Steve Bullman

Few work environments present such a variation of potential hazards as the forestry, arboriculture and outdoor work sectors. From extreme weather to difficult underfoot terrain, working with cutting tools to working at height, wearers in these industries demand more from their protective footwear than any other. Specialist functional footwear manufacturer HAIX understands that the exceptional demands on forestry workers require exceptional footwear. That’s the reason why the Protector Forest 2.0 has been designed from the sole up to provide the comfort and protection that forestry workers and tree surgeons need, no matter the job. Based on the tried and trusted design of the original, the Protector Forest 2.0 boasts the comfort and safety features wearers have come to expect along with upgraded and enhanced elements to provide even higher levels of protection, support and fit; all day, every day. The Protector Forest 2.0 features the same Class 2 Cut protection as the original, protecting wearers operating chainsaws and cutting tools up to 24m/s, giving peace of mind when undertaking challenging felling and clearing tasks. The anatomically designed, Protective Toe Cap provides added protection from stubs and falling object hazards, while the sturdy VIBRAM/PU sole provides confident grip and traction in slippery underfoot environments, while ensuring excellent impact absorption and correct toe-to-heel movement. Working in all weather conditions means forestry and outdoor workers need boots that can protect them from the elements, keeping feet dry and at an optimum temperature. The Protector Forest 2.0 includes a GORE-TEX® Performance inner lining which is water proof, abrasion proof and highly breathable. Offering enhanced climate comfort, no matter the weather conditions, it works with the hydrophobized, breathable suede-leather upper to keep feet dry. The Haix 2-zone lacing system enables separate adjustment of the fit around both foot and calf, allowing the wearer to adjust the boot to provide a personalised best fit. The Haix Climate System uses the pumping movement of the wearer’s steps to permit air circulation through vents at the top of the boot, creating a consistently comfortable internal temperature. The addition of a full rubber rand around the boot ensures even greater protection and durability, and the updated red/fluorescent yellow colour scheme gives the boot a striking visual profile and works to keep wearers easily noticed and safe in poor-visibility environments like dense underbrush or low-light forests. “Our forestry and arborist wearers really put Haix boots through their paces, and it’s their feedback we turned to when evolving the Protector Forest 2.0,” says Simon Ash, Haix UK Sales Manager. “We’ve worked hard to increase levels of comfort, protection and durability while maintaining the features that wearers relied on from the original version. By using smart materials and enhanced design and manufacturing processes, we’ve made sure that the Protector Forest 2.0 will provide wearers with high levels of comfort and safety, not just this year, but for many years to come.” To find out more about the Protector Forest 2.0, or HAIX’s full range of safety and work footwear, head to www.haix.co.uk