Page 25 - index

TOP cover aUtUmn 2012 25

HAIx DAkotA MID BootS

Feet! not the most attractive subject or part of the human anatomy, but nonetheless vital
in performing our role as police officers. What we wear on our feet can literally mean
the difference between catching an offender or not, or worse still slipping or turning an
ankle over causing serious injury. haix are a german company with a proud history of
making footwear. i spoke to their Uk supplier, stephen Bond, director of Bond safety,
We who asked me if i would trial a pair of their Dakota mid Boots.
teSt tHe the Dakota mid Boots are part of the ‘police’ range of footwear described as an ankle
LAteSt kIt high work and leisure shoe. When i put them on they fitted like a glove; i was struck as to
AnD teLL It how light they were. With five lace holes they tie up neatly and comfortably. the ankle
HoW It IS support is very good and you immediately get the impression they are made to last. haix

use a unique manufacturing process to make their boots (see www.haix.com).
so the first test was a trip to work, in the rain obviously, where i found myself somewhat
‘child-like’ stepping in all the puddles just to check out their goretex waterproofing
capabilities. the boots are light and airy. they provide good grip on all types of surfaces,
which in turns gives you confidence, particularly if like me you have gone over on
kerbs several times! they are also comfortable to drive in, with plenty of feel on the
pedals. they’re easy to clean and can be worn with casual clothing as well
as uniform.
after the summer we have had i was also able to test the boots in near rain
forest conditions, whilst out walking my dog. mud, puddles and foliage: the
boots performed brilliantly. i must admit i even found myself deliberately
pushing them further and further to see if they were waterproof whatever
the conditions. each time i returned from the walk my feet were dry and
oddly enough hardly sweating. so the big question has to be, would i
buy a pair? Well the simple answer is a resounding yes! can they be
used everyday? yes again! ■ m.W.

RANGER GSG9-S
®
Developed with Special Operation
Commandos and SWAT teams

> Waterproof and breathable with CROSSTECH ®
> Sun Reflect reduces the heating effect of the upper
leather by direct sunlight
> Rubber/PU Sole with KEVLAR ®

Quality shoes for security, firefighters, rescue services, hunting, workwear and leisure time
HAIX -Schuhe Produktions- und Vertriebs GmbH, D-84048 Mainburg, T. +49 (0) 87 51/86 25-0, info@haix.de www.haix.com
®