About
The Type 1 Commander is a work boot style manufactured by Frank's Boots in Spokane, Washington. Originally designed for Wildland firefighting and named after the elite firefighting teams who manage fires in extreme conditions, the boot features a one-inch thick sole for protection from heat and rough terrain. The Type 1 Commander has since found applications across logging, carpentry, construction, mechanics, and general use.
About
The Type 1 Commander is a work boot style manufactured by Frank's Boots in Spokane, Washington. Originally designed for Wildland firefighting and named after the elite firefighting teams who manage fires in extreme conditions, the boot features a one-inch thick sole for protection from heat and rough terrain. The Type 1 Commander has since found applications across logging, carpentry, construction, mechanics, and general use.
Frank's Boots introduced the model in 2016 as part of their founding product line. The boot is available in heights ranging from six to 16 inches, with both lace-to-toe and plain toe configurations.
Construction
The Type 1 Commander features McKay Lock Stitched Construction, making the boot fully rebuildable and resoleable. The construction uses 7.5 to 8 oz. full grain water-resistant leather throughout, with a rough-out toe for enhanced durability and cut/tear resistance. The one-inch sole thickness differentiates the Commander from Frank's Highlander model, which uses a three-quarter inch sole.
High-strength Kevlar fire-resistant thread provides protection from heat exposure, reflecting the boot's firefighting origins. The construction includes high heel and high arch support designed to balance body weight for comfort during extended wear.
Configurations
The standard configuration combines a rough-out leather toe with a smooth leather upper. Frank's Boots stocks this version in multiple heights. Customers can special order full smooth leather or full rough-out leather versions.
Lace-to-toe variant
Frank's Boots has offered lace-to-toe construction since the company's 2016 founding. The lace-to-toe design provides increased ankle support, a tighter fit, and accommodation for heavy duty socks compared to the plain toe configuration.
Pricing and availability
As of 2025, the Custom Type 1 Commander is priced at $590 through Baker's Shoe, an authorized retailer. The 10-inch lace-to-toe version is available for $595, while the 10-inch plain toe is $590. Frank's Boots' direct pricing shows the Type 1 Commander on sale for $505, reduced from the regular price of $605 for the 10-inch in-stock version.
References
"Type 1 Commanderâ„¢". Frank's Boots. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
"Type 1 Commander - 10\" In Stock". Frank's Boots. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
"Frank's Boots - Custom Type 1 Commander". Baker's Shoe. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
"Frank's Boot Co. owner opens wide shoe store". Spokane Journal of Business. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
"In a market awash in cheap footwear, Frank's Boots and Saad's Shoe Repair hope to remind the public not to give up on their shoes". The Inlander. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
