Fire Boot User's Guide

JK Boots NFPA Certification Update: What You Need to Know

At JK Boots, we take pride in building gear that stands up to the toughest environments — and we back it up with real-world testing and certification.

We’re excited to share that our boots have passed NFPA 1977 testing with SEI (Safety Equipment Institute), the industry standard for years when it comes to wildland fire gear.

However, this year the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) has updated their standard — replacing NFPA 1977 with NFPA 1950. Because of this update, SEI must first revise their certification process before they can issue our updated certificate.

What does this mean?

  • There are no changes to our product or manufacturing process.

  • We’ve already passed all the same requirements — we’re simply waiting for SEI to complete their administrative update.

  • Until that happens, we cannot sew the NFPA certification tags onto our boots, even though they meet or exceed all required standards.

Key NFPA Requirements Our Boots Already Meet:

  • Heat resistance for wildland fire conditions

  • NFPA REDX Vibram® sole material

  • Minimum 8" shaft height

  • Burn- and flame-resistant Technora® thread used in stitching

We build every pair of boots with integrity and durability, and we’ll continue to deliver the same rugged quality you count on — with or without a label.

Thank you for your trust and support.

— The JK Boots Team

 In accordance with NFPA 1977, Section 16.2.5, the following information is provided to ensure safe and proper use of your certified protective footwear: 1.a. These boots are designed for wildland firefighting and general protective use. 1.b. They are not rated for applications beyond their certification. 1.c. Do not alter, obscure, or remove certification labels; unauthorized modifications may void compliance. 1.d. Most performance properties (e.g., heat resistance, puncture protection) cannot be tested by users in the field. 1.e. JK Boots provides a limited warranty for manufacturing defects—please refer to www.jkboots.com for full warranty details. 2.a. Ensure a proper fit by trying boots with duty socks and insoles; a snug fit enhances safety and reduces fatigue. 2.b. Store in dry, ventilated areas away from sunlight, heat, or chemicals—avoid plastic bags and damp storage. 3. Inspect boots before and after each use, and at least monthly, checking for cracked soles, separated midsoles, worn stitching, broken eyelets, upper damage, and missing labels; remove boots from service if any issues are found and contact JK Boots for authorized repair. 4.a. To don, fully loosen laces, insert foot while seated, and tighten evenly; to doff, fully unlace to prevent damage. 4.b. Ensure a comfortably snug fit at the heel and instep. 4.c. Verify pants and protective gear interface properly to prevent exposure gaps. 5. Use of these boots must comply with NFPA 1500 and 29 CFR 1910.132, “Personal Protective Equipment: General Requirements.” 6.a. After exposure to dirt, ash, or chemicals, clean with warm water and mild soap using a soft brush; do not wear boots that are not fully cleaned and dried. Approved drying methods include ambient air drying or forced-air boot dryers (e.g., Peet Dryer); avoid direct heat. 6.b. Only JK Boots-authorized repairs are permitted to maintain warranty and certification. 6.c. If exposed to carcinogens or toxins, scrub with soap and water before removal, and again after doffing, following all applicable decontamination procedures. 7. Retire boots if the sole or structure is compromised, labels are missing, inspection is failed without repair options, or if contaminated by non-removable hazardous materials. Dispose of retired boots per local environmental safety regulations, ensuring decontamination if exposed to harmful substances.