If you are looking for work boots, and interested in logger boots, you may be wondering why logger boots have a high heel. The tall, raised heel of a logger boot serves several purposes, and its importance has different impacts across different professions and hobbies.
Not all logger boots are made in the USA. In fact, present day, most logger boots are imported. Many workers prefer boots that are made in the USA. To see a list of logger boots that are still made here in the USA, visit our article Best Logger Boots Made in the USA.
Let’s take a look at why the tall heel of logger boots is important for different types of trades and hobbyists that wear logger boots.
Why Do Logger Boots Have a High Heel?
Logging Industry
As one can imagine, loggers need logger boots, and they utilize this high heel for a couple of main reasons. First, the raised heel helps elevate the foot out of marshy, wet conditions. It also provides a deep lug pattern capable of providing traction in uneven terrain.
A logger must go into forests and wooded areas, which means they walk through unmarked settings with very rugged features including rocks, logs, debris, and weathered ground. It is essential to have traction when walking through these areas to ensure safety.
Perhaps the most important aspect of the high heel for loggers is the role it plays in climbing. Loggers must often climb trees as part of the removal process.
Not only does the high heel of a logger boot help prevent the heel from slipping when perched, but also provides a gap for the climbing spurs to fit as they wrap around the bottom of the boot.
Most loggers have laces, but there are a few pull on logger boots on the market today.
Lineman
Because Linemen are regularly asked to climb utility poles, they also rely on the high heel of logger boots to help with climbing. Just like with the logging industry we discussed above, the gap caused by the raised heel helps provide a spot for climbing spurs to wrap under the bottom of the boot.
The raised heel also acts as a catch and something capable of grabbing in instances where the foot slips. Traction is essential to prevent injuries and dangerous circumstances as a lineman possesses one of the most dangerous jobs.
And although climbing is an important aspect, it’s also worth mentioning that lineman themselves also often work in rugged terrain, including ditches and fields. Having a raised heel helps provide traction and elevate the foot out of wet terrain.
Farmers and Ranchers
Farmers and Ranchers also often rely on logger boots (or packer boots, which are very similar). Farmers and ranchers both have to walk through weathered farmland all day and muck and muddy ground common to fields and barnyards. That raised heel helps keep their feet elevated out of the muck and mud.
But perhaps the biggest reason farmers and ranchers prefer the raised heel of logger boots is for when they ride a horse. The raised heel helps grip and helps ensure that the rider’s feet don’t slip through the stirrups.
Motorcycle Riders
Though not necessarily a career, there are many motorcycle riders throughout the country. Most motorcycle riders take significant precautions to ensure their safety when riding.
Most people know that motorcycle riders utilize leather jackets for torso and arm protection, helmets for head protection and long pants for leg protection. But many motorcycle riders also prefer a raised-heel boot to help keep their feet from slipping while riding.
The raised heel provides a buffer just as it does for the rancher who goes horseback riding. This can help prevent dangerous injuries. Logger boots also wrap high up past the ankle, and provide extra leg protection in case of an accident.
Popular Logger Boot Brands
Chippewa Logger Boots
Chippewa’s beginnings date back to 1901, and to a small factory in the lumber town of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. They got their start making logger boots. Since then, 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 and other types of footwear.
Chippewa logger boots are offered in many different styles and colors. They come in plain-toe, safety-toe, and insulated versions. If you need an insulated boot, visit our article about the best insulated logger boots.
Danner Logger Boots
Danner boots is based out of Portland, Oregon. Danner was started when founder Charles Danner ventured to the Pacific Northwest to build premium work boots for loggers in 1932 (source).
One thing I love about Danner (and can’t figure out why more boot companies don’t do the same) is Danner will tell you what type of last they use for each boot. A last (or “last type”, “last mold”, “lasting process”) is what helps create the shape and fit of a boot. Danner publishes the last type for each boot, and what you can expect as far as fit.
The Danner Logger boots use a 607E last, which generally fits true-to-size and has a relatively broad and deep toe box area, which gives more volume in the forefoot and toe. Danner offers their logger boots in both plain-toe and composite toe, and also in an insulated version for winter.
To read more about how Danner boots fit, you can visit our article: How Do Danner Boots Fit?
Georgia Logger Boots
The history of Georgia Boot dates back to 1937 when they started making premium, heavy-duty farm boots. Since then they’ve grown to create a wide range of rugged, durable work boots, including popular logger boots. Their loggers boots feature waterproof technology, a rugged abrasion-resistant outsole, a raised heel, a steel shank, and many other features common to logger boots. Some people prefer the look of Georgia loggers in comparison to other popular loggers.
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 was a significant contributor of boots for the US Army in both WWI and WWII (source). Thorogood is famous for their American Heritage line of boots, which is a fabulous factory work boot.
Thorogood also makes a series of logger boots. Their logger boots are all 9″ boots, and come with either a steel-toe or a composite-toe. If you are wanting a plain-toe logger boot, you will need to try a different brand.