Are Logger Boots Good for Concrete? | WorkBootsGuru Answers

Last Updated on February 8, 2024 by Azad Asf

Logger boots are always mentioned as a great work boot alternative in the tradesman world. However, not everyone knows everything about logger boots. In fact, there’s a lot of confusion about them.

• What is a logger boot?
• Who uses logger boots?
• Are logger boots good for concrete?

These, and many more, are amongst the most frequent questions asked about these types of work boots. As for me, I thought it was a good idea to give it a try and answer them as best as I could.

What is a Logger Boot?

A lot of people don’t know how a logger boot is different from a regular one. Let me clarify:

Designed for the outdoors

First, logger boots are designed to be used in the outdoors. They carry features that help tradesmen safely work while exposed to rough outdoor environments.

Raised heels

When walking on uneven terrains or when climbing ladders one must boots that guarantee maximum traction. I mean, nobody wants to slip and fall 10 feet from the ground, right?

That’s why logger boots have raised heels, as they provide better slip resistance on bumpy surfaces and when climbing ladders. The heels maintain a good part of the outsole above ground which is perfect for climbing ladders or walking on uneven terrains.

Lace-up type

Another distinct feature of logger boots is their laces. These boots use a lace-up design which in combination with their 8 inches of height provide great advantages, such as:

• Snug fit
• Ankle support and protection to avoid nasty injuries when walking on bumpy terrains (i.e. sprained ankles)

Slip-resistant rugged outsoles

Walking on rocky surfaces while being exposed to nasty injuries is a task a lot of tradesmen have to do daily.

In this context, logger boots appear as the perfect solution thanks to their rugged slip-resistant outsoles with aggressive lug patterns. This feature is incorporated into the boots’ design with the sole purpose of offering superior traction when walking in the outdoors and when climbing ladders or utility poles.

Goodyear welt construction method

A good pair of logger boots is defined by its assembly methods. This is where the so-called “Goodyear Welt” construction method appears.

I short, the Goodyear Welt construction method is based on a strip of leather sewn around the bottom edge of the boot. The leather strip can be easily unstitched which makes logger boots easily repairable.

Given its nature, this construction method provides superior ruggedness making the boots perfect for the outdoors. The only downside I can find is that they are stiffer than regular work boots, nothing too crazy though (especially if you choose the right logger boots).

Waterproof membrane

Making things even more protective, most logger boots come with waterproof membranes.

The reason behind this is that workers who buy logger boots are exposed to:

• Working under the rain
• Accidentally walking into puddles

Thus, a waterproof membrane could help them maintain their feet warm and dry in these conditions.

Rugged leather

Isn’t it the best when you know you spent your hard-earned money on a pair of work boots that stands up to the wear and tear of working in the outdoors?

Well, that’s exactly what a pair of logger boots bring to the table thanks to features such as their top-quality leather. This material is responsible for withstanding rain, snow, mud, hot & humid temperatures… you name it.

Extra protection

It’s easy to buy a pair of work boots nowadays. However, it’s not that easy to pick one with reliable protective features. In that context, logger work boots appear as the perfect alternative for workers exposed to serious risks, as these boots come with attributes such as:

• Safety steel toes that protect toes from getting crushed by heavy falling objects
• Insulation material that keeps the feet warm even when exposed to extremely low temperatures
• Slip-resistant outsoles with lug patterns provide perfect traction on bumpy terrains

Steel shanks

Steel shanks are shaped pieces of steel included in most logger boots. They sit between the insole and outsole, specifically in the heel area. Their main purposes are:

• Keeping the structure of the boot when in use, so it doesn’t fall apart (load-bearing)
• Giving underfoot puncture protection to the feet, which is widely useful when working the outdoors

The only downside with steel shanks is that they add a feel of stiffness to the boots. However, most people getting logger boots expect this kind of rigidness so it’s not a big deal for most users.

Kilties

Durability is another huge attribute of logger boots. For this reason, they include the so-called “kilties”. Kilties are little pieces of leather that sit right at the end of the boot’s laces.

Kilties are responsible for protecting the leather from water, debris, and mud build-up which is very common when one works all day outdoors.

Who Uses Logger Boots?

Logger boots are preferred by workers frequently exposed to challenging environmental conditions or that do a lot of climbing at their jobs. Most of the times these workers are:

• Loggers that walk all day in the outdoors on bumpy terrains where they’re frequently exposed to rain, snow, the blazing sun, and all types of weathers
• Linemen that climb utility poles as part of their daily jobs, where raised heels could become life-saving features thanks to their grip features
• Farmers and ranchers who walk on mud and muck for the better part of their workdays. These tradesmen need raised-heels to maintain reliable traction on these surfaces
• Construction workers who climb up and down ladders all day. These workers require logger boots as raised heels provide a better grip when climbing
• Motorcyclists who use logger boots not only because they are stylish but because raised heels are perfect for resting the boots on the bike pedals

Again, if you don’t walk on uneven terrains or climb up and down frequently as part of your job, then sacrificing a big deal of comfort for using logger boots doesn’t make much sense. In that case, I’d recommend going for regular work boots or even pull-on work boots, if that’s your preference.

Are Logger Boots Good for Concrete?

Now to the big question: Are logger boots good for concrete?

Well, it depends.

Logger boots are made with many protective features such as:

• Outsoles with aggressive lug patterns
• Raised heels
• Top-quality waterproof leather
• Safety toes

All these attributes give workers the peace of mind of knowing their feet won’t get injured at work. The issue here is that they also add weight and stiffness. I mean, it’s not the same using regular or wedge work boots than using a pair of logger boots, regardless of how good they are.

I’d say logger boots are good for concrete only if the job requires to:

• work exposed to the elements
• walk on bumpy concrete surfaces for the better part of the workday (i.e. demolition worker)
• climb a lot (i.e. lineman)

However, if your job requires you to walk all day on smooth concrete surfaces I’d say getting logger boots would not be such a good idea. I mean, you could, don’t get me wrong. But I see no point in spending more than a hundred dollars on boots that are too protective and bulky for your needs.