Why do Haix Protector Pros feel like ski boots?

[briscoe]

I recently aquired a pair of barely used 2019 Haix Protector Pros for £30 off fleebay

 

Why the hell have these got such fantastic reviews?

 

For a start they are extremely restrictive and they feel like wearing ski boots. I am used to wearing Haix Mountain ridge which have lasted well and so thought Id give these Haix Protectors a try. The Haix Blue Ridge feels like a walking boot but these rise considerably higher up on the leg . Then there is the crazy high sole which shuttles me from 5'9 to nearly 6ft, which is nice for a confidence boost, but I think unnecessary. The combination of the sole height and restriction makes driving / operating pedals tricky and the van seat needed to be slid back to accomodate for the boots.

 

After the tricky driving experience I braved wearing them in a tree and they were OK but not brilliant. 

 

Overall I am not that impressed. I will keep trying them for a few weeks but I think generally a lower cut boot/lower sole height is the way forward. These feel like something inspector gadget would wear

 

Regardless of whether I will use them for tree work, i will  keep them in the cuboard for the occasional night out or concert, where the boost in height, may make all the difference. 

 

Are there many here that like these? Do you use them for forestry or general tree / hedge work? Did it take a while to adjust to them?

 

[doobin]

No idea about that particular brand, but surely you know a boot needs a while to wear in and soften up?

[Haironyourchest]

Mine broke in quite nicely. Try and don't lace then all the way, maybe they'll feel better.

[GdeS]

I have had mine for about 6 months and use them for general tree and hedge work. Find them very comfortable after they were broken in. Also find that the thick sole makes wearing spikes more comfortable. 

[manco]

second that, once broken in theyre great. but to start with theyre a pisstake. 

[Canal Navvy]

Sounds like the Arbortec Fellhunters. I buy boots in plenty of time to get them broken in for work, currently got three pairs on the go, and the oldest feel lovely still 😊

[htb]

Same here 3 pairs on the go, one of which is def summer only wear due to holes, one nicely broken in and the other in between. Just about to buy next pair to break in.

I buy them as they are the only tall boot that I know of and at 6ft 4 with long legs, when climbing they prevent a gap btw trousers and boots, nice not to have a boot full of sawdust at the end of the day as well.

[jrose]

I love my Protector Pros, on my 5th or 6th pair at least now.

 

When they're new they do take a couple of weeks to break in, but once broken in they're the comfiest boot going IMO

[monkeybusiness]

I always wore protector pros and always found them very comfortable. However the soles kept delaminating (I had 4 pairs fail in the same way, none of which we’re old) so gave up on them in the end and wear Fellhunters now.