Skip to main content

The HAIX Research and Development department wanted to get to the heart of matter: What do firefighters need and how can we best support them in their work? After all, we’ll be back at the INTERSCHUTZ in Hanover in four years. There HAIX wants to inspire – with the most innovative firefighting boots in the world. The beginning of a creative development process.

It’s not going to be a spaceship, but it’s not going to be a cucumber either – that much was clear at the beginning of the innovation workshop. The motto of the day is “ON FIRE”, and this fire burned inside each and every one of us. To better think outside the box, we leave the HAIX headquarters and set off to the Mainburg fire station. HAIX has also enlisted the support of HYVE: Five creative minds from the Innovation Agency are there to provide impetus for product development. At the end of the day, it’s not about having a finished shoe on the table – that much is clear. It’s more about creative ideas that may sound crazy at first but will inspire us to create THE firefighter boot 2026.

The goal: to get the best seat

First, Gerhard Müller, commander of the Mainburg Fire Department, leads the troops through the fire station. In the red lockers of the vehicle hall, the firefighters’ boots are ready to dash into the next mission. To make it go faster, firefighters slip their trousers over their shoes, allowing them to jump into the first part of their PPE without hindrances. Practical, but also a so-called “pain point”. From experience, 50 percent of firefighters do not close their shoes. “They want to get the best seat in the emergency vehicle, and that’s all about saving time,” explains Gerhard Müller. In addition, most boots already fit perfectly due to the two-zone lacing system. This can be taken as a compliment or as an incentive to develop an even more innovative solution. HAIX members grab a matching uniform and slip into the PPE. Unaware that the fitting will be very useful later.

The path: fueling creativity

Back in the seminar room, the HYVE team presents the agenda. First they tell everyone go to the Opportunity Areas – the product areas that can be improved. Things get more specific in the so-called Fire Bowls, where, for example, weight, cleaning and sustainability play a role. The Creativity Boosters provide the necessary creative impetus with tips for fresh inspiration and new ideas.

Looking to the future, many questions arise: Who will wear our boots in 2026? Who will purchase them? What makes our customers special? The “one” firefighter doesn’t exist, so can there be a firefighter boot that meet all needs? The benchmark for this is indoor firefighting – the extreme scenario in the field.

YouTube

By loading the video, you agree to YouTube's privacy policy.
Learn more

Load video

The mission: getting a taste of practice

While the first heads are still spinning, an alarm suddenly shrills through the room. Thomas Singer, Head of Research & Development, holds the beeper in his hand. “We have a mission!” he calls to the troops. The team runs into the vehicle hall. Get to the lockers and into the PPE. The fire truck takes you to the operation scenario: A shed has caught fire, one person inside needs to be rescued. The smoke comes from a fog machine, the person to be rescued in this case is a flashing light. Sounds simple? See for yourself:

Admittedly, there is not much to see on the video. But it’s amazing how much a little fog can limit perception and orientation. The obstacles in space feel like mountains. In truth, it’s two rolls of carpet, a barrel and a coat rack. The shed, which has a length of about six meters, seems infinitely long. The flashing of the light is barely visible through the fog. And this is just an exercise.

The task: to become even better

Back in the seminar room, the HYVE team presents the agenda. First they tell everyone go to the Opportunity Areas – the product areas that can be improved. Things get more specific in the so-called Fire Bowls, where, for example, weight, cleaning and sustainability play a role. The Creativity Boosters provide the necessary creative impetus with tips for fresh inspiration and new ideas.

Looking to the future, many questions arise: Who will wear our boots in 2026? Who will purchase them? What makes our customers special? The “one” firefighter doesn’t exist, so can there be a firefighter boot that meet all needs? The benchmark for this is indoor firefighting – the extreme scenario in the field.

Close Menu
select language