Tupelo Fire Equipment is more than a company that just "wants to make money" from Emergency Services, we want to make sure you are as informed as possible. We want to help you make the best decisions for the needs of your staff. This page is solely for information purposes and it not intended to "sell" one product or brand over the other. Please see below for some of our more commonly asked questions on equipment.

Boots

What do I need to look for when buying boots?

We all know boots come in both rubber, leather or a leather/Kevlar™ blend. However, there are a few things you need to look for no matter what boot you choose. Below is a general list of do's and don't for purchasing footwear.

DO look for a rugged foundation like Goodyear welt construction (usually indentified bu the stitching of the sole to the boot). It breaks in and forms to your foot and never, ever loses it shape.

DO look for a streamlined design without busy stitching or foam that adds nothing to the safety of the boot. Less is best when it comes to exterior design much like the aeordynamics of a high-end vehicle. Fancy stitching and gimmicks, such as heel support or extra padding add nothing to the safety or ultimate comfort.

DO look for lightweight construction

DO look for sturdy straps that won't break

DO look for good, confortable fit and remember a short break in period is sometimes necessary

DO look for the best moisture/chemical/pathogen protection like Crosstech®.

DO ALWAYS look for NFPA Firefighting approved. Without this, you may not get the steel toe, midsole and shaft. You may come up short on many other features as well.

DON'T settle for cement-type contruction (resembles a sneaker) that will loose it's shape and critical support over time.

DON'T settle for heavy boots that will get heavier as the job gets longer. Remember, a streamlined design keeps weight down and less weight equals less stress.

DON'T settle for this or flimsey straps. Watch for too much stitching that can weaken the strap, and cause them to break (think perforated paper).

DON'T be fooled by boots that are very cushy right out of the box. When the cushioning wears down, the boot's interior can become hard, the fit can get sloppy and you become uncomfortable with no support.

DON'T settle for inferior brands which tend to leak.

What's better rubber, leather or leather/kevlar®?

As with everything else in the fire service, all boots have their place.

Rubber boots keep feet dry and protected. They resist mold, mildew and pests and they come in many sizes and design. They are also the most price friendly. However, rubber boots tend to be heavier, hotter and many not have the best sole needed for your specific application.

Leather boots are a great alternative. They seem to be more comfortable for the firefighter, have greater movement and can definately be more stable (less slippage). They also resist mold, mildew and pests, although not to the extent of rubber boots. Leather boots can be pricey however, so plan on paying a good bit more for your boots. Leather boots are usually lighter than rubber boots and have more protection against cuts, rips and tears.

Leather/Kevlar® boots are the most breathable and the most protective of the boot lines. They have even greater movement than leather boots and become even more comfortable over time. They are in the same price range as the leather boots, and offer more durability on the shaft of the boot. The only complaint we have received on these boots are the kevlar® shafts will "soften" over time to the point that they will not "stand up" in pants correctly, thus making it harder to jump into the boots and pull the pants up.