What's the only thing better than a brand spanking new pair of safety boots? Easy. A brand spanking new pair of safety boots that are going to fit you perfectly without even having tried them on. And by teaming up with AR app innovators Snapfeet, for those interested in wearing our bestselling charity boot BoB, we’ve made this a reality by offering them this foot scanning and try-on technology for free. 

Furthermore, did you know augmented reality apps like Snapfeet are making a big difference for both wearers and businesses, as well as a charity close to all our hearts as V12? Here’s how.

What is Snapfeet?

Snapfeet is an app which incorporates two cutting-edge technologies which are revolutionising the way wearers can purchase footwear online. 

1. Virtual try-on

This aspect of the Snapfeet app allows the customer, rather than looking at a static image of the footwear on a website, to see how the shoes or boots look on their feet without having the physical pair with them. Thanks to this AR technology which creates a detailed foot biometry, the wearer can see virtually how the footwear looks from a range of different angles as they move their feet. Clever huh? 

And not only is this an innovative and fun experience for the customer, crucially, it gives them a much greater level of confidence in their online purchase, drastically increasing the chances of getting the right product first time.

2. 3-D foot scanning

Snapfeet’s 3-D foot scanning technology allows the wearer to find out their foot size with ease in just a few minutes. No specialist measuring equipment, no instore assistance: just feet and a phone - again giving the individual the opportunity to order with the confidence that their shoe or boot will look great and fit perfectly.  

Want to see for yourself? Watch this Snapfeet walkthrough video and discover how this awesome AR app is revolutionising the footwear buying experience.

The BoB benefits of Snapfeet

In collaboration with Snapfeet, V12 has enabled those interested in wearing the BoB boot to use this innovative foot scanning app for free, and we’re delighted to give our wearers the chance to use cutting-edge augmented reality technology when selecting their V12 BoB boot. Afterall, V12 are a family run business and tradition is in our DNA, but we firmly believe that innovation is the key to maximum safety and comfort.

The BoB boot 

The BoB boot is a stylish, ultra-safe work boot made with unrivalled safety and comfort features. For every pair of the BoB boot sold, V12 donate £5 straight to the Band of Builders charity, so they can continue their life-changing work for those in the construction sector.

Like the sound of the BoB boot? Head to our website to take a look.

Who are Band of Builders?

Band of Builders (BoB) is a registered charity established to give help and support to tradespeople and their families facing adversity due to illness and injury, and they have changed many lives with their incredible work and dedication. 

Find out more about our partnership with Band of Builders.

What are the other benefits of the Snapfeet app? 

Snapfeet’s virtual try-on and foot sizing capability is a fantastic solution for both consumers and manufacturers, as crucially, this type of technology reduces returns.

Reduces carbon footprint

A return means that the original pair of boots need to be sent back and a replacement sent. This means transportation - and this means emissions. While V12 Footwear have an exceptionally low return rate of 0.118, the average industry return rate is 4%. That’s a lot of returned boots - and a lot of emissions. And that's not all – a new pair of boots means new packaging too. So, with fewer returns, less energy is used, and less landfill is created.  

Reduces financial wastage for stores 

Returns place huge big strain on a businesses. According to Internet Retailing, an Openpay report revealed online returns cost UK retailers roughly £5.2 billion a year on average. 

And footwear retailers have a particular challenge here. People shopping online can’t try them on before they buy them, and inconsistency of lasts and sizings across brands means a lot of online footwear purchases can result in an incorrect fit and the need for a return. So, while the technology that Snapfeet utilizes reduces a company’s carbon footprint, it can significantly increase its profits too by reducing costly returns. And in the current cost of living challenges we’re all trying to overcome, that’s particularly good news for a lot small and medium businesses.    

Visit our blog here to learn more about why brands differ in size.

A better customer experience 

Snapfeet’s AR technology means customers can order with ease and confidence, knowing the fit of their chosen shoe or boot will be good and the need for a return much lower compared with the lottery that online shopping can sometimes be.

And let’s not forget, people order safety boots because they work in high-risk environments. So, the last thing they need are poorly-fitting, uncomfortable boots or a pair so unsuitable that they must stop work completely while they wait for a return pair to arrive. Ordering with ease and confidence is arguably all a customer wants when shopping online - and the Snapfeet app provides both.