Assessment of Mid-Calf Protective Footwear for Firefighters: Comfort, Functionality, and Style in Relation to Foot Structure

Background: This study evaluated the relationship between the comfort, functionality, and design features of firefighting footwear and foot structure in a cohort of 100 firefighters aged 25–40 years. Methods: Foot structure was assessed using a CQ-ST podoscope. Subjective ratings of perceived comfort, functionality, and style of mid-calf leather firefighting boots (Model C) were collected. Statistical analysis was conducted using Spearman’s rank correlation. Results: Statistically significant correlations were found between foot width and perceived shoe length comfort (R = 0.21, p = 0.037; R = 0.24; p = 0.017). Clarke’s angle was negatively correlated with the heel cushioning (R = −0.21; p = 0.035; R = −0.23; p = 0.023), forefoot cushioning (R = −0.24, p = 0.015; R = −0.27, p = 0.006), overall comfort (R = −0.22, p = 0.029) as well as with grip (R = −0.23, p = 0.021; R = −0.27, p = 0.006), individualization (R = −0.21, p = 0.035; R = −0.24, p = 0.015) and style (R = −0.21, p = 0.036; R = −0.24, p = 0.016). The β angle was negatively correlated with shoe forefoot width (R = −0.22, p = 0.024) and breathability (R = −0.22, p = 0.028), whereas the γ angle was negatively correlated with ease of donning and doffing (R = −0.21, p = 0.037). Conclusions: Firefighters with wider feet reported higher footwear comfort ratings regarding shoe length. In contrast, those with a higher longitudinal foot arch reported lower ratings of heel and forefoot cushioning, as well as overall comfort. A higher longitudinal foot arch was also associated with lower ratings of grip, individualization, and style, whereas greater varus deviation of the right fifth toe was associated with poorer breathability ratings. Perceived comfort was closely associated with more positive evaluations of both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the boots, underscoring its importance in overall footwear acceptance. These suggest that individual foot morphology should be considered in the design and selection of firefighting footwear, as a more personalized fit may improve comfort, usability, and potentially reduce the risk of foot discomfort and overuse-related musculoskeletal disorders during occupational activities.