The Argentine footwear brand Maincal is partnering with BASF to launch the first safety shoe in South America made with Infinergy expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU). Voran SportSafe, the new safety shoe series by Maincal, is said to enable safety footwear users to move and work in comfort with all day compression technology. According to BASF, the E-TPU enhances the safety shoe with superior responsiveness, comfort and durability.
SportSafe Energy is designed for workers in automotive, food, logistics industries and other challenging work areas that require exceptional comfort over long periods of time. The design is versatile, allowing individuals to wear the same pair of shoes to work and outside of a workplace.
“The launch is the result of an innovation strategy through which we have made our products present in the main industries of the country. The alliance with BASF and the incorporation of its unique technology in Voran’s SportSafe Energy line will generate great expectations from the market. This will also help us with our expansion plans to international markets, contributing to the company’s annual growth,” said Pablo López Calí, Commercial Director of Maincal.
The flagship model of the Voran SportSafe line, Energy 420G, received an international award “Best in Show” at the NSC 2019 Congress & Expo, an annual event that brings together the leaders in the field of industrial safety in the USA.
BASF’s Elastopan is also used in the Ultragrip sole technology, which provides greater adhesion and resistance to sliding on the most demanding surfaces. Ultralight polyurethane is another element used in the technology bringing greater comfort, durability and lightness to the shoe.
“Combining the new technology and design was not easy but we are proud to have met this challenge together with a leading safety footwear manufacturer in Argentina. While Maincal contributed with their innovation laboratory, design team, and production capacity with 300 employees, BASF provided a leading-edge technology that delivers superiors comfort and long-term durability”, said Juan Martin Nasi, polyurethanes specialist, Performance Materials, South America, BASF.
In addition to its sporty look and feel, SportSafe features an aluminium toe cap which is 40 % lighter than traditional steel. It gives an additional safety component as it is highly visible and reflective. The design of its sole is inspired by natural foot movements offering greater stability while reducing fatigue. Eight SportSafe models will be launched in different colours with textile and leather vamp options.