When it comes to firefighter boots, it’s never about fashion but about function.
Life in the workplace is simply too dangerous to worry about trendy colors, though these boots may fit right in a punk concert. But the best firefighter boots will give your feet the protection they need as you heroically walk through fire to save lives.
Of course, kids may want their own versions as well, since many kids want to emulate heroes. We feature some of these shoes as well.
Contents
Features to Look For
Like with any other pair of shoes, you better make sure your firefighter shoes come in the right size. But when you’re trying to pick the best firefighter boots, you should also look for the following crucial features:
1. Protective Measures
These include the use of fire-retardant materials, which makes perfect sense. You should also look for safety toe features, because the last thing you want to worry about is stubbing your toe while running around a burning building.
You may also want to check for various certifications regarding its protective features.
2. Durability
With the tough conditions that firefighters have to work with, these shoes better last for a long while.
3. Comfort
The proper size obviously helps, but then you may want to look for other features that make life a lot more comfortable for you. You should be able to walk and run with these shoes, and you need ample cushioning along with proper arch support.
Pay attention to the weight as well. While most durable shoes for firefighting are generally heavy, it’s important that they’re not too heavy for everyday use. It’s also nice if the shoes are easy enough to take off when you’re done for the day. We advice you go for the most comfortable duty boots.
Top 7 Best Firefighter Shoes
For the real stuff, here are the best firefighter shoes you want to wear:
Viking Footwear Firefighter Felt Lined Waterproof FR Boot
To protect your feet, this 14-inch high pair of boots has a rubber upper that’s flame-retardant and chemical-proof. You also get a steel midsole, and a reinforced backstay to protect your heels and tendons.
The chloroprene rubber lug sole is also resistant to oil and chemicals, abrasions, slippage, and heat. This also uses felt lining material, which besides from offering thermal insulation also offers a lot of comfort. The sides of the boot also feature a safety reflective patch.
Bates Men’s 8″ Tactical Sport Side Zip
This one looks like what a soldier might use, and firefighters may appreciate them as well. It offers a rubber sole with a secure grip, along with a composite toe for protection. You should be able to run well in dangerous situations with these shoes. These are lightweight shoes, which makes them most comfortable duty boots to wear throughout the day.
Once the day is done, you can easily take it off as well. The side zipper lets you relax quickly with these shoes off.
Danner Men’s Wildland Tactical Firefighter 8″ Fire and Safety Boot
If you’re fighting fires outdoors, then you may want to go with this wildland fire boots.
It’s designed for mountaineering, but with features that a firefighter will need. These features include the use of fire-resistant leather upper. The outsole offers traction for uneven terrain, while it offers resistant to heat, oil, and slipping.
It’s comfy to wear for long periods, as it has breathable, moisture-wicking mesh lining. The opanka-stitch construction gives it strength and stability.
Wildland firefighter boots are certified to offer electrical hazard protection ASTM F2892-11 EH, and it is NFPA-certified as well.
Thorogood Men’s 8” Side Zip Jump Station Boot Gen-flex
Thorogood station boot is made with 100% leather, though of course you have a rubber sole. The tough leather along with the Goodyear Storm welt gives you the protection and durability you need for challenging conditions. The treaded rubber outsole is also slip-resistant.
It’s also comfortable to wear all day, with the composite shank, EVA midsole, and removable insole giving you both support and ample cushioning. These are easy to walk on, and they’re great for long patrols.
Smith & Wesson Men’s Breach 2.0 Tactical Size Zip Boots
This uses both leather and nylon to give you a nice balance between protection and comfort. The design of the rubber outsole is meant to give you secure traction over dirt roads and waxed floors, and even while climbing ladders and fences.
The EVA midsole cradles your feet, and you get a steel shank for added support. This also reduces the fatigue you’ll feel in your feet after a long day.
5.11 Tactical Men’s ATAC 1.0 Waterproof Military Storm Boots, Slip Resistant Outsole, Style 12004
This is a boot designed for military use, and it’s great for tactical situations. It comes with heavy-duty construction that offers shock mitigation, with an outsole that’s resistant to oil and slippage.
You’re able to move with this freely, with the Achilles heel flex zone offering greater range of motion while retaining support. It offers ample waterproofing, and the footbed keeps your feet cool and dry. There’s even a hidden pocket for your knife, just in case.
White’s Firefighter Boots Men’s 400V Smoke Jumper
The upper here is made entirely of leather. But you also have a Vibram sole, and this is slip-resistant, extremely durable, and waterproof.
If your work involves wildland firefighting, this is the pair of shoes you need. This meets the NFPA 1977-2011 31DR requirements, and it will last for many years.
Top 3 Firefighter Boots (For Kids)
Who says that kids can’t wear firefighter boots? While they may not be the real stuff, these boots can work for kids who want to emulate their firefighter heroes.
Western Chief Boys Waterproof Printed Rain Boot with Easy Pull On Handles
More specifically, you need to pick the F.D.U.S.A model. That’s the pair with the “FIRECHIEF” label on the shoes.
This is made with natural rubber, and that means it is waterproof and durable. It’s also flexible, which helps kids run around comfortably while playing. This has been hand-crafted during the vulcanization process, to reduce any weak spots in the rubber. The outsole is not just slip-resistant on wet surfaces, but it’s also self-cleaning.
The EVA sole is cozy for their feet, and it’s removable as well for easy cleaning. The two handles on the sides allow the kids to put on the shoes themselves, and these are easy to take off as well.
OAKI Kids Waterproof Rubber Rain Boots with Easy-On Handles
This is another pair of boots with the handles on the side so kids can pull them on themselves. Just get the model with the Fireman Rescue print, and you’re good.
These boots are waterproof, so your kids can play on wet surfaces. The rubber also flexes very well, to let them run and play all day. Even the odor afterwards isn’t as bad!
Fireman Firefighter Boys Girls Costume Style Rain Boots (Toddler/Little Kid)
Now this is for very young kids, though again you have the pull handles on the sides. That encourages the kids to put on these shoes themselves. This pair comes with the impressive Fire Department Engine Company 13 print that looks great.
The aggressive lug pattern here protects from the cold and the rain, should the weather ever turn bad. With these boots, they can play in the rain while their feet remain dry. This isn’t just for a kid’s fireman costume, but it’s great for actual fun playing around outdoors.
Factors to Consider for Kids
Finding the Right Size
It’s crucial that you get the right size of shoes for your kids. That way, they’re able to run and play and stay comfortable, without hurting their feet.
Durability
For shoes like these, kids are likely to use them for rather challenging conditions. It helps if the shoes are as hardy as they look.
Comfort
Look for ample cushioning and other features that help kids enjoy wearing these shoes while they pay around.
FAQs
What’s ASTM F2892?
ASTM stands for American Society for Testing and Materials, and ASTM F2892 refers to electrical hazard protection that protects you if you step on a live electrical wire.
What’s NFPA?
It stands for National Fire Prevention Association. If you have NFPA-certified shoes, then that means your shoes are certified for firefighting.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to firefighting and other challenging workplace adventures, you need shoes that are as tough as you are. You need them for protection, and they ought to keep you from slipping around when you’re walking on wet surfaces.
At the same time, you need to feel comfortable in these shoes. You should be able to wear them all day long, even if you need to run around along uneven terrain.
Kids love these shoes too, and their firefighter shoes shouldn’t just feature impressive firefighter designs. Their shoes ought to be waterproof as well, even while they’re also comfortable for playing around all day!