Leather Structure Boots

[captmike130]

OK guys and gals, help me out here. I am going to order 90 pairs 14" Leather Structure Boots for our department (5 stations - 90 Vol. FF) to complete our PPE purchase from our 2007 Grant. I am currently reviewing the following (in order by proposed cost) and need input on experience, comfort, wear and tear, problems, etc. :

STC (Shoe Technology Co.) Marshall $$$
HIAX Fire Hunter US $$
THOROGOOD Hellfire w/ Kevlar Top $
PRO-WARRINGTON 9020 $

[jhawkjack]

We just went through the same study, but the new globe magnums won out, even though the firefighters had to pitch in $30 on their own in order to get them with our $250/pr grant funding. What I can tell you that other than a few comments about their "moon boot" style it was a unanimous decision when the committee brought it before the department. I personally couldn't believe how much more comfortable and light they were. I just hope they hold up.... but globe does have a lifetime warranty on them. Thats my 10 cents worth.

[jonnyirons2]

Haix are really narrow around the toe, which is a problem. I wear Warrington Pro's at work, and they hold up fairly well. Have only gone through one pair in 6 years, and that was cause it generated a leak, but then again we take them off and on sometimes 25 times in a 24 hour shift.

[acado64]

We did the same evaluation last year. We ended up buying the Airboss boots. Sounds weird, but they were as comfortable as any of the ones you mentioned, offered better protection (Haz Mat, CBRN & Urban SAR) in a rubber boot. I know most people don't believe me when I say it, but they are as comfortable as leather boots (for a rubber boot). And the cost was half of what we would've paid for. You gotta try them to see for yourself.

Stay safe.

[achief15]

After a lot of evaluation, we went with the Globe Magnum. I had Pro Warrington's personally, and the difference between them and the Magnum was incredible, even before being broken in. Felt like I was wearing a tennis shoe. The Globe product is great. It did take a few weeks to get them in however. That would be the only downfall so far.

[jasper45]

The Globe product is great.


By far the best firefighting boot on the market. They're expensive, but worth the money.

I've worn the Warrington Pro, Jolly's, and Haix. There is nothing wrong with those other boots, it's just that the Globe is so much better. Before you make a final decision, really try to get a rep in who sells Globe and try them out.

[BKDRAFT]

I wear Pro Warringtons and love them. I wear there 10" zip up boots around the house and the 14" pull on boots on calls.

[KevinFFVFD]

I just bought a pair of Thorogood Structural Leather boots and I love them. This is only my second pair of boots because these are replacing the standard rubber boots the department issues that are really uncomfortable. I wore my Thorogoods and notice a 110% difference. I can’t speak for the other ones though, but several people on my department use Thorogoods and we all love them.

[Alex1137]

I can only say good things about my Pro Warrington 5006's. Very comfortable with a WIDE sole, which has saved my ankles many times, and a low profile which fits well in our foot controls - this cannot be said about the massive globe boots. I also found that the globe boots were too slick on wet roofs (because of the shallow lugs???) and slide off ladder rungs easily when compared to Warringtons. They also cost right at $250, falling into your budget. Just keep in mind the latest isn't ALWAYS the greatest.

[Alex1137]

.....but then again we take them off and on sometimes 25 times in a 24 hour shift.

Does that mean you put them on 12.5 times and take them off 12.5 times, therefore taking them on and off 25 times a shift, or are you actually running 25 calls a shift? ;) I don't remember which truck/engine you're on, but thats a lot of freaking calls, even for NYC....

[jonnyirons2]

Well the Engine where I work does almost 5000 and we do 3200. And I always seem to get stuck working on the 20 run days, and that doesnt include getting the meal and what not. They give us these doffing devices, but its harder to find them than its is to use!

[Gx7E10]

The Haix pull-up leather boots are great, but if you can spend the extra for the Haix zip-ups. You'll never wear another boot.

[Alex1137]

They give us these doffing devices, but its harder to find them than its is to use!

Care to expand on this device?

I don't know about you, but I stick my feet in my boots and pulls my pants up. Pretty straight forward if you ask me :D Granted I only do it 5-6 times a shift....

[jhawkjack]

alex:
I tried the globe on slick surface and didnt really notice any difference between these boots and our former rubber boots. I'm not a salesman for globe but I also tried the warrington 5006 and noticed quite a difference. I felt the globe felt more like a shoe than a boot, I know everyone has their preferences, but I didnt see anything like being "slick on a roof". I am just a lowly volunteer officer, but I take my firefighter side of my life very seriously, and maybe you have a point about the globes but I didnt see or feel any significant difference. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I want the best for my crew, and I felt the globe was a significant different boot. I hope the fire service is always trying to improve itself and I hope my decision to go with the globe boot is correct. I do appreciate your opinion, and just like our department there are always differences of opinions, but thats what this forum is about. Discuss and then Decide. Thanks to everyone Jack Lt. HFD

[jwfire2000]

I wear and sell the Thorogood leather boots. Let me know if I can give you any specific info on this brand and different styles.

[curbside42]

I wear Haix Firehunter AF. What a great boot. The Elastic in the Front top of the foot area is great. I have also worn the Haiz Zip up boot. Top Notch. Tried the Globe and did not like. to much heel slip

[mtngael]

I just received a pair of the Globe boots and they are SWEEEEET!!!! yes, extra $$ to be sure, but by far the best pair of boots I've use in 17 years.