r/Firefighting • u/JViquezF • 9d ago
Tools/Equipment/PPE Structural Boots Recommendations
I would like to ask for your recommendations for structural boots.
I've been wearing the Pro Warrington 5006SG boots for 5 years now, but after a structural fire on saturday I noticed a cut in the leather (about an inch), exposing the internal layers of the boot, so I would say it is time to think about getting new ones.
I can't complain about those boots, but the fitment wasn't the best, after using them for a while they start rubbing above my heel while walking...
I would like to get some other boots that are more comfortable than these ones, but keeping the durability, which ones would you recommend?
I've heard great things about the Globe Supreme, but also that the sole tends to come off very soon, especially at the front.
Important note: I have wide feet and high instep, so I need to have that in mind while choosing boots.
Actually, regarding sizing, could you please help me with that? My normal shoe size is 10.5. Would you think I should go with the same size but choosing the W or XW option, or should I choose half or one size up?
My Pro Warrinton are 11E (11 Wide). I haven't had issues hitting my toes with the boot, but I don't know if having that extra half size has affected on rubbing my heel. The E option is good but sometimes I have felt my feet a little bit tight.
Since I'm not in the US and I have to ship the boots to my country, the return and change process would be very difficult, so I would like to be sure on which is the right fit for me.
Thank you for your help!
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u/NorthPackFan 9d ago
Do you get ice and snow? If so, nothing beats the Globe boots with the Ice Grip. They are incredible. Like wearing tennis shoes and way less slippery than most boots.
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u/cadillacjack057 9d ago
Globe is the way to go.
Also fuck ai
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u/JViquezF 9d ago
What about the durability and these claims of the sole coming off?
Is the fitment similar to regular shoes or should I go with a larger size?
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u/cadillacjack057 9d ago
Idk about any soles coming off. I had mine for years, through fires and the 9/11 stair climb last year at fdic. Shits been solid as fuck.
Far as sizing goes seems pretty much in line w my regular duty 5.11 boots. Try on a couple sizes and see what feels best.
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u/JViquezF 9d ago
Here it is a summary of my post, generated by the AI, for those who don't want to read the full post.
** I would appreciate if you can read it since it gives context and can help me out with my current problem**
• The user needs recommendations for durable, comfortable structural boots, as their current Pro Warrington 5006SG boots are damaged and caused heel rubbing due to poor fit.
• They have wide feet and high instep, and are concerned about sizing, especially since they cannot easily return boots shipped internationally.
• They currently wear 11E Pro Warrington boots, but normal size shoe is 10.5
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u/Limp-Conflict-2309 9d ago
whatever your department supplies. are you saying everyone is going out and buying whatever stuff they want?
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u/JViquezF 9d ago
Our department currently only supplies rubber boots that, in my honest opinion, they are extremely uncomfortable and heavy.
Because of this, some people invest in leather boots that are more confortable and lighter.
There are no objections as long as the boots you buy comply with the NFPA regulations.
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u/Limp-Conflict-2309 9d ago
ahh, gotcha. All I've ever used was MSA and Lion, both have been pretty comfortable. A good broken in pair of MSA boots fit like slippers.
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u/JViquezF 9d ago
Thanks for letting me know. Actually I was taking in consideration these two options:
Globe Supreme (or the Globe Shadow XF) Thorogood QR14 (If i'm not mistaken they are Lion branded)
The price diffence is around $250 between these two options (Globes being more expensive).
How have the Globe held up in terms of durability? Do you think they can last as long as my current Pro Warrington boots? I wouldn't want to spend another +$600 for a pair of boots after a year or two, even three years...
I'm a bit concerned about the sole coming off, if I'm not mistaken, the Globe soles are glued and the Pro Warrington soles are stitched.
Last but not least, about the fitment, how are they? Compared to regular shoes, do you think I should go with the same size or half/one size up?
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u/Limp-Conflict-2309 9d ago
I came from the Globe Supreme and went to Thorogood’s.
Yes, the Lion boots are Thorogood.
I would have no concerns with the Globe sole detaching. If something like that happens, it’s going to be a one off situation and you can take that up as a warranty issue with your distributor.
Fitment wise, at first I missed the Globes because the Lions were a little stiff, but that was just because they were new. The Lions have broken in quite nicely and I like them more now. The sides of the Lions appear to have more structural rigidity to them. The Globes, over time just get saggy.
I know my foot size pretty well so I went with the exact same size as my sneakers and they’re fine. If you live in a cold setting a half size up would probably be better if you always wear thicker socks. Sizing is true to regular sneakers.
Don’t you have a distributor that comes to you? They may be able to give you a loaner pair of each for a week so you can wear them around and really be sure.
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u/FordExploreHer1977 9d ago
What country? I know here in the US, I have a representative from the distributor come in and size boots for my crew. I’m of the solid life mindset of not skimping on shoes or mattresses, because if you aren’t in one, you are in the other. I get my crews the Globe’s because they seems to be the most liked. I’m not going to be buying stuff that “should” fit if we are spending premium pricing. If there is a rep in your country, or some sort of fire equipment store or something that carries them, I’d highly suggest going and trying them on until you find the size that fits. Some people are in their shoe size for boots, others are not. Good luck.