Are you going to use a chainsaw in wet, steep, or uneven terrain? Then you need chainsaw safety shoes that combine documented protection against chainsaw chains with a good fit and features suited to the working conditions. Regular safety shoes do not necessarily have chainsaw protection, even if they have toe protection and seem sturdy.
For forestry workers, arborists, and tree fellers, the choice should start with the work task. Protection class, grip, waterproofing, mobility, and comfort are important factors. Here you will find a practical guide on how to choose the right chainsaw safety shoes, as well as examples of different models at Anton's Timber.
What should you look for when choosing chainsaw safety shoes?
Chainsaw safety shoes should protect your feet when working with a chainsaw, but also provide support and stability throughout the workday. A model that works well on the forest floor is not necessarily the best option for an arborist who will be climbing trees.
Use this overview when comparing different models:
| Feature | What you should check |
|---|---|
| Chainsaw protection class | Check EN ISO 17249 and the stated protection class. Assess the protection against the work task and applicable safety requirements. |
| Fit | Check heel grip, toe room, width, ankle support, and adjustment options. |
| Sole and grip | Assess the sole pattern and suitability for mud, roots, rocks, and other surfaces. |
| Water resistance | Look for documented waterproof construction if the shoes will be used extensively in wet conditions. |
| Weight and mobility | Compare the shoes' weight, flexibility, and support when walking or climbing. |
| Maintenance | Check the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning, drying, inspection, and replacement. |
What protection class should chainsaw safety shoes have?
EN ISO 17249 is the standard for safety footwear with protection against cutting from chainsaws. The standard includes testing the shoes' resistance to contact with a chainsaw chain.
The protection classes indicate the chain speed used in standardized testing:
- Class 1: 20 metres per second.
- Class 2: 24 metres per second.
- Class 3: 28 metres per second.
These are test values, not a guarantee against injury at a similar or lower chain speed during practical work. The chainsaw protection does not necessarily cover the entire shoe in the same way either. Therefore, check the manufacturer's documentation regarding the protection area and limitations.
How do you choose the right protection class?
The choice of protection class should be based on an assessment of the work to be performed. It is not sufficient to compare the chainsaw's stated chain speed with the speed used in testing.
Consider, among other things:
- Which chainsaws and work tasks the shoes will be used for.
- The risk of unintentional contact with the chainsaw chain.
- Working positions and the need for mobility.
- Terrain, weather conditions, and the need for a stable foothold.
- The employer's requirements for personal protective equipment.
A higher protection class means testing at a higher chain speed, but is not the only deciding factor for which shoe is best suited. Fit, weight, construction, and working method must also be considered.
What is the difference between chainsaw safety shoes and regular safety shoes?
Regular safety shoes may have toe protection, nail penetration protection, and other safety features without being made for contact with a chainsaw chain.
Shoes with chainsaw protection must have documented protection against cutting from chainsaws. Look for EN ISO 17249 and the stated protection class for the specific model. EN ISO 20345 alone does not document chainsaw protection.
Also remember that chainsaw protection and waterproofing are different features. A chainsaw boot is not automatically waterproof even if it is designed for forestry work.
Examples of chainsaw safety shoes at Anton's Timber
Anton's Timber offers several types of chainsaw safety shoes and chainsaw boots for professional forestry work and tree care. The models have different features regarding protection class, materials, construction, and intended use.
Here are four examples showing what you can compare when choosing footwear.
Andrew Rozes Wood – for demanding forestry work
The Andrew Rozes Wood safety boot is designed for professional forestry work and has chainsaw protection class 3 (28 m/s) according to EN ISO 17249.
The model has an oiled full-grain leather upper and a Vibram outsole. The product description also states the T.S.S.L. Andrew System for support and stability, as well as different lining options.
This makes the model worth investigating for work where durability, support, and features for demanding terrain are important. Check which lining and which features apply to the relevant variant before ordering.
Andrew Tree Climbing Wood – for arborists and tree climbing
Andrew Tree Climbing Wood is a chainsaw boot designed with a particular focus on tree climbing and professional arborist work.
The model has chainsaw protection class 3 (28 m/s), an upper made of Perwanger leather combined with microfiber and a Sympatex membrane. According to the product description, the shoe also has a Vibram Mulaz outsole and a construction that combines support with mobility.
For arborists who work both on the ground and in the tree canopy, it is important to consider how the footwear works together with the climbing equipment and working method.
Arbortec Scafell Lite – chainsaw protection class 2
Arbortec Scafell Lite is a series of chainsaw safety shoes that at Anton's Timber are listed with class 2 (24 m/s). The model is available in several color variants, including black and orange.
Scafell Lite is worth comparing with other models when you consider protection class, fit, construction, and features for forestry work.
Check the product description for the relevant variant before basing specific features such as waterproofing, weight, or suitability for special working conditions on it.
Arbpro Cervino Wood QuickStep – for professional tree climbing
Arbpro Cervino Wood QuickStep is a chainsaw boot with chainsaw protection class 3 (28 m/s), designed for professional arborists.
The model is prepared for the Arbpro Quick Step System and has integrated attachment points for a compatible foot clamp. This may be relevant for arborists who use such systems for ascending.
Compatibility must be checked against the manufacturer's documentation. Integrated attachment points do not replace other climbing equipment or necessary safety systems.
Comparison of chainsaw safety shoes
| Model | Chainsaw protection class | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Rozes Wood | Class 3 (28 m/s) | Full-grain leather, Vibram sole, and construction for forestry work |
| Andrew Tree Climbing Wood | Class 3 (28 m/s) | Designed for tree climbing, Sympatex membrane, and flexible construction |
| Arbortec Scafell Lite | Class 2 (24 m/s) | Class 2 option, available in several colors |
| Arbpro Cervino Wood QuickStep | Class 3 (28 m/s) | Designed for arborists, prepared for Quick Step System |
The table shows selected features, not a ranking of which shoes are safest or best. The right choice depends on the work tasks, documented requirements, fit, and how the shoes will be used.
See the full range of chainsaw safety shoes at Anton's Timber. Product selection, sizes, and availability may vary.
How does fit affect safety?
Chainsaw safety shoes should fit securely without pinching. Shoes that are too roomy may allow the foot to slide inside the boot, while shoes that are too tight can cause pressure and make it uncomfortable to move.
Both are undesirable when you need control over foot placement in uneven terrain.
Try the shoes with the right clothing
Try chainsaw safety shoes with the socks you usually wear during work. Walk with both shoes and feel how they fit when you bend your knees, move your ankles, and walk in different directions.
Consider especially:
- Whether the heel is held securely in place.
- Whether the toes have enough room.
- Whether the shoe pinches across the instep or on the sides of the foot.
- Whether the lacing provides the necessary adjustment without uncomfortable pressure.
- Whether the shoe provides sufficient mobility for the work task.
If you use your own insoles, you should check whether they are permitted in the relevant model. Changes to the footwear can affect documented safety features.
Also try the shoes together with the safety trousers. At Anton's Timber you will find a selection of chainsaw safety trousers for professional forestry work and tree care.
Choose chainsaw safety shoes according to the surface
The right chainsaw protection is crucial, but the shoes must also provide suitable support and foothold where the work is performed. Wet roots, loose soil, rocks, and slopes place different demands on the footwear.
Wet and muddy terrain
When working in wet environments, you should check both the sole construction and the shoe's documented moisture protection.
A sole with a suitable pattern can help provide better grip in certain types of terrain, but no sole provides secure footing on all surfaces. Soil and other material that gets stuck in the sole can reduce grip.
If you work extensively in the rain or wet vegetation, a waterproof construction can be an important feature. Check whether the model has a membrane or other documented protection against water.
Steep and uneven terrain
In slopes and on uneven surfaces, the combination of fit, support, and mobility is important. The shoes must keep the foot stable while allowing the movements required by the work.
Also consider weight and stiffness. A very stiff or heavy boot may be unsuitable if the workday involves a lot of walking, while other work tasks may place greater demands on support.
Cold and winter work
When working in winter, you must consider insulation, moisture protection, and foothold. A sole that works well on the forest floor does not necessarily provide sufficient grip on ice.
If the surface does not provide adequate foothold, it may be necessary to change the working method or postpone the work. Chainsaw safety shoes alone do not solve all challenges when working in winter terrain.
Maintenance of chainsaw safety shoes
Proper maintenance helps preserve the shoes' functionality and make it easier to detect wear or damage.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning, drying, and treating the materials. Remove soil and dirt after use, and at the same time check the upper, seams, and sole.
Only use care products and drying methods recommended by the manufacturer. Intense heat can damage leather, membranes, adhesive bonds, and other materials.
Maintenance requirements vary between models with different materials and constructions. Therefore, always check the recommendations for the relevant shoe.
When should chainsaw safety shoes be checked or replaced?
Check chainsaw safety shoes before use and after incidents that may have damaged them. An inspection should include both visible damage and how the shoes function on the foot.
Look especially for:
- Cuts, cracks, or open seams in the upper.
- Worn sole pattern or a sole that is coming loose.
- Damaged laces, loops, or lace hooks.
- Deformation or altered fit.
- Signs of damage after contact with a chainsaw chain or heavy impact.
After contact with a chainsaw chain, the shoes should be taken out of use until it is clarified how they should be handled according to the manufacturer's instructions. A small visible mark is not sufficient grounds to conclude that the chainsaw protection is still intact.
Do not attempt to repair the chainsaw protection itself.
There is no single replacement interval that suits all models. Intensity of use, wear, storage, previous incidents, and the manufacturer's stated lifespan must be taken into consideration.
Frequently asked questions about chainsaw safety shoes
What is the difference between regular safety shoes and chainsaw safety shoes?
Regular safety shoes may have toe protection and other safety features without protecting against chainsaw chains. Chainsaw safety shoes have documented protection against cutting from chainsaws. Check EN ISO 17249 and the stated protection class.
Is class 1 sufficient for all chainsaw use?
No, this cannot be determined generally. Class 1 is tested at 20 m/s, but the right protection class must be chosen based on work tasks, risk assessment, and applicable safety requirements.
Are all chainsaw safety shoes waterproof?
No. Chainsaw protection and waterproofing are separate features. Some models have a waterproof membrane, while others may have water-repellent materials without being documented as waterproof.
Which chainsaw safety shoes are suitable for tree climbing?
When tree climbing, you should look for shoes designed for arborist work, with suitable fit, mobility, and support. Andrew Tree Climbing Wood and Arbpro Cervino Wood QuickStep are examples of models designed with tree climbing as a use area. Always check that the shoes meet the requirements for the work.
When should chainsaw safety shoes be replaced?
Chainsaw safety shoes must be taken out of use when damage, wear, or the manufacturer's instructions indicate it. Contact with a chainsaw chain requires special follow-up, even if the damage appears minor. There is no universal replacement interval for all models.
Find the right chainsaw safety shoes at Anton's Timber
The right chainsaw safety shoes should combine documented protection with fit and features that suit your workday. Whether you work with a chainsaw on the forest floor or need footwear for professional tree climbing, you should compare protection class, construction, sole, and use area before choosing a model.
At Anton's Timber you will find chainsaw safety shoes from among others Andrew, Arbortec, and Arbpro, as well as other protective equipment for forestry work and tree care.
Do you need help choosing the right model? Contact Anton's Timber at nettbutikk@anton.no for product guidance. Feel free to state your work tasks, desired size, and any requirements for protection class.