footwearinsight.com July/August 2025 ~ Footwear Insight • 53
BOOTS ARE AN EVERYDAY ESSENTIAL FOR WORKERS
NEEDING STABILITY, PERFORMANCE AND PROTECTION.
Despite uncertain times, "hard-working tradespeople don't have the luxury of pushing back purchases for work
boots—their safety footwear is too important," according to Seth Cobb, VP GM Americas at BOA, whose precision
t technology is being used by several work boot brands. When consumers are spending their cherished dollars for
on-the-job footwear, they want more. KEEN Utility Senior Director of Global Insight and Engagement, Kevin Oberle,
explains that "unlike older generations, Millennials and Gen Z are open to innovation and new styles. ey don't
want to buy their parents work boots or even the same style over and over. Growing up with sneaker culture, these
generations are excited by this mindset of 'what's dropping next,' even when it comes to safety footwear." • Innovation
is expected for 2026, adds Oberle, with brands continuing to push boundaries in technology. Versatility has emerged
as a deciding factor in purchases, notes Emily Soloby, founder of Juno Jones. "In safety boots, a style that can take
them from the oce to the job site, and out to run errands provides that. Customers are making choices knowing
that if they can use their work shoes both on and o the job site, that versatility is actually a savings."
BY SUZANNE BLECHER
