Wildland Firefighting -- boots

.Hugo.Red wing

schismThe company I worked for only required 6 inch boots so I got a pair of Scarpa SL ACTIV. Didn't get to work too much due to the lack of fires in BC last summer, but they've become my go to for hiking and and minor scrambles and they're super comfy. I would for sure go to a nice store and try on as many boots as possible to find the ones that fit you the best. As for socks I just go with smartwool hiking socks, but others can chime in on socks.

Profahoben_212Dude that is so sick! Fuck yeah!! Thought about doing that too, but fug it I'm going home this summer. Gunna try to get my emt at the local school in the 3 month program and see where that takes me

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50KalI used the REI Co-op Merino Wool Liner Sock as a regular sock. Work pretty well. Some fire guys will tell you shouldn't use a sock that has more than 50% sythetic material because if you stand in/on ash hot enough they can melt to your feet. Lots of fire guys wear silk liner sock with cotton blend sock.
Get a couple types and see what works best for you feet.

I have super sweaty feet so I have a bottle of gold bound powder in my over night bag. I recommend it so you don't any fungus or any other foot problems.

50KalYou'll have a blast fighting fire. What crew are you on?

SLC should have a good boot store. Might take some looking around. Also Boise has some good boot stores.

I bought the Danner Wildland Tactical Firefighter boot last year. Worked well for the season but by the end of the season the heel was blowing out pretty good. I'm kinda of looking for something better. I might go back to it though cause it was super comfy.

What ever boot you get you should get it soonish so you can start breaking it in. Some heavy duty leather boots take awhile to break in.

I used the REI Co-op Merino Wool Liner Sock as a regular sock. Work pretty well. Some fire guys will tell you shouldn't use a sock that has more than 50% sythetic material because if you stand in/on ash hot enough they can melt to your feet. Lots of fire guys wear silk liner sock with cotton blend sock.
Get a couple types and see what works best for you feet.

I have super sweaty feet so I have a bottle of gold bound powder in my over night bag. I recommend it so you don't any fungus or any other foot problems.

.lenconNot exactly sure what crew yet. On an engine crew for the BLM in southeast Idaho.
Do you know the name of the Boise stores?
Yeah I made this thread so I can buy ASAP and break it in haha.
I will for sure pick up some powder, better safe than sorry.

.lenconI actually haven't heard great things about them.. did you ever use em?

.Hugo.Ove never heard anyone say bad things about red wing.... theyre the only boots i buy

Profahoben_212It doesn't take much to melt socks. Playing soccer back in high school on a turf field and it was a really hot day.....other teams goalie stood in place too long and melted his cleats/socks and had his entire foot a a blister. You don't want that haha

jblaskiBullshit.

Profahoben_212Nah it's not. 124 degree day. Turf clocked at 172 degrees....melted my the soles off my shoes...like the glue melted. Idk if it was the socks melting or just straight heat but opposite goalie had to go off and he taped up his entire foot. Saw it after the game and it was gnar. Pretty much everybody had to get new shoes

crotchventI'd believe glue melting not the actual plastic sole of the shoe

Profahoben_212Yeah that's what I meant. Came out wrong. All of our soles fell out...and anything else glued came off too. Had to get new shoes.

Every 10 minutes we had time outs for players. We were rotating every 5. They had AC machines on the sideline blasting on the bench. Sacked ass

crotchventIf it was that hot they should have cancelled the game. Certain point whem it becomes dangerous to be out in hot weather. Just like they will cancel school and close hills if it's to cold.

Profahoben_212100% they had about every coach in there screaming at them. But the complex "prides" themselves on being able to be used in all weather. With their AC for summer and I think they have heated fields for late fall early spring. So they didn't want to...was straight retarded.

cydwhitMy brother did this till he got married. He was a big red wing / danner fan. The biggest thing though, just like ski boots, is trying them on. They fit you or they don't, and regardless they'll probably require some bear grease / breaking in.

.Hugo.Ove never heard anyone say bad things about red wing.... theyre the only boots i buy

Barf.I work with the USFS in Recreation but fight fires when I get the chance. I have a set Whites Smokejumpers and they are the best, I'd highly recommend getting them or Nicks. A lot of guys are swearing by the Lowa boots because they are a bit lighter and easier to hike in. Some people do not like the taller heel on the whites/nicks, but you can special order a lower one. It all comes down to preference and trial/error. I personally would avoid red wing or danner boots for firefighting. They make fine work/hiking boots but have trouble staying alive and comfortable for a whole season on the line. As for socks I only use Darn Tough boot socks, no need for a liner as long as I am vigilant about foot care. Don't go cheap on footwear and take advantage of the boot stipend program. Good luck this season.

MLBI fight fire in Alberta,and we had a 22 day deployment in Montana for the DNRC. I would say most of the guys on the line that I met swore by custom Whites. I knew one guy who swore by his La Sportivas.

Get the Whites with the good Vibram sole. BREAK THEM IN BEFORE YOU GET TO THE LINE. I can't stress this enough. They will fuck up your feet in the first few wears, but once broken in they will be as comfy as slippers. Wear them everyday on some heavy hikes for a few weeks and they should be good.

Have you checked out what line pack your gonna get?

MLBYeah, I liked the Whites...but the shop we got them from had all the sizes and custom fit us. I think the La Sportivas are what your looking for. They are more like a traditional hiking boot. Scarpa have a different sizw profile but the boot is almost the same.

Get your own pack. Your back is going to thank you for it. I used the stock pack that we were provided for a week and the shelter dug two giant sores in my back. I borrowed an old Mystery Ranch bag and it saved my deployment.

Nargear and Mystery Ranch are the brands I thought fit the best.

CaseyThe redwings I had didn't come with a very aggressive tread on the sole. Not that great in the mud. But the leather quality was great. I have the 8" Danner Quarry in steel toe they are bomber. The only thing that sucks is they are made in China. Danner still makes some boots in the USA but they are expensive. I would go with a logging/construction boot if I were you none of the hiking sandal manufacturers that make boots are going to hold up worth a shit.

.lenconYeah, I'm just not sure how well the La Sportivas will hold up, or the Scarpas.


I might have to look into some packs then.. how much do they usually cost?

MLBAnywhere from 200 up to 400 bucks. There are so many options. True North is another company, coax-sher, and Wolf Pack. They have different price ranges and options depending on what kind of crew your on. Spend the money though. Boots and pack are going to be your life this summer...don't skimp.

.lenconI tried on some Danners and they didn't fit well. Right now whites are the best ones I have tried on. Gonna try some more stores this week to try to find more brands.

50KalIf your going to be on a engine crew that most likely means you will have your backpack on the truck.
If you were gonna be on a hand crew or a hotshot crew who hikes a lot more that would make it worth to get your own pack.
I'd worry more about boots.

SounderIf you got some cash to drop get a custom fitted pair of Nicks or Whites boots. They last for a lifetime, are comfy as hell and look badass as frig. Be warned however; These boots will easily run you $400 or more.

50KalI used the REI Co-op Merino Wool Liner Sock as a regular sock. Work pretty well. Some fire guys will tell you shouldn't use a sock that has more than 50% sythetic material because if you stand in/on ash hot enough they can melt to your feet. Lots of fire guys wear silk liner sock with cotton blend sock.
Get a couple types and see what works best for you feet.

kim_jong_illThe thing of using 2 pairs of socks is super important. I build trails for a living in the summer and let me tell you, when you get a blister and have to keep working it blows. Use a DRY wool sock over a DRY silk or other light and smooth sock works wonders! have fun and remember that your feet are one of the most important things to take care of.

kim_jong_illThe thing of using 2 pairs of socks is super important. I build trails for a living in the summer and let me tell you, when you get a blister and have to keep working it blows. Use a DRY wool sock over a DRY silk or other light and smooth sock works wonders! have fun and remember that your feet are one of the most important things to take care of.