How To Take Care Of Your Boots:
Get a boot oil that you dont mind getting down and dirty with. There are tons of options, but this is my favorite because its not tacky when it dries and soaks in really well. Its not a fun or clean process, but its the best way Ive found to keep my boot leather in good shape by conditioning and sealing it throughout fire season. I wait until theyve dried out if they are wet or have mud on them and then use an old toothbrush to brush all the dried crud off and then I use the applicator to paint on the oil. If youre using a more common boot conditioner use a rag to rub the boot grease in. Make sure to get every bit of leather, around the eyelets, and down the tongue. If Im being honest, I dont do this as much as I should, but once a month or whenever they are looking really dried out is a good standard. Some people do it after every two-week roll.
Top 10 Best Wildland Fire Boots For Women In 2022
With an increasing number of options on the market, its becoming harder to sort through the noise and find the best Wildland Fire Boots For Women that suits your particular needs.
Thats why were here to assist you in picking the best Wildland Fire Boots For Women . We have gone through the difficult process of evaluating every product in detail to find the best one. Whether youre buying for the first time or looking for an upgrade. Brace yourself for everything you need to know about buying the best product available.
So Without further ado, lets jump right in!
Here is our Top 10 Recommendations!
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Rugged Durability To Prevent Boot Failure Out On The Line
Being a Wildland Firefighter requires mental and physical toughness to face some of the most challenging conditions, you need a boot that can match the challenges you face, that is as tough as you are. From top to bottom, Missoula 2.1 has the rugged durability for the job at hand. With a European bullhide upper featuring double ad triple stitched seams, this boot is built to last.
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The Brand That Didnt Work For Me:
My first season I bought a pair of Georgias. They barely lasted three months. They are one of the cheapest pairs of boots you can get and if youre going to be on an engine or not hike very much , these can be an okay choice, but my hand crew hiked all the time over lots of sharp rocks and in hot areas. By the third month the soles were peeling away from the uppers and I had to repair them with lots of tiny screws and shoe glue to keep them going through fire season. My last day, I promptly threw them away. Never again.
Ive heard similar stories with Red Wing boots. They hold up for a season or two if youre not hiking much. Its up to you if you want to invest the money in good boots that will last lots of fire seasons or if youre not sure youll want to do fire for more than a season you may get by with lesser quality boots.
The 7 Best Wildland Fire Boots Of 2022
Are you looking for the best wildland fire boots? Look no further. Weve put together a list of NFPA-approved boots that boast of enduring strength, maximum safety, and protection against wildland hazards.
Given the hazardous nature of firefighting, both frontline and non-frontline firefighters need to wear boots that protect their feet from burns and cuts. While industrial and office workers can do with any shoe, these guys need top-notch boots with exceptional elements of safety.
After hours of research and talking to a couple of wildland community folks with many years of experience-firefighters included , we managed to come up with a list of the best wildland fire boots that bear NFPA certifications.
You deserve the best and the boots reviewed in this article will get you covered so you return home safe to your family. Without further digressing, lets slide into the juicy stuff. If you are short on time for any reason, you can spring directly to our top recommendation Danner Mens Wildland Firefighter boot.
For rangers army, See our guide to the top ranger school boots.
Contents: Quick Links
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Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Wildland Fire Boots For Women
Now, when you do research prior to buying the best Wildland Fire Boots For Women, there are certain things you need to consider. Because these considerations come into play by ensuring that you do not end up with the wrong choice.
Finding the perfect Wildland Fire Boots For Women is not rocket science and doesnt require extensive research. Some important features which you should look out for are described below.
Important Things To Check Out Before Buying Wildland Fire Boots
Those who work in offices dont need to obsess over many features because most of the time they are on their butts . As a firefighter, you cannot afford to go on the field with flimsy shoes that resemble a canvas shoe.
You need to crosscheck so many things before hitting the buy button. This buyer guide is super-detailed, and we believe even seasonal fire operators may gain one or two life-saving tips from it. Lets take a look at some of the things you need to keep at the back of your mind while shopping for your next pair of NFPA approved wildland fire boots.
Quality is about safety
Yeah, quality is all about safety, and veteran wildland community members can reiterate that. When fighting the fire, you deal with a lot more than that. You have to anticipate nasty weather or challenging terrains. Sometimes you will lose track and start trailblazing all over again.
Look for safety features above everything else. Go for a shoe that is made from real leather with toe protection technology. Some people argue that composite toe caps are better than steel toes because they are lighter. They dont conduct heat as well unlike steel which does.
You need to ensure the boot you are about to buy provides ankle support. The sole must be reliable not just in delivering ample traction but in resisting slips as well. The guys we talked with prefer Vibram soles or any material that is designed to withstand extreme temperatures.
Support
Durability
Must meet the standard requirements
Comfort
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Missoula 21 Wildland Fire Boot
You need a boot that can match the challenges you face, that is as tough as you are. The new Missoula 2.1 is up to that task and more and is certified to NFPA 1977 standards for wildland firefighting.
The HAIX® Missoula 2.1 was built to meet the exacting demands of the wildland firefighter. The durably tough European split bull leather is water-resistant, hydrophobic and breathable to keep your feet as comfortable as possible. The lighter weight of the Missoula 2.1 helps to alleviate leg fatigue while on long hikes, since the less weight you have on your feet, the less energy you have to expend while walking. Offering not only safety protection, but comfort, for those who can spend all day on their feet in the most rugged of terrain.
Our newly designed highly heat-resistant, Vibram®, anti-slip sole will give you greater footholds on whatever terrain you have to face. The special design of the heel offers strong footholds on even the most steep and uneven terrain. And the sturdy and stable midsole ensures you wont feel every rock and stone as you hike. We also added a built-in boot jack at the rear of the boot to make it easier for you to get your boots off after a long day.
Women’s Missoula 2.1 is available in narrow, medium, and wide widths with whole and half sizes from 5 to 10.
FEATURES:
Haix Missoula Wildland Boot
We know you long for a boot with a steel toe end because people say its the best. Thats not entirely true. Composite elements like the ones in Haix Missoula Wildland Boot are far better than steel reinforcement. They dont absorb or store heat. Totally safe.
This boot also tries to borrow a leaf from other reliable boots by offering other key features such as heat resistance, breathability, climate-control, and comfort. This is actually one of the few shoes you might not log a complaint against.
Another important reason why we think Haix Missoula Boot is a great purchase is because of its flat foot design. Such a configuration can stabilize gait by allowing for much freedom to execute different moves. Quality-wise, this boot is sturdy and can survive many years of being pounded.
Desirable features:
Haix Missoula Wildland Boot boasts of the following:
- Vibram nitrile rubber sole
- Does not delaminate like other wildland boots
- Adequately breathable
CONS:
- Nothing serious worth mentioning
Whether you are passing through uneven terrain or climbing up a bushy mountain, Haix Missoula Wildland Boot is a reliable partner to bring along. The beauty of it is that it tries to provide the best qualities other boots have. Its a worthy looking into.
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Durable Flexible Supportive And Comfortable Globes 10 Station/wildland Boots Are Ideal For Everyday Station Wear And Urban Interface Wildland Firefighting
Worn for several years by members of the U.S. Military as combination everyday/firefighting boots, Globes 10 Station/Wildland Boots will complement your structural firefighting boots well. These boots feature specially softened tumbled leather uppers that are designed to flex and move with you. Flame-, abrasion-, oil-, acid-, and slip-resistant Vibram® contoured cup outsoles provide excellent traction and durability, even during prolonged exposure to extreme heat and cold. Two-part cross-linking adhesive bonds the outsoles to the uppers to provide athletic shoe performance. Full-height AEROSPACER bootie liners wick away moisture to keep you cool. The boots slip-resistant treads provide additional traction on water and ice, while self-cleaning lugs and omnidirectional tread patterns deliver superior performances in all terrains and on ladders. NFPA 1977 certified, Globes 10 Station/Wildland Boots are ideal for both everyday station wear and urban interface wildland firefighting.
Specially softened tumbled leather in high flex areas is designed to move with you.
2. Composite Heel Counter The composite heel counter is individually molded to fit each boot size perfectly.
3. Quickzip Closure The quickzip closure combines the advantages of a lace-up for a custom fit and a zipper for convenience.
4. Aerospacer Footwear Fabric A full-height bootie liner made from breathable AEROSPACER lining fabric wicks moisture away to keep you cool.
Breathable Comfort With Our Climate System
Missoula 2.1 allows your feet to breathe by absorbing the moisture from your feet into special foams between the inner lining and the leather. With every step you take, moist air is released and fresh air comes in through the mesh lining at the top of the boot. The Climate System essentially works likes an air conditioning system in your boot.
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Thorogood Mens 9 Waterproof Boot
This boot is a must-have for seasonal wildland individuals-and by that we mean people who participate in mountain activities, climbing, firefighting, trail-blazing, and other adventurous pursuits.
Besides Thorogood Mens 9 Waterproof Boot is a crossbreed between the station and firefighting boots, its laden with other practical features that make it an ideal pick. Its Vibram outsole not only provides reliable traction but its fire/flame-resistant as well.
Thanks to Goodyear Welt Construction, this boot can last so many years. Apart from the padding on the collar, comfort is also provided by the dual-density polyurethane footbed.
Thorogood Mens 9 Waterproof Boot core features include:
- Full-grain leather
CONS:
- You will find it a bit heavy especially if youve never worn such a boot before
Thorogood Mens 9 Waterproof is an ever-ready boot that you can turn to when you dont know what you might be facing. Given its versatile nature, you can never go wrong with it. Like the rest, it is NFPA-approved .
Frequently Asked Questions About Wildland Fire Boots
Here are a couple of FAQs to go through so you can familiarize yourself with wildland boots:
Why Do I have to insist on NFPA approved wildland fire boots?
Because they have been tested and found to be ideal for fighting fires. In a world full of beguiling marketing slogans, people produce imitations for the sake of making a sale.
The only way to avoid the fakes is by looking for legit certifications such as NFPA or any other recognized firefighting institution.
What are firefighter boots made of?
Previous wildland fire boots were mainly made of leather or rubber. The current models sport improved leather and other synthetic materials like Nomex that are good at resisting heat. These materials also do keep out water as well.
Other materials to look for include Vibram soles, silicon-tanned leather, Crosstech lining, PU foam, and Kevlar threading. Most boots will be tough enough to resist chemicals but if you are skeptic then look for an element that assures that.
Any chance a firefighter boot will expand to fit my feet?
Huh, thats a nice question. Unlike most shoes, wildland boot is super tough because the work conditions necessitate that. Therefore they might not expand as you can expect them to do. This means you need to order your shoe in exact measurements.
Lets be frank with you it would be better if your boot leaves a bit of space for breathing and toe movement. Shoes that fit snugly can be a pain in the butt when the temperatures hit the extremes.
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Our Popular Fire Boots
Keeping the various priorities of design, materials, and tread in mind, a fire safety professional must look for an equally balanced boot that allows them to respond to most situations.
A popular choice for high-heat proximity and structure fires from Galls is the Fire-Dex Leather Structural Fire Boot. These fireman boots are built specifically for a situation that involves building or home-based fires.
As such, the boot is designed to provide absorption of high impact and engineered with a multi-density footbed and 3D vulcanized rubber heel and toe guard.
It also has a Vibram® sole designed with a diamond-plated ladder shank area for increased traction when climbing ladders. On top of that, its made from a breathable crosstech waterproof barrier lining to keep the foot moisture-free.
DuPont KEVLAR® lining provides safety against hazards and creates a cut-resistant barrier, while a flame-resistant full-grain leather and reflective trim enhance visibility and durability for long-term wear.
A properly fitted boot like the Black Diamond Rubber Fire Boot, for example, can provide all the hallmarks of a classic leather fire boot while also making long-term wear comfortable.
It has a naturally larger-shaped steel toecap, so the toes can move freely , along with an anatomically tapered heel to prevent slipping.
How To Break In Your New Boots:
WEAR THEM! A LOT. Around the house, out and about, and then work up to hiking in them over varied terrain. This will break them in gently and mold them to your feet. It will also let you know what areas pose problems in terms of hot spots so you know before you have to hike long distances in them. I use duct tape on areas of my feet that get hot spots and that works for me to prevent blisters. Moleskin always rolls up and falls off in my experience, but it works for other people.
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Whites Boots Mens 400vltt Smoke Jumper Lace
Out of the box, Whites Mens 400VLTT Smoke Jumper looks like a million bucks. The boot is supremely made to handle the most demanding jobs-whether that is putting out fires or felling trees. This bad boys leather is thick enough to form an impenetrable layer to all hazards.
Nothing shouts good quality like the existence of the most elegant features. This boot packs a Vibram sole with ferocious treads on the bottom. That guarantees maximum traction and stable gait no matter how wet or slippery the floor gets.
The front-end comes reinforced with steel to protect your toes. For a secure fit, this boots lacing runs from the high top to the end of the tongue. Regarding water resistance, the tanned leather does prevent seepage, but with time or heavy downfall, it gives in-which is normal.
Desirable features:
Some of the core features of Mens 400VLTT Smoke Jumper boot include:
- Full-grain leather
- Hand-sewn to perfection with stitch-down construction
PROS:
- Loaded with all the necessary safety features
- Extensive lacing for a secure fit
- Special arch system for additional support
- Water, oil, and slip-resistant
- Weighs a bit much
- They tend to run large
Mens 400VLTT Smoke Jumper boot is a top contender when it comes to the best wildland firefighting boots. It goes a mile further by offering arch support and comfort-things that most wildland boots ignore. Furthermore, it is well rated by former users.
Danner Mens Wildland Tactical Firefighter Work Boot
A few years back, you would have to choose between beauty and practicality. An attractive design would give you appealing looks at the expense of quality. Guess what, Danner Mens Wildland Tactical has both.
Being a dual purpose boot, Danner can take you to everywhere-from work to casual strolls. Thats advantageous since you wont need to drag along another pair of shoes. Its composition consists of pure leather, fire-resistant Vibram sole, and a steel shank integration.
The better part about the leather used is that it allows for break-in. That means if you order a smaller pair, you can hope for it to expand and fit you. Furthermore, its breathable, lightweight and NFPA-approved.
Desirable features:
Danner Mens Wildland Tactical boot bears the following specs:
- Mountaineering-inspired with an athletic vibe
- Steel shank integration
- Reliable under and upper foot protection
- Waterproof, oil, slip, and fire-resistant
- Top-quality outsole
- No steel toe protection
- Doesnt feet as expected in most cases
Danner Mens Wildland Tactical is worth every penny you will spend on it. Despite lacking steel toe protection, it doesnt trade off its protective features for anything. Its highly recommended by previous users although most of them acknowledged that it is smaller than they anticipated.
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