Hathorn Explorer

Hathorn Explorer

Model

About

The Hathorn Explorer is a 10-inch wildland firefighting boot manufactured by White's Boots in their Spokane, Washington factory. The boot is NFPA 1977-2005 certified and specifically designed for wildland firefighters and smokejumpers working in extreme conditions.

The Hathorn Explorer features hand-lasted construction with a lace-to-toe design that provides firm ankle support and adjustment capabilities. Built with imported full grain leather and Vibram soles, the boot meets or exceeds requirements of NFPA 1977 Standard on Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire Fighting. The NFPA certified leather upper provides heat resistance up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods of time, making it essential safety equipment for wildfire suppression operations.

Construction and materials

The Hathorn Explorer uses hand-lasted and hand-bottomed construction at the White's Boot factory, featuring machined leather welt construction for strength and ease of repair. The boot incorporates imported 5.5-6.5 ounce leather uppers made from full grain water-resistant material. Construction details include a 9 iron leather insole, 9 iron Vibram rubber midsole, and leather shank with leather heel base.

The sole system features a deep-tread Vibram outsole designed for traction in challenging terrain, with some versions utilizing the Vibram Fire & Ice white dot sole that offers enhanced traction in wet environments or on sloped ground. The boot weighs 10 pounds and incorporates a Robus heel base foundation that supports the 9 iron Vibram rubber soles, creating a contouring and supportive base from toe to heel.

Safety certifications

The Hathorn Explorer is certified to NFPA 1977-2005 standards and meets or exceeds requirements of NFPA 1977 Standard on Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire Fighting. Some versions carry UL certification to meet NFPA 1977-2011 standards for protective clothing and equipment used in wildland firefighting operations.

The boot's NFPA certified leather upper provides superior heat resistance up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods of time, a critical safety feature for personnel working near active wildfires. These certifications ensure the boot meets established safety standards for professional wildland firefighting and smokejumping operations.

Design features

The Hathorn Explorer incorporates a lace-to-toe design that allows for precise fit adjustment and firm ankle support during extended wear in demanding conditions. This design feature enables firefighters to customize the boot's fit for comfort during long shifts while maintaining the ankle support necessary for working on uneven terrain.

Built with rebuildable Goodyear welt construction, the Hathorn Explorer can be resoled and rebuilt for extended lifetime, offering long-term value for professional users. The boot is also available in plain toe design configurations and is offered in sizes 7-14 including half sizes, with width options including D, EE, and F widths.

References

  • 1.

    "Hathorn Explorer Boots by White's | 10\" Lace-to-Toe". Cal Fire Gear. Retrieved September 1, 2025.

  • 2.

    "Linescout (Hathorn Explorer) 10\" Smoke Jumper". LineGear. Retrieved September 1, 2025.

  • 3.

    "H7809 Explorer Lace-to-Toe Boot, Hathorn - Wildland Boots". The Supply Cache. Retrieved September 1, 2025.

  • 4.

    "Whites Hathorn Explorer H7809". Firefighter Safety. Retrieved September 1, 2025.

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