Our purpose and passion at V12 is simple: comfort through innovation - for all our wearers. And that's why creating and launching the True Women’s FitTM Valiant and Vanguard was such an exciting and rewarding venture. Because these two high-performing, heavy-hitting safety styles encapsulate this inclusive protection perfectly. Here's the story behind the boots...
PEAK PERFORMANCE THROUGH FIT AND COMFORT
It’s no accident our campaign to launch Valiant and Vanguard is called ‘Comfort and Protection – No Exceptions.’ Safety footwear designed for the specific foot shape of women is still missing from many company’s PPE provision and the feet of thousands of work boot-wearing women. We don’t think that’s right. And we’ll keep aiming to change this, one boot, one step, one wearer at a time.
And with the release of Valiant and Vanguard, we've taken another big step forward in offering females working in safety-critical sectors workwear which supports them in reaching their peak performance.
But hasn’t V12 Footwear already got an expansive and award-winning female-fit safety boot range?
Yes! BUT there were several compelling reasons why we wanted to add these particular styles for this collection:
- Firstly, the bigger and more versatile our female range is, the better we can serve the needs of our wearers.
- With the True Women’s FitTM Vanguard, we've added the first safety hi-leg to our female-fit collection.
- And of course, both boots offer The BOA® Fit System...
Pictured: Valiant (hiker) and Vanguard (hi-leg) from V12 - the S7 safety styles built with innovation at the core
THE BOA® BENEFIT
Aligning with BOA® seemed wholly appropriate for V12, because just like us, they strive to elevate wearer comfort through innovation, and have amassed decades of experience creating top-performing products.
We knew that the BOA® Fit System twinned with V12 Footwear's comfort calibre would be a significant asset to our wearers and customers - all of whom are looking for maximum comfort and reduced hassle in some very demanding conditions.
The initial driver to develop Vanguard and Valiant was that there are very few women’s BOA® safety boots currently available on the UK market, and furthermore, with these styles, we were able to offer hikers and hi-legs with the same safety specification in both Men’s and Women’s fit - and this is something many of our competitors can’t do.
Being able to consolidate a footwear offering with the same style for its male and female members is a big benefit for an organization, and as we’re always looking to address the challenges of our partners, this addition to the V12 range was a logical move.
And the BOA® system is an innovation that offers BIG wearers benefits:
- The micro adjustable system gives a precision fit, and means the wearer can tighten or loosen boots to their exact preference.
- Comfort is optimised as the dial/lace/guide system creates even pressure distribution across the foot.
- Integrating BOA® into Vanguard and Valiant gives wearers an alternative to laces and zips - both of which are arguably less durable and more time-consuming fastening methods.
- In environments where boots need quick/frequent adjustments - or where the wearer needs to remove footwear as they transition into other spaces - this system can save a lot of time.
- The BOA® System benefits those with limited dexterity in their hands (due to arthritis or needing to wear gloves) as boots can be fastened, adjusted and removed with a turn of a dial with little grip required.
Pictured: Kristy Blakeborough, Process Outputs Manager, gets dialled into her day with Valiant IGS.
DEVELOPING A MARKET LEADER
These two styles weren’t created over night. To produce our highest-performing boots yet, several iterations were developed before we arrived at the perfect design. Samples were tested, prototypes trialled, then feedback was reviewed and actioned by our Ops Team.
Both boots were then scrutinized by BOA®, who checked and approved:
- Adequate closure application ✅
- Standards of lace friction configuration ✅
- Being–pressure point free ✅
We also made comfort adjustments to the Valiant based on trial wearer feedback by lowering the collar, so comfort is optimised for wearers working on ladders and operating pedals whilst driving.
Kayley Van As, V12 Operations Coordinator said:
”Valiant and Vanguard are important products, as they represent both collaboration and innovation. They feature our specialised Women’s last and the pioneering tech that BOA® brings as a footwear solution, so they're a powerful blend of comfort and technology for the wearer.”
TRUE WOMEN'S FITTM THROUGH DATA-DRIVEN COMFORT
For V12, one size – and shape - doesn't fit all. This is particularly true for women work boot wearers, because that one size and shape has historically been a man’s. V12 changed that when they developed the True Women’s FitTM range. The last (pictured) is sculpted to reflect the unique anatomical characteristics of the female foot, as it's informed by 2,000 images of women’s feet. The result? Vanguard and Valiant support and contour the specific foot shape of a woman.
George Turner, V12 Footwear Managing Director, said:
“It’s a really rewarding feeling to see our True Women’s Fit range continue to grow. At V12, our aim is to always create products with innovation at the core, so that they change and develop the category and have a significant positive impact for wearers. And I’m excited to say that Valiant and Vanguard are fantastic examples of this."
DIALLING INTO INNOVATION - THE SAFETY SPEC
Vanguard and Valiant boast a safety spec that means business. While toes and underfoot are safeguarded with a toecap and anti-penetration midsole, the IGSTM sole unit gives industry-leading slip safety with its high traction rubber and water-dispersing tread. This sole unit is even tested to perform on kennedy grating, chequer plating and scaffold board, giving the kind of grip wearers in high-hazard sectors like Energy, Engineering, Rail or Waste and Recycling need.
Cool and dry feet come from a breathable waterproof lining, and the comfort package is complete with anti-perspiration technology: innovative heat-reducing insole airflow channels ensure feet stay cool, and a rebound open-cell foam provides top-tier cushioning.
Bottom line? With the BOA® system working alongside V12’s female last design, Vanguard and Valiant are set to change the game for women wearing safety hi-legs and hikers.
“Shaped over their unique woman’s last, they fit snuggly around the heel.”
- Katherine Evans, Assistant Quarry Manager
“Brilliant. The BOA® boot is a revelation. No more wrestling with wet stinky laces! The boys were all very envious.”
- Kristy Blakeborough, Process Outputs Manager
Katherine and Kristy might be two individuals who carry senior status in their roles, but they’re still out on site every day, and they’ve both turned to Vanguard and Valiant to help them reach peak performance through the comfort combination of V12 and BOA®.
Want to find out more about how Vanguard and Valiant are optimising female performance? Click below.
