I see some of you guys have the haix boots. From what I read, you're happy. I wonder if you guys could tell me if you've found more support with them compared to other boots. I need to find a boot with superior support to hopefully get me through the summer, and possibly surgery next fall/winter. I have a high arch and my feet easily "roll out" causing problems. Maybe a quality Danner would serve me just as well?
I have bad feet and have good luck with Red Wing boots.Mine took a while to break in but they are a good boot.
I havent tried the Haix yet, plan to get a set @ Boonville. Friend of mine likes them and says they fit very well and are stable, hes a pretty big guy. I trash boots, a pair of Carolinas get me 6 months, best pair ive had lately where the American made Chippewas, where about 330 and I got 14 months out of them before the soles gave out. I wear the orange husky saw boots quite alot, for saw protection I still think they are the best.
I'm on my second pair of Haix, I think they are the xr200 model. The first pair had the sole delaminate after a year of light wear. I wasn't very impressed for a nearly $300 pair of boots. I wrote Haix and complained, and they sent me a new pair. I thought that was pretty stand up of them👍👍 Interestingly, the first pair was never very comfortable, and I had my worst ankle sprain EVER in those things. Honestly when I got the new pair I thought about just selling them. I'm glad I decided to just wear them, because these are really comfortable. I don't know what the issue was with the first pair, but I would completely recommend them on the performance of the second pair.
I bought a pair of protector primes in April last year at the Vermont show.
They are very stiff in the beginning.
If you're looking for support they are the ticket.
Great quality.
They are wet and muddy all the time and have stood up very well.
Show special was $285.00 I believe.
When these wear out I'll definately buy another pair.
The protector prime have the support of a ski boot!
Haix says to buy a half size smaller than you normally wear, but I wish I stuck with 9 1/2 instead of 9.
Thanks guys. I think they'll be my next investment :)
Quote from: barbender on April 23, 2019, 12:00:36 PM
I'm on my second pair of Haix, I think they are the xr200 model. The first pair had the sole delaminate after a year of light wear. I wasn't very impressed for a nearly $300 pair of boots. I wrote Haix and complained, and they sent me a new pair. I thought that was pretty stand up of them👍👍 Interestingly, the first pair was never very comfortable, and I had my worst ankle sprain EVER in those things. Honestly when I got the new pair I thought about just selling them. I'm glad I decided to just wear them, because these are really comfortable. I don't know what the issue was with the first pair, but I would completely recommend them on the performance of the second pair.
I too had issues with my first pair and wore them to the richmond logging show, showed them to the person at the booth and had new boots in short order. I personally find them a bit clumsy...or rather I am more clumsy in them than normal ( ok I am clumsy anyway). I am wearing them for the cut protection and I have cold feet and wanted a protective toe but not steel toes. I am fairly satisfied but they are not cheap.
nativewolf, do you have the xr 200s also?
Got me a pair of protector primes last year. Little tough. But I wanted a good boot with support for in the woods. Took a while to get used to them. They seem a bit bulky. After a few days you don't notice it. The broke in good. Wore them all winter with a pair of wool socks and never got cold feet. I love them. Once these are shot I will buy another pair. I'm not sure but I think the protector primes have been replaced by something else. A tad pricey but i don't mind to pay for a good comfy boot. When your on your feet all day you need to have a good boot.
Cub,
I agree with your comments totally.
A little clunky , yes.
I've worn Chippewa Arctic 50's since the 80's.
The Chippewas are like wearing slippers.
Have no cut protection at all.
And I get 10 months to a year at best with them.
Once I broke in the Haix boots they are not so clunky and wear really well.
It's looking like I'll get well over a year out of them so the price is the same as I was paying for the Chippewas with more protection.
I'm going to buy another pair when these wear out.
Hope this helps.
I couldn't wait.. I ordered a pair of the protector primes today. I don't think I saw one negative review shopping the last couple months. When you guys gave the thumbs up on the support they give, that put the nail in the coffin 👍. Thanks for the input fellas
You won't be disappointed with them once you break them in and get used to them.
Did you order the correct size or 1/2 smaller ? My buddie swapped his back because they where to tight and liked the replacement pair, I'm planning on a set at Boonville and have a narrow foot.
Quote from: Pclem on April 23, 2019, 08:41:32 PM
nativewolf, do you have the xr 200s also?
Sorry for the delay, see that you ordered already. I did get the xr 200s. I don't think you can really go wrong, the service is good and if they don't fit send back. Fairly sure you'd get a refund no questions asked and for someone needing arch support I think that's the key point. Hope the boot is comfortable for you!
'
Quote from: BargeMonkey on April 24, 2019, 10:40:25 PM
Did you order the correct size or 1/2 smaller ? My buddie swapped his back because they where to tight and liked the replacement pair, I'm planning on a set at Boonville and have a narrow foot.
That's the bad thing for me ordering online without being able to try them on. Some boots I've had fit better 9.5, others 9. I did order a 9. We'll see....At least you can try em on at boonville;)
Have you guys ever heard of Nick's, White's, Wesco? They all make a true logging boot with good ankle support looked on the Haix website as I've never seen them out here before they remind me more of hiking boots then a loggers work boot.
I had a pair of wesco lineman boots years ago. Maybe the lower heel on the loggers are better, but the high heel lineman boot kills me. I'd never heard of haix before I got on the forum here, but after reading all the good reviews, I was curious. Sure looks like they have better ankle support than most. And the cut resistant is a bonus....
Most of the fallers our here wear caulk boots which don't have a heel, most logging boots here have a block style heel for an engagement on steps or for climbing gaffs to sit in. When I'm cutting all the time I can't stand my standard logging boots it's caulks all the way the spikes help with traction's on everything but rock and steel that's when you learn really quick how to ice skate.
Quote from: BargeMonkey on April 24, 2019, 10:40:25 PM
Did you order the correct size or 1/2 smaller ? My buddie swapped his back because they where to tight and liked the replacement pair, I'm planning on a set at Boonville and have a narrow foot.
I have the XR200 boots I usually wear a size 9 (rarely an 8.5 in some brands). I have a narrow foot, and the medium width in a size 9 fit me perfectly. I was trying on their boots at the Logging show in Vermont. All they had with them were wide sizes. The 9W fit OK in length, but were loose otherwise. I took a gamble and ordered the 9M. They said I could return them if I was not happy, but they fit perfectly. I've been very happy with them.
At the time, all they had in chainsaw boots was the XR200 or the Protector Prime. The XR 200 has a 7" upper, the Prime has a 9" upper and has a higher grade of cut protection. The Prime was just a bit tall for my liking, so I went with the XR200. I've never tried on the Protector Ultra (8" uppers, same cut protection as the Prime), but I'm thinking they may be a good bet as well.
Looks like $4.95 shipping until Sunday,US only.
Quote from: thecfarm on April 28, 2019, 08:21:19 AM
Looks like $4.95 shipping until Sunday,US only.
They run specials from time to time, and generally have special pricing for shows (at least for hows where they have their own booth set up. Not sure if the same is true if it's just one of their dealers with some on display.)
They also sell factory seconds on their website at a substantial discount. These are boots with cosmetic defects, not functional problems. You can sign up for notifications of when they have your preferred size and style in stock in a factory 2nd.
I signed up for notifications on the factory seconds a couple months ago. I could have gotten the lime green boots for $250, but nothing else in that 2 month span. Call me picky, but I wasn't too crazy about wearing green boots :D
Pclem,
My protector primes are the bright orange ones.
Took a little while to get used to having orange boots on. :D
I have a pair of the Ultra lime green boots, it does tone down with use. That loud color is a constant reminder to keep my lilly-white feet out of harms way. One of the features I like best is the Vibram sole shared with the Primes, really helped with footing and traction in wintry conditions. Good luck with your new boots!
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/38622/Picture0105191232_1.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1546721440)
Scott B.
Got a new pair of Haix Protector Orange a couple of weeks ago (my first).
Wife's kinda mad cause they say they stink up the covers when I wear them to bed at night.
So far it's been about 5 solid days in cold and snotty wet winter weather, and two days wearing them on the approaches to ice climbing.
They are FREAKIN AWESOME!!!
Quote from: dustintheblood on December 22, 2019, 06:54:01 PM
Got a new pair of Haix Protector Orange a couple of weeks ago (my first).
Wife's kinda mad cause they say they stink up the covers when I wear them to bed at night.
So far it's been about 5 solid days in cold and snotty wet winter weather, and two days wearing them on the approaches to ice climbing.
They are FREAKIN AWESOME!!!
Every time these boots come up for discussion my mouth waters. I would love to try a pair and the seconds are like 30% off but the warranty is not there for those. My problem is that I think they might be too hot most days. Anything I have had with gortex is too hot. @BargeMonkey (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=24634) did you get a pair at Boonesville, and if so, how are they working out? Sorry I didn't look to see what was on your feet the last time we met. ;D
Not a big fan of the bright colors and I wish they were a little taller, but I guess the color is handy if you can't find your feet in the snow. These boots look like ski boots, are they really flexible enough for a working man?
@dustintheblood (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=28203) I would think that color would keep you awake at night, but I know the feeling when you have a pair of the perfect boots for you. Happened to me once too with a pair of backpacking boots.
I had Haix boots...the Airpower XR2. I used them on wildfires a lot and everyday. They held up fine for what I put them through, but they probably lasted less than a year. I contacted Haix and it was still under warranty and they sent me another pair. They lasted about the same amount of time. The Airpower XR2 are better around a Fire Station and not in the woods or the mountains for sure.
For the price you can't beat them, but if you want better quality where they can be rebuilt...you will want to spend more money.
I've had the same experience with the XR200 saw boots. They only last me a year, I'm not on my feet that much, and I don't wear them for about 5 months when it's too cold here. For a $300 boot, I think they should last longer. The sole pulls away from the upper.
My first pair, was protector primes (in black, wish they still made it, obviously people want it) I got 2.5 years out of them, installing maple tubing in the summer and fall (lots and lots of miles, logging mixed in). I liked them well enough to say I'm never buying Chippewa style boots again, and bought the protector ultra. Those had an issue in the sole of the right boot, made it hard to wear. They took them right back and sent me another.
Very supportive but not too stiff once they break in. And the most waterproof gore Tex boot I've ever owned.
Quote from: Okefenokee_D on December 22, 2019, 07:34:04 PM
I had Haix boots...the Airpower XR2. I used them on wildfires a lot and everyday. They held up fine for what I put them through, but they probably lasted less than a year. I contacted Haix and it was still under warranty and they sent me another pair. They lasted about the same amount of time. The Airpower XR2 are better around a Fire Station and not in the woods or the mountains for sure.
For the price you can't beat them, but if you want better quality where they can be rebuilt...you will want to spend more money.
Second what everyone says, the soles pull away from the uppers, not so waterproof after that. i had a replacement done and to Haix credit that stood behind the product. However, for almost $400 I thought it should last more than 8 months. I wear them maybe 4 days a week and they get used, I can be on my feet for 8-16 hours a day. I also DON'T like the traction, they are slippery. I wish the soles had more grip.
On the other hand I am cold when it is 60 ...so working outside when it is 20 it is nice to have boots with composite instead of steel tips. They are warm enough for me (Capella's boot socks inside...that was a tip from a forum member, great socks!-lifetime warranty and they hold up, 1 year and counting and those are hard hours for socks)
Quote from: nativewolf on December 23, 2019, 05:36:51 AM
Quote from: Okefenokee_D on December 22, 2019, 07:34:04 PM
I had Haix boots...the Airpower XR2. I used them on wildfires a lot and everyday. They held up fine for what I put them through, but they probably lasted less than a year. I contacted Haix and it was still under warranty and they sent me another pair. They lasted about the same amount of time. The Airpower XR2 are better around a Fire Station and not in the woods or the mountains for sure.
For the price you can't beat them, but if you want better quality where they can be rebuilt...you will want to spend more money.
Second what everyone says, the soles pull away from the uppers, not so waterproof after that. i had a replacement done and to Haix credit that stood behind the product. However, for almost $400 I thought it should last more than 8 months. I wear them maybe 4 days a week and they get used, I can be on my feet for 8-16 hours a day. I also DON'T like the traction, they are slippery. I wish the soles had more grip.
On the other hand I am cold when it is 60 ...so working outside when it is 20 it is nice to have boots with composite instead of steel tips. They are warm enough for me (Capella's boot socks inside...that was a tip from a forum member, great socks!-lifetime warranty and they hold up, 1 year and counting and those are hard hours for socks)
If I recall..mine became a little slippery. I loved that they had the composite toe though. If only they could be rebuilt. And another thing is, they had this special type of boot paste you had to get from them as well. It was black and it would stain anything it touched if you werent careful with it.
I've been debating about going with White's or Nick's since they can be rebuilt...but $$$$. Some guys like them Lowa boots too, I got a free used pair from a fire incident someone was giving away. Havent even worn them yet. Kind of afraid too. Lol. And then there are Scarpa boots people prefer.
But yeah, Haix did honor their warranty, but they are losing money if boots fall apart within a year. Needs better quality control or something.
@Okefenokee_D (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=46293)
Whites are ok we use to wear their caulk boots, but have since switched back to Wesco because they're local to me as well as can be rebuilt. Nick's are built not too far from Whites the story I've heard is one of the employees from Whites left and started their own shop.
I've had my Haix XR 200 boots for about 4 years now. I'm not wearing them full time, but they have definitely gotten a work out. Maybe the equivalent of 2 years at a full-time job. I've had no signs of the sole coming off. I've been very happy with them - they are as comfortable as the most comfortable hiking boots I've ever owned. I've never owned a work boot that fit as well as these.
I do agree that the soles on the Haix Prime and Ultra boots provide a bit better traction. I've had that tread style on some of my hiking boots and liked it a lot.
BTW, you don't have to use Haix's special polish on them. I was told by a Haix-USA rep that any clear silicone polish will work fine on them (They do recommend a polish over the sprays that many places sell).
Quote from: Okefenokee_D on December 23, 2019, 08:12:41 AM
Quote from: nativewolf on December 23, 2019, 05:36:51 AM
Quote from: Okefenokee_D on December 22, 2019, 07:34:04 PM
I had Haix boots...the Airpower XR2. I used them on wildfires a lot and everyday. They held up fine for what I put them through, but they probably lasted less than a year. I contacted Haix and it was still under warranty and they sent me another pair. They lasted about the same amount of time. The Airpower XR2 are better around a Fire Station and not in the woods or the mountains for sure.
For the price you can't beat them, but if you want better quality where they can be rebuilt...you will want to spend more money.
Second what everyone says, the soles pull away from the uppers, not so waterproof after that. i had a replacement done and to Haix credit that stood behind the product. However, for almost $400 I thought it should last more than 8 months. I wear them maybe 4 days a week and they get used, I can be on my feet for 8-16 hours a day. I also DON'T like the traction, they are slippery. I wish the soles had more grip.
On the other hand I am cold when it is 60 ...so working outside when it is 20 it is nice to have boots with composite instead of steel tips. They are warm enough for me (Capella's boot socks inside...that was a tip from a forum member, great socks!-lifetime warranty and they hold up, 1 year and counting and those are hard hours for socks)
If I recall..mine became a little slippery. I loved that they had the composite toe though. If only they could be rebuilt. And another thing is, they had this special type of boot paste you had to get from them as well. It was black and it would stain anything it touched if you werent careful with it.
I've been debating about going with White's or Nick's since they can be rebuilt...but $$$$. Some guys like them Lowa boots too, I got a free used pair from a fire incident someone was giving away. Havent even worn them yet. Kind of afraid too. Lol. And then there are Scarpa boots people prefer.
But yeah, Haix did honor their warranty, but they are losing money if boots fall apart within a year. Needs better quality control or something.
I have Scarpa mountaineering / ice climbing boots that have seen he** and back. The keep performing year after year after year.
The Haix boots were to be strictly for logging and forestry work for me - except they are so warm and dry I am wearing them as hiking boots as well. It was funny when the pretentious city folk climbers asked about the brand (Haix), and how shocked they were to hear the word "work" and "boot" in a sentence. Their eyes started flickering back and forth, they shuffled their soft feet, and became real quiet. :D :D
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11286/20191223_172004.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1577143118)
As I said, 2nd pair that has pulled apart right there. I contacted Haix about the first pair, after the warranty period, and they sent me a new pair. So they are pretty stand up in that regard. But when the 2nd pair failed in the same place, and after the same amount of time, I question whether I'll spring for another pair of them. If I did it would only be because of the chainsaw cut protection. They are a decent boot but for $300, I've had many Chinese boots that lasted way longer🤷🏽♂️ Not that I want to buy Chinese boots.
Quote from: barbender on December 23, 2019, 06:24:17 PM
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11286/20191223_172004.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1577143118)
As I said, 2nd pair that has pulled apart right there. I contacted Haix about the first pair, after the warranty period, and they sent me a new pair. So they are pretty stand up in that regard. But when the 2nd pair failed in the same place, and after the same amount of time, I question whether I'll spring for another pair of them. If I did it would only be because of the chainsaw cut protection. They are a decent boot but for $300, I've had many Chinese boots that lasted way longer🤷🏽♂️ Not that I want to buy Chinese boots.
Nearly everything we get is going to have something sourced from China. Just how it is. Some Chinese stuff is quality but like with everything else...you get what you pay for.
After the second pair failed on me with the Haix...I am going somewhere else. I may try them again eventually.
I need boots bad. I like a traditional leather lace up. Always wore red wings but they don't seem to last anymore. I was going to try the Chippewas. But now I'm second guessing after reading a few people's experiences. And yeah the orange husqvarna boots are great for cold and wet cutting. Mine a three or four years old.