Logger style climbing boots

[Howsitgoineh]

Now I know this has been touched on a bit in other threads, but have not yet found the answers I am looking for.

Long story short, I need new boots that are suitable for climbing. I currently wear the Georgia boot Loggers and I've been happy with them overall, but they had quickly torn in a seam above the heel. I don't want to get the same ones as I have read a few reviews stating the same issue.
I am after a similar style - Loggers heel, tall posts (8"+) and a steel shank support.

I have seen some redwings that are pretty nice, and also heavily considering a pair of vibergs.

Any suggestions, and experience would be much appreciated before I make my final decision - thanks all!

 

[Stihlproincky]

I had a pair of redwings, I was happy with them. They were very comfortable to me, overtime just tore the hell out of them.
That's them now, never tore just cut them with chainsaws and gaffs.

 

[Howsitgoineh]

I had a pair of redwings, I was happy with them. They were very comfortable to me, overtime just tore the hell out of them.View attachment 1185772View attachment 1185773
That's them now, never tore just cut them with chainsaws and gaffs.

Awesome man, thanks! They look just like the pair I am considering - do they run about a half size or full size up? I think it was with RWs people were saying I should order down a size or a half
They look awesome

 

[Stihlproincky]

Awesome man, thanks! They look just like the pair I am considering - do they run about a half size or full size up? I think it was with RWs people were saying I should order down a size or a half
They look awesome

Hmmm... I typically wear a 12-13 depending on boot style, those were 13's but could have made do with a 12.5. So basically, yeah a half size would have been fine.
I have the same problem ordering boots, if most people say go down a size or half, prolly should do that.

 

[Mac&trees]

I wear whites 18” lineman boots if I’m standing in hooks all day. Other than that I would check out tree stuff for arborist foot wear. It all depends on type of climbing your doing. I prefer hookless climbing.

 

[Howsitgoineh]

I wear whites 18” lineman boots if I’m standing in hooks all day. Other than that I would check out tree stuff for arborist foot wear. It all depends on type of climbing your doing. I prefer hookless climbing.

I hear nothing but good things about whites, so I think they'd be a nice choice too.
I do a lot of work on the ground too but I'm in my Loggers all day. About 50/50 in spurs and without em - spurs only for removals, we only prune or dead limb without spurs

I have seen a few different pairs of 16" lineman boots and they look pretty sweet, though I think suitable for climbing only and not the best for work on the ground

 

[Mac&trees]

I hear nothing but good things about whites, so I think they'd be a nice choice too.
I do a lot of work on the ground too but I'm in my Loggers all day. About 50/50 in spurs and without em - spurs only for removals, we only prune or dead limb without spurs

I have seen a few different pairs of 16" lineman boots and they look pretty sweet, though I think suitable for climbing only and not the best for work on the ground

 

[Mac&trees]

Whites are hand made and expensive. Not all that comfortable on the ground. I bring them to work for spur climbing only. I’ve had wescos as well. If you buy wescos never have them rebuilt at the factory. Wesco rebuild is nothing more than a resole and polish, no repairs. Find a good cobler if you are going to buy any expensive leather.

 

[HumBurner]

I hear nothing but good things about whites, so I think they'd be a nice choice too.
I do a lot of work on the ground too but I'm in my Loggers all day. About 50/50 in spurs and without em - spurs only for removals, we only prune or dead limb without spurs

I have seen a few different pairs of 16" lineman boots and they look pretty sweet, though I think suitable for climbing only and not the best for work on the ground

Whites used to be really good. Their quality has gone way downhill the last several years post-buyout by Chinese conglomerate. Prices have gone way up. Either they have new folks making the boots, or they're being pushed to produce, because the attention to detail and overall quality is declined. The stitching started to let loose on my last rebuild after 20-30 hours after breaking in (so 60 hours or so, total, only 2-3 full 8-10hr days after break in)

They also damaged my boots during or just after the rebuild, dropping a metal bar on them (how???) and denting the back-ankle area. I was offered ~$150 off the rebuild price accepting them as was, or would have been given the same off a new pair.

I will probably be going Nick's my next buy.

 

[Howsitgoineh]

Whites used to be really good. Their quality has gone way downhill the last several years post-buyout by Chinese conglomerate. Prices have gone way up. Either they have new folks making the boots, or they're being pushed to produce, because the attention to detail and overall quality is declined. The stitching started to let loose on my last rebuild after 20-30 hours after breaking in (so 60 hours or so, total, only 2-3 full 8-10hr days after break in)

They also damaged my boots during or just after the rebuild, dropping a metal bar on them (how???) and denting the back-ankle area. I was offered ~$150 off the rebuild price accepting them as was, or would have been given the same off a new pair.

I will probably be going Nick's my next buy.

Really appreciate the input here. Everyone I know who has a pair of Nick's boots has great things to say. A custom build may be a bit out of my range, though I do see discounts on their site. Gonna give em another look as well

 

[moxiemaul]

I want to get some made in usa boots- Nicks or other- expensive, but I try to be pretty serious about made in USA. But I keep running into how the PNW boot folks all seem to make the same design of old-school boots and they want me to fetishize the traditional construction and leather. Aside from climbing and lineman stuff, for us regular ground creatures is the old design really better?

I have a pair of keens as my daily's- waterproof, composite toe, warm in the snow, well padded and comfy, good for all day on concrete or in the woods. Same with my redwings- they have an absurd side zipper etc but are solid and comfy, watertight, steel-toe, fitted at the store with an insert to match my feet and are wearing better than the keens.

Then I start looking at the Nicks and similar; nothing but a hard sole in there, not waterproof or insulated and up to me to find an insert if one is needed. Is there really a win with them at $600+? If there is vs the keens and weird redwings, I'll buy them... but I sure don't see it yet. I'm convinced the PNW boots will wear longer than my current boots- but thats only one factor.

 

[Howsitgoineh]

One groundie on our crew sports the kayo climbers, they look a bit like a running shoe with a tall shaft, very modern. He really likes hem, even as a ground boot

I was a groundie for a year before I got into climbing. Started in a good pair of Justin Boots. Slip ons, western style. Absolutely loved them and would probably buy again. However, no good for climbing. So I got a pair of Georgia boots, one of their logger style. Super comfortable, waterproof, and had shank support for spurs. They didn't last me a whole season though, so I'm on the search again!

I settled for a gently used pair of Caterpillar Loggers I found real cheap on eBay. Took a few days to break em in but I'm pleased with them both on the ground, and in the trees

 

[capetrees]

Chippawa Bay Apache

 

[HumBurner]

I want to get some made in usa boots- Nicks or other- expensive, but I try to be pretty serious about made in USA. But I keep running into how the PNW boot folks all seem to make the same design of old-school boots and they want me to fetishize the traditional construction and leather. Aside from climbing and lineman stuff, for us regular ground creatures is the old design really better?

I have a pair of keens as my daily's- waterproof, composite toe, warm in the snow, well padded and comfy, good for all day on concrete or in the woods. Same with my redwings- they have an absurd side zipper etc but are solid and comfy, watertight, steel-toe, fitted at the store with an insert to match my feet and are wearing better than the keens.

Then I start looking at the Nicks and similar; nothing but a hard sole in there, not waterproof or insulated and up to me to find an insert if one is needed. Is there really a win with them at $600+? If there is vs the keens and weird redwings, I'll buy them... but I sure don't see it yet. I'm convinced the PNW boots will wear longer than my current boots- but thats only one factor.

Height of boot/ankle and lower leg support/protection. Comfort for long days (I've been in my boots 12-14 hours many days.) Heat/fire resistance and protection.

No shoe or boot is waterproof if you don't keep them clean. Leather requires cleaning and dressing. I've never found the waterproofing sealants to last more than a few hours of of use before they are worn or heated away; wouldn't buy it again. Clean and dress them regularly and not go jumping in puddles.

 

[moxiemaul]

Yeah its that kind of thing that makes me wonder about the value... my old redwings were almost falling apart and I rescued them out of the "ready to throw out pile" to wear in a sewage overflow cleanup job, so was really interested in the waterproof aspect; still almost perfect. The current ones are still tight as a drum with occasional water up over the feet and all day when rainy.

If I'm not supposed to go jumping around in puddles in the woods it starts making me wonder why I'm spending $700 on them...

I not infrequently spend time working in poison ivy, those days I strip off in front of the washing machine, everything and the boots go in. The redwings and keens don't mind, just dry them off in front of a fan. The fancy PNW boots had better be ready for that without needing loads of TLC afterwards, but so far I doubt it.

 

[HumBurner]

Yeah its that kind of thing that makes me wonder about the value... my old redwings were almost falling apart and I rescued them out of the "ready to throw out pile" to wear in a sewage overflow cleanup job, so was really interested in the waterproof aspect; still almost perfect. The current ones are still tight as a drum with occasional water up over the feet and all day when rainy.

If I'm not supposed to go jumping around in puddles in the woods it starts making me wonder why I'm spending $700 on them...

I not infrequently spend time working in poison ivy, those days I strip off in front of the washing machine, everything and the boots go in. The redwings and keens don't mind, just dry them off in front of a fan. The fancy PNW boots had better be ready for that without needing loads of TLC afterwards, but so far I doubt it.

Leather requires care. Doesn't matter what it is.

Take a jab in the ankle with leathers on vs. a synthetic material. You'll be glad you have the leathers.

But, they may not be right for you.

I can and have torn up Redwings and cheaper Danners before a work-season is over. I would melt any non-leather shoe in a day or two.

I'm also really hard on my boots, so....

 

[moxiemaul]

A good point wrt puncture- the Nicks et al will certainly be tougher in that case. Had one pair of boots that <barely> saved me from a nail through the sole- easily wouldn't have if I'd have been in the different part of a stride. Would not try it with my redwings or keen, more confident with the PNW boots... so a big plus there.

 

[HumBurner]

A good point wrt puncture- the Nicks et al will certainly be tougher in that case. Had one pair of boots that <barely> saved me from a nail through the sole- easily wouldn't have if I'd have been in the different part of a stride. Would not try it with my redwings or keen, more confident with the PNW boots... so a big plus there.

I stepped on a nail delivering firewood to a client years ago. Went through the vibrams on the White's, all three socks, and a half inch into my foot.

They had cleared the pathway and their woodshed but must've missed a board, cause my foot found it. They were beside themselves over it, and were kind enough to bring me a big bowl of hot water and salt. Even better, there was a local reporter interviewing them for a story at the time, and she offered to finish unloading and stacking the wood (for context, she had swamped for a few years before.)

I declined, soaked the foot for ten to fifteen minutes while sipping on some fresh-made lemonade from their trees, bandaged it, and finished the load. Those boots were fairly new with most of their tread, but I must've caught the nail between the ridges.

 

[diver64]

I wore a pair of White's for a couple of years out west logging and cruising. Very nice boots and you get what you pay for. Some different forums I read have guys that really like Nick's.

 

[BeatCJ]

My understanding is that White's were purchased by a conglomerate. Nick's spawned from them, and is no longer under the same ownership. I bought a pair of handmade logger style fire boot from Frank's (he worked for Nick's in the shop). Easily the best boots I have worn. I also have a pair of Kennetrek's I wear most often, but there are things the Logger Style boot will withstand that would destroy those. I carry both in my work truck.

When I climbed, good boots were important. I'm sure my Frank's would have been great, but I wouldn't have been able to afford them in those days.