CALEMT
The Other Guy/ Paramaybe?
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When in doubt, black polishable, steel toe.
What do you look for in boots?
- Thread starter DragonClaw
- Start date
When in doubt, black polishable, steel toe.
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And make sure they fit correctly and are comfortable.
Fezman92
NJ and PA EMT
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I have Haix. It took a few times because I'm anywhere between 6-7.5 depending on the company.
DrParasite
The fire extinguisher is not just for show
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So, my low-cut side zip boots were inappropriately disposed of from my job, so I'm in the market for new boots.
My current budget is $200, and my primary requirements are easy on and off, comfortable, and able to last for a few years of part time shifts. These will be my station boots and ems assignment boots; anything heavy-duty (technical rescues, MVAs, etc) will involve turnout gear.
I still have my stormtrooper haix boots, but I can't justify to myself wearing them in the county, especially when it's much slower than my city shifts
I'm currently looking at the EASY ESCAPE (STEEL TOE) (based on recommendations here)
www.redbackboots.com
but they are from Australia, so I don't know if there are any special import fees.
anyone have any other recommentations?
My current budget is $200, and my primary requirements are easy on and off, comfortable, and able to last for a few years of part time shifts. These will be my station boots and ems assignment boots; anything heavy-duty (technical rescues, MVAs, etc) will involve turnout gear.
I still have my stormtrooper haix boots, but I can't justify to myself wearing them in the county, especially when it's much slower than my city shifts
I'm currently looking at the EASY ESCAPE (STEEL TOE) (based on recommendations here)
Men's Steel Toe Work Boots | Redback Boots®
Shop for steel toe work boots for men from Redback Boots. Our boots and shoes are designed with safety and comfort in mind, using high-quality leather and steel reinforcements.
but they are from Australia, so I don't know if there are any special import fees.
anyone have any other recommentations?
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You should be able to find Redbacks for less than 200, and those would be my pick. Just make sure you read the sizing instructions (I think, can’t remember 
) that you order a size down than your usual. I also find them to run big for their size.
Our (internal) uniform store carries them for 170. A little google seems to show you can do better.
) that you order a size down than your usual. I also find them to run big for their size.Our (internal) uniform store carries them for 170. A little google seems to show you can do better.
NomadicMedic
I know a guy who knows a guy.
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You should be able to find Redbacks for less than 200, and those would be my pick. Just make sure you read the sizing instructions (I think, can’t remember
Our (internal) uniform store carries them for 170. A little google seems to show you can do better.
Redbacks are great station boots but provide ZERO ankle support. Not a great boot unless you're doing nothing but walking on totally flat surfaces with no terrain issues. I loved mine until I almost broke my ankle while wearing them on a motor vehicle accident and extricating a patient from a car that was down an embankment. I immediately went back to my trusty 5.11 ATAC and now wear Haix Airpower XR2s.
Good boots make all the difference.
CharlotteGriffin
Forum Probie
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Carhartt has honestly been a great brand for both footwear and tech pants. They mostly have colors that work and even good sizing for women!
DrParasite
The fire extinguisher is not just for show
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I'll be honest, if I'm operating on an MVA, I'm likely to be in full turnout gear with Warrington pro leather firefighter boots (as I mentioned up above). If I do Tech rescue stuff that doesn't require FF gear, I might grab my haix storm trooper boots (which are probably the same ones you have)
If I can get some redbacks for under 200, awesome. there aren't any local suppliers by me, but if I can order online and get them with free shipping, it would be worth it.
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I do not wear them on anything outside of “regular” EMS calls and going to the store. When I work in the mountains I don’t even bring them to work. They’re also pretty average in snow, but can’t beat em in the summer.
The Possum
Forum Crew Member
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For the last 20 years I have worn the Reebok tactical boots. They're like sneakers. I recommend them strongly. They're usually around $110 a pair. They only last usually about a little over a year but they're worth it. Those other boots hurt my feet.
DrParasite
The fire extinguisher is not just for show
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I was looking for redbacks, but the price was higher than I wanted to spend... however, they do have a line called blue tounges, which are cheaper by about $70
Men's Blue Tongue Safety Boots | Redback Boots®
Blue Tongue Footwear by Redback Boots features a puncture-proof footbed, plus soles that are acid, oil, and slip resistant. Take a look at our Blue Tongue Footwear line for men.
still no ankle support, but decent for station boots and "routine" EMS calls
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I had blue tongues, they lasted for years. The redbacks have nicer soles though.I was looking for redbacks, but the price was higher than I wanted to spend... however, they do have a line called blue tounges, which are cheaper by about $70
Men's Blue Tongue Safety Boots | Redback Boots®
Blue Tongue Footwear by Redback Boots features a puncture-proof footbed, plus soles that are acid, oil, and slip resistant. Take a look at our Blue Tongue Footwear line for men.
still no ankle support, but decent for station boots and "routine" EMS calls