HAIX® loves to highlight heroes. This week, we interviewed Tyler Zuniga, a Safety and Training Specialist for North American Training Solutions (NATS). Tyler has nearly two decades of experience as an arborist and his list of credentials, certifications and qualifications is as long as one of his technical tree climbing ropes! We talked trees, training, how he came to work for NATS and tips for tree care and wildfire mitigation. If you have ever used electricity, live in a wildfire-prone area, or if you’re interested in safe and expert tree care practices, you’re going to want to read this.

Spend more than a few minutes talking to Louisville Metro Firefighter Bryce Carden and you’ll understand why you would gladly welcome his arrival if you find yourself in need of technical rescue. He is full of life, full of gratitude and chocked full of humility. But if you call him a hero, he’ll just shrug and say “I wouldn’t wanna do anything else”.

Leather. Most of us own leather goods—shoes, purses, wallets, belts—and most of us have some knowledge of how it’s made. Leather is a natural material with properties that make it ideal for footwear. Unfortunately, this dream material can come at a huge cost to humans, animals and the environment when improperly handled. However, at HAIX® we handle things differently.

There is an Irish proverb that states “You’ll never plough a field by turning it over in your mind.” Megan O’Grady may have heard that proverb growing up. Perhaps she even referenced it on July 7th, 2016, in the aftermath of the tragic murder of 5 Dallas police officers. Either way, then 14-year-old Megan acted out those very words when she decided to honor the fallen officers and care for the loved ones. As a daughter of a police officer, she knew the children and the families had now realized the fears of every Law Enforcement family—these men and women put their lives at risk every time the go to work, and there is always a chance they won’t come home safe.

So, from that day forward, she ploughed. HAIX® is proud to highlight Blue Line Bears, a nonprofit organization that provides a personalized, handmade keepsake for the children and families of fallen officers as a reminder of their heroism and bravery.

The late Ewald Haimerl, son of HAIX® founder Xaver Haimerl, had the heart of a first responder and the hands of a cobbler. He didn’t just make boots. He made boots for his brothers and sisters in the fire service. HAIX® structural fire boots were born out of his desire to get all firefighters out of rubber boots and into safer, more durable leather boots.

His legacy lives on in our new Fire Hunter® Pro.

Meet the budget-friendly boot that is loaded with features. It’s a boot that makes switching from rubber to leather an easy choice—designed for professional and volunteer departments alike.

When we develop HAIX® boots, we spend hours ensuring the best fit, function and features on the market. From waterproofing to top-quality leather and our proprietary climate system, our boots keep you dry and comfortable no matter the weather.

Why would our socks be any different?

HAIX® wool blend socks make a great pair of boots even better. Here’s how.

Despite one of the warmest summers on record, winter will still arrive for all of us. Emergency response call outs do not stop for any weather—rain or shine, sun, or snow. Safety is important on every level for firefighters and first responders. When it comes to inclement winter weather, the rubber will quite literally hit the road, and good boot tread may be the only difference between an injury and returning to the station safely.

You can’t spell “firefighter” without the word “fit”. And you can’t spell “Brian Edwards” without the word “earn”. He knows that respect, professional competency, and conditioning are not given, but are a gift we can give ourselves. And he willingly spreads the gospel of good health everywhere—and to everyone—he meets.

The lights dim. A spotlight hits the tunnel. The crowd roars. A man in a hooded satin robe trots down the ramp, punching the air. This is life’s main event. And that man is Rudy Reyes—former Recon Marine turned television host—a fighter whose work is never finished. Through self-discipline, and a lot of love, Rudy isn’t just battling his demons; he’s on pace for a TKO.

You may recognize him as the host for FOX’s show “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.” Or perhaps you’ve seen him on the HBO miniseries “Generation Kill.” He has been in commercials, on podcasts, on survival shows and in feature films. Often, he’s playing himself—his large- than-life personality is more suited to the screen than he ever thought possible. Rudy Reyes has a list of awards and accolades that he could stack to the ceiling, climb up and look down upon people he meets.

A little over 5 years ago, former Fire Chief and president/owner of HAIX—Ewald Haimerl—took on a project that had “hold my beer” written all over it. The result? A boot that must be worn to be believed.

Climbing mountains isn’t enough for Ulla Lohmann. This daring adventurer ventures inside. She is deeply fascinated by volcanoes and the people living around them. Her travels regularly involve spectacular displays of nature, curious cults, and very close calls.

Policeman and Producer.
Podcaster and Protector.
Vlogger and Viral Sensation.

HAIX had a chance to chat with Officer Nick Perez—manager and content creator behind the social media phenom “Nick Off Duty”.

This past spring, HAIX North America conducted a weartest with tree care professionals throughout the United States and Canada. With a huge pool of applicants to pick from, 100 participants were chosen to wear test either the Protector Prime or Airpower XR200. Weartesters were to wear the boots on the job, putting the boots through their paces, and then provide their feedback. The survey included questions which focused on items such as comfort, quality, waterproofness, and slip resistance.

12 German athletes, 12 pairs of HAIX boots and several bags filled with competition clothing made their way to Calgary in Canada at the beginning of September to take part in the FireFit World Championships there. In Spruce Meadows, the largest equestrian facility in the world, the red and yellow competition arena, including a 12 meter high tower, was set up and was centrally located, surrounded by the various equestrian arenas. In addition to the athletes, international guests were able to get a feel for the firefighting sport and watch the competitions from the edge of the course.

Hockey fans converged on Madison Square Garden in late March for the 46th Annual FDNY/NYPD Charity Hockey Game. Those lucky enough to get tickets saw the puck drop just before noon in front of a sold-out crowd of more than 18,000, as New York’s Bravest (FDNY) in the white jerseys, and New York’s Finest (NYPD) in blue, went head to head.

Logger boots are specific type of work boot designed to offer comfort and protection when traversing the demanding environments experienced by loggers. This means that they are also a great fit for many other professions and activities that have a need for similar capabilities. For those who spend all day on their feet in need comfortable, yet sturdy footwear, these boots can easily meet such requirements. When it comes to men’s logger boots, maneuverability, traction, and comfort are important features. At HAIX®, we offer a range of high-quality logger boots that are perfect for the most demanding outdoor activities.

At HAIX®, we offer a selection of SWAT tactical law enforcement boots that consist of a number of features that are essential for police and law enforcement professionals conducting dangerous tactical operations. These law enforcement boots are designed to assist the officer with quick, athletic movements. In addition, they enable silent and swift, stealth-like capabilities. They are also waterproof and durable.

Police shoes and boots must be able to withstand a wide-range of weather and surface conditions, including rain, moisture, ice, and extreme heat. The high quality black police boots we offer at HAIX® are strong and durable in cold, warm, dry, and wet weather conditions. Specifically, the duty and tactical collections we offer provide outstanding characteristics that help law enforcement professionals perform their duties with comfort and confidence.

Specially developed for firefighters who combat structural fires, our line of structural firefighting boots from HAIX® can protect you when you are in the midst of battle with a dangerous conflagration. Whether you are charging up a flight of stairs inside a burning building or carrying a victim out of a dangerous situation to safety, you need boots that will provide you with the comfort and support necessary to make your job easier.

The wildfires in California have cost may people their homes and some even their lives over the past several years. One of those homes was the retirement community of former police officer and HAIX® consultant Jim Gerien and his wife. Their son, Scott, describes the situation of his parents after the dramatic evacuation...

Our new Instagram shoppable experience is now up and running! This service offers users the convenience of exploring products and purchasing items right from our Instagram gallery while socializing with other customers. These pictures show the boots in use, including challenges customers are tackling in their HAIX® footwear. All you have to do is click on a photo of a boot you like. Once you click on the product, you will be directed to an online shopping page where you can learn more about the features of our boots and even make a purchase.

Last year HAIX® processed about 394,000 square meters of leather. This is approximately the size of 56 soccer fields! Tied together, the shoelaces for our shoes would stretch between New York and San Francisco! HAIX® produces approximately 6,000 pairs of boots each day (about 1.2 million pair per year!) Click to learn more...

We are excited to announce the addition of the Black Eagle® Tactical 2.0 GTX High Side Zip, fully manufactured and designed by HAIX® in Europe. The Black Eagle® Tactical 2.0 GTX High Side Zip is built with trail running technology so they are perfect for running down a suspect or for just taking a walk in the park.

Working in the logging industry can be full of adventure. For those who work out in the field cutting down large trees, having the best protection you can get is vital. It is very important to make sure your feet are protected and stable during the long hours you spend on your feet performing logging work. Our high-quality men’s logger boots will provide you with the traction, support, and safety you need for your feet. The boots we offer at HAIX are made from the best materials available, and are recommended for the most challenging logging environments.

When it comes time to choose the right boots for a long day of cutting, consider the boots on your feet. Chainsaws today can be very powerful, and include high-powered motors, with very sharp and heavy chains. While these machines are very good at cutting timber they can also pose a threat to the operator and bystanders if used improperly. There are steps you need to take to protect yourself, but you cannot overlook the importance of choosing the right chainsaw safety boots for your needs. Selecting the right boot is critical to keeping your feet protected on the job.

Did you know we have several how-to videos and product features on the HAIX® North America YouTube page? One of our most popular videos is how to lace, replace and adjust the HAIX® Fast Lacing Fit System on our EMS/Station zipper boots including the Airpower® XR1, Airpower® XR2, and the Airpower® R2. You can check out our easy step-by-step instructional video, as well as others, on the HAIX® North America YouTube page.

NATS Instructor, Conservationist and Thrill Seeker Johnny Korthuis (@johnnykorthuis) recently traveled to the Canadian Rockies as part of The Nature Conservancy. Johnny and his team climbed to the top of healthy white bark pine trees, caging their pine cones with screens to protect them from being eaten by passing wildlife. This allows the cones to reach maturity, when their seeds can be harvested and later replanted. The white bark pine is an endangered species, and the population has dropped significantly in recent years.

Progress is being made on the construction site for the new HAIX® WORLD in Mainburg, Germany! Apart from shopping in the store area, fans of the HAIX® brand will soon have the option to visit HAIX® WORLD and to watch how HAIX® boots are produced.

Congratulations to Ptl. Travis Goodson of the Albany (GA) Police Department for being named the POLICE Magazine’s HAIX® Hero of the Month for July! Goodson was nominated by his supervisor who says, “Ptl. Travis Goodson is very passionate about the City of Albany becoming one community." Goodson has organized and coordinated a number of community initiatives during his four years on the force.

Tactical police boots need to provide the very best work environment for your feet. They must be able to handle the long hours, intense work, and the ever-changing climate. When choosing boots, there are a few key features capable of helping to reduce the amount of wear and tear on your feet each day. Not all brands can offer the same level of comfort and performance. At HAIX®, our cutting-edge products stand out. They will give you the look and feel you desire even on those very long days.

The toes are an especially vulnerable part of the foot. No matter what type of work you do, something could fall on your foot. If this happens, a strong safety toe can help to minimize the risk of damage and help to protect your feet. One of the best ways to protect your feet is to invest in composite toe work boots. Designed specifically for the tough work you do, these boots can give you the protection you need even in tough circumstances.The toes are an especially vulnerable part of the foot. No matter what type of work you do, something could fall on your foot. If this happens, a strong safety toe can help to minimize the risk of damage and help to protect your feet. One of the best ways to protect your feet is to invest in composite toe work boots. Designed specifically for the tough work you do, these boots can give you the protection you need even in tough circumstances.

The heat and intensity of fire create an incredibly harsh environment. If your job is to help fight fires, or you inspect recently burned buildings, you need to have ample protection on your feet to reduce the risk of burns, or other damage. Our eather fire boots are available in various styles to accommodate even the most difficult of environments.

Law enforcement is a difficult job. It takes long hours, a lot of patience, and you have to be ready spring into action at a moment’s notice. For this to happen, you need to have the best equipment at your disposal. Perhaps one of the most important, yet overlooked, policing equipment is footwear. After all, when you are on your feet all day, you can’t afford to have boots that will cause your feet to become tired or stressed.

Structural firefighting boots need to provide you with exceptional support in some of the most extreme of conditions. These boots, designed by HAIX®, constructed with features meant for those who regularly fight structural fires. The intensity of the heat in such fires is extreme. You need a pair of boots you can rely on to help you get in and out of the space quickly, and as safely as possible.

HAIX®, the world's leading manufacturers of duty footwear, is launching a contest to honor the law enforcement "Hero of the Month". HAIX®, the world's leading manufacturers of duty footwear, is launching a contest to honor the law enforcement "Hero of the Month". The HAIX® Hero of the Month program will be a feature on the Facebook Page of POLICE Magazine. Fellow officers, supervisors, community members in the jurisdiction the officer serves, and friends can nominate officers to be honored.

There are many composite toe work boots on the market to choose from. Unfortunately, not all of these boots offer top-of-the-line features and functionalities. The very best composite toe work boots offer new technology designed to ensure your needs are always met no matter how challenging the environment is.

Are all men's logger boots the same? You may think that this technology is even across the board, and that one brand offers the same features that others do. However, our team has spent years developing boots that are comprehensively better than the competition.

It is time to invest in safety toe work boots. There is no doubt that there are plenty of products on the market that are labeled as this type of boot, but do they really fill the need? At HAIX®, we do our best to always provide you with access to the most innovative and feature-filled boots you need.

Police serve in so many different conditions, it can be difficult to know which gear will be best to invest in. The type of police boots best suited for your needs need to be versatile and lightweight, as well as durable and comfortable during long hours of wear.

As a forestry worker, take a moment to consider your job. The terrain is rough. You never know if there will be snow, mud, or other conditions that make it difficult for you to get a strong footing. You are using high powered machines, and you are moving at a fast pace. These are just a few of the reasons why you need to upgrade your boots so you can match the challenges of your job.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the gold standard for protective gear worn by firefighters in extreme conditions. NFPA certification is strict. A manufacturer’s products, such as leather firefighter boots, need to be rigorously tested under specific conditions before they receive NFPA certification.

Composite toe work boots help to provide your feet with a high-level of protection. This type of boot is sought after because it provides ample toe protection.

"Pride and Joy!" - this is how HAIX® CEO Ewald Haimerl feels about the new Logistics Center in the heart of our international headquarters in Bavaria, Germany. Each year, HAIX® will send 1.2 million pairs of shoes out into the world from this location.

The job of a patrol officer, beat cop, or any other law enforcement position changes every day. You never know where you will go, what you will come in contact with, or who will interact with.

As far back as I can remember, I have wanted to be K9 handler. After graduating high school, I was offered a job at the local fire department as a firefighter/EMT, which is how I first learned about HAIX.

HAIX® has selected three tactical law enforcement teams for its Police Magazine wear test. The selected teams are: Lancaster County, Pennsylvania SERT, San Francisco SWAT, and Seattle SWAT.

When you need to protect your feet from heat, water, and rough terrain, investing in the right smoke jumper boots is a great place to start.

Every day you spend on the street, you encounter another set of unique circumstances. You spend a great deal of time moving through the city, encountering challenging situations, and oftentimes less-than-ideal terrain.

Our EMS zipper boots including the Airpower® XR1, Airpower® XR2, Airpower® R2, and the Airpower® R8 are some of our most popular boots. Here are few things to keep in mind when lacing your boots...

The uniquely designed Vibram® rubber sole provides extra grip and slip resistance for long-lasting durability on even the toughest terrain.