Bunker Boots

[brodie]

Im trying to decide which kind of Leather bunker boots to buy. Im looking at the Haix Fire Hunter, Pro-Warrington or Black Diamonds. This is my first pair of Leathers so Im not sure which are best. Any opinions?

[alexff67]

I have two pair of the pro's, they wear like iron and are comfortable, some of the other guys have black diamond boots, but they do not seem to hold up as well.

[N2DFire]

O.K. - I have first hand experience with only Black Diamonds (the 8" Lace/Zip up ones) but I'll toss in my $.02 anyway.

You didn't mention which style of boot you were looking at so

Tip # 1 - Get the Bunker Style (or at least the 10") boot.

The 8" is nice if you're going to be standing all the time - but as soon as you start crawling around in the muck & gunk - you get a nice gap between your boot top and where ever your bunker pant leg ends up.

Tip # 2 - Compair Weight, Fit, and Comfort before you compair price.

Speaking as someone who is on a limited budget ( What Budget ??) - I know what it's like to look at those high number price tags and think HOLY MOLEY !!! But I've been wearing my Black Diamonds's for almost 8 years now and there still in fairly good shape. So don't think of this as a 1 time large $$ purchase - think of it as a small $$ long term investment.

Also - watch the weight of the boot - Lighter is Better !! The longer you wear the boot + the heavier the boot = the more fatigued you become.

I have absolutely nothing but good things to say about the quality and service I've gotten from my pair of Black Diamonds and when I save up the $$ to replace the pair I have now - i have no reservations about buying Black Diamond again - but only if theyr the lightest, best fitting for the price boot.

you've already covered the "hard" part - the decision to buy leather. Trust me - you're feet will thank you !

Take Care - Stay Safe - God Bless
Stephen
FF/Paramedic

[brodie]

The style Im looking at are the 14" pullups.
Thanks for the replies

[fireman_387]

Haix !!!!! Tried them in Indy last year. They fit better than anything I have been used to.

[mark440]

Give Thorogood a look. I have had this pair for over a year now. They are nice! I will never wear a pair of rubbers again. If and when I replace this pair I want to invest in some Warrington Pro's! You know how the saying goes "Leather Forever!" also goes for boots too!

[EUitts]

I swear by my Warrington boots. I have not worn any other brands of leather boots, but from talking with folks who have, and the good experience I've had with Warrington, I would highly reccomend Warringtons.

I've worn a pair of pull ons for five years now, and a pair of zip ons as station boots for about a year, and I'm very happy with both; they are very comfortable and have held up quite well.

Regardless of the brand that you settle on, make sure you keep them up. The well worn look looks good to some, but saddle soap and polish now and then will make them last longer.

[brodie]

So far it looks like the Warringtons are the boot of choice. I have not been able to try a pair on as of yet, do they have alot of ankle and heel support? I have a problem with my heel lifting in the rubbers. Their the right size, I even tried a new pair but it still happens. I tried on a pair of Haix yesterday and they fit great but I havent heard of any long term reviews of them.

[wsfiremn]

Brodie

I too have a pair of Throgood 14"pullups I got them at Fire rescue International in Louisville,Ky in 1997, they have had alot of use and are still in good shape. Just as with any fine leather product you must clean them and treat them with a leather conditioner. I use a product called FIBINGS 3 in one conditioner usaly after every other shift.

As for the weight for me I think they are very light weight, much lighter than "rubber".

As for the price, only around $175 or so alot cheaper than the PROS, and "I think they are just as good as the more pricy brands."

Good luck

[popeye1c]

Go with the warrington's, I have a pair of 8" and 10" zipper style, also 14" pull up style. I have tried many other brands and these are the most comfortable and durable boots.

[CFDENG23]

Brodie,

I have worn almost all of them, Servus, Ranger, Black Diamond, Lehi, and i am here to tell you warrington is the only way to go. Comfort, durabilty and time tested. We make almost 4000 runs a year on this company and wear them a lot. Stick with the best and steer clear of the cheaper knock-offs. You'll be happier in the long run.

[PuffyNPFD]

I own both Warrington 14" and Black Diamond 8" zip ups. The Warringtons are the best. They fit comfortably and with the square toe you need not worry about you foot being tight. I have relegated the Black Diamonds to back up and tech rescue use. The Warringtons are the way to go.