If you are looking for a pair of work boots, it can be difficult to figure out which is the best choice. The difference between 8 inch and 6 inch work boots may not seem like much at first, but there are some major benefits that come with choosing an 8 inch boot over a 6 inch one.
Work boots are essential for anyone who works in construction or another field where they will be on their feet all day long. However, there are so many different styles of work boots available today that it can often feel overwhelming when trying to choose the right ones. If you’re wondering “what is better – 8″ vs 6” work boots?”
Many people have very strong opinions about 8 inch versus 6 inch work boots. The debate is going on for decades and there are still no clear cut answers. People who wear either type of boot will swear by their choice, but which one is better?
That’s a difficult question to answer because it all depends on what you’re looking for in a boot. Both types of boots have advantages and disadvantages to them, so let’s take a look at each one individually.
8 Inch Work Boots: Advantages & Disadvantages! These kinds of work boots often get higher ratings from customers because they offer more protection than the smaller variety does.
Table of Contents
Why you might need a different size?
A lot of people have been asking this question on different social networks after being surprised by the sizing. It’s great to know that it’s not just you who has experienced problems with mail order clothing companies and their inconsistent sizing, as it means your expectations for a uniform system are met!
The only uniformity in sizing is 20 or 22, so if you’re thinking about ordering from a different website feel free to email them first before spending money and risking an unnecessary return.
It depends on your height and how long your limbs are. For example, someone who is 40 inches tall with long limbs should wear a size 12 in pants while someone who is 41 inches tall with short legs should wear a size 10 or 11.
What to look for when purchasing boots?
It is essential to purchase a boot that is going to be comfortable and supportive enough for your activity level. For a more active lifestyle, a heavier hiking boot would be recommended.
Overall, there are several things to look for when purchasing a pair of boots:
Material – synthetic or leather? Synthetic boots are lightweight and waterproof but may not last as long as leather boots that can cost more at first purchase but can last much longer.
In addition, synthetic boots do not breathe as well as their natural counterpart because there is no porous material on the inside- making them warmer outside during summer months and colder in winter time. Leather has the added benefit of heat insulation so they’ll keep your feet warmer out side in colder climates.
The difference between 8 inch and 6 inch work boots
If you’re currently between sizes and want to choose a size, your best bet is to go with the larger of the two sizes. Remember, just because you need a size 8 in one shoe doesn’t mean that’s what you’ll need in another – they all come in different widths and lengths. It’s best to measure both of your feet and use an online conversion tool such as this one if necessary.
Basically, the difference between an 8 inch and a 6 inch boot is that an 8 inch work boot has more soles; therefore they are usually heavier and more costly.
An 8-inch work boot will usually last longer than a 6-incher. And, if you’re looking for boots that see heavy duty use like steel toe protection or to be resistant to harsher conditions such as oil or chemicals (all of which could be found on larger job sites), then you’ll want the added soles.
Also keep in mind that these terms can vary from one company to another – some companies use “8” as denoting a specific height so think about what exactly your needs might be before committing.
How to choose the right size of boot for your foot type
If you have a narrow foot, chose a boot that’s a little wider.
If you’re an average foot-type person, try on both size A and size B boots. One might feel more comfortable than the other if one is narrower or larger in some unforseeable way. If your feet are wide for sure, get the size C boot.
If you need to be able to wear socks—another factor in determining what “size” of boot—get at least half an inch of space between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe when it’s on your foot. There should also be enough room on either side of your toes so they’re not squished together when wearing winter clothing inside out with shoes on.
“Choosing a boot for your foot type depends on a few factors. What is the kind of activity these boots will be used for? What size are your feet, and do you want room in them because of swelling? How much insulation do you need?”
In order to find the right size boot, it is important to think about the other things that should be taken into consideration other than shoe size–volume preference and activity.
Foot volume preference seems like an obvious factor, but choosing a good volume also impacts how warm or cold one’s feet will be–and this can determine whether one needs thick socks or thin ones.
Tips on how to break in new boots properly so they don’t hurt your feet
To break in new boots properly, put them on and walk around the house for a few hours. Keeping your feet active during this time will help to stretch out any stiff leather or exaggerate shapes created by stitching.
If you still feel pain after a few hours of use, massage your feet with lukewarm olive oil or cream while wearing the new shoes. Warmth from your hands along with lubricant will help soften the leather while opening up some tight spaces in between bones and muscles. You can also alternate which foot you wear them on for a day or two to reduce individual pressure points too!
Break in your new boots by wearing them vigorously during the day. This means don’t just wear them during your first hour of your footsiness, but on and off for the first few days you have them- including all 10 minutes on breaks. Be sure to wear socks that will cushion against blisters, as this will keep feet happy and healthy!
If you do some rigorous exercise before putting on clean socks, they should seem more comfortable because there’s less moisture on the inside. Exercise also heats up our feet so it loosens up all those tight fibers within the shoes, making for a more breathable area which makes it feel “less constricting” than an immobile shoe. Of course exercise is not required.
Pros and cons of each style of boot
Various factors are to be considered when selecting boots. The best method of comparison is judging the pros and cons of each style against an individual’s needs or preferences.
Ultimately, one style will not outweigh all others because they both have their advantages and disadvantages to consider. For example, 6″ Western Cowboy Boots are typically more comfortable than 8″ Double Harness Work Boots for day-to-day wear but less durable in harsh environments.
Conversely, 8″ Double Harness work boots are ideal for rugged environment while 6 inch cowboy boots are geared towards comfort when wearing them all day long. What can also make a difference in selection is whether you’re left or right handed since many styles only come in half sizes that correspond with your dominant hand.
The Difference 8 inch vs 6 inch Work Boots -Which is Better?
8 inch work boots are typically more expensive than 6 inch work boots
There are many factors that determine how much a certain pair of boots cost. The size of the boots will also have an effect on the price. For this reason, many people believe that taller work boots are more expensive because they cover so much more digital area, but it is actually the thickness and height of the soles in comparison to their circumference which determines what gets added to their cost.
On average, 8 inch soles are two inches thicker than 6 inch soles are when talking about normal working shoes- not safety ones-so there really isn’t any significant difference in price between 8 or 6 inch shoes. Typically, extra heavy duty 14 lb safety steel-toe work boots dwarf both size options in physical size and weight.
8 inch work boots are typically more expensive than 6 inch work boots. There are many factors that lead to this difference between the two, but what it comes down to is largely preference.
The Difference 8 inch vs 6 inch Work Boots -Which is Better?
8″ boots are the most popular type of work boot because they keep your feet warmer and do not make you too tall for standing on ledges or areas towering above the ground.
This offers a good bit of stability when walking around on slick materials which can be dangerous otherwise. Depending on how heavy your job is you may want to opt for this style because it comes with thicker soles for added support, better traction, crappier slip-resistant qualities.
8 inch boots provide better ankle protection, while 6 inches offer better traction and stability
The difference between 8 inch vs 6 inch work boots is that, because 8 inch work boots are taller, they offer more ankle protection. Conversely, because there is greater space for debris to enter the boot through the machine (because it doesn’t seal as well), 6 inch boots will typically be better for tromping through mud and dirt–particularly when one’s job requires regular contact with either substance.
This is all about personal preference. Both 6-inch and 8-inch offer the same level of protection. However, if you are interested in having extra ankle support, then it may be wise to go with an 8-inch boot. Otherwise, both boots provide the full range of protection necessary for your safety on the job site.
One size does not fit all. But fortunately different shaft heights are available so you can get exactly what you need without wasting money or compromising durability or safety! Talk to your supervisor for help finding out which height boot will work best for you!
If you’re looking for a pair of inexpensive work boots, then the 6 inch might be your best choice
The difference between 8″ and 6″ work boots is simple. The 8″ boot tends to be for people who are regularly required to crawl. The longer length offers more protection for the ankle when bending or moving around on all fours. If you like your ankles protected, then the 8 inch may be worth it for you. However, if use of two legs rules your world, the 6 inch should do just fine!
Most people will say that the 8″ pair is a more secure choice, but they may be overthinking things. After all, most people who buy boots for work will already have one foot a little bit bigger than the other, so it would balance out in a larger size.
The real difference between an 8″ and 6″ boot from a comfort standpoint is just how deep of an indent the toe makes when you’re wearing them– with 8″, there’s less room at the front to wiggle your toes around as you walk or do anything else, which means that long-term comfort might actually come down to personal preference between those two options.
8 inches are recommended for jobs that require heavy lifting or walking long distances on rough terrain
Most reputable steel toe boots are built to provide protection from shocks, falls, and debris. It’s really just a matter of preference as the exact same boot may have an 8-inch shaft for one person and then be sold with a 6-inch shaft for another person.
A knee high boot is just that – it consists of the upper that extends to you knee cap so there should not be any issue with length at all. The difference between 8 inch boots vs 6 inch boots is the length of the shaft or how tall they are on your leg before you get to them being too tall for your quads.
In general, the taller the boots are the more weight they can carry. 8 inchs are recommended for jobs that require heavy lifting or walking long distances. 6 inches will suffice if the boots will only be used in a work environment where lifting and walking is minimal.
Both types of shoes have their benefits – it’s up to you to decide which is best for your needs!
The 8 inch boots are designed for more swing movements, can be used in more adverse surface conditions, and have a more aggressive appearance.
The 6 inch work boots are better for walking on pavement or on hardwood floors. It’s also good to opt for the 6-inch if you want a lighter weight boot because it usually weighs less than an eight-inch leather boot of the same size. The downside with the six-inch is that it does not offer as much protection to your lower legs as the 8-inch would.
8 inch work boots are a good choice for people who work on a few feet from close range. Similarly, those who have to do some crawling. A toe is better protected with an 8 inch boot as opposed to the 6 inch boot which is lighter and more versatile.
The downside is that 8 inch boots can be expensive, hotter in summer time and more difficult to find replacement socks for the taller boot.
The differences regarding the arch of your foot also influence which type of footwear you should wear, according to what’s best for your specific needs.
Conclusion:
The difference between these two types of boots is in the height. For a little more protection, go with an 8 inch boot. If you want to wear them out on the town or hiking, choose a 6 inch boot for comfort and style. A larger size may be better if your feet are wide too! Either way, it’s important to buy quality work boots that fit well so they last longer than expected.
8 inch work boots are not always better. It all depends on what you need the boot to do for you, and your personal preference. 6 inch vs 8 in is a matter of choice that can’t be determined by this article alone.
FAQs:
Should you go down a size in work boots?
If work boots typically fit and feel tight, then it is worth going one size down.
It always depends on the individual customer and their particular foot anatomy. Generally speaking, we recommend to go a 1/2 size down because that provides for a more snug and natural fit.
However, if your normal shoe size has been perfect in our boots, than stay with what you’ve ordered.”
Many people immediately jump to the conclusion that they should return them all together because they can’t get them back on or they couldn’t get any of their toes crammed into the toe box enough to fasten them properly-that’s not likely the cause!
How do you determine boot height?
Boot height is not really something that can be set in stone. While it’s true that there are some boots that start at the ankle and go all the way up to just below the knee, this doesn’t mean they will be appropriate for everyone’s style and taste.
The most helpful general guidance we could offer is: If you’re wearing a short skirt or dress with your boots, don’t get anything taller than 3 inches, or you’ll feel like you have to constantly pull them down so everything stays covered. If on the other hand, your boot length won’t come up any higher than below your knees while wearing a dress-length skirt (say around 12 inches above your knee).
Is boot size the same as shoe size?
No. A shoe size (US) is the length in inches of your foot, not including the part that overlaps the other half on top. A boot size is measured on a different scale, more commonly by centimeters rather than inches, for European brands especially.
A typical conversion is that one inch = 2.5 cm = 10 cm, so if an American woman wears a size 7 shoe then she would wear a European 36-37 boot depending on the brand and style of boots desired. To be safe it’s recommended to always convert measurements either online or at retailers so you know exactly what you are ordering!
You May Also Like:
- Tips on How to Keep Knee High Boots up?
- Tips on How to Wear Snakeskin Boots?
- How Do Sorel Boots Fit? How to Make Them fit Perfectly
- Frye Boots Sizing – How to Fit Perfectly
- Ugg Boots Sizing: How Do They Fit and Work?

The BestofWorkBoots.com team is a group of dedicated footwear enthusiasts with a collective passion for boots, shoes, and all things related to footwear. Our team is committed to providing valuable insights, practical tips, and unbiased reviews to help readers find the perfect footwear for their needs. With extensive industry knowledge and a genuine love for quality craftsmanship, our team strives to be your go-to source for expert advice on work boots and beyond. Follow our captivating articles on BestofWorkBoots.com and discover the world of footwear through the eyes of our passionate team.