6 Best Firefighter Station/Duty Boots in 2022

If you’re a firefighter, you often work 8 to 10 hours shifts at the station, except when you get an emergency call and have to change to special gear and get moving quickly. As per the policy in most firefighter stations, you must wear high-quality black service boots when on non-fire calls.  

We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for the best firefighter station boots that are comfortable and durable. In this article, we will review the best firefighter station boots you can use right now. 

Let’s get started, shall we?

Quick Answer: Best Firefighter Station Boots

Thorogood Gen Flex (Best Overall) 

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Non-conductive composite toe	Faster wear out if you’re above 200 lbs
It offers excellent traction
It’s stylish and versatile
No break-in period required
Gel insole that improves comfort
It has a breathable mesh lining

These boots are formulated with dual-density outsoles that absorb ground impact. Because of that, they help to relieve the pressure that would have rested on the ball of the feet, resulting in collapsed ligaments and, ultimately, flat feet or plantar fasciitis.

To offer flex and strength, these boots are fitted with composite shanks; you can easily bend them to perform your duties, and the boots will spring back to their original shape. What’s more, if you have flat feet, they will provide arch support and minimize strain. 

Not to forget, they have an 8-inch shaft that secures your feet, so they don’t roll inwards while you walk in the station.

What about comfort? Their removable single-density polyurethane footbed cushions your feet’ pressure points preventing backaches, knee aches, and ankle pains. However, if you weigh above 200 pounds, there’s a high chance you will need to replace the outsoles with dual-density ones.

Lastly, they’re ASTM approved to prevent slip and fall accidents, thanks to their outsoles with multidirectional lug patterns that provide traction on low traction surfaces.

Hiax Men’s Boot (Most Durable)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Easy to remove	The safety tie sometimes grinds into the skin causing blisters
Its leather upper is waterproof
It’s breathable
Protects against live current
Heat, oil, chemical, and slip-resistant
NFPA certified

These NFPA-certified boots are specially formulated with firefighters in mind. To begin with, they have a zipper at the top; when it’s time to go for a mission, you can easily change into protective gear and swiftly respond to fire emergencies.

Another cool thing is that their leather uppers are soft; they won’t rub against your skin and cause bunions and blisters when new. Also, they’re waterproof, so your feet won’t get drenched in water as you wash the fire engine or perform other water-related duties.

If you have sweaty feet, these boots are fitted with a superior lining that prevents water from getting into the boots but wicks out perspiration; this prevents moisture buildup that could facilitate microbial growth and foul odors.

Talking about comfort, they have plush insoles that absorb impact from the ground as you walk. Also, they distribute weight evenly across the foot relieving pressure spots to prevent foot pains and general body aches.

The flip side is you might need to replace the insoles with orthotic ones if you have flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or other conditions that require specialized support and comfort.

Bates Men’s GX Boots (Best for slippery surface) 

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
It has anti-slip certified outsoles	Doesn’t have safety toes
Fast-drying nylon upper
It’s break-in free
Its EVA insoles are removable
Easy to remove

No wonder these boots are one of the most popular firefighter station boots on the market. For starters, their uppers are made with high-quality leather and 1680 denier ballistic nylon; this means they’re extremely breathable yet durable. Furthermore, they’re lightweight, reducing foot strain and promoting agility as you work around the station.

At first glance, you might think these boots are difficult to remove because of their laces, but that’s not the case. They have a zip at the sides so that you can easily remove them and put them on; you won’t have to struggle with the laces after a long day at the station. 

But that’s not all; their removable EVA insoles offer sufficient support and comfort if you have a neutral arch and weight below 200 pounds. On the other hand, if you have flat feet or high arches, there’s a good chance you’ll experience foot aches. However, you could use biomechanically engineered insoles to solve that problem. 

It’s also worth mentioning that its rubber outsoles give stability on most slippery surfaces with oil, water, or grease.

Redback boots (Best for easy removal) 

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
They’re oil, water, and chemical resistant	They don’t offer adequate ankle support
They’re breathable
They have a shock-absorbing midsole
They have a full-length footbed
They’re easy to wear and remove

The Redback firefighter station boots are designed without shoelaces or zips; you can easily put them on and remove them when the station alarm sounds.

We bet you’re wondering how you can just slip in and out of the boots without getting stuck. Thanks to the elastic bands at the side of the boots, they can easily expand to accommodate your feet and bounce back to their original state.

Another awesome thing is their anatomic sole; they cradle the shape of the feet to prevent the arches from sagging or collapsing while you walk around the station; that means if you have flat feet, your feet won’t strain. Therefore, eliminating leg and back pain.

What about hazard protection? Their outsoles are designed using rubber, a poor conductor of electricity; if you step on a live wire when you’re on call, you won’t get electrocuted. Moreover, they’re grooved to improve traction, preventing slip and fall accidents. Not to mention, they have steel toe caps to protect the toes from compression.

Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, their midsoles are designed to absorb shock; this helps to prevent injuries, especially if you jump off the fire engine and land on the concrete floor. 

However, they might not be true to size; we’d advise you to use a Redback-specific size chart for the perfect fit.

Under Armour Tactical Boots (Best low budget) 

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
They’re lightweight	Not longer lasting than premium boots
They’re extremely comfortable
They have a minimalist design
They provide awesome arch support
They have an anti-odor technology

The Under Armour Tactical boots are exceptional from a company specializing in athletic shoes. If you’re looking for something comfortable to wear around the station when you don’t have many duties, these boots will offer you cloud-like comfort thanks to their lightweight and plush feel.

Removing these boots is easy since they have a side zipper. But that’s not all; they’re constructed using leather and 9D nylon, making them cheaper than the other reviewed products.  Also, the fabric combination makes them more breathable, water-repellent, and quick drying.

In terms of protection, its rubber lug outsoles improve traction and keep you on your feet on any surface. Likewise, its EVA midsole absorbs shock to cushion your feet against ground impact at the station. Not to forget, its shanks provide arch support to minimize foot fatigue.

Moreover, they have a minimalist design and hence can be worn casually or on official duty. 

The downside is its thin fabric composition means the shoes aren’t as durable as you’d want them to be.

Rocky Alpha Force Boots (Best lightweight) 

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
They’re waterproof	The innerling rips off after sometime
They’re oil, water, and slip-resistant
Their EVA soles offer excellent shock absorption
They’re easy to remove
Their insoles are comfortable
They’re durable

How does light but solid boot sound? The Rocky Alpha Force boots have been engineered using premium leather and nylon, making them sturdy and long-lasting if you clean and oil them frequently.

Even better, their full-grain leather is waterproof; if you’re washing the fire engine using a hose at the station, the boots will not soak in water. Their rubber outsoles are formulated with lugs, so you don’t slip on the water and soap while performing duties at the station.

Of course, they prevent foot pain and fatigue. This is because they’re fitted with EVA molded midsoles which work in conjunction with its air-port insoles to absorb pressure from the floor as you walk, cushioning the balls of the feet. Furthermore, they help to distribute weight across the foot so that you don’t develop chronic foot conditions like plantar fasciitis.

It’s also worth mentioning that if you have flat feet and your ankles roll inwards while you walk, its 8-inch shaft will secure it. In addition, its curved outsoles with a slight heel will support your arches and prevent them from collapsing once they hit the floor.

The only issue with these boots is that their inner lining wears off faster than most would like.

Types of firefighter station boots

Tactical firefighter station boots

These types of boots are mostly matched with official uniforms during off-calls.  Not only are they designed to perform under tough conditions, but they’re also built for comfort. Furthermore, most of them have shafts that offer ankle support; if you overpronate, they will hold your ankle in place for a more natural gait to prevent ankle, back, and foot pain. 

But that’s not all; they have cushioned insoles and tough outsoles to absorb shock from the hard concrete floors of the station; this will prevent your connective ligaments from tearing and causing chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis and shin splints.

When removing the boots, some have zippers at the side and the top, so you don’t waste time changing into protective gear.

Slip-on firefighter station boots

Slip-on boots will probably suit you best if you don’t like the hustle of shoelaces or zippers. They take minimum time to put on and remove; you won’t have to worry about taking a long time to change into protective gear when you hear the fire alarm.

Did we mention they offer a snug fit? They facilitate better mobility allowing you to focus on your tasks around the fire station. Also, you don’t have to worry about your shoelaces getting untied and tripping you.

Athletic firefighter station boots

Who wouldn’t want to wear sneakers to work? Athletic firefighter station boots are designed to feel like running shoes since they’re light and comfortable. You can easily perform duties around the station without feeling pain or fatigue.

Just like regular work boots, they offer protection against hazards; you don’t have to worry about heavy falling objects crushing your toes as you maintain fire engines since most of them are fitted with safety toes. Likewise, most have lugged soles to improve traction on the station’s surface when there’s oil or water.

Speaking of soaking wet, some of the best athletic firefighter station boots are fitted with moisture-wicking linings that wick out perspiration, preventing microbial growth and musty smells.

Things To Look out For When Choosing The Best Firefighter Station Boots 

Comfort

The last thing you want as a firefighter is aching feet because the job entails a lot of standing and running to respond to fire emergencies. Here’s the thing; when buying firefighter station boots, ensure that you pick ones with insoles that are well cushioned to offer cloud-like comfort to absorb impact from hard station surfaces.

Another thing you should consider is choosing boots that match your gait type. If you have flat feet and your feet roll inward while you walk, you should look for boots with a slight heel and insoles that are contoured to match the foot’s natural arch. This will prevent ankle pains, backaches, and even fatigue after a long day at the station.

Regarding sizing, ensure that the boots you choose offer a snug fit but extra room at the toe area. The trick is to try out shoes in the afternoon rather than in the morning because your feet tend to swell up as the day goes so this will tell you how big you need to go.

If you choose too small boots, they will end up rubbing against your skin and cause bunions and blisters.

Safety Features 

When buying firefighter station boots, ensure they’re ASTM approved to prevent work-related injuries. For starters, you should pick boots made from either steel, alloy, or composite toes to protect your toes from heavy objects while at the station. 

Nonetheless, we’d recommend composite toes since they’re 30 percent lighter than steel and don’t absorb as much heat.

Apart from that, the outsoles should be thick to prevent sharp objects like nails and pieces of steel from penetrating through the shoe and injuring your feet. Similarly, they should have lug patterns or treads to increase traction and prevent slip-and-fall accidents on the station floor due to water from hose or oil slips.

Not to forget, choose boots with outsoles made of Vibram; they’re melt-resistant and can absorb live currents to prevent electrocution in case you accidentally step on a wire with live electric currents.

Easy Removal

Station boots must be easy to remove so that you can swiftly transition into protective gear at the sound of an alarm. That is why you should opt for station boots with zippers or slip-on. If you wear boots that are hard to take off, like ones with only shoelaces, you could slow down the team causing more havoc since every minute is crucial when fighting fires.

Then again, if you overpronate, slip-on boots might not be such a great idea because most lack sufficient ankle support; they might end up causing ankle sprains or aches.

Material

When investing in firefighter station boots, remember that their material will determine whether they will be breathable, durable, waterproof, or heat resistant. Boots made with full-grain leather are the most durable; some can last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance. 

Better yet, oiled leather is waterproof so that you can clean the station in your boots, yet water won’t seep through them.

If you’re worried about sweaty feet during summer or if you have hyperhidrosis, leather has tiny pores that wick out perspiration and let in the air leaving your feet dry and cool. What’s more, it’s resistant to heat; if you invest in a station boot that doubles up as a wildland fire boot, your feet will be safe from the hot scalding flames.

Remember that firefighter station boots made with full-grain leather are more expensive than boots made of synthetic material like nylon.

They comply with your employer’s requirements 

Before buying a pair of firefighter station boots, ensure they match the employer’s requirements. The last thing you want is to invest in firefighter boots that don’t meet your employer’s specifications and keep the boots in storage.

Common Question Answer

Conclusion

If we had to choose the best overall firefighter station boots, we would pick Thorogood Gen Flex Boots. This is because they match the description of most firefighter station boots required on non-fire calls. Besides that, they’re durable and comfortable, with excellent shock absorption with superior traction. 

However, depending on your preference, all the other firefighting station boots we’ve reviewed are also good options. 

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