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Haix Protector Ultra. After owning a pair of Haix Protector Pro boots for best part of 2 years, I was very excited to try out the impressive looking Protecter Ultras. I’ve been lucky with my footwear in my time working in the Arb industry. 5 years service, and only 3 pairs of boots in that time. The Protector Pros were undoubtedly the best pair I’d had, and seemed to fit my feet very well. So, the Ultras had a lot to live up to! After trying on lots of different styles and brands, I found myself lacing up a pair of the Ultras and thinking to myself, yes, these are the ones for me. I have quite skinny, low volume feet and Haix just seem to fit me. I had been desperate to try a pair of Meindl Airstereams but there is just too much volume in there for my foot shape. First impressions were excellent. Comfy, light, not to warm. As a ground worker only I don’t need to worry about how they perform with spikes on. I was more interested in whether they kept my feet dry and warm, and kept me on my feet. As expected towards the end of the Protector Pros life grip was non existent, and they were no longer watertight. I had had trouble in the initial stages of wearing both styles (Pro and Ultra), with there being no flex in the ankle area. Thankfully I was taught a trick to get around this, namely missing out the eyelet for the laces where the flex point is. This allows the initial rigidity to soften quite quickly. I must say though, the Ultras were much quicker to mound to my feet and I was happily working away in the them in a matter of days. The Pros took a solid fortnight to get comfy! The Ultras looked the part, in a vibrant red colour and I thought they complemented my SIP trousers nicely (you’ve got to look professional). The lacing system was slick, and the lock off eyelets made keeping the tension on the laces a doddle when doing them up. The insole was cool and comfy, and stayed put unlike some others that can move about. The outers seemed fairly tough and resistant to oil, dirt and grime. Overall I was very happy with them......for the first 6 months anyway. Now as was mentioned, the Protector Pros I had before these were outstanding. The lasted for well over 18 months and performed admirably. Unfortunately the same can not be said for the Ultras. The sole had lost the majority of its tread after 6 months, and on the left boot the sold had split at the front of the boot. The sole has also started to come away at various places on both boots. This is such a shame as the uppers are still in very good condition, and remain watertight. I’m going to look into the possibility of getting them resolved as they do still have plenty of life left in them I feel. So to summarise, Haix do make some very good, durable and comfy boots. It’s just the Ultras don’t quite cut it for me in terms of durability. I’d not be deterred by these though, and would recommend the brand to anyone who asked. The attached photos are a stock one of them brand new, and what mine look like now after 9 months use. View full review

Part 2 – Know your features In part 2 of this series on safety footwear standards, we highlight the importance of understanding the safety standards that shape your forestry footwear. Here we look at the specific features one would typically find in a forestry boot and why they are important. Class Features & Benefits SB Safety basic, 200 joules Toe Protection, Oil Resistant outer sole. (Minimum Requirement). In forestry, working at height and with heavy objects is part of the daily routine, and so toe protection is essential. This is the basic standard required for safety boots, showing that the outer sole is resistant to oil and can withstand a 200 joule impact. SBP As SB plus Mid-Sole for penetration resistance. Sharp objects in the great outdoors (that could include forestry equipment) pose a significant safety risk. Boots listed as SBP follow the same standards as the basic safety boot (shown above) but also come with mid-sole protection for penetration resistance. S1 As SB plus Anti-Static properties and fully enclosed Energy Absorbing heel area. Anyone who has had an electrostatic shock from a piece of clothing will know that this type of static charge energy can build up elsewhere in the body. S1 certified boots benefit from all of the features of an SB boot, as well as boasting anti-static properties. S1 boots also benefit from a fully enclosed energy absorbing heel, enabling you to be more comfortable when on the go. S1P As S1 plus Mid-Sole for penetration resistance. As with SBP, S1P provides all of the protection found in S1 certified boots but with additional mid-sole protection. S2 As S1 plus water resistant upper and absorption. S2 certified boots offer an upper with resistance to water penetration and absorption; a must have for anyone working outdoors in the UK! S3 As S2 plus Mid-Sole for penetration resistance and cleated outsole. The most common non-fatal injuries in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector according 2015-16 HSE statistics were slips and trips. The S3 standard includes mid-sole protection against penetration and a cleated outsole. Cleated outsoles are external protrusions or studs on the sole of the boot that provide additional traction on soft or slippery surface. This is especially useful when working in wet or icy conditions as you can then be confident that your steps will be sturdy and unaffected by slips or trips, S4 200 joules Toe Protection. All rubber or polymer construction (waterproof). Anti-Static properties, Energy Absorbing heel area. Boots certified to an S4 standard are made of 100 % rubber or polymer making them waterproof and leak proof. S5 As S4 plus Mid-Sole for penetration resistance and cleated outsole. The S5 standard offers the same benefits of an S4 boot with the added mid-sole protection against penetration and a cleated outsole for additional traction on soft or slippery surfaces. We hope our guide will prove useful for when you’re choosing your next pair of forestry boots. The standards outlined in this two part series are just some of the ones you might come across, so if there is anything else you need to know, please feel free to get in touch with the HAIX UK team who will be happy to help you. For more information on HAIX and its footwear, please visit haix.co.uk or your nearest distributor.

When buying a new car, the technical specifications of the vehicle influence your final decision. Do you need an automatic? Central locking? GPS navigation system? The same logic and careful consideration should apply to choosing your next pair of safety boots – how will you use them, and what features matter most to you? Forestry professionals need safety footwear to reduce injury risks when completing daily tasks. When purchasing safety boots, it can be easy to overlook the standards that distinguish a basic boot from specialised footwear. While you may assume that a standard launched in 2011 is less advanced than one launched in 2013, are you aware of what these two standards actually mean, and why both are important to you? In part 1 of this two part series on safety footwear standards, we look at the EN standards that have developed over the years to ensure safety boots do what they are supposed to. In part 2, we outline the various classes of safety boots and what you should expect from each one. Part 1 – Making sense of the standards ESD CEI EN61340-5-1 – ESD, or electro static discharge, is an electrical discharge caused by the transfer of static from one object to another. Footwear with ESD certification is designed to reduce the amount of static energy built up in your body. It means the footwear can protect sensitive electronic devices from electrostatic discharge. EN ISO 20345:2004 – This standard specifies that all safety footwear must have toe protection. This covers all footwear designed before 2004 and so will still be seen on older stocks. Products coming onto the market after June 2013 have to comply with the new and now more commonly used EN 20345:2011 standard. EN ISO 20345:2011 sets out new tougher minimum requirements for safety footwear. EN ISO 20347:2012 - This is an umbrella standard, and encapsulates many other, more specific footwear safety standards that identify special risks. These are relevant depending on the type of occupation the footwear will be used for. EN ISO 17249:2013 – This is the forestry standard to show resistance to chain saw cutting. The above standards are minimum requirements and all safety footwear has the potential to boast more. Being aware of these core standards and what they actually mean will ultimately help you to be safer at work and make the right decision when purchasing footwear. In the second post of this series we will discuss some of the most common features in forestry footwear. In the meantime, if there is a standard you would like to know more about, please contact the HAIX team who will be happy to assist you. For more information on HAIX and its footwear, please visit haix.co.uk or your nearest distributor.

Believe it or not, our feet take us up to four times around the globe in our life time. The combination of 26 different bones, the shape, ligaments and muscles are naturally designed to withstand the physical stresses of everyday life., However, working in the forestry sector means being on your feet for large proportions of the day, often in changing weathers and therefore it is essential to have comfortable, supportive shoes to be able to complete work effectively and avoid long term health issues. As a specialist in orthopaedics and chirotherapy, sports physician, Dr Norbert Becker is a leading expert in footwear health. Here, he tells us all about the key points for consideration when selecting your next pair of boots to ensure ultimate protection and comfort… . The Sole of the Boot If the sole of the boot is too soft, the foot will not be given enough support to achieve sufficient momentum when moving forwards. This will cause unnecessary stresses and strains for both the feet and subsequently the rest of the body. Supporting you as you walk Boots should not impair a foot’s function but assist it, be it with non-slip soles, shock absorption or safety protection. Dr Becker’s top three tips: 1. The shoe should always be fit for purpose taking different working conditions into consideration , 2. It is better to try shoes on in the afternoon because the foot changes during the day and its volume increases slightly. 3. Ensure the fit is exactly right – that includes consideration for the lacing and allowing for toe caps. For the latest forestry footwear on the market visit https://www.haix.co.uk/forest/ or your local distributor

In part 2 of Hitting the HAIX, we return to find out what John Trenchard thinks of his HAIX boots. John Trenchard, assessor and a verifier for Lantra and co-founder of Arbor Venture Training Ltd with over 20 years’ experience is testing the HAIX Protector Forest boots ahead of the APF show - so let's find out if he's impressed? Much of John’s work sees him venturing into the tree tops, either for tree care or to carry out aerial recovery training as safety at height is key for arborists. It is for this reason that he was particularly impressed to learn that the boots are far more flexible than he originally assumed. In addition, John was keen to point out that the Protector Forests also work well with foot ascenders. “The ascenders fit on really well and don’t make the boots difficult to work with.” In addition to working seamlessly with forestry equipment, such as the foot ascenders, John also discovered that HAIX boots incorporate a fast lacing system. Having worked to provide safe and effective boots for the legendary New York Firefighters as well as the German GSG-9 Counter-Terrorist Unit, HAIX has learnt that time is of the essence when it comes to putting on and removing their footwear, so many boots from HAIX, including the forestry footwear, benefit from the fast lacing system. As John explained, “You can lace up the lower part and once it is comfortable, lock it in place and lace up the upper part. After you’ve done the lower part the first time, there’s no need to do it again.” Be it as a trainer for Lantra or working with his company, John is always on the go so the fast lacing system isn’t going to stand in his way. So what is John’s resounding overall opinion? “Excellent comfortable, capable boots that are great value for money.” And you can’t say fairer than that. Having worn the Protector Forests in all weathers, in the air and on the ground, John has put them through their paces on a literal boot camp and has been left more than impressed! To find out more about HAIX and HAIX boots, please visit http://www.haix.co.uk or your local distributor.

John Trenchard, assessor and a verifier for Lantra and co-founder of Arbor Venture Training Ltd with over 20 years’ experience is testing the HAIX Protector Forests ahead of the APF show - so is he impressed? From childhood farms to forests, Arbor Venture Tree Care’s John Trenchard is no stranger to the outdoors, so he was quick to swap his usual boots for the HAIX Protector Forests earlier this year. Having started working for his father on the family farm and helping his grandfather with tree clearing, John learnt to handle a chainsaw at an early age, so it comes as no surprise that he now has more than 20 years’ experience in the tree care industry. Nowadays for John there is no typical 9-5 working week. He divides his time between working as an arborist, a verifier for Lantra Instructors and training the new generation of arborists with Arbor Venture Training Ltd which he co-founded in 2005. Based in the beautiful surroundings of Hampshire’s New Forest, Arbor Venture Training is a sister company to Arbor Venture Tree Care and a Lantra verified training provider of chainsaw and tree climbing courses for beginners right through to those wishing to brush up on the latest techniques. It was while working for Arbor Venture Tree Care that John first trialled the HAIX Protector Forest boots during the removal of some beech trees and as he says himself, “I haven’t swapped them back since!” John soon discovered the Protector Forests are nimble with a good sole and grip. “When I first opened them I noticed they came higher up the ankle than competitors’ boots for greater support and this made me think they would be quite stiff”, John explained “but they are really very comfortable and capable when I’m climbing. They’re also great value for money.” It is not uncommon to find that comfort is overlooked when it comes to choosing the right safety boot. Cost is often favoured instead but this can lead to discomfort for workers and they don’t last as long as more expensive alternatives. Cheaper is not always better. As John rightly said: “The fact that I know they will last means I’m willing to spend that little bit extra because it will pay off in the long run.” A short term cost saving can lead to more regular purchasing of replacement boots as well as foot injuries and discomfort, all of which distract from the task at hand. It’s therefore important when choosing the right boot that you keep in mind the long term benefits, as well as ensuring that the boot offers the most important features for you. According to the Health and Safety Executive’s chainsaw PPE requirements, safety footwear should have “good grip and protective guarding at the front vamp and instep.” However, as with any PPE and as per the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, it should be a last resort that is implemented after a risk assessment and attempts have been made to eliminate or reduce the hazard. As a sector, forestry workers face numerous hazards every day, including the use of machinery and tools, lifting and moving, repetitive movement and loud noise forming just some of the stated causes of non-fatal injuries. The risk of injury from machinery and tools was present in 80% of agricultural, forestry and fishing sector workplaces, while slips, trips and falls are the most common non-fatal injury in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector with 22% of cases. When choosing the right safety boot it makes sense to check that you are not investing in unnecessary safety features. If the only hazard that you will encounter is slipping, it’s most unlikely that your boot will need to have a steel toe cap. With the right features, you can be sure your HAIX boots will be providing long term comfort and safety. It is this assurance that has led John to wear HAIX boots for more than 10 years. As he explains: “My first pair of HAIX were black leather in 2002. HAIX have always had a reputation for making good forestry boots and they were extremely durable and comfortable, but unfortunately not so good at gripping the tree. HAIX has improved a lot since then though.” Keep checking back for the next installment of John Trenchard's Protector Forest trial to read his resounding opinion. To find out more about HAIX and to purchase HAIX boots, visit http://www.haix.co.uk or a HAIX distributor.

Footwear is an essential piece of equipment in any active job, from tree surgeons to firefighters and the emergency services. Not only does it have to protect, it also needs to be comfortable to ensure that wearers are not distracted by niggling pain in their feet. But when money is tight, the boots get tighter and with the post-Brexit uncertainty looming overhead, it’s nice to know you have a sturdy boot you can rely on. When choosing new boots, whether you’re a company manager making a decision on footwear for your employees, or an independent forester or arborist, the choice usually comes down to a balancing act between price and quality. Cut your costs too far and you’ll be investing in a very short term solution that may not make it through the British summer time. On the other hand, choosing a high cost boot is a commitment that needs to pay off in the long term. In an eight point plan based on recommendations from the Trade Union Congress, a safe and comfortable boot’s features should include being breathable, both in the upper and lining, it should have padded toe caps that are fitted properly to avoid rubbing, and a strong, flexible sole that offers shock absorption. This is in addition to a stabilising heel fit, removable insoles and fastenings or laces that secure the boot in place. However, many products claiming to meet European standards do not, so it is important when choosing or purchasing footwear that you request test data from the supplier. Further advice on this is available on the HSE website (role of manufacturers and suppliers of footwear). By ensuring that the boot you are choosing complies with each of these guide points, you can feel more assured that you are purchasing the correct boot for your needs and your budget. To find out more, visit https://www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/footwear.pdf or share your boot choosing tips below. To find out more about the HAIX range of boots, visit our website at http://www.haix.co.uk or you can find us on Facebook and Twitter @HaixGlobal.

As the song goes, a breeze is much appreciated in the summer but clearly Seal and Crofts had never experienced the great British weather. When you can’t be sure whether you will be caught out in torrential rain, or wilting in a searing heatwave (unlikely!), you need to dress for all eventualities, right down to your boots. It’s essential for healthy foot care that moisture is allowed to leave the boot, but it is equally important to ensure that your boot does not allow rain water in. While Gore-Tex prevents water from entering the main part of the boot, HAIX footwear is tested for wicking – materials in the boot’s upper must be non-wicking to check that moisture does not permeate into the boot, over the Gore-Tex lining. This process is integral to the Gore-Tex high quality and performance standard. Gore tests all upper components from the shoe's leather and foam to the stitching and laces to ensure that the whole boot meets the waterproof performance standards. So next time you expect sunshine and find yourself stepping into a puddle instead, you can be sure that your HAIX boots are equipped to keep you dry. To find out more about the HAIX range of boots, visit our website at http://www.haix.co.uk or you can find us on Facebook and Twitter @HaixGlobal.

Ever wondered what makes your HAIX boots waterproof and breathable? To answer this we need to delve a little deeper into the realms of science and 1950s computer technology. In a bid to protect computer cabling from fine heat fluctuations, Bill Gore launched W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., in 1958 with the vision to explore the potential applications for a new polymer material, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Since then, PTFE has been used to improve stents for percutaneous coronary intervention, aerospace cables and for protective vents in devices such as mobile phones to ensure that they are dust-tight and water-resistant, without compromising the quality of sound transmission. In 1982, Gore Footwear was launched and in the early 1990s HAIX began using Gore technology in its boots. Gore only approves boots by companies that produce quality products that can withstand Gore’s intense testing process. This includes a waterproofing test during which boots are placed in 5cm of water and 300,000 steps are simulated to ensure that no water is let in to the boot. If the boot shows any lack of waterproofing, the boots are rejected and must be reassessed following adjustments. The boots are also tested for breathability to ensure they allow the half a pint of sweat our feet release to be transported away from the feet and out of the boot. HAIX boots are tested to this exact standard for waterproofing and breathability and as a result can be trusted to keep your feet both dry and warm. The ideal foot temperature should be regulated to between 28-32 degrees, even during periods of high physical activity. Cold and damp feet can lead to swelling, soreness, blisters and in some extreme cases infections, so it is essential that your boots are able to provide the breathability for this. By combining HAIX’s boots with Gore’s innovative membrane, HAIX produces boots that are a cut above the rest and you can be sure that whatever the weather, you will be protected with HAIX. To find out more about the HAIX range of boots, visit our website at http://www.haix.co.uk or you can find us on Facebook and Twitter @HaixGlobal

It seems the art of good boot polishing (or bulling!) has become lost, so we at HAIX thought it was about time that we offered our loyal boot buyers some hints and tips. Firstly, before starting to clean your muddy boots, be sure to brush off any excess dirt. Next, use a high quality shoe polish not only to maintain the shine of your boots, but also the breathability. Our feet have 250,000 sweat glands and the average pair gives off about half a pint of perspiration per day. To allow for this level of moisture as well as wet weather, HAIX boots incorporate Gore-Tex which allows moisture to be transported away from the feet and out of the boot. The use of oil and wax to polish your boots could damage the high quality leather and materials that make HAIX’s boots breathable, so it’s always best to use a good quality boot polish. Afterwards, you may wish to dry and store your boots. To do so, lift out the specially designed insole and put it upright into the boot. Taking care of the insole is vital for protecting the 49 individual bones and small joints in your feet. HAIX bases the design of its boots on the complex anatomy of the foot and orthopaedic requirements to ensure that the user’s feet are comfortable. After a long day, your boots could make a world of difference to the amount of strain that comes from a demanding, physical job. To allow your boots to dry effectively after a rainy or even snowy day, stuff your boots with newspaper and leave them in a dry and darkened location at room temperature, never on heating vents. Then your boots will be ready and waiting for another day out! Of course, if you have any questions either contact HAIX directly or leave a post below and we are sure another HAIX user will be able to help you. To find out more about the HAIX range of boots, visit our website at http://www.haix.co.uk or you can find us on Facebook at HAIX Global and Twitter @HaixGlobal.

It seems obvious but our entire body weight is supported by our feet. With 49 individual bones and small joints, our feet have 250,000 sweat glands and the average pair gives off about half a pint of perspiration per day. According to the College of Podiatry, between 75% and 80% of the adult population have some form of foot problem. By basing the design of its boots on the complex anatomy of the foot and orthopaedic requirements, HAIX’s designers are able to ensure that their customer’s can comfortably deal with the excessive strain that comes from a demanding job. Exactly which functions will be carried out by the wearer determine how each element of the boot – the upper, sole, support systems and materials – interacts. This attention to complex detail protects the wearer from the risk of misalignment of the feet. In accordance with the Health and Safety Executive’s chainsaw PPE requirements, safety footwear should have “good grip and protective guarding at the front vamp and instep.” However, as with any PPE and as per the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, it should be a last resort that is implemented after a risk assessment and attempts have been made to eliminate or reduce the hazard. As a sector, forestry workers face numerous hazards every day, including the use of machinery and tools, lifting and moving, repetitive movement and loud noise forming just some of the stated causes of non-fatal injuries. The risk of injury from machinery and tools was present in 80% of agricultural, forestry and fishing sector workplaces, while slips, trips and falls are the most common non-fatal injury in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector with 22% of cases. When choosing the right safety boot it makes sense to check that you are not investing in unnecessary features. If the only hazard that you will encounter is slipping, it’s most unlikely that your boot will need to have a steel toe cap. As part of HAIX’s customer-facing approach, a boot trial can provide both invaluable insight for the arborist when choosing the right boot and for HAIX in determining how best to match the wearer’s requirements. Steve Dresser, health and safety consultant and auditor specialising in forestry and member of the Forestry Industry Safety Accord recently trialled HAIX’s Protector Forest boot. He said: “I have worked in the forestry industry for 43 years, serving 25 years as a contractor and 18 in my current position in management and health and safety advising. I visit different sites on a daily basis. Workplace hazards are extensive, with the potential for falling objects, potential punctures, and slips trips and falls. Safety boots are vital. “HAIX’s Protector Forest worked for me as I could go about my everyday duties in comfort, safe in the knowledge that my feet were protected.” HAIX’s dedicated forestry boot range is all compliant with the EN ISO 17249:2007 standard, meaning that each forestry boot from HAIX possesses resistance to chain saw cutting. Furthermore, each HAIX forestry boot benefits from metal free cut protection, ranging from cut level 1 (20m/sec.) to cut level 3 (28m/sec.). This accredited safety protection combines with the waterproof and breathable qualities to provide and safe and comfortable boot. To find out more about the HAIX range of boots, visit our website at http://www.haix.co.uk or you can find us on Facebook at HAIX Global and Twitter @HaixGlobal.

Hi, For those of you that wear Haix PP's, which make of spikes do you have/fit better (if it makes a difference)? Don't want to buy the wrong ones and regret it. Thanks all. Warren