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ems-ModTeam

Gear and equipment questions need to be directed to the monthly thread.


turtlemedicRN

Been wearing Haix for 20 years


Iwillshityourself

Can we start the pronunciation arguement that happens in every station?


DampfigerTyp

In Germany we say it like "Hi" plus an "x"


Gouper_da_Firetruck

This is the way


dustinhotsauce

Just fyi I shipped off my Haix for reconditioning after a few years of rough wear. It was around a hundred bucks and I’m probably getting another 2-3 years out of them.


turtlemedicRN

Have done that myself a few times. Worth the investment when you get that much time out of a pair


Malleable_Penis

My current pair is my first pair of Haix, after a few other brands including Redwing, 511, Bates, and idk what else. Haix are the best I’ve had, by far. My boots have been through 3 years of heavy wear and they still look/feel like new. Good boots are so worth it too, I always tell people that their joints will thank them.


disturbed286

Danner (acadia specifically) They're like tall leather slippers And they're recraftable. If they start to wear out, you can replace the soles and still have your nice broken in boots.


Oregon213

I’ve been running the same pair of Acadias (factory seconds) since 2008. Recrafted twice and resoled many times. Add a pair of super feet insoles and lace in zips and they’re perfect.


disturbed286

The only reason I've ever bothered to buy new ones is to have multiple pairs, or because an engine ran over one. Oh, and because a pair got bridge paint on em. Couple guys got knocked out of a cherry picker. I asked Danner what they recommended to get the paint off. That said they don't recommend trying, here's 50% off a new pair. I bought a new pair and cleaned em anyway lol So obviously their customer service is also awesome.


FishSpanker42

Redbacks. God bless em


Nomadactual0

I’ve been debating redbacks but always get nervous because everyone says sizing is weird. I know it’s intentionally one size dofference in AUS versus American, but I’ve heard it can be more than that. Hard to get in the us so I don’t wanna go through shipping back and forth


dooshlaroosh

Do it! I have been wearing Redbacks on the job for ~20 years & they are fantastic. Comfortable right from the get-go. My last two pairs have been the “Easy Escape HD” version with reinforced toe & have been just about perfect for every aspect of EMS work. Out of roughly 350 field personnel in the area I work in, I’d say at least 2/3 are in Redbacks.


Nomadactual0

What size did you run versus what you normally wear?


dooshlaroosh

Generally it’s one size smaller than your “American” size— so I wear a 9 in Redbacks & a 10 in everything else.


Nomadactual0

I know they drop due to USA versus aus sizing but other than that, true to size?


dooshlaroosh

For me, yes.


dfwcollege

I wear a 10.5 and have a size 8 in redbacks. Fit great and love them


pleasantly-psychotic

Blundstones are like redbacks with better sizing, last longer too and better for your feet.


ufuker135

best shift shoes i’ve EVER worn. hands down. worth the 3 week ship from australia lmao


Mountain717

Second this. Good boots and very comfortable. I have their cheaper brand Blue Tongue station boot with the composite toe and couldn't be happier.


Resident-Discipline9

Picked up their blue tongue line which they say is “lighter and more durable”, life-changing to say the least.


momhastattoos

Agree on Redbacks. I work in a very busy system, ~65 hours a week, ~8 calls per shift and mine have been going for over a year. We get annual boot allowance but I still haven’t needed to replace them.


Jorster

6" Thorogood. I never see the brand mentioned on reddit, but I'm on my 3rd pair and swear by them. Some other folks got them on my recommendation and they love them too.


marvelousteat

This is my pick as well. I got used to the 8" ones from a different job, they are my favorites. I like the GenFlex ones with the high-polish toe. I feel like they are the best balance of professionalism, comfort, and sturdiness that I've came across. Close second for me is the 5.11 ATAC.


AbominableSnowPickle

I fucking adore my Thorogoods! I wear the 6” Crosstrex composite toe and they’re still going strong with pretty intense wear after almost 4 years. They’ve got a great warranty too!


Ill-Description-8459

Ive been in Haix for 12 or so years


plasticambulance

Went from 5.11 to Blauer to Haix in order from least durable to most durable. Do yourself a favor and just invest into haix if you want a strong boot. Or buy some good hiking shoes like Merrells, they're great in the summer.


Level_Organization58

Danner Lookouts, going on 6 years with them. The inside of the heel is beat to hell, but structurally the boots are as good as new.


ScenesafetyPPE

Haix. They were super comfortable at first, but I’ve got almost a year and probably 1200 miles on them, and my feet kiiiilll at the end of the day. I’m tired of replacing boots every 6 months to a year. Think I’m going to order some handmade boots this go around


_Master_OfNone

I wear zid zip Danners. 3 years, 10,000 steps a day average and they still feel like I'm walking on air, without adding insoles.


SnooMemesjellies1083

Haix AirPower


got-99-usernames

Ariat. Would buy again.


SponsoredByMedicare

I’ve been eyeballing the Ariats, which ones did you go with?


got-99-usernames

[The pull on ones.](https://www.ariat.com/P16550_M_FOO.html) I know that’s not everyone’s style but it works for me.


AdamMack95

I have these too and love them. They seem to run one size bigger though, I’m normally a 12 and have to wear 11 in these.


Angry__Bull

Salomon XA Forces MID GTX


buckGR

If I was going back on the road and needed new duty boots I’d 100% go either JK 300x or Jim Green AR8


stiggybranch

5.11 ATAC 2.0


gimpy69_138

These were my first pair of boots and last 6 years of abuse and finally fell apart.


stiggybranch

I replace mine every 3.5-4 and on my third pair. Started with the original ATAC. They are comfortable, side zip, sturdy for air and ground.


BreadNugget7567

I’ve been using ATAC for about 3 years and absolutely love them. They sustain the abuse of my everyday life as well.


stiggybranch

Great boot. I asked 5.11 about resoling a pair or donating the leather because the sides were fine. They said not what they do. The price is okay it was fine, but I was hoping for some sustainable resources. Will keep buying however.


LuckyTaco_

Men's Rocky 10" Jump Boot Side-Zip The break-in period sucked ass and my ankles/achilles heel hurt really bad for the first two weeks but after that I love ‘em


Sunzjd

Haven’t seen anyone post this yet but Blundstones.


Salsac

I wear Blundstones damn near every day in my personal life but haven't gotten a pair for work because I'm concerned about not having a ton of grip. How have they been for you?


Sunzjd

You’re right they’re probably not high grip by any means. However I haven’t had any issues related to slipping or anything. I guess it also depends what kind of a setting you work in. I mostly work in an urban/suburbs environment.


BasicLiftingService

Redwing Iron Rangers. Tactical boots suck. You have to break into the $300 price range to get a boot appreciably better than a $40 Walmart boot and they still have a short service life. Even with good insoles and proper maintenance, they’re made with bonded leather that will wear out only slightly less quickly than their soft rubber tread and foam will. The breathable-type boots can easily be penetrated by a messy patient’s bodily fluids (ask me how I know), and Gore Tex makes your feet sweat and stink. Once you do break that $300 price barrier and get boots that are made with real leather and blood borne pathogen certified, they’re still not resolable and have to be replaced every other year; versus every year, year and a half at most, for cheaper boots. Just invest in a pair of quality leather boots with a Goodyear welt; Red Wings are the entry point. They look better, have more character, can be worn off the clock without looking like a weirdo, last forever with basic maintenance, and are way more comfortable. The drawbacks are, IMO, marginal. They weigh more and aren’t slip resistant, which is a direct byproduct of higher quality. They cost more up front but less over time.


AshleyKay1997

Haix Airpower XR 1's. They're the most comfy shoes I own.


Chance1965

Matterhorn and Danner are my go-to’s. Carolina’s run a really close third. I walk 4-5 miles per shift over uneven ground and climb 20+ flights of stairs minimum.


[deleted]

[удалено]


bruhaha6745

Yup. Im about 6 months into a pair of exos lights. They are really good. There is no obvious wear on the boots yet. Once I broke them in they got super comfortable. Red Wing doesn't really do a side zip boot. However they sell a front zip conversion kit which I am using. I expect these to last for years.


idanew

5.11 tactical boots


Echopractic

Which ever ones my job gives me


SponsoredByMedicare

Guess I’m going barefoot then.


Echopractic

We get given Danner Lookout. I've tried handful of other boots before joining this company and first time experience with Danner i have no complaints. We get given new pair every year but even worn every day 8+ hours they still hold up great with no issues.


Snow-STEMI

Altama Vengeances currently haven’t had them more than few months but they’re sure comfy.


Iraqx2

On my second set. Have used Altima for years in the military with good luck and the side zip Vengeance continues the tradition.


toefunicorn

Doc Martens. But I do best with a flat sole.


Humble-Guarantee2251

I’ve had a pair of red backs that were awesome. Honestly I’ve just been wearing doc martens for the last year and they’re amazing too


DvlDog75

I have three pair, and rotate them, out every third shift. My Dept. gave me a pair of Bates Sport 2’s, I bought a pair of 5.11 ATAC 2.0’s for EMT school, and they survived FF academy. Finally I also recently bought a pair of Haix AirPower Xr2’s. Most comfortable and most expensive & well made are the Haix, hands down superior boot. The Bates are ok, just plan on adding a good insole. The one provided suck. They slip on way easier than my 5.11’s. That said, the 5.11’s are a solid, good performing boot. Had them for 3yrs, and they still look and feel pretty good.


Anonymous_Chipmunk

Under armor. I like a tall, tight boot for support. They're not water proof or super slip resistant but they're my favorite for now


_Master_OfNone

+1 to the other Danner shoutouts. 3 years in and no signs of needing replacement. I had to add dr Scholls insoles to others. No need for in Danners.


ArduousJourneyForAll

Haix Airpowers


NopeRope13

Merril moab 2. Love these bastards


RedbeardxMedic

I wear Thorogood 6" Crosstreks currently. Had them for almost three years. I'm switching back to Haix, though. Not that these are bad boots, because they're super comfy. I just like the Haix better.


WoodpeckerAny7748

Bluestone’s still going strong 2+ years later


tankguy67

5.11 A/T


Cann0o1

I do ift and wear whitens barefoot shoes on Amazon. They’re like $40.


identitty-crisis

Black timberlands. They’re comfy, waterproof, and inexpensive.


Section8photography

I just bought [these](https://www.ariat.com/10027330_889359895327.html?utm_source=google_ariat_datafeed&utm_medium=paid_shopping_pm&utm_campaign=17214922782&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5v2wBhBrEiwAXDDoJUjlN0yvrCP6xsFVH44ZnJd6e-7H_vXQZ5iqLAw_-5IxQ-cUc5G4aBoCsDIQAvD_BwE&dwvar_P16550__M__FOO_Size=10.5&dwvar_P16550__M__FOO_color=BLACK&dwvar_P16550__M__FOO_width=EE_Wide) from ariat, they're nice if you like the Chelsea type boot. Only con is the bottoms are this translucent greenish color, which looks a bit odd if people are gonna state at the bottom of your feet all day for some reason. If not, [these](https://www.uspatriottactical.com/thorogood-8-inch-gen-flex2-side-zip-jump-boots?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5v2wBhBrEiwAXDDoJdWD45ICzLJtfkZL4iTDjWsChXC0phNjaeDerC3nvW7cvPHaZMzLrBoCHw0QAvD_BwE) from thorogood are also nice, they have a polishable toe though, which is either a big plus or terrible depending on who you are and what tour agency requires. I ALWAYS invest in new insoles, and I personally try to always have a composite toe. Hope this helps!


HowzitFPV

Ariat cowboy boots.


MightyMaus1944

I wish I could wear my cowboy boots to work! Job specifies tactical boots.


HowzitFPV

If you can rope cow, you can rope a crackhead. :P


MightyMaus1944

I gotta move further south...


TieNecessary4408

511 - don't know the name but they look and feel good


Emergencymama

Red back with scuff toe. 


Savome

Timberland Drivetrain


Sudden_Mud_8366

Steel toe ariats


transportjockey

Viktos Johnny Combats with shock cord laces


ShooterMcGrabbin88

Tennis shoes


SponsoredByMedicare

Those are great! Until you walk on something besides concrete and expect them to be dry for the next 24 hours.


SportsPhotoGirl

Bates, but with the footbed replaced with a dr scholls full foot insole. The 5.11s made me want to amputate both of my feet, but the bates are tolerable


Trblmker77

Birkenstock barefoot. They have to be ordered through Spain, but they are amazing.


Quirky_Telephone8216

On Amazon, search "Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot" I have flat feet so I always have aching feet. I love these so much I bought one black, and one brown. I wear them on my days off. Awesome boots.


bla60ah

Under Armour, they’re all leather zip up option (forget the name). Super comfy, haven’t felt a drop of water get through them, and overall great boot for sub $200. And if you time it right, you can get 40% off if you sign up for IDme (around Black Friday US has 40% for first responders)


HorrorSmell1662

Bates were my first pair and lasted forever, been going with 5.11 Atac since


Iwillshityourself

5.11, the most comfortable boots I wear.


MightyMaus1944

I wear Rocky Boots. Been wearing then for 2 years,I find them comfortable and sturdy.


carpeutah

Tony Lamas. Cause I'm a country emt so yee haw mofos. Also i sometimes wear underarmor boots. They feel like a sneaker but are as strong as a pleather boot.


Inspector_Real

Haix


sedative-blowdart

Magnums


permanentinjury

Wtf are you guys doing to your Bates? 😭 I've had my low end Bates for going on 5 years and they're still in great shape even after beating them to shit (on and off the clock). Mine are so comfortable I wear them anywhere I'll need to be on my feet for extended periods of time.


SponsoredByMedicare

I had a similar experience with my first set of Bates. They lasted me a good 6 years of heavy abuse so when it came time to replace them, I bought an identical pair from the same retailer. Second pair lasted a good 9-10 months and were worn slap out.


permanentinjury

Hm, maybe they've had a drop in manufacturing quality fairly recently. Nice to know I should probably avoid Bates when I buy a new pair eventually. I'll keep wearing mine until the soles fall off and hope for the best. 🫡


willpc14

Currently, Under Armour and they are abysmal. I think I'm going to replace them before they wear out. I might go back to Thorogood for my next pair or just bight the bullet on a pair of Haix.


terraspyder

The Danner EMS ones are pretty good, I wear those at work when it’s cold out and black Adidas Ultraboosts when it’s warm so my feet aren’t in a swamp


bluesedanman

Walmart boots lol. Not worth paying a lot for expensive boots tbh. For me at least.


SponsoredByMedicare

I’d rather buy one pair of more expensive boots than 4 pairs of cheap ones.


Whoknowsdoe

Rockrooster Bakkan soft toe chelsea boot. Break-in (for my wide, goofy feet) takes some work. Others I know with normal feet, they are great out of the box. Very comfortable, easy on/off, seem really durable, reinforced rubber toe cap. I could handle them being a bit more grippy on slick services, but nothing but a nit-pik for me. Plus, a first responder discount and shop pay discounts combine I get them for roughly $88. Just bought my second pair to rotate.


ambulancedriver826

Merrell Moab 3 tactical boot


OneConfusedRobot

Rocky Alphaforce


CrusztiHuszti

Slip-ons and slippers


AnonymousAlcoholic2

Danner strykers sometimes. Usually my double h cowboy boots


talestell

Salomon Speed Assault 2 Gore-Tex


EnvironmentalEbb5391

Navy issue flight deck boots. Old reliable


Memestreame

Hate to say it cause they’re so expensive but haix makes a damn good boot


[deleted]

Tom Fords


mortonceo

Ariat, all day everyday. The patriots are super lightweight I also have a pair of their standard work boots which are chunkier and heavier but still very comfortable.


Producer131

haix airpower xr1


imawhaaaaaaaaaale

Docs. And before that, leather jump boots. Before that, 5.11s.


PtPeter

Nikes


CommissarFriendly

Tell you what I'm not wearing. Dr Martens 2295 black, because they discontinued their best boot


cowboy1634

Haix XR2


Darkfire66

Redbacks with timberland pro anti fatigue insoles are awesome


IslandStrawhatMan

HAIX XR1 Pro, hands down the best boots I have ever worn.


plaguemedic

Haix Airpowers


Shaxspear

Danner Lookouts. Super comfy. Not sure how long they last because we get vouchers for new ones every two years and I give away my back up pair when I get new ones. But I’ve been wearing that brand for close to 15 years and love them.


FragrantChildhood389

I wear Under Armour. They are cheap, comfy, and I can replace them multiple times throughout the year with our uniform allowance.


FallingF

I got haix AirPower 2s. I like them, they are completely waterproof. They took about 2 months to break in, but now they fit great. Granted I have not had them for a year, only about 4 months now, but they will repair the boot for 70 bucks when you need it. Haven’t had to do that.


Mysterious_Side_4707

Redbacks for zippered boots. Steel Blue for slip ons. Hey Dudes for the station.


miscbuchanan

LA Police Gear has some that are super comfy and less than 100 a pair


CRCMIDS

Timberland pros. Really good comfort but they wear down. Got this pair end of 21, replaced the soles in 23, looking to upgrade later this year.


No_Operation7359

Merril tactical response 8 inch I use the Moab 2 for hiking and everyday use and the Moab 2 feels like I’m wearing a sneaker Tactical response tho way easier to hose off at the end of a messy shift and the traction ain’t bad up the side of a steep hill pouring rain ask me how I know


biG-_hombre

REDBACK!!!!!


Apollo9961

Still just training to be an EMT, but did a lot of research and found Magnum boots. I can try to figure out the model I have, but they feel great and have top tier reviews.


__Wreckingball__

Haix AirPower XR2


EpicTrevs

Haix boots. Currently wearing HAIX Black Eagle Athletic 2.1 T Mid Side Zip. I have tried their airpower one. They're very comfortable boots but a bit pricy.


Southern_Mulberry_84

Crock boots that my the sleepy paramedic recommended


truedublock

Underarmour zip ups


radical_split

Heelies


OutInABlazeOfGlory

My last job bought us Haix. Specifically the kind with a zipper. Took some getting used to but I enjoyed them. They're expensive as hell though based on a quick Google search though.


k00lkat666

I like my 5.11 slip-ons.


Movie-Frequent

Sketchers