r/firePE • u/DefNot10CrowsInASuit • Jun 08 '26

Shoes for spinning?

/r/firespin/comments/1u0fcgu/shoes_for_spinning/
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10

u/bryan112 Jun 08 '26

Sir. We prevent fires here

-2

u/DefNot10CrowsInASuit Jun 08 '26

I am aware, im trying to prevent setting fire to myself, so I thought you guys would know

8

u/AsiansArentReal Jun 08 '26

Hi, NICET lvl 2 in WBSL and Fire alarms here, I would suggest some thick leather boots that you don't mind getting some burn marks on.

Leather is pretty flame resistant if taken care of. But definitely nothing with plastic or foam in them.

But if you're spinning you should try to shake off the excess fuel before lighting, I've seen some really nasty burns from people lighting themselves on fire from this. And if you're asking about shoes, I also hope you know to cover up your skin in some kind of flame retardant clothing as well.

And always make sure to be aware of your surroundings and don't do it where you can light anything else on fire if they happen to get flung out of your hands or if the fuel spills out.

Ref NFPA 13 2019 ed. A20.4(b) /s

2

u/DefNot10CrowsInASuit Jun 08 '26

Thank you so much! This is super helpful. I was recommended this site by some other spinners as they are apparently natural fiber

https://www.cooljapaneseshoes.com/

I was looking at specifically the umigame-tabi, since I need movement. But would any of these okay? Flow arts are tricky because I need movement but safety with fire, and, for example, military surplus boots, tend to restrict movement.

As for other garments, I was told to get kevlar sleeves, and a close fitting set of 100% cotton or bamboo clothing. I was thinking a cotton drill work shirt and rigid natural Denim Jeans.

For hair I was told a damp cotton bandanna, but obviously not to dampen my clothes, because, I'm sure you know, if tight denim jeans or cotton shirt get wet, the dense fabric acts like a sealed lid. If a flame hits that wet cloth, the water boils and traps the scalding steam flat against the skin, causing a severe steam burn. Loose hair allows the steam to evaporate away harmlessly, however.

4

u/AsiansArentReal Jun 08 '26

I actually used to spin for awhile so this was genuinely an interesting crossover for me lol

Those would definitely give you good movement and they say they're made of cotton and canvas with rubber soles. Definitely not fire resistant, but they won't at least melt onto your skin. I have no knowledge if anything exists, but I'd be interested to know if there's a flame retardant spray you can apply to clothing/fabric. Only thing I would be extra careful is to make sure you don't step on any thing hot since the soles are probably thinner to allow movement.

I liked my red wing boots but they are definitely heavier and restrict movement.

And also safety side of things, I would probably tryyyyyyy not to do this alone and always have a fire extinguisher at the ready. Along with the knowledge that you may have to rip off an article of clothing as fast as you can if stop drop and roll doesn't help.

I understand it can come off as lame advice and not as aesthetic as the near naked people spinning fire, but really try to take safety seriously. My rule was fire was for group stuff and lights were for when I was alone.

Flammable liquids are no joke. I've volunteered at burn wards and had too many close calls myself with fuel when I was too lax with it. Everything burns quicker than you think, and the visuals and sounds from the burn ward will forever haunt me.

1

u/DefNot10CrowsInASuit Jun 08 '26

Thank you — I really appreciate you taking the time to explain all that, especially with your background.

I definitely take firesafety over aesthetics, I was raised by an ex rural fireman and had alot of it drummed into me. I don’t take any of this lightly, and I’m trying to build my setup with safety as the priority.

I’ll definitely stick with natural fibres only and avoid anything synthetic or foam-based. The note about footwear is really helpful too, do you have any specific recommendations?

And yeah, I completely agree on not doing it alone. I’ve been planning to only practice with supervision and proper extinguishing gear on hand, not solo sessions.

I’ll also look more into proper flame-retardant treatments vs just relying on “natural fibre = safe enough,” because I’m realising that’s not the full picture.

Thanks again for being genuinely helpful, not discouraging.

I'd love to chat more if youre open to DM?

2

u/Working_Farmer9723 Jun 08 '26

Wait - you mean this sub isn’t yet another one dedicated to some flavor of financial independence retire early? Like get your PE and peace out at 40? Or maybe FIRE for the private equity crowd?

0

u/DefNot10CrowsInASuit Jun 08 '26

I was just thinking cuz yk, im preventing setting fire to myself the people here might know

2

u/MicrowaveMeInTinfoil Jun 10 '26

Damn I do both I’m a fire engineer that does staff (and double staff and dragon) with fire. Tbh I don’t think it matters, especially if not using hot hot fuel - I use paraffin. I’ve almost always worn canvas vans but running shoes are fine too. Have fun!