Intelligent machines already control many manufacturing processes independently. This technological progress places new demands on the PPE of employees. Together with the industry, ATLAS has developed a safety shoe that has been specially adapted to the requirements of this modern working world: a high-performance safety shoe for long-distance runners in the company.
Drones independently organize the internal movement of goods, 3D printing enables the production of complex workpieces and humans collaborate with robots in final assembly. All this is no longer a dream of the future, but is already technically possible today and has recently been tested in some so-called "future factory halls". Robots have been supporting many productions around the world for years, enabling major technological advances, both in the process and in the product.
This development also brings new demands on the workplaces of each individual employee. This is because the robot technology has to be maintained and monitored. These employees in particular often have to travel many kilometers a day to reach a wide variety of workplaces and thus place very special demands on their footwear. Often it is hard, cold concrete floors on which the wearer travels an average of 7-10 kilometers a day: this is problematic for joints and back in the long run. This is because every step on a concrete floor transmits an intense impact shock to the musculoskeletal system. If this is not sufficiently dampened, the joints can be overloaded. This leads to pain, misalignments and, in the worst case, inability to work.
In addition to a non-slip outsole (SRC tested) and a good fit, the focus is of course also on wearing comfort. A safety shoe is worn for up to 14 hours a day and must not only be durable, but also comfortable to wear. It is particularly important that the shoe is breathable and can withstand all working conditions.
The latest product from Europe's leading manufacturer of safety shoes is the FLASH 1305. With its innovative outsole complex made of multifunctional polyurethane, it is the ideal companion for all long-distance runners in the companies.
New requirements in the age of digitalization
The new INNOFLEX SYSTEM® is a holistic outsole concept and supports the wearer in every phase of movement. From the first to the last contact with the ground, the sole complex is permanently guided by the same, natural force curve line of the INNOFLEX LINE. It optimally directs the forces from heel to toe and thus supports the natural force distribution line. The numerous and responsive
FLEX GROOVES support the natural rolling behavior and ensure perfect grip and support with their arrangement. The new DYNAMIC PLATES arranged in the forefoot area perfectly transfer forward energy. Positioning plays a decisive role in this. Special areas such as the CLOUDZONE in the heel are responsible for the corresponding energy absorption, i.e. cushioning. The large-format treads, which are equipped with particularly energy-absorbing MPU material, absorb the energy and return it to the movement sequence in a targeted manner. This guarantees fatigue-free running throughout the entire working day. The new outsole concept from ATLAS also meets the highest slip resistance class SRC.
ATLAS uses a high-tech MESH UPPER in the new FLASH 1305 safety shoe, which encloses the foot precisely and guarantees the wearer lasting breathability, flexibility and unmistakable comfort.
It is not only the use of high-quality, particularly breathable upper material that ensures a unique wearing comfort. It is the combination of several factors that distinguishes the clima-stream feel-good concept from ATLAS. Once our body is at operating temperature, performance increases. If the body temperature drops or increases due to climatic changes, everyday work quickly becomes an extreme burden. The right climate concept in the safety shoe therefore plays an important role. The ATLAS clima-stream concept maximizes breathability, balances moisture in the shoe interior and optimally regulates the temperature of the environment. The use of the thermoregulating aktiv-X functional lining and the Klima Komfort insole ensure a durable, pleasant running experience.
Triple cushioning for safety shoes
In many work areas, several kilometers a day are covered on hard ground. Each step then transmits an intense impact shock to the musculoskeletal system. If this is not sufficiently dampened, the joints can be damaged. This leads to pain, misalignments and, in the worst case, inability to work. The same applies to working with heavy equipment and standing for long periods of time. Here, too, the joints are put under greater strain and require special support of the outsole complex. Around one in four days of incapacity for work is triggered by diseases of the musculoskeletal system. However, this can be counteracted by optimizing the cushioning of the shoes. This depends on the interaction of several factors: As with the FLASH 1305 by ATLAS, the outsole is dynamic, slip-resistant and abrasion-resistant. In contrast, the midsole is primarily responsible for soft-bedding cushioning. In addition, manufacturers of safety shoes rely on the insole: the anatomically shaped footbed optimally distributes the pressure on the foot. This innovative system consisting of a pressure-relieving insole, cushioning midsole and dynamic outsole from ATLAS is called "3D cushioning" and is primarily aimed at prevention through gentle and fatigue-free running.
Good cushioning, especially in combination with a stable hold in the shoe and a tread-proof outsole, is a very effective way to maintain the health of all employees – and thus prevent work and production losses in the long term.
About ATLAS® – the shoe company
ATLAS® – the shoe company has stood for quality and value for generations and is the leading manufacturer of safety shoes in Europe. This year, Atlas celebrates its 110th anniversary. The company has managed to combine tradition and innovation and thus defies all changes - be it in the world of work or in the demands of its customers. At the modern production site in Dortmund, more than 2.6 million pairs of safety shoes are produced annually. Behind this is a dedicated team of over 1,600 employees. The aim of every development is to create safety shoes that inspire the customer in every respect. Different working environments place a wide variety of demands on the safety of customers. ATLAS® therefore offers various solutions and develops safety shoes that correspond to the world of work. The use of innovative technologies, a clear design and the perfect processing of selected materials meet the highest requirements.