Boots!!

[Delta107]

As an Explorer/Jr. FF, have any of you bought your own structural FF boots? (Leather or Rubber).

[jacklrd]

No
















don't do it
















its a waste of money

[NWOhio157]

No.




















Don't do it.















It's a waste of money.
















They're department-issued already.














And it's almost Christmas... Santa's watching...

[KEEPBACK200FEET]

I did as a junior one time, after my rubber boots (which were the right size) rubbed bloody blisters on the back of my feet. Best fire related purchase I have ever made.

[NWOhio157]

I did as a junior one time, after my rubber boots (which were the right size) rubbed bloody blisters on the back of my feet. Best fire related purchase I have ever made.

I don't have that problem anymore because I'm gellin'.

[KEEPBACK200FEET]

It was the top of the heel of my feet. Almost at the Achilles Heel. It's ok though, I've been wearing the same pair of Throughgoods since I was 16 and I'm going on 22. They've still got alot of life left in them.

[NWOhio157]

It was the top of the heel of my feet. Almost at the Achilles Heel. It's ok though, I've been wearing the same pair of Throughgoods since I was 16 and I'm going on 22. They've still got alot of life left in them.

I've always heard good things about Throughgoods...

[ExplorerLt1991]

We were issued them w/ our turnouts

[firemonkey311]

If your a jr. or an explorer and your dept didnt issue you them i wouldnt run out and get some leather boots. Thats alot of money to spend. Just get some rubber boots and make sure they fit comfotably.

[KEEPBACK200FEET]

If your a jr. or an explorer and your dept didnt issue you them i wouldnt run out and get some leather boots. Thats alot of money to spend. Just get some rubber boots and make sure they fit comfotably.

If you get them now, however, you'll have them when you become a full firefighter. If you want the boots, buy them. Make sure, however, that the fire service isn't just a passing interest to you.

[tbonetrexler]

The department should issue them to you. I was issued rubbers when i first joined and got leathers the next time they placed an order for boots.

[ResidentTruckie]

My department issued boots fit amazing well, at least compared to listening to everyone else complain, I guess I am the only one with boots that fit well.

The only outside of department stuff I have bought is a flashlight and some small doo-dads and a leather helmet.

[Motorhead90]

I tried the Globe Magnums on at the Combat Challenge over the summer, the ones I tried were shoe fit, they were schweet! But don't spend money on them, explorers just need safe gear that does the job.

My real boots are 10.5 Firewalkers

[t0asty]

I have no idea what half the gear I am wearing is... the boots are worn... and the jacket and pants are just miss matches. though the helmets are fairly new. All I know is I trust the fire department to equip me with gear that is safe reliable and able to protect me in the training that we get to do. The only thing I bought was a pair of leather gloves and cheep little flashlight. Don't worry about boots. (though i am just talking from my experiences as an explorer and have fairly no idea what your post is like.)

[npfd801]

If you have to buy a pair of leathers, watch eBay. I bought a pair of leathers when I was hired full time (they only issued rubbers) and got them off of eBay. I maybe paid half of what they cost new, and they were fine. I couldn't detect any wear on them.

Any of the leathers on the market will be a HUGE step up from rubber boots.

Best part of the pair I bought online was that just about the time I wore them out I found a recall for them on the IAFF site, and I got a nice new set of leather boots from the manufacturer. Can't beat that...

[Motorhead90]

I have no idea what half the gear I am wearing is... the boots are worn... and the jacket and pants are just miss matches. though the helmets are fairly new. All I know is I trust the fire department to equip me with gear that is safe reliable and able to protect me in the training that we get to do. The only thing I bought was a pair of leather gloves and cheep little flashlight. Don't worry about boots. (though i am just talking from my experiences as an explorer and have fairly no idea what your post is like.)

Most posts get gear handed down when the dept. replaces it's inventory. They could also buy surplus gear or they get stuff donated thru other depts.

[mikie333]

somewhat on the topic...

do any of y'all or know FF in general that replace the (I can't think of the actual name) 'insert' in the boot and upgrade to a nicer one (purchased wherever regular shoes are bought)

I ask because my boots fit fine, however after standing for a while my feet do start to hurt

thanks!

[t0asty]

Most posts get gear handed down when the dept. replaces it's inventory. They could also buy surplus gear or they get stuff donated thru other depts.

Yah what we have is the old handed down gear. (the department just went from tan to black gear). but they still keep it more or less in good condition. I think the only new explorer specific gear is the Tactical Tupperware but that is still old stuff.

And mikie: are you talking about orthodontics(sp?)? but no I have not heard of anyone doing that. would not surprise me if someone has. But I know how you feel. feet hurt after standing in my boots too long. Just something I live with once a week.

[fireman4949]

For crying out loud! BUY YOURSELF A PAIR OF BOOTS!

I will never understand someone tolerating foot pain and blisters, simply because they're too cheap or stubborn to buy a pair of boots.

Your feet are extremely important! If you can't walk, climb, stand or function properly because your boots are worn out or don't fit well, either requisition a new pair, OR BUY YOUR OWN!
A person that can't perform 100% because their feet are hurting is a liability on the fire-ground...Even if that person is only a Junior.

...Just my .02 cents...

[BlueMtnsFirey]

Yah what we have is the old handed down gear. (the department just went from tan to black gear). but they still keep it more or less in good condition. I think the only new explorer specific gear is the Tactical Tupperware but that is still old stuff.

And mikie: are you talking about orthodontics(sp?)? but no I have not heard of anyone doing that. would not surprise me if someone has. But I know how you feel. feet hurt after standing in my boots too long. Just something I live with once a week.

Ah you are actually thinking of orthotics.....orthodontics are things like plates and braces....teeth stuff that are applied by an orthodontist.
You get custom orthotics from a podiatrist and standard footbed from your local walmart/sports store.....try the gel footbeds....great on those long HAZMAT incidents
Def: Orthotics is the field concerned with the application and manufacture of orthoses, devices which support or correct human function