6 Best Wildland Fire Boots in 2022

The fire season is a risky and daunting time for wildland firefighters and people with demanding jobs who are likely to run into wildfires. As much as protective clothing can help you, you must invest in quality wildland firefighter boots to protect your feet from the misery of first-degree burns.

Of course, we understand that the market is flooded with tons of wildland firefighting boots, and it can be hard to buy one without spiraling into confusion.  Even worse, you might opt for a pair that won’t handle the heat and steep terrain that comes with fighting wildfires.

Quick Answer: Best Wildland Fire Boots

Lucky for you, we will take the weight off your mind by coming up with a list of the top wildland firefighting boots that will keep your feet safe and comfortable as you combat the fire.

White’s Boots Men’s 400VLTT smoke jumper (Best Overall)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Exceptional arch support	They’re heavy
NFPA 1997 approved safety
Water and oil resistant
Awesome traction
Durable

Believe it or not, it doesn’t get better than the White’s Smoke Jumper lace-to-toe boots when handling tough wildland fire environments. They’re crafted with premium full-grain leather and reinforced with melt-resistant hand stitches; this keeps them durable for the long haul. 

Another amazing thing is they’ll allow you to maneuver through slippery, rocky, and uneven terrain without tumbling down, thanks to its Vibram lug outsole. Moreover, the Vibram outsoles won’t melt and leave your feet bare.

The feature that will probably win you over is the raised heel. If you thought it was just for the traditional aesthetics, you’re wrong; they offer arch support and distribute the body weight across the arches so that you don’t get fatigued while you walk and run for hours to put off fires.

Not to forget, they have an extended silhouette and a lacing system that runs higher than the average work boots; they prevent sprains and burns and give you a more secure fitting.

The downside is they weigh 7.1 lbs which is relatively heavy and can cause foot fatigue.

Thorogood Men’s Firedevil

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Vibram sole that can withstand heat	Takes time to mold into the shape of the foot
Designed with removable footbed
They’re water-resistant
Goodyear welt construction for durability
Stitched with fire-resistant kevlar thread
Extensive lacing for a secure fit

If you’re looking for inexpensive and functional wildland boots for outdoor work, you should consider the Thorogood Men’s Firedevil. They’re made with heat-resistant material that can withstand high temperatures without breaking down or melting while you handle the needs of firefighting.

For starters, the upper is made of thick leather that protects your feet from burns and piercing objects. In addition, they’re stitched together using NFPA-approved Kevlar thread; they won’t melt and fall apart as you run through wildfires.

More impressively, they will offer you traction as you run through raging flames on rugged terrains without melting down and subjecting your feet to first-degree burns. They have lugged outsoles made of Vibram that can withstand heat up to 482°F.

Did we mention they have extensive lacing and a 10-inch shaft to secure your feet for a more customized fit? Besides that, these Thorogood boots prevent the ankles from rolling in and causing injury to the muscles.

These boots are almost perfect, but they have a long break-in period. Nonetheless, you can wear thick socks to prevent the boots from rubbing against your skin and causing blisters and bunions.

Danner Men’s Wild Tactical Firefighter Boots (Best Breathable) 

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Lightweight	The interior falls apart with constant use
Breathable moisture-wicking lining
Cushioned ortholite footbed for comfort
NFPA 1997  certified
Slip-resistant rubber sole
Electronic hazard protection

Who said wildland firefighting work boots need to be heavy? These boots only weigh 2.58 lbs but offer top-notch protection as you stride through small flames and ash pits. They’re constructed using full-grain leather and lugged Vibram outsoles which are light and fire-resistant.

Also, they’re fitted with a moisture-wicking lining that wicks out excess moisture from the boots; you don’t have to worry about your boots turning into a mini jacuzzi because of excessive sweating coupled with the boiling heat from the fire.  

Regarding comfort, these boots are fitted with removable ortholite insoles that absorb ground impact with every step you take. But that’s not all; they’re cushioned to alleviate foot pain associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and heel spurs. Furthermore, they don’t require a break-in period straight out of the box because the material is flexible.

The deal-breaker is the interior falls apart with constant use.

Scarpa Fuego Wildland Firefighter Boots (Best Comfort)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
They have a male and female sizing	Some develop cracks in the shanks
Slip-resistant outsole
Durable
Fire resistant
Light and flexible

These athletic design wildland boots feature an 8-inch shaft and shoelaces that secure the ankles into place and prevent sprains caused by overpronation, especially if you’re running against the wind to contain fires. Additionally, the gusset tongue prevents objects like debris and flying sparks from getting inside the boots.

They’re also engineered with an EVA midsole and Pro-flex insoles; you won’t have sore feet or develop foot conditions because of walking or running for long hours during the fire season. Moreover, they’re light and flexible for a more natural movement.

To top it off, this leather work boot doesn’t ignite easily when exposed to fire like nylon or synthetic uppers. Similarly, they have lugged Vibram outsoles that are not only slip-resistant but also heat-resistant; they can withstand temperatures of up to 482°F without melting.

The flip side is some develop cracks on the shanks with time.

Georgia Wildland Firefighter Boots (Best for Forest Rangers)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Breathable lining	Takes some time to break in
Excellent arch support
Durable and water-resistant
Fire resistant
Removable brush guard kitties
Lightweight

If you’re a forest ranger likely to come into contact with wildland fires, these boots are meant for you. They’re made with fire-resistant full-grain leather which is sturdy yet flexible; they don’t require a break-in period. 

The boots’ 9.5 shafts and lace-up system secure the foot and leave room for adjustment throughout the day; if your feet get swollen by the end of the day, you can adjust the laces for a more comfortable fit.

Speaking of comfort, the interior is fully lined with soft material; when your feet rub against them, they won’t form blisters or bunions. Additionally, they have removable orthotic insoles and steel shanks that offer arch support; they distribute body weight evenly across the foot and relieve pain and aches from standing and walking on hard surfaces.

Lastly,  the thick lugged Vibram outsole offers protection from sharp objects that could puncture through the boots and cause injury. The lug sole also improves traction so that you stay on your feet regardless of the surface. 

It’s also worth mentioning the outsoles can be re-soled, thanks to the Goodyear welt construction used in reinforcing the upper with the sole; this saves you money because you don’t have to buy new boots. Most importantly, it’s eco-friendly because it means less waste.

Thorogood Men’s Boots (Best Protective Features)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Composite safety toe	They aren’t breathable
Flame resistant upper
Melt resistant sole
Triple rib steel shank
Vibram structural sole
Designed with lace in tongue guard

Unlike other boots in this guide, the Thorogood Men’s wildland boots are fitted with a composite toe to shield your toes from injuries resulting from the impact of heavy falling objects.

Aside from that, they’re constructed with full-grain leather uppers and Vibram outsoles that meet NFPA 1997 standards. The leather is fire resistant and protects your feet from scalds and burns. Likewise, the Vibram outsoles are melt-resistant and have lug designs to improve traction.

The best part is the 9-inch shaft; the lace-up system is also NFPA-approved. If you think the hightop structure is just an aesthetic touch, it helps secure your feet to prevent ankle sprains and offers more protection against burns. 

Also, they have a triple ribbed shank for arch support and to absorb shock; they reduce fatigue and soreness by the end of the fire mission. Moreover, it also improves posture and balance as you walk through rough terrains.

However, these wildland boots aren’t breathable, and this can cause them to stink with time because they trap sweat and moisture; we’d advise you to wear them with foot powder or deodorant and breathable socks.

Types of Wildland Firefighter Boots

Logger-style firefighter boots

These heavy-duty work boots are mostly designed with a polished leather upper, a raised heel, and a high shaft of between 8-11 inches to offer stability, comfort, and protection as you contain fires on harsh, rugged terrains.

In addition, they have a traditional lacing system to set your ankle in place; this minimizes the chances of ankle sprains, especially on rocky grounds. read more about that

Hiking-style firefighter boots

Suppose you’re looking for comfortable boots for walking around the concrete floors of the fire station containing wildland fires. In that case, hiking-style firefighting boots are more comfortable than logger-style boots. 

They’re specially formulated with thick grooved outsoles and high shafts to offer superior traction and ankle support as you walk through rugged terrain.

Tactical firefighter boots 

These safety boots are common within the military and police force. They’re mainly made with leather for breathability and a supportive midsole made with materials that have excellent shock-absorbing properties to protect your feet from hard impact; you won’t have foot pain at the end of a fire mission.

Also, most have high shafts, grooved outsoles, and a lacing system; they meet the NFPA standards for offering the best protection from slips, sprains, and burns.

It’s also worth mentioning they’re lighter than the logger and hiking style boots.

Things To Look Out For When choosing Wildland Firefighter Boots 

Safety features

Other than ASTM standards, firefighting boots need to meet the USFS and NFPA 1997 standards for better protection and navigation through wildfires. Here are some of the safety main features wildland firefighting boots ought to meet in regards to ASTM, USFS, and NFPA standards:

Safety toe 

Considering your feet are probably exposed to blasts of fire for hours, firefighting boots with steel-toe boots might not be such a good idea; they’re good conductors of heat and might end up burning your toes. Because of that, we’d advise you to choose boots with a composite toe; it’s 30% lighter, doesn’t conduct heat, and absorbs the same impact as steel.

High shafts

According to the American National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), wildland firefighters must wear boots that are a minimum of 8 inches from the heel to the top of the boots. 

A high shaft secures your ankles and prevents them from twisting while you run or walk on uneven terrains. Also, they prevent small objects like debris from entering the boots and causing discomfort.

Heat, slip, and puncture-resistant outsoles

Before purchasing wildland firefighting boots, ensure they have NFPA-rated lugged Vibram outsoles. For starters, Vibram is engineered to withstand the heat of up to 482°F; it won’t melt and burn your feet when exposed to fire.

Furthermore, the lug pattern improves traction as you walk and run on rugged terrains; the last thing you want is to slip and fall into the fire accidentally.

They’re thick to prevent foot punctures from broken glass, nails, or other sharp objects lying around as you contain the fires.

Laces

The best boots for fighting fires are laces made of heavy cougar leather, kevlar, or fibers that can withstand extreme temperatures; they’ll hold your ankles securely and prevent objects like debris from entering the boots. They can be adjusted for a more custom fit for narrow or wide feet.

Not to forget, you should consider a lace toe boot that is NFPA approved for extra protection against various hazards, including burns, cuts, and abrasions.

Comfort

Running around putting off fires on hard-rugged terrains can take a toll on your knees, ankle, feet, and back if you’re not wearing boots with adequate insoles. Therefore, the best wildland firefighting boots should be well cushioned to absorb impact from the ground.

Then again, if you have plantar fasciitis, shin splints, heel spurs, arthritis, or any other condition that requires special orthotic inserts, you should consider boots with insoles that can be replaced without damaging the shoe. 

Otherwise, ensure the fit is snuggling but with some room at the toe area; If they’re too small or too big, they might rub against your skin and cause bunions or blisters.

Lastly, most wildland firefighter work boots are hand-stitched and can take some time to mold into the shape of the foot; this makes them uncomfortable out of the box. However, you can start walking in the boots for one hour around the house and then wear them while going out; this helps them mold to your feet before the wildland fire season.

Material

Wildland firefighter boots should be made with fabric that has a low melting point like leather and stitched with triple bonded kevlar; they won’t blow out, melt and fall apart as you run through flames or stand on ashpits.

Apart from heat resistance, the fabric should be durable. You wouldn’t want to invest in boots that are made with low-quality synthetic material and craftsmanship; they might fall apart or melt as you put off fires and expose your feet to flames.

How To Clean Wildland Firefighting Boots

Because wildland firefighter boots get exposed to more abuse than regular work boots, durable material won’t give you value for money if you don’t clean your boots regularly. 

Here’s how you clean your work boots so that they can give you value for money:

Step 1. Use a stiff bristle hand brush to brush off all the caked-up mud, debris, and dirt from the larger part of the boot and a toothbrush around the edges of the boot at the lock stitching. 

Step 2. Wet a sponge or a cloth and apply saddle soap on it, then gently wipe the boots in circular motions, don’t forget to pay attention to the stitches, crevices, and cracks. 

Step 3. Wipe off the excess saddle soap from the boots with a dry cloth; if stubborn dirt is still clinging to the boots, repeat step 2 until it’s completely clean. 

Step 4. Leave the boots to dry for ten minutes.
Step 5. Condition the boots by applying special boot grease using a piece of cloth or your fingers. Make sure you touch all the areas of the boots and don’t forget under the tongue and the eyelets.

Common Question Answer

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the best wildland firefighter boots, our pick would be the White’s Boots Men’s 400VLTT smoke jumper. It has received the most positive reviews and checks out all the design features necessary for comfort, safety, and durability.

Nonetheless, all the boots mentioned in this guide have a high-performance rate and are sure to make the next fire season less risky for your feet.