6 Best Tree Climbing Boots in 2022 for Impeccable Grip and Comfort
Looking to purchase the best tree climbing boots? You’ll want to ensure you get a great grip pair. A pair that can keep you safe and stable as you ascend and descend the tree. But with hundreds of options on the market, which ones should you buy? Here are some of our top picks for tree climbing boots with impeccable grip.
Quick Answer: Best Tree Climbing Boots
Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Mid Boot (Best Overall)
Material: 100% Leather and synthetic
Size: 7.5-16
Shaft: 5 inch from arch
Weight: 1.5 lbs
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| Superior grip on all surfaces | Warranty doesn’t cover regular wear |
| Comfortable and water-resistant | Boots are a bit too tight |
| High ankle support for stability |
With more than 90 years of experience in the boot-making industry, Lowa is a household name for hikers, mountaineers, and tree climbers alike. The Men’s Renegade GTX Mid Boot is the company’s flagship boot for tree climbers, and it does not disappoint with its impeccable grip on wet and slippery surfaces.
These boots are made with water-resistant nubuck leather and Gore-Tex lining, which keep your feet dry and comfortable even when wet. The Vibram Evo rubber outsole provides superior grip on all surfaces, making it the perfect choice for tree climbers.
The Renegade GTX Mid Boot also features high ankle support for stability, as well as a lace-up closure that ensures a snug fit. And with a weight of just 2 pounds, these boots are easy to wear all day long.
If you’re looking for the best tree climbing boots on the market, the Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Mid Boot is an excellent place to start. With its superior grip and comfortable fit, this boot will keep you safe and comfortable while climbing trees.
Beware of the boot’s warranty. It doesn’t cover repairs/replacement if the thread tears from regular wear. This is hugely disappointing for the manufacturer. Also, the boots are a bit too tight, so you may have to go a size up.
Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX (Best Budget)
Material: 100% Synthetic
Size: 7-14
Shaft: mid-top from arch
Weight: 1.23 lbs
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| Great grip and traction | Not waterproof |
| Lightweight and comfortable | May not be the best choice for very wet conditions |
| Excellent construction |
Who said you couldn’t get a premium product at a reasonable price? The Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX is an excellent tree-climbing boot that doesn’t break the bank. It scoops the award for the best boots for tree work.
These Salomon boots feature a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry, as well as a Contagrip outsole for superior traction. And if you need to adjust the fit, the Sensifit system ensures a snug, comfortable fit.
The boot takes advantage of the Descent Control Technology and X Ultra 3 GORE-TEX chassis, making it easier to walk and descend hills and climb trees. Their soles are also designed to provide traction and grip on different types of surfaces, making them perfect for work in the great outdoors.
Everything is perfect with these boots, the grip, the comfort, the construction until you come to its waterproofing. There’s definitely nothing waterproof with these boots. Make note of this before purchasing it. You’re better off with it on dry trails.
If you’re looking for a good tree-climbing boot without spending too much, the Salomon Ultra 3 Mid GTX is your go-to choice. They are perfect for your typical tree-climbing day or a stroll in the woods.
Scarpa Men’s Kinesis Pro GTX Boot (Best Premium)
Material: 100% Leather
Size: 7-15.5
Efficient Lacing System
Weight: 2.31 lbs
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| Vibram Megagrip soles offer superior traction | No half sizes available |
| Aggressive lug pattern for confident climbing | |
| GORE-TEX lining for waterproof protection | |
| Lightweight and easy to wear |
Although designed originally as a hiking and backpacking boot, the Scarpa Men’s Kinesis Pro GTX Boot has everything it takes to meet your arborist needs. These boots mean business right from the word go.
The Scarpa boots come with Vibram Megagrip soles which offer superior traction on wet and dry surfaces. They also feature an aggressive lug pattern that bites into the ground giving you the confidence to climb even the most challenging of trees. The GORE-TEX lining ensures your feet are kept dry even when crossing streams.
The Scarpa Men’s Kinesis Pro GTX Boot is lightweight to make ascending and descending trees a breeze. The boots also come with an ankle collar for extra support and protection around this vulnerable area.
You’ll appreciate its efficient lacing system, which makes it easy to get the boots on and off, even when your hands are cold and wet. A minor setback with these boots is that they don’t come in half sizes, so you may have to go up or down a size.
Overall, the Scarpa Men’s Kinesis Pro GTX Boot is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a premium tree climbing boot. It offers excellent traction, support, and protection making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to take their tree-climbing skills to the next level.
Danner Men’s Pronghorn 8″ 400G Hunting Boot
Material: 100% Leather, Cordura
Size: 7-14
Rugged hardware for secure fit
Weight: 2 lbs
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| Lightweight | Narrow toe box |
| Superior grip and traction | |
| Abrasion resistant | |
| Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage pattern |
The Danner Men’s Pronghorn 8″ 400G Hunting Boot is a great option for those looking for a lightweight boot with good traction. Made using Cordura and 100% leather, this boot is not only durable but also comfortable. It’s a great addition to your boot collection.
Danner Pronghorn features a GORE-TEX lining that ensures your feet remain dry at all times. The boot comes with a Vibram Megagrip outsole that provides superior grip and traction on any surface. Its Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage pattern blends with the environment perfectly.
The rubber sole is also abrasion resistant, ensuring your boots last longer. The Ortholite footbed provides cushioning and shock absorption, making it ideal for long treks.
The toe box of this boot runs slightly narrow and may inconvenience those with large toes. A few users have complained of experiencing a lot of pain. If you have large toes, you may want to consider other options.
Otherwise, the Danner Pronghorn Boot is an excellent all-around tree-climbing boot. It is lightweight, affordable, and reasonably priced- Everything you’d want in your arborist boots.
LaCrosse Men’s Alphaburly Pro 18″ 1000G Hunting Boot
Material: 100% Textile and Rubber
Size: 6-15
Shaft height: 16 inch from arch
Weight: 3.2 lbs
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| 100% waterproof | May be too snug for some people |
| Tough, textured neoprene upper | Large and heavy |
| Lugged outsole provides good traction | |
| Cushioning insole for comfort | |
| Gusseted tongue to keep laces from slipping |
LaCrosse Men’s Alphaburly Pro 100G is a wellington boot that looks like it came straight out of a workwear catalog. But this is simply because it is designed for hunting. Its timber pattern camouflages you in the woods, and the waterproof build keeps your feet dry.
The boot is made of 100% waterproof rubber and features a tough, textured neoprene upper. It also comes with a lugged outsole that provides good traction in slippery conditions. Inside, a cushioning insole keeps your feet comfortable, even when you’re walking for miles. And if you do need to tie it tight, the gusseted tongue will keep the laces from slipping.
There is a multilayer rubber on the toe and heel for abrasion resistance, and the neoprene upper is snug enough to keep debris and water out. Its embossed liner also helps to keep your feet warm, even in the coldest weather.
The boots are available in both men’s and women’s sizes so that you can find the perfect fit. They’re available in two color options; the Mossy Oak Break-up infinity and Mossy Oak Break-up Country.
Like any other Wellington boots, expect these to be heavy. But the upside is that you’ll get good traction and protection from the elements. Overall, the LaCrosse Men’s Alphaburly Pro 100G is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a good pair of tree climbing boots. They’re tough, comfortable, and waterproof, making them perfect for a day in the woods.
Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid GTX Hiking Boot-Best Stylish
Material: Rubber,Leather and fabric
Size: 7-14
OrthoLite footbed for cooler, drier feet
Weight: 1 lbs
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| Stylish and durable | Sizing may be inaccurate |
| Gore-Tex lining for waterproofing and breathability | May run a bit short |
| Vibram outsole for superior traction | |
| Climbing zone provides extra grip and stability | |
| Lightweight and comfortable |
Salewa might not be the most popular hiking boot brand, but they make some of the best tree-climbing boots available. The Mountain Trainer Mid GTX is a stylish and durable hiking boot that is perfect for tree climbers.
This boot features a Gore-Tex lining that makes it waterproof and breathable. It has a Vibram outsole for superior traction and a climbing zone that provides extra grip and stability when ascending or descending trees. The upper part is made of suede and nubuck leather, which makes it tough and resistant to wear and tear.
The Mountain Trainer Mid GTX is also lightweight and comfortable thanks to its padded collar and tongue. It can be worn for long periods of time without causing fatigue or discomfort.
The boot’s sizing is a bit inaccurate and may run a bit short. So, be sure to order a size up if you are in between sizes.
Otherwise, the Mountain Trainer Mid GTX is an excellent tree-climbing boot that will give you the traction and stability you need while ascending or descending trees.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Tree Climbing Boots
When looking for the best tree-climbing boots, it’s essential to consider the features that are most important to you. Do you need a waterproof boot? A lightweight boot? A heavy-duty boot? Do you need a boot with good traction and a lot of insulation for cold weather?
Once you’ve decided on the features you need, you can start narrowing down your options. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Grip
The most important factor in a tree-climbing boot is the grip. You’ll want a boot with good traction that will keep you safe while you’re up in the trees. One wrong step can lead to a dangerous fall, so a boot with a good grip is essential.
For your work boot to provide the best grip, you need to ensure that the lugs (the bumps on the bottom of the boot) are deep and aggressive. They should also be in an excellent pattern to grip the tree trunk’s surface.
Most premium tree climbing boots come with a Vibram sole, which is known for its excellent grip. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, consider a boot with a lesser-known brand of sole, but make sure to read reviews before you buy.
Insulation
If you’re climbing in cold weather, you’ll need a boot with good insulation to keep your feet warm. Thinsulate insulation is a good option, as it traps heat while still allowing your feet to breathe. It also adds minimal bulk, so you won’t feel weighed down while climbing.
The higher the insulation rating, the warmer your feet will be. But also keep in mind that the higher the insulation rating, the heavier the boot will be. If you’re climbing in a cold climate, it’s important to find the perfect balance between warmth and weight.
Look for a boot with an insulation rating of 400 grams or higher if you’ll be climbing in cold weather.
Waterproofing
If you are climbing in wet weather, you’ll need a waterproof boot. Look for a boot with a Gore-Tex membrane or another type of waterproof and breathable membrane. This will keep your feet dry even when you’re wading through puddles or crossing streams.
Most tree-climbing boots come with some type of waterproofing, but not all of them are equal. Make sure to read reviews before you buy to find out how well the waterproofing performs in real-world conditions.
Durability
You’ll also want a durable boot that can withstand the test of time. Look for a boot with an excellent abrasion-resistance rating made from sturdy materials.
Most tree-climbing boots are made from either nylon or leather. Leather is a better choice if you’re looking for a durable boot that will last for a long time. However, it is also important to ensure that the leather is treated to be waterproof and resistant to moisture.
Nylon is a good choice if you’re looking for a lightweight boot that is easy to move in. However, nylon is not as durable as leather and can be more prone to water damage.
Weight
The material of the boots plays a huge role in how heavy they are. Leather boots will be heavier than those made from synthetic materials. Many synthetic materials will do the trick if you are looking for a lightweight option. Nyon and Cordura are two materials that are often used in lightweight boots.
Weight
Lastly is a factor that everyone must put into consideration; the price. Boots can range in price from $50 to $500 or more. Consider what features are important to you, and then find a pair of boots within your budget. Decide what you’re willing to spend and stick to it.
Higher-priced boots will typically have better features, but some great budget options are also available. Remember, you get what you pay for and don’t want to sacrifice safety or comfort to save a few bucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best tree climbing boots for beginners?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as different climbers have different needs. However, the best boots for tree work should have a good grip, be lightweight, waterproof, and be durable.
Are Gore-Tex boots necessary for tree climbing?
It depends on the conditions in which you will be climbing. If you’ll be climbing in wet weather, then a Gore-Tex boot is necessary to keep your feet dry. However, if you’ll be climbing in dry weather, then a Gore-Tex boot is not necessary. But it’s always a good idea to have a waterproof and breathable membrane in your boot, just in case.
Conclusion
The arborist boots reviewed above are some of the best options on the market. They all have great features that will make your climbing experience safer and more comfortable.
Consider what is important to you when choosing a pair of boots, and then read reviews to find the perfect pair. No matter what your budget is, there is an excellent pair of tree climbing boots out there for you.
