Haix Boots

[EDCM]

Hi Chaps
on recommendation from here I have bought these

NEW - BRITISH ARMY - HAIX Combat High Liability Brown Boots Issue Leather Cadet​

They look to be a great bit of kit, complete with Gore-Tex label and instructions, but I have been out for a walk and after about 3 miles they were giving me a blister on the left heel only.
They came with 2 inserts for "half sizes" is this likely to help the situation, I was wearing proper socks, I cant return them as it was a muddy walk.
This the first time ever I have had this issue and the first ever "high" boot I have purchased.

I would welcome any suggestions other than send them back.

Eddie

 

[Ludders]

Put both pairs of insoles in and stick with them. They do take some breaking in. But when they are broken in they are a top class pair of boots. Mine took about a week To break in (mile or two a day walking the dog). I thought at the time that they would never be comfortable but I was wrong, now they are my favourite pair.

 

[VSS]

Sorry to hear that. I would recommend the Haix Cold Wet Weather boots instead. My wife ordered a pair of each to try, and sent the High Liability ones straight back after trying them on. The fit was very sloppy. We've all got the Cold Wet Weather boots in this family now.

 

[tarponhead]

Wear a pair of thin socks and then thicker socks over them to get them to fit right and persevere. I use these and looked after they'e the best boots I've had. That said I exercise in bare-feet so I have tougher soles and heels than some.

 

[Sonicdmb73]

Yes the insoles could help. You add or remove to find the fit you need. The other thing is how you do the laces up.
The D rings at the ankle are so you can set the instep lace tension and lock it. You will probably find that you have to work out the correct tension/fit.
I have a pair the same and they are a very comfortable boot. But you do need to get the lacing and insoles right.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

FYI, Been down to their outlet shop just before the first C-19 lockdown.
The Haix company mourns the loss of its managing director, Ewald Haimerl. According to the company, he died last Saturday, July 13, 2019 at the age of 58. “With Ewald Haimerl we are losing one of the defining figures of the German shoe industry. He was the head, the face and the heart of Haix ”, the company announced in a message to its business partners.
In 2003 Ewald Haimerl founded HAIX North America Inc. in Lexington in the US state of Kentucky. From here his company serves the North American market. This was followed by further production facilities in Croatia (from 2009) and an expansion of the product range, for example to include hunting boots and workwear.
In 2010 Haimerl's company invested 4.7 million euros in the expansion of the company headquarters in Mainburg. The international logistics center followed in 2017 and the new “Haix World” in 2018. In the future, it should offer a shopping experience with an insight into a glass production facility.
"With his entrepreneurial foresight and his visionary product developments, he transformed his company from a regional craft business into a global player," writes Haix. “Nobody can replace Ewald Haimerl. But we will keep his memory and continue Haix in his sense. "

 

[Rhodesianjess]

Have two pairs,day and day about use at work. Threw the insoles away, replacements are gel insoles from Tesco,£15 ish. Not a blister or rub anywhere, I do a lot of walking too, handfeeding daily plus everything else.

 

[bogtrotter]

Have a couple of pairs of Haix cold wet weather boots can't fault them in any way and two pairs for just under £100 brand new has to be a bonus.

 

[EDCM]

Have two pairs,day and day about use at work. Threw the insoles away, replacements are gel insoles from Tesco,£15 ish. Not a blister or rub anywhere, I do a lot of walking too, handfeeding daily plus everything else.

So is that an answer to my question? that you Haix boots that rubbed and it was cured by using gel insoles.

 

[Sonicdmb73]

So is that an answer to my question? that you Haix boots that rubbed and it was cured by using gel insoles.

The current issue boots vary in fit and come with insoles to alter the size roughly half a size. You might find that you get a better fit with aftermarket insoles.
But it is in my opinion the correct adjustment of fit with laces and or insoles that prevents blisters.
I can’t remember the last time I got a blister and I literally live in either my Hiax or Altberg boots.

 

[Rhodesianjess]

So is that an answer to my question? that you Haix boots that rubbed and it was cured by using gel insoles.

With the insoles that came with them (issue? ) not comfortable. Gel ones straight onto footbed work perfectly, for me anyway. Missus bought them for me, you cut them to fit.

 

[Rhodesianjess]

When it comes to waterproofing/cleaning them,put the cream stuff on when they're bit damp, not soaking, just damp. It seems to get drawn in as they dry, works for me.

 

[WillC]

Been wearing High Liability for years, no problems at all, best boots I have worn.

 

[hendrix's rifle]

When it comes to waterproofing/cleaning them,put the cream stuff on when they're bit damp, not soaking, just damp. It seems to get drawn in as they dry, works for me.

You need to clean them?

In the last 5 years I think mine have been cleaned twice, the rest of the time they are either covered in mud, cow crap or blood

 

[countrryboy]

Are ur feet different sizes?
I know I have 1 bigger foot.
U might need an insole in 1 but not other? Or mibbee u never tightened the laces fully.

Must admit with modern boots been a long time since I had a blister.

With old fashioned heavy leather boots they used to advise u to walk up a burn with them on getting them soaked inside and then walk a few miles in them.
Meant to get soft and mould to ur feet.
But that was old-fashioned heavy leather boots long before lined with gore Tex etc.
Modern boots are a lot softer now, in old boots u often got blisters till u wore them in, not so with modern boots.

Must admit I always found the locking D ring a bit of a pain and cut the locking bit of 1 pair and bypassed it on an other.

 

[EDCM]

My Berghaus GTX boots have had it after 12 years, I am sorry to see them go. They were brilliant from the outset.

I thought I would get a higher boot this time. I will try new insole/s and persevere.

Thank you for your thoughts everyone.

Eddie

 

[Koenig]

Just wear them. Try different sock/insole combinations. I’ve found getting new boots wet sometimes helps break them in. Finally pay particular attention to how you lace them up - it makes a real difference. I have a pair of old Army boots which if I lace wrong makes my big toe hit the end. Laced correctly...like slippers. Preserve, Haix make good boots.

 

[Sonicdmb73]

Just wear them. Try different sock/insole combinations. I’ve found getting new boots wet sometimes helps break them in. Finally pay particular attention to how you lace them up - it makes a real difference. I have a pair of old Army boots which if I lace wrong makes my big toe hit the end. Laced correctly...like slippers. Preserve, Haix make good boots.

I found out my Haix are fully waterproof. They didn’t let a drop out . Seriously though I did get them full of water due to the weather I was working in. It literally ran down my neck and soaked me to the skin.
My advice is don’t deliberately soak them as the will take a lot of drying out. Due to the gortex lining

Socks, insoles, lacing are all variables that can cause and cure poor fit which equals blisters.
Mine are laced so that they are almost too tight, then adjusted slightly for best fit. No movement on my foot no blisters.
Merino wool socks seem to help too. Cotton is to be avoided in my opinion, I have had no end of foot problems because of cotton socks.

 

[Ooops]

Are ur feet different sizes?
I know I have 1 bigger foot.

same here, a half size different & I need a wide fit.
I have no direct experience of Haix but like you I was getting heel blisters, sore feet , damaged nails etc.
I solved it by experimenting with different lacing patterns. I found I was able to tighten the boots in specific places and loosen in others to get a decent fit. And happily no more heel blisters, overly tight boots or sore feet.

I found these links helpful - each has a decent explanation of how to weave & the associated benefits
https://happiestblog.com/running-shoe-lacing-techniques/ - example below
Ian's Shoelace Site – Shoe Lacing Methods
Top 12 Shoe Lacing Techniques [Images + Video]
Ian's Shoelace Site – Shoe Lacing Methods
How to Lace Hiking Boots

 

[EDCM]

Thank you
I will give that a go.

Eddie