Often when you are looking for logger or for lineman boots, you may find that these types of boots have many common features. Typically both types of boots are made from full thick cowhide which is 7 oz. or more thick, as compared to regular leather work boots which are 3-4 oz. thick. The top quality logger and lineman boots are made of this thick, not-split, oil tanned leather with no surface finish, which allows for the boots to keep the water out when oiled and at the same time provide comfortable breathability for the feet.

These are three main types of lineman and logger boots:

Boots suitable for loggers and lumberjacks need to be sturdy, have a larger surface grip for rolling logs and for superb traction to keep the loggers safe from slipping, falling or ankle rolling. This is provided by the corks, caulks or calks which have multiple spikes on the outsoles for the best traction and grip possible.

Again, these boots are made of the thickest and heaviest type of cow hide leather, and are usually without lining, or when lined – it from leather or Cambrelle fabric. Due to the demands of the lineman job, typically these boots feature extra or double steel shanks which keep the bottoms of the boots stiff enough to keep it from flexing when the person wearing them is climbing and standing on a ladder or on pole rung and thus keep the lineman, arborist, cable installer, tree service worker or other professional safe while working at big heights. Lineman boots have added side patches and provide superb support. They usually are 14-20 inches high, but in some cases are offered at crotch height of up to 38 inches. The lacing is in a traditional crossed pattern to keep the feet safe and stable at all times.

Until recently, there was not clear differentiation between logger and wildland firefighter boots. However, in the past few years, some specific features which ensure better protection from fire have been added to the design and make of the leading wildland fire boots, such as: Vibram soles, Kevlar threads and leather which is silicon tanned for fire resistance. They have a leather rather than a steel shank which gives an added height to the instep profile, and also they are soft toed which some people may find a bit more comfortable.

Features of logger boots

Apart from the differences between them, logger and lineman boots have the following common features which make them different from the standard work boots:

  • A “kilty” – a false tongue which is an 8 inch long leather strip with serrated bottom edges which is held by the laces as they are laced through the bottom eyelets. Originally designed to provide added padding between the instep and the laces, today due to the higher quality, thick leather this feature is more of a traditional element for these boots rather than an essential feature.
  • Good quality, real lineman boots have steel sided plates and leather side patches to protect the feet and the boots from the abrasion while climbing poles, trees and others. The steel shank on the bottom keeps the foot straight and allows for better comfort and stability on the ladder or the pole, plus there are multiple accommodations which allow easy installing and wearing gaffs or climbing spikes when necessary.
  • The tough soles are not safe or comfortable to wear in extremely cold weather.
  • They have a leather half-slip for added arch support.
  • Color: Typically they are made of black leather, but can be found in redwood and brown as well.