Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/932699
48 • Footwear Insight ~ January/February 2018 footwearinsight.com want a versatile product that has the look and comfort features of an athletic, casual shoe that they would be wearing off the job but still provides the safety features they are required to wear on their jobsite. Features such as waterproofing and reflective trim have performance applications for on- and off-site wear." Hi-Tec X-T Forge Elite Mid 360 Waterproof Comp Toe / $130 Work How it looks: Styled like a hybrid hiker, the boot has a full-grain leather upper that features athletic-style yellow accents. How it works: The X-T (for Xtra Tough) has a heel-lock system, asymmetrical composite toes, Kevlar stitching, water-repelling I-Shield upper protection backed by a waterproof membrane, 3D non-slip lacing, a PE footbed designed with Insight technologies, an XLR80 midsole that offers sneaker-like comfort and a rugged, self-cleaning oil-, slip- and electrical hazards resistant outsole What's Trending Luke Schnacke, Product and Sales "Customers want versatility, value and hybrid-like styling." Keen Utility San Jose 6-inch / $150 to $155 Work How it looks: Featuring a durable waterproof leather upper and a moisture-wicking textile lining, the wedge boot combines comfort and durability in a stylish silhouette. It's lightweight: The brand's signature asymmetrical aluminum safety toe, which offers ASTM-rated protection, weighs 30 to 50 percent less than steel models. How it works: A LUFTcell dual- density polyurethane midsole, infused with air, provides weightless comfort; a removable polyurethane footbed offers arch support; a thermoplastic polyurethane shank supports the midfoot; and an EH-rated oil- and slip-resistant, non-marking rubber outsole meets ASTM Mark II and Satra non-slip testing standards. What's Trending Brad Bischel, Product Director "The future of work footwear lies in versatility, both in style and function. A growing trend across the industry is a demand for footwear that can transition well from the job site to life outside of work. Our new safety styles for Fall 2018 answer the need with a rugged casual aesthetic and our signature comfort fit, durability and cutting-edge safety features." Oliver Bootmakers NextGen Light Duty Work Boot / $125 to $145 Work/Safety How it looks: Classically styled, the leather boot, which comes in mid and short versions, is designed to fit and feel like a basketball sneaker. How it works: The SRC-rated outsole is oil- and abrasion- resistant and protects from heat in temperatures up to 356 degrees. Oliver's COMFORTcushion Impact Absorption System features polyurethane foam and a NATUREform aluminum-alloy ergonomic toe cap. The boot is polyurethane coated and 100 percent waterproof. What's Trending David Mesicek, Head of Marketing "Our designers spent hundreds of hours studying the work and after-work habits of today's modern worker. With the growth in e-commerce, residential housing construction and other lighter- duty jobs, we focused on what we see as a gap in the market to offer a more athletically inspired product that provides great performance and protection while allowing the wearer to keep his work shoes on after work, thus simplifying his busy life." Oliver Bootmakers NextGen Light Duty Work Boot, left, and Keen Utility Seattle work boot, right. BOOT B OO K