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Chainsaw safety boots are amongst a long list of safety equipment that arborists and chainsaw operators are required to wear in order to perform their duties in a safer environment.
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These boots range from cheap to very expensive and learning the differences between types and classes is essential to picking the right safety gear.
Comparison Chart of the Best Chainsaw Safety Boots
Product | Specs | Price |
|---|---|---|
Husqvarna 544027942  | ||
Viking Footwear Class 2 Chainsaw Boot  | ||
Viking Footwear Firefighter Chainsaw Waterproof FR Boot  | ||
Rock Fall RF328  |
How to Choose Chainsaw Boots
Choosing the best pair of chainsaw safety boots isn’t something that comes easy, even to experienced tree surgeons and arborists. They come in many combinations of materials, protective layers, and price ranges, not to mention classifications.
Toe Caps
The toe cap design and durability are key when picking the best boots for the job. Steel toe caps are preferred and recommended due to their superior chainsaw stopping power. That said, sometimes certain composite or alloy toe caps may be preferred. Depending on the weather and environment.
Boot Class
Chainsaw safety boots are classified as Class 1, Class 2, Class 3. These protection classes indicate the type of stopping power the boots have. Class 3 usually provides the best stopping power. And, fortunately enough, the class of protection isn’t always reflected in the price.
Fit and Comfort
Lightweight boots shouldn’t be mistaken for flimsy boots. A lighter boot can keep the operator more comfortable and therefore less fatigued and more balanced.
The fit, as always, is very important when picking any work boots or leisure boots and should not be underestimated. Something worth noting is that sizing from different manufacturers may not always match.
Environmental Factors
The weather and the terrain can dictate what boots are best for the job. Insulation is preferred in cold environments while better ventilation will be mandatory in warm environments.
Slip-resistant properties on the outsoles can be very important when working on slippery, muddy, or sandy ground. However, this might not be worth the extra investment when sawing in a controlled environment on even and firm ground.
Review of the Best Chainsaw Safety Boots
To help you pick the best chainsaw safety boots, here are some recommendations that cover a variety of potential work situations. From specific environmental requirements, to legislation, to common work-related accidents, this selection of boots covers them all. There’s also something for everyone’s budget.
Best Overall:
Husqvarna 544027942
PROS
CONS
Our Review
These boots look simple from the outside but they’re very good for a wide range of arborists. The rubber and cotton pile lining helps keep your feet warm. It’s also possible to order the boots with a felt liner, thus making them even better for cold or wet environments.
Between the superior weatherproofing, reliable steel toe, and overall thick design, these boots provide a good combination of cutting protection, insulation, and weatherproofing. The outsoles also offer a reliable grip. You may also appreciate the reinforced ankle protection and reinforced heel which not only protect, but also improve the operator’s stability.
What Makes This Product Stand Out
The main selling point of the Husqvarna 544027942 boots is the rubber and the superior waterproofing it provides. Along, of course, with having the option for additional insulation to maintain warmth even in the coldest of climates. The heel and ankle protection are also on-point.
Runner-up:
Viking Footwear Class 2 Boots
PROS
CONS
Our Review
These boots offer frontal protection and very good shock absorption, which comes in handy on any kind of terrain. Because these are Class 2 chainsaw boots, they’re suitable when operating medium-duty chainsaws.
You may appreciate the reflective strips around the collar, especially in poor lighting conditions. The upper features a combination of natural rubber and styrene butadiene rubber. Both provide waterproofing and longevity. Impact shocks are greatly diminished, thanks to the reinforcement around the ankle region and the air-cushioning used in the heel.
What Makes This Product Stand Out
The overall design of these boots is what makes them stand out. It’s not one specific feature but how everything comes together from heel to toe to provide Class 2 protection and superior comfort for the operator. As well as protection against cuts, shocks, and slipping.
Best for the Money:
Viking Footwear Firefighter Chainsaw FR Boots
PROS
CONS
Our Review
While designed with firefighters in mind, these chainsaw boots provide so much more protection that every operator can use them. The fire resistant material gives them tremendous resistance, at a reasonable price too.
More padding increases the comfort, even though it may come at the expense of breathability. But at the end of the day, these boots are made for wearing for long hours with little to no fatigue.
What’s even better is that as far as rubber boots go, these are super easy to slip on thanks to the rubber pull grips.
What Makes This Product Stand Out
Two features make these stand out from the herd – the pull grips and superior fire and chemical resistance. Usually rubber chainsaw boots aren’t the easiest to put on. But the pull grips solve this problem, even though there’s extra padding on the inside.
Best Kevlar Chainsaw Boots:
Rock Fall RF328 Chatsworth Chainsaw Boots
PROS
CONS
Our Review
These chainsaw boots can be ideal for working on a hot summer day. They’re easy to put on because they’re not tall and are more flexible than most rubber boots. Class 3 Kevlar protection offers plenty of chain stopping power so you can operate heavy-duty chainsaws while wearing these.
One of the best parts about these boots is their advance cold insulation properties. Designed with a Moisture-tech lining, these waterproof, yet breathable booties are tested to withstand extreme levels of cold and heat.
The outsoles feature cleats that will help grip loose ground and improve balance and stability. The steel toe cap also boasts impressive impact and crushing resistance. Even the midsole is reinforced with a composite material for both cutting resistance and impact protection.
What Makes This Product Stand Out
It’s the layered Kevlar that really makes this pair of boots stand out. It provides Class 3 protection, thus making it much safer to use even the most powerful saws. The added protection around the midsole is also a standout feature that adds value.
Best Class 1 Chainsaw Boots:
The ROP Shop New Oregon 545462
PROS
CONS
Our Review
Although these boots may not follow standard sizing to a tee, they still provide some of the best Class 1 protection on the market. They’re well insulated and well protected against rain, snow, and high humidity, thanks to the rubber exterior.
The soles feature a reliable design that allows for better stability on loose ground. The wider top opening makes it easier to slip your feet in. Even though getting past the ankle region may take some additional effort.
The low cost of these boots makes them highly attractive, especially since it doesn’t compromise on safety features and comfort.
What Makes This Product Stand Out
The wider top opening and slightly shorter profile sets these boots apart and makes them a bit more comfortable to wear. They’re not as restrictive once you get them on and this should enhance the comfort and reduce fatigue when working long hours.
What Makes Boots Great for Operating a Chainsaw
Chainsaw safety boots help in a variety of ways. But what separates average work boots from great chainsaw safety boots is always a combination of properties, unique material blends, and various safety and comfort features.
Safety Protocols
What are some of the safety protocols that separate good boots from great boots? The level of shielding that they provide. Class 3 boots, for example, may stop chainsaws operating at 28m/s.
Materials and Protection
Other boots use superior weatherproofing. Another thing that separates your average work boots from chainsaw safety boots is something known as penetration resistance.
Depending on the safety standards that the boots were made for, chainsaw safety boots have to resist a specific penetration force. This can even be up to 1100N, or higher.
Comfort and Balance
The anti-static properties of boots can determine whether they’re ideal for operating a chainsaw. The same goes for energy absorbing properties, usually determined by the design and quality of the heel.
It’s not all about providing excellent protection but also about enhancing the operator’s comfort. When someone’s sawing on heavy-duty projects, having a firm footing and no feet or leg fatigue can increase productivity and ensure a safe working environment too.
Are Safety Boots Important While Using a Chainsaw
Chainsaw safety boots are highly important. They can protect a chainsaw operator from a variety of possible accidents.
Accident Prevention
Safety boots can absorb plenty of impact damage, either from falling branches or the dropping of a chainsaw. They can also help stop a chainsaw from spinning, thus preventing the arborist from being cut. When other chainsaw fail safes don’t work as planned, of course.
Adhering to Regulations
Another reason to consider safety boots is certain safety regulations. Not all work environments would allow an arborist to work without wearing proper safety equipment, head to toe.
Working in Any Environment
When operating a chainsaw under harsh weather conditions, a great pair of safety boots can provide tons of relief. And not just pressure relief. They can help regulate body temperature, reduce the risk of developing blisters, and help the operator maintain proper balance when sawing.
Of course, cut protection is the most important thing. So many accidents can happen when operating a chainsaw. Given that the foot and legs are the most exposed parts of the body during this type of work, it’s imperative to wear the right safety footwear.
It can be the difference maker between having a long career or a short one.
Pros and Cons of Wearing Chainsaw Boots
Below are the main pros and cons of wearing protective boots while operating a chainsaw:
PRO - Protection
There’s no other way around this. Regular work boots just don’t have the material and fabric layering required to stop a chainsaw from spinning. The reinforcements on chainsaw boots also protect against pressure and impact damage, better than average steel toe boots.
PRO - Comfort
Chainsaw boots can be as comfortable, if not more so, than any other work boots. Despite having some unique designs and more reinforcements, they also come with additional insulation, or ventilation, depending on what’s needed in a specific work environment. Therefore, they’re necessary to reduce fatigue and keep the operator safe and comfortable.
CON - Variety and Maintenance
Unlike traditional work boots, some chainsaw safety boots can last a lifetime. Especially since some manufacturers design their boots with replaceable parts. This can end up saving chainsaw operators a lot of money in the long run. And because there’s a wide variety of chainsaws, there’s also a wide variety of boots when it comes to style, fit, comfort, protection, and so on.
CON - Harder to Shop for
When buying chainsaw safety boots, certain safety standards and legislation must be respected. This can make the process of finding the right pair of boots take longer than if you were buying regular work boots. It also means that the initial investment in this piece of safety gear may be slightly higher.
Conclusion
Chainsaw safety boots come in various protection classes, materials, and design features. They all work on the same basic principle, although different models enforce it in a very different way. Knowing the type of saws you’ll be operating will do a lot in terms of letting you know what boots to pick for various equipment and working conditions.
People Also Ask
Comparing various features may not always be enough if you don’t have a proper understanding of them. Once you do, you’ll be able to make your own assessment and avoid overpaying for chainsaw boots, based on the equipment you’re operating.
What Are Chainsaw Boots Made Out of?
Most chainsaw boots start off as steel toe boots. On that basic frame, multiple layers of protective fabrics and reinforcing are added in order to protect the chainsaw operator from a variety of possible injuries, coming from different angles. More layers of fabric usually indicate a higher protection class.
How Much Will Chainsaw Boots Protect You?
Chainsaw boots are designed to protect against sideway cuts, front cuts, and impact damage. The level of protection depends on the quality of the fabrics, the design, and the class of protection of the boots. Each class adheres to certain safety standards. At the end of the day, chainsaw boots should protect your from cuts as long as you match the class of protection with the power of the saw you’re using.
How Do Chainsaw Boots Work?
Multiple layers of protective fibers are used when creating chainsaw safety gear, boots included. The concept revolves around the idea that when the saw chain comes in contact with the fibers it rips through multiple layers of long and tough fibers. These will then wrap around the drive sprocket, thus stopping the chainsaw.
What Are Class 1 Chainsaw Boots?
Class 1 chainsaw boots are boots that can stop chains spinning at up to 20m/s. This number indicates the maximum safely-operated chainsaw power that is appropriate to use while wearing Class 1 boots. Anything above this speed brings a serious risk of injury.
What Are Class 2 Chainsaw Boots?
Class 2 chainsaw boots can stop chains spinning at up to 24m/s. They’re the middle safety class boots, suitable for chainsaws that are used in light to medium-duty tasks. They’re not necessarily more expensive than Class 1 boots, despite having a higher resistance.
What Are Class 3 Chainsaw Boots?
These are known as the highest protection class boots. The layers of fabric can stop chainsaw chains spinning at speeds of up to 28m/s. Although these boots may usually offer the highest level of protection, they’re not always the most expensive ones that you can find. As other factors also influence the price.