Just New Boot Goofing
Have you ever tried doing tree work in your sneakers?
Or better yet, have you forewarned a new employee about the job, and they STILL come in with some tennis shoes on? I've seen it, and they always pay for it. Sometimes there is just no helping someone. I can still recall one coworker who would still come in with his Timberlands with his soles taped back to the work boot!
Tree work is not in a comfy office. The environment in our day-to-day can be unpredictable, especially up here in the Midwest! The weather is so bipolar that it can be sunny and 75 degrees one day, then snowing the next day! Proper footwear is an absolute essential in our line of work. All climbers need durable boots that will give us the support, comfort and resilience to withstand the elements we’re exposed to.
What about traditional logger boots?
I hear that question all the time. My honest opinion, no. Now, I’m not discrediting logger boots with a high heel. What’s right for me, may not be right for you. These are just my opinions, and I am giving people options based on my experiences.
Traditional logger boot.
For pruning work, your choice of work boot doesn’t matter as much because we’re not in gaffs. You absolutely want something with a good sole at the bottom, and usually anything with Vibram is going to give you the best grip. Having a heel is important when it comes down to removals, you do want some heel on your logger boot for that work. The heel will catch the stirrup of the gaff, provided that the gaffs are adjusted correctly. If you are using a flat sole work boot with gaffs, it could become a safety concern. How? If the bottom strap isn’t adjusted correctly, the stirrup can slip. If it's too tight, you could be restricting blood flow to your feet.
Which Boot from Bartlett is Best?
Arbpro Evo 2s, Clip-n-Steps, or Arbortec: which one to choose?
Arbortec boots are an excellent option if you are in the market for a chainsaw protective style boot.
Both the Kayo and the Scafell Lite’s are categorized as a class 2(24m/s).
The Kayo is modeled after Evo 2s, but with a lower-cut design. The Kayo really impressed me with their comfort and how fast they molded to my foot! I didn’t require too much break in time with this boot and I found them to be wide for me. The Kayo also has a nice ankle gaiter that keeps sawdust out of the boot. I do find myself switching to warmer Arbortec boots for winter work though; apart from the protective material, these do not have insulation. Overall Arbortec boots work well on the ground as well as in the tree.
Another class 2 chainsaw protective boots. The Scafell Lite boots feel very similar to the Kayo but do go up higher on the ankle. I have some mixed feelings about Arbortec boot. To me, it’s great in the canopy but I had to switch to something more comfortable on the ground. They also required me to break them in before they truly fit correctly. Big plus for these are they work amazingly well with spurs. My arches were in the clouds!
Arbpro is a very popular name in the world of climbing boots. The Evo 2 boot is my personal favorite over the Clip-n-Steps. That’s because I can use the Evo 2 as an all-around boot. That doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with the Clip-n-Steps, they were just not right for my feet. Both Arbpro boots benefit from having no break in period whatsoever!
Especially the Clip-n-Steps. Those are so comfortable; they feel like fuzzy slippers! The downside to them though; the sole was so soft, that when I used spurs, it was not pleasant experience for me. Both lean towards the wider fit area and are waterproof. These two are not chainsaw protective boots, making them lighter than others. My only bug with these though; after a hot summer…they got a cheesy smell to them. Whatever boot you decide on choosing, make sure that you can spend 8-12 hours in them easily.
Add Your Own Review!
Have you tried any of the boots available at Bartlett? Let us know which ones worked best for you, leave a product review on your favorite boots!
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