Submitted by David Waks, Dallas Fire and Rescue

I have been wearing the Haix Airpower X1 boots now for over a month. While operating as a firefighter in the large urban environment of Dallas, TX the capabilities of these boots were tested on a daily basis. Though some critical points were evident, overall my boots excelled in almost every category I consider essential for a quality pair of “operational” boots.

In order to determine if the Haix Airpower X1 boots are best for you, I would like to go into some detail into the pros and cons of the Haix Airpower X1 boots.

Positives:

Comfort: The Haix Airpower X1 boots are very comfortable to walk in, they provide significant cushioning and have an excellent ankle support system. At no time did I feel any loss of balance even when on uneven or loose terrain (i.e. spillways or embankments). Furthermore, the rubber soles provided significant traction and at no time did I slip while wearing these boots, even in motor oil or transmission fluid.

Ease of Donning & Doffing: A significant reason for the comfort and stability of the Haix Airpower X1 boots lie in the placement and alignment of the laces. In conjunction with the front zipper attachment, these boots fit very securely and are excellent at keeping outer foreign matter (i.e. water or dirt). However most importantly for firefighter like myself is the ease in which I am able to get in and out of these boots, never did I have an issue getting them off quickly in order to get into my bunker gear.

Protection: In addition to the snug feel and sense of stability these boots have provided excellent protection against water impingement all along the boot and puncture protection. The tough leather exterior and mid-sole plate have provided adequate puncture resistance to both glass and nails, I therefore believe this too would be the case with most hypodermic needles. Furthermore, the Haix Airpower X1 have a thick steel toe. This benefit is especially vital for EMS personnel who do not utilize firefighting gear, and therefore are unable to rely on the safety mechanisms bunker boots and pants provide.

Look: These boots simply look cool and tough and therefore professional!

Negatives:

Ventilation: To be blunt, in extremely hot climates like Texas these boots are a killer! With so many safety features something had to be given up, and ventilation was it. Though the boots offer a ventilation system through the soles it only activates when walking. As any firefighter can tell you much of our day is spent sitting in training or around the firehouse, and therefore is not ideal for general station wear due to being overbuilt.

Price: As a firefighter I am more inclined to invest 200 plus dollars in a pair of structural firefighter boots rather than station boots. Overall these boots are too much for someone who rides an engine or truck all day and will likely not be wearing their station boots at emergency scenes.

As a firefighter these boots are great, even too great. Many of the features offered I also get with my bunker boots and pants. If a significant enough of an incident occurs where I would maximize the safety features of these boot I’m probably gonna be putting on my bunkers anyhow. However if I were working in such hazardous sites strictly as an EMS responder and did not have firefighting gear then I would not think twice about purchasing the outstanding Haix Airpower X1 boots.

   -David Waks
   Firefighter and EMT
   Dallas, TX