are there fake leather boots for firefighting that won't melt?

[journey]

I'm getting into firefighting and am instructed to buy all-leather fire boots (because most fake leather melts at high temperatures of fires). But are there any other options? Boots made of Nomex? Kevlar? (surely if so, they'd be much more expensive, but does anything that might be approved for high temperatures even exist?)

[zoebird]

i would ask whomever is telling you what to buy what may be available in non-leather versions. they would know better than anyone who isn't a fire fighter. i'm not a fire fighter--i have no clue what would be viable in that situation.

[animallover7249]

I did a google search for "vegan fire fighter boots" and the only website that mentioned vegan ones was this thread. I would ask whos in charge. I don't think there's any fire fighters on VB. (Well, that I know of anyway.)

[Bof]

Maybe synthetic boots with some fire resistant overboots?

In Australia, firefighters are so tough they work barefoot. :up:

[Waikikamukau]

I'm getting into firefighting and am instructed to buy all-leather fire boots (because most fake leather melts at high temperatures of fires). But are there any other options? Boots made of Nomex? Kevlar? (surely if so, they'd be much more expensive, but does anything that might be approved for high temperatures even exist?)

Not only do they melt, but they actually do so in a way that greatly enhances the damage your body will sustain :(

I'm guessing your best bet is to contact DuPont and ask them if they've produced any material that is rated suitable for extreme temperatures and if they know of any company using it in clothing... Here they have a corporate contact form on their site, just say you're in safety
http://www2.dupont.com/Contact/en_US/corporate.html

If you can't find anything I think this is one of those points where being vegan means "avoiding animal products whenever it is reasonable to do so" and wear leather boots to save your feet :-/ You'd be doing enough good in the job to outweigh the unfortunate need to wear these because your feet do need the protection...

[Fyvel]

Is it possible to buy a used pair of the leather ones?

[Teresa]

I'll have to agree that you may just need to bite it and buy leather at this point. It's no use putting yourself in harms way to remain vegan in this sense.

And I certainly would not see it as a slippery slope issue. Your buying leather only because it is necessary to your job and there really may be no other alternative. You must protect your own self and you would be doing such an important job. I know, I live in California and what would we do without fire fighters?

[megbot]

Is it possible to buy a used pair of the leather ones?

I was about to say this. Buying them used won't promote the killing of any animal, nor the use of any resources. Ebay, craigslist, they're your friends right now :)

[Waikikamukau]

I live in California and what would we do without fire fighters?

I guess you'd all have to stop living near dry forests :p

[journey]

Thanks - yes if I can find a used pair to buy that would at least make me feel a little better about it. (This is for wildland firefighting, where you're likely to be walking in fire, not inside buildings/structures).

I knew about only wearing cotton, Nomex (for shirts, etc) or leather (for boots, gloves), since everything melts as Waiki says in a way that does much damage. So hopefully I'll find a used pair...

[megbot]

What size shoe are you? I'll keep an eye out :)

[Pixelle]

In Australia, firefighter are so tough they work barefoot. :up:


Those dudes are srsly hardcore aren't they! :yes:

[LionSpirit]

This is from 2006 and doesn't say anything about firefighting boots, or boots of any kind, but it's a lovely article :)

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/26/national/26vegan.html?fta=y

[Matthew]

I was about to say this. Buying them used won't promote the killing of any animal, nor the use of any resources. Ebay, craigslist, they're your friends right now :)

With this logic that means it's legal to speed because the car in front of you is speeding.

I recently came to a similar crossroads when I was considering joining the police force, but realized nomatter what there will be some article of equipment that would be impossible to replace. They allow you to use your own holsters, and there are plastic/kevlar holsters you can buy instead of the standard leather police issue holsters. Shoes are commonly replaced by whatever shoes the officer decides to buy. Belts, etc. are often replaced with canvas and nylon belts... The two things impossible to get around for me would have been the kind of hats they wear (Wool felt) AND it would be necessary for me to wear a dress uniform at some point, which would include all sorts of leather and wool... So sorry, I guess for the time being the police isn't a good idea for a vegan... HOWEVER, super hero crime fighter with a secret identity MAY work!

[rapt]

i wouldnt worry about it. using equipment thats not standard issue in firefighting could be pretty dangerous for you and possibly other members in your team. no ones gonna get on your back about wearing leather boots if youre doing an essential service job. if anyone does, theyre an arsehole.

[Lani]

firefighter boot not made of leather?

me to sales
show details 6:45 PM (23 hours ago) Reply

do you carry such a product? if not do you know where one can be found?
would there even be another material that could stand up to the heat of fire and meet all the safety specs for a firefighter boot?

thanks for your time.
Reply Forward

Big Black Boots to me
show details 5:08 PM (38 minutes ago) Reply

We don't carry such a product but it is very common and easily available.
It is the rubber fire boot and is more widely used than the leather boots.

----------

this is from boot.com. i sent an email to the sales dept and that was their reply.

a google for rubber firefighter boots gave me a few good results... here's one of the many that popped up

http://www.allhandsfire.com/page/AHF/CTGY/bootsfirefightrubber

also i found a forum thread about comparing leather vs rubber boots and most people prefer leather for the comfort but the rubber still seems like a good option

http://forums.firehouse.com/showthread.php?t=29368

[Mojo]

Firefighters have to pay for their own gear? What a rip off.

[Waikikamukau]

Firefighters have to pay for their own gear? What a rip off.

I've got a buddy that's been a firefighter for 10 years and he still hasn't payed off the truck, poor bastard!

[animallover7249]

I've got a buddy that's been a firefighter for 10 years and he still hasn't payed off the truck, poor bastard!

Are you serious? They have to pay for the truck, too?

[megbot]

Lani, thanks for the post, that was super informative. I'm definitely relaying that information to friends when I get home :)

[Lani]

Lani, thanks for the post, that was super informative. I'm definitely relaying that information to friends when I get home :)
no problem! i emailed another guy who wrote this:

You might be able to find a boot made entirely out of Nomex. Good luck in your search.

I looked up some things about Nomex and it's mostly used in cloth and as a secondary part of a leather boot. Did not find anything about a boot made entirely out of nomex though, just leather boots reinforced with Nomex :(

Good luck :)

[Matthew]

Are you serious? They have to pay for the truck, too?

I'm assuming he's talking about the pickup truck that a lot of firefighters will get and keep as their personal vehicle as well.

Fire trucks are paid for by local and state taxes.

[journey]

Nykoelle - size 8 women's

Lani - thanks for looking, but rubber fireboots are a definate no-no for wildland fires (I guess that's something they use in structural fires).

I still think used would be the way to go, for many reasons, not to mention price.