SHOE TECHNOLOGY 101

There are many factors that go into making a comfortable safety toe shoe. Material, construction, cushioning and support should all be considered. In order to be sure that your next safety toe shoe for work is exactly what you need, it’s important to be informed about the various technologies that go into how a safety toe shoe is made.

Upper

As the name suggests, the “upper” of a shoe is the material that covers the toes as well as the back, sides, and top of the foot. Basically, everything that you can see by looking straight down at your shoes can be considered an “upper”. This part of a shoe can be made of a variety of materials such as leather, action leather, suede and mesh. When picking a shoe, it is important to make sure that you get a shoe that is not only comfortable and protective, but one that also fits your work environment.

Full grain leather
  • generally found on dress shoes
  • presents a more finished appearance
  • easy to clean
  • durable
Action leather
  • typically found on athletic or casual shoes
  • more flexible
  • more breathable than full grain leather
  • easy to clean
  • durable
Mesh/Suede
  • tend to be found as accents on work shoes
  • Suede: offers a pleasing aesthetic quality
  • Mesh: affords more breathability for dry feet on the job

Insole

When you’re looking for comfortable work shoes, you’re probably going to pay close attention to the “insole”. This is the part of the shoe that your foot actually rests on everyday. This part of the shoe is usually enhanced with extra cushioning in the heel area, which is also called the “impact zone”.

Cushioned
  • some padding in the heel, generally found in low profile Oxford shoes
Full cushion
  • cushioning in the heel and impact zone areas, typically found in low profile athletic shoes
Extra cushion
  • maximum cushioning for maximum comfort, this is mostly in athletic shoes and styles
Impact zone padding
  • extra cushioning at the ball of the foot

Lining

We get it, shoe lining isn’t exactly the first thing you think about when it comes to picking your shoes. However, it’s not something you’ll want to overlook when looking for a comfortable pair of shoe, either. If you are looking for a shoe that has moisture-wicking capabilities, you will want to look for shoes with mesh fabric linings in order to help maintain a cool, dry shoe interior. When we’re talking about moisture and feet, you know that odor is sure to follow. That’s why is it’s important to understand that the proper lining for your line of work (see what we did there?) will ultimately give you more comfort, and less foot funk.

Midsole

You might be more familiar with the other term for this part of the shoe – its called the footbed. This is the portion of the shoe located between the insole and outsole. It’s main job is to provide foot support, cushioning and stability. Due to recent improvements in midsole technology, your shoes are now capable of having more cushion, and more arch support. There are even ergonomic designs specifically made to decrease foot, leg and back pain.

Eco Sustainable Materials

All raw material components used in the manufacture of our products are environmentally friendly and recyclable.

SRC Certified Slip Resistance

The SRC standard meets the requirements of both SRA and SRB. SRA tests on a ceramic tile/sodium lauryl sulphate, and SRB tests on steel floor/glycerol.

Wide Toe Cap

Wide toe safety shoes can give your feet real comfort for a full working day. Perfect for South American and African customers. It helps you increase your efficiency at work by allowing your feet to have the toe room to work comfortably without foot pain.

Breathable Shoe Reinforcement

Most factories use EVA as reinforcement, which is much cheaper, but unbreathable. We use non-woven fabric reinforcement. It helps all uppers to be extremely breathable. Say goodbye to foot odor.

Techno Mesh Lining

The breathable mesh keeps your feet dry and comfortable. As you walk, air is pushed and circulated through the fibers allowing the skin to breathe.

Breathable PU Insole

The moisture control system increases shock absorption; minimizes potential problems for backs, knees, and joints; improves foot hygiene; and ensures air breathability.

3M Thinsulate Insulation

Insulates against the cold. The thermally efficient insulation system seals in radiant body heat while allowing moisture to escape, so your feet stay warm and comfortable, not hot and sweaty.

GORE-TEX Membrane

GORE-TEX membrane is a synthetic material designed to prevent water from penetrating the shoes when working in wet outdoor environment.

Stabilizing Heel

Improves stability, offers greater twist protection, and reduces risk of sprains on uneven ground.

BOA

The BOA fit system replaces the need for traditional shoe laces, and allows easy one-handed lace tension with a quick turn of the instant release dial, ideal for a high intensity environment.

Lightweight

Using smallest possible quantity of materials and the minimum thickness allowed by EN ISO 20345:2011. Liberate your feet from heavy, rigid footwear.

ESD

Products certified according to the standard EN 20345:2011 for the protection of electronic devices from the danger of electrostatic charges. With electrostatic discharge ranging from 0.1MΩ to 100MΩ.