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 the website. Or follow Black Diamond on Facebook and Twitter.

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

A couple months ago  Black Diamond sent me a pair of their X Boots. To me all boots feel the same. I have size 14 feet with not arch. Usually, no matter what, after a couple hours in fire boots, my feet and back start bothering me. I have worn these boots at 6 classes now at six to eight hours a day. My feet and back have not bothered me one bit. I also like the tread on them. It has good grip and ads a little cushion when walking. I will continue to wear them at our classes and up date this as they break in a little more.  For full article and more information, please visit Black Diamond Footwear.

Also follow Black Diamond on Facebook and Twitter.

Black Diamond introduces new fire boot at FDIC, The X2 features both heel counter and ankle lock

By Scott M. Bruner
FireRescue1 Product Editor

Photo courtesy Black Diamond
Black Diamond’s new X2 boot, which was introduced at FDIC in Indianapolis, will be released in September.

New boots were one of the hottest commodities at FDIC in Indianapolis, and PPE manufacturer Black Diamond wasn’t left out of the action. They introduced the new X2 boot, with plenty of intriguing features, that is set for a September release.

“There’s nothing else like it in the marketplace due to its unique features,” Rob Mills, president of Black Diamond, said. “The combination of the heel counter and the ankle lock are really what makes it special.”

The boot features an exclusive three-point heel and lock system for a secure fit. The boot’s locking system is designed to increase the life expectancy of the boot, protect against ankle rollovers and sprain and to hold the foot in place instead of floating around. The X2 not only has a molded rubbed toe piece, but also has a rubber heel counter.

Mills pointed to a number of other features of the boot that he feels set it apart from a rather crowded footwear market.

The X2 has a wide calf fit system which is fire retardant. The elastic on the top of the boot can be expanded to accommodate larger calves. It features a Crosstech membrane with Omaha lining, which was originally invented for military applications.

The lining is constructed of stitch-down “Stroble” lining designed to protect against liner pullout. Another Black Diamond specialty, the X2 features an Ortholite footbed, which includes a multi-fit, removable footbed with TPU heel cradle, designed not only for comfort and shock absorption but also to guard against odor.

The built-in boot jack allows the boot to be put on and removed quickly and easily.

Finally, the X2 has two removable additional layers in the midsole which can be removed or replaced to make the boot medium-sized, wide or even extra wide.

Though it was certainly a crowded field for new boots at FDIC, according to Mills, the reaction to the X2 at the Black Diamond boot was strong.

“We fit over 2,000 firefighters, fire chiefs and decision makers with the X2 at the show and we were able to provide a comfortable fit for everyone. It’s a great indicator the technology is spot on and the end user will love it,” he said.

Black Diamond is one of the top manufacturers of fire boots. Their boots are in service daily with fire departments from around the world in countries from Brazil to Thailand as well as the United States. You can find them on the Web at www.blackdiamondfootwear.com