FDIC EXPO 2025
While the phrase "industry expo" might not seem that thrilling to a life-or-death profession like firefighting, you'd never know it by the energy bubbling all week long at the HAIX booth at FDIC. Lifelong fans and newcomers alike were excited to see our newest boots, swap a patch for a HAIX challenge coin, and, of course, try to score a free backpack or a free pair of boots.
But it wasn't just the freebies that had people flocking to HAIX's FDIC booth. As we heard from customers dozens of times over the expo, the real draw is the comfort, safety, and quality of construction that only HAIX boots can provide. From fire chiefs with 20-plus years in HAIX boots to a 17-year-old buying Airpower XR1 Pros for their firefighter test, the past and future of firefighting were on display at FDIC.
For HAIX Bid Specialist Chelsea Allen, it was her first chance to meet face-to-face with our partners since being promoted to her current role. "FDIC was a great opportunity," Allen said. "I was able to make in-person connections and put faces to names with some of the distributors and customers that I work with every day."
Over the three-day expo, HAIX employees helped customers find the right boot and the right size from our full line of boots—something that can be a rarity for customers who don't live near a dealer. This led to a steady stream of people looking to upgrade their footwear—and for many, that meant a custom fitting for our Fire Eagle Xtreme structure boots.
Fire Eagle Xtreme: The Top Product at FDIC
With its 2-zone lacing system and its bright yellow and black color scheme, Fire Eagle Xtreme can appear to be a huge departure from traditional pull-on boots. But as more and more people tried them on, it became clear that these are the only boots on the market that can provide a custom fit and a speedy donning and doffing process. What other boot could get the same reaction from a woman in a size 5 narrow and a man in size 16 wide: finally… a boot that fits.
"Nothing beats seeing the reaction on the faces of those attendees who try on the Fire Eagle Xtreme for the first time," said Kevin Terry, Email Marketing Specialist at HAIX. "Their face lights up and they immediately turn to their buddies and say, 'You gotta try this boot on. It's so comfortable!'"
Rescue Xtreme Offers a Look Ahead
Many other veteran HAIX-wearers came to the booth looking to replace their long-loved pair of Fire Eagles or Airpowers. But one of the biggest stars of the event was the debut of the Rescue Xtreme HAZMAT boot. Featuring a GORE-TEX EXTRAGUARD upper, easy on-and-off Smart Lacing System, and dual-certification for Chem-Bio and EMS, Rescue Xtreme is designed to protect you from everything from messy EMS runs to chemically contaminated areas. It drew attention, questions, and orders from both EMTs and firefighters; so, don't be surprised if this becomes a new staple for more than just HAZMAT missions.
As FDIC wrapped up and attendees headed home, HAIX backpacks became a frequent sight in the bustling Indianapolis airport. These backpacks, once a coveted giveaway, now serve as a symbol of the spreading impact the event had on the firefighting community. The connections made, the products showcased, and the knowledge shared at FDIC all contributed to a greater mission: equipping firefighters with the knowledge and gear they need to stay safe and effective in the field.
Firefighter Challenge Season Opener at FDIC
If the FDIC expo is all about research, training, and gearing up, the Firefighter Challenge portion is its reverse image. By the time competitors arrive to the arena, they have only one thought in their head: GO.
Done in full gear, this multi-stage competition challenges firefighters to drag and hoist hoses, carry dummies, and, above all else, run. Races are frequently won or lost by just a few seconds, so gear choice is of paramount consideration. Firefighters are looking for the same features in firefighter boots that benefit them in the field as well:
- Lightweight construction
- Anti-slip sole
- Flexibility
- Comfortable fit
Walking the arena between rounds, it was immediately noticeable that HAIX structure boots were a popular choice among the competitors. One athlete, Heather Neeb of O'Fallon, Missouri, was so happy to show off her pair of Fire Eagle Xtremes that she did a high kick for her teammates.
"I bought them last year at FDIC. This is my first time competing in them," Neeb said. "They're so comfortable! They feel like the Crocs of the fire service world."
In addition to high kicks behind the scenes, HAIX was well-represented on the winner’s podium with an incredible showing by the Lexington, KY Firefighters.
Lexington Firefighter Challenge Team Results (source: FB)
- The LFD Men's Relay Team took 1st Place
- FF Sarah McGill earned 1st Place in her division and set a new U.S. record
- FF Andrew Cook claimed 2nd Place in the men's division
- FF Mike Jeschawitz finished 3rd in the men's division
- FF McGill & FF Cook dominated the Coed Tandem and Hybrid Relays, both took 1st Place
- FF Cook & FF Jeschawitz secured 1st Place in the Men's Tandem Relay
- FF John Barnott's Over-50 Relay Team earned 1st Place, and his tandem team got 2nd.
The next Firefighter Challenge event takes place April 24-26 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
