Last Updated on February 26, 2024 by Joe Strong
If you are a wildland firefighter then you must know how risky your job is. Minute by minute, day by day.. the chances of being hurt in an accident get bigger and bigger.
Trying to prevent this from happening, a good number of workers attempt to get work boots that are mainly protective. They look for boots with the most protective features, thinking that this is the best choice for them. On that quest, they frequently end up buying work boots with steel toe caps.
Steel toe work boots are made with steel safety toes (duh!). This types of boots have the advantage of providing extreme security. Especially for those situations where there is a big risk that a heavy piece of machinery or object may fall into your feet.
These types of boots are awesome for most workers. But in the case of wildland firefighters, they represent a trade-off. Why?
Well, as you may all know when a wildland firefighter does his job he mainly works near fires. When using steel toe boots in these types of environments, firefighters state that the heat coming from the fire would stay inside the boots even after hours of having their job done.
This happens because steel is a good conductor of temperature. Which means that the heat from outside the boot is able to enter the boot warming the feet very quickly. Which is really uncomfortable for several firefighters who are used to work for hours in front of really dangerous fire blasts.
Either way, when picking the best wildland firefighter boots in the market, you will be in a dilemma. Should you pick a non-steel toed work boot so you don’t get really hot after a couple of hours of working? Does your employer demand you to wear a steel toe boot?.
That’s up to you to find out. I think the best way to go is to get a non-steel toe logger boot. I hate working uncomfortable and I can’t think how bad my performance would be if I felt that my feet were on fire.
Best Wildland Firefighter Boots: The Logger Boot Category.
There are many boots for wildland firefighters. But, there are really two different categories that stand up from the rest by being able to satisfy all the firefighter’s needs in different packages.
Those two different categories are the logger boots and the hiking boots.
The logger boots are designed to be really durable and highly protective. By being made using mainly top-quality leather, they can last you up to 5 years without you even noticing them getting old. With an impressive structure, this type of boots deserve to be in the list of the best wildland firefighter work boots in the market.
This is the list:
- 1) White’s Boots 400VLTT Smoke Jumper Lace-To-Toe Boot
- 2) Hathorn 110V Smoke Jumper Fighting Boot
- 3) Danner Men’s Flashpoint II 10 Inch All Leather Work Boot
- 4) Thorogood Power EMS / Wildland Boots Black
1) White’s Boots 400VLTT Smoke Jumper Lace-To-Toe Boot
White’s Boots: A Brand Made For Wildland Firefighters
White’s boots are one of those brands you always here pop out when asking around your co-workers for the best work boots.
Their boots are loved by all wildland firefighters. White’s boots are one of the most famous brands in the world, and the specialize in making boots for demanding jobs. I mean the quality and the durability these boots have is almost unbelievable.
They are made with top-quality leather. That type of leather you know is amazing just by touching and smelling it. The rest of the materials used is so superior that you will feel you are holding a brick of gold in your hand when you pick them up out of the box.
High Quality and Amazing Durability
One of the biggest problems for high-demanding jobs is that they burn through clothes and accessories really easy. This ends up being a heck of a headache for all workers as they have to spend serious amounts of money on a regular basis just to find clothes to go to work.
For wildland firefighters, this is especially true. The responsibilities of this line of work are enormous, and you must pick up certain work boots that are as qualitative and durable as the White’s Boots 400VLTT Smoke Jumper Lace-To-Toe Boot.
They feature a premium full-grain and water resistant leather that makes them have superior quality. And they also are rebuildable, which means that you will not need to be afraid as to when these boots are going to get wrecked because they can be easily fixed, adding years of usability and keeping your wallet closed!
Features and Specifications
- Standard in 10-inch height
- Standard in Black or special order Brown, premium full-grain, oil-tanned, water resistant leather, choice of smooth or rough side out
- Optional ASTM F2412-11 approved steel toe
- New lace-to-toe design for secure fit around the ankles
- Three rows of lock stitching for rock-solid durability
- Completely rebuildable for years of extended life and value
- Lace-in tongue guard and laces included
- Reinforced toe box
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 10 reviews in Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.9 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots.
2) Hathorn 110V Smoke Jumper Fighting Boot
Impressive Durability
Would you like to do your wildland firefighter job knowing that you won’t end up regretting the fact that you chose a pair of boots that didn’t last you more than six months?
If that is your case, these Hathorn boots maybe your best choice. They have a premium full-grain leather as part of its material structure which is one of the main reasons they are so god damn lasting. I mean, expecting to get three to five years out of these boots is not a crazy idea!
On top of that, they are constructed with the idea of being easily rebuilt. So, you won’t have to worry about having to change your boots each six months anytime soon!
Support and Comfort for All Firefighters
Talking comfort when choosing the best wildland firefighter boots is the first thing you must do. Everything looks secondary when you decide about feet comfort at work.
If you don’t feel comfortable when putting down a fire or cutting down a tree, then you must not expect to have a decent performance at your job.
To avoid choosing boots that are uncomfortable for you, looking at these Hathorn boots might be a good choice. They got a Vibram Lug outsole that is recognized for being extra comfortable in any type of surfaces, and they also got a firm ankle support for delivering constant reinforcement for each and every movement a worker would like to make.
Features and Specifications
- Standard in 10-inch height
- 8-inch height available #108V (Black)
- Available in black, premium full-grain oil-tanned upper
- Available with ASTM F2412-11 Steel Toe (#110VST)
- Firm ankle support
- Vibram® Lug Outsole
- Rebuildable for years of extended life and value
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 7 reviews in Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.8 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.
3) Danner Men’s Flashpoint II 10 Inch All Leather Work Boot
Extreme Protection for Wildland Firefighters
A good place to start looking for the best wildland firefighter boots is by selecting them by the offering of protective features.
Fire, puncture, and water resistance are few of the main features of these boots. Together they make one of the most rugged and toughest leather work boots in the market.
There are many risks involved with being a firefighter if you don’t believe me just take a look at these studies. Looking for safety features in your work boots might be one of the best decisions you could possibly make.
Amazing Comfort Features
The purpose of choosing the best wildland firefighter boots is not only protecting your feet when you’re working in the outdoors putting down fires and risking your life in other activities.
You must also look for comfort features that assure you will be comfortable enough to work without worrying about feeling your feet hurting. On that department, these Danner boots have a Vibram 360 degree Fire Logger outsole especially designed to provide comfort at work.
Not being focused when working as a firefighter can be a threat not only to you but also to your coworkers.
Features and Specifications
- Fire, puncture, and water-resistant 8 oz leather is the most rugged, toughest leather we’ve ever put on a boot
- Danner’s hand-crafted stitch down construction provides a wider platform for increased stability underfoot
- Nomex® fire resistant triple stitching for superior endurance
- Vibram® 360 degree Fire Logger outsole compound designed for fire and abrasion resistance and provide substantial edging and superior traction
- Steel shank
- 10″ height for ultimate support and stability
- NFPA 1977; 2011 edition certified
- Made in the USA with US and Imported components
- Recraftable
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 10 reviews in Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.1 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.
4) Thorogood Power EMS / Wildland Boots Black
Comfortable Boots Easy to Break In
It is really important that you understand how crucial is comfort for your work performance. There is no way you could achieve a good level of execution at your firefighter job if you don’t feel comfortable.
That’s why I can easily recommend you these Thorogood boots. They have a removable footbed that when combined whit a 90-degree heel they offer you the kind of support and comfort needed for attaining the goals you want in your peculiar job.
Protection for All Surfaces
Instead of going for the looks and the impressive features most work boots have, a firefighter must check out boots that have the characteristics needed especially for his job.
These Thorogood boots have the vital features required to provide the protection and security that all wildland firefighters need. They have an abrasion resistant, heat resistant, and slip resistant outsole that will leave your mind free of any worries, as you will have the possibility to walk and work on any kind of surfaces in the outdoors.
Features and Specifications
- Color: Black
- Gender: Men’s
- Waterproof: Not Waterproof
- Uppers: Leather
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Hooks / Eyelets: Metal
- Style: Fire
- Padded Collar: Not Padded
- Shank: Fiberglass
- Tread Pattern: Aggressive
- Sole Construction: Goodyear Welt/Stitch Down
- Removable Footbed
- 90 Degree Heel
- Abrasion Resistant, Heat Resistant, Slip Resistant, Oil Resistant
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 23 reviews in Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.1 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.
Comparison Table
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And Now, The Best Wildland Firefighter Boots: The Hiking Boot Category
The second category that is part of the list of the best wildland firefighter boots in the market is the hiking boots one.
Hiking boots are designed to be used when walking through the woods, and hiking in the outdoors. They are not made especially for firefighters, but they do have really helpful features for them, as they can be used in the woods.
To help you in the quest of finding your next boots I’m going to review three hiking work boots I think are the best for firefighters to use.
The list:
- 5) Scarpa Men’s Kinesis Pro GTX Hiking Boots
- 6) Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot
- 7) La Sportiva Makalu Mountaineering Boot
5) Scarpa Men’s Kinesis Pro GTX Hiking Boots
Awesome for Working Outdoors in Extreme Temperatures
Do you enjoy working in the outdoors? Most wildland firefighters do.
But, when it comes to the risk involved there is nobody that doesn’t agree that having certain type of accessories are needed to make your performance level respectable.
On that account, these Scarpa hiking boots have been designed to achieve the best execution level when it comes to working in the wilderness. You won’t have to worry again about your boots getting wrecked as this shoes were made for that with features like a winter and hot proof leather that offers excellent performance at the most extreme temperatures.
Perfect for Climbing and Hiking
These Scarpa boots have been designed taking into consideration all of the features that a person who works in the wilderness might need.
That’s why I think these boots need a place in the best wildland firefighter boots in the market. They’ve been designed to bring comfort, protection, and durability to everyone who thinks about using this work boots in the outdoors, there is nothing rational about leaving these boots out of this review.
Features and Specifications
- Upper: Smooth out leather
- Lining: Gore-Tex – Performance Comfort
- Insole: Active Plus
- Midsole: Biometric Dual-density PU
- Sole: Vibram® Biometric
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 84 reviews in Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.1 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.
6) Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot
Sturdy Pair of Hiking Boots
With the help of this guide, my goal is that you can select the best wildland firefighter boots. On that quest, I think recommending these Lowa hiking boots might be a good idea.
Why? Well… first of all they have a nubuck leather that is of a really high quality, which stands the test of time, making them be in a “like new” condition even after years of you using them to work in the outdoors.
Finally, they’re waterproof which offers you with the protection needed to work in the wilderness without worrying too much about getting your feet wet.
Serious Comfort
If you want to pick a pair of work boots that are functional to your line of work, then you must pick shoes that are really comfortable.
Comfort is essential for all workers, and these Lowa hiking boots really do a great job in that department.
These boots provide a good deal of comfort with features like the Vibram outsole and a stiff stabilizer.
They’re definitely a pair of work boots that you must check out if you’re a firefighter.
Features and Specifications
- UPPER: Nubuck Leather
- LINING: Waterproof GORE-TEX®
- FOOTBED: Climate Control
- MIDSOLE: DuraPU® with MONOWRAP® Frame
- OUTSOLE: VIBRAM® Evo
- STABILIZER: Full-length, Stiff
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 516 reviews in Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.1 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.
7) La Sportiva Makalu Mountaineering Boot
Durable and Well Made
With one of the riskiest jobs out there, wildland firefighters need certain kind of characteristics in all of their boots, just to make sure they last a considerable amount of time.
These La Sportive hiking boots really excel in that department as they have awesome features such as a 3mm Idro-Perwanger Roughout Leather that guarantee incredible durability and premium comfort.
I can tell you, without a shadow of a doubt, that these are one of the best hiking boots out there for wildland firefighters.
Incredibly Comfortable for All Firefighters
Just as a doctor needs his or her tools to be of top quality, wildland firefighters need their boot to be up to the best standards both in protection and in comfort.
These La Sportiva hiking boots are really comfortable for working in the wilderness as they are designed with features like the 8mm MtnFlex with 1.5mm Dacromet-coated full steel shank and the SBR Aircushion, for providing extreme comfort and support in every movement a firefighter might make.
I really like the way these boots were made, you can feel the quality just by looking at them.
Features and Specifications
- UPPER: 3mm Idro-Perwanger Roughout Leather/ Vibram® rubber rand/ removable EZ Flex tongue with Dry-Best® lining
- LINING: Dry-Best®
- INSOLE: 8mm MtnFlex with 1.5mm Dacromet-coated full steel shank
- MIDSOLE: SBR Aircushion
- SOLE: Skywalk® MPE
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 38 reviews in Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.9 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.
The 3 Must-Have Features To Look For on The Best Wildland Firefighter Boots
Look For Protection and Heat Resistance
Are you the type of wildland firefighter who isn’t afraid of nothing? Yeah? Well, that’s bullsh**t. We all are afraid of something, and if you are a firefighter you sure must be a little bit scared of what might happen at work if something would go wrong.
We all are afraid of something, and if you are a firefighter you sure must be a little bit scared of what might happen at work if something would go wrong. For those scenarios, prevention is what must take place. For a worker that is used to working in the outdoors, with a really noble job of putting down fires and saving lives, who is used to
For a worker that is used to working in the outdoors, with the noble job of putting down fires and saving lives, who is also used to cutting down trees and fighting fires, buying a work boot with lots of protective features is one way to make a contingency plan for those bad situations I just talked you about.
Looking for work boots full of features that secure your feet is the first thing you must do.
Comfort Is A Must For All Firefighters
If you want to get the best wildland firefighter boots, looking for comfort features is one of the first things you must do.
I mean, your mind will tell you that prevention and security are the most important characteristics of a work boot, and you may be right. But, after years of picking and trying boots, let me tell you that it doesn’t matter how protective, expensive or high-quality your boots are, if you don’t feel comfortable you won’t use them!
There is no better way to decrease your work performance that by using clothes and boots that are uncomfortable. Your mind gets all messy, you can’t focus on the task you’re doing because you’re thinking about how uncomfortable you are. Which as a firefighter is one of the best ways to get yourself in an accident.
Remember, considering how comfortable are your boots while choosing them might be the best desition you’d ever do.
Your Boot Must Be Tough and Resist The Outdoors
With each year working as a firefighter, the experience starts to build up under your belt. And with that experience, you start to understand how important and risky your job as a wildland firefighter is.
Working in the outdoors fighting fires, cutting down trees.. tasks that for the rest of the people seem crazy and dangerous are really common for you, it’s just what you do.
On that note, you must pick for yourself a pair of work boots that is as protective and tough as your line of work requires them to be. Just by taking a look at these studies you will understand why I’m telling you this. You can’t go to such demanding job with weak and cheap work boots, otherwise, you will end up regretful and angry as to how little time your boots lasted.
You ought to choose boots that are durable and can stand many seasons working in the outdoors without any problems.
Pro Tip #1: Wait For The Break-In
Every work boot is tough to break in. Weeks, even months in some cases, are required for them to “settle” in the worker’s feet to then start being comfortable.
For all firefighters, I think one way to “get ahead” of this situation is to follow the next advice:
Buy new boots during the off-season, and break them in before getting yourself in front of a fire.
Following this tip will prevent you from getting blisters and pain in your ankle for those moments where that the circumstances need the most of your attention.
Pro Tip #2: Check With Your Employer
All firefighter work for employers. Some of them are public institutions and some of them are private ones.
And, all of those employers have certain standards that are imposed to the firefighters. One of those requirements might be to use steel toe work boots or that the work boots bought by their employees follow certain quality standards.
That’s why one great advice to give you is to ask your employer if there is some requirement for the work boots you’re about to buy.
Getting frustrated because you got the wrong boots and wasting money is not a great feeling to have.
Steel-toed boots are not allowed on Wildland fires and the last three boots in this article wouldn’t hold up to the rigors of Wildland firefighting. The la sportiva in particular has a bad reputation for delaminating after light use a/o wear
Half of the boots you recommend are not NFPA certified, meaning they will get your ass kicked off the fireline by the first Safety Officer you run into. That is, if your Squad Boss or Crew Chief doesn’t send you home first. NFPA certification is REQUIRED for all firefighter gear. Take one of the first three and ignore the rest.
Really? Not even one pair of women’s boots??
Looking for a durable Wildland firefighting boots that up holds to it name. with a warranty that will replace the boot or rebuild it in writing.
Jack… your analysis of fire boots in outdated for sure. Whites are now considered junk by the wildfire community. For loggers most are going with Nick’s or JK boots. The hikers are good choices as alot of folks are moving that direction. Basically all the logger style boots you mentioned are not very good at all. I’d say Drew’s are even better than what you have listed. Just fyi coming from a 15 year vet in the game.