At V12 Footwear, the materials we develop and select are central to our safety footwear's performance. And as well as providing protection, comfort and compliance, high-quality materials allow the wearer to enjoy these three fundamental safety benefits for much longer.
So, what makes a V12 Footwear boot so durable? Is it material? Design? Testing? Let's find out.
V12 Footwear uses premium full-grain leather, because this thick and durable material gives long-lasting strength and comfort for the wearer.
Take our safety dealer 'Cotswold.' We put it through rigorous, independent testing at global footwear testing authority SATRA - and the results highlighted exactly what high-quality materials and an “above and beyond” approach achieves. In both sole bond peel strength and stitched seam strength tests, the Cotswold beat its competitor boot easily, demonstrating huge toughness in areas where typically safety boots fail over time.
Sole bond peel strength and stitched seam strength tests are especially important because they replicate the stresses that work boots face day in, day out. When these elements perform at a higher level, the footwear not only lasts longer but also keeps people safer for longer.
Pictured: The Cotswold safety dealer from V12 - the agri boot that's robust and resilient.
Rather than relying on generic waterproof materials, V12 Footwear use high-quality membranes such as Sympatex. The result of extensive research and development and subjected to rigorous testing, these membranes provide cutting-edge waterproof and moisture management protection, keeping feet dry yet ventilated, which is a critical factor in maintaining sound foot health.
Sympatex membranes are also recycled and recyclable, so they're high-quality in both performance and suitability.
Abrasion is one of the most common causes of safety boot failure. And to achieve the ‘SC’ marking under EN ISO 20345:2022, scuff caps are really put to the test; they have to withstand 8,000 abrasion cycles without developing holes, so must be made of highly durable material. V12 Footwear use only the best-performing material for this level of abrasion resistance, which is high-quality, high density rubber.
Many V12 styles use composite (non-metal) toe caps, but rather than a thermoplastic material, V12 specifies high-quality fibreglass toe caps. Fibreglass offers greater impact resistance than thermoplastic material, providing improved protection while remaining lightweight.
This makes it a more suitable material choice for many high-hazard working environments. Fibreglass/non-metal toecaps and midsoles are also favoured by those in certain sectors because this material doesn't conduct heat, nor will it set off security scanners or checkpoint metal detectors.
Like tyres, to get a top-performing tread, the compound needs to be developed so it gives good abrasion for durability whilst offering high-performing traction in different environments and conditions. So for V12 Footwear's Intelligent Grip System sole unit (IGSTM), we worked with numerous experts to develop a unique sole compound that was both highly durable and gave industry-leading grip.
Working alongside a tyre manufacturer, we developed IGS's high-traction water-dispersing hex grip, which cuts through liquid and channels it away, so contact with the ground is maximised, and slips are avoided - even in the wettest conditions.
Pictured: the IGS sole - water-dispersing tread, ladder grips and a trip-reducing heel-strike
We also enhance underfoot comfort in our styles by using top-grade EVA mid-layers, which help retain cushioning over time rather than compressing quickly under repeated use.
High-performing safety footwear starts with high-quality materials. Whether it’s leather, lining, membranes, toe protection or outsole compounds, the choice of material impacts durability, comfort and protection - completely.
And along with testing and establishing trusted sources, V12 Footwear will always ensure their safety boots - be they SB or S7 - are built to perform in the two most important places - on your feet and on your site.
Only one more thing to do then... Explore the range below!