Best Tree Climbing Boots [Top 7 Picks and Review]
Are you planning to use or already using regular boots for tree climbing? We urge you to stop for a moment, free yourself for 5 minutes, and read our reviews.
Because a traditional or cheap boot may get the work done, but you may get seriously injured. Only the best tree climbing boots can save you from certain injuries.
Here, you can get information about such shoes’ specialty and know about the best models money can buy. Let’s get started and eliminate the chances of free-falling from a tree due to the boots you wear every day.
Our Recommended Top 5 Tree Climbing Boots at a Glance:
- Top Pick: Arbpro EVO 2 Climbing Boots
- Runner-Up: Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid GTX Hiking Boot – Men’s
- Best Budget: Georgia Boot Men’s Loggers G7313 Work Boot
- Best Waterproof: KEEN Utility – Men’s Coburg 8″ Waterproof Work Boot
- Best Leather: Danner Men’s Quarry USA 8 Inch Work Boot
Table of Contents
What Is A Tree Climbing Boot
Whether you are an arborist or a tree surgeon, you must need a suitable pair of boots along with other gears. A tree-climbing boot is a special type of footwear that is compatible with the tree climbing gears. Wearing these boots, you can attach a spur or spike without any discomfort.
The unique features of these boots are steel toe, front grip, and flat heel. Steel toe secures the toes from chainsaw accidents or other hard impacts. On the other hand, the flat heel on the bottom won’t let you slip accidentally.
Another benefit of having an arborist boot is that you can use it for other situations. We have reviewed different models primarily used as tree climbing boots and secondarily suitable for different purposes; it can be hiking, mountaineering, or construction-work. Now, let’s start the review.
Best Tree Climbing Boots: The Honest Review
1. Top Pick: Arbpro EVO 2 Climbing Boots
When it comes to toughness and durability, ArbPro uses BPR stitching, high-quality leather, and high-quality sole. The construction of the sole includes 1 mm nylon midsole and Vibram high-grip sole. Also, the rubberized surfaces around the edges make it easier for tree climbers to hold onto the bark with toes or the boots’ side.
The manufacturer didn’t forget about the upper portion of the boot and equipped some useful features. It has a high-quality stitched woven outer part, but it feels like carbon fiber. Under the hood, the membrane comes with water-resisting capabilities.
At the same time, the whole boot is breathable making it comfortable in hot conditions. No sweat inside means that you can wear it and work for hours without getting too uncomfortable.
After those, we focused on fitting and other supporting features. We found that the lacing system ensures a tight-fit without interrupting blood flow. Moreover, the height of the boot provides more support to the ankle. As ArbPro has made EVO 2, especially for arborists, you can rely on it because the spurs stay in place better for its flat-profile heel.
Is there anything else before I place the order?
There is one small downside that you should know before making the final decision. These boots have an Italian origin, and you have the option to change the sole after they have worn out.
For a small fee, ArbPro would do that, but you have to arrange with the distributor. Also, it may take some time to complete your order with the specific requirements.
Otherwise, EVO 2 tree climbing boot is the best tree climbing boot that doesn’t cost a lot. The best thing is that you can also wear these boots for other activities.
👍 Pros:
- Good ankle support
- Flat heel for better spur placement
- Designed especially for tree climbing
- Vibram sole with a good grip
- Loops to attach add-ons
- Perwanger leather
👎 Cons:
- The rubber sole is not very soft as some high-end models.
2. Runner-Up: Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid GTX Hiking Boot
Salewa uses tough nubuck leather and a supportive midsole to manufacture this pair of boots. You will notice its thick rubber rand and good grip on the climbing zone at the toe at your first glance. Also, it has thick lugs under the foot so that you can walk on any surface without missing a step.
If you see the heels, you will understand that Salewa tree climbing boots are also designed considering arborists’ requirements. The edge has a flat profile that prevents sliding on loose descents and spurs. These reliable soles have Vibram thread combi, which is the latest technology.
Overall, it has a tough yet flexible midsole that would never give you hard times breaking in. Also, its heel portion has enough cushioning and spring-type flex to support hours of walking or climbing. To prevent blisters, the design of the boot ensures a secure fit and no sliding inside.
Is there anything unique about it?
Yes, and you will love it. The pair comes with adjustable multi-fit footbeds. Whether you have narrow or wide feet, you won’t have a problem because of those soft footbeds. Also, its flex collar on the achilleas region is worth mentioning for its support and comfort.
There are even more.
These waterproof boots have a unique Y pattern wire on the ankle break that ensures a secure-fit after tightening the laces. As it comes with a Gore-Tex membrane, you don’t have to worry about its performance in different terrains and weather conditions.
Overall, it is a great pair of hiking boots that have synthetic materials and nubuck leather. Check out the pros and cons of the shoe and our final commentary below.
👍 Pros:
- Good for all terrains
- Lightweight and tough
- Comfortable yet sturdy midsole
- Adjustable multi-fit footbed
- Water-resistant material
- Thick lugs for better traction
👎 Cons:
- The quality of the bootlace eyelets needs improvement.
3. Best Budget: Georgia Boot Men’s Loggers G7313 Work Boot
The sole with steel toes and steel shank is the base of its reliability. Besides, it is made with rich full-grain leather with waterproofing materials. So, wearing it for hours without making your feet wet is possible if you buy Georgia Boot Men’s Loggers G7313 Work Boot.
As budget models have quality issues, do I need to worry about it?
Absolutely not; the boots are comfortable and have a long-lasting build quality. The only thing you need to consider is that you can’t wear it in warm regions. For its insulation, it is best for the arborists in colder states.
Though this is a work boot, you wouldn’t face a problem climbing trees wearing the best tree climbing spikes. It is assuring that the shoes follow all ASTM standards protecting toes and preventing electrical hazards.
Its height is 8 inches, which doesn’t come in the way of mounting the spikes. So, if you don’t have a lot to spend but looking for a decent quality product, Georgia Boot Men’s Loggers won’t disappoint you.
👍 Pros:
- Comfortable boot
- Very durable and reliable
- A very short break-in period
- Satisfactory pricing considering the quality
- Reliable steel toe and steel shank
- All-around stitching increasing longevity
👎 Cons:
- These are not good for warm regions.
4. Best Protective: KEEN Utility – Men’s Coburg 8″ Waterproof Work Boot
The sole has a superior grip, which is oil and slip-resistant. Along with the protection at its core, the rubber outside cover can provide extra grip. It has very reliable waterproof features, but there is more to mention.
The materials are sturdy, and water-resistant leather and Keen Tuff-Tex abrasion-proof fabric. Working as an arborist can be tough but protecting your feet from outside elements is possible with these boots.
Keen Utility has focused on this model’s ultimate durability, breathability, comfort, and protection. The waterproof membrane stops any liquid from entering inside. At the same time, the breathable materials keep your feet dry even in warmer situations.
Moreover, the thermal footbed is capable of stopping heat from reaching your feet. Again, 400 grams of insulation can become very useful while working in colder regions.
Another unique feature of it is its Cleansport NXT technology that fights away foot odor. So, keep you and your feet protected with the help of Keen Utility and tree climbing safety harness. Like our top pick, you can also consider these excellent boots as your go-to boots for general purposes.
👍 Pros:
- Almost zero foot-odor
- Oil and slip resistance
- Soft and comfortable cushioning
- Integrated heel guard
- waterproof, and breathable membrane
- Slip-resistant outsoles
👎 Cons:
- It should have lasted longer.
5. Best Leather: Danner Men’s Quarry USA 8 Inch Work Boot
What’s more?
One can wear them every day for a few years and send it back to the manufacturer for the necessary repair at a minimal cost. If you are an arborist and go to work every day, that option can be useful.
Among many other models, this one is a basic boot with a Vibram sole that guarantees grip and stability over oily or slippery surfaces. Inside, it has ample room for toe, and the snug fit makes it for all feet sizes and shapes.
How to get the best output from these boots?
You take care of the boots, and they would do that in return. Spend some time every week, and it can last longer than other models. The manufacturing is done in the US. So, you don’t have to worry about the quality of its leather. That is why we are considering it as the best tree climbing boot for leather.
Leather can’t perform well with continuous uses. The best thing to do is to give it a break every few days of wearing to work. This way, the leather would be able to revive.
So, check out the pros and cons, and see other customers’ opinion about its performance. If the downsides are not a big concern for your requirements, you should order this one of the best tree surgeons climbing boots.
👍 Pros:
- Versatile fit
- Oil and slip resistance
- Tough build-quality
- Guaranteed waterproof feature
- Comfortable and breathable material
- Triple stitch
👎 Cons:
- Its break-in time is a bit longer than others.
Other Considerations:
When it comes down to the boots, you can notice that the competition is fierce. As we were researching the best tree climbing boots, we faced a hard time choosing which ones to place on the top section.
Finally, we decided to do a full review of the 5 hand-picked models. But our team also fell in love with the following two arborist boots. So, check them out and see whether they match your requirements.
6. La Sportiva Men’s Makalu Mountaineering Boot
One thing you would appreciate about La Sportiva is their mastery in making soles. The 8mm footbed is not too thick, yet it is perfectly capable of protecting sharp objects.
The bottom design is ordinary, but it would give you a good grip over slippery surfaces. Though the boots are made specifically for mountaineering, you can use it to climb trees also.
If you consider our top-rated models on top, you will notice that this one is way expensive than the others. However, quality is not the issue for their low-price tags. Thinking about the affordability of all our readers, we couldn’t place Makalu Mountaineering Boots on top.
A pair of costly boots can be tough for lots of arborists, but not all. So, as a La Sportiva-lover, you can check out this boot for the premium feel.
7. XPETI Men’s Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Trekking Boots
Due to its 200 grams of insulation, breathable material, waterproof mesh on the top layer, and a hydro shield membrane, it is possible. As a result, you will get comfortable warmth inside and walk without worrying about getting sweaty feet inside.
Besides, the synthetic rubber soles are perfectly capable of supporting in the mountains. So, you won’t be missing a step, making it also perfect for tree climbers.
If you want more space in the toe area, this is a good-to-go model of boots. By the way, you should keep in mind that the shoes can take a long time to ensure a comfortable fitting.
How to Choose the Best Tree Climbing Boots?
What arborists look in a tree-climbing boot is comfort and safety. So, manufacturers design these boots, maintaining those requirements. In reality, you would find tons of options and get puzzled.
For this reason, we have poured our knowledge into this buying guide for choosing the best tree climbing shoes. So, let’s see how you can find out the most suitable one for you.
The Sole
The material, design, and finishing of the sole are the most important factors of a boot. Rubber is the best one among different materials because it is affordable, comfortable, durable, and has a grip.
Along with the material, you should also check the design of the bottom. Nicely flattened heel and traction on the front is necessary for climbing smoothly. Try to get something with natural rubber, but you can also consider synthetic rubber.
Toe Protection
In some cases, you may climb a tree with a chainsaw in your hand. Steel toe with top cover design can protect your toe from being accidentally cut off. The feature can also protect the front from getting injured by heavy impacts.
Those scenarios are common for arborists and construction workers. At the same time, don’t overlook the space inside the boot. If you have wider feet, order your required size with a wide design.
Comfort
Soft yet firm sole, rubber padding, leather cover, and foam cushioning are the significant factors that can ensure comfort. Also, the internal design and lacing system play a role in a tight and comfortable fit. This way, your feet won’t slip inside, and there will be less chance for accidents.
We know that lots of boots come with waterproof features. But make sure that the membrane is breathable at the same time so that you don’t have to struggle with sweaty feet.
Another thing that affects comfort is the flexibility of the sole. If you see some YouTube reviews on the tree climbing shoes, you will notice that some are flexible right out of the box, and some are not. However, those who have already bought a less-flexible pair can give it some time, which would eventually flex.
Size Matters
Yes, measuring the size of your feet matters a lot. Without the right fit, you can’t be satisfied even with the most expensive and best tree climbing boot in the world. Tons of videos and articles online can show you the right way to measure the size. As we are talking about the right fitting, it is wise to ensure Gore-Tex lining features.
What does that mean?
GTX or Gore-Tex lining is the trademark of W. L. Gore and Associates, which ensures a few parameters. If GTX is stated on the product description, its waterproofness and breathability are guaranteed. Also, these particular boots are comfortable and fit from the inside.
Overall Environment Consideration
Some boots have insulations, and some don’t. So, read our reviews carefully, and choose the one that fits the weather condition in your area.
Besides the weather, you should also consider the characteristics of the ground. If you are working in a muddy area, select a model that has waterproof features.
Budget
One thing is sure; our list of tree climbing work boots contains top models in the market. So, you can choose any of them and be satisfied with the performance. It is your job to set the budget and order accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will Climbing a Tree with Spikes Kill it?
No, spikes can’t kill a tree, but it is a good practice not to use spikes on a living tree. Using it on dead ones is acceptable. However,
What do I Need to Climb a Tree?
One of the best trees climbing boots, spikes, safety ropes, helmet, gloves, and harnesses are everything you need to climb a tree.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, EVO 2 is the best tree climbing boots that can also be used for other purposes. As an arborist or tree surgeon, your feet are your asset. So, invest in the right gears and boots so that they don’t get blisters.
From our reviews above, you may have noticed that even our budget pick is not very cheap. We don’t want to compromise quality when it becomes a matter of life or death.
So, you can trust our selection and buy one of the models that fit your needs or job requirements perfectly. Tree work is fun but doesn’t make it dangerous, making bad choices.
