Long hours of jobs and exposure to physical hazards can take a toll on your feet. And with a twisted ankle, you cannot run between the scene of emergencies and the fire station. That’s why you should invest in a good pair of firefighting boots.
Firefighting boots are not always about just being comfortable but must also provide proper support and protection. It should be made of good quality material that does not melt or soften in higher temperatures. Also, the boots should have the right kind of sole for a better grip on rugged terrains.
Table could not be displayed.In this post, we have listed some of the best Wildland firefighting boots that will keep your feet comfortable and safe throughout the day.
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How To Choose a Quality Pair of Wildland Fire Boots?
Wildland firefighting is a job that requires dedication, energy, and time. Firefighters are required to spend most of their time on uneven terrain under extreme conditions. And in doing so, good-quality firefighting boots can keep them safe.
Here’s a quick guide that you can follow while selecting an ideal pair of wildland firefighting boots.
- Boots Should Be NFPA Certified
The first and foremost thing that you should check is whether the boot is NFPA certified or not. NFPA stands for National Fire Protection Association.
The NFPA certified boots are designed in a way that they can provide a better grip on all terrain. Also, the certified boots offer full coverage and protection even from the sharpest objects.
- Proper Fitting
If the boot does not fit properly, it might not provide the support and comfort you need while you are at work. So, before making a purchase, consider the size chart. Then, once you have found an ideal fitting boot, you should purchase it.
- Resoleable
When investing in a good pair of wildland firefighting boots, it’s essential to make sure that it is at least resoleable if not rebuildable.
Generally, hand-stitched boots can be resoled if needed. Similarly, if a boot can be rebuildable, it can be quickly restored as new.
- Necessary Features
The last thing you need to look for in wildland firefighting boots is the necessary features. First, you should check the leather quality to make sure that it is heat resistant. Also, check the fabric lining to know about its breathability.
Another important thing is the shank. A durable shank provides stability and protection from the shaped objects. Not to mention, boots with shank have a quick break-in.
8 Best Wildland Firefighting Boots
We’ll start it off with my top pick. If you’ve read this site at all or you’ve watched any of the FirefighterNOW videos on YouTube, you know I am a HUGE fan of Danner boots.
Danner boots are American made, durable and are comfortable right out of the box. At the time of writing this I’m on my third pair of Danners and I plan on buying more. Here’s my top pick for the absolute best wildland firefighting boot.
Danner Men’s Flashpoint II Boot
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Standing second on the list, the Danner Men’s Flashpoint II Boot is an excellent wildland firefighting boot that has become popular because of its performance. In addition, it is designed in multiple sizes, offering an ideal fit for everyone.
This heavy-duty boot is highly rigid and has excellent durability and fire resistance. The unique selling point of this boot is its midsole and EVA molded footbed that offers the promised comfort all day.
It’s NFPA and electrical hazard protection certified. Besides being fire resistant, this boot is also water-resistant and puncture-resistant. In addition, it has an oz leather layer for abrasion resistance.
This Danner boot can feel a little stiff, but this stiffness makes up for the lifespan. Not to mention, it has triple stitches for better protection and superior fit.
Pros:
- It has Ice outsole and Fire Logger Fire that offers superior edging.
- It has PU cushion footbed.
- It is made of Nomex fire-resistant thread.
Cons:
- It’s a bit expensive.
Zamberlan Men’s 5020 Extinguisher II WLF
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Available in black, the Zamberlan Men’s 5020 Extinguisher II WLF offers the best protection and safety to the feet. This boot is particularly beneficial because it provides overall protection from fire and is ideal for everyday use.
This boot is compliant with NFPA rules. That means it can offer the right kind of grip for mountains and other rugged terrains. Unlike other firefighting boots, it’s not heavy, and it’s time-tested.
The highlight of this boot is its leather material, which is pre-heated using Zamberlan’s proprietary Hydrobloc technology. This process increases the boot’s durability and fire resistance.
It includes the lace closure type and has mesh fabric lining for enhanced breathability. Also, it has cushioned rubber midsole for shock absorption, comfort, and support. Lastly, this boot has side-stitching that decreases delamination.
Pros:
- It has triple and double lacing around crucial places.
- It offers a good fitting.
- It has a rubber sole and is light in weight.
Cons:
- Boot laces can get damaged after a while.
Danner Men’s Wildland Tactical Firefighter 8″ Fire and Safety Boot
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A fantastic entry from the Danner brand is the Danner Men’s Wildland Tactical Firefighter 8″ Fire and Safety Boot. This boot is available in two colors, i.e., black and black smooth-out.
This particular product of the Danner brand has got popular because it looks good and offers the kind of protection that wildland firefighter wants. In addition, it features a rubber sole for better grip and moisture-wicking mesh lining for enhanced breathability.
In addition, it has a solid workhorse that can easily withstand harsh wildland fire conditions. Along with this, the ultra-heavy-duty boot delivers an athletic and supportive fit so that firefighters do not slip while working on uneven surfaces.
While this boot is not lightweight, it is one of the affordable options you can find online. It is NFPA certified. Its design is mountaineering-inspired, and it has footbed cushioning type, i.e., open-cell OrthoLite.
Pros:
- It has opanka-stitching for better durability.
- It is oil and slip-resistant.
- It provides ideal fitting.
Cons:
- The heel of this boot can get damaged easily.
La Sportiva Men’s Glacier WLF Hiking Boot
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If you don’t want to get settled with a boot that claims several things but does not fulfill its promise, you should get La Sportiva Men’s Glacier WLF Hiking Boot. This particular firefighting boot comes in different sizes and natural colors.
The prime highlight of this boot is its mountaineering style construction, which makes it last longer than other such boots. It further has roughout leather that offers flexibility and comfort.
The high-quality material used for the construction makes it lightweight and maintains the right kind of breathability. So while this boot is budget-friendly, it does not compromise the performance.
Furthermore, it has a steel shank that protects the feet from sharp objects. Also, its rubber sole gives proper comfort that many high-end wildland firefighting boots fail to offer.
Pros:
- It provides high ankle protection.
- The sole of this boot is ideal for rocky terrain, sand, and mud.
- It is great for backpackers.
Cons:
- This boot is not recommended for the use of frontline firefighters.
SCARPA Fuego Hiking Boots for Mountaineering and Wildland Firefighting
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The SCARPA Fuego Hiking Boots for Mountaineering and Wildland Firefighting is a great pick if you want a boot with a Vibram sole. This sole provides a comfortable and better traction of different kinds of trails.
Although this firefighting boot is a bit expensive, it’s worth it. That’s because it offers much-needed comfort. It has 8 inches high cuff and leather lining for improved ankle protection.
The overall boot is designed with a 2.8mm Crosta Pro Upper that makes it stay in good shape for years to come. The rugged and reliable characteristic of this SCARPA boot makes it ideal for hiking and wildland firefighting.
This innovative firefighting boot weighs around 2 lbs., and its opening is about 15 inches. It’s designed for both men and women. That means you can purchase the right fit without any compromise.
Pros:
- It can handle everyday wear and tear.
- It comes in attractive bronze color.
- It’s solid and comfortable.
Cons:
- It’s not an ideal option for people with a limited budget.
White’s Boots Men’s 400V Smoke Jumper Boot
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Firefighters need a boot that does not ditch them while they are working in the most challenging situations. That’s why several firefighters trust the White’s Boots Men’s 400V Smoke Jumper Boot.
This boot is constructed using 100% leather and comes with a Vibram sole. It further features arch ease design. However, the prime highlight of this boot is its capacity to withstand the harshest challenges without melting or getting soft.
Besides being heat-resistant, this boot is also slip-resistant and durable. Initially, this boot feels a bit stiff, but it can break in easily. To offer better comfort and enhanced performance, this boot features hand-stitched construction.
It meets the NFPA requirements and has a leather shank for protection. In addition, its closure type features lace. So, if you are impressed with this firefighting boot, purchase it now.
Pros:
- It is one of the most durable wildland firefighting boots.
- It breaks in nicely.
- It is designed in several sizes.
Cons:
- It comes at a high price of $550.
Thorogood Men’s Firedevil 10″ Wildland Fire Boot
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Thorogood is an exceptional brand that has been designing, manufacturing, and offering high-end wildland firefighting boots for a long time. Out of all its boots, the Thorogood Men’s Firedevil 10″ Wildland Fire Boot is most popular because it is long-lasting.
One thing that firefighters like the most about this boot is that it provides a better fit without limiting the motion. This heavy-duty boot is made of full leather, and it meets NFPA requirements. It is also UL certified.
In addition, this boot features a removable moisture-wicking footbed. This cut-resistant boot is 30% thicker than the other models that this brand designs. Its ergonomic fit makes the feet feel comfortable from the inside.
You can wear this boot several times on the frontline fire, and it won’t get damaged. So, purchase this wildland firefighting boot and wear it while saving Mother Nature.
Pros:
- It is designed for rough and tough use.
- It has Ice Wildland and Vibram Fire sole.
- It has Dri-Lex tongue lining.
Cons:
- It is available in limited colors.
Georgia Boot Men’s 8″ Safety Toe Logger Boot
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Closely resembling some of the high-end wildland firefighting boots, the Georgia Boot Men’s 8″ Safety Toe Logger Boot is one of its kind. Not just it’s incredibly pocket-friendly, but it’s also true to its size.
You can find this fantastic boot in three different colors, i.e., brown, chocolate, and tumbled chocolate. In addition, this boot is oil resistant and features an ANSI-compliant safety toe that can keep you safe all the time.
In addition, this boot has cushioned insole that makes it comfortable for all-day wear. It is designed using pure leather and has an abrasion-resistant sole. In addition, it’s waterproof and has a lace-up closure type.
Talking about the design, it has the company’s logo on the tongue. It also has right-sized heels for better stability. So, if you like this boot, get it now.
Pros:
- The highlight of this boot is its pure leather.
- It is 8 inches in height.
- It comes with one year warranty.
Cons:
- It’s not one of the best wildland firefighting boots.
How Long Do Wildland Fire Boots Last?
The lifespan of a boot depends on multiple factors, starting from the right pair, the way you wear it, to the hours of usage. However, if you take proper care of your boots, they will last for several years.
If the boots are designed in the right way, they can last a lifetime. It’s possible because high-end leather boots are constructed in a way that makes them easy to repair. So, if the sole is damaged or the boot has another potential damage, you can get it fixed rather than throwing it away.
If you want, you can further increase the lifespan of wildland firefighting boots by oiling, greasing, and cleaning the boots regularly.
Do Wildland Firefighters Wear Steel Toe Boots?
For safety and protection, certain wildland firefighting boots are designed by featuring composite or steel toes, but not all wildland firefighters wear boots featuring a steel or composite toe. This kind of boot provides an advantage in extreme conditions. Also, a steel toe boot keeps the toe protected from heavy or sharp objects.
But generally, steel toe is not preferred because the steel is likely to keep the inside of the boot hot from the heat coming from fire even after so many hours.
So, when you are purchasing a wildland firefighting boot, you should consider the possible pros and cons of wearing and not wearing a steel toe boot.
Why Do Wildland Firefighters Wear Boots with A Heel?
Wildland firefighting boots with a heel might look a little uncomfortable to some people, but is it really uncomfortable? Well, it is. Sometimes, the heel makes the boot challenging to walk in.
With that being said, there are also certain benefits of a boot heel. Boot with a raised heel is an old design that makes the footwear less likely to slip. Besides this, a heel also provides much-needed support and stability on uneven surfaces.
In addition, raised heel also gives the right kind of arch support and leaves the firefighter with a comfortable feeling throughout the day.
Are wildland firefighting boots worth the cost?
Generally, these boots are worth the high price tag because they keep your feet protected when working in unfavorable wildland conditions, and they will hold up much longer than your average work boot.
But to get the right kind of protection, it’s necessary to pick a boot that is designed to last long. It’s essential that your potential wildland firefighting boots be fire-resistant, slip-resistant, cut-resistant, and water-resistant.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you should not follow the fashion when working in dangerous situations. Instead, you should pick a boot that can help you survive while working in a hazardous situation.
You can do a quick search to find the best options. But if you are not sure where to begin your search from, you can purchase one of the wildland firefighting boots listed in this post.