Misconceptions about safety footwear

Many people have misconceptions about safety shoes. That’s why, as a manufacturer, we double our efforts every year to create products with innovative materials, fashion-inspired designs and ever more advanced technologies to ensure your comfort. So whatever your preconceptions about safety shoes as personal protective equipment (PPE), our mission today is to convince you of their qualities !

Aware of their image issue, safety shoe manufacturers have endeavoured to develop and improve their products by focusing on comfort, style and safety. Innovation is very important when it comes to personal protective equipment, and it has enabled us to offer customers safety shoes that are both attractive and comfortable, without compromising on the key element : safety.

Preconception no. 1: Safety shoes are uncomfortable and hurt your feet

One of the most common misconceptions about safety shoes is that they are uncomfortable to wear. This may have been true in the past, which is why safety shoe manufacturers have been working on this issue for years, focusing on innovation and research and development of new materials, new technologies and new fits. With this in mind, Parade has developed the NEBRASKA range, specially designed for workers in construction and landscaping. These sectors need a high level of safety to protect users from uneven floors and the risk of banging their feet. At Parade, as well as meeting these high safety standards, we have decided not to overlook comfort. How?

Firstly, by equipping our models with two exclusive Parade technologies: the VPS (suspended arch support), a technology that reduces fatigue in situations that require prolonged standing, and the Flex system, a technology that supports the foot as you walk.

What’s more, the tongue and collar are covered with thick foam and a 3D mesh lining for greater comfort and breathability.

Finally, the 7-hour water-resistant leather keeps your feet dry even during periods of high humidity.

What’s so special about these shoes? A soft insole for all-day comfort.

Preconception no. 2: All brands of safety shoe are the same

At first glance, if you compare 2 pairs of safety shoes, you might think that they are relatively similar, but that’s not the case! Comfort, quality of materials, innovation, quality of advice and service - all these factors can make the difference. At Parade Protection, thanks to our 40 years of expertise, we have developed exclusive technologies to make our safety footwear even more comfortable to wear.

What inspires us: the natural shape of the foot, the arch, this architectural whole that cleverly combines all the bone, joint, ligaments and muscles of the foot together.

Why ? Because thanks to its changing curve and its elasticity, the arch adapts to the terrain. It acts as a shock absorber that is essential for flexibility.

FLEX SYSTEM

Read about our exclusive sole technologies, suitable for the most demanding work requirements. FLEX SYSTEM technology is suitable for construction work and uneven surfaces. The exclusive design of the sole with its grooves reduces the pressure areas on the sole, providing flexibility and comfort when walking. The shoe moves with the foot and the horizontal and notched grooves under the metatarsal bones, where the foot naturally bends, naturally expel soil as the foot moves forward. You can find our FLEX SYSTEM technology in all our shoes with our NEBRASKA and NEVADA soles.

Preconception no. 3: Safety shoes are heavy

It's often said that safety shoes are heavy and therefore cause muscle fatigue at the end of the day. Indeed, basic protective equipment is more difficult to optimise in terms of weight, because to do so requires the use of innovative but often more expensive materials.

From our wide range of lightweight safety shoes, let us introduce you to our SLALUM safety trainers from our SUPERFLEX range. The design, the seamless knitted fabric on the top of the foot and their light weight have made them very popular. Inspired by sport, these safety trainers have everything to eliminate all your preconceptions about safety shoes. Weighing in at just under 550g for a size 42, the SLALUM shoe has what it takes to become your favourite piece of equipment !

This shoe's little extra? Equipped with an EVA sole and rubber half-sole, the SLALUM model is ideal for working comfortably and safely.

Preconception no. 4: Safety shoes aren't attractive

For many people, a safety shoe is still a dark, bulky shoe and this was true in the past. We've worked on the aesthetics of our shoes to make them stylish and attractive to wear, because we know that a shoe that appeals to the wearer will be worn more often. Today, safety trainers, safety boots, safety ankle boots and protective clogs in a wide range of colours are all part of the Parade Protection collection !

Preconception no. 5: Safety shoes are not designed for women

There are countless misunderstandings about safety shoes, not to mention the misunderstandings about women's protective equipment. In terms of volume, women represent a smaller market than men. This certainly explains why manufacturers don't offer more products specifically designed for women's feet. Do you really think you can't be feminine in safety shoes? We're going to prove you wrong !

With this in mind, we have developed our BRAZILIA range specifically for women's feet. It is important to remember that women's shoes are usually only "small size" versions in terms of shape and pattern. Morphologically speaking, women's feet are slightly narrower than men's. So for maximum comfort, the fit, shape and pattern can't be the same.

Let's focus on the BRIANA shoe. As well as being 100% designed for women, this model has a chic, feminine style without being flashy! We've added a low 3 cm heel to compensate for the naturally more pronounced arch of a woman's foot and to make it easier to walk, with a wedge shape. Finally, the premium kip leather with iridescent leather detailing and the ergonomic shape of the upper lined with 3D mesh will appeal to women looking for a stylish, comfortable safety shoe.

The little extra? An open-cell polyurethane foam insole for moisture control and maximum comfort, even over long distances.

As you can see, choosing the right safety shoe starts with eliminating your preconceptions. We firmly believe that every worker can find the right safety shoes! Parade Protection is a true partner in helping you choose your next pair of safety shoes.