Balance sheet
Stability starts with the foot
When walking and standing, your feet bear your entire body weight. If that weight is not distributed correctly, pressure points can develop. This can lead to fatigue, discomfort or problems in the feet, knees or back. EMMA’s various insoles have been developed to distribute body weight more evenly across the forefoot and rearfoot. Thanks to extensive research into foot pressure and contact points, each insole is designed to allow the foot to move in a stable and natural way.
Midfoot stability
An important part of the sole is the robust shank construction. This reinforcement, situated directly behind the heel, supports the arch of the foot and ensures stability in the centre of the shoe. This helps keep the foot better aligned whilst walking and turning. It reduces excessive foot movement, such as pronation, and helps to minimise fatigue during long working days.
Shock absorption and energy return
The sole construction is designed to absorb shocks whilst walking (shock absorption). The cushioning and compression of the sole return energy to the areas of the foot where it is most needed (energy return). This helps to reduce the strain on joints and makes prolonged walking or standing more comfortable.
Fit and support
Good balance starts with a shoe that fits the shape of the foot. That is why EMMA safety shoes are available in different fits for narrow, regular and wide feet. Depending on the model, the last provides extra space where it’s needed, for example at the toes. This gives the foot sufficient freedom of movement without the shoe feeling too loose. The construction of the upper also contributes to the support of the foot. Sturdy materials, such as high-quality leather, help to enclose the foot securely and support its natural movement whilst walking and standing. Together with the sole, these elements ensure a balanced combination of fit, support and freedom of movement.
Hydro Control
Moisture management in the shoe
Whilst at work, feet are exposed to moisture from both outside and inside – such as rain, wet surfaces or perspiration. Hydro Control has been developed to regulate this as effectively as possible and keep your feet dry and fresh.
Contact management and sole technology
Grip starts with the sole
Traction starts with good contact with the ground. That is why EMMA employs contact management: the way in which the sole, tread pattern and material work together to provide traction, stability and control whilst walking. Various sole technologies contribute to this, each developed for specific working environments and tasks. For example, the different EMMA soles provide support on a wide range of surfaces, from smooth floors to rough outdoor environments. Various sole technologies are used within the EMMA range, including GripForce and Framework. GripForce comes in two variants:
GripForce Duo
GripForce Duo has been developed for outdoor work and rough surfaces. This sole combines different materials and tread zones to provide grip, stability and durability.
GripForce Easy Twist
GripForce Easy Twist has been developed for working environments involving a lot of walking and twisting. The sole supports natural twisting movements and helps to reduce the strain on knees and joints.
Various features work together within the GripForce soles:
- Stop&Go zone (honeycomb structure) for grip when placing and lifting the foot
- Conical grooves that shed dirt and mud and keep the tread open
- Climbing Control zone for extra grip when climbing, for example on ladders
- Grip zone made from wear-resistant materials such as nitrile/PU, resistant to oil, acid and heat
- Energy return that helps absorb shocks and reduce fatigue
The different zones and materials in the sole work together to ensure stable contact with the ground. The tread zones provide grip at different stages of the stride, whilst the materials in the sole contribute to durability and protection. At the same time, the energy return helps to reduce the impact whilst walking. In this way, GripForce soles support both safety and comfort whilst working. In addition, EMMA also offers Framework PU and Framework PU/Vibram soles.
Framework PU
Framework PU has been developed for working environments where you work both indoors and outdoors. The sole combines cushioning and stability, ensuring your feet are well supported during a variety of tasks. The PU sole provides grip on a variety of surfaces and helps absorb shocks whilst walking and standing. At the same time, the sole remains lightweight and comfortable, even during prolonged use. This makes the Framework PU sole suitable for all-round use, striking a balance between comfort and grip.
Framework PU/Vibram
Framework PU/Vibram has been developed for outdoor work and more demanding conditions. This sole combines a PU midsole with a Vibram Ecostep outsole for extra grip and durability. The Vibram outsole offers reliable grip on various surfaces and is resistant to oil, heat and wear. The use of up to 30% recycled rubber contributes to more sustainable material use, without compromising on performance. The combination of cushioning and a robust outsole ensures stable contact with the ground, even during intensive use. This makes the Framework PU/Vibram suitable for working environments where grip and wear resistance are particularly important.