Forest & Arb Knowledge Hub

For professional arborists, tree surgeons, and groundsworkers across the UK, your chainsaw boots are arguably one of the most critical pieces of kit you own. They are the foundation of your safety and stability when working in demanding, often hazardous, environments.

When it comes to purchasing new safety footwear, the initial price tag for a high-quality pair of chainsaw boots can seem steep. However, when you truly break down the cost over their working life, the value of your chainsaw boots per day is incredibly low for the essential protection and comfort they provide.

Let's look at the numbers and discover the true value of this vital forestry PPE.

Breaking Down the Cost: Value Per Day

High-quality professional chainsaw boots are designed for durability and are built to withstand the rigors of the tree surgery industry. While many professionals invest between £200 and £300 (or more) for a premium pair, this one-off cost translates into minimal daily expense.

Here is a simple breakdown of the cost per day, based on a typical professional working pattern:

• Average Boot Cost: Let's take an average high-quality price of £240 (excluding VAT, as most professionals reclaim this).

• Working Days Per Year: 5 days a week, 48 weeks a year = 240 working days.

• Average Lifespan: A good, well-cared-for pair of professional boots can last at least one year, if not longer, depending on usage and environment. We will use a conservative 1-year (240-day) lifespan for this calculation.

The Calculation:

Total Working Days / Total Cost of Boots​ = Cost Per Day

240 days / £240​=£1.00 per day

If you factor in the typical 8-hour workday, this brings the cost down to just 12.5 pence per hour!

Even if your boots last for 18 months or two years, that daily price shrinks even further. For the level of certified cut-resistant protection, ankle support, stability, and all-day comfort you receive, paying between 80 pence and £1.00 a day for your primary safety device is an absolute bargain.

More Than Just a Number: The Value of Protection

The minimal daily cost highlights a profound truth: your chainsaw boots are an investment, not an expense. They are specifically engineered to provide a crucial layer of defence against one of the most significant workplace hazards.

Essential Safety Features

Chainsaw boots are certified to a specific standard (like BS EN ISO 17249) and come in different cut protection classes (Class 1, 2, or 3). They contain specialised, multi-layered protective material—often a blend of high-tenacity fibres—that is designed to stop a running chainsaw in milliseconds upon contact.

This technology, which is built into boots from leading brands like HAIX, Arbortec, and Zamberlan, is a lifesaver. What value do you place on avoiding a life-changing injury? Far more than a few pence a day, we're sure.

Must-Read Safety Information: Chainsaw boots are just one part of your complete personal protective equipment. For a full rundown of what you need to be safe, check out our guide: The Essential PPE Requirements for Professional Chainsaw Use.

Unbeatable All-Day Comfort and Stability

The price-per-day calculation also fails to factor in the massive benefit of day-long comfort and stability. Cheaper, non-specialised boots can lead to foot fatigue, slips, and chronic back or knee issues over time. A quality pair of professional arborist footwear is designed with:

• Ankle Support: Essential for navigating uneven forest terrain, climbing, and working at height.

• Superb Grip: Deep, self-cleaning treads that provide reliable grip on wet logs, muddy slopes, and brash.

• Waterproofing: With Gore-Tex or similar membranes, many options keep you dry and comfortable, preventing blisters and keeping you focused. When working in the unpredictable UK weather, this is a must!

Need to stay dry from head to toe? We've got you covered. See our top recommendations: Stay Dry, Stay Productive: The Best Waterproof Work Jackets for UK Professionals.

Investing in Top Chainsaw Boot Brands

At ForestAndArb.com, we understand that our customers need gear that performs day in and day out. We stock a huge range of top chainsaw boot brands that justify their initial price tag through superior longevity and protection:

• HAIX: Renowned for their robust design and excellent climate comfort, models like the HAIX Protector Ultra or Protector Pro are an industry favourite for forestry PPE. (Average between £0.79 & £0.91 per day)

• Arbortec: The brand behind the popular and lightweight Scafell Lite range, offering fantastic mobility and Class 2 protection—perfect for the dynamic work of an arborist. (Average around £1.02 per day)

• ArbPro: Specialising in footwear built by arborists for arborists, ArbPro boots (like the Cervino Wood) are prized for their slim, lightweight design and rope-friendly lacing systems, often offering Class 3 protection. (Average around £1.02 per day)

• Zamberlan: Offering premium Italian craftsmanship with high-end materials, delivering exceptional durability and all-day support. (Average between £1.00 & £1.08 per day

Final Thought

When you next look at the price of a new pair of chainsaw safety boots, don't see a large number. See a daily commitment of less than a pound to your long-term health, safety, and productivity.

It’s a minimal price to pay for the foundation of your professional career.

Browse our full range of professional chainsaw boots today and invest wisely in your safety.