6 Best Chainsaw Boots – Full Protection & Comfortable

Published on: March 9, 2022
Written by Eric Devin / Fact-checked by David Rowan

Wearing safety gear is a must for a tree surgeon. Because they have a huge risk of getting injured by the tool very easily.

One of the most vital safety gear is safety boots or chainsaw boots. They can protect your feet from cuts or falling tree logs.

While choosing a pair of chainsaw boots, you should think that you won’t feel uncomfortable if you have to work for a long time and can protect your feet from an accident.

So choosing the right pair may not be so easy for you. You need to consider some important features that make a safety boot the best one.

And they are-

How to Select Accurate Chainsaw Boots

The best pair of safety/ chainsaw boots can ensure to protection of your foot from accidental chainsaw cuts, falling objects, sharp objects, slippery work surfaces, or cold temperatures.

Having a good quality boot is a must before starting to work with a chainsaw or other power tools. So try to get a pair that matches you and makes you comfortable at work. You can consider the mentioned features while buying to get the best one.

Toe Cap

The most important thing you should not skip is the toe cap of the boots. That means the boots need to have a steel cover at their toe box. Though the steel casing can increase the weight of the boots the shielding is the best to compensate for this.

In addition, as steel is a good conductor of heat, your boots will become cold after a while if your working area is cold.

Nowadays, you’ll find boots are made with different alternative materials like- alloy and composite toe caps. Among these two, the alloy is lightweight but less protective in the case of compressive forces. On the other hand, composites are lightweight and also able to provide the least protection.

No matter which type you choose, check that the toe caps must meet or exceed the EN 1SO 20345:2011 safety standard. Only then they can withstand 200 joules of force & up to 15 KN stationery force pressure.

If the boots don’t meet the requirement, just tick it off from your loss.

Protection Classes

Every chainsaw comes with different degrees of protection which determine how trustworthy the safety boot is. This is the reason the shielding is categorized into 3 classes.

Class 1 boots are able to stop the chain speeds up to 20 m/s, class 2 can do it at 24 m/s and class 3 stops the spinning at 28 m/s. 

Generally, most of us think that class three boots are more expensive than class one but you can find many class three boots cheaper than them.

So you need to find boots that can protect you from the speed of your chainsaw. This means you also need to consider the speed of your chainsaw.

Legislation

The chainsaw is the most dangerous tool among all other power tools and it becomes worse when mishandled or any unwanted accident occurs. This is why your safety boots should match some basic regulations before being considered the best ones.

A good quality safety boot must be able to mitigate any risks according to EN 1SO 20345:2011, the most used safety standard legislation.

According to the legislation, your boots must meet the requirements-

• Toe cap testing
• Construction of rubber
• Heat resistance capability up to 3000C
• Cleated boots
• Includes a penetration-resistant midsole
• Waterproof uppers
• Able to resist static electricity & possess an energy-absorbing heel.

Fit and Comfort

Choose a pair of boots that is considerably lightweight so you won’t feel fatigued and sore after spending a couple of hours in them.

If you need to spend a long time on rugged terrain, make sure to have an ergonomically designed boot to avoid fatigue. This type of boots will help you to reduce joint pains and aches in other parts of your body.

If you’re planning to buy your boots online, make sure that they are the right size for your feet.

Durability

Another important fact you should check before buying a pair is durability. Make sure that the material with which the boots are made is really of high quality and can serve you for a long time.

So check well for the reviews of the shortlisted books and previous customers’ opinions about the longevity of the boot, then choose for you.

Working Environment

Considering your working environment is another important fact in buying your safety boots. For example,

Cold places require well-insulated boots, but they heat up quickly so they are not suitable for hot places or summertime.

For slippery areas, choose boots with slip-resistance outsoles. If you have to work in a different climbing work area, boots with ankle support are the right choice.

If you are a professional woodworker who needs to work for a long time with chainsaws and wood, look for lightweight boots.

Ease of Cleaning

It is obvious for woodworkers to cover with sawdust, tree sap, mud, or a lot of grime & grease. So you need a boot that is easy to clean after use because if you’re not able to clean it thoroughly, it’d get damaged earlier than normal.

The cleaning process may differ from brand to brand. Some are machine washable, some are instructed to clean with a brush or sponge.

Choose the one with which process you are comfortable after working for a long period of time.

Security Features

The justifications for why one requirement to have chainsaw boots in addition to some other pair of shoes are the well-being highlights in these boots. These elements incorporate cut security, waterproof, twist versatile, elastic sole, and steel cap. You really want to discount from your rundown any boot coming up short on these elements.

Budget

This is the fact you must think of while buying your boots. Generally, we all think that expensive products are really high quality. But it is not true for all time!

If you spend a good amount of time researching the product you need, you’ll find one within your budget.

Match the features with your requirements and pick one of your budgets.

View Top 6 Chainsaw Boots Reviews, Below

1. Viking Footwear-Class 2 Chainsaw Boot

• Air-cushioned 1.25″ heel;
• reflective stripe;
• Grade 1 steel toe.

Unlike any normal steel-toe gum boot, these chainsaw boots are spacious for bigfoot people. These high-knee boots will reach right under your knees for good protection. There is a shoelace on top of the ‘shin’ part so that you can secure it around your shin. The lace makes these boots adjustable for different foot sizes.

These are not insulated boots, but still, you will be able to wear them with wooly socks. There is much room for socks in it. These boots are made of 100% rubber and the inner part has a canvas lining. But that doesn’t make it much more breathable.

For small sizes, there are not many options from this model. So, women may need to choose from other models. However, these boots will give you protection against mid-level chainsaw speed up to 25 m/s. The air-cushioned heels make it comfortable to wear for a long time.

Pros

• Suitable for wide feet;
• Rugged finish;
• Anti-slip and abrasion-resistant.

Cons

• Not very breathable;
• Difficult to wear because of the small top cuff.

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2. Rock Fall Kevlar Lining Steel Toe Chainsaw Boots

• Kevlar and Sympatex lining;
• Cut Level 3 certified.

Maybe the current boots you are using while operating a chainsaw is good enough for giving safety. But is it good enough to walk on slippery ground or even tricky places-like ladders? Most often people use a ladder to trim the top branches who don’t own pole saws. Misplacement of a foot or slipping off can cause severe injury. For staying safe even in those circumstances, we need boots that have a better grip along with cutting resistance properties.

These boots from Rock Fall are not widely purchased online, hence it doesn’t have enough reviews to judge. But it has all the magical properties to keep you safe against slipping off a ladder, getting crushed by a fallen branch or log, getting injured by a chainsaw, and so on.

There are several linings of breathable and cut-resistance fabric in the insoles of these shoes. And the outsole is made protective from the toe to the heel. To make it comfortable, the inner sole has a moisture-absorbent bed. Overall, these are comfortable and protective shoes to pair with a chainsaw.

Pros

• Ladder grip on sole;
• Kevlar lining gives better-cut resistance;
• Heatproof outsole.

Cons

• Not widely used.

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3. Viking Footwear Safety Chainsaw Boot

• 1.5″ heel;
• 100% rubber;
• Rubber sole;
• Pull-on rubber boot with contrast tone at heel and toe.

To stop an ever-spreading forest fire, only splashing water doesn’t help. To prevent spreading a big fire in the forest, only one option works undoubtedly and that is, cutting a part of the past around the fire. This way, the fire separates from the forest and stops eventually. However, cutting trees in that situation requires courage and extra protective equipment.

These firefighter boots are meant for fighters who especially need to use a chainsaw to put at least on a forest fire. Other than making these chemical and fire-resistant, these are highly supportive as well. Extra support and padding in the interior of the boots to prevent ankle rollover. This also helps to provide arch support so that any fatigue will not be felt even after hours of running.

Putting these boots on is super easy. There are a pair of rubber straps on top; just pull them upward and that’s it, you are ready in seconds. These boots are very expensive. To make them resistant to high-speed chainsaws and fire, high-quality materials are used.

Pros

• Steel toe and plate;
• Comfortable ergonomic insole;
• Steel shank for stability;
• Best for forest firefighters;
• Flame and chemical resistance;
• Excellent support upon long use.

Cons

• Expensive.

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4. Viking Footwear Journeyman Waterproof Boot

• 1″ heel;
• Ultra-flexible: Exceeds 305,000 flex rating;
• SBR blended NR upper with cotton canvas lining;
• Highly chemical-resistant rubber upper.

Though the name suggests that these are journeyman waterproof boots, I prefer using these for construction sight as well. In construction sites, workers often need to use chainsaws to cut out debris for easier cleanup. Thick platform shoes like this journeyman boot, neither will you feel any debris not get hurt by those.

These are slip-on boots with adjustable nylon cuffs. The lace on the calf makes sure that the residues from debris or wood dust from sawing will not enter the boots. These high-quality boots are compatible with ice studs. Using those, you can do bushwacking even in the snowy winter as well.

With only 2 pounds shipping weight, these shows are suitable for walking long distances. Still, toes are great for giving protection against high-speed chainsaws. However, some have complained about the discomfort of protective foam on the interior of the boots. Wearing a sock minimizes such discomfort and makes wearing boots much more comfortable.

Pros

• Compatible with ice studs;
• Suitable to use in construction sites;
• Lightweight;
• Adjustable cuff for dust proofing.

Cons

• No cons.

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5. Viking Men’s MET Guard Chainsaw Boots

• Achilles tendon and ankle protection;
• Abrasion-, air-cushioned, and slip-resistant 100% natural rubber lug sole;
• Ultra-flexible: Exceeds 305,000 flex rating;
• SBR blended NR upper with polyester lining.

While cutting wood from the forest, the better grip of the boots is preferred over better protection from the chainsaws. The detachable caulks of this model are great not only for forests but also for hiking or on icy surfaces. These are not meant for winters though, because these are not insulated. But with a pair of socks, these boots can be used all year round even in the winter. This way, you can save on expensive insulated boots.

These boots are fully laced, from ankle to shin to give better fittings. The polyester lining on the other hand gives unmatched flexibility and conforms to what you need and want in terrain walking. These are not well protected like steel toe ones but are wearable for low-range chainsaw use. Like collecting firewood or cleaning up after a storm and so on.

Pros

• Highly chemical resistant rubber upper;
• Suitable for forest and hiking;
• Calks can be replaced;
• Comfortable and long-wearing.

Cons

• No cons.

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6. Viking Footwear Caulked Chainsaw Boot

• 1’’ heel;
• 0.5″ platform.

Using chainsaws on slippery or terrain surfaces is hectic. A pair of steel-toe spiked chainsaw boots can be considered a lifesaver in those situations. These will give you the grip on the surface you need, the protection against the chainsaw you want, and the comfort you deserve. So that you can deliver the best you can.

These boots have air-cushioned heels to make them comfortable and ultra-flexible. These are not insulated, but still, you can survive through winter with the same shoes. Just purchase bigger shoes of one or two sizes. You will have room for socks and liners. It is a laced-up boot, so, in the summer there will not be much problem with the extra room.

The cotton canvas lining makes these boots breathable in the summer. But to be honest, the weight of these shoes is too much for long-distance walking or for long-wearing.

Pros

• Caulked for better grip;
• Steel toe;
• Mid Class chainsaw protected.

Cons

• Heavy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Chainsaw Boots Necessary?

Here are some factors why you would like these boots once you work with chainsaws: They protect the feet from flying debris and wood chips. … albeit the running chainsaw comes in touch with the boot, your foot is going to be safe.

Does Walking on Concrete Hurt Your Knees?

The reality, however, is that a tough concrete floor takes a toll on the body thanks to its inflexibility. Having to face and walk on hard concrete floors for long periods of your time can cause sore feet, swollen legs, and even knee and back pain. Over time, workers may suffer from injuries and/or chronic pain.

Is It Bad to Wear Equivalent Shoes Every Day?

You shouldn’t wear an equivalent pair of shoes a day — here’s why. … That sounds pretty gross, but it’s very normal — as long as you give the shoe ample time to dry. “If you wear an equivalent pair every day, your shoes do not have ample time to dry, and they won’t maintain their shape,” Kass told us.

What are the Different Classes of Chainsaw Boots?

Chainsaw boots are accessible in three categories of protection. Each class shows how the boots will be impenetrable to the speed of the clear-cutting tool, and whether the cutting tool can be turned off or not. The cutting tool boot Class 1 is weak for speeds of 20 m / s, while Class 2 has additional barriers of up to 24 m / s.

What Should I Look for in a Chainsaw Boot?

Steel toecaps and a cut-safe trim across the whole front of the foot give great assurance, cushioning inside the boots combined with breathable and waterproof material guarantees all the more all-around solace at work.

How Long Do Chainsaw Boots Last?

Altogether, work safety footwear will last anywhere between six and one years in a normal workplace.

Conclusion

Hope this guideline will help you to choose your chainsaw boots easily. Because while working with a dangerous power tool like a chainsaw, you must protect yourself with proper safety gear. And safety boots are the ones that can protect your feet from any unwanted cut or other accident.

The selection process is very easy!

Check the mentioned features carefully, and match them with the available models and your needs, most specifically, your working area, the type of your chainsaw, comfort level, and durability. Then pick the one that suits your requirement best.

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