For over 75 years, HAIX has distinguished itself as a trustworthy supplier of high-quality footwear and clothing for fire departments, police, defence, and industrial work. With its modest beginnings as a small, local crafting business in Mainburg, Bavaria, it has developed into a global player with companies and employees all over the world.

It all started when shoemaker Haimerl Xaver founded the shoe factory HAIX in Mainburg, Bavaria, Germany, in 1948. He had a vision to produce durable and functional boots for work and leisure by combining traditional shoemaking craftsmanship with modern technology. He created the name HAIX from the letters of his own name, which soon became a trademark associated with outdoor footwear and work boots.

Haimerl Xaver’s philosophy was carried on by his son, Ewald Haimerl, who, in addition to working as a certified shoemaker in his father’s factory, was the deputy fire chief of the Mainburg fire department. Ewald and his colleagues were dissatisfied with the footwear they used on duty, so he designed and developed functional leather boots to improve the safety and comfort of firefighters. This marked the beginning of HAIX’s specialisation in footwear for fire departments, police, and other emergency services.

From 1999 to 2009, HAIX experienced significant growth in the production and sale of footwear. The company expanded its production and sales in the USA and Canada and established new production facilities in Croatia. In 2010, HAIX further developed its heritage from the Mainburg fire department with the innovation of the award-winning Fire Hero boots, described as the world’s safest fire boots. This product line later became an elite series of fire boots known for exceptional safety, durability, and comfort. Today, the series is tested against the strictest requirements and certified to meet several safety standards, including NFPA 1971 and 1992, ASTM F2413, and CAN/CSA-Z195.

Safety, durability, and comfort have always been paramount at HAIX, and in 2012, they introduced BLACK EAGLE HAIX, a high-performance footwear line designed for demanding professions such as defence, police, security, and industrial workers. The boots have many advanced features and are intended for rough wear in challenging environments.

HAIX’s success continued into the 2000s, with significant growth between 2012 and 2019. Over 1,000 new employees were hired, and they expanded with several new factories and logistics facilities, continuing to develop solid, high-quality products. During this period, HAIX launched their first clothing collection, HAIX WEAR, offering practical, durable, and functional clothing of high quality for work and outdoor activities.

HAIX’s innovative products became popular worldwide, and in 2019 they opened the doors to their flagship store HAIX WORLD in the city where it all began, Mainburg, Germany. Meanwhile, the company continued to grow, with the family business now in its third generation.

The focus on work apparel was strengthened with the CONNEXIS Safety product line, setting new standards for the segment and leading to further expansions for the company. The product line is based on research and technology that enhances user safety, endurance, and comfort.

Over 75 years of innovation, technology, and craftsmanship have developed the once small shoe factory in Mainburg into a large and global company. HAIX has maintained its focus on high quality through craftsmanship and technology and continues with sustainable production in line with the vision of the company’s founder, Haimerl Xaver. Despite the company’s global footprint, HAIX products are still designed and manufactured in Europe. The success lies in the combination of good craftsmanship, shoemaking, and technology, driven by the motivation to develop high-quality apparel and footwear.

Equipnor equips defence, fire departments, police, and security services with carefully selected products from world-leading suppliers. We are proud to offer products from HAIX, a strong brand with high-quality products we rely on. If you would like to know more about HAIX and what we can offer, please send us an enquiry and our experienced sales representatives will assist you in finding the right products for your project.