What are Caulk Boots?

Although first used in Europe hundreds of years ago, caulk boots grew in popularity in the United States around the turn of the 20th century to provide much-needed traction and support for loggers in the Pacific Northwest.

Viking Forester Boot

Caulk or Calk Boots?

Raised heels. The raised heels offer more stability and support to provide safety in uneven terrain, or high atop a tree.
Welted soles. The welted construction involves attaching the sole to a welt, which is a strip of leather that goes around the outside of the boot. This helps make the boot more durable, waterproof, and long-lasting.
Steel shank. A steel shank, which is placed between the insole and outsole of the boot, offers an extra layer of protection and support.
Extra height. One of the features that make caulk boots stand out from other work boots is the raised height, which offers additional ankle support. Caulk boots can range in height from 8 inches all the way up to 16 inches to provide the ankle extra support on uneven or wet terrain. The extra height also supports the lower leg from moisture, brush, and debris.
Full lace-up front. A full lace-up front provides additional stability and support.
Arch support. Additional arch support offers comfort and support.
Rust-free eyelets.
Thick, rubber soles to offer more protection.
Steel spikes provide traction over uneven terrain or when climbing trees to help prevent dangerous falls.

Who Should Wear Caulk Boots?

Those who work in the logging or forestry industries should highly consider wearing caulk boots while on the job. Logging is the most dangerous job in the world according to several studies, and one slip or misstep can literally mean the difference between life and death. It’s estimated that 74 fatalities and more than 1,000 non-fatal injuries occur each year in logging.

Caulk boots can also be used by other workers in different industries if they frequently find themselves working on rocky, uneven, or wet surfaces. Serious hikers or those who work in the wilderness are also ideal candidates to wear caulk boots.

Because of the steel spikes, caulk boots are not well-suited for inside work such as manufacturing, construction, or factory jobs.

How to Care for Your Caulk Boots

Leather caulk boots can be expensive, so it only makes sense to take good care of them. Regularly cleaning and conditioning the boots can help them last longer, so you can put off having to buy a new pair. Consider wiping down your caulk boots when you return from work each day to remove any dirt or mud.

Caulk boots can be cleaned on an as-needed basis, but it might be a good idea to clean them every two weeks. Consider the following steps when cleaning caulk boots:

Remove the laces.
Remove any dirt from the surface using a soft cloth dipped in a mixture of white vinegar and water.
Use a bristle brush to remove dirt around the spikes in the sole.
Use a mixture of warm water and dish soap to clean the leather. You could also consider using saddle soap and water instead of dish soap.
Find a well-ventilated area to dry the boots.
Condition the leather using a leather conditioner, boot oil, sealant, wax, or mink oil.

Conclusion

If you’re a forestry service worker, a logger, or spend a lot of time in the wilderness navigating uneven and wet conditions, consider buying a pair of caulk boots. With their spikes, high heels, and extra height, they are the best option to keep you safe from slips that can result in serious injuries or even death.