Best Steel Toe Logger Boots for the Money in 2022 – Reviews & Buying Guide
When you look for logger boots online, everything you will find is pretty expensive. That is because the best steel toe logger boots are built tough to withstand the harsh environment.
It’s easy to get nervous and make the wrong call. If you don’t want to be miserable on the job site, you will need the best logger boots on your feet.
I’ve had a good experience with these kinds of boots, so why not hear me out. There are two ways you can go about this.
- You can opt for logger-style boots that are cheaper.
- Or you can go with genuine logger work boots that are expensive.
However, there is a third option that will be feasible for all. I would highly recommend you look into mountaineering-style boots.
Half of the wildland firefighters use those boots, so you can easily rely on them. Now, with all that in mind, here are some of my top picks. Have a look at them see what a pair of quality logger boots can do for you.
In a Hurry? Check Our Top 3 Logging Boots With Steel Toe Feature
[amazon box=”B001D1E18M, B0002P5Q84, B004SQZ50C” grid=”3″ price=”none”]What You Should Consider Before Buying Most Comfortable Logger Boots
This section is for those of you that never bought a pair of lumberjack boots before. There are so many things to keep in mind that it’s quite impossible to remember them all. That’s why, for your sake, and to save time, I made a short buying guide.
Now, I’m not going to get into too many details here. But, I should at least talk about the necessary criteria for buying a pair of the best forestry boots.
What To Avoid?
- Cheap boots.
- No name brands.
- No arch support.
What to Look For?
Boots are considered an investment. The comfort of your feet is important for your health. You are probably going to wear these boots six days a week for long 8 to 12 hours of work shifts.
You know how boots are. The choice varies from person to person. What I feel like the best might not the right one for you. That’s understandable. Some have wide feet; some have narrow feet.
Here is a quick checklist:
- Steel Shank
- Waterproof
- Goodyear Welt Construction
- Comfortable Insole
- Good Arch Support
- Great Traction
- Durability
- Overall comfort
- Breathability
- Price
That’s precisely why we recommended 7 best logging boots. If you get the wrong pair, you won’t be able to perform 100 percent at your work.
Top 7 Best Boots for Logging with Steel Toe Reviews
1. Chippewa Steel Toe Logger Boots
[amazon box=”B001D1E18M” price=”none”]When it comes to making boots, Chippewa is a pioneer in this industry. Their boots are made using the best materials, construction techniques as well as the most innovative technology.
Many people refer to this Chippewa Men’s 9″ Waterproof Insulated Steel-Toe Boot as “super loggers” and for good reason.
Features
The Chippewa logging boots come with Vibram Tacoma Logger Outsole. There are also strategically positioned lugs, which plays an important role in making sure that it delivers optimal traction.
They are made using Goodyear welt construction, the toughest boot making construction method around. High-quality leather, super-tough boots guaranteed to last for years.
A tough lacing system with the combination of triple-ribbed steel shanks will provide extra stability and allow you to do any task you want.
Super comfortable boots thanks to their inbuilt Chip-a-tex waterproof internal booties and Apache waterproof leather. The interior is lined with Ruby Dri-lex 2000, which makes sure that moisture and sweat wick away for blister-free feet.
The removable Texon 460 waterproof insoles made the cleaning and drying process much easier. Also, Dri-lex technology made the boots more breathable.
Things We Liked About This
- Steel Toe boots, essential for every logger out there.
- Electrical Hazard.
- 3M Thinsulate Ultra Insulation.
- The removable insole makes cleaning easy.
- 100% waterproof and sweat-permeable membrane.
- Handcrafted and these boots are proudly made in the USA.
- Super comfortable and highly durable.
- This lace-up work boot has speed hooks for easy lacing.
Things We Didn’t Like
- A little bit expensive, but you know what they say… You have to spend a little to get the best product
Should You Buy It?
Definitely, this is the best logger boot for the money you can buy. Although Chippewa Men’s 9″ Waterproof Insulated Steel-Toe Boot (click the link to see full review) is a bit expensive than most of its competitors out there, it definitely provides the best value for the money.
BTW, we also have reviewed Chippewa men’s super logger boot here!
2. Carolina Logger Boots
[amazon box=”B0002P5Q84″ price=”none”]When it comes to making the best logging boots, Carolina comes at the top. With comfort, stability, durability, traction, toughness this boot ticks all the boxes. Men’s Carolina 8″ Steel Toe Boot got everything you need in a logger boot. What’s more awesome is that it comes with a great price tag.
Features
Perhaps the greatest feature about the Carolina Men’s 8-inch Boot is that it comes with a Cushy EVA insole that works as a shock absorber that protects your foot from impact with the ground.
100% waterproof membrane, because they are constructed using leather-lined welt. You won’t find a better waterproof boot than this.
Premium quality leather ensures its durability and with the long shafts that it provides, you won’t have to worry about your feet getting wet.
The supportive steel shanks provide added stability and protection. With the Cushy EVA insole installed, makes this one of the best comfortable logger boots out there.
One-piece rubber slug outsole provides great flexibility and heavy-duty traction performance, which makes these boots perfect for any tough jobs.
Steel-toe safety caps, high-quality durable materials with stitched soles. What else do you need?
Things We Liked About This
- Made using the finest quality leather.
- Completely waterproof.
- Welt construction boot guarantees durability.
- Lightweight and ultra-supportive boot to tackle your day’s work.
- It provides a strong grip on the ground.
- Very comfortable steel toe boots.
- It provides good insulation to keep your feet warm in cold weather.
Things We Didn’t Like
There isn’t anything that we didn’t like, except for one tiny detail. We found that it’s kind of difficult to keep the laces tight while putting the boots on.
Should You Buy It?
If the price isn’t your issue, by all means, go for Men’s Carolina 8″ Steel Toe Boot. They are simply the best when it comes to logger boots. Many people have been using this boot for years without any kind of complaint.
3. Georgia Logger Boots
[amazon box=”B004SQZ50C” price=”none”]Georgia work boots have been making quality boots since 1937. Over the years they have been designing and producing quality boots that gave them a solid reputation in the industry.
Georgia Boot Men’s Loggers G7313 is designed to provide maximum protection that can tackle all kinds of treacherous terrains, which obviously makes it perfect for loggers.
Features
This pair of boots is that type of footwear that will obviously last a long time before they get worn out. Goodyear welt construction boots that will serve you for years to come.
They are equipped with a superior quality leather sole, the construction is made from authentic American leather which delivers exceptional durability and traction.
The leather is coated to make it completely waterproof and certified steel toe safety feature to protect your toes from falling objects.
This boot comes with an abrasion-resistant special logger outsole which is specifically designed to last even through the worst working environments.
The rubber sole reduces stress on your feet, provides great shock absorption, and also reduces the fatigue from standing all day. Your long shifts of work won’t make your feet hurt anymore.
The steel shank on these boots provides great additional support. It’s kind of hard not to fall in love with this boot.
Things We Liked About This
- Superior traction allows you to walk comfortably on an uneven surface.
- This boot is suitable for heavy-duty purposes.
- One of the best waterproof boots we’ve had our hands on.
- Durable leather construction and a sturdy build.
- The inner cushion molds and adjusts to the shape of your feet after a short period and gives comfortable wear.
Things We Didn’t Like
- The break-in period will take some time and might cause a little bit of pain at first, but hey that’s a small price to pay considering how tough and long-lasting these boots are.
Should You Buy It?
If you want a boot that is built to last then Georgia Boot Men’s G7313 is one of the best options on the market. It will make you feel comfortable and well protected.
4. Harley-Davidson Men’s Tyson Logger Boot
[amazon box=”B003FGWYD2″ price=”none”]Harley-Davidson is one of the most trusted bike companies in the world. The cheap logger boots they make are nothing less than the best. No matter what your activity is, Harley boots will give you the support and protection you will need to tackle your day.
Features
As you can expect, the leather upper is packed with all the Harley Davidson features. The thick rubber lug sole and full-grain leather upper construction will keep you wearing them for years to come.
The lacing system is quite easy once you get used to it. With the added benefit of the side zipper, this boot will fit even more comfortable and ensure that the laces don’t get in the way of your work.
The Removable full-length cushion sock lining gives you all the comfort you’ll ever want in your boots. Also, the 3M insulation keeps your feet warm in colder conditions.
The boots aren’t completely waterproof, but the water-resistant material will enable you to use this boot on swamp or muddy conditions.
The Vibram outsole with Goodyear welt construction will give you high performance and superior traction.
Things We Liked About This
- Stylish black leather boots. These can be used in your day to day activities as well.
- Comfortable on the inside, very tough on the outside.
- Affordable price tag.
- Good lacing system.
- Pure black leather.
- The iconic design.
Things We Didn’t Like
- Because of the sturdy materials, it may take a while to break in. After a week or two, this boot will feel so comfortable that you will want to keep on wearing them.
Should You Buy It?
If you want value for your money, we would recommend you try out Harley-Davidson Men’s Tyson Boot. This boot is the most stylish boot we’ve seen. Aside from your workday, you can even wear them on your day to day activities.
5. Wolverine Logger Boots
[amazon box=”B00OTTGNX6″ price=”none”]We’ve all heard of this iconic American brand. Wolverine Company has been making high-quality products for a long time and they have some top quality work boots in their lineup.
Wolverine 8″ Chesapeake GORE-TEX WATERPROOF Insulated is another Steel Toe Logger Boot, a solid contender for the title of best budget logger boots. This all-rounder mid-range boot is very popular among consumers.
Features
This boot has a durable full-grain leather upper and Goodyear Welt Construction that makes it one of the toughest and longest-lasting boots on the market.
Thanks to GORE-TEX membrane lining, this boot is 100% waterproof. On top of that, the manufacturer gives a one year guarantee for this.
The removable full-cushion footbed is the trademark of most Wolverine boots, this is to make sure you stay comfortable and multiple steel shanks to give you the arch support you need for great stability.
The special Thinsulate insulation allows your feet to stay warm in the winter, which keeps your feet dry and comfortable all day long.
The best part of this boot is the Vibram outsole. These outsoles deliver great traction as well as high performance.
Things We Liked About This
- The Gore-Tex lining feature gives maximum breathability.
- Solid steel shank that adds underfoot support.
- A removable cushion that is washable and also molds according to your feet.
- The price is affordable for most users.
- It provides all-around protection for your feet.
- Aluminum alloy safety toe for protection.
Things We Didn’t Like
- The only thing you should keep in mind that these boots are great in cold weather. In a warmer season, your feet may sweat a little because of the insulation. Aside from that, there isn’t anything that we didn’t like.
Should You Buy It?
Boots that come with amazing grip, excellent quality that is made to last and most of all no complaints from consumers, which should be enough to make your decision.
Every user gave a good positive review about Wolverine 8″ Chesapeake as it’s the Best Steel Toe Logger Boots. We loved them as well as other users who bought them.
6. Skechers Logger Boots
[amazon box=”B000ARF7JC” price=”none”]Skechers is a multi-award winning global leader when in the boot industry. They are popular for their high quality and affordable product line that meets the consumer’s demands.
Skechers USA Men’s Cascades boots are a standard built USA made boots as the name suggests. High shafts, sleek and oily design makes them a must-have boot for every logger.
Features
Durability comes to my mind when I first check out a boot. The triple-stitched overlay makes this a long lasting boot even when tackling physically-demanding activities.
After durability comes comfort. Yes, these boots are extremely comfortable and breathable at the same time. Not too heavy, because of the lightweight protective materials used in the construction. You can move easily around the construction site without any type of discomfort.
These boots come with rugged pattern outsoles for amazing traction, grip, and stability. Even on the uneven surface, the shock-absorbing midsole makes it really comfortable to walk.
Finally, everything comes down to the leather. These cascades boots are made from 100% pure high-quality oiled leather. The leather itself isn’t all scratch-proof, but it is thick enough to withstand tough conditions and will last for years.
Things We Liked About This
- The insoles provide sufficient cushioning for more comfort even when worn for a long time
- Soft fabric boot lining with good waterproofing capability
- Lace-up logger boots with top hooks and metal eyelets.
- Hiking style boot laces with heel pull on top.
- The padded tongue for additional support.
- It comes with shock-absorbing midsoles, oil-resistant rubber outsole for heavy traction capabilities.
- These boots are accented with contrast colored triple-reinforced stitches.
Things We Didn’t Like
- The soles are too stiff which will take a while to break in. Consider the time factor for breaking in before buying these boots.
- Also, the heel height seems to bother some users, but we think the tall ankle height is great support.
Should You Buy It?
Skechers USA Men’s Cascades boots come with an affordable price tag and as comfortable as a pair of logger boots can get. If you prefer a stylish looking and shining design, these boots will definitely be the right choice for you.
7. AdTec Logger Boots
[amazon box=”B0196CCEK6″ price=”none”]If you are more into a budget logger boot, AdTec Men’s 9-Inch Steel-Toe Logger Boot is a good option to choose. Don’t worry about it being low budget, this is one of their marketing strategies to compete with the giant brands out there.
Features
Its low price, however, the economical price also means that the materials used in the construction are not high-end. But, surprisingly these are actually pretty good boots considering the price factor.
Steel toe logger boots with medium quality horse leather will give just enough durability for the boots. Also, the Goodyear welt construction techniques will make sure the boots last longer.
What we loved about this product is the speed lacing hardware that it provides. This is probably one of the best things about this model. Because of this user-friendly design, you don’t have to spend a lot of in lacing the boots.
The oil-resistant lug outsole provides amazing grip and the rubber sole provides good traction on different surfaces. You don’t have to worry about slipping while working on slippery surfaces.
These boots aren’t waterproof, but the oil-resistant outsole will prevent moisture from getting inside.
Things We Liked About This
- It won’t take a lot of time to break in.
- It comes with a budget price tag.
- This boot gets comfortable once they broke in.
- Best budget steel toe boots in our opinion.
- They hold up pretty well even in harsh environments.
Things We Didn’t Like
- This boot doesn’t come with any insoles. If want to work for a longer period of time in these boots we would recommend you purchase insoles separately.
Should You Buy It?
If you have a budget issue but want the best product within your budget then we would highly recommend you to put AdTec Men’s 9-Inch Steel-Toe Logger Boot in your list of choices.
Some of the Special Features of Best Steel Toe Logger Boots
Here are some special features of logging boots that separate them from the rest.
Toe Protection
While handling huge logs and lumbers, you can’t keep your toes unprotected, can you? That’s why almost every boot has either steel toe caps or composite toes.
You already know why this is important. Steel toes dudes. You don’t want to damage your feet. Enough said. You should also consider the weather in your workplace.
If it’s mostly sunny and dry, you don’t have to pay extra to get waterproof boots. However, it’s a safe bet to get one anyway. Because you can never predict the weather.
Steel toes offer better protection from falling objects than comp toes. Steel toe boots offer maximum protection but get warm/cold quickly. On the other hand, composite toe boots won’t give you much protection but will be better suited for warm temperatures.
High Heels
High heels on loggers aren’t just for the looks. We all can agree that having high heels is not comfortable. For loggers, tree planters and other forest workers wear them because of the rough terrain.
The high heel base lets them walk through any unknown terrain. Most of them would put their heel first. The extra-long base also works as a break for your feet when going downhill.
Durability
By far the most important feature to consider. You want your boots to last. High-quality leather upper, proper construction, sturdy frame material will result in a durable boot.
Caulk boots aren’t cheap. And the last thing you would want is tearing in your boots or separation of soles. These boots are designed to handle tough situations if you know which one to get.
Also, get ready to spend some extra bucks for that. Materials in the construction will give a general idea about your boots.
Construction Type
Most of the high-end logger work boots have Goodyear Welt construction. It’s just a fancy name for one of the best boot construction techniques out there.
A combination of synthetic or leather welt, metal eyelets, strong laces, tough rubber sole, comfortable insole, and ankle protection are some of the features of an ideal work boot. Unlike normal work boots, lumberjack boots are rough and big in size.
Ankle Support
6-8” ankle support is a must for every logger. The ankle shaft supports the feet and keeps the ankle from rolling while you walk on rough terrain. This support is a must if you want to prevent accidental ankle twists.
Lug Outsoles
Almost all of these boots have lug outsole. If you don’t know what a lug outsole is, it’s a type of sole that uses thick rubber and has deep indentations on them. Kind of like patterns for providing strong traction on the slippery surface.
Waterproof & Insulation
If you work in a swamp or muddy environment, you need to check your boots if they are water-resistant or not. Most of the insulated boots are water-resistant but not waterproof. Depending on your work environment, opt for the one that you’ll need. Check for “Thinsulate Insulation” in the product specs.
Traction
Dura treads and a rubber outsole will provide the best possible traction on any terrain. Regardless of the environment, your boots should give you the proper traction that you need to get the job done. High heels are preferred because they can dig into the ground and keep you stationed. Another point I would like to add to this is the slip and oil resistance feature. While a lot of people tend to overlook this matter, I think they should.
Comfort
Not all logging boots are comfortable. They aren’t built that way in the first place. Tough grain leather upper will be the best for long time use but will need some time to completely break-in and adjust to your foot. However, you can add additional insoles for extra comfort. Do keep in mind that not all boots will allow you to add 3rd party insoles into your boots.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are logger boots comfortable?
Ans. Well, it depends on what you mean by comfortable. Don’t expect the same comfort as you would get by wearing a pair of sneakers. These boots are made using heavy-duty leather and sole. Which also adds weight to the boot.
I’m not saying that they are horrible to wear. Except for the first couple of days where you need to break them in and adjust to your foot shape.
After that, these will fit your foot like a glove. That’s just the nature of these boots. You need to thoroughly break them in before you can actually wear them for work.
2. What makes a boot logger boot?
Ans. These are somewhat similar to construction boots. Apart from the leather part. The upper of logging boots are made using a full thickness of cowhide.
Your average work boot will use probably 3 to 4 oz of split cowhide. Logging footwear also weighs more than average work boots because of all the protective features.
3. What are logging boots good for?
Ans. These boots are specially constructed for loggers. Some standard features such as full grain leather, single piece logger sole, high heel, extended arch support, steel-toe can be found in these boots.
The high-end logging work boots will also have the waterproof feature with membrane for wicking away moisture. Do keep in mind that they will also cost you quite a few bucks.
These boots are also quite similar to lineman boots. Some even buy them for their toughness. I’ve seen a lot of guys wear them for hiking. You can read more details on this topic in this article.
4. How to break in a pair of logging work boots?
Ans. As I have said before, these boots have a sturdy upper which takes time to break in. Please refer to my other article where I have mentioned some cool new steps on how you can break in any pair work boots. Getting used to logger footwear may take some time, but it’s worth it.
5. Why do forestry boots come with tall heels?
Ans. Most of the height is there to provide arch support and maintain a good posture. The heel cap works like a break when you are going downhill. And, the long arch will keep water away provided that you keep the leather well-tanned and oiled.
6. What will be the best steel toe logger work boots for daily use?
Ans. For daily use, you should go for the Wolverine Chesapeake steel toe boots. Steel toe, 10” arch support, Gore-Tex lining, and for the comfort you’ll get a fully removable cushion insole. The best part about this boot is that it is made in the USA. An all-American logger boot company that specializes in making quality footwear.
Final Verdict
What I’m trying to say is, your pair of logging boots should be comfortable and should also give you the support you need.
If you need tall arch support, get the 6” or the 8” tall boots. A pair with good stability, support as well as shock absorption feature should be considered as a decent work boot.
Even if your workplace has a smooth surface, during and after heavy rainfall, it’ll get slippery. Tree saps and machinery oils will just increase the slipperiness.
Unique tread sole patterns like those found in Chippewa and Carolina Logger Boots are perfect for this kind of situations.
Additional features such as insulation and breath-ability should not be overlooked either. Also, don’t go for overpriced boots. You should take your time, see what others are recommending before you buy the best logger boots.