Boots

[Shaun Bowler]

I have been using Wescos for the last 20 years. My question is what are the reasons a climber would use 16" high boots?
I am thinking about buying a pair. I have tried them on and they feel uncomfortable. I have done every type of treework in my regular Wescos. Why do people use these 16"ers.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Only people who use gaffs regularly would use a 16in boot. Or people who want to look like a logger.

Read this thread for our ongoing discussion on boots. http://www.ArboristSite.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2212

 

[sonny]

To each there own. Just like climber pads. 1 type might be good for 1 but not the other person. Its just a personal prefrence.

 

[treeclimber165]

My personal belief is that some people do not think they are working unless they are experiencing some sort of physical discomfort. They wear logger boots to remind themselves that they are working. If they wore boots that were actually comfortable, they might forget that they are working.

Every person I have ever known that wore those knee-high boots swore that they were comfortable, but they were also mighty beat when they took their boots off at the end of the day. They certainly wouldn't consider wearing those boots if they were not working. I wear my climbing boots daily, even when I'm not working. Only shoes I have that are more comfortable are my Sperry Topsiders (deck shoes).

 

[Stumper]

"Only people who use gaffs regularly would use a 16in boot. Or people who want to look like a logger." JPS

FWIW My father had a pair of 16"boots which he used for several years when climbing in N.Indiana. He never used or even owned a set of gaffs. He bought the tall boots for shin protection since he was "cooning" so many big Red Oaks,Hickories, Elms and Maples. He valued the shin protection but didn't truly love the boots. He moved to an area with less intense climbing and never bought another pair!

Speaking for myself, I have tried a lot of different styles and brands of boots and day in and day out I wear cheap hiking boots. I discovered that expensive boots last me about a year and good cheapies usually go for about 8 months (sometimes only six). I select based on comfort.
I do own a pair of steel shank work boots that I wear when using gaffs.

 

[Jumper]

16" Boots

Boots this high seem to be a US preference. I never have seen anyone wear them that high, though most people here are required to wear Steel Toes and Plates as per the Cdn equivalent of OSH regulations, in fact it is hard to buy a pair of work boots that do not have both features. Guess it comes down to personal preference and local convention...I think they would be quite uncomfortable especially in summer.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

The way I look at it, if your climbing, why nor wear boots that were made to do something close. I used to go with the general work boot but they do not give good traction on limbs. I was turned onto mountaineering boots, my Danner military boots had a similar Vibarm sole, but would not hold up. These new REI boots have a sole designed to grip rock a little better and an instep with rope work in mind.

As all say, too each their own, I find that these decrease my effort when making difficult moves.