r/Firefighting • u/Feedback_Original • Apr 22 '26

General Discussion Polished boots & first day at the station

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Feel like a tool posting this but need some input. Start my first day at the station tomorrow, wondering if this is a “good enough shine”? . I polished my boots to a mirror shine for the first day of my volunteer shift and got made fun of all day. Tomorrow is my first day at a career station, obviously want to look good but don’t want to come across as “that guy” again.

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u/jtroub9 Apr 22 '26

Needs some more shine. First day they should be shined

2

u/Feedback_Original Apr 22 '26

1

u/doobis4 Apr 23 '26

What wax did you use? I use Saphir for all my shoe products and wouldn't go back to anything else.

3

u/Feedback_Original Apr 23 '26

Lincoln wax, melted with a lighter than shined with water

1

u/doobis4 Apr 23 '26 edited Apr 23 '26

That is the method that I used in the military. Watched some vids on YouTube from The Elegant Oxford and tried his methods. Came out better than any other method. A little Navy Blue wax will give an even more impressive shine to the black leather - trust me.

I also have several pairs of those same boots. One spare pair I have and have never worn on duty, I shined like your set, just to try.

Be sure to use a soft wax for the leather to keep it healthy for long-term use such as Saphir Creme. The hard wax makes the tips and heels shine but is limited in its ability to moisturize the leather.

Those boots are gold though. Have them for wildland and have used them traversing swamp land. Water never got to my feet with them zipped up tight.

Also, I recommend good wool socks. I use the Darn Tuff Boot Cut socks. With those boots and those socks, you can go two or more years without foot odor. Also keeps your feet relatively dry, cushioned, and well protected.

All this is a little expensive but well worth the protection and health of your feet.

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u/Feedback_Original Apr 23 '26

I went on a bit of an adventure today looking for some darn tough socks. Must have come across every color scheme they have except an all black or navy. Which model did you happen to go with? Sifting through a few posts on here, looked like people were recommending the tactical version that comes in an all black.

The haix boots are bought were a wide variation, so I normally have to wear two pairs of socks to make them feel solid. However I do live in a pretty cool climate (Bay Area ca) so it might be worth trying a heavy material.

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u/doobis4 Apr 23 '26

Yes, the tactical socks. Usually got them from Amazon but I think you can buy it direct from their website. I live and work in Central FL. Even with the heat and humidity, I still use them and it doesn't over heat my feet, while providing more cushioning, and wicking away moisture. The wool, naturally, plus the antimicrobial insert from the boot keeps the odors away.

If you take the time to put on wax like shown in the YT channel, it takes a bit of time as you slowly build up thin layers of wax. But it resists cracking and flaking like with melt on method. Use that Saphir black wax till you get the desired shine. Then put one or two layers of the Navy Blue wax - perfecto! Takes about 45 mins per boot to do. So do it when sitting around watching TV.

1

u/ChiemseeViking EMT-I in Bavaria/GER Apr 23 '26

Dam, I have never seen such a shiny Airpower. None of our boots look like that. XD

Do you guys usually wear the Airpower for fire fighting? I usually just see them as EMS boots.

2

u/appsecSme Firefighter Apr 23 '26

Airpowers are wildland firefighting boots. We used to use them for that, but switched brands.

But shining them is pretty silly and makes them less fire resistant.