Best Shoes for Tree Climbing

Whether you are a professional tree climber or do it as a hobby, climbing trees is not easy, and the right equipment and shoes are needed.

Tree Climbing shoes provide flexibility and unmatchable grip and are specific for this extreme hobby or profession.



Should You get Proper Tree Climbing Shoes

So, should you get professional tree-climbing shoes for climbing trees? The answer is yes.

Tree Climbing shoes or boots, for that matter, will provide you with superior traction and grip to prevent you from slipping and holding up very well.

Most tree climbing shoes and boots are likewise very breathable compared to other boots and shoes to always keep your feet dry and cool.

Plus, most tree-climbing bots are very comfortable and flexible, making it much easier for you to climb.

Most climbers spend a long time in their tree climbing shoes or boots, so comfort features can be handy.

Similarly, it would be best to focus on the actual trees when climbing and the rest of the terrain. Your tree-climbing boots need or work well in all terrains, and the grip should be effective on rocky, wet, and other terrains.

Then again, the weight of your tree-climbing shoes is a huge factor, and you do not want any additional weight when you are up in a tree. However, some climbers still believe heavier boots are more durable, which is only sometimes true with technology today.

Good tree climbing shoes and boots should offer good arch support to put more pressure and weight on your feet. This, in turn, helps to eliminate pain from your feet and lower limbs.


Benefits of Tree Climbing Shoes and Boots

A good pair of tree Climbing Shoes or Boots surely holds many benefits for you;

  • Easier Climbing – In the bigger picture, you will easily get around the tree with proper tree climbing boots or shoes. They provide good weight support and flexibility to take the weight off your work and allow you to move around easily.
  • Much Safer – Tree Climbing Boots and shoes usually have safety features that protect you against heavy falling objects, cuts from Chainsaws, and even water and liquids. Some may have a steel toe, metatarsal guard, or waterproof uppers for protection.
  • Good Traction – Tree Climbing Boots and shoes have a high traction lug outsole that provides the best grip for climbing trees and the surrounding terrains to offer slip resistance.
  • Better Support – Most tree climbing boots and shoes offer much better arch support and comfort features to remove the strain off your feet and prevent foot fatigue and pain.
  • Weatherproof and Breathable – Tree Climbing Boots or shoes come with breathable and weatherproof materials to help protect you from wetness on the outside while wicking away moisture and keeping your feet dry and well-ventilated inside.

Features of a Good Tree Climbing Shoe

NORTIV 8

  • Grip – The most important feature of a tree climbing boot or shoe is its grip and traction for climbing trees and the surrounding trails. It needs to have a lug-treaded, durable rubber sole.
  • Durable – If anything, Tree climbing boots and shoes should be durable. Look for good-quality shoes made of durable materials such as leather and constructed with methods such as cement or Goodyear Welt.
  • Breathable and Waterproof – Climbing with wet feet is a disaster. Therefore, look for waterproof shoes should it rain. They should also be breathable and moisture-wicking to prevent sweat build-up and overheating.
  • Comfort Features – Look for comfort features such as underfoot cushioning to absorb shock and proper arch support with a more flexible sole type.
  • Fit – You do not want a loose or a squeezing fit in a tree-climbing shoe. Could you ensure the shoe or boot you choose fits snugly and securely?

Reviews: The Best Tree Climbing Shoes

In our list, we have some of the best available shoes and boots that are ideal for climbing trees;


1

Tree Climbing Utility Boots

  • These are two work boot models from Keen Utility that I find very suitable for climbing trees as a profession.
  • They have a grippy, durable rubber outsole and overall very durable construction.
  • The boots are electrical hazard safe and consist of genuine leather.
  • The Men’s model has a steel toe, while the ladies’ model features a lighter alloy safety toe.

2

Tree Climbing Shoe

  • The Salewa Mountain training is a great hiking shoe for climbing trees.
  • It has a 360-degree full rubber outsole that has VIBRAM WTC technology,
  • Inside is a cushioned and cooling Ortholite footbed and a Bilight shock-absorbing midsole.
  • The uppers are synthetic and breathable, as well as abrasion-resistant.

3

Tree Climbing Boot

  • The AD Tec is a logger-style tree-climbing boot.
  • It has a very ugly rubber outsole and heel designed specifically for logging work that involves climbing trees.
  • The boot has leather uppers and is extremely durable.
  • They also feature a comfortable cushioned insole and lining.
  • The rubber outsole is both oil and slip-resistant.
  • There is likewise a steel protective toe.

4

Tree Climbing Shoe

  • The Timberland White Ledge is a Waterproof Hiking shoe that is perfect for climbing trees,
  • It has genuine waterproof leather uppers and rustproof speed laces.
  • The boot has a comfortable cushioned insole and seam-sealed design.
  • The outsole offers an exceptional grip for outdoor terrains and climbing trees.

5

Tree Climbing Tactical Boot

  • We have the Stellar from Under Armour, a tactical military boot that can also be used for climbing trees.
  • The boot has leather uppers with a textile lining.
  • The uppers are treated for water resistance and durability.
  • A molded EVA midsole for shock absorbency and a reinforced shank for support and stability.

6

Tree Climbing Boot

  • The Nortiv 8 is an ankle hiking boot perfect for climbing trees.
  • The boot has a non-slip, high-quality rubber outsole,
  • It is a breathable and very durable boot.
  • There is a comfortably cushioned footbed and EVA midsole.

Index Table: Top Rated Tree Climbing Shoes

No.ShoeMen ♂Women ♀FeaturesBrandScore
1Keen Utility® - Tree Climbing Utility Boots Vernon Seattle
  • Waterproof
  • Safety toe
  • Rubber Sole
Keen Utility98
2Salewa® - Tree Climbing Shoe Mountain Trainer Mountain Trainer
  • Hiking Style Shoe
  • Gore-Tex Lined
  • Vibram Sole
Salewa97.9
3AD Tec® - Tree Climbing Boot Super Super
  • Logger Boot
  • Steel Toe
  • Leather
AD Tec97
4Timberland® - Tree Climbing Shoe White Ledge White Ledge
  • Waterproof
  • Hiking Shoe
  • Durable
Timberland96.7
5Under Armour® - Tree Climbing Tactical Boot Stellar Stellar
  • Leather
  • Quick Dry
  • Durable
Under Armour97.5
6Nortiv 8® - Tree Climbing Boot Ankle Ankle
  • waterproof
  • Hiking Boot Style
  • Grippy Sole
Nortiv 896


About the Author

David Alegeta

David is a long-distance hiker, a writer and an editor whose favorite topics include backpacking and trail running. He is an adventure athlete who covered over 20,000 miles. He frequently speaks to groups about the benefits of proper footwear and has written numerous articles on this subject. He lives in Dallas, Texas with his family.