Our Essential Guide to Choosing the Best Chainsaw Boots As with using any power tool, safety equipment should always be a priority, especially when operating a chainsaw. Helmets, gloves, goggles and protective trousers tend to get most of the attention, but one piece of safety equipment that is often overlooked is a good pair of chainsaw boots. Whether you’re a professional arborist, or just cutting some firewood in your garden, chainsaw boots will keep you comfortable all day, whilst also protecting you from serious injury. In this guide, we’ll take a look at what features to look out for when choosing chainsaw boots, including the different protection classes, and our recommendations for the best boots on the market. Why Should You Wear Chainsaw Boots? Even professional chainsaw users can find themselves at risk of injury if they’re not wearing the correct safety equipment. Chainsaw boots reduce the likelihood of serious injury as they’re constructed from cut-resistant materials and reinforced safety features. In addition to protecting your feet, chainsaw boots are built to withstand outdoor working conditions. Most chainsaw boots will feature steel toe caps, anti-slip soles, waterproof materials and extra ankle support to keep you stable and supported on muddy or uneven ground. If your job involves cutting logs or clearing areas of woodland, then comfortable chainsaw boots are essential. Chainsaw Boot Protection Classes Unlike most safety boots, chainsaw boots have three different protection classes. These classes relate to the maximum speed the chainsaw boot has been tested to protect against. Class 1 Chainsaw Boots Protects against chainsaw chain speeds up to 20 m/s. Best suited to domestic users. Our top pick: Stihl Function Active Leather Chainsaw Boots Class 2 Chainsaw Boots Protects against chainsaw chain speeds up to 24 m/s Ideal for regular professional users. Our top pick: Arbortec AT33100 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Boot Class 3 Chainsaw Boots Protects against chainsaw chain speeds up to 28 m/s Designed for heavy-duty forestry use. Domestic users will likely find that class 1 boots offer more than enough protection. If you regularly use a chainsaw for work then you should look for class 2 or 3 boots as they’re designed for professional environments. Chainsaw Boot Features When shopping for a new pair of chainsaw boots there are plenty of features to consider. The type of work you do will dictate what’s most important to you. Anti-Slip Grip Working with chainsaws often requires you to walk through wet grass or mud and over a lot of uneven ground. A boot with a deep tread pattern and anti-slip soles will help keep you stable and reduce the risk of slipping. Waterproof British weather is unpredictable. Even if it’s not raining when you start work, your feet will get wet if you’re kneeling on damp or muddy ground. Waterproof chainsaw boots will keep your feet dry all day giving you better comfort during work long days. Toe Caps A tough pair of chainsaw boots will often feature reinforced toe caps to protect your feet from falling branches or kicking heavy logs. If you’re transporting timber, or work in forestry environments, toe protection is very important. Ankle Support An uncomfortable boot will cause fatigue when working, and something as simple as ankle support can help keep you comfortable and stable when working across uneven surfaces. Most chainsaw boots are cut high to provide maximum support, which is great for jobs that require you to spend long periods of time outdoors. Comfort Don’t underestimate comfortable boots. Having a comfortable pair of boots you can spend all day in is important. Look for boots with lightweight materials, cushioned insoles and breathable lining. Leather vs Rubber Boots Boots are available in leather, synthetic or rubber construction, with them all having their own benefits. Leather Boots Offer great support and become more comfortable over time. Leather boots are often slightly heavier, but will last longer and provide a more traditional fit that many professionals prefer. Synthetic boots This type of material is most common in newer arborist boots, making them lighter in weight and more breathable. Rubber Boots Boots made from rubber are 100% waterproof and great if you work in very wet conditions. Professional Chainsaw Users If you use a chainsaw as part of your job, then your chainsaw boots should be up to the job too. High-quality boots designed for forestry use will offer more durability and protection than standard boots. Professional chainsaw users should opt for thicker, more durable boots with a high protection rating, and you’ll also want to look for boots with plenty of grip to protect against slips and falls. When working outdoors all day, you’ll also benefit from boots made with comfort and waterproofing in mind. Amateur Chainsaw Users Most people who own a chainsaw are likely to use it for home DIY or gardening purposes. Unless you regularly cut large areas of woodland, you won’t need heavy-duty boots designed for professionals. If you only use a chainsaw every now and then then a comfortable pair of Class 1 chainsaw boots will do the job. Caring For Chainsaw Boots To get the maximum life out of your boots, you need to look after them: Give them a wipe down after use Allow boots to air dry Use boot conditioner on leather boots Replace boots if they’re damaged. If the protection features are damaged then your boots are no longer offering full protection. Chainsaw Boots from Mowshop At Mowshop, we understand how important it is to stay protected when using outdoor power equipment. Our footwear range is packed with durable safety boots designed for comfort, grip and security, no matter what the weather throws at you.
