Bata Industrials has developed an innovative concept for safety shoes. With this new concept, Bata is responding to the growing demand for safety shoes adapted to specific work conditions. At present, the concept is being further developed and tested. Bata Industrials presented the Shoe of the Future on a large 3-D screen during the A+A exhibition in Düsseldorf.

Safety shoes are worn every day and every workplace has its own unique features. Employees in the logistics industry who walk a great deal for their jobs have wearing-comfort needs which are different from factory workers with a static workplace whose jobs do not require a great deal of movement. However, temperature, humidity and the surface also play a role. A safety shoe must therefore satisfy varying requirements. Bata Industrials analyses these conditions and, on the basis of the results, is developing the modular Shoe of the Future.

Countless possibilities
The new concept consists of six modules: sock, inlay sole, insulation/comfort layer (Isotech), reinforced layer (Bioplate), mid-sole and outsole. A variety of materials are available for each module. Thanks to this combination of options, it is possible to make the ultimate shoe suitable for every specific type of workplace.

Since Bata Industrials only has to adapt the production processes once, the safety shoes remain affordable. The modules do not influence one another. With a single module, it is easy to replace the materials to produce a different shoe with other qualities. The proper climate control in the shoe starts with the choice of the right sock. For this reason, the socks are also an integral part of the new concept.

An easy choice
The technical tours de force are made clearly visible in the shoe. Users can see with their own eyes which elements ensure that the safety shoes meet their demands. In addition, colours are used to indicate which shoe is suitable for which type of work. Finally, Bata Industrials is no longer marketing safety shoes by the collection, but instead, based on target groups. This makes it that much easier for employees to choose the right shoe.