Black Diamond X-Boot #0911 Review

 
I was recently contacted by a representative from Black Diamond. They offered to send me a pair of the X-Boot #0911 in return for an honest assessment of the boots quality. Coming into this I must say, I was definitely biased towards the PRO Warrington firefighting boots. My department has issued the PRO Warrington Boot for nearly five years. I couldn’t imagine any boot being more comfortable and durable. Turns out I was wrong. After about a month of use in hands-on training, firefighting, and accidents the Black Diamond X-Boot #0911 continues to exceed my expectations.
 
Black Diamond Protective Equipment Describes them as:

 “The X-BOOT sets a new standard for fire boots – built for today’s firefighter, using proven shoemaking technologies and constructions. Utilizing proprietary materials, innovative thinking and input from firefighters, we built a better boot, a better way. In addition to meeting the NFPA standards, we meet the standards of firefighters who demand all-day comfort, support and protection. NFPA1971 Certified.”

From the start, I found the integral slots for putting the boots on to be much easier to handle then the PRO Warrington boot series. Once the PRO Warrington handle is worn it becomes twisted, limp, and often tough to use. Black Diamond has also designed the boots in way that they are structurally sound and erect, but they are able to be broken in a way they can still maintain their stability. I had always been disappointed with the how rapid the PRO Warrington breaks in and how rapidly they are left limp inside your bunker pants. The new Black Diamond X-Boot #0911 stands tall and stable with the bunker gear slid down ready for the next job. I am also impressed at how Black Diamond Boots took extra effort to add extra strength to the areas of the boot that typically fail in other leather boot series. Extra protection is added were the side of the tread meets the side of the actual boot. Black Diamond has also added additional protection on the top of the foot, as well as full height support from the back of your heel to the top of the boot. These are all great design additions that reinforce the fact that these boots were designed with real firefighter input to meet the demands of real firefighters. Strength, Durabilty, and Comfort – Who could ask for anything more. For more information please visit Black Diamond.

 

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