10 Best Logger Boots In The Market

Working as a logger is a dangerous job, one that’s tough on your feet!

If you’re a logger, you know you need logger boots that can handle challenging environments and rugged conditions. Boots are one of the best forms of protection.

But even if you’re not a logger by trade, you may find logger boots are ideal for your profession.

Lineman, landscapers, and all sorts of other jobs rely on logger boots. Just like loggers, they need a work boot that provides stability, comfort, and safety features like toe steel or electrical hazard certification.

If that sounds like you, then keep reading!

This article covers the best logger boots for every profession, starting with our favorite overall, the Georgia Boot Steel Toe logger boots. With a pair of logger boots like these, you can’t go wrong. They’re affordable but sturdy, and they should last a long time.

Of course, they’re not for everyone. If you need special features like fire resistance or oil resistance, we have work boots for you on this list.

We also cover the best logger boots for certain considerations, like comfort and insulation.

The best logger boots are made for the job you need to tackle. That means the ideal logger boot will vary from person to person, but not to fear!

We listed the top ten for men and women below.

Then we’ve included a buying guide. That way, you know what to look for in a logger boot when you buy a pair.

THE 10 BEST LOGGER BOOTS REVIEWED

01

BEST OVERALL: GEORGIA BOOT STEEL TOE LOGGER BOOTS

Top Features

  • 100% leather
  • Steel-toe
  • Waterproof
  • Abrasion-resistant rubber sole

The Georgia Boot Steel Toe logger boots provide comfort and protection at a relatively affordable price. A logger boot like this can handle tree climbing and felling without struggle.

The design is entirely waterproof. Though many boots make that claim, Georgia Boot Steel Toe Loggers really stand up to the test. If you need to navigate through mud or marshland, a logger boot like this will keep your feet warm and dry.

They also have a steel shank and an abrasion-resistant rubber sole. Both of those features help with stability on uneven terrain. The boot heel, of course, is also necessary for climbing as it allows you to attach climbing spurs.

These heavy-duty boots also feature a removable kiltie to keep dust and debris out of your shoe. And they meet the ASTM standard for electrical hazard.

That’s why we think these are the best boots for loggers who want something affordable, comfortable, and safe.

Pros:

  • Waterproof
  • Removable kiltie for easy cleaning
  • Reinforced steel toe
  • Durable

Cons:

  • Steel toe may cause blisters
02

BEST WITH STEEL TOE: IRISH SETTER MESABI STEEL TOE BOOT

Top Features

  • Waterproof, insulated steel toe
  • Ultra-dry waterproof membrane
  • 600 gram insulation
  • Goodyear welt construction

Your feet are sure to be safe and warm inside a pair of Irish Setter Mesabi steel toe boots. Irish Setter is an off-shoot of the well-known Red Wing brand. The company manufactures boots solely out of red russet leather, given them their distinct vermillion hue.

The boots do more than look cool, though. They come with an ultra-dry waterproof membrane and a waterproof insulated steel toe to keep your feet dry and safe. They also feature 600 gram insulation, which means they’ll keep your toes toasty even in snow and ice.

In terms of safety features, this steel-toe boot meets ASTM standards, and these logger work boots feature Goodyear welt construction. You can read more about that in our buyer’s guide below, but essentially it means these boots will last a long time. If you’re willing to have them resoled as the tread wears down, they could last your whole life!

It’s vital to try these shoes on and walk around before you buy them. They have a seam on the sole that bothers some wearers. It depends on the shape of your foot, though. So the only way to know is to try them out.

Pros:

  • Very durable
  • Well-insulated to keep feet warm
  • Meets ASTM standards
  • Waterproof

Cons:

  • Seam may be uncomfortable for some
03

BEST WATERPROOF: CHIPPEWA LOGGER WATERPROOF BOOT WITH STEEL TOE

Top Features

  • 100% leather
  • Chip-A-Tex Waterproofing
  • Dri-lex lining
  • Oil resistant

A Chippewa logger like this doesn’t just block water; it blocks everything. You could probably throw battery acid at these shoes and be okay. Alright, maybe don’t try that. Nothing leather can truly withstand sulfuric acid, but these boots can handle a lot.

They feature Chippewa’s patented Chip-A-Tex system. It’s a waterproof covering that coats the outside of the shoe. It creates waterproof leather that’s entirely oil resistant too. On top of that, this Chippewa logger features dri-lex lining. Dri-lex lining wicks sweat and any other moisture away from your foot. Not only will it help keep your feet dry regardless of weather conditions, but it also inhibits bacterial growth.

Of course, these Chippewa men’s loggers also have steel toes that meet ASTM standards. And they feature welt construction, meaning these Chippewa men’s loggers are sure to last.

Chippewa logger boots used to be manufactured solely in the U.S. Today, they export part of the manufacturing process overseas. That’s led to some concerns about quality in Chippewa men’s loggers, but we’ve yet to have a bad experience. If you happen to notice any workmanship errors or defects, you can always send them back; Chippewa Logger offers a 30-day return policy with full refunds.

Pros:

  • Very durable
  • Waterproof
  • Oil resistant
  • 100% leather

Cons:

  • Some concerns over quality
04

BEST WATERPROOF: CHIPPEWA LOGGER WATERPROOF BOOT WITH STEEL TOE

Top Features

  • Steel Shank
  • Waterproof
  • Vibram outsole
  • Ultra shock absorption footbed
  • Steel safety toe

Thorogood Loggers combine high-quality U.S. manufacture with the latest technology to create a boot that’s lightweight, functional, and durable.

The Vibram outsole is a game-changer. Every logger should have a Vibram outsole, in our opinion, but many use cheaper alternatives. Vibram made the original lug sole, though, and their quality is top-notch. These shoes stick to a variety of surfaces, lending you traction and stability, even on uneven terrain.

The steel shank will help with stability and balance as well. And, the ultra shock absorption footbed enables you to stay on your feet all day.

Many other loggers use a flat insole, standard to any boot. Thorogood uses a custom insole that they designed to fit their loggers exactly. It curves and bends to fit your foot and provides comfort all day long. The boot does run a little narrow, though. So you may need to size up.

Pros:

  • Impressive traction and stability
  • Customizable insole
  • Very comfortable
  • Great quality

Cons:

  • Runs a little narrow
05

BEST ON A BUDGET: ADTEC LOGGER

Top Features

  • Under $100 for several colors and sizes
  • 100% leather
  • Lug rubber sole

Finding a good pair of loggers for under $100 is tricky. When you’re on a budget, you don’t want to sacrifice quality if you don’t have to, especially when it comes to boots. These AdTec loggers have several high-end features without the high-end price tag.

The lug sole, leather material, and Goodyear welt construction are all things we look for in good logger boots. Despite the affordable price, these boots should last a long time, even in rugged environments.

That said, these boots aren’t waterproof, and they don’t have a safety toe. Depending on what sort of work you do in your loggers, that may not be a problem. However, for anyone holding a chainsaw, the lack of steel toe is a deal-breaker. And for anyone working with landscaping or in rough weather conditions, a lack of waterproofing could be a problem.

Pros:

  • Very durable
  • Great in a variety of environments
  • Great value for money

Cons:

  • Not waterproof
  • No steel toe
06

BEST FOR WOMEN: DANNER WOMEN’S FLASHPOINT II BOOT

Top Features

  • Fire, puncture, and water-resistant leather
  • Stitch down assembly
  • Vibram outsole

Designed with firefighters and smoke jumpers in mind, this boot can handle anything life throws at it. It features 8 oz leather that’s resistant to water, punctures, and even flames! The stitching is also fire-resistant and highly durable.

Even if you don’t plan on jumping into smoke-filled canyons or fighting wild flames, these boots will keep your feet comfortable and safe. They’re perfect for jobs of all types, but especially general forestry positions. Cutting firewood and climbing trees is easier with boots that feature a stable Vibram outsole and steel shank.

You also don’t have to worry about these boots lasting. Danner offers a 365-day warranty; they also offer resoling on all their shoes. So, when your boots wear out, you can send them in for repair. With proper care, you’ll be passing your Danner boots down to your children.

Of course, these boots are lacking a few things. There is no toe protection, so some jobs are less advisable in these shoes. They also aren’t entirely waterproof, only water-resistant. Some wearers prefer that because linings can be uncomfortable.

Finally, these boots are made for hot environments, not cold. They have no insulation. That might be great, depending on your location. If you’re working in the heat of summer or on a wildfire, you probably don’t need it. You’ll just need a different pair of boots come winter.

Pros:

  • Very durable
  • Ideal for forestry jobs
  • Comfortable
  • 3650day warranty

Cons:

  • Lacks insulation
  • No to protection
07

BEST INSULATED: CAROLINA BOOTS INSULATED LOGGER

Top Features

  • 600g Thinsulate Ultra insulation
  • “Scubaliner” waterproofing
  • Lug sole
  • 100% leather

Nothing ends a workday faster than cold feet. Okay, maybe there are other things, but cold feet can be more than uncomfortable. They can be downright painful! And, left too long, cold temperatures can cause tissue damage, leading to trench foot and hypothermia.

If you work in cold weather conditions, then you know you need logger boots with insulation. These logger boots from Carolina Boots feature 600 gram Thinsulate insulation, which should keep you warm, even in freezing temperatures.

On top of that, the boots feature a “Scubaliner” waterproof liner. Carolina Boots designed their “Scubaliner” technology to wick moisture away from feet, keeping them dry and toasty.

These boots also feature a lug sole, but they don’t have a steel toe. However, Carolina Boots does make a model just like these with a steel toe included. The model number is CA5823 for reference.

Pros:

  • Waterproof
  • Ideal for any cold or freezing environment
  • Comfortable
  • Durable

Cons:

  • No steel toe in this model
08

MOST COMFORTABLE: TIMBERLAND PRO RIP SAW COMPOSITE-TOE LOGGER WORK BOOT

Top Features

  • Anti Fatigue footbed
  • Composite Carbon Shield toe
  • Vibram Fire & Ice outsole

If you’re putting in nine, ten, or twelve-hour days on your feet, you need work boots with cushion and comfort in mind. These Timberland Pro Rip Saw logger boots will get you to quitting time without fail. Their anti-fatigue technology uses shock-absorbing cones that compress and rebound as you move, providing arch support.

The composite toe box combined with a puncture-resistant plate provides foot protection even in the most rugged environments. And a waterproof lining will keep you dry and comfortable regardless of worksite conditions.

The Fire and Ice Vibram sole is perfect for extreme temperatures. It’s flame-resistant but can also maintain flexibility in temperatures well below freezing. So whether your job site is hot or cold, you can count on these boots to provide traction and stability.

Timberland Pro logger boots are pricey, and they take some time to break in. However, the time and expense are worth it if they can keep you comfortable on your feet all day.

Pros:

  • Designed for comfort
  • Great in all weather conditions
  • Provides traction and stability
  • Waterproof

Cons:

  • A bit pricey
  • Takes some time to break in
09

BEST SLIP-ONS: CATERPILLAR STEEL-TOE WORK BOOTS

Top Features

  • 100% full-grain leather
  • Steel Toe
  • Slip-resistant outsole

Slip-on logger boots aren’t for everyone, but they are much more convenient; no more messing with laces after a long day on the job! Pull-on logger  laces provide stability. However, for some jobs, they work beautifully.

These Caterpillar Steel-Toe work boots feature premium, full-grain leather and a solid steel toe for protection. They’re ASTM rated for work with electrical hazard. They also have a slip-resistant outsole, though it’s not a true lug sole.

Pulling them on is easy, thanks to dual pull handles, and the boots look sleek overall. However, the soles are narrow compared to other boots, so you may want to buy a size up. They also aren’t waterproof, though the leather is water-resistant.

Pros:

  • Slip resistant
  • Comfortable
  • Reinforced steel toe
  • Good value for money

Cons:

  • Narrow compared to other boots
  • Suited to fewer environments due to its lack of laces
10

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: DANNER MEN’S LOGGER

Top Features

  • Waterproof, oiled nubuck leather
  • Leather uppers with Danner Dry Waterproof Protection
  • Bi-fit board

If you’re climbing or managing rough terrain, the weight matters – gravity claws at every extra ounce when you’re climbing a tree or telephone pole. Even walking a job site gets tiresome in heavy boots.

For a lightweight option that doesn’t sacrifice the qualities you need in a work boot, the Danner Men’s Logger is the best choice. These boots weigh 70 oz. per pair!

This Danner logger uses a bi-fit board rather than a lasting board, midsole, and steel shank. The bi-fit board combines those three pieces into one polypropylene sheet that’s both strong and flexible. The result is a far lighter boot that’s still incredibly stable on uneven terrain.

The higher heel height on this Danner logger also caters to climbing. There’s a decent gap to attach climbing spurs. And, there is true water protection thanks to the nubuck leather and Danner Dry leather uppers. A boot like this is sure to keep your feet dry!

These boots don’t have a safety toe or insulation. However, model 15437 features both those things if you need them.

Pros:

  • Great for rougher terrains
  • Very durable
  • Flexible sole
  • Great stability

Cons:

  • No insulation
  • No steel toe

Logger Boot Buying Guide

The best logger boots will get you through a long day’s work in safety and comfort. Stability and traction are the names of the game.

Loggers need boots that prevent slipping in rough and often elevated environments. 

If your heel slips while perched in a tree or amongst rocky terrain, it could lead to a serious injury.

That’s why buying logger boots isn’t something to take casually. It’s essential to buy the right footwear for the job.

Regardless of what brand or style you choose, every pair of logger boots should have the following:

Raised Heel

Loggers don’t wear high heels to make them appear taller or to showcase their calves. The heels serve a purpose when climbing trees during tree removal.

The gap between the heel and sole helps prevent slipping if a logger perches on a branch. Plus, it creates the perfect space to attach climbing spurs, which wrap onto the bottom of logger boots.

Even if you don’t plan on any actual logging in your work boots, a raised heel can be helpful. It provides extra guarding against wet terrain and mucky turf. It’s also great for climbing up steep hills.

Lug Sole

A lug sole refers to a shoe sole with siped channels along the outer edge and star-shaped lugs in the center. The design comes from Vitale Bramani, the founder of the famous Vibram Soles shoe company.

Bramani was an avid mountaineer, and in 1935 he went on an ill-fated climb in the Italian Alps. During that climb, several of his friends died.

Bramani surmised that their deaths could have been prevented with better footwear. So, he set out to build a better boot.

The lug sole he created is resistant to abrasion and provides incredible traction for climbing, whether up mountains or trees.

In fact, the first American to scale Mt. Everest, Jim Whittaker, wore shoes with a Vibram sole for his ascent.

Today, lug soles are standard in work boots of all kinds, though they’re especially pertinent for loggers and linemen who often have to climb.

Vibram offers a few different levels of lug soles, with the Vibram Tacoma being the most aggressive.

It will keep you stable, but it might not be the best for muddy environments. The Vibram Tacoma tends to pick up extra debris. A low-profile Vibram sole might be the better option.

Goodyear Welt Construction

Before the rise of modern sneakers, welt construction was standard in shoes. This time-tested method creates long-lasting, waterproof boots.

Most shoe manufacturers today use cement construction. During cement construction, the manufacturer glues the upper shoe leather directly to the outsole.

This method is cost-effective and convenient, but it makes it hard to resole the shoe. So, when the shoes wear out, most people throw them away.

In contrast, welt construction places a thin strip of leather between the upper leather sole and the outsole.

The welt, as it’s called, creates a waterproof shoe. It also makes it easy to resole down the line. So, boots with welt construction can last a lifetime with proper care.

At one time, welt construction required hand sewing the shoe. But in the 1860s, Charles Goodyear invented the machine that makes welt construction possible at large scales.

Today, the best work boot manufacturers use Goodyear welt construction.

You can tell if your logger boots have it because the welt leaves a visible seam between the outsole and the boot perimeter. 

Of course, it will also say it on the boot’s tag or somewhere on the box.

High Shaft

A high shaft on a pair of workboots will provide comfort, support, and protection. It protects your ankles and provides an extra layer of insulation.

Look for an eight or nine-inch shaft for maximal protection without inhibiting your range of motion.

Steel Shank

Not all logger boots have steel shanks, but the best ones do. A steel shank is a load-bearing piece of steel placed between the insole and the outsole of the shoe. It stretches along the arch of your foot, between the heel and ball of your toes.

Steel shanks help your boot maintain its shape over time. They also relieve tension on your calves and knees. Plus, they’ll help you maintain balance on uneven terrain.

Insulation

Most logger boots have insulation; the goal is to have the right amount. How much insulation your work boots need depends on what you’re doing and where you’re working.

Too much insulation will leave you hot and uncomfortable in warmer climates. It can also impede your mobility.

Too little insulation, though, will leave your feet cold and without protection.

Insulation for boots is measured in grams. To help you determine what insulation you need, we’ve listed the typical insulation amounts below:

  • 200 grams: for cold temperatures and high activity levels
  • 400 grams: for cold temperatures and moderate activity levels
  • 600 grams: for cold and freezing temperatures at moderate to low activity levels
  • 800 grams: for freezing and below-freezing temperatures with low activity levels
  • 1000+ grams: for extremely cold environments

Kiltie

A kiltie is a small piece of leather that guards the tongue of your work boot. It’s typically fringed, and many assume it’s purely for style.

In truth, though, kilties serve a purpose. They act as a guard for dust and debris that tends to accumulate on boot laces.

This keeps dirt, pebbles, and maybe even pests from getting into your shoe, providing another layer of protection between the outdoors and your foot.

Safety Toes

Steel toes are the classic choice for a safe pair of work boots, and there’s no doubt steel toes will protect loggers from impact, puncture, and compression.

However, there have been improvements to other materials in recent decades. Today, many prefer safety toes made from other things, like kevlar, alloy, or carbon fiber. Manufacturers can even use fiberglass or hard plastic for safety toes.

Different materials work best in specific environments. For example, a kevlar composite toe may be necessary if you’re dealing with an electrical hazard because it’s non-conductive.

A composite toe logger boot is also lighter than its steel counterpart. A lightweight boot can be helpful when you’re climbing or navigating any sort of terrain. They also breathe better, and loggers prefer them in extremely hot or cold weather conditions.

Of course, using other materials does have one serious drawback. It’s very easy to see if a steel toe has a dent and needs to be replaced. With a composite material, it can be hard to tell if the toe is in good shape.

Other Things To Consider When Buying Work Boots

On top of all the features listed above, there are a few other things to consider when buying the best logger boots. Material, the weight of the shoe, and overall comfort are important.

Material

In general, manufacturers make logger boots from leather. Leather is waterproof, it’s tough, and it will last a long time. You have to wear it in, of course, but once you do, it should feel as though the logger boot was tailored for you specifically.

Some boots come in PVC or rubber, which some wearers prefer. Rubber or PVC boots are easy to clean, and they work in a variety of weather conditions. However, they don’t form to your foot with time the way a leather boot does.

Weight

Most logger boots weigh somewhere between two and three pounds. One-pound boots are very lightweight, and three-pound boots are noticeably heavy for most people.

Having sturdy boots is vital for safety, but you don’t want boots that weigh you down. If the boots you like are on the heavier side, insoles and cushioning can help. A boot with extra cushioning is at least comfortable, even if it’s heavy, which might make the weight more bearable.

Overall Comfort

Typically, when you put on a pair of work boots, you plan to keep them on all day, or at least until the job is done. That means you need a comfortable logger boot.

Finding a comfortable logger boot boils down to finding the correct size. Make sure you try boots on with the socks you’d typically wear, and move around. Ensure your range of motion isn’t inhibited by the boot shaft or shape of the boot sole. 

You can also look for a boot with cushioned insoles. Timberland boots, for example, feature anti-fatigue technology to keep you comfortable on your feet!

CONCLUSION

Finding the best logger boots is all about finding what works for you and your job. One pair of work boots might work great for steep hills and forest terrain, while another is better suited to work in cold weather or wet conditions.

We like the Georgia Boot Steel Toe logger boots best because they work in a broad range of situations. They have all the classic features of quality logger boots like waterproofing, a steel shank, and a sturdy rubber sole.

Of course, other options on this list are also top-notch. The Chippewa logger is an excellent option for wet conditions. And you can always count on Danner to make a solid logger work boot. Which logger boots you pick will be a matter of personal preference and job requirements.

Buying a new logger boot always feels like a risk. It’s in investment, after all. You want a work boot that fits and feels comfortable while providing foot and toe protection.

Buying any of the above logger work boots is far less scary. By purchasing a logger boot off this list, you can be sure it’ll stand up to whatever your work throws at it.