WHAT IS A HI-LEG BOOT?
As the name suggests, this type of boot goes above the ankle and higher up the leg than a lot of standard work boots or hikers. Hi-leg boots will often have a side zip as well as a traditional lacing system.
A quick history of the high-leg
A popular theory is that hi-leg boots were developed largely to replace the rigger boot. Legend has it that riggers were designed without laces for those working in offshore oil rigs (hence the name) because if a worker fell into the water, the boots could be removed quickly. However, the downside was that with no lace system, riggers couldn’t offer enough ankle support, particularly if they were being worn in environments with loose or unpredictable terrain.
ANKLE AID – ENTER THE HIGH-LEG
With their securely fastened material that went higher up the leg, high-legs provided this secure ankle support, preventing the wearer rolling or twisting their ankle when walking on uneven ground, while the side zipper still allowed for their quick removal.
OTHER BENEFITS OF THE HI-LEG
ANKLE PROTECTION
The hi-leg isn’t just about keeping the ankle from rolling – it's also about impact protection. The extra material also shields the ankle from impact from swinging machinery or heavy objects at or above foot height.
KEEPING OUT THE COLD
Another benefit of the hi-leg and its extended leg material? Warmth! If you’re working outdoors and particularly in the winter months, keeping the feet and the ankles warm helps you:
- Keep comfortable
- Focus on safety
- Stay productive
Interested in how to keep your feet warm on a winter shift? Head to this handy blog.
And let’s not forget, the side-zip is made for convenience too. Before or after a shift, it’s a big bonus to be able to whip your work boots on and off in a matter of seconds.
WHERE SHOULD I WEAR A HI-LEG BOOT?
As always, it comes down to environment and role.
We recommend a hi-leg boot to keep you safe and comfortable if you work:
- On uneven or loose ground
- On or around grass
- In a role where water or muck could get into your boot
- In an environment with a risk of impact and laceration to the ankle
So, if you work in the following job roles, a high-leg could be the right boot for you:
- Rail Maintenance - where ballast makes the ground uneven and heavy machinery and sleepers could impact the ankles
- Landscaping or Groundswork - where grass can be kicked or mowed up and enter down the back of footwear
- Waste Disposal or Groundswork - where mud and muck can enter via the top of the boot
- Oil and gas - where stairs and gantries can cause ankle twists, and water is common so can easily get into the boot
- Construction - where terrain can be uneven or loose and feature heavy objects at foot height
- Milling or Lathing - in a factory where sharp swarf can get caught up and cut the ankles or Achilles
💦 WATER-RESISTANT OR WATERPROOF?
We’ve mentioned water a number of times in this article so far, but we all know that you’ll come into contact with different amounts depending on what you do and where you do it. But the good news is that hi-legs can be waterproof or water-resistant, depending on the amount of water you’re exposed to, and how frequently you’re exposed to it.
WATER-RESISTANT:
“THE SIDE ZIP MAKES TAKING THEM ON AND OFF SO MUCH EASIER AND FASTER... THE LACE TENSION ALSO REMAINS CONSTANT SO COMFORT LEVELS REMAIN THE SAME ALL THE TIME.”
Wearer review on the E1300.01 Defiant
If you work in both indoor and outdoor settings and only find your boots being subjected to splashes or the occasional shower, a water-resistant style will be perfect.
E1300.01 DEFIANT IGS 
We worked alongside a number of global oil and gas companies to develop this sturdy but lightweight hi-leg boot.
Defiant (pictured) is constructed from full grain leather, which gives it natural durability and water resistance, while its side zip means this hi-leg is fully adjustable, giving the wearer ease, comfort, and the all-important ankle support and protection.
WATERPROOF:
If you work in and around water daily and it regularly comes into contact with you and your boots, you’ll be needing a waterproof hi-leg.
V1750 DEFENDER STS
“LOVE THE WAY THE ANKLE SUPPORT ACTUALLY FITS ROUND YOUR ACHILLES FOR EXTRA COMFORT.”
Test Pilot feedback on the V1750 Defender STS 
The Defender (pictured) was specifically developed for the rail industry, so its workers had the footwear that could meet the demands of this sector’s challenging outdoor environment. Defender’s waterproof construction means the wearer might be relaying ballast in the rain or repairing the track after a flood – either way, their feet are staying completely dry.
Along with its STSTM sole for gripping outdoor surfaces and advanced Poron shock-absorbing ankle protection, it’s no surprise Defender won ‘Best Innovation in Footwear’ at the 2021 PCIAW Awards.
YOUR NEXT SAFETY HI-LEG?
The Defiant and Defender might be seriously high-performing customers, but they are just a few of the recruits from our hi-leg range. Let’s get acquainted with the rest.
VR620.01 AVENGER IGS
The water-resistant zip-sided hi-leg Avenger (pictured) was developed by working with a renowned Oil and Gas company.
This resilient boot has become a huge hit for teams working on both off and onshore environments, because it ensures:
- Feet are comfortable and protected with a midsole and toecap
- No hassle with a non-snagging lacing
- Comfort when driving or on ladders with a padded scoop collar
- Stability with the superb slip-reducing IGSTM sole unit
And safety, comfort and durability is stitched into every aspect of our hi-leg boots. That’s why we’ve thought of details like giving the wearer enhanced visibility with a reflective strip, as well as ensuring Defiant gives its owner a longer life with a durable scuff cap and anti-scuff heel.
V1255.01 ROCKY
“I WORK IN HARSH ENVIRONMENTS AND THE WATERPROOFNESS AND BREATHABILITY HAS BEEN FAULTLESS.”
Wearer review on the V1255.01 Rocky
Rocky (pictured) is a super-resilient hi-leg boot. Its zip-side allows the wearer to get the boot off and on efficiently, while its high leg construction offers outstanding ankle support and comfort. But it doesn’t stop there. Wearing Rocky also means:
- Feet stay dry with its breathable waterproof lining
- Long-lasting protection through its top-quality full grain leather
- Water and dirt won’t find their way in with a waterproof covered zip and bellows tongue
- You get maximum ankle support and comfort with a padded collar
And just like Defiant and Avenger, V12's Rocky keeps it wearer stable and safe with the innovative IGSTM anti-slip sole, which is perfect for slippery or contaminated man-made floors, as opposed to the Defender’s STSTM grip, developed to aid the wearer on more natural, outdoor terrain. If you want to learn more about the difference between these grip types and what sole tread you think you need for your workplace, learn all you need to know about V12’s two industry-leading sole units here.
YOU’VE DONE THE HI-LEG WORK – NOW THE FUN PART
So now you’re a hi-leg expert, the next thing you’ll want to do is explore our award-winning range! As you’ve already seen, we've got zip-sides, laces only, ankle protection, waterproof linings, premium quality leather and a whole lot more, so click below and get the safety and support you (and your ankles) need.
