DO YOU KNOW THE FIREFIGHTER FOOTWEAR STANDARDS?

Firefighters put their lives on the line for men, women, and children every day. No firefighter has a safe job and to ensure these heroic men and women are able to safely save lives, it’s important that they are given proper job-safety protection. This protection includes having footwear that meets firefighter boot standards. If that pair of footwear comes with a foot specialist seal of approval, even better!

Firefighting footwear must comply with at least 11 performance standards. We’ve outlined these below.

Standard 1- Heat resistance. Each boot must remain fully workable under heat tests without melting or having delamination.

Standard 2- Corrosion resistance. Corrosion resistance means all metal parts of the boot must remain fully workable and not show any surface corrosion other than a light percentage. The metal parts include; aluminum, copper, zinc, brass, and stainless steel.

Standard 3 - Conductive heat resistance. This means during a conductive heat test the inside sole should not exceed 111 degrees Fahrenheit.

Standard 4 - Thread resistance. Sewing thread heat resistance means all thread used in the sewing process must be tested for heat resistance. During the testing, the thread must remain fully workable and that means no melting, charring, and can not ignite.

Standard 5 - Attachment strength. Did you know that all parts of the footwear must be tested including the eyelets and hooks?

Standard 6 - Flame resistant. Like standard one above, the boots should not ignite, melt or drip after a flame has been in contact for longer than two seconds.

Standard 7 - Label legibility and durability. This simply means all labels must remain in the same place manufacturers placed them on the boots and must remain legible always.

Standard 8 - Cut resistant. Footwear must withstand any cuts made from wood and other debris on the ground.

Standard 9 - Puncture resistant. Footwear must withstand any punctures made from wood and other debris on the ground.

Standard 10 - Abrasion resistant. Footwear must withstand any abrasions. 

Standard 11- Slip resistant. Footwear must be able to keep the firefighter afloat should there be water on the ground or slippery terrain.

The design, construction, and make of protective footwear include many variables. While firefighter footwear must comply with the 11 standards mentioned above, not all boots create a universal solution for every situation. As a podiatrist that has extensive training in trauma and limb saving procedures, Dr. Han of River Podiatry always recommends his firefighter patients use every precaution to protect their feet to avoid puncture wounds, cuts, burns, strains, etc...

Aside from protecting your feet from serious injury, keep in mind that being on your feet and working in heavy gear can put a strain on firefighter’s feet. It’s recommended for firefighters to get their feet checked at a podiatry clinic regularly. 

At River Podiatry we provide individualized, comprehensive, evaluation and treatment of patients with podiatric issues. The practice specializes in foot surgery and the treatment of foot pain. Expect the best possible care utilizing the most modern techniques.