Tall heeled boots?

[Maineloggerkid]

Talking in the boot studs thread raised a question in my head. Why do some logging boots come with the tall heel?? I can get my Emersons with the tall heel, and was thinking of trying them, if I can find out what the reasoning is behind them.

 Just a quick question.

[LeeB]

If', you was riding horses the tall heel keeps yer foot from slipping through the stirrup. For logging, I ain't got a clue.

[Reddog]

The thought has always been, the tall heel would dig in going down a steep grade. The front edge would work like a brake.
What I am describing is about an inch tall heel.

[Dan_Shade]

I think the tall heel helps with your posture and arch support.  but i'm just speculating.

[Ed_K]

  I just got a pair of Chippewa's w/the tall heel. Their great for catching on limbs when walking thru tops  . They are waterproof  .

[FTD]

I think the tall heel helps with your posture and arch support.  but i'm just speculating.

That is the reason.  Google "Whites Boots" they have a great explanation.  I have a pair of Whites.  Never regreted.  Had them rebuilt after 10 years.  As good as new.  Best boots I ever bought.

[Dan_Shade]

I have two pairs of white's, i echo FTD's remarks.

I have a pair of "farmer-ranchers" and a pair of "smoke jumpers"  the smoke jumpers were leaking a little bit around the sole, so I sent them back after owning them 10 months or so, and they completely rebuilt them for free.  Great customer service.

They are NASTY to break in, though, it's several days of misery, but after they break in, they fit my feet like a glove.

[FTD]

I have the smoke jumpers as well.  Left that off.  Sorry.  Oh by the way, the best part:

White's are custom made.  They will make different size for each foot!  My left is 11 and right is 10.5.  I didn't fine the break in "NASTY".  A little stiff, took a while to walk normal. 

Final point, you DON'T want to spend time on concrete in these though!  Your back will hate you.

[Dan_Shade]

10 years has tempered your memory, the rebuild breakin was nothing compared to the new one!

[stumpy]

When I was a Lineman, the tall heels help keep the climbers ("hooks") in place.

[Bro. Noble]

Well,  I like them cause you're always walding downhill and don't get near as tired

[SouthernVT LawnLogger]

possible for Climbing spikes in your in the field of arboriculture the spikes fight tight to the middle of your sole of your foot were you put most of your pressure

[woodtroll]

The heels work very well on slopes and digging in. They are great working boots. I have used White's and they are tough but I switched to Nick's (12" hot shot rough outs). It has been a better company to work with over the last 15 years and a tougher boot. Both are good. Remember these are not water proof boots. Just top notch leather boots.
They are worth the high price if you will take care of them. They will out last any lower priced boot under rough conditions. Once broken in will fit like a glove.

[kenneth]

I have also found that the tall heel trips me up and hurt my back. I bought a pair from Labonvill. They also took a while to break in but now are great. Made in the USA

[Maineloggerkid]

So, do you think that the tall heel would bother me having flat feet??

[RSteiner]

I was told by arborist and boot makers the purpose for the elevated heel is to give more room for the climbing gear under the arch of your foot.  The elevated heel also keeps the point of the spike from digging into the ground as much especially when walking on hard surfaces.

I do find them uncomfortable to walk in and stand around in on a hard surface.  I bought a pair of them one time because I thought they looked tough and made me reach the 6 foot height mark but I soon found out that was a big mistake.

Randy

[ely]

what do you mean stumpy, when i was a lineman. you will always be a lineman.
here lately i have started wearing my westcos everyday of the week. i had some ariats that i bought for walking/work boots and they started hurting my feet and back. when i put my line boots on the pain went away. i think it is the tall heel that helps me. i also have a pair of hoffmans made by danner that have 800 grams thinsulate in em. basically they look the same and wear the same as the westcos. except they are warmer and stiffer. i have the westcos broke in and they are lke tenny shoes to me now. the hoffmans are 12 " tops the westcos are 16" tops.

i have always wanted a pair of whites line boots though.

[Tillaway]

The heels help on steep slopes.  The flat soles turn into skis on slopes over 40% or 50%.  If  you just run equipment there would be no need for them.

[Kodiakmac]

Got that right Tillway.  Last thing I'd want on machinery I had to climb up on is a high, narrow heel.  Be a good recipe for twisted ankles, etc. 

[stumpy]

Ely, You're right about being a Lineman.  I used to wear Redwings, then I tried a pair or Brown Linemans boots from Halls.  Those were by far the longest wearing and most comfortable boot I ever wore.