In this article we discuss the best logger boots with Vibram soles. As you probably already know, Vibram sets the standard in many ways when it comes to boot outsoles. Buying a pair of logger boots with vibram soles means you’re getting reliable traction and support from the sole of your boot.
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These are our choices for the best logger boots with Vibram soles:
- Chippewa Men’s 9″ Waterproof Insulated Steel-Toe Logger Boots (click here to view)
- Carolina Maple 9″ Domestic Soft Toe Logger Boots (click here to view)
- Thorogood Men’s 9″ Insulated Waterproof Logger Boots (click here to view)
- Nicks Boots BuilderPro™ 67 Classic High Arch Work Boots (click here to view)
- Wesco Jobmaster® BR110100 Work Boots (click here to view)
- White’s Lineman PRO Work Boots (click here to view)
- Danner Men’s 8″ Logger Work Boots (click here to view)
- Carolina Maple 10″ Linesman Domestic Steel Toe Logger Boots (click here to view)
- Georgia Boot Comfort Core Composite Toe Logger Boots (click here to view)
- *Women’s* Chippewa Women’s 8″ Waterproof Safety Logger Boots (click here to view)
All the boot companies listed here are considered to be premium boot companies. This is to be expected since cheap boot companies often don’t use Vibram outsoles.
Not all Vibram outsoles are alike, and not all logger boots use the same Vibram outsole. Some logger boots use a low-profile Vibram outsole while others use a more traditional, deeper-lug outsole.
For example, a popular Vibram outsole for logger boots is the Vibram Tacoma outsole. It has an aggressive lug pattern that can provide premium traction in harsh terrain.
One drawback, however, with these types of soles is they can build-up and track mud and dirt. The Vibram Tacoma, despite having aggressive lugs, is designed in a way to help prevent mud build-up on the bottom of the boot. But still, some build-up is inevitable.
That’s what low-profile Vibram outsoles really have to offer over these more aggressive outsoles. The low-profile Vibram soles don’t build-up and track mud and dirt as much.
Ultimately, you know your job requirements better than anyone else. You’ll need to decide if a low-profile Vibram sole might work for you, or if you’ll need a more aggressive outsole for harsh terrain.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular logger boots with Vibram soles, and also discuss where to buy custom logger boots if your feet give you problems.
Best Logger Boots with Vibram Soles
Chippewa Logger Boots
Fueled by the logging boom, Chippewa’s beginnings date back to 1901, and to a small factory in the lumber town of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Chippewa has played its own unique part in the history of this country, providing boots for US soldiers in WWI.
Modern day, they have grown to become one of the most trusted names in premium work boots (source), and a trusted source for logger boots. Chippewa boots are part of Justin Brands, a premium brand of western and heavy-duty, functional boots.
Not all of Chippewa Logger Boots use a Vibram sole, but many do. Here’s a look at the Vibram sole on the bottom of my Chippewa Logger Boots:
Chippewa has a wide range of logger boots across a wide range of price points. Obviously, they do this so you can find a logger boot that matches your budget.
But again, Vibram outsoles are considered in many ways to be one of the most premium outsoles you can buy. They are often associated with high-end, premium boots.
Chippewa’s most affordable boots often have a Chippewa “IQ” outsole instead of a Vibram outsole. But once you get into their premium tiers of logger boots, you will find Vibram soles.
The Chippewa Men’s 9″ Waterproof Insulated Steel-Toe Logger Boots are one of Chippewa’s most popular logger boots. These boots do use Vibram soles. Here’s what these boots look like:
This is the current price of these Chippewa Logger Boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Although this version is insulated and steel-toe, you can buy premium Chippewa boots in non-insulated plain-toe versions as well.
If you need an insulated boot, visit our article about the best insulated logger boots.
This particular style of Chippewa logger boots is made here in the USA. Chippewa has a philosophy to hand-craft as many of their boots here in the USA as possible, using raw materials. It’s worth noting though that the materials themselves are often imported.
Chippewa’s factory is located in Carthage, MO (click here to view a tour of their factory). Chippewa displays a US flag on the laces of their US-made boots (see picture above).
These boots are 100% leather, waterproof, and have rugged Vibram outsoles with aggressive lug patterns that can stand up to harsh terrain. They are made using a steel shank. These boots use a Goodyear Leather Welt construction that is re-craftable.
The Vibram soles on these boots are the #1286 Vibram Tacoma Logger soles. This type of sole is a “technical, self-cleaning sole designed for use on outdoor footwear (source)”. This is a medium-depth pattern that provides great surface traction.
Click here to buy the Chippewa Logger Boots at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). In general, expect these boots to run true-to-size. Wide sizing is available. To read more about sizing, visit our Chippewa Boot Sizing Guide.
Carolina Logger Boots
Double-H boots was founded by H. H. Brown in Pennsylvania in the 1950’s. Double-H boots specialized in western boots and eventually became the first company to ever manufacture a steel-toe western boot. Eventually, the safety division of the company grew to the point where it developed its own brand, and was called the Carolina Shoe Company.
Although not all Carolina boots are made in the USA, they do have a quite large selection of USA-made boots, including quite a few logger boots. I mention this because in my experience, Carolina usually has some of the most affordable made-in-the-USA boots on the market.
If you prefer logger boots made in the USA, but don’t want to have to spend $250+, Carolina gives you some nice options that are a bit more budget-friendly.
Carolina offers their logger boots in several different designs and sizes. Just like Chippewa, not all Carolina Loggers have Vibram soles, but several do. The two that I like the most are style 922 and style 1905.
- Carolina Maple Logger Boot – This boot is available in both a plain toe (style 922) and a steel toe (style 1922). This is a 9-inch boot, made with premium leather and a leather welt build. Arch-supporting footbeds and comfortable, anti-fungal insoles. USA Union made. These boots have traditional Vibram one-piece logger soles known for their traction. Click here to view these boots at Carolina Shoe Company’s website.
- Carolina Linesman 10″ Logger Boot – These boots also come in both a plain toe (style 905) and a steel toe (style 1905). These are 10-inch boots that will fit a little higher up your leg. I like the reinforced toe on these boots, which might come in handy for the most rugged jobs. They have low-profile one-piece Vibram Austin outsoles. These soles are long-wearing, and the low-profile oustole is designed, in part, to help prevent picking up and tracking mud and dirt. Click here to view these boots at Carolina Shoe Company’s website. Carolina also offers linesman loggers in other sizes, like 10 inch. Union made.
Thorogood Logger Boots
Thorogood boots are made by Weinbrenner Shoe Co., an employee-owned company based in Wisconsin that has deep roots in American culture. Weinbrenner Shoe Co. started manufacturing shoes in the late 1800’s and, much like Chippewa above, was a significant contributor of boots for the US Army in both WWI and WWII (source).
Thorogood has a manufacturing facility in Merrill, Wisconsin. If you want a behind the scenes view of how Thorogood boots are made in their Merril facotry, click here.
This is what the Thorogood Men’s 9″ Insulated Waterproof Logger Boots look like:
This is the current price of these Thorogood Logger Boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These boots are made in the USA (not all Thorogood boots are made in the USA).
Just like the Chippewa boots we discussed at the top of the article, these Thorogood logger boots use a Vibram Tacoma Logger outsole. This type of Vibram sole is a “technical, self-cleaning sole designed for use on outdoor footwear (source)”. This is a medium-depth pattern that provides great surface traction.
These Thorogood Logger boot use a steel shank (supportive piece between outsole and insole) to help provide toughness and protection to the bottom of the boot. These boots have shock-absorbing removal insoles. They use a Goodyear Storm Welt construction, which helps keep moisture out of the midsole area and is re-craftable (source).
Click here to buy the Thorogood Logger Boots at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). In general, expect these boots to run true-to-size. Wide sizing is available.
Custom Logger Boots with Vibram Soles
All the boots we have covered above are stock boots. What that means is, for example, you order a size 11 and get the standard, stock boot. They are not custom made to fit your foot.
For most people, stock boots work just fine, but if you have cranky feet, it might be worth it to invest in a custom logger boot. There are 3 companies I’d recommend you to consider for custom boots:
- Nicks Boots
- White’s Boots
- Wesco Boots
These three companies are located here in the US, and are three of the most premium boot brands on the market. I would have ranked them higher on my list, but their price point isn’t necessarily what everyone is looking for.
Now, the argument can be made that investing in a premium boot will save you money over the long term, but you’ll have to decide if these boots make sense for your budget.
All three of these companies also sell stock versions of their logger boots (meaning you don’t have to get them custom made). But each company does allow you to send in your custom foot measurement so that they can create the boot using a last that fits your foot shape.
A last mold is used to help create the shape and fit of a boot. When you order a stock boot, you are getting the stock last type. These custom boots alter the last to make sure the shape of the boot fits your foot.
Again, this will likely come down to how cranky your feet are. I personally use stock boots, and don’t have an issue. But all of these premium boot brands do offer logger boots with Vibram outsoles.