Examples of Recommended Footwear for Wildland Fire Fighters in Alberta
This guideline is to assist firefighters in the selection of footwear for the wildland fire operations in Alberta. All boots worn for Alberta wildfire operations must meet the following requirement.
Footwear for fireline tasks requires aggressive soles with a lug pattern, (e.g. Vibram) be manufactured of rubber or composite rubber compounds and a boot height minimum height of 20-cm (eight inches).
Depending on where you work, leather or rubber footwear may be your preference.
Footwear constructed of all leather material is the best choice and offers a better fit with greater ankle support in rugged terrain. Proper fit is essential for comfort and safety.
Quality leather footwear that meets these guidelines will generally cost a $ 150.00 or more. Currently, CSA approved work boots dominate the retail market. We anticipate the availability of non- steel toe boots for fireline operations to grow providing firefighters with increased choice and better fit.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) - 1977 boots are non- steel toed and these boots meet the above guidelines.
Rubber boots for the fireline should be constructed of natural rubber and provide cut protection. Boots that meet these requirements include Viking, Husquvarna, Jonsered and Acton chain saw protection footwear available. These brands are available at most Safety Supply/Chainsaw retailers.
The following prices were provided by retailers in early April of 2002 and should be used as a guideline only
Boots recommended by Mark’s Work Warehouse
Men’s 8" Matterhorn Hiker style boot, Vibram rubber outsole, full leather upper, leather lined. steel toe 8 plate, retail of $149.99
WP1004 Marks Work Warehouse Men’s 8" Boot, Kevlar thread and Kevlar toe wrap, as well as Kevlar rubber in the soles. Limited units in this boot, but we still have some on hand (500+) which would likely work well. STSP, Retail of $149.99
WP8005‑ Marks Work Warehouse Men's Black 8" lace to toe full leather boot, with lug rubber outsole, STSP, Retail of $119.99
MWI‑19030 Marks Work Warehouse Men’s Black 8" boot, rubber toe cap over leather, rubber lug outsole, STSP, Retail of $109.99
Men’s Caterpillar Raymond, ‑ 8" leather upper, rubber lug outsole, STSP, Retail of $179.99
Men’s 5 Star General ‑ Men’s Lace to Toe, 8" Full leather upper, Vibram outsole, STSP, Retail of $179.99
34374 Canada West, ‑ Men’s 8" logger tan leather upper, Kevlar toe wrap, Vibram rubber outsole, STSP, Retail of $169.99
Boots recommended by Commercial Bearing (Nisku Safety)
Pro Warrington Model 3050 NFPA 1977 Wildland Firefighter Boot Leather footwear, Retail of $220.00 (WFORC Field Testing)
PRD14481 Prospector, Gortex, all leather, vibram lug sole non steel toe. Spring price $225
(similar to the Danier Boot) 869 Prospector, Gortex, all leather, vibram lug sole CSA steel toe. Spring price $250
94088 Caterpillar Troy, -8 leather upper, rubber lug sole, lace to toe, STSP, Retail $169
Boots recommended by Red Wing Footwear
#8220 ‑ steel‑toe (CSA boot with steel toe and steel midsole) ‑ approximate retail $260
#2218 ‑ steel‑toe boot used a lot in the United States ‑approximate retail $328
#2292 - steel‑toe boot features both Gore-Tex and outlast ‑ approximate retail $360
#899 ‑ soft‑toe boot used a lot in the United States ‑ approximate retail $285
#699 - soft‑toe boot used a lot in the United States ‑ approximate retail $298
#692 - soft‑toe boot features both Gore-Tex and outlast ‑ approximate retail $350
#618 ‑ soft‑toe boot that is insulated with 400 grams of thinsulate ‑ approximate retail $315
The above prices were provided by retailers in early April of 2002 and should be used as a guideline only