Fighting wildland fires is already tough enough without having to worry about your boots falling apart or melting out from beneath you—literally.
With temperatures reaching well over 1,000 degrees, your feet need protection from both ambient heat and burning debris.
You’ll also be spending long days hoofing it through the wilderness, hauling gear, and stamping out fires.
A good pair of wildland fire boots can make a world of difference, I guarantee it.
The right boots will offer sufficient support and cushioning to prevent foot fatigue, keep you steady on even rocky and uneven terrain, and shield your feet from the heat.
After testing out all the pairs I could find, I’ve assembled a list of the five best wildland fire boots on the market that any smokejumper or hotshot will find more than up to the challenges of even the worst blazes.
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How Did I Come Up With My List?
Wildfires are a danger that most of British Columbia faces on a yearly basis. Especially following a particularly dry winter, lightning strikes and human error lead to higher instances of wildfires that can lead to massive damage all across the province.
In 2021 alone, more than 1,600 wildfires burned nearly 3,400 square miles—including more than a few near the city where I live. Local communities banded together to help prevent and limit the spread of fires, as well as helping those whose homes had burned to the ground.
Knowing fires could threaten my family and home at any moment has led me to be prepared for anything. I took a deep dive into all the gear I’d need to combat wildfires spreading from nearby forests or grasslands, arming myself with both the equipment and knowledge necessary to use them.
Of course, that included the right footwear. Firefighters get assigned turnout boots, but us civilians have to rely on wildland fire boots for a safe solution.
In addition to testing every pair I could get my hands on, I spoke to local volunteer firefighters and emergency and rescue personnel for recommendations on the wildland fire boots they recommend. I also combed through thousands of product reviews from real-life users in my efforts to find the best boots for the job.
My research has yielded the list of five wildland fire boots below. I started my list with the pair that I’ve determined to be best overall, followed by the other pairs I believe will suit a specific need.
5 Best Wildland Firefighter Boots to Get You Through the Season
Best Overall: JK Fire Inlander
The JK Fire Inlanders immediately stand out because of their good looks. The premium oil-tanned leather uppers are gorgeous and smooth to the touch, with brass hardware that adds a bit of flair.
However, the leather is more than tough enough to withstand the sort of rugged use expected in the wildlands without showing the signs of wear. The addition of roughout leather in the lowers makes them even sturdier.
The boots are assembled using high-strength Technora thread, which is fire resistant to over 900 F. The Vibram RedX Fire Hard rubber soles are also fire-resistant and well-suited to stomping out sparks or burning grass.
The boots are made very comfortable thanks to their oak-tanned leather insoles and midsoles. They provide the arch support a big, heavy guy like me needs to hoof it long distances—so much so that I’ve actually taken them hiking instead of my usual hiking boots.
What I Like
Excellent arch support and cushioning.
The look and feel make it plain just how high-quality these boots are. Solid craftsmanship in every detail.
I’ve stomped out campfires and brush fires with these boots and never felt the heat. There’s no doubt in my mind they’d hold up to much higher temperatures.
Available in a wide range of sizes and widths.
What I Don’t Like
Break-in time is a bit longer than average for leather boots. During their break-in period, they will be stiff and a bit inflexible thanks to the 10” shaft.
What Other Reviewers Say
More than a few of the reviews I’ve read praise these boots as being well-constructed, with their quality evident right out of the box. Between the top-notch craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and fit-your-foot design, the JK Fire Inlanders are a popular choice among reviewers.
There were a few complaints about the roughout leather lowers, claiming they wore out more quickly than the smooth leather uppers. Others found the boots a bit floppy and hard to pull on.
The Verdict
The JK Fire Inlander provides sturdy, long-lasting protection, ample cushioning and support, and, best of all, stylish good looks. Their premium price tag is more than matched by the quality of their craftsmanship. Having worn them myself, I have no doubt they will last for years of regular use.
Best Low Heel: Nicks FireTrooper
The Nicks FireTrooper claims to be “designed for rugged terrain and extreme conditions”. Having tried out a pair myself in the backwoods of Canada, I can say they absolutely live up to this claim.
The uppers are made entirely from Seidel Maximum Support Work roughout leather, which is a lot tougher and more resistant to scuffs and scratches than I had expected when first trying them on. Scrambling over rocks, roots, and mountain trails, they’ve held up very well even after 2+ years.
The Vibram RedX rubber sole is both heat-resistant and offers pretty impressive traction on wet, gravelly, dusty, and ash-covered terrain. However, it’s the rubber used for the insole and midsole that are really the selling point for me.
It’s solid enough to keep my footing steady but has just enough spring to provide shock absorption and cushioning. Foot fatigue is a thing of the past even after long hours of walking or hiking.
What I Like
Amazing comfort and support thanks to the cushioned insole and midsole.
Sturdy construction and materials.
Aggressive tread makes it easy to navigate any terrain.
More than capable of handling the rigors of wildfire fighting.
What I Don’t Like
The soft toe. More than once, I’ve found myself wishing for a stiffener or toe box when I kicked rocks or logs.
In some places, the roughout leather can look and feel a bit too rough. (I’m more of a smooth leather guy.).
What Other Reviewers Say
Given that the boots are still fairly new on the market, there aren’t a lot of reviewers who’ve tested it out (I’m lucky enough to be one of the first). However, Nicks is a brand that has earned their customers’ trust by providing hard-wearing, long-lasting footwear, and these are no exception. From sizing to customer service to durability, these are sure to be a popular choice among wildfire fighters who need a reliable pair of boots.
The Verdict
As a long-time fan of Nicks’ handmade products, I’m pleased to see the quality of their products extends to the FireTroopers. Sturdy, supportive, and comfortable, they’re everything I hoped to find in wildfire-fighting boots.
Best Mountaineering Style: La Sportiva Glacier
These La Sportiva Glaciers are crafted for post-fire clean-up and forest management work, not directly fighting fires. Though the 8-inch shaft height meets federal standards for wildland firefighting and the rubber soles are heat-resistant up to 300 C, the glue will melt at 100 C so the boots will delaminate if exposed to higher heat.
However, they’re well-suited to long-distance hiking (to reach the site of a fire) or scaling mountain trails. The Idro-Perwanger Roughout Leather upper is sturdy enough for even the most rugged terrain and the Vibram Ice-New HRO Test rubber sole will offer good grip even on ice, snow, and mud.
Thanks to the PU Aircushion midsole, you’ve got support enough to stay comfortable even over a long day of backpacking or hiking. The 1.5 mm Dacromet-coated half steel shank even makes them suitable for work as a linesman or treetopper.
What I Like
Very comfortable and supportive for long-distance hiking and trekking.
Mountaineering design offers excellent ankle stability and traction on uneven, rough ground.
Well-priced but still good quality.
Warm enough to use in cold weather and at high altitudes.
Shorter-than-average break-in period.
What I Don’t Like
They’re not suitable for very high temperatures, so not great for front-line wildland firefighters.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers who’ve tested these boots appear entirely pleased with their comfort and reliability for long-distance hikes or long hours on their feet. The cushioning, support, and stability all earn the Glaciers high marks with real-life customers.
However, more than a few reviewers have mentioned quality control issues that compromise the boots’ durability. Some users claim to get 6-9 months of use, while others only get about 1 year.
The Verdict
For civilians (like me) who get called in to clean up after the fire is largely under control, these boots are a great choice. They’re built for maximum comfort and traction on any terrain and will prevent foot fatigue when trekking to and from the site of a fire.
Best Station Boots: Nicks Side Zip Station Boot
For wildland firefighters who want to be ready for anything at a moments’ notice, the Nicks Side Zip Station Boot are a great choice.
They’re built to serve you for your daily work—stomping out forest fires, working around electrical wires, handling hazardous chemicals, and other dangers you’ll encounter around the station and on the job.
What I love about these station boots is that they’re fully customizable. You can choose everything: color, length, width, last, height, leather style, insulation, toe structure, and even the outsole. They’re made entirely to match your preferences, and as a result, end up being some of the most comfortable boots you’ll ever own.
Like all station boots, they feature the side zipper that makes them easy to slip on and off in a hurry. You can be on your feet and answering the fire alarm in seconds.
What I Like
Everything is customizable, from the rubber outsole to the height of the upper.
The break-in period is shorter than average, so they adapt to your feet and become comfortable much more quickly than the other boots on our list.
Side zipper makes them easy to slip on in a hurry and slip off when you want to kick back.
Well-built and very sturdy.
What I Don’t Like
When I tested them for my station boots list, I found the sizing was a bit off. I had to order multiple times to get the sizing right.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers praise these boots for their short break-in time. One reviewer found that 40 hours was all he needed, while another broke them in over one weekend.
A few users struggled with sizing like I did, but once they found the boots that fit, they had no further complaints.
The Verdict
These boots are ideal for wildland firefighters who need boots that will serve them well both in and out of the station. The ability to customize them entirely ensures you get a pair of boots that will fit your feet specifically, and they’re built to last you for years of regular use in all environments.
The price tag makes it clear these are a luxury, but one well worth the expense if you want a pair of boots custom-made to your exact specifications and desires. You can take total control of the design process so you walk away with a pair of boots you’ll be proud to wear for years.
Honorable Mention: Scarpa Fuego
Though the Scarpa Fuegos are built primarily as hiking boots, they’re compatible with wildland firefighting, too. Specifically, anyone who spends long hours on their feet on unpredictable terrain and needs supportive, stable boots to keep up with their job.
The upper is crafted from 2.8mm Crosta Pro suede leather, with an 8-inch height that keeps your ankles steady no matter how uneven or rocky the ground is. The interior combines a Pro-Flex XT insole and EVA-MP foam midsole to offer cushioning and foot support for hours every day.
Thanks to the aggressive tread on the Vibram M4 Sole, you’ll scramble across muddy fields, rocky slopes, and scree fields without ever missing a beat.
What I Like
Stiff sole won’t bend even when standing on narrow footholds or uneven ground.
Sturdy construction and luxurious look.
Well-padded tongue and ankle provide good ankle protection.
The inner liner offers good insulation against the cold.
What I Don’t Like
The boots are much heavier than I expected.
During the initial weeks of use, they may feel too stiff to be comfortable.
What Other Reviewers Say
With hundreds of reviews and a 4.2 out of 5-star rating, it’s clear these boots are a popular choice among users. Customers praise the quality of construction, aggressiveness of the tread, the stiffness of the sole, and the short break-in time.
However, a few found the sole too stiff for their purposes, to the point where the Fuegos felt constricting on their feet. Also, a lot of users were as surprised as I was by how heavy the boots were.
The Verdict
If you want durability and all-terrain support, these are the boots for you. You’ll scramble up any trail, tackle any muddy slope, and stay steady on your feet all the while. Their stylish good looks and excellent craftsmanship make them a worthwhile investment.
If you want durability and all-terrain support, these are the boots for you. You’ll scramble up any trail, tackle any muddy slope, and stay steady on your feet all the while. Their stylish good looks and excellent craftsmanship make them a worthwhile investment.
Why Do Wildland Fire Boots Have a High Heel?
Wildland fire boots share the same high-heeled design as logger boots for a few reasons.
A raised heel offers better arch support to reduce foot fatigue over long hours and reduces shock to the feet. It also provides better support to stabilize your feet so you avoid twisting, rolling, or spraining your ankle while wearing them.
The high heel is even great for improving grip and stability on loose mountain terrain. The heel design also makes the boots compatible with straps and stirrups, ideal for horse-mounted wildland firefighters and emergency rescue personnel who climb in harness and riggings.
Fight Fire in Style
The right pair of wildland fire boots will do so much more than just protect you against the high heat and open flames. They’ll also reduce foot fatigue, maintain ankle stability, and give your feet solid purchase on even muddy, rocky, and slippery terrain.
Over the course of my tests, I found the JK Fire Inlander boots to be the top pick overall. Between their good looks, sturdy build, and firefighting-specific construction, they’ve quickly become the boots I’d want to take out to battle any wildfires in my area.
Rugged construction, stylish good looks, and amazing comfort all combine in these wildland fire boots. Premium-quality footwear built to last over years of daily on-the-job use.
The Nicks FireTrooper is a sturdy and comfortable second pick and the best with a low heel, while the La Sportiva Glaciers would be my recommendation for anyone with long miles to hike each day.
Don’t let the rough look fool you; these boots are built to last. Amazing support for your feet meets a highly aggressive outsole to ensure all-day comfort and stability.
For use both in and out of the fire station, Nicks Side Zip Station Boots are a great choice. And if you’re going to be tackling challenging terrain, there’s no boot I’d want more than the Scarpa Fuegos.
FAQs
Do wildland fire boots have to be NFPA certified?
All wildland fire boots must undergo rigorous testing and be proven to adhere to NFPA 1977 standards.
What makes a wildland fire boot?
In order to meet the regulations of the U.S. Forest service, wildland fire boots must:
– Be at least 8” tall
– Feature a leather upper and only flame-resistant fiber used on any threads exposed on the exterior
– Have traditional laces and no zippers
– Be finished with a melt-resistant sole
If the boots meet these specifications, they’ll feature a label on the interior that states that it “meets or exceeds testing for a wildland firefighting boot 1977-2016”.
Are wildland firefighter boots good for hiking?
Wildland firefighter boots are great for hiking because of their comfort, stability on all terrain, and excellent cushioning. However, be aware that these boots will be heavier than your average hiking boots because they are built using heavier-duty materials. Their primary purpose is to withstand fire, with comfort and stability over long-distance trekking a secondary concern.
