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Top Five Wildland Firefighting Boots

Choosing a pair of boots for fire season can be a daunting task. That’s why we created a list of the top five wildland firefighting boots. These boots are all have their pros and cons and come in a variety of price points. The list is prioritized in descending order, starting with our top recommendation.

1. Whites Smokejumpers

The most comfortable pair of boots you’ll ever own

The Whites Smokejumpers provide the best comfort and durability of all available wildland fire boots.

$460 – $495 on Amazon

You’ll see this boot worn by many a firefighter on the fireline, and for good reason. Whites has been building custom, hand-made leather boots for decades and their commitment to quality is evident. These boots are made with water resistant, full-grain, oil-tanned black leather uppers. The boots are put together by hand through stitch-down construction and feature Vibram lug outsoles to keep help you keep your footing on those fire hikes.

The whites vs nicks debate is a common, recurring theme on the fireline. We’d be remiss if we didn’t add our two cents. After talking to dozens of firefighters on the matter, our conclusion is this: Whites are, at the very least, equal to Nicks, at a reduced price point. We’ve heard from more than a few firefighters who have owned both boots that in terms of comfort, they prefer their Whites.

Rating

  • Comfort: 5/5
  • After the significant break-in period these will be the most comfortable boots you’ll ever own.

  • Durability: 4.5/5
  • It’s not uncommon to hear of owners still using the same pair of Whites for decades. This isn’t so crazy when you consider the boot is re-buildable.

  • Price: 3.5/5
  • While a little more pricey than the other boots on this list, the extra cost is worth it in the long run.

Specs

  • Weight: 3.5 – 4 lbs/boot (depending on size)
  • Height: 10 inches
  • Material (upper): Leather
  • Outsole: Vibram (rubber)
  • Style: Logger

For even more in-depth info on the Whites Smokejumpers, check out our post onthe best wildland fire boots.

2. Scarpa Fuegos

A quality mountaineering style boot

The Scarpa Fuegos are a good, durable mountaineering style boot. Though less comfortable than the Whites, they’re also a little less expensive.

$308 – $398

Scarpa Fuegos

The Scarpa Fuego is our runner-up recommendation. The boot strikes a good balance between comfort, durability, and price. Unlike the Smokejumpers, the Scarpas are a mountaineering, rather than a logger style boot. This means that unlike the Whites, they don’t have a high heel, so you’re not getting that extra help going uphill. They do, however, provide excellent ankle support.

Drawbacks to these boots are that they run a little hot and heavy. Additionally, if, like us, you have a narrow foot, these may not be the best boots for you. We were still getting hot spots from these boots at the end of a full season of use. Still, they held up well and were in great shape after a full season of heavy use on the fire line, earning them a second place spot on our list.

Rating

  • Comfort: 4/5
  • The Fuegos are a little on the stiff side, but they’re still a comfortable pair of boots.

  • Durability: 4/5
  • These boots are well-made. You should be able to get at least two to three fire seasons out of them.

  • Price: 4/5
  • Coming it at around a hundred dollars less than the Whites, these boots present a good value.

Specs

  • Weight: 4 lbs 2 oz
  • Height: 9.5 inches
  • Material (upper): Leather
  • Outsole: Vibram Rubber
  • Style: Mountaineering

3. Wesco Firestormer

A great boot, built specifically for wildland firefighting

The Wesco Firestormers are a great pair of boots, built with wildland firefighting in mind.

$475 at Amazon

Wesco has been creating quality boots for wildland firefighter since 1938. The Firestormer II is a lace to toe, water and heat resistant logger style boot designed specifically for fighting wildfires.

Handcrafted in Oregon, the Firestormer’s kevlar stiched leather upper is built to withstand the rigors of heat and abuse. Their Vibram, flame-resistand outsoles are made for heavy duty use. These boots are fully rebuildable.

Rating

  • Comfort: 4/5
  • After a break-in period, these boots provide substantial comfort.

  • Durability: 4/5
  • These boots are built with firefighting in mind, so they’re up to the task.

  • Price: 4/5
  • These boots may set you back a little more, but the quality and comfort are worth the price.

Specs

  • Weight: 3.5 – 4 lbs/boot (depending on size)
  • Height: 10 inches
  • Material (upper): Leather
  • Outsole: Vibram (rubber)
  • Style: Logger

4. La Sportiva Glacier

An excellent of wildland boot for mop-up and side-hilling

The La Sportiva glaciers are a good mid-range mountaineering boot that provide great arch and ankle support.

$280 at Amazon

The pros of this boot are good ankle and arch support, with no break-in period. Of course, critics of mountaineering style boots for wildland fire use will argue you will never get these boots to properly break in. The common work around for this problem is to wear thicker wool socks to give your feet some extra cushioning. This boot is insulated so, like the Fuegos, it does run a little warmer. They also run a little on the stiffer side.

There have been some reports of this boot de-laminating due to the glue becoming heated on a fire and while they do meet NFPA requirements for wildland fire boots the manufacturer does not recommend them for frontline fire work. You’d probably be fine with these boots if you’re on an engine or helitack crew but if you’re a hotshot we’d recommend investing in a boot with more longevity. The sizing on these boots runs about a half a size small so take that into consideration when you decide which size to order, especially considering you may be wearing them with thicker socks.

Rating

  • Comfort: 3.5/5
  • Mountaineering boots are notoriously stiff, but the Glacier’s do provide excellent arch and ankle support.

  • Durability: 3/5
  • We’ve heard more than one firefighter report the glue that holds these boots together coming undone due to heat.

  • Price: 4/5
  • The lower price point of these boots make them a good choice for a first or second year firefighter.

Specs

  • Weight: 2 lbs
  • Height: 8 inches
  • Material (upper): Leather
  • Outsole: Vibram Ice Sole(rubber)
  • Style: Mountaineering

5. Danner Flashpoint II

Designed for exceptional comfort, fit, and durability.

The Danner Flashpoints are an excellent logger style boot built to be used on the fireline.

$400 at Amazon

The Danner Flashpoint II was designed to provide wildland firefighters with the toughest, safest boot possible. We’d say they came pretty close. The Flashpoint II’s Vibran 360 Oustole was designed for fire resistance while providing superior traction. The boot is non-insulated, features extra material around the toe box for extra protection, and is totally re-buildable.

Rating

  • Comfort: 3.5/5
  • The Flashpoint II’s are a little more stiff than other logger style boots.

  • Durability: 4.5/5
  • These boots are built specifically for wildland fire and will last a long time.

  • Price: 3/5
  • About a hundred dollars less than Whites, these boots present a good value for the price.

Specs

  • Weight: 6 lbs
  • Height: 10 inches
  • Material (upper): Leather
  • Outsole: Vibram 360 Degree Fire Logger Rubber
  • Style: Mountaineering

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