Whether you are a professional logger, a Perennial adventurer, or need to climb trees for other reasons, you need the right work boots for tree climbing.[1]
You will most likely need a Logger boot or a big hiking boot for climbing trees. The shoes need a flexible fit, sole, slight heel, and grippy outsole with waterproof uppers.[3]
Logger work boots work very well for tree climbing, so we will focus on similar work boot types.

Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| # | Toe | Safety rating (maker-stated) | Waterproof | Height | Outsole |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Composite | ASTM F2413 + EH | Yes | 8" | Rubber |
| 2 | Composite | ASTM F2413 + EH | Yes | Mid-calf | Rubber lug |
| 3 | Steel | ASTM F2892 + EH | Yes | 8" | Rubber |
| 4 | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Yes | 8" | Vibram |
| 5 | Steel | EH | Yes | 8" | Not confirmed |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing or the maker’s site · Specs as stated by the listing or maker, not tested by us; check the listing before you buy
What Shoes Should Your wear for Tree Climbing
For tree climbers, a boot can be worn when climbing trees and when on the ground as a special type of work.
Good tree-climbing work boots have a lug tread and a slight heel for proper support and balance.[4]
The shaft must be longer to provide good ankle support and help reduce injuries.[2]
Some Frequent Questions and Answers On Tree Climbing Work Boots
- Why do Tree Climbing Boots have a Heel – As you will see, most tree climbing work boots or logger boots will have a heel. The heel helps you climb and helps with stability and more even pressure distribution.
- The Best Footwear for Tree Climbing – Loggers, Arborists, and those climbing trees usually wear logger work boots or work boots suitable for climbing trees and walking on land. The work boots have a lug outsole and a higher-length shaft to protect your ankles.
- Should You Use Spikes or Not – many tree Climbers and loggers use spikes on their work boots for better grip. However, you may be worried about damage to the trees. Yes, these spikes cause unnecessary holes in the trees, and they can encourage the growth of unwanted waterspouts that may harm some of the vital tissues of the tree.
Features of a Good Work Boot for Tree Climbing

- Outsole – Lug soles and treads on your work boots for climbing trees must improve grip and provide better slip resistance. The work boost should also have a sturdy rubber outsole.
- Higher Heel – You will see that most Logger and tree climbing work boots have a higher heel to help grip and support.
- Protective Toe – Regular soft and composite toes are much more lightweight for climbing trees, while a steel toe offers better protection, so it all comes down to what you need.
- Ankle Support – Look for work boots with a higher shaft supporting your ankles when climbing trees.
- Insulation – Depending on the weather conditions, you may need work boots insulated against the cold for climbing trees.
- Water Resistant – Logger boots are usually water-resistant, and this is an ideal feature in a work boot for tree climbing, as you never know what the weather may hold.
Our Picks: Work Boots for Tree Climbing
In our list, we have some work boots that are ideal for climbing trees and logger work;
We hope you love the products we recommend!
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1
The Carhartt Waterproof is an 8-inch, waterproof, composite-toe men’s work boot, a sensible option for arborists and tree climbers.
- Carhartt says an aggressive ladder-lock tread sheds mud and holds on ladder rungs. It is designed to help you stay steady during climbing and work aloft.
- Per the listing, the non-metallic composite toe avoids the weight of steel. That adds toe protection for climbing and work aloft.
- Storm Defender technology is breathable and waterproof. It is designed to keep water out during climbing and work aloft.
- A shock-absorbing PU insole pairs with a TPU heel guard and Achilles flex joint. That cushioning may help during climbing and work aloft.
- Per the listing, a FastDry lining wicks sweat and moisture. That airflow can help your feet feel fresher during climbing and work aloft.
- It is maker-rated to ASTM F2413-24 I/75 C/75 EH.
- The outsole is listed as slip-resistant.
2
The Georgia Boot Industrail is a waterproof, composite-toe men’s work boot, worth a look for arborists and tree climbers.
- Milled brass hardware is used to help extend lace life.
- The upper is full-grain SPR leather.
- A padded collar adds comfort. That cushioning may help during climbing and work aloft.
- Grip panels make it easier to pull on. That makes it quicker to get on and off during climbing and work aloft.
- Georgia Boot says a heel-stabilizing counter lock holds the heel. A better fit can make climbing and work aloft more comfortable.
- It has a composite toe.[4]
3
The Georgia Boot G7113 is an 8-inch, waterproof men’s boot, a sensible option for arborists and tree climbers.
- Georgia Boot says the rubber Georgia Logger outsole is abrasion-resistant. That grip can help your footing during climbing and work aloft.
- Solid stud hooks and eyelets are set on steel washers.
- The upper is full-grain leather.
- Georgia Boot says the Georgia waterproof system keeps water out. It is designed to keep water out during climbing and work aloft.
- A removable polyurethane insert adds cushioning. It is designed for comfort through climbing and work aloft.
- It uses Goodyear welt construction.
- Georgia Boot lists electrical hazard (EH) protection.[4]
Learn more about the Top Grade Raised Heel Work Boots HERE ‼️
4
The Georgia Boot Logger is an 8-inch, waterproof men’s boot, a practical pick for arborists and tree climbers.
- The Vibram lug outsole is oil-resistant. That grip can help your footing during climbing and work aloft.
- Georgia Boot says it uses Goodyear welt construction with a steel shank.
- Georgia Boot says the full-grain leather upper is fully lined with a padded collar.
- The Georgia Waterproof System keeps water out. It is designed to keep water out during climbing and work aloft.
- Georgia Boot says a removable TDC polyurethane insole sits inside. That cushioning may help during climbing and work aloft.
- It is an 8-inch boot.
- Georgia lists it at 3.5 pounds per pair in a size 10.
5
The Chippewa Waterproof is an 8-inch, waterproof, insulated men’s work boot, worth a look for arborists and tree climbers.
- The outsole is oil- and slip-resistant. That grip can help your footing during climbing and work aloft.
- It has a steel safety toe. That toe protection is worth having during climbing and work aloft.
- It has a waterproof design. That can help keep your feet dry during climbing and work aloft.
- It is insulated for warmth. For colder months, that warmth suits climbing and work aloft.
- Chippewa lists electrical hazard (EH) protection.[4]
- It is an 8-inch boot.
- Listed features include steel toe, slip resistant.
Index Table: Top Rated Work Boots for Tree Climbing
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carhartt Men's Waterproof - Work Boot for Tree Climbing |
| Carhartt | |
| 2 | Georgia Boot Men's Industrail - Work Boot for Tree Climbing |
| Georgia Boot | |
| 3 | Georgia Boot Men's G7113 - Arborists' Raised Heel Steel Toe Logger Boot |
| Georgia Boot | |
| 4 | Georgia Boot Men's Logger - Work Boot for Tree Climbing |
| Georgia Boot | |
| 5 | Chippewa Men's Waterproof - 8 Inch Steel Toe Waterproof Insulated Work Boot |
| Chippewa |
Sources
General background on footwear safety and foot health. This is not medical advice; see a doctor or podiatrist about foot pain or a foot condition.
- OSHA: Logging – Overview
- AAOS OrthoInfo: Sprained Ankle
- CCOHS: Safety Footwear
- ASTM International: F2413 Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective (Safety) Toe Cap Footwear
Update History
- Oct 2026: Product picks checked for availability; removed Chippewa Waterproof Work Boot, Ad Tec Crazy Horse Work Boot and Rugged Blue Pioneer Work Boot (unavailable) and added Chippewa Waterproof 8 Inch Steel Toe Insulated Work Boot; added Sources (OSHA, AAOS OrthoInfo, CCOHS, ASTM International)
- Nov 2023: Added Ad Tec Crazy Horse Work Boot
- Apr 2022: First published