According to Autoaccident.com, around 40,000 incidents are filed each year related to chainsaw injuries. And unsurprisingly, the majority of them suffer from leg and knee injuries.
Folks, stop procrastinating and get a pair of those boots for chainsaw foot protection.
“No, John, those leather shoes aren’t enough!” I’ve wanted to say that. Despite how those thick leather shoes look from the outside, they are far from being the best chainsaw boots.
Safety concerns can never be overstated when you’re dealing with a machine, especially like a chainsaw. Those kickbacks can be dangerous. But those are being taken care of by introducing low kickback chains and whatnot.
What we are interested in is the issue of high-speed debris and misaligned chainsaw strokes. Your feet are in a vulnerable position. And that’s where these chainsaw cut-resistant boots come in.
Before moving on to our discussion, here’s a common question that needs answering.
Are Chainsaw Boots Necessary?
Do you want to walk properly? If yes, you have your answer. Chainsaw boots are as necessary as having a good chainsaw. Your life depends on it.
We wear our safety glasses for a reason. And for the same reason, you need chainsaw boots. Those debris and wood chips fly out at a really high speed.
Almost all of us have experienced high-speed debris either penetrating or hitting on our feet and ankles. These can hurt, taking you to the point of hospitalization. Search the internet. There are countless reports like the one I mentioned at the beginning of this article.
Sounds scary? Well, that was the purpose. When you have these chainsaw protective boots readily available around you, not getting a pair can only cause you to regret it later.
They are a necessary piece of wood cutting equipment. Think of it from an efficiency standpoint. When you’re wearing the proper safety gear, you’re not required to be on constant alert.
Now, you can rest easy and go over your cutting session as swiftly as you can. An undivided focus can achieve a lot.
I hope that suffices the answer. Let’s continue our discussion.
9 Best Chainsaw Boots Review
In this section, I’ll go over 9 of the best options for chainsaw boots. Take a look. I’ll give my verdict as usual, but the final decision rests on you.
1. VIKING Men’s Class 2 Chainsaw Boots
My first choice for a good quality budget chainsaw boot is the pair of Viking’s class 2 rubber chainsaw boots. I had my reservations about its previous versions. But they have made considerable improvements since then.
The first thing they brought into the design was the steel toe cap insertions. You can feel the improvement it brought to the level of safety.
If the top layer doesn’t stop the Chainsaw, this steel toe is there as the last layer of protection. These chainsaw protective boots have been classified as Class 2.
However, I felt the boots were a bit stiffer than before. Although it feels as comfortable as ever, it doesn’t have the same level of flex. So, it’s a little rigid though ignorable.
One of my favorite aspects of this shoe is its waterproof feature. No matter where I go, my feet stay dry. However, there is no insulation from the outside temperature.
Pros
- Steel toe caps
- Class 2 protection
- Waterproof
- Not expensive
- It fits well and is comfortable
Cons
- It’s stiffer than before
- The color orange feels funky
Verdict
Do I love it? Yes. Is there any room for improvement? Yes, there is. It has all the things you look for in a protective shoe while missing a few additional nice-to-have features. The price is also bearable. Overall, it’s got my vote.
2. Dunlop 8908611 DURAPRO Boots with Safety Steel Toe
If you don’t want to spend a lot behind a pair of chainsaw boots, you can consider these Durapro shoes from Dunlop. These can be bought at almost 1/3rd of the price of other shoes on this list.
You might love the overall design and look of it as I did. It doesn’t have the flair and aesthetic of premium boots. That’s not a surprise. And it at least looks like a work boot, unlike the funky orange color of Viking boots.
It has a steel toe cap inserted in it to protect you against chainsaw accidents as well as tree logs dropping on your legs. I reckon, having only this feature makes this worthy of consideration.
The build material is PVC polyblend, and that makes the shoe completely waterproof. Furthermore, it’s the comfort that got me. Having TPU insoles, it feels very airy.
Since it has PVC as a material, I wasn’t expecting it to have resistance against chemicals. But it does have some sort of protection against food-grade chemicals.
Pros
- As cheap as it gets
- PVC material is durable
- Waterproof
- Steel toe caps
- TPU insoles for comfort
Cons:
- Little resistance against chemicals
- It’s heavy
Verdict
You can get this pair at almost 1/3rd of the price of the other boots on this list. Considering that it has steel toe caps to protect your feet at this price, it’s good enough for me.
3. Georgia Boot Men’s 8″ Safety Toe Logger Boot
If a funky Viking boot or a simple Dunlop boot doesn’t seem to align with you, consider this chainsaw work boot from Georgia. Disclaimer: It’s not a traditional chainsaw protection boot like Husqvarna chainsaw boots. But the build quality allows it to pass off as one.
The only thing that makes it a safety shoe is its steel toe cap insertion. We all know what it does. Let me not re-iterate the same thing over and over again.
On the exterior, it has a pure leather screaming ‘premiumness.’ Although I don’t know anything about fashion, I think you can wear this as a part of any outfit.
The rubber sole flexes to a great degree. I loved how comfortable it felt to walk in these. The rubber sole is abrasion-resistant, which will ensure its long-term durability. It gets even better with the adjustable shoelaces.
I was surprised to see its waterproof properties. But when I look at the price, it feels pretty cost-effective.
Pros
- Leathery premiumness
- Abrasion-resistant rubber sole
- Comfortable
- Safety steel toe
- Waterproof
Cons
- It won’t stop a chainsaw in its track
- The boots are only good if the Chainsaw hits the toe region
Verdict
As comfortable and luxurious as it is, I don’t usually recommend shoes like this. They’re just not equipped enough to be called a pair of chainsaw resistant boots.
4. Ad Tec Men’s 9in Certified Super Logger Work Boots
At number 4, we have the work boots from Ad Tec. Despite being a general work boot, I think it does just fine when protecting against chainsaws. Since it’s not as big of a brand as others, you can get it for cheap.
Yes, it includes a steel toe cap insertion in its design with complete electricity insulation for the whole shoe. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken a spot on my list.
I always look for comfort in my pieces of work-wear. And this pair of shoes get a green card from me for being super comfortable. The rubber insole made my day as I didn’t face any uncomfortable moments.
As for uncomfortable situations such as muddy areas and rainy seasons, the waterproof membrane inside these boots makes them ideal for tackling those situations.
The complete waterproof features of these safety boots can only be appreciated when you discover your dry feet after walking around water and muddy areas.
Do I have to mention the Horse leather on the exterior? This gives it the aesthetics many look for. However, it can get dirty very quickly.
Pros
- Affordable shoe considering the quality
- Horse leather
- Broad steel toe
- Electricity insulation
- Waterproof
Cons
- The leather on the exterior isn’t strong enough to immediately stop the chainsaw chain
Verdict
So, what’s the verdict on this? Is it worth it? It’s worth the money if you’re going to use these for different purposes besides chainsaw protection since it has an excellent visual aspect. If not, there are dedicated chainsaw boots like the Viking.
5. ROCKROOSTER Work Boots for Men
If it were me, I wouldn’t spend much on industrial-grade leather shoes since I’m only going to use them during sawing. And for the same reason, I’m putting this pair of work boots from RockRooster on this list. It’s on the cheaper spectrum if you compare it with most protective leather shoes.
When I saw this shoe, I asked myself, “What makes it safe enough for a chainsaw?”. Having a steel toe cap is pretty reassuring that chainsaws won’t be cutting my feet in half. However, the other parts of the shoe are still weak enough to be penetrated.
The leather on the shoe’s exterior is of top quality. Unlike the other industrial work shoes, you won’t have to dispose of it when it loses its intended purpose.
While having nice grippy outsoles that don’t let me slip even if I tried, these also come with soft rubber insoles. Both of these features are always in demand.
The breathable material and Coolmax technology keep your feet dry and cool. Although it has insulation from electricity, heat insulation is absent.
Pros
- Affordable
- Steel toe cap
- Breathable material keeps feet dry and cool
- Soft rubber insoles
Cons
- Heat and chemical resistance are nowhere to be found
- It can only prevent knicks, not full throttle chainsaws
Verdict
The comfort rating is sky-high, thanks to the flexible leather exterior and rubber insoles. There are a few features that need improvement, it’s not a big issue, for the price.
6. Timberland PRO Men’s 8″ Rigmaster XT
Shoes from Timberland provide safety when cutting timbers with chainsaws. These Rigmaster XT boots come in with a favorable market price and a different exterior design than most leather shoes.
The shoe design followed the market standard. I felt the steel toe caps when putting pounds of pressure on it. It’ll undoubtedly protect your toes from a chainsaw accident. Even the leather provides a significant layer of protection.
Comfort is ensured thanks to the synthetic sole and a rubber outsole. This combination gives the shoe a greater level of flexion when moving about.
I don’t worry about the total construction quality of the shoe. A Goodyear welt cast-bond construction means the sole, leather and outsoles, etc., will stay in place no matter what.
If you’re working in a hot area or under the sun, you need your feet to be comfortable and free. The Pro-rubber vamp ensures mechanical and chemical durability.
Oh, and it’s a waterproof shoe which I didn’t know I needed until facing a situation.
Pros
- Sturdy shoe design
- Waterproof
- It keeps the feet dry
- Rubber outsole and synthetic insole
Cons
- More expensive than regular chainsaw protection boots
Verdict
If you’re on the hunt for an economically feasible solution, this is a great option. I wouldn’t suggest it to anyone who only needs a chainsaw protective shoe. They’re better off with non-leather protective shoes. But it’s a good product nonetheless.
7. Georgia Boot Lace-to-Toe Gore-Tex Work Boot
Here’s another pair of work boots from Georgia. The brand specializes in this type of shoes, and it shows. I loved the feel and look of this pair as soon as I laid my eyes on it. But I was not too fond of the price they were asking for it. Yes, it’s a rather expensive pair of boots.
This pair gives a significant level of support when working and walking with heavy items. It’s all thanks to the steel shank inside. You may think it’s rigid, but it felt quite the opposite. For a long and continuous work session, this should be a suitable partner.
I loved the removable insole as I have an OCD to wash everything inside my shoe. It’s soft and doesn’t become wet and soggy from sweat. Thanks to the breathable Gore-Tex material, your feet stay dry and comfy.
The Gore-Tex material on the shoe is the gold standard for waterproofing abilities. It repels water while letting water vapor pass through.
Pros
- Breathable material
- Waterproof
- Oil-resistant
- Removable insole
- Comfortable
Cons
- Pricey
- There are no steel toe caps
- The boots are not chainsaw protective
Verdict
As you saw, it’s an incredible product at what it does. However, I was sad when I discovered that this model doesn’t have steel toe caps. And that is the reason why I don’t recommend this as chainsaw safety gear.
8. Dunlop E90203310 Explorer Thermo Full Safety Boots
The last product but not the least on this lineup is the pricier Explorer Thermo shoes from Dunlop. It’s the second Dunlop pair in this review. And there are excellent reasons for it.
First of all, it has the safety features that I always look for when buying a work boot. Although it’s being marketed as an explorer heat-resistant safety boot, nobody is preventing me from using it in my chainsaw safety gear.
These shoes are pretty resistant to oil and chemical. I could easily clean them off, and it’ll look as good as new.
Will this stop a chainsaw from hurting your feet? There’s a steel toe cap inserted in these shoes that is strong enough to prevent punctures and heavy-item drops. However, the top part of the shoe won’t provide you safety.
It uses PURAFORT material for waterproofing. But it’s also lightweight, making it a surprisingly light shoe.
When I saw the outsole, it made me remember those mud tire designs. What are the chances of me slipping with these shoes? Close to zero. It’s like you grow fingers on your feet.
Pros
- Resistant to heat and oil
- Steel toe caps for safety
- Waterproof Purafort material
- Comparably lightweight
- Anti-slip outsole design
Cons
- On the costlier side
Verdict
There is no doubt that it’s an extremely well-made shoe. It will provide the safety you’re looking for as well as comfort, unlike the lower-priced options. Even for budget buyers, this will be a great buy.
Chainsaw Boots Comparison Table [as required]
| Chainsaw Boots | Steel Toe Caps | Heat resistant | Oil resistant | Chemical resistant | Waterproof | Chainsaw proof or Chainsaw resistant |
| Viking Men’s Class 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Chainsaw proof |
| Dunlop 8908611 DURAPRO | Yes | No | No | Only food-grade chemicals | Yes | Chainsaw-resistant |
| Georgia Men’s Safety Toe Boot | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Chainsaw-resistant |
| Ad Tec Men’s | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Chainsaw-resistant |
| ROCKROOSTER | Yes | Yes | No | No | Water-resistant | Chainsaw-resistant |
| Timberland PRO | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Chainsaw proof |
| Georgia Boot Lace-To-Toe Gore-Tex | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Neither |
| Dunlop E90203310 Explorer Thermo | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Chainsaw proof |
What Makes the Right Chainsaw Boot?
I don’t prefer to break my bank over Kevlar chainsaw boots. There is no shortage of good-quality chainsaw safety boots in the market. In every budget range, there is always something worth considering. But are those the right chainsaw boots for you?
Here are a few things to keep in mind before getting a pair-
Steel Toe Caps
Chainsaw boots have a different class of construction and design that can work without steel toe caps. That’s undoubtedly true; however, with the ever-increasing power of chainsaws, you need a greater level of safety. It will make things easy on your mind.
Steel toe caps will not only protect against cuts, but they’ll also protect your foot from getting smashed by a tree log.
If you ask me, I am in the camp of “must-have steel toe caps” inside the chainsaw boots.
Class of Protection
Chainsaw boots are divided into three levels of protection. These classes are set by the ability to protect against a specific speed range. There are three classes; Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3.
Class 1 chainsaw boots can provide you protection if the chain speed is under 20m/s. For Class 2, the range is a little bit increased. Chainsaw boots at Class 2 will protect your legs as long as the chain speed doesn’t go above 24m/s.
And then you have Class 3 chainsaw boots. These will protect if the Chainsaw is spinning at a speed under 28m/s.
Certified Chainsaw Boots
Choose a pair of boots that comes with a certification. For chainsaw boots to be certified, it needs to have a couple of properties. Here is the list,
- Heat resistance (up to 300OC)
- Water resistance
- Oil resistance
- Penetration resistance
- Passing a toe cap test
- Shock absorbent
Comfort Or Rigidity?
For arborists who work mostly on the trees, a stiffer shoe is always preferred. But if you do mostly groundwork, a comfy shoe is what you want.
Durability
Both leather and rubber are top choices. These materials will make sure that it doesn’t rip apart. It depends on how much you are willing to spend. You can spend from $100 to $300 for a good chainsaw boot.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What to look for in chainsaw boots?
When you examine the features of a chainsaw boot for buying, you should look for its water and oil-resistant features. It should have extremely high resistance against penetration. And for that, having steel-toe cap boots is necessary. Another essential feature is heat resistance.
Also, make sure that your chainsaw boots have the protection class so that they can survive under your Chainsaw.
- Are chainsaw boots waterproof?
No, not all chainsaw boots are waterproof. It isn’t a necessary feature, but all certified chainsaw boots must come with water-resistant qualities.
However, nowadays, you will find all sorts of chainsaw safety boots that prevent water from entering.
- Are chainsaw boots comfortable?
It was a common concern in the past about the stiffness and restricted freedom of movement that come with chainsaw boots.
Fortunately, that is not the case anymore. Chainsaw safety boots like the ones from Husqvarna have a pretty comfortable design that lets you around freely.
- How do chainsaw boots work?
Chainsaw boots are supposed to protect your foot from any injuries. The construction of a chainsaw includes many layers, such as a fibrous layer, a rubber layer, and sometimes a steel toe layer.
The boots are supposed to stop the chainsaw in their tracks with their fibrous layer. And the other layers will prevent the teeth of the chainsaw from getting inside.
- What are the different classes of chainsaw boots?
The classification of chainsaw boots is important. Chainsaw boots are divided into these classes depending on the speed of Chainsaw they were tested on. There are three different classes naming Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. Class 3 is the better one among the three. And then it’s class 2 and class 1.
- Chainsaw boots vs. steel toe
Chainsaw boots don’t have to have steel toe insertions. But it’s pretty common to see good chainsaw protection boots having a steel toe layer.
Final Verdict
That’s all I have to say about the best chainsaw boots, in my opinion. I’d suggest you choose proper chainsaw safety boots like the Viking or the Dunlop. Those leather shoes aren’t the best at this job. Great work boots are not the same as chainsaw boots. Safety matters!
