Do I Really Need Work Boots?

I talked with the recruiter at Roehl today about general things before I leave and he mentioned I might want to bring work boots, as wearing gym shoes could cause me to roll my ankle getting in and out of the truck. I really don't want to spend the money on them right now, but I do see where they would be handy, especially in the winter. I found a nice pair of waterproof ones today, but didn't pull the trigger yet because I wasn't sure if it was something I could wait to get or not. I appreciate any input!

When I went through last year they recommended it, but wasn't mandatory. Not sure if its changed. Probably not, kinda standard stuff

I bought a nice pair of Timberland boots which I really didn't want to afford, but those things turned out to be amazing. Spending a few bucks up front for me anyway, the right thing to do.

If you are going flatbed, some of the places you load and unload require you to have steel toe or safety toe shoes. Most of the time I wear tennis shoes. I just switch into my safety shoes if it is required. Just remember if you do flatbed, you have heavy chains that can smash a toe.

My guess is it would be a good idea for you to have steel toed boots from a safety standpoint. You will be working around heavy objects and it's best to give your feet as much protection as possible. I once dropped a piece of heavy gauge steel on my right big toe and it did damage to the nail bed that never healed. So now, every 6-8 months, my big toe nail falls off. :( So, you'll bet I won't make that mistake again.

Timberland and RED WING are great boots dont buy wallmart cheap boots

You can check out a local Army/Navy surplus store. There, I purchased a pair of steel-toed summer hiking shoes by Keen for $95. You may want to consider investing in something warmer for the on-coming cold weather. I know that sounds like a lot but they're worth every dime. I don't know if you're insured medically but during school, I was not. The cost of the shoes vs. the cost of a potential trip to the Emergency Department made the expense worthwhile. You will never regret protecting your feet as they will be essential to your livelihood in trucking. With injured feet, you cannot drive, therefore you cannot make a living.

-mountain girl

Thanks for the replies everyone! I stopped at the Red Wing store today and looked at a pair that I may end up getting. They aren't steel toed but a good all around boot that comes up over the ankles. I have a coupon for $30 off so it will help lessen the cost. I worry most about my feet getting wet and cold more than anything and these are waterproof so I think I will go back and get them. I don't think I would want to drive in them all of the time, but I know they won't go to waste!