If you are a firefighter in the wildland, we are sure that your boots are the last thing you think about when you are in action. However, we are also convinced that you are aware of the crucial importance footwear has in such emergencies. The best wildland fire boots are here to help you stay safe while saving Mother Nature.
Luckily, the market is full of a variety of different designs of such boots. The only thing you need to do is to research on all the brands and find your shoes. It will probably take you a century to do this. We did the hard job, compared all brands and designs, and chose the top ones. Read our reviews on wildland fire boots to learn about the pros and cons of all products on our list and then make up your mind.
Best Wildland Fire Boots Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
Danner Men’s Safety Boots |
| View On Amazon | |
White’s Boots Jumper Lace-to-Toe Boot |
| View On Amazon | |
HAIX Airpower Boots |
| View On Amazon | |
Scarpa Fuego Mountaineering Boots |
| View On Amazon | |
Kenetrek Men’s Wildland Fire Leather Boots |
| View On Amazon | |
Thorogood Men’s Hiking Boots |
| View On Amazon |
Best Wildland Fire Boots (Top Picks)
1. Danner Men’s Safety Boots
These Danner boots have all the features that wildland fire ones need. First of all, they are lightweight so that you can wear them on the mountain. Then, they are equipped with a breathable mesh lining, which absorbs moisture. An essential feature is that they are made of leather – it is not only very durable but also resistant to fire.
Apart from wearing these boots near a fire, you can also wear them on ice as they also have ice and slip-resistant outsoles. You may be surprised by the fact that these shoes provide excellent traction control over surfaces with high angles. The durability of these products is additionally ensured by their handcrafted construction, which features opanka stitching. On top of all the mentioned characteristics, we also need to say that they are very comfortable thanks to an OrthoLite footbed. Keep in mind that the toes of these boots are only supported by leather, not – by steel, as they are intended to be used near a fire.
Pros:
- These boots provide good high arch support.
- Unlike other similar products, these don’t need a break-in period – you will feel them comfortable the very moment you step in them.
- Neither fire nor ice can be an obstacle for these boots as they are fire and ice-resistant.
- Your feet won’t get sweaty thanks to the breathable mesh lining.
Cons:
- You cannot replace the soles in case you want to change them. However, there is no need to do so as they have proven to be durable.
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2. White’s Boots Jumper Lace-to-Toe Boot
White’s Boots has taken into consideration the fact that you’d rather wear high boots when you work with fire. So they have created these lace-to-toe ones to protect not only your feet but also your ankles and calves. The mere fact that they are 10 inches high already makes you feel secure. Not surprisingly, White’s Boots did everything necessary to ensure that their products meet all standards for protective clothing and equipment for wildland firefighting.
These boots are made of 100% leather. The only part not being made of this material is the sole, which is a Vibram one. Even the laces are made of leather, as well as the tongue guard. White’s Boots guarantee for the extended life and quality of their boots. Keep in mind that these shoes are intended for wildlife firefighting. That’s why they are not insulated, and it is not advisable to wear them if the temperature is extremely low.
Pros:
- You will feel your feet balanced in these shoes thanks to White’s unique arch ease.
- Thanks to their special arch system, your back will feel good.
- You can rebuild and wear these boots for a long time if you take the necessary care of them.
- The lace-to-toe feature adds to the support of the boots.
Cons:
- Instead of insoles, these boots have a piece of leather in the back heel.
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3. HAIX Airpower Boots
There is no wonder why these HAIX boots are certified by ASTM for electrical hazards and by NFPA for emergency medical operations. First of all, they provide not only electrical hazard protection, but they also shield your feet from bloodborne pathogens and a variety of chemicals. These shoes are suitable for emergencies, as you can quickly put them on when you are in a rush. The only thing you need to do is to zip them up, and you are ready to go.
Don’t get mistaken by the ultra-lightweight of the toe box, that it won’t protect your feet. On the contrary, you can be sure that they will feel safe and relaxed in these comfortable boots.
Please, keep in mind that these shoes are not certified for wildland firefighting, so if you want them to withstand extremely high temperatures, you should think twice.
Pros:
- Unlike other similar products, these shoes are lightweight, so you can wear them when you have long shifts.
- Thanks to the smooth front zipper, you can quickly put the boots on or slip them off.
- Apart from shielding your feet from electrical hazards, these shoes also protect you from bloodborne pathogens and different chemicals.
- These boots are ASTM certified for electrical hazards, as well as NFPA certified for emergency medical operations.
Cons:
- These boots are not wildland firefighting certified.
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4. Scarpa Fuego Mountaineering Boots
If you are a forester or a wildland firefighter and you are a fan of the classic mountain boots, then you may be interested in the Scarpa Fuego ones. Thanks to the fact that they are made of rough-out leather and their Vibram soles, they have proved to be durable. Your ankles will stay protected by the tall cuff of these shoes. Another thing that ensures the safety of your feet is the gusseted double tongue.
Unlike other similar shoes, these are insulated, so your feet will be warm even if the temperature is very low. The shoelaces are standard ones. They are not made of leather. Keep in mind that the boots may seem to you a bit too stiff, but after the break-in, you will find them very comfortable indeed. If you are wondering whether these boots are waterproof, initially they are not, but with the right treatment, they can become.
Pros:
- These boots are suitable for wildland firefighting because they are lightweight but at the same time sturdy.
- To ensure your safety and comfort, the ankles and tongues of the boots are extra padded.
- Tall cuffs will ensure that your ankles won’t get strained.
- The flawless stitching of these shoes proves that they are durable.
Cons:
- If you want to use these boots in rainy weather, you have to treat them with some wax to make them waterproof.
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5. Kenetrek Men’s Wildland Fire Leather Boots
Being 10 inches high and fire-resistant, these Kenetrek boots are ideal for wildland firefighting. The soles are made of a one-piece Vibram, which ensures durability. Kenetrek has chosen the lace-to-toe design to offer you support and comfort. It is the Kevlar stitching and laces that are responsible for the fireproof feature. An NFPA certificate is a good reason for you to trust the quality of these boots. Moreover, they meet all standards on protective clothing and equipment for wildland firefighting.
Wearing these boots in the mountains wouldn’t be a challenge for you as they are lightweight. The outsoles of the shoes have very deep lugs to provide traction control. You can use these on different terrains as they have an increased toe, which makes walking more comfortable. Keep in mind that these products do not have a waterproof membrane, so it is not recommended to walk with them in heavy rain.
Pros:
- Being very lightweight, these boots are comfortable to walk with.
- The lace-to-toe design of the shoes provides extra support for your ankles.
- These products are NFPA certified, which means that they have proven to be fire-resistant.
- You can walk on a range of terrains thanks to the good traction control of these shoes.
Cons:
- You are not advised to wear these in rainy weather, as they are not waterproof.
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6. Thorogood Men’s Hiking Boots
Walking on all types of terrains, near a fire, or on ice won’t be an obstacle with the Thorogood hiking boots thanks to their special Vibram soles. You will make the right choice if you consider wearing them at extremely low temperatures, as they won’t freeze. An NFPA certificate serves as proof that these shoes are flame and abrasion-resistant. This is because they are made of rough-out leather. The durability of these products is also achieved by a steel triple-rib shank and a Kevlar filament thread.
Your feet will feel comfortable on the reinforced Bi-Fit insole, covered by a dual-density polyurethane footbed. Another benefit of this footbed is that it is removable and absorbs moisture. Unlike other similar products, these take less time to break in. If you want to keep the boots in good shape, it is advisable to use mink oil.
Pros:
- You will improve your posture thanks to the arch support of the triple-rib shank.
- Special Cambrelle lining can adapt to the motion of your feet so that the boots can resist abrasion.
- The Kevlar laces and threads are resistant to fire, chemicals, and cuts.
- Your feet will feel less tired at the end of the day thanks to the removable insole, which absorbs moisture.
Cons:
- At first, it is hard to get used to lacing these boots up.
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Fire Fighter Foot Protection – Standards and Hazards
To better understand the need for wildland fire boots, getting acquainted with the standards and hazards of firefighter foot protection is necessary. That’s why we are going to introduce them to you in this part of our article.
- The boots that firefighters need should be able to endure harsh conditions. They should be resistant to excessive heat, abrasion, water, and protect your feet from possible cuts, fractures, or other dangers. In addition to this, you must be able to walk on different terrains with these shoes, including slippery ones.
- Some of the factors you need to consider when you buy wildland fire boots are the following:
- Are they easy to walk with? – The fast actions and movements of firefighters are of crucial importance for saving the victims of the fire.
- Do they fit properly? – If the shoes are not the right size, this can also impede the ease of motion.
- Do they provide the necessary traction control? – Of course, it is needless to say how unpleasant the consequences of slipping over a slick surface can be.
- According to experts, it is the type of fire that determines what kind of boots you need.
- When we talk about wildland fires, firefighters need boots that can keep their feet stable but, at the same time, don’t hinder movement. These requirements are necessary due to the challenging terrains that they may encounter, like steep mountainsides. That’s why most firefighters prefer sturdy leather boots, which make their feet safe.
- The minimum standards that wildland fire boots need to meet are the following:
- Resistance to heat;
- Resistance to cuts;
- Resistance to punctures;
- Resistance to corrosion;
- Resistance to conductive heat;
- Slip resistance;
- Resistance to flames;
- Strength of attachment;
- Labels that prove durability and legibility;
- Heat resistance of the sewing thread;
- Resistance to abrasion.
From what we have read up to now in this section, we can claim that foot protection is of crucial importance for firefighters. However, it is also an essential part of the equipment of other professions. If you express interest in acquiring more knowledge about the standards for additional work and hunting boots, visit our homepage. All the necessary information related to the footwear required at your workplace is gathered on our site to help you find the most appropriate shoes.
How To Choose the Right Firefighting Boots?
Now that you are convinced in the need for wildland fire boots, we are here to help you how to choose the right firefighting boots. We have compiled a list with several tips to help you find the shoes that fit you right and, at the same time, are durable and perform well.
- When searching for wildland fire boots, you should know that they should keep your feet dry and protect them from a range of dangers. They should also be comfortable enough to allow you to do your job successfully.
- When choosing your boots, don’t try to save money, as the low price can be for the expense of safety.
- You are advised to make leather boots rather than rubber ones. Leather has the feature of breathability, which rubber lacks. Moreover, leather boots are lighter than rubber ones, which leads to fewer injuries. According to a research study, heavy boots are more likely to cause tripping incidents.
- Another benefit that leather shoes have over rubber ones is that they are easier to clean from hazardous chemicals, whereas rubber ones trap these materials.
- Moreover, leather boots are more comfortable than rubber ones. In most cases, the comfort of fire boots ensures the safety of the feet.
- Of course, rubber boots also have their advantages:
- they are naturally waterproof,
- they are easier to pull on when you are in a rush;
- they are less expensive than leather ones.
- Another factor you need to consider is whether to get boots with cemented or stitched soles. Keep in mind that the cemented soles are more flexible than the stitched ones. The more flexible the sole of the shoe is, the less effort the firefighter needs to make to walk.
- Fire boots undergo a variety of tests to prove that they are good to go. So when you are buying them, make sure that they have the necessary labels for legibility and durability.
- As for the design of the boots, there are some things which are a must:
- They should have a sole with a heel;
- They should be provided with an insole which has a puncture-resistance layer;
- They should be equipped with a toe cap which is permanently impregnated and resistant to compression;
- They should have an upper with a lining;
- They should be at least 10 inches high;
- Check how the soles of the boots are attached. Remember that the use of nails or screws to attach the soles is forbidden.
- Manufacturers are obliged to provide an extensive range of different sizes. If your boots don’t fit well or you don’t find them comfortable, they may cause a lot of problems.
- One of the essential features of a good fire boot is ankle support, as it will prevent any injuries that may occur if you walk on uneven surfaces.
Now we know what characteristics to look for to select the right firefighting boots. Some of these specs are also relevant for other work shoes. If you are interested in understanding how to choose the right combat boots, read our reviews on them. They will tell you about the benefits and drawbacks of all products chosen from us so that you can get what your feet deserve.
How to Properly Care For Wildland Boots
Let’s assume that you have already chosen your wildland fire boots with the help of our buying guide. Now, you should learn how to properly care for your wildland boots
.In this section, we are going to give you some pieces of advice that will be useful to you to ensure the long life span of your boots.
- Ensure that you have the necessary products which will help you take good care of your boots. They are:
- some boot grease, which is anti-bacterial and antifungal and it waterproofs your shoes and restores their nutrients;
- traditional saddle soap;
- quality laces – it is a good idea to change your shoelaces at least once a year, especially if you work in a muddy environment;
- a horsehair brush;
- Brush the grime off your boots;
- Strip the laces out – this ensures that you will clean and condition the whole boot;
- Use the saddle soap – apply it with your hands as the temperature of your skin will help the product to melt;
- Let the shoes dry out – if you can leave them for a night that would be great;
- Apply the boot grease – again it is better to use your hands. This grease makes the boots considerably waterproof. Moisture the whole boot with it. It is recommended to apply two coats of this product;
- Put the laces back in. If you use brand new laces, it is a good idea to grease them up;
- When the boots are dry, finish off with the horsehair brush to get a nice sheen.
In this part of our article, you saw how to take good care of your wildland boots so that they can serve you for a long time. These tips refer to most types of shoes. However, some other types require special attention, for example, the waterproof ones. To check how to properly care for waterproof work boots, read out our buying guide. Apart from useful pieces of advice on how to clean them, you will also learn what products to use to condition them so that water won’t go through them.
Wrap Up
Being a wildland firefighter, there are a lot of things you need to take care of to do your job correctly. Undoubtedly, the most important thing before you go out to save Nature is to ensure your own safety. That’s why you need the proper equipment, the most essential part of which is footwear. The best wildland fire boots are here to keep your feet safe and improve your overall performance.
We hope that you found our reviews on wildland fire boots useful and that you will take into account the pros and cons stated in them when you make your decision. Thanks to our buying guide, now you know what the standards for fire shoes are, how to choose the right boots, and how to take care of them once they are yours. If you are interested in other work boots, we encourage you to visit our homepage. Thanks for reading, and as always – stay put!