Types of Sole Material !!!

Shoe Sole Material

The history of footwear is as old as that of humans. Ever since primates first walked on the earth, footwear has been an issue. With natural evolution and added activities for survival, foot protection especially of the soles has always been something needing special attention.

Footwear soles then, is an area of concern irrespective of the wearer and their activity.

With the advent of industrialization and a complete change in life styles, more so in the last 3 decades, shoes soles too have undergone a sea change with natural material like animal hides being unable to keep-up with the demand in terms of numbers as also uses. The discovery of petroleum, hydrocarbons and related chemicals spawned a new breed of decay-resistant materials finding increasingly application in footwear, from sole up.

Mentioned below are some of the alternatives to leather which have found favor with both the wearers and the makers.

Ø Polyurethane is the 1st choice for the creation of most kinds of shoe soles. The one great feature aiding this choice is the presence of air bubbles introduced while it is being created. Increase or decrease it and you get the sole of your choice. Ever seen a fully inflated blister-paper used for packing? Well, the basic construction of PU is something close though the air bubbles are much smaller and more durable.  

Double density polyurethane is another format which combines different densities of polyurethane, with the toughest type on the outside and a soft version on the inside. This increases shock absorption and the durability of the shoes.

Ø Thermo Plastic Rubber

Thermoplasticising is a process by which most mediums become pliable or moldable above a specific temperature, and returns to a solid state upon cooling. Rubber, in granule form is molded and compounded and is one material which gives easily to this process with excellent results. These find use in

-      Slip resistance

-      Excellent weatherability

-      Shock absorption

-      Ozone resistance

-      Flexibility

-      Soft texture

Ø Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Mostly used in pipes and other uses where toughness and durability is most needed, P.V.C. has extremely good durability and reasonable slip resistance. Given its prices for what it can do, , it is also an alternative to making shoe soles. t has some issue like being brittle and requires the use of glue to bind it to the shoe upper unlike PU which can be meshed better to the upper.

Ø Latex Rubber soles:

Old-fashioned rubber latex provides great surface grip and shock absorption, as well as bounce and flexibility. It is otherwise used in making gloves and has the advantage of being a completely natural material which once discarded, does not trouble the eco-systems unlike the alternatives mentioned above.

Ø Leather:

The most used at one time though it is fallen out of favor due to various reasons, it still finds application in shoes which matter ie in executive shoes and for people who can afford it and want to look elegant. Besides sheer looks, it has fairly limited industrial use given that it is biodegradable in most cases. Demand for animal hydes for use in other products as also the problems associated with treating the hydes restricts its usage.

Safety shoes manufacturers in Pune and also suppliers of safety shoes in Pune use the material most suited to their client’s usage and pockets. Given the importance that Pune has industrially, companies like Sara Safety Shoes have made a niche for themselves supplying industrial footwear of various kinds depending upon the client’s needs which in Pune’s case is humongous right from Automotives to light engineering to fabrications to sugar plants to…..you name it and we have it.

                            -----------------x------------------

Please feel free to leave your comments below.

About Author :- Sara Rajput is the Managing Head of Sara Safety Shoes. 

FAQ : Shoes Sole ...

Shoe Sole

Ever tried to walk on a rough surface without shoes on?

The first thing on the foot most likely to get hurt is the sole. Even though the skin of the sole is much tougher than that on the body, it is by no means impervious. As a matter of fact, it encloses within itself some of the most sensitive nerve ending from all the major organs of the body. One direct hit is all that is needed to guarantee you problems for a long-long time.

What then must one do to remedy this situation.

A strong soul is a sure guarantee to a good life. The same goes for a strong sole!

And how does one identity soles?

Mentioned below are some of the characteristics of what constitutes soles under various denominations and needs.

Q. What are the various boot outsoles?

Outsole is that part of the boot that comes in direct contact with terra-firma i.e the bare earth.  Varying activity to which the boot is put to means the the tread pattern on the sole could range from very aggressive (with hard and sharp-edged cleats) to somewhat smooth (with shallow and wavy ridges), with just about everything in between.  Most outsoles, however, can be classified in one of four categories: Vibram lugs, air bobs, shallow tread and hiking/athletic.

Q: Explain what are Vibram lug outsoles?

A: A lug is a hard rubber cleat with a sharp outside edge for digging or wedging into hard surfaces such as rocks, dry dirt or clay.  They are used when conditions are demanding and grades steep; lug-based soles are most dependable in rugged terrain.

Q: Where does a shoe with air bob outsole help?

A: As the name suggest, these are dotted with rounded knobs with hollow cores providing amazing traction in a broad range of terrain, such as rocks or dry dirt.  These individually flex and turn when contacting hard surfaces thus acting as independent claw that provide grip and traction.

Q: What is a shallow tread outsole useful in?

A: In this kind of outsole, the tread pattern is thin, wavy and quite shallow and find good use over wet earth grass and other slick surfaces without steep terrain where one could easily slip/ slide if wearing normal footwear. The shallow tread has another advantage. It does not hold mud/ earth which tends to drop off easily..

Q: Define hiking or athletic outsoles?

A: For any footwear meant for all or general purpose activity, these find application. The treads in them are omni-directional providing decent traction with a shallow grip and are lightweight.

Industrial activity in and around Pune are abuzz with all kinds of industries be they light engineering or fabrication or automotives- the kinds which would want to cloth the employees with the best in terms of footwear.

Even smaller and tiny industries which manufacture independently or are part of a larger set-up have taken it upon themselves to equip their employees with the best available industrial shoes.

Safety shoemanufacturers and Safety shoe dealers in Pune thus consist of all kinds of entities from large MNCs to smaller units like Sara Safety Shoes which churn out some amazing footwear at affordable costs.

If you intend to increase productivity, place yourselves in the worker’s shoes. The condition of a shoe, after all reflects the condition of the wearer!

The industrial scenario in a city like Pune is the kind which welcomes the initiative of introducing the concept of steel/ composite toed industrial shoes.Safety shoes manufacturers and safety shoe dealers in Pune whatever be their size and out have smelt an opportunity and are going guns blazing towards what the client wants. Some like Sara Safety Shoes in fact try and understand the client’s requirements and turn out tailor made shoes for all needs and occasions.

                          --------------------x---------------------

Please feel free to leave your comments below.

About Author :- Sara Rajput is the Managing Head of Sara Safety Shoes.

All About the Shoe Soles ...

Sole

The sole cause of most injuries while at work is a weak sole!

We explain below what should ideally be the soul of a sole.

Q: What does the sole of an industrial safety shoe comprise of?

In the best of safety shoes, , it is present in three layers, namely:

-      The insole. Our feet rest on these and as such these have to be very human-friendly in terms of its feel and its ability to provide long-term comfort. It is mostly made of PU or EVA.

-      The midsole. Sandwiched between the insole and the outsole is another layer whose raison d'être is to enhance the sole’s strength and its ability to withstand constant wear and tear. To some extent it provides stability and thus enhances comfort to the wearer. The material used can range from dual density foam, PU and treated rubber all of which give average comfort but great protection or EVA which gives greater comfort though least durable.

-      The outsole. That part of the sole constantly and direct impacting terra-firma, its one and only mandate is to protect the shoe and its wearer. Depending on the type of shoe and its usage, it ranges from leather to PU to PVC. Leather though rarely used these days, is used in high-end executive shoes meant to give the shoe an elegant look. PVC is mostly used in chemical industries and for shoes undergoing high temperature as it has fire-retardant properties. Poly urethane or PU for most, on the other hand is a great components for industries requiring flexibility, comfort and shock absorption properties. PU soles are used in practically all kinds of footwear due to its pricing and durability.

Q: Can soles be customized to meet the needs of wearers?

Shoes these days are mass-produced due to which extreme customization is not possible, though it can be done to some extent by providing a “Shank”. It involves introducing a fiber-based or metal strip into the Shoe’s mid-sole with the intention of re-enforcing the shoe’s strength as also provide a support to the wearer’s arch. Glued or stitched to the sole to stay firmly in place, it may either run the whole length of the shoe’s sole or from toe to the middle of the shoe.

Q: How is a shoe upper anchored to its sole ?

-         Cementation: This involves using an adhesive to bond the outsole with the shoe upper. It is provides  reasonably durability and comfort.

-      Welt: The sole is stitched to the shoe upper. The most durable of all construction though it there may be issued to do with comfort.

-      Direct attach: A foam kind of substance (mostly PU) is injected into the upper which when it hardens, form the sole. In a sense, the whole shoe from upper to outsole is fused into one. It has the advantage of making the shoe extremely comfortable though it rates very low on the durability front.

India, with its economic surge especially on its western part has meant that safety shoes manufacturers in Pune are taking their client’s needs rather seriously and delivering quality products which has features in addition to those mentioned above. Some like Sara Safety Shoes actually closely liaison with their end-users to churn out the perfect boot to boot out all safety issues.

Wearing the right gear shifts you to a higher gear!! Better be safe than sorry.

                          --------------------x---------------------

Please feel free to leave your comments below.

About Author :- Sara Rajput is the Managing Head of Sara Safety Shoes.

Why do we need Industrial safety shoes?

Industrial Safety Shoes

It is very important for the employer to make the working atmosphere congenial at the same time comfortable. Utmost care needs to be taken to ensure the safety, health and satisfaction of the employees. In any industry, especially the manufacturing ones, the employees are subjective to more manual work. The manual work can at times pose many hazards to the workers. Worker’s safety becomes the top most priority as the risk of accidents is very high. Thus, it is very important that the employee wears the right equipment to safeguard themselves. The industrial safety shoes were invented during World War II keeping safety in mind.

The industrial workers are on their feet for most of the time daily. It is very essential to keep your feet comfortable and safe. Industrial safety Shoes is a very important gear for anyone working in a manufacturing or industrial sector. These sectors include agricultural, mining, tannery, food processing, dairy farming, etc. No matter how cautious you are, accidents are due to happen.  What are the various hazards or threats that a worker can face? Why do we need industrial safety shoes? Let us now analyze the reasons in detail.

Electric Shock: An electrician can face the risk of electric shock. Normal footwear cannot adequately protect you when you are working with high voltage in an industry. By wearing an industrial safety shoe, the worker can ensure that there is no current flowing as these shoes has soles with insulation.

Falling objects: It is mandatory for workers working in construction sites or factories to wear worker safety boots. The industrial safety boots are durable and a protective steel toe is reinforced which protects your feet from falling objects. You can also save your toe from being squished.

Sharp objects: At times there are chances of stepping on a nail or any sharp object especially in mining industry. The industrial safety shoes also protect the sole of your feet from punctures, compression and impact as they have a solid steel mid plate.

Slip: In an oil drilling industry or in a food processing industry, there are risks of slipping. The industrial footwear has anti-slip and self-cleaning sole which will help you avoid skidding or slipping.

Hostile Environments and Heated industrial conditions: At times the worker needs to work in extreme climatic conditions. Some work in chemical broilers where they face extreme heated industrial condition. These shoes are well insulated to protect your feet from heat and cold.

The distinct features of durability, safety, comfort make it perfect footwear for people working in industries and ensure healthy feet.

There are many safety shoes manufacturers and supplier in Pune like Sara Safety Shoes, who cater to various kinds of industrial safety footwear ranging from formal to stylish ones. Prevention is better than cure. It is better not to put yourself in danger. You can safeguard your life at any cost by going for these industrial safety shoes.

                          --------------------x---------------------

Please feel free to leave your comments below.

About Author :- Sara Rajput is the Managing Head of Sara Safety Shoes.

History of Footwears !!!

History of Footwears

Footwear in some form or the other has been around ever since humans started walking. Archeologists in the US have found evidence of the same dating 15000 years back!

In Europe, the Scandinavians and Celts occupying the northern cold lands used animal hides and fat to cover their feet. These then were the first shoes.  This fact was further buffeted on the discovery of a perfectly mummified human body in the Alps which showed a rather sophisticated footwear design. As per Wikipedia, “The shoes were waterproof and wide, seemingly designed for walking across the snow; they were constructed using bearskin for the soles, deer hide for the top panels, and a netting made of tree bark. Soft grass went around the foot and in the shoe and functioned like modern socks. The coat, belt, leggings and loincloth were constructed of vertical strips of leather sewn together with sinew.”

Ever since, footwear has seen changes reflecting the evolution of its wearers from simple hunter-gatherers to settlers, farmers and now industrial workers whether in heavy engineering industries or software or anywhere in between. 

One of the most important segments in the footwear industry which still retains the original raison-d'etre then is the rugged workhorse called the “Safety shoe”. Mirroring the Industrial Revolution, footwear too kept pace with the need of the hour.  Looking back, we realize that it was the Industrial Revolution of 1760-1840 which gave impetus to the conceptualization and spread of the Safety shoe. The advent from Communism at the end of the 19^th century saw workmen getting organized and demanding better working conditions including the provision of proper safety gears of which the most pertinent was obviously the “Safety Shoe”. This act on the part of the workmen helped bring in relevant legislations which mandated certain minimum standards for this kind of footwear. 

The last 30 years has witnessed the rise in the east of China, India and in their neighborhood.  These too put in place legislations to protect the workers from bodily harm while at work especially in intrinsically harmful industries. 

  

In India, the mantle of industrial safety was initially upheld by the Public Sector Enterprises funded and administered by the Government. These did bring in a semblance of legality though a lot needed (and still so) to be done as here it is the grey, unorganized sector which still provides the majority with employment. Ironically, it is the latter which does not figure anywhere and thus escapes the radar of legislations and authorities. That said, as humans it is imperative on any employer how-so-ever small to try and assure their workers the basics in human safety which include safety shoes. It would surely result in better performance due to the lack of fear of personal harm while on the job as also an increase in employee morale.

Not being an exception to the stated situation and give its expansive scale of industrialization, the torch bearers of safety shoes in Pune have been some established  enterprises such as Sara Safety Shoes who produce not only industrial safety shoes but also sports safety shoes and most things to protect one’s foot! 

In times to come, with the trajectory that the economy seems to be going on, it is fertile ground for safety shoe manufacturers in Pune and India. Collectively, their moto should be “TO PROTECT AND TO SERVE”!

                              ---------------------x--------------------

Please feel free to post your comments below.

About Author :- Sara Rajput is the Managing Head of Sara Safety Shoes.

FAQ : The Steel Toe Safety Shoes

Steel Toe Boot

 Ever imagined the plight of workmen without adequate foot protection, employed in an industry unit with machines which may grievously injure their limbs ?

The casualty? Besides the workman and his dear ones, productivity which will obviously be slow as workers would be more than careful to keep themselves out of harm’s way. It would also lead to financial losses arising with unfailing regularity due to medical attention given to injured workmen. It may even lead to industrial unrest and subsequent losses where the injuries turn life-threatening.  

What then is the solution?

In short, Industrial Safety shoes.

Industrial safety of which shoes are an important part is in itself quite a vast field from types of shoes to the very components which go into making them safe. 

We start with one of the most important components of a Safety Shoes. The Steel Toe.

Q: What is a steel toe and how does it provide protection to the wearer?
A steel cap that is built into the toe box of a work boot during its construction to provide protection for the toes and feet of the wearer.  The steel toe is designed to meet specific safety requirements for foot protection against both impact and compression by heavy objects. These find usage in various kinds of industries. 

Q: What are the alternative to the steel in the steel toe?
A: A composite toe. Essentially the same as a steel toe, it is a non-metallic and non-magnetic safety toe cap that is lighter in weight than a steel toe cap.  The composite toe meets the same safety requirements and regulations as a steel toe.

Q: Which is better, a steel toe or a composite toe?
A: Both offer the wearer a measure of protection because each meets safety requirements.  Steel toe boots tend to be a little heavier than composite toe ones, but many prefer a steel toe cap as they think it affords more protection than a composite toe.  In the end, it boils down to one’s personal preferences in making the decision. 

Q: Where do composite toed boots score over the conventional steel toe?
A: Steel toe boots given their weight, can be uncomfortable for workers who walk long distances (meter readers and mail carriers) or who must pass through metal detectors (nuclear workers and security personnel) during the course of their work day. Composite toe safety boots are thus more suited for these jobs.

The industrial scenario in a city like Pune is the kind which welcomes the initiative of introducing the concept of steel/ composite toed industrial shoes.

                                      ---------------------x-----------------------

Please feel free to leave your comments below.

About Author :- Sara Rajput is the Managing head of Sara Safety Shoes.