What a year it’s been. Birthday Block Party and new Boots, oh my!
As we near the end of 2023, we reflect on a year filled with innovations and celebrations, and our plans for continuing our tradition of excellence in the footwear market for another 75 years.
New Boots, Same High Standards
We launched 6 new work boots this year! We launched a new line of Law Enforcement boots called Enforce X. These boots come in three variations; Enforce X Mid, Enforce X High and Enforce X High Winter. These lightweight and waterproof boots have anti-slip soles and sun-reflect leather technology, to keep your feet dry and comfortable. The Enforce X Mid and High also come with CROSSTECH® protection, to keep your feet safe from hazardous chemicals and body fluids. The Enforce X High Winter comes with GORE-TEX® Duracom insulation, for those frigid winter months. These boots are an excellent complement to our outstanding Black Eagle Series of athletic and tactical law enforcement footwear.
In April, at the annual FDIC conference, we unleashed the Fire Eagle Xtreme, a new firefighter boot. It is the most innovative structural fire boot on the market. The proprietary lacing system allows the wearer to customize the fit of the boot like never before, addressing slips and falls which account for one of the most common fireground injuries. For firefighters with trouble finding a structural fire boot that fits securely because of narrow calves, wide calves or lingering injuries, the Fire Eagle Xtreme is the answer. This boot also boasts a lightweight, athletic sole. It protects like a fire boot but fits like a tennis shoe. Just ask any of the firefighter competition teams that wear our Fire Eagle Xtreme and they will tell you there is nothing else like it.
Like it or not, winter comes every year. Your work doesn’t stop because of snow and ice. We developed three boots that help take the sting out of winter! t. The Fire Eagle Air and Airpower XR1 Pro are the first to get this impressive upgrade. We embedded yellow gripping elements into the non-slip rubber. With unique, self-cleaning traction, these Grip Xtreme soles will keep you on your feet regardless of the weather.
Bonus product update! Our best-selling EMS boot became quad-certified in 2023! The Airpower® XR1 Pro is NFPA certified for EMS, USAR, Wildland Firefighting and now, HAZMAT/CBRN!
Summer Block Party
We think we look good for 75! We celebrated our 75th birthday with a Block Party event at our North American Headquarters in Lexington, KY. Free food, photobooth and facepainting for the kids complimented the fire trucks, police cruiser and armored swat vehicles provided by area fire and police departments. We had a great turnout despite the rain!
Thrive and Advance
Overall, 2023 was a great year for HAIX North America. We continue to push the industry forward with our footwear innovations. We are committed to quality, craftsmanship and care, putting customer safety first in everything we do.