Fighting fires are both a stressful and rewarding job. There are many risks, but there are also many rewards after saving a home for someone, saving someone from a fire, and so much more. Just like firefighters are required to have on a certain suit when attacking the flames encasing a building or other object, they are required to have certain footwear as well. This footwear is made to protect the feet of those wearing them, often protecting them from fire, water, or other injuries. The boots that firefighters wear are just as important as the suit and gear that they wear and carry with them to the fire source.
You wouldn’t want to be fighting a difficult fire and not have on the proper footwear to protect your feet and ankles from injury. Should you step on a hot rock, plank, or glass, you don’t want to be caught with a shoe that could potentially not withstand the heat of the fire. You also wouldn’t want to twist an ankle, slip down a slope, or end up with a fungus because of water soaking through your boots. That’s why wildland fire boots are so important to your uniform and gear when heading out to take care of a wildland situation. Before you purchase a pair of fire boots, you should consider the products listed below and the buying guide. Both of these things are put in place to help you choose the best pair of wildland fire boots for your needs and your lifestyle.
| Boot Name | Material | Sole | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White’s Boots Men’s 400VLTT Smoke Jumper Lace-To-Toe Boot (Editor’s Choice) | Leather | Vibram | Check Price |
| AdTec Men’s 1964 10″ Fireman Logger (Editor’s Choice) | Leather | Rubber | Check Price |
| Timberland PRO Men’s Helix 8 Inches Composite Toe Work Boot | Leather | Synthetic | Check Price |
| Danner Men’s Wildland Tactical Firefighter | Leather | Vibram | Check Price |
| Scarpa Fuego Mountaineering Boot | Leather | Vibram | Check Price |
| La Sportive Glacier WLF Mountaineering Boot | Leather | Rubber | Check Price |
| Danner Men’s Flashpoint II 10 Inch All Leather Work Boot | Leather | Vibram | Check Price |
| Scarpa Men’s Kinesis Pro GTX Hiking Boots | Leather | Vibram | Check Price |
| La Sportiva Makalu Mountaineering Boot | Leather | Rubber | Check Price |
| Thorogood Men’s 9″ Firestalker Elite | Leather | Vibram | Check Price |
White’s Boots Men’s 400VLTT Smoke Jumper Lace-To-Toe Boot – Longest Lasting Boot
Firemen are constantly playing with fire, and because of their difficult job, they are required to have protective gear that meets certain standards. Luckily, White’s Boots meets these strict standards to bring you only the best in wildland fire boots. These boots are rebuildable as well, meaning they will last you for years and years to come despite the difficult conditions that fighting fires bring.
*green This boot is made with an all leather construction that is only the highest quality oil tanned and full grain leather on the market. They include a special arch ease design for comfortable feet all day even when you are forced to be on your feet for hours at a time. The laces are leather as well, and the tongue guard is laced in for added protection.
PROS
- Comfortable once they are broken in
- Made from the highest-quality leather
- Made with a roomy toe area
- Long-lasting boots
CONS
- Sizes are a half or one size bigger than normal sizes
- Must be broken in to be comfortable
AdTec Men’s 1964 10″ Fireman Logger Black Work Boot – Most Comfortable Boot
This pair of boots has been noted as the most comfortable pair on the market. With a rubber sole and heat resistant leather, you won’t be disappointed in this pair of wildland fire boots. The sizing is like normal boots going up a half size, fitting your normal boot size, and the break-in period is shorter than most other boots out there. The price is also great for a pair of fire boots, meaning they will fit your feet and your budget.
*yellow The soles are made from rubber, but they are heat resistant, so they won’t melt when putting out difficult fires. They are also the most comfortable pair of boots out there, meaning your feet won’t get tired from long days or nights when you are working to save lives and homes.
PROS
- Break-in period is shorter than most others, taking about four days total
- Made from leather with heat resistance
- Insole is padded to provide good arch support
- Price is low
CONS
- Sizing is off by half to a whole size, meaning you should buy a size up
- Made for those with slim feet
- Some consider the sole construction to be questionable
Timberland PRO Men’s Helix 8 Inches Composite Toe Work Boot – Best Waterproof Boot
As a firefighter, you deal with water constantly just as much as you do fires. How else would you put out the fire, right? Well, you not only want a boot that will stand up to fire but one that will stand up to the constant water as well. It is just as important to keep your feet protected from the water as well because too much water can cause problems in the long-run, and it might even rub blisters on your feet. Luckily, Timberland has the best waterproof boot on the market to make your life and boot shopping experience easier.
*green This pair of boots is made with several exciting features that make them stand out on this top ten list. They are waterproof, made with a waterproof membrane and waterproof leather throughout. These boots are also made with an anti-fatigue technology that keeps your feet from getting too tired while working.
PROS
- Waterproof to keep your feet dry
- Heel-locking system keeps your feet still while working to prevent blisters
- Sole is slip resistant
- Leather on the outside of the boot holds up nicely
CONS
- Made from cheaper parts than other boots
- Eyelets and rivets break easily
- Difficult to tie them tight enough because of plastic eyelets
Danner Men’s Wildland Tactical Firefighter Work Boot – Best Lightweight Boot
These fire resistant boots are a great fit for those who want something both heavy-duty and lightweight. The athletic design of these boots makes them comfortable as well. There’s not much left to be desired with these boots because they are breathable, fire-resistant, and lightweight. If you are wanting something that doesn’t slow you down when you are fighting fires, these are the right boots.
*yellow These boots are made in the USA with leather surrounding the boots. Since they are made with a Vibram sole, they are heavy duty as well as lightweight. The breathable fabric makes them ideal for hot days when workings fires also. The Danner boots listed here are a whole to half a size up, so you would need to order accordingly.
PROS
- Your feet are still comfy after long shifts standing up
- The boots are breathable to keep your feet comfy
- Insulation works to keep your feet from feeling the effects of fire and water
- Doesn’t take long to break in the boots
CONS
- Sizing is a half to the whole size up
- The laces are not made for heavy use
- Boot gets hotter than other fire boots
Scarpa Fuego Mountaineering Boot – Best Classic Boot
The classic style of this boot makes it ideal for doing several things. Since this boot is made to resemble hiking boots, they make it easy to fight wildland fires in mountainous regions. These boots are also designed to provide complete protection from water or fire. You won’t be disappointed in these boots made specifically to help fight fires in wooded areas like forests or national parks.
*green These boots have several interesting features that make them part of the top ten list. They are made with a tall cuff to protect the ankles and shins. They are also made from leather with a Vibram sole design to durability. The double tongue helps the fit to be comfortable and protective at the same time.
PROS
- The heel height is ideal for fighting fires
- Exceptionally durable boots
- Double tongue protects the ankles
- Contact on every part of the foot at once, keeping feet stable and comfy
CONS
- Sizing is off meaning you need to order a half size up
- Break in period is longer than other boots
- Boots aren’t rebuildable like other boot brands
La Sportive Glacier WLF Mountaineering Boot – Most Durable Boot
If you are looking for a heat resistant boot that is ultra durable, you have found the right boots for your needs. These boots are also water resistant to keep your feet dry and comfortable. The durability of these boots is like no other, meaning you can use them longer and harder than any other pair of boots on the market. These boots are designed for forest management workers who can include wildland firefighting.
*green There are many features that make these boots the best of the best. With an insole technology, your feet will stay comfortable all day long. There is a nylon filling inside the boots that work to keep your feet dry and cool as well. The boots are also reinforced with carbon fiber for strength and durability, which is why they are considered the most durable boot on the market.
PROS
- Quick break-in time, ranging about 40 hours
- Support is great for walking, running, and climbing
- Size is average unless you need heavy socks
CONS
- Boots are insulated, making them extremely hot while fighting fires
- Laces do not hold up as well as other boot brands
Danner Men’s Flashpoint II 10 Inch All Leather Work Boot – Best Boots for Wildland Firefighting
Water, fire, and puncture-resistant, these boots have it all for fighting wildland fires. These boots have been reengineered to provide only the best in work boots. Made from leather in the USA, these boots are a great fit for fighting fires with water. The boots are high to support the ankles as well, which is a great additional feature that many men and women might need. The ankle support also helps when being forced to climb steep hills or ridges during maintenance.
*yellow The Vibram soles on these boots provide durability, and they are the toughest boots to fight wildland fires with. They also work to give you stability when walking, running and climbing, which are all important parts of fighting these fires. These boots are recommended for use in wildland fires.
PROS
- Comfortable fit keeping your feet in good shape
- Ideal for rough or wet terrain
- Hold up for many miles of walking, running, or climbing
- High-quality material and craftsmanship
CONS
- Stitching can sometimes tear near the seams
- Without the right socks, they can cause blisters
- The break in period is longer than other boots
Scarpa Men’s Kinesis Pro GTX Hiking Boots – Best Hiking Boots
For a rugged boot that helps you on your walks through the forest, these boots take the cake. You won’t be disappointed in wearing these boots day after day when tracking fires or other forestry management jobs. These boots are durable and comfortable for long wear. If you aren’t convinced, there are many features that make these boots amazing.
*green Some of the features that make these boots one-of-a-kind are things like leather material, Vibram soles, and more. These boots also feature hardware lacing to keep your feet snuggly inside, and the lining of the boots are waterproof to keep your feet dry and cozy.
PROS
- Tongue is cushioned for added comfort
- Extra traction on the outsole to aid in climbing and hiking
- Most comfortable hiking boots
- No break-in time needed
CONS
- Sizing is off, recommended to order down half a size instead of up
- Price is higher than other boots of this kind
La Sportiva Makalu Mountaineering Boot – Best Lacing Boots
If you have been looking for a pair of boots that you can easily lace and adjust to fit your size and your needs, you’ve found the pair. These boots have to lock D-rings that help to adjust the tension of the boot laces, and the steel eyelets hold up through multiple ties and reties. Luckily, this isn’t all of the features on this amazing pair of boots.
*green When it comes to the features of these wildland fire boots, you can find a little something for everyone. The leather is water repellent but breathable, and the lining on the inside keeps your feet dry and cool at the same time. The leather is also made to withstand years of difficult use.
PROS
- Great for climbing
- Insole is comfortable for all day wear
- Feet stay warm and dry even through wintertime
CONS
- The boots are not waterproof; they are water resistant
- Order half a size up for a better fit
Thorogood Men’s 9″ Firestalker Elite Wildland Hiking Boot – Boots With the Best Traction
There is something interesting about these Thorogood boots. They are made specifically to have the best traction of all the fire boots on the market. The cement construction keeps the boots grounded when climbing, running, or walking through rough terrain, making them ideal for wildland firefighting. Interestingly enough, there are even more exciting features to these boots.
*green In addition to the cement construction on the soles, these boots are also lined with a special lining and footbed to keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout all hours of wear. The fire leather, which has been oil tanned, is ideal for walking through hot areas. It also keeps your feet from burning.
PROS
- Extremely comfortable boots
- Design is lightweight
- Laces go down very far to keep boots snugly fit
- Traction is the best of any other boots
CONS
- Boots are difficult to find in half sizes
- Break-in time takes longer than other boot styles
Buyer’s Guide
To aid in understanding which boots would be the best fit for you, this buyer’s guide will discuss the different functions, advantages, and features of these different fire boots. By using this buyer’s guide, you can learn more about to boots to decide which would best fit you and your lifestyle. You should always research the boots and the brand before making a final purchase, and you can use the reviews above to help get you started in your search.
Functions
Fire boots have many different functions, each function making the boots unique for many different reasons. Some of the functions of fire boots can include ankle support, traction, and more. Even though there are many functions, this buying guide will only discuss two different functions that make fire boots different from other boots.
When you are buying fire boots, you want to look for a pair that is heat resistant. This is just one of the most important functions of these boots. The heat resistance can be found in a covered on the leather, or even the leather itself. Since fire boots are used when fighting fires, heat resistance is an important element to keep your feet from feeling the effects of the fire. Typically, fire boots are equipped with heat resistance, but you should always double check for this important function before making any purchase. You wouldn’t want to purchase a pair of boots without this necessary function.
Another important function of fire boots, especially fire boots that are used during wildland fires, is traction. When you are walking up and down hills with the slippery footing of moss, leaves, and twigs, having good traction is necessary to ensure that you don’t take a tumble in the forest. Better traction means faster climbing and running as well, making them ideal for fire boots. Traction can also be important when in a hurry. Since firefighters are most often in a hurry to get from place to place, rough, wet, or slippery terrain can become hazardous without the proper traction. You should look for great traction ratings before making any fire boot purchase.
Advantages
Though you might think you know of the advantages of fire boots, you might not be as familiar with the advantages as you think. Fire boots are a necessary part of a fireman’s uniform because they keep their feet from burning or being injured while running to help. Since they are so necessary, the advantages of having a good pair of fire boots are numerous. However, for the sake of time, only a few of the advantages will be mentioned in this buying guide.
One advantage of having a good pair of fire boots is to keep your feet from being uncomfortable. Since they are worn for many hours at a time, it is important to find a pair that is extremely comfortable on your feet. Whether they are equipped with special insoles or whether you add your own, buying a good pair of fire boots is intended to keep your feet comfortable at all times. There are also many features that are put in place to keep your feet comfortable during long hours at work. You can search through different features to find the ones that will best suit your needs.
Another exciting advantage of having fire boots is to keep your feet dry. Since fighting fires often require using heavy water, your feet might be subject to wet days. However, a good pair of fire boots will have some water resistance or waterproof coatings or linings to keep your feet from becoming wet and uncomfortable while working. You can work longer hours with these boots without worrying about your feet being wet. For many who use these boots, the water from the fire hose is the most common water source. However, some experience issues when they are maintaining wildland in the winter because of heavy snowfall.
Features
There are also many features to look for when purchasing a great pair of fire boots for those long work days. Not every pair of fire boots will include these features either, so you should always consider what your needs are before purchasing a pair of fire boots. Since there are many features, like the advantages and functions, only a few will be mentioned in this buyer’s guide.
One of the most important features of fire boots is the lacing. Not every pair of fire boots has heat resistant laces, which can cause problems when trekking through hot ash or cinders. If you are concerned about the laces breaking down because of the heat, you should purchase a pair of boots that are made to support heat resistant laces. The laces can be bought separately, but they are usually thicker than normal laces. If you are searching for a pair of boots that has heat resistant laces with the shoes, you can find them with just a little research.
Cushioned tongues are rare on a pair of boots, but fire boots often have something of the sort. These cushioned tongues are great for keeping your ankle comfy and cozy while also supporting the weakest part of your legs and feet. They can also protect your ankles from hot cinders or ash while walking through the fire areas. If you are looking for a great pair of boots to keep your ankles supported, you might want to consider the cushioned tongues that are made for this purpose. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t find a pair of fire boots with this feature right away.
Conclusion
Finding the best pair of boots to protect your feet when fighting wildland fires can be a difficult task. However, you don’t have to worry about knowing which are the best of the best any longer. The reviews and buying guide above are here to help you when you are making your purchase decision. Whether you want a waterproof boot, a durable boot, or a long lasting boot, there are options for everyone out there. With many advantages and features, you won’t be disappointed in purchasing a good pair of fire boots.
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