As an arborist, it is important to use personal protective equipment. There are a lot of risks if you expose your body and ignore the common basic protection guards. One of such protectors is the chainsaw boots.
You may underestimate the value of a pair of safety boots for certain work. But when it comes to tree cutting with a chainsaw, it can be the difference between a life-altering, minor, or serious injury.
Moreover, the shoes keep you safe and protected during the whole process. You need the best chainsaw boots that have certain unique features as you will learn in this review. See also our recommendations on the best chainsaw, best chainsaw sharpeners, best chainsaw gloves. and the gas-powered chainsaws.
Best Chainsaw Safety Boots Reviews
1. Viking Footwear Class 2 Chainsaw Boot
One of our top picks for chainsaw footwear is the Viking Footwear Class 2 Chainsaw boots. A pair of boots offer protection in the possible case of cutting. It’s not always saw-protection that holds you safe from. Often, these boots withstand shocks from tree logs which can accidentally drop on your feet.
This is made from 100% rubber, the shoes remain crack-free, supportive, provide outstanding shock absorption and extended period of use. For durability, the upper boots are made of Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), mixed with Natural Rubber (NR).
The rubber is chemical abrasion-resistant. The upper portion is often lined with inside cotton fabric for good absorbency and comfort for the user.
The boots’ are air-cushioned against external shocks and impacts to shield the ankle and Achilles tendon. The boots’ hood is composed of a rubber strap and lined with a bright belt for visibility in dimly lightened conditions.
It is known for its slip-resistance, Nitrile Rubber (NBR) is used to create the lug sole for this pair of boots. If you are on the run it leaves your foot steady.
Pros
- Chemical resistance
- Slip-resistant lug sole
- Keep the Achilles and ankles safe
- Comfortable to wear
- Sweat-absorbent cotton canvas lining
- Steel toe protection
- Ideal for a variety of chainsaw users
Cons
- Poor breathability
- Difficult to put on and off
2. Rock Fall RF328 Chatsworth Black Chainsaw Boots
Rock Fall RF328 chainsaw boots are made of Kevlar. At this point, we all know how tough and robust Kevlar is, more so in terms of providing protection from outside forces. Falling rocks, jackets, and chainsaw cuts are only a few examples.
One of the features that we believe stand out from these boots is the crushing and shock resistance properties of the toe cap. The steel cap in the toe area acts as the shield against these opponents. These boots are actually certified in class 3 to provide enough user protection.
The midsole is a more comforting feature, in addition to the toe cap. This midsole is made up of a composite that protects your foot from sharp objects which can enter the boots from below. Several Kevlar layers cover the boot with additional resistance to abrasion.
When climbing ladders a Vibram brace outsole operates to your benefit. The safety boots hold the ladder tightly, preventing falls while operating at high elevations. Ball-bearing eyelets help the process of pulling through the laces while tying them up.
Let’s accept that when the boots become uncomfortable, certain features are of no use. The footbed is made absorbent to counter this and provided an excellent moisture wicking capacity for optimal breathability. The shoelaces are, however, very flimsy.
Pros
- Excellent cut resistance by Kevlar
- Waterproof
- Protective steel toe cap
- Flexible midsole
- Easy to tighten boot laces
- Anti-static footwear
- Impressive heat resistance
- Windproof
- Certified for safety
Cons
- Flimsy shoelaces
- Heavy
- Breathability poor at times
3. ARBORTEC Scafell Lite Chainsaw Boots
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The ARBORTEC Scafell Lite Chainsaw Boots are the best chainsaw boots from a footwear line by Arbotec. The new product includes a modern 4 density sole package plus a composite-made midsole assembly.
Such construction materials give safety boot durability, weight reduction, flexibility, and stability. Most impressively, the boots have a safety rating Class II, which ensures they can defend you from chain speeds of up to 24 meters per second (54 meters an hour, 4724 feet a minute).
The Scafell chainsaw boots are often fitted with a number of other features intended to ease the tree work profession. Every case a heavy object falls on your foot it contains a steel toe cap for preventing the pain from your toes.
Although the midsole is puncture-resistant, it is still flexible enough in any step you create to ensure a smooth foot transition. A Vibram sole provides adequate traction either on unstable grounds or while climbing ladders for certain dangerous overhead works.
The feature we appreciate in those safety boots is the combination of breathability and waterproofing. This allows it lighter on the feet, more so when going out in the forests for extended periods. The boots are too rigid and heavy to certain consumers in an attempt to stifle puncturing.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Great protection from high-speed chains
- Excellent gripping soles
- Easily to slip into
- Resistant to wear and tear
- Soft, comfortable tongue
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Pricey
4. Viking Footwear Bushwacker Waterproof Steel Toe Boot
if you want to spend more for the best chainsaw boots, then the Viking Footwear Bushwacker is also a decent option.
Since they are waterproof they are ideal for usage in any environment. Such boots are not only resistant to water splashes but also useable with ice-studs when the weather is severe, particularly in winter.
A slip-on configuration removes the need for a lace-up closure system. Plus, an ankle and healing support system through the ankle roll-over instances. Adequate reinforcement for the arch limits the volume of discomfort when you stay out for long.
Will you still work next to power lines? When you do, then the outsole resistant to electric shock might be your best option to defend against electrical shocks. This cushions up to 18 kilovolts against electric voltages.
As for the protection of the chainsaw label, it is classified under the security of class 3 connection. That means you remain safe, as long as the chain speed does not exceed 28 meters per second. In fact, the grade 1 steel plate added to the toe box means that you can smash through items without rubbing it.
Pros
- Usable in icy conditions
- Nylon cuffs keep out debris from getting into the boots
- Adequate ankle and Achilles tendon protection
- Protective steel toe plate
- Resistant to chemical spills
- Waterproofed
- Supportive to stop ankle rolling overs
Cons
- Lousy chain protection foam
- No felt liner
5. Viking Footwear Caulked Chainsaw Boot
There is hectic usage of a chainsaw in slippery or terrain surfaces. In this case, a pair of steel toe spiked chainsaw boots may be called lifesavers. It will give you the surface grip you need, the chain saw protection you want and the comfort you deserve. For this, the best you can deliver.
These boots have an air-cushioned heel to make it super flexible and comfortable. They are not isolated because you can also survive in the same shoes through winter. Just purchase bigger, one or two size pair. You’ll have room for liners and socks. It’s tied up boot and there won’t be a bunch of hassle with the extra space in the summer.
The cotton lining makes these boots breathable in the summer. But to be honest, the weight of these shoes are too much for long-distance walking or for long-wearing.
Pros
- Caulked for better grip;
- Steel toe;
- Mid Class chainsaw protected.
Cons
- Heavy.
How To Select The Best Chainsaw Boots
Getting the best chainsaw boots offers you comprehensive protection against cuts in chainsaw, sharp objects, falling logs, cold temperatures, and unstable working conditions. In addition, if you insist on the best quality, your feet will receive additional support preventing ankle rolls.
Chainsaw boots are a must-have, the fact is. And having the best pair that suits you and your desires is yet another challenge. Below are the features to keep in mind if you want the best chain saw boots to end up with.
1. Steel Toes Caps
This one isn’t about a two way. The boots and chainsaw will have a steel casing on the toe box. And, when you go off shopping, check all the boots off your list without the toe cap.
The reason we still rely on having the toe cap is due to their value in providing protection from falling items in the woods. While steel increases the boots’ weight, this slight drawback is balanced for by the shielding it provides.
Also, since steel is a good heat conductor, if worn in a place of icy temperatures the boots would become very cold after a short time.
Other alternatives to steel such as alloy and composite toe caps are being used in recent times. The former is lightweight but less robust when it comes to managing heavy compression powers. At the other side, composites are often light but provide the least amount of safety.
The option you choose, check that the toe caps of the boots match or exceed the protection standard EN 1SO 20345:2011. If so, the toe cap is designed to endure 200 joules of force and a constant strain of up to 15KN. When you don’t have the toe cap so you shouldn’t spend your money there.
2. Fit And Comfort
Chain saw boots fit and comfort are two factors that go hand in hand. When you’re wearing uncomfortable shoes that are too tight for you, you’ll definitely be getting bunions, corns, and blisters.
And if you had some existing health condition, the wearing of tight-fitting boots will aggravate it. That said, what you need are boots that are considerably lightweight, so that after a few minutes you don’t feel too tired and sore.
If you are planning to be on rugged terrain for long, make arrangements to have ergonomically designed boots for alleviating fatigue.
3. The Durability Of The Boots
Part of the package which defines chainsaw boots as being the best in durability. The materials used usually have to be of good quality for such footwear to last you long. It’s a nicety to continue to be served for long.
Even though some buyers depend on brand names for a durability indicator, doing so can not be a smart choice at times.
4. Your Budget
It is not always true that a costly product is a high-quality item. You can still find better quality without breaking the bank in doing so. Consider the quality, durability, and safety features included in the design.
Also, have into consideration the previous features as you make comparisons between the different brands. What you require is a perfect balance between the pricing, prevailing features, and what your needs are.
5. Chainsaw Boots Legislation
One of the most harmful tools out there is a chainsaw. It’s much harder when mishandled or occasional accidents arise and can’t be avoided. For such purposes, the safety boots must comply with such requirements before being considered reasonably suitable for a specific or general function.
Typically such boots minimize risks such as mechanical, thermal, ergonomic conduct, and slippage among others. The EN ISO 20345:2011 is actually the most commonly used safety standards legislation in effect.
However, there are other requirements that the boots must meet, including:
- The requirement for toe cap testing
- Inclusion of a penetration resistant midsole
- Resist static electricity and possess a heel that is energy absorbent
- Uppers have to be waterproofed
- Water-resistant outsoles
- Rubber construction
- Cleated boots
- Up to 3000C heat resistance
Conclusion
Hope this guideline helps you easily pick your chain-saw boots. And you have to protect yourself with the proper safety gear when dealing with a dangerous power tool like a chainsaw. So safety boots will protect the feet from any unwanted cut or another injury.
Check the above features carefully, match them with the available models and your needs, particularly your work environment, the type of chainsaw, the level of comfort, the durability. And pick the one that better fits your needs