Haix Duty Footwear

[Goose 188]

(Sorry for the double post, accidentally posted this in the wrong forum the first time)

A few months ago a friend of mine introduced me to Haix boots, which he had come across at a firehouse demonstration they had put on while he was working. He purchased a pair and has been very happy with them. Likewise, another friend purchased a pair and is equally as happy. I did some research and they seem to be a quality pair of boots that are easy on the feet and offer some pretty nice protection. I'm considering on purchasing a pair myself and wanted to see if anyone has had experience with any Haix products. In addition to Station/EMS footwear, i know they also make structural and special purpose firefighting footwear, again information on durability and performance are welcomed and appreciated!

Haix Website:

http://www.haix.com/usa/news_us.php

Haix Rescue US footwear (Station/EMS):

http://www.haix.com/usa/rescue_us.php

[firefighter36 52]

I use the Haix Firewalker Bunker boots, and am in the process of purchasing a pair of the air power 6" station boots w/Gore Tex liner. I like these boots alot. I previously had Warrington Station boots and Bunker boots.

I have flat feet, with no arch whatsoever, and Haix was able to get an extra wide boot with an insole that took the arch out. Another person on my job conversely has extra narrow feet and a higher arch, and he too was able to get a pair of duty boots and bunker boots from Haix with the necessary insoles to fit his feet right.

Previously, I had to break in Warringtons over 3-6 months and hope they would fit right, which, they ultimately didn't fit to the full potential of the boot. Also, Haix's soles have never frozen on me in foul weather, which Warringtons did routinely. Bascially, it was like wearing a pair of ice skates out on runs.

I highly recommend the Hiax boots, and if you have any special fitting concerns, see a salesman and they can usually address fit issues quickly.

[Guest]

I have a pair of the rescue's they were given as a gift. They are very supportive if that is what you need. I just started wearing them again as I am driving the Chief till the regular guy comes back from a broken foot. If you have to take them off and on 10-25 times a day they are not for you. If you work in a bus for 8 hour shifts you will like them. After about 10 hours you have to take them off and let the dogs get some air. The sizing is weird. I have a wide and almost wish I got the extra wide, and I do not have a wide foot.

[Goose 188]

Thanks for the info guys, i apreciate it.

Mark, i heard they put on a nice demo at Fairview few months back, thats how i orginally found out.

Roof, just out of curiosity, did you feel that the boot was too narrow for you? Thanks ahead of time.

[firefighter36 52]

I actually missed the demo, just tried the bunkers out of the need to have properly fitting boots!

[Guest]

goose, I wear a size 11.5 in a New Balance Sneaker and in my Pro Warrington Bunker Boots. I am pretty sure my Haix's are 11 W's. I do not wear boots of this nature enough to be an expert on how they feel. The soles on the wood floors at the firehouse are slippery, like you can feel that the rubber is just a tad bit hard for some surfaces, which is good cause they will not wear out. The feeling that they are two narrow comes from the fact that they are steel toe, which always to me seems too narrow. I dont get blisters or chaffing from use when I do wear them for a 24. I think they have them at Croker in Hawthorne but I am not 100% as I never tried a pair on before I got mine, just went with what Haix in St Louis said to me as no one had them around here to try on.

[Goose 188]

Thanks Roof, i appreciate that clarification. Looks like ill be putting in an order for the Rescue US boots either tonight or tomorrow, once i shop around for a reasonable price. The Bates i purchased last year have not held up as well as i had hoped, I'm looking froward to these puppies.