When it comes to climbing trees, finding a high-quality pair of tree climbing shoes will be your biggest asset. It’s important to invest in tree climbing boots that offer exceptional support and comfort for any climb.
This article will give an overview of the factors to consider when looking for a pair of tree climbing shoes and reviews of some of the most popular products you’ll find on the market.
Factors to Consider
Spur Versus Spur-less Climbing
First off, you’ll need to consider whether you’ll be climbing with spurs or without spurs. For spur/spike climbing, it’s important to find boots that will reduce discomfort and fatigue while your feet are connected to the spurs. Boots with a height of 16 inches are recommended to protect your leg from the shank and spurs. High-top tree climbing boots protect you from self-gaffing and offer you reliable support. Boots with a height between 10 and 16 inches will still work with spikes, but anything below 10 inches will not give you enough protection for spur climbing.
For those who climb without spurs, it’s important to find boots that are compatible with foot ascenders or ones that will help you foot-lock. Boots that are around 10 inches in height are ideal for a foot ascender set-up. Although they don’t have to be as long as boots for spur climbing, it’s still important to find a pair that will provide you with exceptional support, comfort and grip.
Slip-Free Sole
It’s important to find tree climbing boots with high-quality soles that will prevent you from slipping. One of the most reliable sole materials is Vibram because its stiffness provides you with exceptional grip. Vibram also helps you stay balanced and prevents you from tripping.
Strong Shank
The purpose of shanks is to protect your legs from the exerted pressure and flexing associated with tree climbing. The more durable boot shanks are made out of steel, but you may also find ones that are made out of fiberglass or Kevlar.
Product Reviews
Now it’s time to take a look at the 7 best tree climbing boots you’ll find on the market.
Georgia Boot Men’s Loggers Work Boot
The Loggers Work Boot is made out of high-quality waterproof leather and an abrasion-resistant rubber outsole. For extra protection, Georgia Boot designed it with a steel toe and lace-up closure.
The Loggers Work Boot also features a removable polyurethane insert and rear pull loop. They measure 12 inches in height.
Pros:Â Remain comfortable even in wet conditions, the rubber sole offers exceptional grip, steel toe for extra protection, and can be used for spur or spur-less climbing.
Cons:Â Not insulated and not vented for hot weather.
>>>Click to see the latest price for Georgia Boot Men’s Loggers G7313 Work Boot<<<
Wesco Highliner 16†Work Boot
Wesco’s Highliner is made with a full-grain leather exterior and has a lace-to-toe design. For exceptional support and comfort, these tree climbing boots are made with a steel shank that’s slightly arched, ribbed, and non-corrosive. Wesco has given the Highliner boots Vibram Lug Soles to give any tree climber a steady grip.
The boot also has a removable false tongue, recessed metal heel breastplate, steel side plate, and OrthoLite Drilex comfort foam slip-in inserts. They measure 16 inches in height.
Pros:Â Durable steel shanks for protection, Vibram soles for grip, and excellent height for spur climbing.
Cons:Â Not steel toe boots.
>>>Check out what other customers say about the Wesco Highlinerâ„¢ 16″ Spur Climbing Boots<<<
Wesco Highliner 10†Work Boot
The 10†Highliner is similar to the 16†Highliner but is intended for climbing without spurs. They’re made with seven ounces of full grain leather, a leather side flap, a removable false tongue, and a lace-to-toe design.
To keep your legs well-protected, they’re made with steel shanks that are slightly arched, ribbed, and non-corrosive. For exceptional grip, the outsole is made out of Vibram. They measure 10 inches in height.
Pros:Â Good height for spur-less climbing, durable steel shanks for protection, and Vibram soles for grip.
Cons:Â Not recommended for spur climbing, lacks steel side plate, heel breastplate, and half-slip, and not steel toe boots.
>>>Click here for more info about the Wesco Highliner 10″ Brown Lineman Boots <<<
Carolina Boots Logger Boot
This Logger Boot is made with a leather exterior that features a 100% waterproof membrane. The lug sole provides you with a good grip during any climb. For added protection, these boots are made with steel shanks. The Carolina Logger Boots are not insulated and are recommended for spring or summer use only. They’ve also been rated for electrical hazards. They measure 8 inches in height.
Pros:Â Can be used for spur-less climbing, durable steel shanks for protection, and remain comfortable even in wet conditions.
Cons:Â Not recommended for spur climbing and not insulated.
>>>Click to see the latest price for Men’s Carolina Waterproof Loggers Copper<<<
Carolina Linesman Boot
Carolina’s Domestic Linesman Boot is made with a brown, cork harness leather upper, a leather-lined vamp, and leather welt. These boots are electrical hazard rated that provide you with extra climbing protection. The Linesman Boots are also waterproof.
Pros:Â Excellent for spur climbing, durable steel toe-cap for protection.
Cons: Does not breathe well.
>>>Check out what other customers say about the Carolina Mens 16″ Domestic Linesman Boot<<<
Viking Footwear Spiked Forester Caulk Boot
These Spiked Forester Caulk Boots are made out of SBR blended NR rubber and polyester. The body and upper are made out of highly chemical resistant rubber while the flap and lining is made out of polyester.
For extra protection, it has a reinforced heel and instep. These Spiked Forester Caulk Boots are also highly flexible. They’re recommended for arborists, harvesters, loggers, and timber rafters. They measure 11 inches in height.
Pros:Â Can be used for spur-less climbing and has spiked soles for extra grip.
Cons:Â Not recommended for spur climbing, lacks shank support, too much flexibility, not steel toe boots, and not insulated.
>>>Click here for more info about the Viking Footwear Spiked Forester Caulk Boot<<<
Kenetrek Lineman Extreme Boot
The Kenetrek Lineman Boot is made out of durable, full-grain leather with a Windtex waterproof membrane. Its stiff Vibram Vertige sole is durable and provides you with an exceptional grip for climbing trees. For extra protection, the boot features a temperature neutral composite safety toe with protective rubber for extra abrasion resistance. In areas more subject to wear and tear, Kenetrek has put double and triple stitching. They measure 10 inches in height.
Pros:Â Can be used for spur-less climbing, the waterproof membrane is also breathable, excellent toe protection, and has Vibram soles for grip.
Cons:Â Not recommended for spur climbing, expensive, and not insulated.
>>>Click to see the latest price for Kenetrek Lineman Extreme<<<
Final Thoughts
Investing in high-quality tree climbing boots is not only important for your comfort and support, but also for safety. A durable pair of boots will ensure that you have an exceptional grip and give you the confidence you need to climb up and down trees. Be sure to assess your tree climbing needs and find the footwear that will fit you accordingly.