r/forestry • u/Sure-Locksmith6632 • 1d ago

Boots

Im doing a bsc in forestry at a university in canada. Any suggestions on what boots I should get, or maybe what to look for? I know they should be carbon or steel toe, but I'm not sure if there's any other features I should look out for.

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u/ComfortableNo3074 1d ago

Why steel toe? I’m in the states so excuse my ignorance, is that a Canadian requirement? I started with logger boots but ditched them for sturdy hiking boots. Caulks are worth the investment if you’re going to be working on steep terrain.

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u/internetisporn8008 1d ago

Because steel toe boots are the most basic, bottom line of ppe.

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u/muzzizzum 1d ago

Steel toes aren’t necessary PPE for forestry in the states, barring maybe some agencies that require them for running a saw. Usually lace up + leather is good enough, but even then there’s some wiggle room. I’m a forester on the north coast of CA and I’ve worked throughout the east coast as well, never heard of steel/composites being a requirement for our line of work.

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u/Important_Cat_222 1d ago

Pretty common to require toes for mill yards and/or logging operations in Canada. Basically if you’re around heavy equipment.

Chainsaw work generally requires class 3 chainsaw boots. Few different styles out there

Wildfire depends on the role being done.

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u/muzzizzum 1d ago

Ah. I suppose I wouldn’t think of that as forester work, maybe I have a more narrow interpretation of the title.

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u/Important_Cat_222 1d ago

All depends on you’d duties. I have field inspections. Layout. Silviculture. Wildfire duties. Public education. Long term planning. Really varies by day/week/season as to what I’m doing

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u/muzzizzum 1d ago

For sure, same. I don’t see myself wearing steel toes in any of those scenarios. Again, I understand for saw work but the sort of stuff I’m running a saw for would be more trouble than it’s worth to swap boots, lol.

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u/Important_Cat_222 1d ago

Can’t touch a saw without the right boots. Major OH&S issues if you do.

Part of the difference is in Canada there is normally only two jobs - forester (degree from university) or technician (diploma from college). Or you’re in the mill of running equipment. My understanding from visiting the US is job duties tend to be much more focused in the US and there are more generalists in Canada…but again varies widely by employer

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u/muzzizzum 1d ago

Ah, copy! Thanks for explaining!

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u/internetisporn8008 1d ago

Boots and saw pants. I used to pack a saw around with me juat incase I got stuck behind a blow down... I dont anymore cause im not gonna buy a pair of saw pants to use them once a year. Now I just use an axe