Choose the Best Logger Boots to Stay Comfortable and Safe

Logging is a profession that’s not for the faint at heart. Your equipment, including your boots, can help or hinder your ability to do your job safely.

We’ve selected the top 6 best logger boots for you to choose from. Keep your feet comfortable and protected as you’re out in the field.

 

Our top 6 picks of the best logger work boots on the market right now

1. Wolverine Men’s Buckeye 8” Logger Boots

These logger boots include a waterproof breathable membrane lining to ensure your feet stay dry. A rubber outsole serves for traction and stability, and the boots include a solid steel shank to provide support on tough terrain.

 

2. Irish Setter Men’s Mesabi Work Boots

The Mesabi logger work boots include heat-resistant soles that can withstand over 475 degrees Fahrenheit. Full-grain waterproof leather works to keep moisture out, and they have a Lineman steel shank for protection and support.

 

3. Chippewa Women’s 8” L73050 Logger Boots

These insulated logger boots for women have a steel toe resistant to compression, impacts, and electrical hazards. Waterproofing comes in the form of an oiled black leather exterior and Chip-A-Tex membrane.

 

4. AdTec Women’s 9” Logger Boots

AdTec presents these soft-toed women’s logger boots featuring a Goodyear welt construction. The exterior is full-grain oiled leather, and an oil-resistant lug sole offers traction on slick surfaces.

 

5. Timberland PRO Men’s Rip Saw 9” Work Boots

The popular brand Timberland delivers logger boots with a contoured insole to provide comfort and combat foot fatigue on the job. The plate is puncture-resistant to protect your underfoot, and water-resistant leather works against dampness.

 

6. Georgia Men’s Logger G7313 Work Boots

The G7313 steel toe logger boots are covered by a warranty against leaks for one year after purchase. A steel shank and removable polyurethane orthotics keep your feet comfortable and aligned during long days on-site.

 

 

Reviews of the best insulated, steel or composite toe logger work boots

Due to the demanding nature of the job, logger boots must be durable, comfortable, and protective. You want to lower your risk of injury and alleviate sore feet while you work. These are our top 6 picks of the best logger boots.

 

1. Wolverine Men’s Buckeye 8” Logger Boots

Wolverine has been producing work boots and gloves for over 100 years. The company uses the same materials and methods as it did back in 1910 when it introduced the 1,000-mile boot.

 

These Buckeye logger boots are available in men’s sizes 7 to 14, with two widths available including medium and extra-wide. Sizes 12, 13, and 14 are sold in full sizes only.

This pair has an EAA toe that meets the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards for impact, compression, and electrical hazards. A steel shank works to support feet on unstable terrain, and a GORE-TEX membrane lining repels water while staying breathable.

A waterproof full-grain leather exterior provides resistance against soggy conditions, and the Vibram rubber outsole is made to sustain traction on bark or muddy ground. Goodyear welt construction allows for flexibility and durability as you walk or climb

If you’re looking for warmth in your logger boots, these could let you down. The price to pay for the lightweight build is a lack of insulation. You’ll also want to be careful when selecting your size, as some buyers complain these boots run large.

Pros

• Waterproof full-grain leather.
• Lightweight build.
• Steel shank support.
• EAA toe up to ASTM safety standards.
• Goodyear welt construction.
• Vibram rubber lug outsole.

Cons

• Not insulated.
• May not be true to size.

These logger boots are lightweight with an EAA toe that meets ASTM safety standards. Vibram rubber provides strong traction on precarious surfaces, and removable full-cushion insoles offer comfort.

 

2. Irish Setter Men’s Mesabi Work Boots

Manufacturer Irish Setter is known for producing outdoor footgear for work as well as leisure pursuits, such as hunting and hiking.

 

The Mesabi boots have soles resistant to melting at temperatures exceeding 475 degrees Fahrenheit. This footgear meets the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) electrical hazard safety standards and are anti-slip for balance. This video shows you this pair of logger boots in action.

These boots are treated to be resistant against gas, oil, and chemicals to stay protected from most threats on the job. The leather exterior is waterproof to prevent moisture seeping in, and full-grain for durability.

The soft-toe logger boots for men range from sizes 8 to 15. You have the option of half sizes up until 11.5. Beyond that, they only come in whole sizes. As for width, you can opt for medium (D) or extra-wide (EE).

You may have to acclimatize to these logger boots, as they can take some time to break in. A couple of customers report the sole wearing out or detaching from the boot after a year or less with intensive use.

Pros

• Meets ASTM electrical hazard safety standards.
• Resistant to abrasion, heat, oil, chemicals, and gas.
• Full-grain waterproof leather.
• Cushion comfort tongue.
• EVA foam insole.
• Anti-slip.

Cons

• Could take time to break-in.
• May wear out fast with frequent use.

These soft toe logger boots by Irish Setter meet ASTM safety standards against electrical hazards. The soles are anti-slip to keep you upright on unsteady surfaces, and they have a removable foam insole.

 

3. Chippewa Women’s 8” L73050 Logger Boots

Chippewa began manufacturing boots for loggers and engineers in 1901. These steel toe logger boots are available in sizes 6 to 11 in both regular and wide, with half sizes available. This means a better chance of a good fit.

The steel toe of these boots passes the ASTM safety requirements for electrical shock, compression, and impact. Oiled black leather and a Chip-A-Tex waterproof membrane serve to shield your feet from moisture. The outsole is made of durable Vibram rubber for traction.

These women’s logger boots come with a breathable Thinsulate insulation for warmth. The material ensures your feet stay warm when it’s cold but don’t overheat.

You should find the L73050 pair supportive, as they include cushioned Texon insoles. Wearers have commented that the insulated logger boots stay comfy long-term.

A possible downfall is that these logger boots are heavy. If you prefer lighter footwear, they may not be compatible.

Pros

• Steel toe meets ASTM standards.
• Waterproof oiled leather.
• Texon insoles for comfort.
• Steel shank for support.
• Vibram outsole.
• Breathable insulation.

Cons

• Heavy.

These insulated logger work boots can guard your toes from impact and compression. They have Texon insoles for support, and a waterproof membrane and exterior to keep water out.

 

4. AdTec Women’s 9” Logger Work Boots

AdTec offers us women’s logger boots in black, full-grain leather. Sizes span from 6 to 10, with half sizes available for an optimal fit.

 

These boots are 9-inches high in total, offering ankle stability and protection for your calves. The shaft measures roughly 7.75 inches from the arch. Laces enable you to adjust your boots to a secure fit for your build.

The lug soles are oil-resistant to ensure you don’t fall on slippery surfaces. Combined with the 1.5-inch heel, the boots offer traction on mud, snow, and more. Goodyear welt construction guarantees that your footgear should stay sturdy, as all the essential parts of the boot (insole, welt, and upper) are sewn together.

Plenty of buyers have praised these boots for being easy on the feet with a minimal break-in period. This feature is practical, as you don’t want blisters and sore feet to slow you down.

The tongue of the boot has padding to keep from rubbing you the wrong way. Although they don’t have insoles, the footbed includes lining for comfort.

A disadvantage of these AdTec boots is that the heel will eventually wear thin, the more miles you put on them. Quite a few buyers have had to re-heel them after a year or so.

Pros

• Oil-resistant sole.
• High shaft.
• Full-grain oiled leather.
• Goodyear welt construction.
• Break in quickly.
• Comfortable.

Cons

• Heels wear thin over time.

AdTec’s logger boots for women are built with an oil-resistant lug sole to hold firm on slippery surfaces. A high shaft with laces is helpful for a safe and secure fit.

 

5. Timberland PRO Men’s Rip Saw 9” Work Boots

Timberland PRO is an offset of the reputable bootmaker, Timberland. The PRO line specializes in hardy footgear for intense outdoor pursuits.

 

The RIP SAW boots are generously sized, ranging from 7 to 15 with half sizes up until 12. Widths available include regular and wide across the board.

These steel toe logger boots feature flame-laminated, Thermolite insulation. A puncture-resistant plate shields your feet from sharp objects. The leather upper is waterproof with an inner membrane for additional moisture protection.

There are many features to delve into when it comes to comfort. A contoured insole cushions your feet at key pressure points and impact zones, such as the heel. Shock-absorbing cones rebound under your feet when you walk for additional support, and to relieve foot fatigue.

Timberland is willing to wager the cost of these logger work boots on your satisfaction. If you’re not pleased with them after 30 days, you can return them for a refund or replacement.

There are two common complaints about this pair. One is that they’re heavy, which might not suit loggers who want lightweight footgear. Another is that the leather can wear down with time, exposing the toe.

Pros

• 30-day comfort guarantee.
• Built to minimize foot fatigue and pain.
• Puncture-resistant plate.
• Waterproof leather exterior.
• Three-rib steel shank for support.
• Antimicrobial lining.

Cons

• Heavy.
• Leather can wear thin at the toe.

The Timberland PRO high-shafted logger boots include a steel toe and puncture-resistant plate for safety. They’re designed to absorb shock to alleviate pressure from your feet, and come with a 30-day comfort guarantee.

 

6. Georgia Men’s Logger G7313 Work Boots

Georgia Boot started in 1937, with the intention to manufacture dependable and affordable work boots. The company has maintained this focus, specializing in boots to suit hardy outdoor professionals of all sorts.

 

These G7313 logger work boots come with a one-year limited warranty and a six-month waterproof guarantee. They’re sold in sizes 7 to 15; with half sizes up until 12 and a wide version available for each.

If you’re seeking hard-wearing steel toe logger boots, this pair might be right for you. They meet the ASTM standards for electrical hazards and dangers like impact and compression.

A steel shank offers support, and a cushioned insole and fully-lined collar keep your feet and ankles comfortable. You’ll also receive polyurethane inserts that you can take out and replace with your own if you don’t like them. A rear loop gives you leverage to pull them on and off.

The Georgia boots do have a disadvantage: they may fall apart fast if you put them through the wringer. Customers have reported the sole detaching from the boot or cracking after several months of daily wear.

Pros

• Waterproof.
• Eyelets set on steel washers.
• Steel toes up to ASTM standards.
• Abrasion-resistant heel.
• Cushioned insole and collar.
• Removable polyurethane inserts.

Cons

• Not too durable.

Removable orthotic inserts handle comfort while the steel toe and a tough rubber outsole work for safety. The Georgia loggers are waterproof to make sure your feet remain dry.

 

What Are Logger Boots?

Working as a logger is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. This video shows you the process of turning logs into usable lumber.

Logger boots are specialized work boots that are constructed with the risks of the profession in mind. There are attributes to consider when choosing a pair:

 

Sizing

Logger work boots need to be a perfect fit, or as close as you can get to one. Loose shoes don’t help with balance when you’re carrying a heavy load or operating a chainsaw on slick ground.

Tight boots can provoke foot pain and worsen foot ailments. Our guide to sizing work boots can help you figure out exactly what you need.

 

Waterproof

Forests and lumber yards can be damp, dank places to work. Plunging into a puddle or a wet pile of leaves can leave your feet drenched. Wet feet on a daily basis aren’t only uncomfortable but can heighten your chances of infection long-term.

 

Hard-Wearing Exterior

At the very least, your boots should be waterproof. Resistance to chemicals, oil, gas, and heat, would be practical, but may not be vital based on your job.

You have to determine what you’re exposed to on-site. Those of you who work directly with heavy machinery will need boots that don’t degrade when exposed to grease.

In the summer, metal like that on dozer tracks and other equipment can get overwhelmingly hot to stand on. You’ll want heat-resistant logger boots so that your feet don’t feel like they’re burning up.

 

Sturdy Build

You don’t want your shoes to fall apart fast. Deterioration can compromise the safety of your boots: a worn-away heel won’t grip as well, a flapping piece of material can be a fall risk.

Look for design attributes that encourage durability, such as abrasion-resistance. Many logger boots are constructed with a Goodyear welt to keep them in one piece for longer.

It’s a technique for constructing shoes in which the welt, insole, and upper are all stitched together. Then, these components are stitched to the outsole for additional resilience.

 

Thick Soles With a Strong Grip

Traction is non-negotiable whatever position you’re working in. It’s unavoidable that you’ll be walking across the forest floor, at least on occasion. That means logger boots must have thick, textured soles that are slip-resistant and higher heels to dig in

Thin soles won’t cut the harsh environments you have to walk through on a daily basis. You shouldn’t feel every spiky branch or rock underfoot. Slick tree bark and uneven ground aren’t easy to balance on; meaning logger boots must be built to grip.

 

High Shaft and Steel Shank for Support

You’re unlikely to find logger boots that are low-cut. The high shaft can lower your chances of a broken bone or a sprain if your ankle rolls.

It also inhibits water from getting into your boot. You may want a higher shaft (e.g., 9 inches) if you work on sites prone to deep puddles.

A steel shank underneath the arches provides additional support and also serves as a barrier against punctures. Not all logger boots have steel shanks, but many do. Our article on steel shanks explains more about these parts.

 

Comfort

Not every logger has feet that are in optimal health. If you’re prone to sore feet or have a condition such as flat feet, you should find footgear that offers support.

That can be in the form of cushioning, orthotics, or a special footbed design. If you have your own custom inserts, you might want logger boots with removable insoles so that you can take them out to make room for your own.

 

Laces Only

Pull-on boots won’t work for logging or most other extreme outdoor careers. Laces allow you to secure the boots safely around your calf. If there are gaps, you can be sure that water (or possibly debris) will get in.

 

ASTM Safety Standards

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is an institution that sets standards for countless products, materials, and services across the globe. That includes protective footgear such as logger work boots.

If you see an ASTM code for a pair of logger boots, you might want to know how to interpret it. The string of numbers and letters can tell you what dangers your boots can protect you from.

On that note, if you have a particular fear (e.g., punctures from sharp branches), try to choose a logger boot that meets ASTM standards for the issue.

Boot toes made of steel or other metals can save your toes from potentially crippling impacts.

The primary threats are electrical discharge and shock, sharp objects, and items that can roll or crush the foot. There are codes for both soft toe and toe cap boots.

 

Soft Toe Boot Codes

Those of you who operate machinery or scout for viable locations on-site may be able to get by with a soft toe. The code ASTM F2892 indicates the following:

• Conducive properties (Cd): The boots can discharge static to avoid the risk of igniting explosives or volatile chemicals.
• Electric hazard (EH): If your logger boots come into contact with live electricity, they can protect you from electrocution.
• Puncture resistant (PR): The materials of the boots are resistant to punctures from sharp objects.

 

Toe Cap Boot Codes

Crush injuries are always a possibility when you have to get hands-on with enormous pieces of lumber. If you’re a choke setter or a faller, you’ll likely want a toe cap to protect your toes from falling or rolling wood. Boot toes made of steel or other metals can help you avoid damage from potentially crippling impacts.

There are two types of toe caps: steel and composite. Steel is self-explanatory, and composite toes are made of plastic materials that don’t rust. Some companies may also use a toe cap made of other metals, such as aluminum alloys.

Toe cap logger boots with the code ASTM F2413-11 meet the ASTM’s minimum requirements for protective footgear. You may see other codes after this one, which can include one or more of these:

• C/75: This code refers to compression resistance. If an object weighing up to 2,500 pounds rolls over the cap, half an inch of clearance will shield your toes.
• EH: Your boots can hold up against electrical currents up to 18,000 volts at 60 hertz in dry conditions for one minute.
• I/75: The first letter in this code stands for impact. I/75 denotes that the toe cap can withstand an item dropped on it weighing up to 75 pounds. You’ll still have up to 0.5 inches of clearance in men’s boots, and 0.47 inches for women’s boots.
• PR: Your footwear is resistant to punctures from various objects.
• SD: SD, or static dissipation, means the boots can dissipate static.
• SR: Logger boots marked with this code have slip-resistant soles.

 

Insulated but Breathable

Insulated logger boots keep your feet from freezing during bitter winters outdoors. Usually, the insulation is a synthetic fabric that isn’t too thick or heavy, such as 3M’s Thinsulate.

At the same time, logging means you’re bound to work up a sweat all over pretty quickly. Despite often being insulated, logger boots are usually breathable to keep your feet from cooking.

If you’re prone to stinky feet, you may want logger boots made with antimicrobial fabric to help your feet stay fresh.

 

Weight

Logger boots will never be as light as your athletic sneakers, but they can come in different weights. Some of you may feel more grounded with a hefty pair, whereas others might prefer not to feel weighed down. The right weight will depend on your job and personal preference.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do Logger Boots Have a High Heel?

If you’re used to flatter work boots, you may be questioning why logger boots appear to have an unusually high heel. The heel is to enhance the traction of the sole. A shorter heel is more likely to slip rather than grip.

 

Why Are Logger Boots Tall?

A high shaft keeps water out of your logger boots and stabilizes your ankle. If you twist your ankle in an accident, you don’t want it to roll to an extreme angle and fracture.

 

Are Logger Boots Comfortable?

How comfy your logger boots are will depend on the pair you buy. You can make your footgear feel better by adding custom orthotics if you want. Ensuring that your boots are the correct size for your feet will go a long way towards preventing discomfort.

 

Work Safely

Quality workwear is crucial for an occupation such as logging. Wearing protective footwear isn’t only about following legal safety regulations.

You want to avoid painful and debilitating injuries at all costs. Logger boots can also reduce your risk of bodily injury by preventing falls and accidents like sprains.

Bearing in mind that not all logging jobs are identical, we can’t pick a winner. All of the options on our list provide a balance between comfort and safety, both of which are crucial for a day’s work. We hope you found the best logger boots for your unique position in the lumber industry.

Share our article with fellow loggers, current or aspiring. Leave your thoughts about logging and logger footgear in the comments.