The City buys us Red Wing fire (duty) boots - they just changed from the all leather to the leather/nylon. Still have safety toe and steel shank.

As far as fire boots your two main choices are leather and rubber. Leather are lighter, but there's more issues with the fit. I'll have to see what brand we have, but I swear they shrink if you don't put them on every day... the first time putting them on after being off for a shift and it takes a while.

For rubber? The big name is Servus - has been for years.

As far as using it once you get hired? Good luck. Most of the places I know either issue you your equipment d/t a fear of liability (especially protective equipment) or you get a uniform allowance check, but the brands and usually model numbers of what you can buy are specified. VFD's (from my experience) only issue fire gear - station gear  (with the exception of dress shirt) is BYO.