Leather vs rubber boots

My dept just received a FEMA grant and we are getting all new bunker gear! I would like your input on leather boots. We have never had leather boots and would like to know the pros and cons. Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Captain William Frazer on March 3, 2011 at 10:59am

Though we always used the rubber boots, we also got a grant several years ago. We have a urban/wildland interface so I wanted a all purpose boot. I found a boot made by FireTech, which was made as a structural and wildland boot. This allowed it to be used for brush fires, and climbing, SAR etc. but also met the criteria from NFPA to use as a structural boot. They cost the same if not less then regular structural boots. They are warm and comfortable. NOTE: if you get them, allow the members to wear them off duty for a short time, the break in time takes a bit, have them get them wet a few times as well. From there they are great in my opinion. They are good for station boots as well. GL

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Permalink Reply by James William Elmore on March 3, 2011 at 11:27am

I like leather boots. You would have to beat me to make me put rubber boots back on. I have read a study that leather is better at wicking away hazardous substances than rubber. Can't remember which magazine it was in.

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Permalink Reply by Brody Zimmerman on March 4, 2011 at 11:40am

We had vendors stop last night and one guy had GLOBE leather boots which I loved but he was saying that they rip easy and had other negative comments and tried selling a boot that is hybrid like, half rubber half canvas, which i didn't like at all. Have you had problems with the leather tearing or wearing out?

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Permalink Reply by Rescue601 on March 4, 2011 at 6:38pm

My entire department has been wearing Globe leather boots since 2007 and we have not had any issues with the boots. They fit and wear like a pair of tennis shoes.