best-wildland-firefighting-boots

Best Wildland Fire Boots: Top 8 [NFPA] Fire Fighting Boots

(Last Updated On: December 4, 2023)

ShoesandFitness.com is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission when you purchase through links on this page. Our content is checked for factual accuracy by our editorial team before being published.

Wildland Firefighting boots are a must-have if you’re a professional firefighter. These wildland firefighter boots protect you from slipping, heat, stepping on sharp debris, and any other dangerous objects.

A few years back, wildland firefighter boots were made from mere rubbers and leathers. However, with the aid of modern advancements, firefighting boots are now made with tough materials incorporating steel or other metal alloys in the soles and toes for maximum protection.

No matter where you’re fighting a fire, you need to take good care of your feet by wearing durable fire boots. In this article, we’re going to show you the best wildland firefighting boots and dome other factors you need to consider before purchasing these boots.

The 8 Best Wildland Firefighting Boots Review:

After some extensive researches, we have picked the top nfpa approved wildland firefighter boots. Let’s find out the benefits they have to offer wildland firefighters.

01. Danner Men’s Fire And Safety Boot- Most Popular

Key Features:

  • Breathable, typical fire-resistant boots
  • Handcrafted for strength and durability
  • Steel shank underfoot for rigidity and optimal stability
  • OrthoLite footbed for foot comfort
  • Protection against electrical hazard
  • Rugged Vibram rubber sole
  • Arc measures approximately 8”
  • 100% leather

We know the struggle people face when choosing between beauty and quality of wildland firefighter boots. Sometimes, beautiful designs might give you a fascinating look at the expense of quality. But what if I tell you about a product that offers you both. Wildland firefighter boots provide you with both quality and appealing looks.

Originating from the United States, Danner is the manufacturer of these exceptional boots for wildland firefighters. The brand is renowned for choosing quality over quantity to produce durable boots.

With steel shank underfoot for rigidity, this pair makes sure you have the maximum stability. Its OrthoLite footbed takes care of your comfort, and rugged rubber sole protects against electrical hazards.

Wildland firefighter boots are a mixture of supportive benefits, lightweight, and durability, which passes the NFPA standards to provide comfort and protection. These wildland firefighter boots protect wildland firefighters from any potential dangers in a fire fighting operation.

Pros

  • This firefighter boot meets the new edition of NFPA standards
  • Mountaineering compatible with lightweight
  • Extremely lightweight at 4.3 pounds
  • One of the best breathable boots
  • It is a multipurpose firefighter boot

Cons

  • A bit costly
  • Does not have the best-secured closure
  • Durability not as high as some other competitors
  • Steel toe protection is absent

02. Scarpa Fuego Mountaineering Boot For Firefighter

Key Features:

  • 100% full leather, one of the best leather fire boots
  • EVA midsole for comfort
  • Vibram sole for stability and protection
  • PRO-FLEX XT insole
  • Suitably molded designs

Scarpa products might not be as popular as other renowned brands, but their drive for quality has rated them for the NFPA standards. This time, Scarpa’s boot comes with an adequately molded design that offers protection and exceptional stability.

This boot is recommended for wildland firefighters because it exceeds at providing comfort during hot pursuits. With its EVA mid-sole and PRO-FLEX insole features, this boot offers its interior with a plush feeling. And this leaves the wearer with no future ankle injury or sore feet after wearing it for an extended period during operation.

Featuring Vibram sole to keep out extreme heat from hurting your feet, Mountaineering boot is ideal for mountaineering, climbing and, front-line firefight. A great choice of wildland firefighter boots.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • The boot is multipurpose
  • Cushioning is ample
  • Provides a suitable fit
  • High stability

Cons

  • Heavier than the previous boot
  • Slightly expensive
  • Bit too stiff

03. White’s Smoke Jumper- Durable Wildland Firefighter Boots

Key Features:

  • Boasts full-grain leather
  • Possession of Vibram sole
  • 10” high stands
  • Arch support
  • Well-crafted construction
  • Steel toe protection

As a leading manufacturer of the best fire boot in the world, White’s focuses on providing durable and rebuildable fire boot for a lifetime functionality. The boot is remarkable to deal with the most extreme upsetting jobs, whether it is putting out flames or felling trees.

This boot features a thick leather which forms an impervious layer against any form of hazard. Smoke Jumper boot features a Vibram sole with ferocious bottom treads that provide suitable gait and maximum friction control against any slippery and wet floors as most in

With its steel toe protection, this boot is regarded as one of the best firefighter boots and this includes wildland firefighter boots. Smoke Jumper is rated well by most end-users, and they commend its arch support that most wildland boots ignore.

Pros

  • Very light, about 2 pounds
  • Rebuildable
  • Durable leather
  • Water and slip resistant
  • Lasts longer

Cons

  • Runs large in the long run
  • Flatter footed wearers find it uncomfortable

04. la Sportiva Glacier- Wildland Fire Boots

Key Features:

  • Suitable for mountaineering
  • Extreme durability
  • Lightweight materials
  • High metallic shank
  • 100% full-grain leather

La Sportiva is one of the premium quality boot manufacturers in the world. They provide heat resistant and metallic shank required by the standards of NFPA for wildland firefightiners and their operations.

Glacier hiking boots are lightweight, comfortable, and also long-lasting. The shoes are ideal for forestry, building, and land management duties.

Nevertheless, the boot features a flexible Vibram sole and MtnFlex for maximum comfort. The rugged and tough full-grain leather can handle the need for some demanding jobs.

The half steel shank helps to protect your feet against any sharp debris, and the Vibram sole also gives you traction against slippery, muddy, sandy, and rocky terrain.

Pros:

  • Very affordable, reasonable price
  • Lightweight
  • Adequately breathable
  • Vibram sole for better traction
  • Highly multipurpose

Cons

  • Non-frontline firefighterng boots

05. Super Rain Forest By Danner- USA Made Fire Boot

Key Features:

  • High durability
  • Double-thick leather
  • Oil and waterproof
  • Incredibly breathable
  • Lightweight
  • Stitch-down construction

Rain forest work boot is another product from the Danner, a multipurpose fire department boot that gets all the job done smoothly. Danner’s handmade stitch-down design gives more extensive stability underneath the feet. This outstanding feature makes the boot re-craftable in some Portland companies.

The double-thick leather protects the top of the foot and toe box to provide excellent durability and maximum protection.

However, the boots do not offer some standard protective features set by the NFPA; this makes it a non-frontline firefighting boot. Although, if you want the boot for some other purposes like rain forest, dam construction, building, and land management duties, it will not disappoint you.

Pros

  • Suitable for rainforest duties
  • Waterproof and oil resistant
  • Affordable
  • Lightweight design makes it very comfortable
  • Vibram sole for traction
  • Full-grain leather, one of the strongest skins from Danner

Cons

  • Non-frontline firefighting boots
  • Not rebuildable
  • No steel toe protection

06. Haix Airpower XR1- Firefighter Station Boots

Key Features:

  • Heat resistant sole
  • Arch support system
  • 100% waterproof and breathable
  • Highly durable
  • NFPA certified EMS boot

Haix is not that popular in the market compared to some other big brands, but they deliver top quality firefighting boots with NFPA certifications. These boots feature an ultra-light composite toe that offers optimal toe protection and comfort. You don’t have to worry about water splashes on the shoes; it is 100% waterproof.

The Haix airpower station boot offers the additional advantages of synthetic and bloodborne pathogen protection. Not just that, the breathable internal liner and the HAIX® atmosphere system keep your footwear dry and comfortable in adverse weather conditions and also in a wet or dry environment. 

The inbuilt arch support system helps to keep your ankle and foot in their neutral boot position preventing any knee and ankle problems. These fire boots also feature slip and heat resistant properties that keep you assured during heat and flame related duties.

Pros

  • Fairly inexpensive and lasts a long time
  • Toe protection
  • Pathogen resistant
  • Only firefighter zipper boots in our list

Cons

  • Not for the front-line firefighting operation

07. Kenetrek Wildland Firefighter Boots

Key Features:

  • High density molded foam
  • Mountaineering style design
  • Full-grain leather
  • Lightweight materials
  • 10” high stands
  • Passes 1977 NFPA standards
  • Flame and fire-resistant

These boots keep firefighters on their feet during extreme conditions, without worrying about sudden boot disappointment. Kenetrek’s Wildland boots meet the wildland firefighting boots requirements following the NFPA 1977 standards.

Most end-users often rate these boots as the best structural firefighting boots in the market today. Well, they might be right, these fire boots provide maximum support and all-day comfort, all thanks to its lightweight mountaineering designs.

There’s more; these wildland firefighter boots are Italy made with fire-resistant 10” strong leather uppers that mold to your feet for maximum support. Its hot zone Kevlar laces enhance fireproof properties.

Moreover, these wildland fire boots have high footing and  K-73 fire outsoles that are heatproof and have expanded toe protection for easy movement on rough terrain areas.

Pros

  • Fully flexible
  • Dries up rapidly
  • High traction
  • Flameproof
  • Waterproof

Cons

  • Fairly expensive
  • Not rebuildable

08. Ad Tec Fireman Boot- Cheap In Price

Key Features:

  • Durable rubber sole
  • Lace is fire-resistant
  • Full leather construction
  • Heat resistance is about 500°C
  • Eyelets and hooks with solid brass
  • Oil-resistant leather

Just from first glance, this 9″ Fireman logger boot looks like a million buck. Moreover, it is the cheapest firefighter boot on our list; it’s designed for frontline firefighting duties and other demanding jobs such as tree felling.

This boot is affordable and crafted with quality designs – providing maximum support and feet protection to firefighters.

You don’t need to worry about oil spillage on your boots in critical hazardous environments as this Fireman logger boot offers a full-grain leather that is oil resistant. That’s not all. There’s more; firefighters are also provided with 500-degree heat resistance to keep their feet out of extreme heat and flames during operation.

Many people may wonder why this boot offers so many wildland firefighter boot features at that low price; this is because Fireman logger focuses much on quality along with affordability.

Pros

  • It is the best cheap firefighter boots
  • Highly durable
  • Heat resistant against flames and heat
  • Built to last long
  • Welt construction

Cons

  • No steel toe protection
  • These boots tend to run large

Buyer’s Guide for Wildland Fire Boots

Before you purchase a pair of wildland firefighter boots, you need to consider some essential factors. These factors will help you choose the best fire boot for the right purpose. As a firefighter, you must endeavor to wear the appropriate type of fire rescue boots that fit your feet properly.

You cannot afford to go on a firefighting operation with flimsy wildland firefighter boots. You will look unprofessional and will also be vulnerable to some potential dangers. To save the lives of fire hazard victims, you need to secure your own life first.

NFPA Approved

Since forest fire is a dangerous environment, you should choose a special type of shoe. It’s the part of your PPE. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) has researched different types of work boots in action over many years and has set the criteria of wildfire boots.

Vibram-Sole of-Fire-Boots
Vibram Sole

An NFPA certified fire boot must maintain the following:

  • The boots measure 8″ from the bottom of the heel to the top of the boot
  • Only The lace-up type boots are permitted
  • Have the melt-resistant Vibram type sole
  • It must have the leather exterior

These features are mandatory for a firefighting boot. So, you should consider these features before buying a professional wildland fire boot.

Durability

I’m very sure all you want is a firefighting boot that is rugged and functions for a long time, not minding the condition of the operation site. It pays to put resources into a fire boot that can perform for more than a year and still provides protection, security, and comfort.

You should know that it will cost you more to get a boot that offers all these fantastic features. Now, you can easily identify a durable firefighting boot with its distinctive features such as high-quality leather, Vibram sole for fire and abrasions resistance.

Heat & Water Resistant

Resistance is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a fire boot. Due to some extreme conditions and temperature of the operation sites, firefighters must opt for boots with some resistant properties. Because you may sometimes go through slippery or oily terrain as mechanics and other professionals face in the most cases.

As a firefighter, you do not only fight the fire, and you also operate with water to quench raging infernos. Therefore, one way or the other, there will be water splashes on your boots. If the shoes are not water-resistant or even waterproof, the boots are at the risk of quick damage.

Comfort

Comfort is another crucial factor to consider when selecting the best fire boot for your jobs. The ease of fire boots must not be looked down on, and it tells how long you will be able to have the shoes on.

For instance, if your job takes a whole day, you need to opt for a pair with easy wearability and maximum comfort. You should avoid heavy boots because they may be uncomfortable for long day usage.


FAQ’s on Wildland Firefighter Boots 

For you to get familiar with these wildland firefighter boots, please take a look below at these commonly asked queries found online:

What Are The Materials Used For Making Firefighting Boots?

In the past, firefighting boots were made with little rubbers and leather. Be that as it may, with the guide of current innovation, firefighting boots are presently made with extreme materials with steel or other metal combination in the soles and toes for maximum protection.

How Do I Choose The Best Wildland Firefighting Boots For My Job?

You should follow the buying guide listed above; it will guide your step in choosing the right wildland boot from your job. On the off chance that you are in question, simply return to this article for some explanation.

Which Is The Best Between The Composite Toe And Steel Toe Boots?

It all depends on your choice; most people prefer composite toe to steel toe because they are lighter. Also, composite toe does not conduct heat, unlike steel that does. We recommend composite toe boots for fighting the fire.

What Is The Ideal Weight Of Wildland Firefighting Boots?

Firefighting boots should not be heavy, and the ideal weight should be around 5-6 pounds. Some materials cause heaviness in most fire boots. For example, if your fire boots compose of steel toes and metallic shanks, it will be heavier than those with a composite toe.

How Do I Choose The Best Wildland Firefighting Boots For Women Wildland Firefighters?

Stick to what we said in this article and follow the factors on our buying guide above. Women are not left behind as well; you can check out our upcoming article about the best women’s wildland fire boots.


Conclusion on the Best Wildland Firefighting Boots 

We’ve come to the end of this lengthy article, and as you can see, most of the best wildland firefighting boots on this list are worth buying. They are all packed with incredible features that offer protection and comfort to wildland firefighters.

Now, we hope this article will be useful in your quest to purchase high-quality fire boots. If there are any other questions on your mind, please inform us.

About The Author