Firefighting is a physically demanding job that requires protective gear, including the right boots. The boots must not only provide comfort but also proper support and protection in hazardous conditions. Good quality firefighting boots should be NFPA certified, have a proper fit, be resolvable, and have necessary features such as heat-resistant leather, breathable fabric lining, and a durable shank for stability and protection from sharp objects. Here are 7 of the best wildland firefighting boots for 2023 according to the author.
While most people choose to use steel-toe boots, these types might not be ideal for wildland firefighters as the steel might start heating up with time. Below you will be able to check out an in-depth review of all kinds of boots that would be ideal for your next wildland trip as a firefighter that is very similar to the most comfortable Ariat work boots.
Features to check in Wildland Fire boots
Here are some features that you should check for in wildland fire boots:
- Height: Make sure to check that the height of the boots is 8 inches, measured from the bottom of the shoe all the way to the top.
- Laces: It is very important that the Fire boots have laces that can be adjusted easily and are fireproof.
- Melt-Resistant soles: WIldland fire boots need to have Vibram-style melt-resistant lug soles.
- Durability: The boots that you are buying should be very durable with the outer construction made with leather. Do not compromise on quality just to buy a cheaper pair of fire boots.
1. White’s Boots 400VLTT Smoke Jumper Lace-To-Toe Boot
White’s boots are very well-known in the market as one of the best boots for wildland firefighters. They make the best work boots that are suitable to withstand all kinds of wear and tear and last you all along with your endeavors. The Smoke Jumper Lace-To-Toe boots are uniquely designed and built especially for Wildland fighters so that they can do their job with utmost dedication without having to worry about the safety of their feet. The boots can endure all kinds of harsh conditions and are extremely durable.
The White Boots are made using waterproof and full-grain leather One great feature that these boots have is that they can be fixed easily by taking them to a cobbler. The boots are rebuildable and they will save you a lot of money as you don’t need to buy new boots if they get damaged. Out of all the money that you need to spend on your clothing, you would be saving a lot on your boots with the White’s Boots 400VLTT Smoke Jumper Lace-To-Toe.
Pros:
- The White Boots are made with completely Water Resistant materials.
- You may choose to attach a steel toe with the boots for extra protection.
- Superior protection and padded collar.
- Hooks and eyelets made of brass.
Cons:
- The White’s Boots 400VLTT Smoke Jumper Lace-To-Toe has a very weak Insole and might wear out soon.
2. Danner Men’s Wildland Tactical Firefighter 8″ Fire and Safety Boot
The Danner Men’s Wildland Tactical Firefighter 8″ Fire and Safety Boot is said to be one of the most effective wildland firefighting boots on the market. The WTF is made very similar to hiking boots keeping the standards set by NFPA 1977 in mind. The boots are made with fireproof, durable leather and a mesh lining to help your feet breathe. The current WTF boots have been changed a bit from the last version which has enabled a better athletic fit and more room for your toes inside the boots. There is proper heel support for you on the back of the boots that allow you to keep your heel in place and make sure that you can make the best out of these boots.
The boots are made with a full-length polypropylene board and a steel shank on the bottom to provide proper support and rigidity for your feet. Other than that Opanka stitch Construction makes sure that the boots are of the utmost quality and highly durable to use. All in All the Danner Men’s Wildland Tactical Firefighter 8″ Fire and Safety Boots are specifically built for wildland firefighters, keeping in mind all the life-threatening scenarios they might face there.
Pros::
- Flame-resistant leather for keeping your feet safe.
- Breathable moisture-wicking mesh lining.
- The Vibram® S587 outsole resists fire and ice.
Cons:
- Can be very costly.
- The laces on the quality of the boots should be considered.
3. Ad Tec Men’s 9 in Fireman Logger Full Grain Oiled Leather Certified Work Boot, Black
The Ad Tec Fireman boots come with a logger style made with Full-grain oiled leather that is fire resistant as well at the upper side. The boots have a 100% breathable and waterproof membrane that makes sure that no water gets in while letting out any sweat and moisture forming inside the boots. The boots also have very good electrical insulation making them ideal for working around places with live wires. Also, the rubber outsole is slip-resistant, which means you can easily wear it over oily and slippery surfaces.
These boots also have removable cushioned insoles inside that you can remove whenever needed to make them more comfortable for your feet. The outsole of the boots is also shock-resistant, allowing you to go about your work while your feet stay protected from all kinds of harm. The lace of the boot is fire-resistant and the eyelets are made of brass.
Pros:
- The Ad Tec Men’s 9 in Fireman Logger Work Boots provide excellent balance, also the boots are very breathable and your feet won’t get suffocated inside.
- Durable enough to withstand any cuts and chips.
- The waterproof ability and the great insulation it provides against electric shocks is something that sets this boot apart from others.
Cons:
- Breaking into the shoes can take from anywhere around 8 hours to a whole day.
4. Danner Men’s Flashpoint II 10 Inch All Leather Work Boot
The Flashpoints are said to be one of the best work boots in the market, which come with tonnes of protective features on them. The boots are puncture, fire, and water-resistant making them highly protective for wildland firefighters. The outsole of these Danner’s is made with a 360 degrees Vibram fire logger that makes sure that your feet are very comfortable while you have these boots on.
These boots are said to be tough due to the triple stitch they’ve on the exterior. The leather lining inside is good at absorbing any sweat and making your feet less suffocated. This makes sure that there are no fungal infections and blisters. Also, the insole has a lot of padding in there that makes sure that your feet are very comfortable and well-supported.
Pros:
- The very sleek and professional appearance that work boots should have.
- Laces can be easily tightened without much hassle.
- Proper Electrical and Heat insulation, giving you all-around protection.
- Good grip on all kinds of surfaces.
Cons:
- The boots do what is expected of them, so there are no cons.
5. Thorogood Men’s 9″ Waterproof Power EMS/Wildland, Composite Safety Toe Boot
Thorogood shoes are comfortable and have a lot of padding in them. Work boots must be highly comfortable so that you can go about your work easily without having your feet tired. The Thorogood is all about comfort and comes with a removable footbed which when combined with the 90-degree heel makes sure that your legs are comfortable even in the weirdest working conditions.
Other than comfort the Thorogood work boots make sure they have all the protective features that a wildland firefighter is going to need when they are out there in the wilderness. The boots have an abrasion, heat, and slip-resistant outsole That allows you to walk on all kinds of surfaces without having to worry too much about damage or getting injured.
Pros:
- Good year-welt construction for the sole.
Cons:
- Not waterproof compared to the other boots on this list.
- Shank is made of fiberglass and not steel.
- The collar of the boots is not padded.
6. Hathorn Men’s 110V Smoke Jumper Fighting Boot
The Hathorn boots are made with highly durable material that makes sure that your boots will last you longer than 6 months than usual work boots last for wildland firefighters. The outer layer of the boots is made with premium full-grain leather which explains the great durability of the boots as well. The boos will easily last you from 3 to 5 years, saving you a lot of money along the way. The boots can be easily rebuilt as well by taking them to the cobbler for repairs meaning you don’t need to buy new shoes if there are any damages.
Wildland firefighters need to make sure that their boots are very comfortable. The Hathorn is exactly what a wildland fighter could ask for in terms of comfort. The Vibram Lug outsole makes the boots comfortable on almost any kind of surface. and make them have firm ankle support.
Pros:
- Boots come with a steel toe variant as well if required.
- You can keep rebuilding the boots for years, adding extended life and value to them.
- Built-in accordance with NFPA 1977
Cons:
- The boots do what is expected of them, so there are no cons.
7. Scarpa Men’s Kinesis Pro GTX Hiking Boots
Scarpa’s Hiking boots are the best for working in the wilderness. They are highly durable as well as the boots are made with a material that can withstand all kinds of temperatures, be it winter or heat. The Scarpa boots were designed keeping in mind all the scenarios that an individual might face out there in the wilderness. If you, a wildland firefighter, might be facing one of these scenarios and you have Scarpa boots on then you can rest assured because these boots will give you total protection.
The boots are perfect for climbing and hiking and it doesn’t make sense to skip it from the list of all the wildland firefighter boots list. The boots are durable, comfortable, and protective plus they achieve everything that you could ask for work boots to do for you out there in the wilderness.
Pros:
- Boots are made with very comfortable material and will fit your legs pretty well.
- Very minimal breaking in time compared to other boots on this list.
- All-terrain boot, working well in hard and soft terrains.
- The rubber sole on the boots provides a really good grip on the ground.
- Abrasion-resistant leather makes the boots very durable.
Const:
- Vibram soles wear out with time.
- The laces on these boots are not very strong.
- Boots are very heavy.
Buying Guide For Best Wildland Fire Boots For Firefighter’s job
When shopping for wildland fire boots, here are some factors to consider:
- Materials: Look for boots made of durable, heat-resistant materials such as leather or nubuck. These materials should be able to withstand the high temperatures and harsh conditions of wildland firefighting.
- Outsole: The outsole should be made of rubber or synthetic materials to provide traction and protection from heat and sharp objects.
- Lining: A moisture-wicking lining is essential to keep your feet dry and comfortable during long shifts.
- Padding and support: Look for boots with padded collars and insoles to provide comfort and support for your feet.
- Steel toe: A steel toe is important for protecting your feet against falling objects.
- Size and fit: Make sure to try on different sizes and styles to find the best fit for your feet. It is important to have a comfortable, supportive fit to prevent foot fatigue and injuries.
- Price: Wildland fire boots can range in price from $100 to over $300. While it may be tempting to go for a cheaper option, it is important to invest in a high-quality pair of boots that will provide the necessary protection and support for your job as a firefighter.
- Brand reputation: Look for brands with a good reputation for producing high-quality wildland fire boots. Research customer reviews and ratings to get a sense of the durability and performance of different brands.
- Warranty: Consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A good warranty can provide peace of mind and protect your investment in case of any issues with the boots.
Final Thoughts
It is very important to make sure that the boots that you are going to buy for your wildland firefighting meet all firefighting standards set forward by NFPA 1977. A wildland firefighter must-have boots that will not only protect them but are also very comfortable so that the firefighter can do his work without having to worry much. We hope that from this list that we have compiled for you, you would be able to find the best wildland fire boots for yourself.
FAQ
What are the best materials for wildland fire boots?
Wildland fire boots should be made of durable, heat-resistant materials such as leather or nubuck. They should also have a rubber or synthetic outsole to provide traction and protection from heat and sharp objects.
What features should I look for in a wildland fire boot?
Look for boots with features such as a moisture-wicking lining to keep your feet dry, a padded collar and insole for comfort, and a steel toe for protection against falling objects.
Should I get a waterproof wildland fire boot?
While waterproof boots can be useful in certain situations, it is important to note that they can also trap heat and moisture inside the boot, which can lead to blisters and other foot problems. Instead, look for boots with moisture-wicking liners to keep your feet dry without trapping heat and moisture.
How should I care for my wildland fire boots?
To keep your wildland fire boots in good condition, clean and condition the leather regularly, and replace the insoles and laces as needed. It is also a good idea to let your boots air out after each use to help prevent odor.
How much should I expect to pay for a good pair of wildland fire boots?
Wildland fire boots can range in price from $100 to over $300, depending on the materials and features. It is important to invest in a high-quality pair of boots that will provide the necessary protection and support for your job as a firefighter.