When you work outdoors, you can spend extended periods in challenging conditions. So it is essential to take proper rigid protection to avoid unnecessary injuries.
As an outdoor worker, you are exposed to elements like debris, dirt, heavy equipment and other objects in various environments.
These dangers require workers to wear specialized boots for work that provide protection from slippery surfaces, electrical shock, or other hazards.
Logger and work boots both are designed to protect your feet from working hazards. The main difference between these boots is their design, weight, and safety features.
Here we will discuss some differences between logger boots and work boots that help you make informed decisions when buying new footwear for working outdoors.
Logger boots vs work boots
As a logger, you will spend a lot of time work on outdoors, climbing trees, cutting trees, and working at heights. Logger boot’s thick leather upper, higher shaft, thick heel, and waterproof Viber lug outsole make them more protective and durable.
The primary purpose of work boots is workplace safety. Work boots come with many features, each of which provides individual protection. Always make sure the safety boots fulfill your job requirement.
Weight
Logger work boots have thick leather upper, 2.0 to 3.0 inches high heel, kiltie, and higher shaft ( on average 12 inches ) for excellent protection and safety. These materials make them heavier than regular work boots. Logger boot’s average weight is 2.8 Ibs to 3.8 Ibs.
Work boot comes with leather upper, rubber outsole, waterproof lining, and often protective toe cap. The average weight of regular work boots is 2.0 Ibs to 3.0 Ibs.
But it’s not heavier than steel toe and composite toe work boots because the average weight of steel toe work boots is 3.5 lbs to 4.5 lbs. Composite boots are slightly lighter than steel boots.
Lightweight boot is more comfortable for regular work, but when working in hostile environments, you must prioritize your safety over weight.
Protective Uppers
Work boots can resist water for a certain period; on the other hand, logger boots can not allow water into your feet, no matter how much time you spend in the water. Logger boots are more waterproof and less breathable than regular work boots. Wet feet can cause various foot problems.
Outsole
Logger boots come with a lug pattern outsole which is crucial when you have to do a lot of work. Its outsole is bulky and thicker than other boots to get an excellent grip while working on muddy and uneven slippery terrains.
Vibram lug pattern outsole makes logger boots more protective and durable. It is one of the best outsoles that offers excellent traction and abrasion resistance to any working conditions.
The only drawback is that the lug sole accumulates a lot of debris and dirt, so you must clean it regularly.
When it comes to the regular work boots outsole, it’s not bulky and heavier than logger boots. The lightweight outsole provides better stability while lifting and walking. Also great for flat and hard surfaces. Flat sole shoes tend to have an extensive floor.
Flat shoes offer less arch support, so there is a possibility of injuries.
Heel
Logger boots have raised heels, which will help you elevate your feet from dumpy and muddy surfaces. Lug pattern heels also deliver better traction on dangling terrains.
There are no advantages of raised heels in industrial work. It will be uncomfortable to walk on a flat surface.
On the other hand, regular work boots have lightweight and flat heels that offer you better comfort than high heels for wearing all day.
Construction Method
Logger boots are made with the Goodyear welt construction method, but work boots sometimes come with this. It’s a primitive method of shoe construction. In this approach, a piece of leather sits between the upper and outsole. It is attached to the upper and sole by stitching. Benefits of Goodyear welt construction boots-
- Ensure good quality
- Increase the boot’s durability, functionality, and longevity
- Provide better water-resistant
- It makes the shoes more comfortable
- Resoling easily
On the other hand, most work boots come with a cement construction method. It is one of the most common and easy methods. The leather upper and the outsole are directly attached by adhesive. Benefits of cement construction method-
- Flexible and lightweight
- Cheaper than other methods
- Allowing you to move quickly
Shaft Height
Logger boot’s shaft height is much taller than regular work boots. Most of the time, it can be more than 10 inches long. Its high shaft offers extra ankle support when walking on uneven surfaces and keeps your feet warm and dry on muddy and slippery terrains.
It also protects your lower legs from flying objects.
On the other hand, most regular work boots’ shaft height is around 6 inches from the arch.
Kiltie
Some logger boots come with an extra layer of protection (kiltie) under the laces. It will provide extra comfort while lacing and keep away your feet from water, debris, and dirt.
Work boots don’t have this feature. So, certainly dust and dirt can enter inside the boot.
Toe Cap
Both work boots come with steel or composite safety toe protection. Toe protection will help you to protect your toe from injuries that can occur by falling heavy objects.
Look
Logger boots are not looking good because of their high shaft, outsole, and heel. But these features are crucial for your safety.
Work boots look pretty stylish than logger boots.
You may also like: Steel Toe vs composite toe work boots
Logger boots vs work boots – comparison table
| Features | Logger Boots | Work Boots |
| Heel height | 1.5-2.5 inches | 1.0-1.5 inches |
| Shank | It must have a steel shank. | Often come with composite shank. |
| Weight | 2.8 Ibs to 3.8 Ibs | Regular boots: 2.0 Ibs to 3.0 Ibs Steel toe: 3.5 Ibs to 4.5 Ibs |
| Upper | Thick premium leather | Regular leather |
| Breathable | Less breathable | Breathable |
| Comfort | Less comfortable for an extended period | Comfortable |
| Safety | It offers less mobility and flexibility | It offers more mobility and flexibility |
| Outsole | Thick lug rubber sole | Flat and lightweight sole |
| Construction | Goodyear welt construction methods | Cement or other construction methods |
| Waterproof | Waterproof | Water-resistant |
| Heel type | Thick high heel | Light and flat heel |
| Foot Support | Provide better support | Less support |
| Look | Pretty stylish | Stylish |
| Shaft | High shaft | Low shaft |
Frequently ask questions
Are logger boots suitable for everyday use?
Logger boots are not suitable for everyday use. The main purpose of manufacturing these boots is to work in harsh, watery, and uneven environments. So it comes with a high shaft, high heel, and thick leather upper. These safety features make them uncomfortable and less breathable.
Choosing the right and fit shoe will keep your feet healthy and safe from several injuries. So it is better to avoid logger boots for everyday use.
Lightweight and comfortable shoes are always suitable for everyday use.
How to stop my feet from hurting in steel-toe boots?
You can stop your feet from hurting in steel-toe boots by following these things-
- Wearing protective and quality boots
- Buying right-fit shoes
- Use comfortable socks
- Break the shoes before wearing
- Using a bandage to get a good fit
- Taking great care and maintenance
Do logger boots have steel toes?
It mainly depends on the working environment. If there is a possibility of falling heavy objects, then toe protective shoe is crucial for your safety. So, sometimes logger boots come with steel toe protection that safe your feet from injuries.
Conclusion
Above, we discussed the difference between the logger and work boots. It will help you to choose the proper work boots. Both work boots have their unique features, and one can not be replaced by others. Both logger and work boot offer you safety and comfort in a different environment.
We hope all the information will help you realize the difference between logger boots and work boots.
