When you’re faced with physically demanding activities and/or difficult environments, you’ll need footwear that can withstand the challenges. Chippewa Boots is one of the oldest and most trusted outdoor footwear brands worldwide, manufacturing high-quality products designed to stand the test of time. These boots come in classic silhouettes and are created to deliver maximum performance in a variety of environments for work and other purposes. Chippewa Boots is known for its line of heavy-duty logger boots that are created to easily take on tough outdoor settings, but the brand also offers work boots with different silhouettes that can be maximized in various surroundings. In this article, we’ll get to discover more details about Chippewa Boots to better understand what distinguishes their footwear from what’s offered by other brands.
Brief History
Chippewa Boots began its story in 1901 when the company was founded in a small factory in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. The heavy-duty work boots were designed for loggers and other professionals working in tough conditions, providing the toughness and reliability needed to withstand continuous use in challenging environments. These boots’ popularity rose along with the logging boom in Chippewa Falls, with the company enjoying quick growth, going from having only a few employees to more than 300 skilled individuals working in a five-story factory. During World War I, Chippewa Boots manufactured high-quality field boots that were supplied for the Allies in Europe, before producing them for the US Army when the country joined the war in 1917. The country’s labor force grew significantly in the 1930s, following the Wall Street crash, resulting in huge demand for work boots that can stand up to demanding work settings involved in building up the country’s infrastructure. Chippewa Boots stood up to the challenge, coming up with several styles to meet varying demands. This included a tall boot made entirely with leather that’s used mainly by railroad engineers, aptly called the Engineer style.
During World War II, Chippewa Boots developed and manufactured Arctic Boots, designed for the elite US Army 10th Mountain Division members, who regularly worked in the harshest weather conditions and in the most difficult terrains. In the 1960s, the brand started integrating innovative technology into the boots and was the first bootmaker to incorporate Italian Vibram outsoles. The 1990s saw the development of the Super Logger, which continues to be one of the brand’s most popular boots. Today, Original Chippewa boots are still manufactured using top-quality materials, with the brand’s line-up now including work boots and casual shoes, as well as a line of women’s footwear.
What Types of Boots Does Chippewa Boots Make?
Logger Boots
Logger Boots – These boots are characterized by their raised heel, which can also be used with climbing spurs. The elevated heel, along with the heavy-duty construction and extended height, makes these boots ideal for loggers and other professions in which you’ll be exposed to brutal outdoor conditions involving walking on unstable and/or wet terrains. The safety features also make these boots suitable for harsh work areas such as construction sites. One of Chippewa’s most popular boots, the Super Logger, was introduced in the 1990s to take on the harshest work settings and outdoor environments.
Snake Boots
Snake Boots – Chippewa Boots has a line of snake boots that are designed to offer maximum protection against snake bites. These boots have 17-inch-tall structures for extended coverage, increasing your safety while walking in areas with tall grass – where there are risks of animals and other critters that can bite or scratch your legs.
Pull-on/Wellington
Pull-on/Wellington – These tall boots from Chippewa are built to provide enhanced coverage for safety in various environments without compromising your mobility and comfort in the process. They’re designed to be pulled on quickly for improved convenience, eliminating the need to spend a long time fiddling with the laces with every wear.
Wedge
Wedge – Chippewa boots with wedge soles are ideal for working on flat, hard surfaces. The flat structure of the wedge sole has increased contact with the ground, providing a more stable and comfortable walking experience.
Safety Toe Boots
Safety Toe Boots – Safety toe enhancements are built into several Chippewa boot styles, providing maximum protection against compression and impact threats that can be stumbled upon in uncompromising settings. The safety toes are made with either steel or composite material.
Are Chippewa Boots Expensive? And How Much Do They Go For?
The premium quality that you get from Chippewa boots comes with a corresponding price range. The considerable price tag is more than justified by the superior craftsmanship, durability, and comfort that each Chippewa Boot product offers.
In general, Chippewa Boot offers products at the same price range as other premium quality work boot manufacturers (such as Danner and Thorogood) but is more expensive than other work boot producers (such as Wolverine). A pair of Chippewa Boots Aldarion logger boots with outstanding enhancements (composite toes, insulation, waterproofing) has an average price range of $190 – $220, while the snake boots cost an average of $250 – $270, depending on the retailer.
Are Chippewa Boots made in the US?
Chippewa makes boots in the US as well as overseas. The company used to have a special line of Made in USA boots that were handcrafted in Carthage, MO, but that factory was permanently closed in 2000 and the line was discontinued.
Are Chippewa’s “Snake Boots” Designed to Protect One From Snake Bites?
Yes, Chippewa makes snake boots that offer increased leg and foot protection against snake bites and other safety risks while in harsh outdoor settings and in other hazardous environments. Both styles come in 17-inch-tall structures, offering enhanced safety against snakes and other critters that may harm your foot and legs with accidental exposure.
The Cutter pull-on snake boot features moc-toe stitching, an Iron Tex insole for long-lasting comfort, non-tarnishable brass zipper and knuckles, a high-traction Vibram outsole, and a triple-ribbed steel shank for superb stability over different ground conditions. Meanwhile, the Cross Terrain snake boot showcases composite toe enhancement to keep the foot safe against injuries that may result from heavy falling objects, an OrthoLite insole for superior comfort, an electrical hazard safe design, and a waterproof construction to block water and other liquids, guaranteeing comfortably dry feet for long periods.
Does Chippewa Make Boots for Women/Ladies?
Yes – Chippewa makes boots for women. The Cross Terrain comes in a 6-inch lace-up design and a 12-inch pull-on style, with both options featuring waterproof full-grain leather to prevent wet elements from seeping in. Both options also have nano composite toes, providing continuous protection against impact and compression hazards that can cause serious injuries if they suddenly drop on the boot from high places. The slip- and oil-resistant rubber outsoles have water-shedding treads that quickly disperse liquids, making it safer to walk on slippery and uneven terrains. These women’s boots are also fitted with Ortholite insoles for all-day comfort and offer electrical hazard protection.
What’s the Sizing of Chippewa Boots?
The sizing of Chippewa boots can vary depending on unique foot anatomies and with the specific style. However, these boots tend to run approximately half a size larger than the usual size. Going half a size bigger than your usual size may be especially helpful when you’re choosing boot styles with safety toes.
6-Inch Edge Walker Waterproof Moc Toe Boot
6-Inch Edge Walker Waterproof Moc Toe Boot – This lace-up boot features a moc-toe design for enhanced stylishness. It’s also built with the exclusive Chip-A-Tex waterproof construction with Dri-Lex lining that draws moisture away to keep the foot comfortably dry. The electrical hazard safe design offers a secondary level of protection against electrocution with exposure to live currents in dry conditions. The antique brass grommets won’t tarnish over time even with heavy boot use, while the OrthoLite footbed delivers enhanced comfort while keeping a low-profile structure that doesn’t significantly add bulk to the boot’s interior.
Aldarion Insulated Waterproof Boot
Aldarion Insulated Waterproof Boot – This 8-inch boot features 400 grams of 3M Thinsulate, providing enhanced warmth to keep the foot comfortable in cold weather conditions without adding a bulky feel. The composite toe enhancement keeps the foot safe from being seriously harmed by heavy objects that may fall or roll on top of the boot. The material is much lighter compared to steel, keeping the boot’s weight reduced so it doesn’t weigh heavily on the foot while preventing temperature transference. The Chip-A-Tex waterproof membrane prevents water, mud, and other wet elements from seeping in for all-day foot dryness. The Bontex insole resists mold, fungi, and bacteria while offering a flexible and light fit for long-lasting comfort.
Bolville Waterproof Insulated Logger Boot
Bolville Waterproof Insulated Logger Boot – This 9-inch logger boot comes with a waterproof design, sealing out wet elements to maintain a dry and comfortable interior for longer. The 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation offers superior warmth, keeping the foot comfortable while in cold environments. The Dri-Lex lining moves perspiration away from the foot to promote lasting comfort and dryness while dispersing the excess moisture. The composite toe cap guards the foot against impact and compression hazards, preventing foot injuries without the uncomfortable weight and bulk of steel toes. The Vibram outsole is built with aggressive multidirectional lugs for outstanding traction across tough terrains, and the 90°degree heel offers increased support and stability while on unstable or slippery ground conditions.
Paladin Insulated Steel Toe Boot
Paladin Insulated Steel Toe Boot – With a classic work boot silhouette in an 8-inch-tall profile, this boot offers enhanced protection without compromising style. The steel toe cap shields the foot against compression and impact threats, preventing serious injuries when you’re in harsh environments. The 400 grams of Thinsulate Ultra insulation keeps the foot comfortably warm in cold weather settings while its thin structure keeps the interior from feeling too thick and bulky. The Texon insole offers comfortable cushioning to keep foot pain at bay. The Vibram rubber outsole comes with deep lugs, delivering strong traction to keep your steps stabilized over tricky surface conditions. The Chip-A-Tex waterproof membrane stops mud, water, and other liquids from coming in, ensuring long-lasting foot dryness in exceptionally wet surroundings.
Baldor Steel Toe Logger Boot
Baldor Steel Toe Logger Boot – This boot showcases clean lines for a classic profile that never goes out of style. The unadorned leather exterior has a slight gloss, offering an elegant look that goes remarkably well with the antique brass eyelets and hooks. The hardware is resistant to tarnishing for long-lasting functional and aesthetic benefits. The steel toe protects the foot against impact and compression hazards, preventing grave foot injuries in case heavy objects are accidentally rolled or dropped from a high area onto the boot. The Texon insole provides ample cushioning for a comfortable walking experience, while the Vibram rubber outsole
Are Chippewa Boots Worth It?
While Chippewa boots aren’t the most affordable options available, their premium quality construction and materials more than justify their price points. These boots are built with top-quality materials that deliver enhanced strength and durability while also offering aesthetic advantages that you can maximize in different settings. The boots also come with different safety enhancements for increased protection in hazardous environments and extreme weather conditions.
Are Chippewa Boots Discontinued?
Some of the brand’s once most popular styles, such as the Harness, Super Logger, and Engineer, have been discontinued and are no longer available on the official Chippewa Boots website.
What Features Make Chippewa Boots Unique?
Non-Tarnish Hardware
on-Tarnish Hardware – Some Chippewa Boots are built with non-tarnish hardware, providing the assurance that the components will retain their high-quality appearance and performance with long-term use.
Waterproof Structure
Waterproof Structure – The brand’s waterproof boots feature the exclusive Chip-A-Tex waterproof system, sealing out liquids to keep the interior feeling dry and comfortable when the surrounding area has excessive moisture or wetness.
Dri-Lex Lining
Dri-Lex Lining – This moisture management lining draws moisture away from the skin, keeping the interior dry for longer and preventing excessive sweatiness from developing even when the boot is used for hours at a time.
Comfortable Cushioning
Comfortable Cushioning – The boots have insoles (OrthoLite, Bontex, or Texon) that offer ample cushioning, cradling the foot with a comfortable platform that doesn’t add a lot of thickness and weight to the overall boot feel.
Defined Heel
Defined Heel – Chippewa Boots’ logger boots are constructed with a 90-degree heel, offering increased support and stability for safer walking experiences on unstable or slippery ground conditions.
Aggressive Sole
Aggressive Sole – The Vibram outsole fitted on Chippewa boots features aggressive treads that bite firmly into the ground, providing strong traction to prevent slipping on unstable or wet terrains.
Triple-Ribbed Steel Shank
Triple-Ribbed Steel Shank – The steel shank provides enhanced rigidity, maintaining the boot’s structural integrity while offering increased stability for safer walking on different terrains.
Conclusion
Chippewa Boots offer premium logger and work boots made with top-quality materials, delivering high-performance wear that you can depend on in tough settings. With more than a century of boot-making expertise, the brand continues to manufacture premium boots that come with the necessary enhancements for protection against safety hazards in harsh work conditions. The brand also produces snake boots for reliable protection against snake bites while in outdoor settings, as well as a line of women’s boots. While these boots may not be the most cost-effective choices, their exceptional construction– and the benefits they deliver – more than justify the considerable price points.
Luke Davis
Luke is the lead author on WorkWear.org. He has a vast experience in construction engineering and project management in California and Texas, where he had the chance to put to test a wide range of safety boots and PPE. Outside work, Luke is an avid hiker and not surprisingly a DIY fanatic!
