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Aaron Cranfield

March 20, 2025

Kayo VS Scafell Chainsaw Boots from Arbortec: Which is Right for You?

Climbing or Groundwork? Find the Best Fit for Your Feet...

When it comes to selecting the right chainsaw boots for the rigorous demands of arborists, forestry professionals, and outdoor workers, safety, comfort, and durability are paramount. We have designed two top-tier chainsaw boots—the Scafell Lite and the Kayo. Both offer essential safety features like Class 2 chainsaw protection and waterproofing, but each boot is tailored to different needs and work environments. In this blog post, we’ll compare these two models, exploring their features, benefits, and differences to help you make an informed decision.

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Overview of Arbortec’s Chainsaw Boots

Arbortec is renowned for producing high-quality, durable, and safety-focused footwear for arborists and forestry professionals. Our chainsaw boots are designed to provide maximum protection while ensuring comfort throughout long and demanding workdays. Whether you’re felling trees, working in the forest, or climbing to great heights, the right pair of boots can make all the difference in terms of safety, performance, and comfort.

The Scafell Lite

A Reliable Choice for Forestry Professionals

Arbortec is renowned for producing high-quality, durable, and safety-focused footwear for arborists and forestry professionals. Our chainsaw boots are designed to provide maximum protection while ensuring comfort throughout long and demanding workdays. Whether you’re felling trees, working in the forest, or climbing to great heights, the right pair of boots can make all the difference in terms of safety, performance, and comfort.

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Key Features of the Scafell Lite:

Class 2 Chainsaw Protection

The Scafell Lite boots offer Class 2 chainsaw protection, providing safety against chainsaw accidents up to 24 meters per second. The chainsaw protective materials are strategically placed to offer maximum defense without compromising on comfort.

Midsole and Steel Toecap

These boots are equipped with a robust steel toecap and midsole, enhancing foot protection from falling objects and sharp tools. The steel toecap ensures that your toes remain safe from impacts, while the midsole provides support to protect against punctures.

Waterproof Construction

The Scafell Lite boots are designed with a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry even in wet, muddy conditions. This is a crucial feature for arborists and forestry workers who often encounter wet environments.

Roller Ball Lace System

The innovative roller ball lace system ensures that your boots are securely fitted without any slipping or discomfort, allowing you to focus on your work.

Premium Leather and Vibram Outsole

Crafted from high-quality leather, the Scafell Lite boots offer long-lasting durability and protection. The Vibram outsole provides superior traction, ensuring you have a solid grip on various surfaces, whether you’re working on uneven ground or climbing.

KWF-Award “Profi” Recognition

The Scafell Lite boots were recognized with the KWF-Award “Profi” in 2020, which is a testament to their outstanding performance and reliability in professional forestry settings.

Additional Accessories

With each pair of Scafell Lite boots, you receive a free pair of Scafell socks and laces, adding extra value to your purchase.

Ideal Use for the Scafell Lite

The Scafell Lite is ideal for forestry professionals who need a reliable, durable, and comfortable boot for long hours of work in various conditions. Whether you’re cutting timber, climbing trees, clearing land, or walking through rough terrain, these boots will offer the protection and comfort you need.

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The Kayo

A New Generation of Climbing Chainsaw Boots

The Kayo Climbing Chainsaw Boots are specifically designed for arborists who work at heights, particularly those who engage in climbing. Combining cutting-edge technology with ergonomic design, the Kayo is a top choice for professionals seeking a lightweight, comfortable, and safe boot for climbing and chainsaw work.

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Key Features of the Kayo:

Low-Cut, Slim Design

Unlike the Scafell Lite, which is a traditional boot, the Kayo is a low-cut, slim-profile boot, making it more agile and flexible for climbing. This design provides freedom of movement while ensuring protection and comfort during long climbs.

Class 2 Chainsaw Protection

Like the Scafell Lite, the Kayo offers Class 2 chainsaw protection, ensuring that you’re safe from chainsaw accidents at speeds up to 24 meters per second.

Lightweight Construction

The Kayo boots are notably lighter than the Scafell Lite, weighing only 1.1 kg per boot. This reduced weight makes them an excellent choice for arborists who need to stay light on their feet while climbing or moving quickly in the tree canopy.

Waterproof and Breathable

The Kayo features Arbortec’s BreatheDry system, which ensures that the boots are both waterproof and breathable. This combination keeps your feet dry and comfortable, even during extended work sessions in variable weather conditions.

Rubber Randing for Durability

The rubber randing wrapped around the lower half of the Kayo boots enhances their durability, protecting the boot from abrasions and wear, especially in areas prone to damage from rough terrain.

Secure Lacing System and Inner Sock

The Kayo features a unique lacing system and a secure inner sock to provide a snug, comfortable fit. This feature ensures that the boot fits a wide range of foot shapes and sizes, offering excellent comfort without any entry of debris or detritus.

Vibram Sole for Traction

Similar to the Scafell Lite, the Kayo boots come with a Vibram rubber lug sole for superior grip and traction. Whether you’re on slippery ground or climbing a tree, the Vibram sole ensures you have stability and confidence underfoot.

SRT Loop for Climbing

The Kayo boots come with a loop designed for the SRT (Single Rope Technique) climbing system, a critical feature for professional climbers who rely on specific climbing gear.

Complies with EN ISO 17249 Class 2 Standard

The Kayo boots meet the EN ISO 17249 Class 2 standard, ensuring that they provide reliable chainsaw protection for climbing professionals.

Ideal Use for the Kayo

The Kayo is designed specifically for arborists who need a lightweight, flexible, and durable boot for climbing. If you frequently work in the tree canopy, need a boot with excellent maneuverability, and require chainsaw protection at heights, the Kayo is an excellent choice.

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Comparing the Scafell Lite and the Kayo: Key Differences

While both the Scafell Lite and Kayo boots offer Class 2 chainsaw protection, they are built for different types of work:

Boot Design

The Scafell Lite is a full-height boot with a traditional design, making it ideal for forestry work on the ground. In contrast, the Kayo is a low-cut, climbing-focused boot designed for arborists who spend significant time in the tree canopy.

Weight and Agility

The Kayo boots are lighter (1.1 kg per boot) and more flexible, which is beneficial for climbing and working at heights. The Scafell Lite, while still relatively lightweight, is better suited for those who need more ankle support for rugged terrain.

Waterproofing and Breathability

Both boots are waterproof, but the Kayo features Arbortec’s BreatheDry system, which enhances breathability, making it more comfortable for long, active days in varying weather.

Lacing Systems

Both boots have innovative lacing systems, but the Kayo’s system, combined with its inner sock, provides a more tailored fit for a wider range of foot shapes, while the Scafell Lite uses a roller ball lace system for a secure fit.

Durability Features

Both boots feature high-quality leather and durable outsoles, but the Kayo’s rubber randing offers additional protection against abrasions, which is particularly useful in climbing situations.

Conclusion: Which Boot is Right for You?

Choosing between the Scafell Lite and the Kayo depends on your specific needs as an arborist or forestry professional.

Get Scafell Lite...

If you primarily work on the ground, need more ankle support, and require a boot that balances comfort with chainsaw protection, the Scafell Lite is an excellent choice. Its robust construction and KWF-Award recognition make it a solid, reliable option for forestry professionals.

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Get KAYO...

If you are a climbing arborist or need a lightweight, flexible boot for working at height, the Kayo is the better option. With its low-cut design, lighter weight, and climbing-specific features, the Kayo is built for agility and comfort during climbing and chainsaw use.

Shop Now

Both boots offer high-quality craftsmanship, durability, and safety, so your choice ultimately depends on your specific work environment and needs.

AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear

AT33000 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Lime

£293.00
AT33100 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Black - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33100 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Black - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33100 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Black - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33100 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Black - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33100 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Black - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33100 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Black - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33100 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Black - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33100 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Black - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33100 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Black - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33100 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Black - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33100 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Black - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33100 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Black - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33100 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Black - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33100 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Black - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33100 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Black - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33100 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Black - Arbortec Forestwear

AT33100 - Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Black

£293.00
AT33200 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Brown - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33200 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Brown - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33200 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Brown - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33200 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Brown - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33200 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Brown - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33200 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Brown - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33200 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Brown - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33200 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Brown - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33200 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Brown - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33200 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Brown - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33200 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Brown - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33200 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Brown - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33200 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Brown - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33200 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Brown - Arbortec Forestwear

AT33200 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Brown

£293.00
AT33300 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Blue - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33300 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Blue - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33300 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Blue - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33300 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Blue - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33300 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Blue - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33300 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Blue - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33300 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Blue - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33300 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Blue - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33300 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Blue - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33300 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Blue - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33300 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Blue - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33300 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Blue - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33300 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Blue - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33300 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Blue - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33300 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Blue - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33300 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Blue - Arbortec Forestwear

AT33300 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Blue

£293.00
AT33400 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Red - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33400 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Red - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33400 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Red - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33400 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Red - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33400 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Red - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33400 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Red - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33400 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Red - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33400 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Red - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33400 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Red - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33400 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Red - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33400 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Red - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33400 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Red - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33400 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Red - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33400 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Red - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33400 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Red - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33400 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Red - Arbortec Forestwear

AT33400 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Red

£293.00
AT33500 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Orange - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33500 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Orange - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33500 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Orange - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33500 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Orange - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33500 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Orange - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33500 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Orange - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33500 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Orange - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33500 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Orange - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33500 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Orange - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33500 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Orange - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33500 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Orange - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33500 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Orange - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33500 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Orange - Arbortec Forestwear
AT33500 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Orange - Arbortec Forestwear

AT33500 Scafell Lite Class 2 Chainsaw Protection Boot - Orange

£293.00
AT34000 Kayo - Charcoal - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Charcoal - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Charcoal - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Charcoal - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Charcoal - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Charcoal - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Charcoal - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Charcoal - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Charcoal - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Charcoal - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Charcoal - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Charcoal - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Charcoal - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Charcoal - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Charcoal - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Charcoal - Arbortec Forestwear

AT34000 Kayo - Charcoal

£290.00
AT34000 Kayo - Purple - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Purple - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Purple - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Purple - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Purple - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Purple - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Purple - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Purple - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Purple - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Purple - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Purple - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Purple - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Purple - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Purple - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Purple - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Purple - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Purple - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Purple - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Purple - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Purple - Arbortec Forestwear

AT34000 Kayo - Purple

£290.00
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear
AT34000 Kayo - Lime - Arbortec Forestwear

AT34000 Kayo - Lime

£290.00

Don’t just take out word for it, listen to what our community have to say.

Steven Hawkeswood

KAYO - Charcoal Boots

“The first make of chainsaw boots that I love as they are comfortable and durable.”

Hoshino Motoki

KAYO - Charcoal Boots

"Comfy all rounder. Bought these boots for when I teach a couple days a week and had been wearing non protective boots the rest of the time as I only ever climb on site. As soon as I put the Kayos on I was impressed. I so wanted to not like them so I could keep w earing my other boots that I love so much but the Kayos are now my go to boots for everything. I’ve had mine for about 7 months and I have zero complaints, still in fantastic condition but I’m going to have to buy a spare pair because if anything happens to these I’ll be incredibly upset"

Christopher Moore

Scafell Lite - Lime Boots

“Great comfortable boots straight out of the box. Great pair of boots, fit perfectly straight out of the box with little to no break in period, very comfortable and a perfect fit, no need to size up they where true to size. highly recommend great product and great service.”

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