REVIEW: Haix Tibet

Heroes wear HAIX, is the motto of the German company of the same name, which is known to everyone for their high-quality shoes. SPARTANAT was able to test the HAIX "Tibet" operational boot and we share our experiences with it.

The boot, which visually lives up to its name by appearing as bulky as the mountains of Tibet, is a heavy mountain shoe made of hydrophobic, breathable leather with a thickness of 2.5 - 2.7 mm. The HAIX "Tibet" is completely waterproof - at least up to the top of the shaft. The lining is made of a four-layer Goretex laminate. This is supposed to keep the foot dry and cool, which is not 100% achievable with very intense use and subsequent sweating. But it does its job very well.

The abrasion-resistant and slip-resistant sole has a street/terrain profile and has always provided excellent grip during our "hikes" in terrain, even when it was wet and slippery. Furthermore, the sole is also insulated for warmth and cold and non-slip on steel plates and tiles with cleaning agent on them.

The boot is extremely sturdy, even too sturdy at the shaft, at least when you first put it on. It is recommended to break in the shoe properly before the first real use, as the leather in the wrist area is very stiff at first and presses uncomfortably on it. But with a few kilometers of walking, the leather softens and the heavy mountain boot reveals its pleasant side as an excellent piece of footwear.

Despite its visual power, the boot is surprisingly light - weighing just under 1 kg (999 g clean), it is very comfortable to wear even for extended periods. The seamless processing on the side reduces pressure points and potential areas for blister formation to a minimum. To our surprise, even during long marches, our feet have always remained blister-free.

CONCLUSION: In our hobby/sport, good footwear is of particularly high importance to avoid injuries. The HAIX "Tibet" is one of the best boots you can treat yourself to for all seasons. The high shaft prevents twisting, and snow definitely won't get in during winter. Ideal for rugged terrain and high alpine use, the HAIX "Tibet" is a lifelong investment.

The HAIX Tibet costs around 210 euros and is available in various specialty stores - such as Militärversand Steinadler.

This review first appeared in the current issue of the BOLTCATCH Magazine.