Product Question for Firefighters/Wildland Firefighters

[KIseminger]

I am a structure firefighter in Summit County, Colorado but also do wildland deployments in the summer. I am looking at upgrading boots from my Redwings that have done well for the past 6 years. I am looking at Nick's boots, Whites, or something like it.



Have any of you that work or have experience in this field have any good info or experiences with the higher end boots?



I am also looking at an Eagle Pack; wasn't thrilled with my True North.



-Kyle

 

[smartineau]

I just typed a really nice long reply, and it disapeared.



Readers Digest version. Nicks Hot Shots are great I love mine. After buying mine they now have a lace to toe, I think that style may be even more comfortable.



I have some Whites walking shoes, great also. I'm sure the Smokejumpers are great.



I don't think you can go wrong either way. Buy now it will take some time for them to break in. When it comes time to rebuild, make sure you have enough life in them to make it through the entire season, or rebuild early. After a rebuild you will need to break them in again, although it is easier the second time around.



Buy now! break them in. be careful out on the line.



steve

 

[smartineau]

I forgot I use a "Nimrod" pack, there are a lot of straps to secure everything down and keep it from sagging and falling which is great. But I had to trim a few of the straps shorter, they just seemed to get in the way. At last years red card refresher course somebody had an awsome pack we all loved that thing, but I forget the name. It was not worth tossing my pack for it. With a Nimrod pack you can buy the pouches that you want for the gear that you carry.



steve

 

[guava]

I believe the the guy who makes Nicks used to be at Whites... I've been to both shops. I own a pair of Nicks and they are great. I didn't get the insulated ones and wish I did. They seem to absorb cold through the sole when its really cold.



Mine are comfortable enough to jog in. Hard to get used to because of the high arch but after that they are great. I've had mine for 7 years.



I'd give white's a similar vote of confidence. Higher priced and a little better finish but your paying for the pretty factor when your just going to climb through the muck.

 

[KIseminger]

Thanks guys. The lace to toe is actually the ones I was looking at. I want to get them soon so I can wear them at my upcoming S-234 class and get them at least somewhat broken in (as long as I don't get put on another waiting list )



-Kyle

 

[KL]

On fires I wear 10" Whites smokejumpers. They are expensive, but worth it in my opinion. They can also be rebuild. I had mine rebuilt last fall for $179.



I have also heard good things about Nicks and Hawthorn boots. I don't think you can go wrong with Whites, Nicks or Hawthorn boots. Good luck. KL



P. S. A word of caution about steel toed boots for the fireline. They can get very hot. I have seen people have to take their boots off, because the steel toes got so hot.