hard boots with built in spurs?

[boreality]

Why doesn't someone make climbing spurs built into a boot like a ski boot or ice climbing boot? That would eliminate the pressure on the arch from the narrow plate and the friction on the calf should be eliminated. Make em chainsaw proof and flexible in the ankle. Put a steel mounting plate in the side for replacing spurs, and caulks or golf spikes on the bottom. I'd call them tree walking boots. I think many a lineman and tree remover would enjoy this.

 

[Colin]

It would take some mighty tinkering to come up with something safe and functional.

 

[stevebullman]

im sure many people have thought of it in the past and come up against obstacles

 

[Rupe]

Aren't they called crampons?

 

[Gord]

The boot would have to look kinda like a boot with a climber over it. The pad of a climber is necessary to offset the sideways force created from the person's weight supported away from their foot.

 

[Colin]

I'd be happy if I could just unhook the actual gaff so I wouldn't have to walk around on tiptoes.

Yes, that would be nice.

 

[stevebullman]

buy some geckos mb, the gaff sits higher up and you can walk around with the garr still a good inch or so above ground

 

[Reg]

I lent my spikes to a colleague on a demolition site once. He then proceeded to walk from tree to tree, over the rubble while still wearing my spikes

Never lend your kit to people!

 

[stevebullman]

[ QUOTE ]


Never lend your kit to people!

[/ QUOTE ]

so just to confirm, you defintely wont change your mind about lending me a topper?

seriously though....im the same way.

 

[Colin]

[ QUOTE ]
buy some geckos mb, the gaff sits higher up and you can walk around with the garr still a good inch or so above ground

[/ QUOTE ]

Really? I didn't know that. I've been looking for an excuse to buy them, that just might be it! Thanks!

 

[stevebullman]

i'll take a pic

 

[familytree]

i think an easily removable gaff is a great idea, that way you can put the gaff onto the climber when you need to walk the limb you are removing then take it off so that you dont have to spike the rest of the tree, by the time they come out maybe they will have lazer chainsaws too. ha

 

[Peter McS]

Why not go for hover boots and a light sabre? Now we are really talking

 

[boreality]

Yes laser chainsaws would be good. How about water jet saws for line clearing.

 

[Colin]

Yea, that wouldn't make a sloppy mess at all.

 

[jerseygirl]

the idea of water jet saws would work in times of rain or in areas where you could tap the swamp

waters, but in months and years of drought

the "gov or mints" just might slap you with a fine for using water on an odd day, but then what day is not odd lately. . . . . .

Maybe the idea of spikes could also be clapons, two claps and they are setup - three claps and they recess.

OK, back to my little tree in the corner, practicing my knots.

jz

 

[boreality]

Oh well, I tried. I guess my idea for a tree dismantelling robot would get the same reaction. The boots are a good idea though. If anyone has run around in a tree with caulk boots or worn ski boots compared to the 100 year old technology of climbing spurs I would hope they would see the need to at least try something different. Remember some crazies are working on putting a human on mars so anything is possible these days.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

There are boots made specifically for ice climbing that have a hook built into the heel and front points in the toes.

Take a look:

http://tinyurl.com/3ymer7

At one time I used my ice climbing boots, Foot Fangs and ice tools to climb a dead elm. It was interesting but scary too.

Just for laughs I used the same kit on a removal. This time I had my harness and DdRT climbing system on. Front pointing doesn't work as well in trees as climbing spikes.

Attaching spikes to the sides of some plastic ice boots wouldn't be too hard. It seems like it would be hard on the ankles because of the torque on the calf.

Prove me wrong though...

 

[zaphod1798]

It could be possible Tom , I think if the ankle of the boot was run up a bit higher than usual. What about hot weather though? Mucha pesta! I think a better idea is the tree dismantling robot...oh wait that's us!

 

[Loneshadow73]

If you find a skilled leather worker that makes quality saddles and such. Pair them with a shoe maker which are increasingly hard to find anymore. Take the time to explain in detail what you are wanting. If they are willing to work together and take the time they can bed a pair of climbing spurs into heavy boot soles and build a heavy leather boot around them that keeps them stable with a steel shank to distribute the load under the foot, and the pressure on the calf/inside of your shin will be spread over a larger area and shielded by several layers of leather. They are stiff as hell till they are broken in, and hot unless you are in a cold climate. It can be done but no company mass produces them that I have been able to find. I had a pair made back in the early 90s. They lasted for 3 maybe 4 years before they started coming apart. I looked for the men that had made them for me. One had moved out of state and did not want to put the time into such a crafting again. The other had retired or something. I could not find him. I have not been able to find 2 capable craftsmen that were willing to work together to make more (That I could trust for quality), and I would not even want to know what they would charge these days for the work put into it.
I admit that even back then over 300 dollars was I think a good price to not hurt at the end of the day. Depending on how well they are made as to whether they are worth it or not. Good luck finding those unicorns. If you ever do let the rest of us know... I would make a drive to get a pair fitted if the price was not to shocking.