Who makes any lace up work boot type chainsaw boots ??? I hear bad reviews on the stihl Promark boots ?? Just wondered if anyone found good ones of any kind ???
Bailey's new sale catalog has some new protective boot on the front cover.
Chainsaw boots? You've got to be kidding me! What's next chainsaw underwear?
No im not kidding I just mean boots with the Kevlar cut resistance. Lots of pull on rubber stuff with kevlar but not much in work boot style. Sorry if it makes you upset
It doesn't upset me, it just seems like we get bombarded with advertisements for everything one can imagine and some things one can't imagine. I don't see how one could function with all the gear they say we need.
I have heard stories of why chainsaw boots are of real importance. There are plenty of things people may say, but when it comes down to it I would rather have the protection. I helped my buddy cut up an already downed tree in his yard last weekend and I was sure to us my PPE. Didn't have any problems, but I would have been glad I was prepared if something had happened.
labonvile in NH makes them !
Quote from: markd on April 25, 2012, 10:16:52 PM
What's next chainsaw underwear?
Yes, but not chainsaw under. You have armored underwear: http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2011-04-18-pentagon-armor-groin-protection.htm
Bruce
I have a pair of Matterhorn chainsaw boots. They have a steel toe and are Kevlar lined.
This chart shows the dispersal of saw injuries.
http://www.elvex.com/facts08.htm
Quote from: nmurph on April 26, 2012, 09:09:52 AM
This chart shows the dispersal of saw injuries.
http://www.elvex.com/facts08.htm
Nice chart; thanks for sharing!
I never cut without my PPE which in my case only consists of chaps and helmet. Boots have been on my list for a while. It seems like a lot of money for the amount I cut, but then again, what's the price of a foot? Now, if they made a comforatble, effective "boot chap" that could wrap around your regular work boots and offer the chainsaw protection of regular leg chaps; I think you'd have a winner!
Remember, chainsaws are like computers, they only do what you tell them to do, so be careful what you say.
Quotelabonvile in NH makes them !
I have had a set of these for over a year and they are so comfortable that I wear them all the time.
All you need is a good hard toe logger boot, i wouldn't wast my money on a so called chainsaw prof boot [ this is just me ] I ran saw 30 yrs, this is what i made a living with, never wore any protection, i couldn't run with all that stuff on [never got cut] I was raised with a saw in my hands. The biggest thing when running saw is, don't ware any lose clothing. When running chainsaw never take your eye's off the saw, know where the tip of the bar is at all times, never let your mind wonder off, the thing in your hands could kill you.
Now put your safety gear on, keep the saw sharp and never lose respect for the saw, thats when it will bite you. One more thing, always take that extra step to make that last cut, don't be holding the saw cross ways to make it. You guys know what i'm taking about, were all guilty. I've done it many times, just being lazy, closest i ever came to cutting a foot off.
I have to tell you happed to me. I was 16 and strip cutting Tamarack for my uncle. The snow was about 2' deep. I fell a tree and was sawing it up in to 8' lengths, on the last cut the tree was under the snow. I layed the measure stick on the snow, held the saw cross ways, kind of guising where the tree was. The end of the bar hit the tree and jumped on my boot, i knew instantly what just happed.[ i was running a C9 Homelite] I pulled my boot out of the snow, i didn't want to look. I had a pair of white bunny boots on, the end of my boot was all most cut off. O-Man, i seen red in the cut O-man again, i had to get to the clinic. I had to walk by my uncle on the way to the car, i didn't want him to know. He asked me what was wrong, i said nothing, i have to go get some lunch. I was driving a 57 Chrysler 300, with the 392 Hemi, 380 hp. I had 20 miles to go to the Northome clinic, i drove 120+ mph, my mind was flying, i just cut my foot off. I got to the clinic, limping and dragging my foot in. They took one look, my god what did you do, took me in a room. Hollered for the doc to get over here, i knew the doc, he takes a look at the boot hanging, O-Dear he says. He starts taking the boot off, then they started laughing. I had 6 pairs of socks on so the boots would fit, one pair were red, that was the red i seen. The saw never touched my foot, i was a lucky boy. It was a standing joke for a long time.
I guess I have more money than spare toes.
A steel toe is better than nothing, but it can cause the tip to deflect farther up the foot.
My steel toes were all nicked up from the saw, never had it deflect up the boot.
nmurph you make sure an buy the boots, i was just saying that i wouldn't.
My labonville chainsaw boots were made in pa and I really like them only gave 160 for them. Cheaper than my insurance deductible.....
Thanks everyone for all the advice Im happy to hear what everyone has to say. Thanks alot
The personal protective equipment doesn't stop the accident. The accident has already happened. They reduce the injury, which in turn reduces costs all the way around. New red sock $2.50 , trip to the clinic $12.95, Relief seeing your toes unharmed "PRICELESS".
You guys are makin me nervous ,hahaha!
About a year ago, I noticed a cut mark in my boot by my left big toe. Matched the shape of the tip of my bar. Never noticed anything happen there. This is not good.
Splitting up a mountain of rounds in my driveway early this year, three good-size pieces flew strangely, hitting the same little toe. Not good. (Couldn't find my steel-toe boots.)
That was enough. Few months back, "chainsaw boots" arrived from Labonville. Been breaking them in whenever possible. Seem to be very well made, very nice leather. We'll see how long they're habitable come summer.
Average chainsaw injury now costs ~$12,000. Given that, and the possibly long recovery, good protective boots are dirt cheap. Couldn't sign on to the idea of rubber boots.
I wear normal steelcap work boots myself, but I'm not going to give anyone a hard time for buying better protection.
That gap between the cap and the bottom of the chaps is a chink in the armour as the saying goes.
Ian
Quote from: DeerMeadowFarm on April 26, 2012, 09:39:33 AM
Now, if they made a comforatble, effective "boot chap" that could wrap around your regular work boots and offer the chainsaw protection of regular leg chaps; I think you'd have a winner!
I've never seen a "boot chap", but Labonville does sell 4-layer kevlar socks (http://www.labonville.com/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=81&idcategory=41).
I wear the rubber boot type of chainsaw boots that have chaulk bottoms while thinning. Kevlar from the steel toe, up the shin. It's a lot easier on the legs and more sure footed especially around cut stems and slimy rotten limbs on the ground from past harvests. They are a lot easier to wear than any steel toed leather work boot when you have to walk in slash and thickets and good ankle support. They do sometimes give you a little shin burn from the lining rubbing you. But, I wear tall wool socks I bring up, over, and out the boot and wear my pant leg down over the boot to keep sawdust and dirt out. But I guess you chainsaw guys would be more comfortable with tie up because you bend down, while we thinners are upright. Unless you're on your own land doing your own thing you are required to wear safety gear when working for someone or on public land. If people don't wear it, I guess big brother has to beat you with a stick to keep you in line for your own safety. ;D Seeing people cutting with big saws in shorts and sneakers and ball caps, no plugs, no eyewear makes me nervous. I'd rather be someplace else. ;D Sure dad and grampy done it, don't mean I am. My dad is about stone deaf to. Last fall one of his neighbors cut his face up with a chainsaw. Nice pretty scar. ;)
Swampdockey,Viking boots? I bought a pair last August and have them on if I'm outside.I even use them cutting down trees too. I'm building a veggie shark and have them on. I really like them. They are real nice in the grass first thing in the morning with a dew.
I have a pair of the Jonsered rubber chainsaw boots - a lot like what SD described, but without the caulked soles... mine are just the rubber lugs on the sole.
Unfortunately, I bought them before I knew what I was doing, and didn't size them up enough to fit a pair of liners inside them. I have the same problem SD does with it rubbing my shins, only in my case it's the upper edge of the rubber boot, rather than the liners. If I'm doing a lot of walking around, my shins take a beating. I do like them other than that, especially if I'll be moving through wetter areas. Long heavy socks help, but the liners and socks would probably be even better. One of these days, I'll sell them and buy the right size...
No problem with mine at all. I was concerned about the shins part too. But I always wear 2 pair of stockings. One kinda light and than a heavy winter sock. Been doing this for over 20 years and have no more trouble with my feet. I went the powder route and nothing worked. I just hope my next pair will be as good.
Thecfram - do you have the liners in yours?
Nope. But I wore them all winter cutting wood, 4-6 hours a day,with just my 2 pair of stockings and my feet were nice and warm. I do have another pair of boots that my wife bought me made out of man made material that also keep my feet nice and warm. I really only brought the Vikings for warm weather,that's why no linings. I wanted to see how warm they was in snow.
Yes, mine are Viking. By lining I mean the cotton backing of the rubber (or what ever it is they use to bond it) And I only use socks as well. I have worn them in -20F when we had an icy winter in 2009. The caulks kept me upright and I was not cold. It was like walking on glacier, no need for snowshoes or skis. ;D Anyway, it's all I can wear in the woods or I would be twice as tired by days end. Plus when thinning some spots can be wet or mossy. ;)
Markd, Please don't be upset or disillusioned by chainsaw boots. Yes we have been bombarded by a lot of "new stuff" in our life time. I am going on 69 and never "heard" of ear plugs or muffs in the late 50's Huh? Huh? I can't hear you now. My 82 year old buddy can't and refuses to believe all the new safety stuff is good. He chooses to deny that people have developed important safety tools. Getting cut was just one of those things that eventually happens to all of us using a chain saw. He was only cut 3 times himself. Still laughs when he sees me in my safety garb. My father and grand father were wrong. My friend is wrong. In the "good old days" they just did not know any better and did not have the technology. THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT WORKS! How's your hearing? Mine is shot. No protection first five-six years I started cutting. Tell your children and grand children to wear it. I cut about three hours a day about 15 days a year now and I get it all on and wear it. I am in the barn so to speak but I still do not want to get seriously injured or lose any more hearing. It does not replace carelessness but it sure as hell lessens injuries and sometimes totally prevents them.
I have been considering the Labonville leather, waterproof, kevlar chainsaw boots for some time.
They are spendy but seem to be worth it if they stop me from cutting my foot while I'm clearing brush around the acreage.
Have any of you used these boots?
Were they comfortable and or easy to break in?
These boots come in high heel and low heel models. What are the pros and cons of each??
Thanks for your insight and opinions!
Bob R.
Hey Bob, I will be buying a pair within the next month. Probably in June. I take a EE boot size so the 13EE should fit me fine. I cannot wear any of the high heel loggng style boots so I am ordering the lower heel. Just my body build I guess.
Thanks for the quick reply.
I also went back and reread the posts and see that there is one person who owns and rates the Labonvilles highly.
I still wonder about the heels - I'm guessing the high heels are for those who wear the spikes for tree climbing - that's not me.
All my other boots are low heeled and work fine, so I think I'll order a pair of those.
Thanks!
Bob R.
My labonville s are low healed but I only did that because im 6'4"and it may have been all they had in the store in my size that day. I got lucky as they had a sale going and the water proof ones were the same as what I was planning on spending on the regular model.
I wear haix extreme pro boots .i like the way they fit . I also wear swedepro full wraps ,hearing protection ,and safety glasses when I cut .
Thats my choice . If for whatever reason you don't want to wear any of that gear , it's your choice .
I've worked in the woods since I was 18 and I've always worn ear muffs,safety glasses and cork boots and that makes me feel safe and I feel like I can function well the way I dress. I think everybody has their own level of feeling safe and I don't push my ways on anybody, My neighbor buys every piece of safety equipment on the market and I always chuckle to myself when I see him tossin firewood in the pickup in his full monkey suit but that makes him feel safe and that's what counts and "that's all I have to say about that"
I have the Matterhorn boots they are lace up boots like you are looking for. Kind of warm in July but I would rather be protected.
I have a pair of the older Labonville boot model (they now offer a new sole and waterproof version for more money). They have been good fitting and comfortable for me. Luckily I've not had to test their performance with my saw. Originally I wanted to get a pair of the viking or similar rubber boots but couldnt get the right fit. They were cheaper and more waterproof although are quite hot from my in-law's experience.
I do wish I had a more waterproof version, as even treated they are't as good a something with made to be waterproof. I have the low heel, which has been fine for me.
In terms of durability, I would say they are ok. I am starting to have seams come apart where the leather is stitched together around the eyelets. I am not a professional, only wear when using saw and have had for 3 seasons.
Version I have is now priced at 195$, the newer waterproof with better sole is up at $250. If I were to do it again I'd like the waterproof but have a hard time with the $250 price. Gempler has the viking for 119$
Quote from: nixon on April 30, 2012, 07:12:16 PM
I wear haix extreme pro boots .i like the way they fit . I also wear swedepro full wraps ,hearing protection ,and safety glasses when I cut .
Thats my choice . If for whatever reason you don't want to wear any of that gear , it's your choice .
Markd , this wasn't aimed at you . Apologies if you took it that way.
I'm all for personal choice . PPE is a personal choice ,and should be kept that way .
Quote from: markd on April 25, 2012, 11:21:47 PM
It doesn't upset me, it just seems like we get bombarded with advertisements for everything one can imagine and some things one can't imagine. I don't see how one could function with all the gear they say we need.
One can never be too safe! Better to be safe than sorry...
I wear a pair of Haix Airpower cut protection boots from Baily's, not exactly chainsaw boots but better than no protection at all. They are comfortable, keep my feet dry, and have held up well so far. My only complaint is the hard sole is slippery on hard pack snow and ice. I think the less experienced person is exactly the one who needs PPE. My favorite quote... "Experience is simply a series of non-fatal mistakes"... ;)...Scott B.
Mine is, "The best techniques are passed on by the survivors" ;D
I use the orange Vikings lugsoles and it's been good boot this year, (only complain it gets a little hot when temps are above 80deg f outside.
They have fantastic grip and have the steel toe, and a lot of cut protection .
With chaps and those boots, your lower legs are pretty much protected against any single cut of any chainsaw.
Loggerpro,welcome to the forum.