Top 10 Best Wildland Firefighting Boots for 2020

When you are out there, fighting the fire in the wildland – you need to protect yourself. It’s very dangerous out there – You can easily suffer from cuts or burns, and that’s why getting the right kind of boots is extremely important!

One of the worst mistakes a firefighter can make is buying a cheap quality pair of boots because of its price. Never compromise on quality – it’s your life!

These boots should offer maximum protection – but nevertheless, provide comfort – because you need to stand long hours on your feet, and the last thing you want to have is foot pain.
The most important element in those boots the protection they offer from higher and heat by using high-quality heat resistant materials.

To create this list, we have done an in-depth thorough research – we talked to savvy firefighters with many years of experience in the field, read real reviews on major e-commerce brands and
managed to come up with this ultimate list of the top 10 boots for Wildland Firefighters.

Top 10 Best Wildland Firefighting Boots for 2020

So, below we’ve compiled the list of the top 10 best wildland firefighting boots for this year – pick your favorite pair so you can ensure you are safe and protected at all times.

1. Georgia Boot Men’s Loggers Work Boots

What makes the Georgia Boot Men’s Loggers Work Boots perfect for rough outdoors is its incredible GoreTex workmanship. These boots are not only designed for regular outdoor use. Thanks to their rugged fabrication, they can withstand extremely cold, wet, and flame infested conditions.

Integrating the patented Gore-Tex waterproof lining, the wildland firefighting boots keep your feet dry and protected. Yet, their leather fabrication makes them flexible enough to leave you comfortable all day long. At the bottom, the durable and abrasion-resistant rubber outsoles allow you to tread through any terrain or debris caused by fires without risking to damage the boots or cause injury to your feet.

A protective steel toe cap on the other end protects the front end of your feet from sudden impact, even from the roughest rocks or sharpest objects. Furthermore, the firefighting boots feature a lace-up closure and are 8-inch high to ensure maximum coverage and protection.

2. 5.11 Tactical Men’s Boots

The functions of the 5.11 Tactical Men’s Boots match that of its military-style design. If you are looking for comfortable firefighting boots to use on any terrain, then, these boots are what you need. Specially built for wildland firefighting, these tactical boots integrate a rope ready zone with forefoot and arch lugs to enhance your traction, no matter the terrain.

Furthermore, the boots are designed with a traditional round toe and an 8-inch high cut to give them a classic tactical boot shape and maximum ankle support. Thanks to this design, you will enjoy superior protection from harmful elements as well.  To match their impressive performance, the boots are fabricated using full-grain leather and nylon for enhanced flexibility and durability.

An Ortholite insole and full-length midsole with no metallic construction provide better cushioning and support. Additionally, the 8-inch boots offer quick drying and moisture-wicking qualities to ensure you are dry and fresh at all times. Zippers fitted on the sides of the boots make them easy to put on and remove.

3. Smith & Wesson Men’s Breach 2.0 tactical Boots

If you have wide feet, then, the Smith & Wesson Men’s Breach 2.0 Tactical Boots are built for you thanks to their high and wide profile design. Yet, this is not all these wildland firefighting boots offer. Built with incredible strength and ruggedness, you can use them for tough outdoor work or even as everyday footwear.

Constructed from leather and nylon, the boots offer protection from fire elements and rough terrains without compromising on comfort. Additionally, the boots are fitted with a long gusseted tongue to efficiently keep dirt and debris out of your feet. Furthermore, their board-lasted fabrication offers enough torsional rigidity to reduce fatigue, especially on those long days and nights of firefighting efforts.

To ensure optimal cushioning and shock absorption, the boots are fitted with an EVA midsole and a supportive steel shank. At the bottom, the thick rubber outsoles reduce traction loss whilst their deep intricate lugs grip any surface whether it’s a muddy terrain, waxed surface, a fence, or a ladder.

4. Tactical Research TR Men’s Minimalist Combat Boots

For people suffering from any foot condition, the Tactical Research TR Men’s Minimalist Combat Boots are the right choice. These boots for wildland firefighting are designed to offer optimum comfort for your feet; ensuring that you are not hindered from performing your firefighting duties because of feet problems.

Built with unlined Catllehide leather and 1000D Cordura nylon, the firefighting boots are extremely breathable, flexible, and durable. Their inserted die-cut midsoles on the other end offer great cushioning and help to effectively absorb shock by dispersing it from the contact area.

Furthermore, the midsole die-cut design facilitates high energy return with every step taken. At the front, these combat boots are engineered with a wide toe box for impact resistance whilst also offering ample room for your feet to be comfortable, especially if you have any foot condition.

5. Danner Men’s Wildland Tactical Firefighter Boots

For the ultimate firefighting experience, you want to go for the Danner Men’s Wildland Tactical Firefighter Boots. Combining a lightweight construction and highly supportive elements that mimic alpine hiker boots, these boots guarantee optimal protection, no matter the conditions you are in.

Weighing no more than 65 ounces as a pair, the firefighting boots guarantee increased flexibility and mobility without compromising on quality or durability. Furthermore, the tactical boots deliver an athletic and supportive fit whilst leaving ample room for your toes to ensure maximum protection throughout the day.

A personalized heel shape helps to lock in your heel in place to prevent wobbling and to ensure comfort at the back of the boots – this design is especially useful for those who require long mileage performing boots. To ensure protection mid firefighting, the boots are ASTM and NFPA certified for electrical hazard shock prevention and impact resistance.

6. Ad Tec Men’s Fireman Logger Work Boots

Offering heat resistance of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, the Ad Tec Fireman Logger Work Boots are designed for serious firefighting conditions. The logger work boots are built with full-grain oiled and heat resistant leather which allows you the flexibility and dexterity to move around easily without compromising on protection.

At the bottom, the boots feature a Goodyear welt construction for optimal protection and durability. Additionally, this construction makes it easier to replace the leather welt when you need to. The raised thick rubber outsole on the other end offers an extra layer of protection when you treading through rough terrains.

At the back of the boots, the heel is appropriately positioned to prevent wobbling when you are walking. To make it easier to put on and to remove them, the logger work boots are designed with solid brass eyelets and steel hooks.

7. Georgia Boot Lace-To-Toe Insulated Work Boots

If you are looking for wildland firefighting boots to wear during the colder season, the Georgia Boot Lace-To-Toe Insulated Work Boots are an excellent choice. Fabricated with 200 grams of 3M Thinsulate insulation, the work boots keep you warm in extremely low climate.

The wildland firefighting boots for cold weather are constructed from full-grain leather thus, making them tough and durable. Yet, they are naturally soft and flexible enough to feel comfortable on your feet. Eyelets, stud hooks, and steel washers fitted to the boots help to provide a stable hold on your laces – you can engage in hours of intense work without the laces falling off.

The interior of the boots is lined with removable cushioned Ortholite insoles which offer superior cushioning and shock absorption. Furthermore, to provide more comfort, the cold weather wildland firefighting boots integrate a steel shank construction for rigid and steady footing.

8. Danner Men’s Vicious 400G NMT Work Boots

If your job involves a lot of walking and hiking, the Danner Men’s Vicious 400G NMT Work Boots are a perfect choice. Built with 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation, the firefighting boots offer optimal protection from the cold weather, even if you are walking on ice.

Furthermore, the firefighting boots are fitted with a patented Gore-Tex lining which gives them incredible full waterproof and breathable qualities.  Their superior indoor and outdoor traction system on the other end is what makes it great for prolonged walking and hiking.

The traction system offers an oil and slip-resistant performance whilst their 90-degree heel prevents from accidental slips, falls, and wobbling when you walk. At the bottom, the boots are fitted with a Vibram outsole which offers lightweight performance to make it easy to move around.

9. Danner Men’s Logger 8″ Work Boots

When working on steep terrains, the Danner Men’s Logger 8” Work Boots offer added safety.  Thanks to their patented Vibram 360 logger outsoles, the boots provide exceptional edging and superior traction on even the trickiest terrain. Their 90-degree heel design increases your safety when walking on steep terrain or climbing in and out of equipment.

Furthermore, their Bi Fit board construction integrates a long-lasting board, shank, and midsole into a single piece mid-layer to reduce weight without sacrificing support and comfort. Their nubuck oiled leather upper offers the velvet-like softness and increased water resistance for adequate protection.

A waterproof leather barrier lining allows moisture to escape without allowing water to enter the boots, thus, keeping you dry and fresh all day long. To ensure you are safe on the job, the wildland firefighting boots are built with non-conductive electrical shock resistant soles and heels.

10. Chippewa Men’s Logger Boots

The Chippewa Men’s Logger Boots are designed for work in extreme conditions thanks to their highly protective and waterproof elements. At the bottom, these waterproof logger boots feature synthetic slip-and oil-resistant outsoles that provide traction on unstable terrains.

Their high waterproof rating doesn’t only keep you dry but also prevents snow and the cold weather from penetrating the boots. On the other end, a triple ribbed shank on each boot and lace up system with speed hooks offer enhanced comfort and support.

During your work, the steel toe box offers ample space for your feet at the front part whilst also protecting them from impact. In the interior of the boots, you will find removable Ortholite insoles that help to enhance their support and cushioning.

How To Choose The Best Wildland Firefighting Boots

When choosing the best wildland firefighting boots, you must consider a heap of features. Whilst some features may simply be based on your preferences, some are actually part of the firefighting regulations. So below, we have listed some of the key features to look for when choosing the best wildland firefighting boots.

Take Note Of The Regulations

According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) safety and PPE guidelines, a firefighter must have on the appropriate pair of boots. Some of the key details include;

• 8 inch high from bottom of the heel to top of the boot
• Leather fabricated boots
• Lace up closure system
• Thick and fire retardant Vibram style rubber outsole
• Boots certified by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

For wildland firefighting boots, you want them to be ASTM certified for electrical shock protection and impact resistance.

Pick The Right Material

Firefighting is quite a dangerous job thus; the least you can do to protect yourself is by ensuring you have on top quality gear. Picking the right material is one way to ensure quality and that you will be safe. Remember, you will be treading through dangerous terrain and conditions, and most of the time, you will be carrying extremely heavy equipment.

Leather and nylon are the best materials for wildland firefighting boots. Generally, these materials are extremely strong, rugged, and durable, thus, allowing them to withstand the rough outdoors. Yet, they are soft and flexible enough to ensure easy mobility and comfort.

Furthermore, good quality leather and nylon material will never wear or tear even under strain. When it comes to the outsole, the best outsole material is Vibram rubber. This material is ideal thanks to its flexibility and durability. Additionally, rubber is easy to mold thus, making it the perfect material for molding high traction and deep lugs.

The Special Boot Style

The best wildland firefighting boots feature a log style boot design rather than a regular boot design. Logger style lug soled boots are ideally designed for firefighting because they offer ample protection and excellent traction on any terrain. Furthermore, these types of boots feature a slight heeled design to help make walking on steep and uneven terrain easier.

The heel designs help to prevent foot and lower leg fatigue. However, in recent years, several manufacturers have begun to make mountaineer style firefighting boots. Whilst these types of boots promote flexibility and mobility due to their lightweight build, they don’t hike well on steep and uneven terrain as traditional logger style wildland firefighting boots.

Confirm The Fit

To ensure you’re comfortable mid duty, you want to pick the appropriately fitting boots. To determine if the boots are the right fit, try them on. When wearing them, examine how your foot slides into the boot – does it do so easily or forced? You want the sliding process to be smooth with a little bit of resistance.

This ensures that the boots will fit snugly – not too tight and not too lose. After lacing up your boots, try to walk on them to see if they are comfortable. Whilst boots have to go through a break-in process, if your boots are extremely uncomfortable, chances are that this will not improve even after breaking them in.

Therefore, it is a good idea to look for an alternative pair. When purchasing your boots, look for a vendor that offers a flexible return policy in case the boots don’t fit well. This allows you to exchange them for a different size or alternative style.

Consider Support And Comfort

Remember, firefighting efforts can sometimes take as long as hours or days. Therefore, you want protective shoes but you also want shoes that are comfortable and supportive. When deciding whether a pair of boots is comfortable or not, look out for features such as steel shanks, EVA footbed, and die-cut midsoles.

Ultimately, you want a pair of boots that offer adequate cushioning, shock absorption, and torsional rigidity to guarantee stable footing. A good example of boots designed to offer great stability is the Tactical Research TR Men’s Minimalist Combat Boots.

Know The Pricing

If you really want to invest in the best wildland firefighting boots, then, you have to be willing to spend a bit. Typically, you can find a top quality pair for at least $150 to $300 depending on the brand. The more functional features the boots offer, the higher the price will be. For example, good quality insulated firefighting boots tends to be more expensive than those that aren’t.

FAQs

Q: How Can I Ensure My Boots Are The Right Fit?

A:  When trying out wildland firefighting boots, try them when you are wearing socks you will wear on duty. Walk-in them in the outdoors, jump, and climb in them to ensure they are comfortable and don’t cause any pain or blisters. Boots have a break-in period, however, when you are trying them; they should not feel too uncomfortable.

Q: Are Steel Toe Boots A Good Idea?

A:For wildland firefighting, steel toe boots are great especially for people with large and wider feet. This because they help to create ample room to accommodate your toes, in addition to offering protection against impact. However, they are also a debate when it comes to safety. This is because steel is a heat conductor, thus, in high-temperature environments; it may not be the best option.

Q: How Do I Break In My Boots?

A:The best way to break in any pair of boots is simply by wearing them. When you receive your boots wear them and continue with your daily tasks as usual. If you plan to go out hiking, you can wear them as well. To protect your feet during this time, cover hot spot areas of your feet to prevent the formation of blisters.

Q: How Do I Clean And Care For My Boots?

A:You can simply clean your shoes using a damp cloth and water. If your boots are covered in mud or dirt, use a soft-bristled nylon brush to scrub the dirt off to ensure you don’t damage your boots. For care, invest in a good quality boot conditioner to keep the leather in good condition. After the conditioning process, you can oil the exterior of your boots using even old rags.

Conclusion

It comes with no surprise that firefighting is quite a dangerous job. Therefore, it is only wise to protect yourself with the right gear. With any of the top 10 best wildland firefighting boots outlined above, you are guaranteed optimal safety, protection, and comfort when performing your duties.

Whether you work for an hour or 24 hours, these wildland firefighting boots ensure that you are not going to suffer from fatigue or pain and risk endangering yourself and others. Our overall top pick is the Georgia Boot Men’s Loggers Work Boots thanks to the all-round protective and supportive design.

However, if you have wide feet, our second pick is the Smith & Wesson Men’s Breach 2.0 tactical Boots. For people with foot conditions, our third pick is the Tactical Research TR Men’s Minimalist Combat Boots