You will have definitely already seen a moc toe boot, perhaps you’ve even owned a pair. It’s one of those very typical things that you don’t always expect to have a name – like an aglet (which is the metal or plastic sheath that keeps the ends of your laces together, if you didn’t know).
A “moc” toe describes the U-shaped stitching around the toes, inspired by the moccasin-style of dress shoes – which is where the “moc” comes from in the name.
A moc toe is most typically found in work boots or heavy-duty shoes for people who are going to be spending a lot of time in them and require more flexibility and structure than with another shoe.
What Are The Benefits?
A moc toe boot has several advantages over other styles of shoes, primarily because they are flexible, protective like a work boot, whilst still looking stylish, meaning that you don’t have to sacrifice your appearance for the sake of practicality.
A moc toe gives you the flexibility to walk, climb, stretch, and even bend down on your haunches (something that can be basically impossible in some shoes) with comfort and ease.
A lot of people prefer the moc toe to a big bulky work boot as most of the time they still meet work safety requirements, whilst looking better and being far more comfortable.
With that in mind, here are some of the primary benefits you’ll get from a moc toe boot.
Protective Style
One of the best features of a moc toe boot is the fact that they can protect your toes from injury should you be out adventuring in the great outdoors, or working in construction, or even bar work (dropping a bottle of wine on your feet is no laughing matter, believe me).
They are typically made with ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) internationally-recommended protection features like compression, puncture and slip resistance, and impact toughness.
Meaning that you can wear them in whatever scenario with confidence and trust that your feet will have some security against the elements or other falling objects. You can even get them in as steel-capped, for added protection.
Pinterest link to picture: https://pin.it/7jBkBJ5
Insulated
As with any shoe, you can purchase moc toe boots with a variety of insulation levels, the regular weight is 400g of Thinsulate, but can range from anything between 200g to 2000g, depending on the level of insulation that you require for whatever your activities involve.
If you need to work outside, or if you just don’t want to have to give up your outdoor activities just because it’s winter, you can guarantee that your boots will keep your feet warm and comfortable. On the other hand, if you live or work in a warm environment then you could always opt for low-grade insulation and live a life free from sweaty feet.
Water-Resistance
Most moc toe work boots are treated with wax to make them water-resistant, or you would also be able to get them coated with a special substance that would make them totally waterproof.
These are two different things and if you’re needing shoes that can survive a torrential downpour and the resulting puddles without leaving you with soggy socks, you’ll need to ensure that you get waterproof boots and not just water-resistant.
It should also be noted that some shoes are advertised as being waterproof, but don’t have any liner, meaning that the exterior of the shoe is waterproof, but not the inside. The U-shaped stitching may look distinctive but isn’t great at keeping water in, so you want to make sure that there’s an internal lining if you’re wanting to avoid the previously mentioned wet socks.
For total protection, you’ll want to do some detailed research into your shoes to check what level of resistance they have against the elements.
Comfort And Support
These shoes are designed to have great arch support, making them comfortable to wear for even the longest shift on your feet.
Although I can’t guarantee that your feet won’t hurt after a 10-hour shift behind a bar, moc toes should at least have supported your feet for the duration, and they will also make it easier to get back on them for your next shift, instead of being crippled for a few days.
Although they come in a variety of styles (by which I mean high-tops or low-tops, to borrow phrasing from Vans), moc toes boots generally have great support for your ankles as well, which is great if you’re planning on doing any long, difficult walks in them.
They’re also pretty light0eight, which adds to the overall comfort and can also include comfort-enhancing features such as padded tongues and foot arches.
Pinterest link to picture: https://pin.it/y0lW3JA
Final Thoughts
There are many benefits to getting moc toe boots, especially if you’re a worker that needs protection from the elements and potential hazards, but also requires flexibility and wouldn’t mind looking stylish whilst doing it all.
There are definitely things to bear in mind – including how difficult it can be to clean them, and how to get the best out of them, you need the budget to cover them.
However, so long as you do your research into the brand you’re buying from and check that they’re going to have everything you’re wanting out of them, then you will find the long-term investment of a good pair of moc toe boots will be more than worth it.
FAQ
Q: How Long Does It Take To Wear-in Moc Toe Boots?
A: Due to the flexible construction of these shoes, it actually doesn’t take long for you to break in moc toe boots before you can be comfortable getting to work or getting on your hike. These shoes should be supportive and comfortable from your first wear.
Q: How Do You Clean Moc Toe Boots?
A: This will depend on the style and material used to make your shoe. Typically they’re leather, and so will need to be cared for the way you would any leather shoe. However, you’ll want to take care of the U-shaped seam. As it’s raised, this part of the shoe can collect a lot of dirt and become a little gross, however, if you take a brush to it, just be careful as it can be quite easy to damage the stitching. Always follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer, or you could follow any number of how-to guides that can be found online.
Pinterest link to picture: https://pin.it/wWDdOoq
