rugged footwear, but they are not something that I would want to wear for long periods of time.
