Just got my first leather fire boots

[Adze39]

Just got my first leather fire boots. Department issued me a pair of LaCrosse FireTechs.

How much do leather boots in general "break-in" (so to speak)? I'm not sure if I like the way they feel, but then again I'm used to over 11 years of wearing rubber boots. I'm wearing the leathers now trying to break them in and it appears that they are starting to feel better.

And for the brainiacs who offer such good arguments such as "Pro Warrington's are the best" and don't say anything else, save your breath.

[E229Lt]

Hey Adze, when you're done with them, have them bronzed and hang them from your rearview mirror.

I know what you mean, tough to get into and out of, compared to rubber. I wasn't sold too quick but now, I wouldn't go back...they'll grow on you.

[fallujahff]

Took me a couple of "wet" calls to get them in right. When I first got them, I was downright alarmed at how bad they felt! After they broke in though---mmm now I would never go back. They're more comfortable than slippers!

Give em a little time ADZE, they will definately prove themselves to you!

[hwoods]

AWRIGHT!!

More good news (I think) My lovely bride just advised that my fathers day present would be a pair of Pro boots (everyone here uses Pros for some reason) I have spent my whole 45 year career in rubber, Rangers for the last 25, so this will be new for me also. Big question for Bro. Adze, did you get the pull on or the side zipper style?? Stay Safe....

[DeputyChiefGonzo]

The disadvantage of leather fire boots: they are not as easy to get into as the rubber ones.

The advantages: they are incredibly comfortable! I wore mine around the house for a few days prior to bringing them into the station to "break them in". I could not go back to rubber boots for duty wear!

I wear cow on my head, cow on my feet, they are comfy and look really really neat!

[Adze39]

hwoods: They are 14" pull ups.

Gonzo: nice last line...you're a poet and didn't even know it!

[distchief60b]

Adze...they will break in rather quickly...especially after you get them wet a few times. Some of the folks I used to work with used one of the "boot remover things" to get them off. In fact, PRO used to give everyone one of them because it kept people from standing on the heal and pulling, which caused the liner to pull loose.

As E229Lt says....you will never go back. So much more comfortable and allow you to do so much more in relation to time working even though they are not that much lighter than the rubber... They are so much more user friendly....

Hwoods.....you should tell her to delay and get a pair of the traditon 14" boots.... They are similar to the HAIX boot, but much better, more comfortable and will outperform Pro, laCrosse fire techs etc...

www.fireboot.com

[RyanEMVFD]

i get my leather boots next week, fed ex be willing. can't wait for them. i'm getting the thorogood 14 inch pull ons. was only given certain amount to spend on gear and boots.

[Assistant16]

Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice!

Leather boots are the best. I bought my own pair about 3 years ago and it was the best investment I've ever made. I wear rubber boots in my other department and when I work at the training center, and I can't stand them compared to my leathers. I only wish I had money to by another 2 pairs. Good luck with them, you're gonna love them.

I wear Black Diamonds as do most guys in my department that have purchased their own boots.

[Roofhook]

Congratulations !!!!!

Welcome to a life of comfort!
I have had my Rangers for about 5 years now. Just got a pair of Lacross 14" pull-ons last year. Just can't beat a good pair of leathers!
It will take a couple times wearing them to break them in.

[hwoods]

2 Quick Responses..............

In response to 2 items above:

Capt. Stan, Thanks, I'll look into your idea

Capt. Gonzo, Being an old farm boy, I can send you anudder part of a cow for your chapeau. Stay Safe....

[Duffman]

Like Ryan, I have the thorogood boots. I absolutely love them. One or two wettings and they feel great. I don't think you will be going back to rubber.

[Weruj1]

Adze,
Thanks for the post I also just got my Servus "Firebreakers" last night they are 14" pull ons, and when I tried them on late last night they were tight. I havea a question about sizing ......I ordered the same size as my tennis shoe. I have worn then around work today some and they do seem to loosen up a little. I have noticed that the heel of one boot rubs against my achillies tendon. hmmmmmmmm what else did I want to ask ..........oh yes any tips on getting feet in and out ? I did notice that it is much more difficult ......and dont want to damage the liner, and are they better more snug than loose ?

[FiRsqDvr45]

Had mine a few weeks now and I have noticed that they have stretched just a bit from a wee tight in the sides of the arches and toes to almost perfect. I also found that as they break in that they have a little wiggle at the heel in one, that the guys have said is best cured by a wool or Goretex socks or a few good wet/dry cycles. (I have one 10.5 foot one 11, go figure, nothing a nice pair of thick socks doesn't cure.)Over all they feel pretty much like I am wearing my Thorogood station boots under my bunkers and the added agility and lessened weight is a huge benefit. A few guys also added a pair of those Dr Shoals gel pads in their boots, I guess some of them (Warringtons?) have a pretty solid sole without much padding?
The only negatives I have heard is the afore mentioned tightness when getting into them (which in older boots lead to tearing of the inner fabric in the heel area), and that the outer toes get eaten up pretty fast which some guys lessened by more duckwalking then crawling.

Rubber boots are great for fishing and my hip boots are awesome for flooded basements but I won't give up these leather boots or my moo-dome for the daily jobs.

[ThNozzleman]

Just got my first leather fire boots. Department issued me a pair of LaCrosse FireTechs.

We're having problems with our LaCrosse boots. The liners keep pulling out and/or wadding up. One of our distributors is replacing some of ours. One of our guys almost wasn't able to get his off after a call the other night, due to the liner wadding up around his ankle as he was pulling them off. A couple of guys had to help him get his feet out.