Because the ballast is uneven and shifty, the best boots are low with a wide soft sole. Docs, mentioned before, are a perfect example. UP used to have them on their boot sheet, not sure if they still do.
I don't like steel toes, especially in the cold.
Hiking boots can work well, but remember to make sure they have a notch in front of the heel ot conform to the rules, many do not. Hiking boots often have pretty hard soles, but it's possible to find "light-hikers" that have softer soles and are also ventilated for summer use. The upside to using hiking boots is that many hiking stores have experienced fitters, and not having blisters can help with your attitude and continued employment prospects.
I agree about lineman boots being a bad idea, although I've worked in terminals where people wore them, the RedWing ones are more stable than the Carolinas I tried, but either one adds more height and therefore leverage against your ankle and knee joints when the ballast shifts underfoot.
In the end I like going as light and soft-soled and well-fitted as possible. If you need extra support, consider having some custom insoles made, or make your own like I do.
I don't like steel toes, especially in the cold.
Hiking boots can work well, but remember to make sure they have a notch in front of the heel ot conform to the rules, many do not. Hiking boots often have pretty hard soles, but it's possible to find "light-hikers" that have softer soles and are also ventilated for summer use. The upside to using hiking boots is that many hiking stores have experienced fitters, and not having blisters can help with your attitude and continued employment prospects.
I agree about lineman boots being a bad idea, although I've worked in terminals where people wore them, the RedWing ones are more stable than the Carolinas I tried, but either one adds more height and therefore leverage against your ankle and knee joints when the ballast shifts underfoot.
In the end I like going as light and soft-soled and well-fitted as possible. If you need extra support, consider having some custom insoles made, or make your own like I do.