[Archived posts]

[Originally posted 04/10/06]


I need some insight from other women in our line of work. Is your department issuing out women's turnout boots? If so what type? If not are you still issued men's turnout boots in a size 5 if you need a women's size 7? Would this then be considered discriminatory since they are not supplying women with women's turnout boots that meet the NFPA 1971 - 2000 edition but instead making women wear men's boots that do not fit in the heel or the arch?

Thanks, Jeanette

[Archived posts]

[Originally posted 4/11/06]

Jeanette,

I have some bad news for you, fire boots don't really fit anybody, just like fire gear. Of the 37 members in our department, only about three are happy with the way their boots feel, despite professional fitting. Leathers are more likely to fit than rubbers, but are heavier. Shoe-fit rubbers fit better than regular rubbers, but still rub at the heel and are almost never really "wide". Try putting good quality sports insoles in the boots, they help with the arch issue and make the boots fit tighter (reduces rubbing).

Also, please don't be so ready to throw the discrimination flag. It's not there to get you the boots you want; it's there to protect you from abuse. Having a '7' on your heel rather than a '5' isn't abuse.

If the boot fits, wear it. If it doesn't fit, try another one. I can honestly say that I have never, in ten years, had a fire boot that was comfortable, I don't even notice when I am fighting fire, and even when my toenails get torn off and my heels are shredded. I just focus on why I am there, not minor details.

For the record, women’s boots are the same price as men's, I have ordered them, issued them and worn them and I have not found any difference in the fit, just the number on the heel.

Good luck, Jenn

[Archived posts]

[Originally posted 5/3/06]

I was just at the FDIC conference in Indianapolis and tried on the new Extreme Gear boots by Globe Manufacturing. Very impressive - excellent fit and REALLY comfortable - check these out. They also have station boots. And, not that it matters to some, but they look very cool. I really like my Warrington Pro leather boots but these new "Xtreme" ones are worth looking into.

Next item, I did a lot of research into what is happening in the world of glove manufacturing and there is one company who is dedicated to making women's gloves FIT. I am working with them on a new template for smaller hands. I will keep the WFS membership posted, but realize these things take time.

Please make sure that your gear fits and if it doesn't, make sure your department knows it (preferably in writing, i.e. documentation). Your safety depends upon it! There are good bunker gear companies out there who try hard to fit everybody and will keep trying until it works. If your manufacturer can't fit you, there IS another out there who will. Keep up the good work ladies!

[pfdfyrgirl]

I am glad to see that there are more manufacturers providing Women's boots so that now departments have more than one or two options for purchasing our equipment. I would like to know more about the Women's turnout gloves too. After 17 years it is nice to see that we are being recognized as an integral part of departments.