Built From The Ground Up

Design Begins with Real Work

Zimmer’s process starts in the field. Before a single sketch hits paper, he dives deep into the industries his boots are meant to serve. “I research the environment, the users, the movements they make during the day,” he explains. “Then I talk to them. What are they wearing now? What’s working? What’s not?”

It’s a hands-on approach that pays off. This insight leads to better materials, smarter construction, and boots that don't just meet expectations—they exceed them. Whether it’s road paving, ironworking, or warehouse operations, HAWX boots are engineered to support the exact challenges workers face in each setting.

From the Last to the Lace

The foundation of every HAWX boot starts with the last—the form that shapes the boot. If the last doesn’t fit the job or the foot, nothing else matters. That’s why Zimmer often develops new lasts from scratch to meet specific comfort and performance needs.

From there, every layer—from the outsole to the footbed to the laces—is considered. Take the HAWX Airflow Paver Boot, for example. Designed specifically for asphalt crews, the boot features:

• A heat-resistant, low-tread rubber outsole that won't mark fresh pavement.
• A dual-density polyurethane midsole for shock absorption and long-wear support.
• An aerogel-infused insole, originally developed for NASA, to block intense heat from radiating through the ground.
• And its standout innovation: the HTS (Heat Transfer System), a proprietary ventilation system that pushes air through the boot with each step, keeping feet cooler and drier.

That level of attention isn’t unique to the Paver. Whether it’s the USA Wedge Boot, built with U.S.-sourced components for rugged trades like concrete and steel work, or the Steel-Toe Welted Boot designed as the perfect entry point for new industrial workers, Zimmer ensures each product is tailored—not templated.

Testing That Goes the Distance

Every HAWX boot undergoes rigorous field testing before it hits the shelves. Prototypes are worn by real workers in real conditions—sometimes for months—to ensure durability, comfort, and safety hold up under pressure. “We won’t release a boot that hasn’t been tested,” Zimmer says. “If it’s a new platform, we go for a month, sometimes three. We’re identifying failure points before the customer does.”

This process even includes lab testing of individual materials. “A leather might be waterproof until it scuffs. Then it’s a sponge,” Zimmer notes. “We test everything independently before it’s built into the boot.”

Safety, Comfort, and Materials That Last

While safety features like toe protection are required, Zimmer tries to go further—designing for less obvious risks, such as impact to the Achilles or failure points like cracked soles or degraded linings.

Material selection is another area where a lot of unseen work happens. Linings, for example, must be breathable but abrasion-resistant. Leathers must be tested not just for looks or water resistance, but for how they’ll perform over time—especially after being scuffed or exposed to chemicals.

The goal, Zimmer says, is to balance durability with comfort. “If someone is physically uncomfortable, they’re distracted. And that can lead to safety risks on the job.”

Designed to Be Rebuilt—Not Replaced

HAWX boots are made to last—and in some cases, outlast. For example, the USA Wedge Boot can be resoled, meaning it can serve its wearer for years beyond the initial break-in period. That level of longevity is intentional. “These workers don’t want to spend money on work gear—they want to spend it on their lives,” Zimmer says. “So we build boots that respect that.”

Designing Across Industries

Designing a boot for a steelworker in the Northeast isn’t the same as designing one for someone in warehouse logistics in Southern California. Regional differences—weather, job types, materials underfoot—mean each boot has to be tailored to its environment.

This leads to a wide range of products, from wedge boots with resoleable construction to entry-level options for workers just entering the trades. There are also lighter, athletic-inspired models for warehouse and indoor work, including a line of safety footwear designed specifically for women.

Comfort Without Compromise

While protection and performance are top priorities, Zimmer never overlooks comfort. From open-cell polyurethane footbeds that resist compression to full-grain leathers that reduce break-in time, every boot is designed to feel good on day one—and stay that way for the long haul.

More Than a Brand. A Promise.

Some customers are hesitant to trust newer brands, but Zimmer welcomes the challenge: “Compare any HAWX boot, part for part, against longer-established brands. At the same price point, we often offer more: better materials, smarter design, and proprietary technology you won’t find anywhere else.”

Purpose Built 

When asked what sets his design approach apart, Zimmer doesn’t talk about aesthetics or trend forecasting. He talks about user experience. “It’s about the full cycle—from the moment someone steps into a store to the end of that boot’s life. The job is to make that entire experience better.”

For Jamie Zimmer and his team, designing a boot is never just about the boot. It’s about the people wearing it—and building something that helps them do their work safely, comfortably, and with confidence.

The HAWX Advantage

HAWX boots aren’t just footwear. They’re tools, built with the same level of grit, precision, and pride as the people who wear them. Thanks to Jamie Zimmer’s thoughtful design process—rooted in research, driven by field testing, and elevated by innovation—HAWX continues to redefine what work boots can be.

As Zimmer puts it: “We may not please 100% of people. But if we can satisfy 90%, and give them a boot that makes their day better, we’ve done our job.”