Being retired I don’t need to wear boots day to day. Black Diamond Footwear asked me if I would take a pair of their boots for a test drive and I said why not. The boot is the X-Boot, Stock #0975 and out of the box it looks like this.

Here is what I thought when I put them on. First off they were a perfect fit right away. The company did a good job quizzing me on my foot size. The fabric lining on the inside made the boot feel more like a comfortable pair of shoes than a work boot. They go on easy with the integrated loops and they seem to snap in once the foot is in the boot. The other thing is the style, they look good. Like I mentioned I am retired so I cannot speak to how they feel on a full work shift around the firehouse or fire ground but I can imagine.

I can represent how they feel after a couple of days of wear around my home and property.  One review I read likened them to wearing a pair of tennis shoes. I second that sentiment. I have to say these boots are something I would be comfortable in for continuous workdays or an extended shift.

9.5 out of 10! Solid A grade.

Here are the particulars;

Comfort System : Comfort Fit Plus – with Enersole
Boot Height : 14 Inches
Leather Upper : Prime’s Firestorm(TM) Genuine Leather
3-Point Heel Lock System : Exclusive 3-Point Heel Lock for Fit & Comfort
Lining : CROSSTECH(TM) Fabric with Cambrelle(TM) 300g
Kevlar Lining : Kevlar(R) lined for maximum protection
Venting System : Reinforced Ventilation Eyelets to Promote Airflow
Tibia Protection : 1/4″ Sponge Rubber for Maximum Protection
Toe Cap Protection : Tuffy Shark Scuff Resistant Leather
Steel Toe : Hi 500, Meets of Exceeds ASTM Standards
Steel Midsole : Stainless Steel
Steel Shank : Double Ridged Steel
Midsole : 2.2MM Rubber Mid
Outsole : Vibram #1275 Rubber
Footbed : PU Orthotic Footbed, Fabric-covered, Removable
Pull-On System : Integrated Loop System for Add Strength
Certification : NFPA 1971 Edition Standard for Structural Firefighting

So what exactly is so great about Ortholite? Wish you knew a bit more about the company and its leader and the many other brands who choose its comfort capabilities for their insoles. Great new piece in  The Sun Chronicle explaining it all…

To read the full article online visit – http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2010/07/18/features/7683444.txt

And check out the mention for our favorite boots:

A few weeks back I recieved a pair of structural firefighting boots from Black Diamond Boots who was a co-sponsor of the FireEMSBlogs.com meetup at FDIC in Indianapolis.  They are well know for their Boot Girls.  You can meet them and try on the boots for yourself in Baltimore July 22-24th at Firehouse EXPO.

Oh, sorry, the boots.

I’ve had a fair variety of different boots over my 16 years of pulling these things on, from basic rubber boots as an Explorer Scout, to heavy duty duty boots and all leather turnout boots.  These X-Boots look nice and have a few special features that I liked.  It also has one feature I did not like, but more on that later.

Let’s talk about the evaluation period.

I used these boots on a total of 11 shifts.

In those shifts they experienced 2 fires, dozens of medical jobs and a few MVAs.  Whenever partaking in a ladder drill, I made sure to volunteer to climb and lock in.  Whenever on a medical I carried the chair/patient and footed the gurney, used the boot to elevate the board for taping, you get the idea.  I tried to get them into every possible situation I could encounter during the trial period.

The X-Boot is a leather/kevlar/rubber combination boot that when worn is very comfortable.  Even as a new, stiffer soled boot, it was more comfortable than I expected.  The sizing is also great, with my 11.5 feet staying in the 11.5 boot.  We all know when walking down an alley at a fireground pace a loose fitting boot is annoying and you get that clop clop feeling as the boot slightly hangs on your foot, heel loose.

The X-Boot has a 3 point heel lock feature that may lend to this problem being eliminated, but I can’t feel anything “grabbing” or “holding” my heel in when I walk.  It just feels better than other boots I have worn.

NFPA standards are met or exceeded by this product and they did just fine in the fire environment and were very easy to clean afterwards.
Locking in on both straight and extension ladders was no different.
Crawling and performing other fireground tasks was also very similar to other boots I have worn.
A feature I think I would like after a few years is the extra material on the top of the toe.  My current boots are torn up from crawling and footing gurneys, even this additional 1cm of rubber is huge in the long run.

Built in pull up loops replace the more common straps to pull the boots on, but I prefer the straps and have never lost one yet.  The reinforced material to accommodate the handles causes the one drawback I found with these boots.  When donning, the boots go on fast and slick.  When back in the dorms, the wide opening and reinforced profile make it difficult and time consuming to pull the pants back down around the boots.  To test this, I borrowed a larger pair of turnout pants to see if it was just my gear, but even a larger set was difficult to pull down.  When running multiple building alarm, MVA and fire calls it got frustrating, but I’m willing to put up with it for the better fitting boot.

In the end I would recommend this boot to anyone looking for a comfortable fitting turnout boot.  The list price of $249.99 is more than reasonable for this product.

Part one had to do with my first impressions of the boot. This post is part two… what I thought about the boot after wearing it.

I have been wearing my boots since the beginning of May. I must confess that I am an engine driver, so my chances of interior firefighting are few and far between. However, as luck would have it we had a fire last day (Friday) and I was riding the seat while my Captain was down the street at another station doing HAZMAT training.
X2 Boot integrated pull on system.
I got to wear the boots on numerous EMS calls, MVA’s, fire alarms and one fire. In short, I think that I gave these boots plenty of wear for a decent review of use. After all, we don’t fight fire day in and day out…unless you are one of these know it all trolls on the message boards!

I swapped my new X2 boots out with my other bunker boots and was very pleased with several things. I am a huge fan of the integrated pull on system. No longer do I have to worry about the leather sewn on straps breaking. I look for this to become an industry standard soon enough.
X2 boot reinforced toe cap
Another issue that the X2 boot has seemed to tackle is the toe cap. Most of the boots I have worn for firefighting have had some sort of reinforced toe cap. Some have performed over time, others have disintegrated. Once the reinforced toe cap is gone, the toe cap is is exposed and will wear through down to the steel toe. Crawling around on concrete is probably the worst offender of wearing down the toe cap.
This little flag does not reside in the X2 Boot. They are made in China. This could be a deal breaker for some. It does however reside in the boots that the X2 boot replaced in my everyday turnout gear.
The X2 boot has a very durable, thick, and harder than other reinforced toe cap. I have not been able to impede the reinforcement through normal wear and tear.

When I was contacted about doing a product review on these boots I had to guess as to which size would be perfect for me. I chose my normal shoe size. The truth is that I should have gotten them a half size bigger. I say this because the biggest issue other than them being made in China is that they are a little difficult getting them off when my socks and pants were soaking wet after a fire.

The boots come with a 3 point heel locking system. Basically it is built this way to keep your foot from moving around inside the boot when you walk. It works!
My X2 Boots inside my pants are next to my other boots. As you can see, the other boots lay over a little bit. The X2 Boots have yet to lay over at all and are a very sturdy boot!
The boots are also very sturdy. I have not noticed any bit of them wanting to lay over when the pants are sitting pulled down around them. Some other models with less sturdy build will fold over and you have to straighten them out to pull them on. These boots remain ready to go all the time!

These boots are extremely comfortable, durable, and should last a long time. I will continue wearing my X2 boot and use my other ones as backups!

Great job Black Diamond…The Fire Critic says they passed the test!

Of course I cannot let you get by without another look at the Black Diamond babes!

I love doing product reviews…For better or worse, I get to give my readers a first hand account of new products which might help them in purchasing gear. You can read more of my product reviews here and my policy on product reviews here.

I am currently doing a review of Black Diamonds X2 Boot. This is a brand new bunker boot that Black Diamond rolled out at FDIC. I actually got my pair just before heading to FDIC and only had the chance to stick them on my feet once before leaving                                                                .

I will give you my first impression here and some technical data, then follow up with a more detailed review in the next couple of weeks once I get to wear them in good!

This is part 1 of 2

My introduction to leather boots…
These boots are comfortable! When I joined my career department 11 years ago I was introduced to leather fire boots. It was one of those moments of zen when I wondered why in the world I wore rubber boots as in my volunteer department prior. Upon graduation, we were allowed to wear any certified leather boots we wanted…after we bought them ourselves. Let me just say that I will never wear rubber boots again. I cringe when I see firefighters wearing rubber boots. It is unfortunate that so many departments invest in rubber boots only to see them sit on the tops of gear lockers…take care of your firefighters and purchase leather boots!

My first impression of the X2 Boot…

The look – Let us just say that if they make another batman movie, they could use these boots for his outfit! These things are slick looking!

The feel – Out of the box, they are a little stiff from top to bottom. This is good and bad. Good that they stand up and don’t fold over when you take off your bunker pants and get ready for the next call. Bad that they will need to work in a little so that I can bend them at the ankle to press the floor switch for the federal Q without as much effort.

The toe – These boots offer great protection as you will read below in the specifications. One thing I did notice is that the top cap seems as though it will stand up over time. My current boots (different brand) don’t have the best protection and the toe cap is all but crumbling off through normal wear and tear.

Best feature – The best feature so far is the integrated and reinforced pull on system. You simply do not have to worry about leather straps breaking over time.

Worst feature – Made in China. This may not be a huge deal for some, but for others it is. Firefighters are Patriotic. I am not a stickler for “Union Made”, but I do like to look in the boot and see that little tag with the American Flag on it. Being made outside of the USA might have a lot to do with the price tag of around $250 as some other boots are more expensive.

Technical Specifications:

The Calf-Fit System: allows for maximum comfort and fit
Integrated Pull-On System: integrated and reinforced loop pull on system
Shin Guard Protection: maximum protection that conforms to the shape of your shin
Leather Upper: fire retardant, genuine heavyweight FireTuff leather
Fusion Upper: a powerful alloy of solution dye Nomex / Kevlar and Teflon F.P.P.E. Combines the durability of Nomex, the strength and abrasion resistance of Kevlar and water resistance of patented Teflon F.P.P.E.
3-Point Heel Lock System: exclusive 3-point heel lock system for comfort and fit. Ankle guard for maximum protection
Lining: CROSSTECH membrane with Omaha lining is a high performance, wicking fabric originally developed for aggressive military applications
Lining Construction: stitch-down ‘Stroble’ lining  construction ensures non liner pullout and maximum fit
3M Scotchlite Reflective Material: flame-resistant, fluorescent, and reflective material for added viability
Ortholite Footbed: Tri-density, multi-fit, removable footbed with TPU heel cradle for comfort, anti-odor, anti-fungal, breathable, and shock absorption
Toe Cap Protection: rubber top cap protection for high-abrasion and a steel toe, HI 500 Oblique Comfort Toe meets or exceeds ASTM Standards
Lenzi Puncture Protection Midsole: high performance composite, penetration-resistant
About Black Diamond Group, Inc.

Black Diamond is a leading brand of performance protective footwear.  The company’s highly acclaimed fire boots are used by fire departments around the world and are developed with the finest, most durable materials and components to endure the extraordinary demands placed on firefighters.  Black Diamond is the only brand in the industry to combine the latest technologies for superior comfort and performance in harsh conditions. They are the only boots to be certified by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and receive the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Approval.

For further information, please visit www.blackdiamondfootwear.com.

The Fire Critic is not compensated for product reviews. The opinions contained within this article are my own.

CASTING CALL!  We are on the search for fresh and original talent!

If you would like to be featured as a Black Diamond Footwear advocate in online product review videos and other types of promotions we want to hear from you! Whether a career firefighter, a college student, or an accountant – all are welcome to apply! There is no prerequisite for your knowledge of firefighting or fire boot features.

We will be holding an online casting call on Facebook for all men and women interested all summer long.

How to Apply:

• Post a video of yourself on the Black Diamond Facebook Page.
• Get as creative as you like with the video, as long as we are able to see your personality and speaking ability.
• Creativity, high energy, enthusiasm a plus.
• The winner will be contacted via Facebook
• Good luck to all!

Just added new pictures of the Black Diamond girls… check them out on Facebook.

Don’t forget to follow Black Diamond on Facebook and Twitter.

I could get all creative here and write something witty, but no time for that….Tokyo Burns, more later.
Here’s Jim’s final post on his Black Diamond Boot experience.

I’d say that’s a two-thumbs up, but I can’t count that high. ;-O

In his own words:

Ok, so I’ve had some time to really get some work in on these boots, and yes for some of you who thinks that the chief just stands on the sidewalk shouting orders, I invite you to come up to my neck of the woods and try out real firefighting; not that fake stuff that some of the pretty boys do down south of New York. (yep, he really did “go there”)

I have had the honor of trying out these Black Diamond Boots for both Mary Ellen and Caitlin and I have to say that these are the best boots that I’ve seen out there.

We’ve tried a few other brands over the past few years and I have to say that these are the best so far by comparison. Yeah, you can pay alot more to have a different name on them but these boots are a better boot for both fit and performance.

The comfort I experienced while wearing the Black Diamonds was impressive. After being in them for a couple hours there was no difference to my everyday work boot (which is a logger boot). They also passed the firefighting test as I jumped in and got a little dirty on a couple mutual aid fires.

I tromped around in some water to see how they would fair and my feet stayed dry. (coming from a rubber boot girl who pumps out her own fair share of basements, I’d give this one a + )

I also did some climbing on the apparatus to test the sure footing and grip on the aggressive lugged sole. I had no problems climbing up and down off the Engine Rescue, or climbing the 85 foot Tower Ladder that we operate.

I have purchased two more sets of these boots from a local distributor since taking delivery of the demo boots and plan on continuing to purchase these boots for my company in the future.

Well, I guess that just about says it all. As I’ve stated from the get-go, this is in no sense a formal endorsement of the Black Diamond boots, nor am I telling you that you must go home immediately and begin rolling the change under your sofa cushions and go buy a pair.

I’m simply giving you folks a review, straight from the horse’s mouth. I can state unequivocally that standing around for hours and hours in an uncomfortable and leaky pair of boots is about as much fun as a tooth extraction conducted with a spoon. So if there are structurally safe options out there that pass the test and your department can afford them, at least you now have one man’s viewpoint to consider.

To read the full article please visit FirefighterNation.