Three million foot scans can’t be wrong. When Red Wing Shoe Company studied the data it had collected from millions of scans using its Ultimate Fit Experience (UFX) platform, the Minnesota-based brand turned up some fascinating findings—namely that there was a serious gap between work boot design and modern workers’ footwear needs. To bridge it—and better meet real workers’ needs—the company channeled its findings into creating the new IronFlex medium-duty work boot for construction and trades professionals.
“Every feature you see in the boot—the larger toe box, the improved heel-torsion, and the cushioning—was designed to create a boot that moves with the worker and supports long hours on the job,” says Mike VanGoethem (pictured), chief product and services officer for Red Wing. “Most traditional work boots were designed for more static work environments, whereas today’s trades are dynamic, with all-day movement, frequent climbing, and long hours at work sites. This has led to many traditional work boots lacking in fit, flexibility, and long-term comfort, especially in terms of accommodating different foot shapes and supporting all-day wear.
“We used the technical scan data and consumer sentiment on comfort and fit to build these best-in-class boots,” he continues, noting that the scans were collected from 321 different styles. “The data reinforced just how much variation exists in foot shape, width, and volume, far beyond what traditional sizing captures. One of the biggest insights was the need for more space in the forefoot and a more personalized fit overall, which directly informed IronFlex’s design and helped to ensure that it performs comfortably across a wider range of workers.”
Additional features of the newcomer include:
FlexForce cement-to-welt construction
A BioSpring midsole made from high-rebound EVA with up to 20 percent sugarcane, a renewable resource, for all-day cushioning
A rubber IronFlex outsole engineered for best-in-class slip resistance with ladder-grip to enhance forward and backward traction when climbing
Red Wing’s three-layer waterproofing system
Full-grain leather from SB Foot Tannery in Red Wing, MN, the primary leather supplier for Red Wing Shoe Company brands
The IronFlex comes in four styles, including a men’s 6″ boot in brown and black; a men’s 6″ boot with the BOA Fit System for micro-adjustable, precision fit; and a women’s 6″ boot. All styles are ASTM-rated and available with slip resistance and electrical hazard protection.
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