If you are shopping for heavy-duty work boots, and considering Chippewa, you might be wondering about the shank. Having a steel shank adds both support and protection to the bottom of the foot, and can help the boots stand up to harsh terrain and demanding work environments. Do Chippewa boots have a steel shank?
Although most Chippewa boots use a steel shank, not all do. Some Chippewa boots will use a fiberglass shank, which also has its own unique benefits.
As you probably already know, a shank is a supportive piece between the outsole and insole of the boot, and helps provide structure to the boot. In this article let’s take a look at some of the most popular Chippewa boots that do use a steel shank.
Chippewa Edge Walker Boots use a composite shank.
Best Chippewa Boots with Steel Shanks
Steel shanks are popular because they can provide heavy-duty support to the bottom of a boot, and also add a layer of protection. Fiberglass shanks, although not as heavy-duty as steel shanks, can have their own benefits too. These composite shanks are a bit more flexible, and weigh less.
There is no debating, however, that a steel shank is the most durable type of shank that can be used to build a boot. Here are some of the most popular Chippewa boots that use steel shanks:
Chippewa Logger Boots
The Chippewa Logger boots are probably Chippewa’s most famous work boot. They make the logger boots in many different versions, including both plain-toe, steel-toe, and insulated.
The Chippewa Logger Boots do use a steel shank. These boots are 100% leather, waterproof, and have rugged Vibram outsoles with aggressive lug patterns that can stand up to harsh terrain. These are 9″ boots that offer great ankle support.
If you want to read more about logger boots, visit our article about the best USA Logger Boots.
Chippewa Aldrich Utility Boot
Although Chippewa is very famous for making rugged outdoor boots, they also make several quality general utility boots that function as indoor work boots with less aggressive lug patterns. The Chippewa Aldrich boot is one of the most popular Chippewa utility boots.
It is a 6-inch boot made with 100% leather, and looks good both on and off the clock. This boot is good for indoor tradesman who want something durable, but comfortable, and don’t need an aggressive-lug outsole. These boots are made using a steel shank.
In general, expect these boots to about a half size big. These boots are also made in the USA. Multiple colors available.
Chippewa Original Moc-Toe Boot
The Chippewa Original Moc-Toe is a great factory boot. It has a wedge sole, and as you probably know, these wedge soles are incredibly comfortable, but are best used on smooth surfaces like concrete or tile (etc). Wedge soles are not built for gravel or harsh terrain.
This boot is made for an indoor worker who wants a stylish boot (also works as a casual boot) that provides trustworthy, but comfortable, indoor support.
This Chippewa Moc-Toe boot does use a steel shank. In general, expect these boots to about a half size big.
Chippewa Ellicott Steel-Toe Work Boots
These Ellicott steel-toe work boots by Chippewa are insulated and are great winter work boots. They have a rugged Vibram outsole that helps provide maximum traction even in rugged terrain.
These boots are waterproof and have the Chip-A-Tex® waterproof membrane system, which keeps water out but allows air to still pass through so that the boot is breathable. These boots do use a steel shank. These are heavy-duty boots.
These boots are made with 100% leather. The style number for these boots is 26330.
Chippewa Birkhead Insulated Plain Toe Work Boots
These are plain-toe insulated winter work boots that are also waterproof. These boots are 100% leather and have padded upper collars for a comfortable fit around the ankle.
Again, these are not steel-toe boots. For those of you who need an insulated winter work boot, but don’t want a steel toe, this gives you a plain-toe option that does use a steel shank for support.
Although Chippewa advises that most of their boots run about a half size big, these boots don’t run quite as big as others.
***For additional reading on Chippewa boots, visit our Chippewa Logger Boots Review where we discuss how well the Logger boots hold up over time. For sizing questions, visit our article Chippewa Boot Sizing.