Solutions for footwear that helps protect under almost any conditions
Rapid economic development in various industries has increased the size of the global workforce, which in turn brings to the fore considerations about workplace safety. Regulatory pressure to ensure work safety standards are adhered to is driving demand for protective wear and shoes that can address safety needs.
The protective footwear market includes safety and work shoes for a variety of industries, such as construction, manufacturing, chemicals and agriculture, amongst others. Designed to provide protection, comfort and to help reduce foot fatigue, they contribute to the safety of workers, improving their working conditions and efficiency.
For over two decades, Dow has been providing the footwear industry with a broad portfolio of materials, helping protective footwear manufacturers and brand owners create reliable, more comfortable and longer lasting shoes with performance characteristics tailored to the requirements and needs of specific industries.

Made for almost any scenario that has high safety requirements, be it the construction site worker or the rugged adventurer, Dow’s polyurethanes for outsoles help strike the right balance between ergonomics, protection, and comfort.

Stringent safety requirements demand better protective performance. As a result, olefin-based polymers such as ENGAGE™ Polyolefin Elastomers (POEs) are often blended with EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate)-based foams to enhance performance and processing. In addition, INFUSE™ Olefin Block Copolymers (OBCs) are added to produce midsoles with greater levels of safety and durability. There’s also the option of VORALAST™ GT and VORALAST™ H2 for creating protective, dual-density polyurethane midsoles.
It starts with collaboration
Let’s work together to deliver protective shoes that are comfortable, reliable and longer lasting. Contact us today to discuss how we can improve your footwear applications.