There is no doubting the fact that contemporary walking boots are by far the most comfortable for everyday use. Walking boots are often a more sturdy and protective variant of trainers. They are very much designed with the intention of being warn regularly as why else would someone intent on hiking buy them? By definition, they are intended for use by those who plan to walk for any number of miles on their weekend adventures. These people will be walking through the wilds, ascending steep gradients and all sorts of things you never do at work. Few shoes will be able to compete with walking boots in terms of basic comfort.
Shoes are mainly designed to assist you in looking smart in your suit; they are rarely designed for comfort. Whilst they are on your feet for a number of hours, most people don't tend to walk very far in them. I've never seen someone wearing a pair of work shoes for hiking but I've seen plenty of people, especially those who run their own businesses, wearing Merrell hiking shoes for work! Shoes look wonderful whilst resting next to your chair for use in the morning, but they sure don't feel too great after a few hours of wear or a short walk for your lunch. They do soften once you have warn them for a while, but this takes an eternity. If you have already hurt your foot from wearing those uncomfortable shoes the day before the pain can be tough to take. Sometimes even wearing trainers when you have taken your shoes off can be painful as your feet are so damaged.
There are a few companies like Hush Puppies who have identified a niche in the market for those who desire comfort. Given the blistering and cuts on your heel you usually get from wearing work shoes these have captured significant interest from the working public. These are definitely the right way to go if your feet are sensitive which, let's face it, most are. Shoes are something we have to accept that we need to wear, but we may as well wear what makes the experience as tolerable as possible.
Most companies do ask their employees to dress smartly for work. From my own experience, not that many are too concerned about what type of shoes you wear, so you can exercise a large amount of autonomy. For most jobs you will be able to wear 'casual' shoes, but you are unlikely to be able to get away with walking boots in most instances - the business owner being the exception. It depends very much upon the way the business operates and whether customers visit the offices regularly. If you work at an accountants or lawyers there is unlikely to be much leeway as they have a specific image to uphold.
Not all businesses are particularly formal in their dress code. Some 'liberated' places allow their employees to wear smart casual dress on a Friday. Even if they aren't allowed to wear walking boots during the rest of the week they will be able to wear them on a Friday. Sadly, Monday to Thursday is likely condemn you to your regular work shoes and the normal associated aches and pains.
Other businesses have a completely casual dress code. These companies don't mind what you wear, provided that what you have on is clean and isn't instigating some sort of hatred. Even with things the way they are today, I don't see how anyone can interpret wearing walking boots in that way. For this lucky group of people blisters and cuts are a thing of the past.
