Boots: Leather Vs. Rubber Reasearch Data

[CFDENG23]

My department currently issues rubber boots as i am sure many others do. I am trying to convince the union safety committe to try for leather or at least get some sort of member partial reimbursement if they choose to buy them themselves. I am looking for good credible research data to support my views. I personally wear Pros both pull ons in my bunkers and zippers for station and think they are gods gift. Can you guys give me some ammo to support the pro leather push.

[Rescue 21]

We didn't really do any scientific research, we just got some for the guys to wear test and they love them. More comfortable, better traction especially on a pitched roof, better ankle support, etc. When the City switched to a quartermaster system for one for one replacement, leather boots are an option we can choose when we need new boots. Can still get rubber IF you want but most are going to leather. Was out for 4 hours on Christmas morning at a 2 alarmer. Temp around zero with -15 wind chill, and my feet were still warm. Didn't even have heavy socks on, just tube socks.

Hope this helps.

[Kyle Wickman]

We got them about 2 years ago for the whole dept. We like the low weight and ankle support. Try FDNY I think that every truck co. wheres them.

[Stuart Cobb]

Try looking at http://www.warringtonltd.com/

I've been wearing the Warrington Pro's for 9 years now. The only time I ever wear my rubber boots is for flooded basements.



[This message has been edited by Stuart Cobb (edited 01-04-2001).]

[lumpy649]

Any reputable leather fire boot manufacturer should be able to provide you with the information necessary to further your cause. I've personally seen test data that shows that leather fire boots reduce overall firefighter fatigue, body core temps, and offer more foot/ankle support than their rubber counterparts. Personally, after wearing leather boots for almost all of my nine years in the service, I'd cry if we went back to rubber boots. And, if my opinion counts for anything, Warrington makes the best boots out there. I did own a pair of Ranger Firewalkers, but those wore out relatively quickly and were not nearly as comfortable or durable as the Pros. Good luck on your argument...

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[FitzBFDT2]

I agree with Kyle, your best bet is to get in contact with the FDNY. Try their Research & Development Unit. The main # is 718-999-2000, then ask them to connect you with their R&D Unit. All their ladder, rescue and squad companies are issued the leathers. Hope this helps.

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Kevin M. Fitzhenry, [email protected]
Firefighter, Truck Co. 2
City of Bayonne (NJ) FD
www.bayonnenj.org/fire/

[RookieFireFighter]

I hate wearing the rubber boots. Especially in cold winter climates. I usually wear heavy socks, but my feet still get cold. A lot of us also have "mysterious holes" somewhere in our boots where water seeps through them. I've checked mine many times and still can't locate a hole. I don't think that there are any members on our dept. (paid and vollie) that wear them, exept while at the station (oh yeah, the combat challenge team has them). As soon as we get a call, the driver's hop in their turn outs and we get dressed (if we have to) when the equipment van makes it to the scene. That's about the only time our boots are warm. I'd personally like to see the dept buy them for us, but we are on a limited budget (like so many dept's). I know this isn't going to be any help to you, but it's my 2 cents.

[ffirefighter]

Originally posted by CFDENG23:
My department currently issues rubber boots as i am sure many others do. I am trying to convince the union safety committe to try for leather or at least get some sort of member partial reimbursement if they choose to buy them themselves. I am looking for good credible research data to support my views. I personally wear Pros both pull ons in my bunkers and zippers for station and think they are gods gift. Can you guys give me some ammo to support the pro leather push.

LEATHER!!
Not only do they fit better, but they are easier to work in. The have more flexibility.

[FitzBFDT2]

Try this Warrington Pro link out. It has test data that was funded by the IAFF and FEMA. Should get you started in the right direction. www.warringtonltd.com/?i=test

Hope this helps.

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Kevin M. Fitzhenry, [email protected]
Firefighter, Truck Co. 2
City of Bayonne (NJ) FD
www.bayonnenj.org/fire/

[CFDENG23]

Thanks for the input guys, I tried the university of delaware website because they did the study found on warrington's website but no luck.

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Views stated do not reflect that of my department or local.

[MPreb362]

watch what kind of soles you get. the cold weather climate that we live in has caused a few broken arms and elbows from sliding on the ice and snow. the flat structural soles on my older pros are no good for slippery surfaces. a more boot like type sole however works fine. I, like the rest of the posts, don't think i could go back to rubber. the comfort and sure footing i get from the leathers speaks for itself. good luck with your search and stay safe.

[John_Ford]

Been wearing Warrington PRO for about 10 years. Won't go back to rubber. Did the Combat Challange in them. Don't EVEN think about it in rubber. I have a station pair for EMS and two sets of bunker boots. Bought my brother his first set when he got hired. I have a contact with Jim Walters who is connected with PRO. Drop me a line and I'll hook you up with him.

[RADFIRE]

CFDENG23 Call The National Fire Academy library and state your interest. Their number may be in the federal pages of your telephone book. I forget where I got it. hey have all the data on file from all publications, manufacturers and studies or tests. I'll look and if I find it I'll send it to you. The info is free of charge, it's funded by the feds.

[RADFIRE]

The number for info on equipment studies and implementation isn't on my material. It's the FEMA, Nat'l Emergency Training Center in Emmitburg Maryland. I have worn Warrington Pro's and a leather N5a and in have pushed in my old volly outfits to make them standard. The info I got was from the above address. I'm career now and lost all my attempts to change the volles. The above center gives you information compiled from magazines and trade publications for research for your project. Hopefully I helped you out. Good luck.

[MarcBouchard]

What if ???

What if the rubber boots were now as light and as comfortable as the leather boots ?

Here is some info :

http://www.airbossdefense.com/Fichiers/4098_The_Boss_Spec.pdf

A rubber boot that looks fits and feels like leather, but its a rubber boot. Try it out would be me advice.

Good luck.