Boot question 50/50 Ground work/Pruning

Jonatha P.

Jonatha P.

Location
Keansburg NJ
I did not want to high jack the thread below me so figured I would start a new thread.

I'm fairly new to the industry have always been in construction so I would always wear a good pair of Red Wing steel toes. But I just got a job with a company that is going to train me to climb doing mostly pruning very few removals, as well as all around tree care tech. I'm guessing 50/50 to start.

I need a good boot based on the above. Do you guys have any recommendations? I like the idea of a hiker type style almost like my pack packing boots but I'm not sure what would be best for me given my situation.
 
If you've got the cash, a solid pair of backpacking boots will work for both groundwork and climbing. A pair of the green "super feet" insoles is a must. As far as specific brands, I've had the Salewa Mountain mid trainer since last spring and they've worked out decent both on and off spikes. I've yet to find a pair of boots that will last longer than 2 seasons without completely disintegrating. Eventually I'd like to get a second pair of boots with a steel shank just for spiking.
 
MikePowers321 said:
I agree with greenmtnboy.

These backpacking boots used to treat me right. They held up longer than asolo's backpacking boots.
http://www.rei.com/product/774690/zamberlan-vioz-gt-hiking-boots-mens
REI's return policy is killer to if you happen to live near one and wear through them quickly(y)
Click to expand...
Those boots are awesome. I have owned several pairs and also gotten several for free from REI return policy, eventually I started to feel guilty after I had received more than $1000 in free boots. Thanks REI!!
 
Sierra trading post always has good deals on hiking boots but depending on your shoe size it can be hard to find a good pair. And beware of the European manufacturers they definitely run narrow. I have clown feet and my asolos size 13 wides are still narrow for me
 
MikePowers321 said:
I agree with greenmtnboy.

These backpacking boots used to treat me right. They held up longer than asolo's backpacking boots.
http://www.rei.com/product/774690/zamberlan-vioz-gt-hiking-boots-mens
REI's return policy is killer to if you happen to live near one and wear through them quickly(y)
Click to expand...

Mike i had a pair of these for a year. The uppers were starting to show wear but the bottoms were completely worn out. I wish i could get these with a better sole something like the evo
 
Jeff_Cochran said:
Mike i had a pair of these for a year. The uppers were starting to show wear but the bottoms were completely worn out. I wish i could get these with a better sole something like the evo
Click to expand...
Yeah I have switched boots since I am doing a lot more removals nowadays, but when I was full blown pruning, they were very comfortable. But I agree, the soles would wear with time. That's why buying them from REI was clutch. But lets face it, tree workers beat the hell out of boots. It's part of the game.
 
A guy that came to work for me 6 months ago didn't listen and bought some low end hikers and paid good mont for them, now thew are torn to bits and he is looking to get a new pair of boots three months later
 
For ground work and pruning I swear by Blundstone work boots. They are amazingly tough and comfortable. I wear the steel toe version. They last me a couple years minimum.
No good for spurs as the heel is too short. And the strap wears on the stitching.
I've been using them for construction for the last 15 years.
 

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So I've got two pairs of EVos under my belt. One has 6 laces blown, some tread left and quarantined indefinitely for poison oak after about 8 months. Other pair the tread is flatter than skis after 6. But I like them while they last.
I'd like to try those salewas, I'm at REI now and they don't have. Bummer.
So I'm ready for boots, just not eager to drop 230 for less than a years boots again.
 
Danner super rainforest. Made in America. Rebuild able. Full leather solid work boot.

I have been wanting to try Danner's new mountain accent. Look pretty sweet, and seems like everyone on here has a hard on for hiker/mountaineer style boots
 
Yikes. So much to choose from. Would I be ok in a 5.5" boot? Or do I need something that goes further up the ankle? If I'm gonna drop anywhere from $190 to $260 for boots I don't want to make a mistake.

The Danners look promising but I like the stuff from Rei and eastern mountain sports.

Ughh!!

Thanks for all the thoughtful responses.

-Jon
 
Salewa's. Enough said. Either the repace or the mountain trainer. Best boot for this work I have ever had on my feet
 
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