U‑Power Red 360, ergonomic shoes for working at your best

How important is theergonomics of the shoes we wear? How do they affect our perception of well-being and how do they affect our performance, especially in the work environment?

Choosing a work shoe should address both the specific needs related to the workplace and the well-being of our feet. Feet carry us around, and footwear influences our posture. If we consider that we wear them for a good part of the day, it is easy to see how choosing a good pair of ergonomic shoes is of paramount importance.

We talked about this with Michele Montagna: posturologist, kinesiologist, consultant and lecturer in Occupational Ergonomics.

Safety shoes can have a great influence on the body, the way we move and the distribution of load.

There are numerous studies that show how the distribution of plantar pressure, the shape and the materials used for the footwear can affect the well-being of the whole body: from the joints to the maintenance of a correct posture, with consequences on the incorrect positioning of the foot-for example, plantar fasciitis-and on most problems of the musculoskeletal system(joints and spine).

Let's find out with Michele Montagna what features work shoes should have to ensure foot, back, and joint health.

1. U-POWER'S COMMITMENT TO THE PREVENTION OF OCCUPATIONAL MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES




2. RYDER: A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF AN ERGONOMIC WORK SHOE




3. RYDER AND THE U-POWER RED 360 RANGE/ASSORTMENT: WHEN DETAILS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Let's see together with Michele Montagna how to recognize a shoe that can ensure well-being, comfort and health prevention.

U-POWER'S COMMITMENT TO THE PREVENTION OF OCCUPATIONAL MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES

The Safety Footwear Ergonomics regulation/standard cites problems of the musculoskeletal system as one of the main causes of inability to work and numerous health problems.

Back pain and joint pain are often related to the type of work task, repetitive movements, loads lifted, posture, and fatigue.

The use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) can have a great influence on comfort and perception of well-being for the worker, with direct consequences on work performance and correct posture; factors, these, that can prevent possible problems of the musculoskeletal system.

U-Power has always been committed to the prevention of worker health and constantly invests in the research of new technologies and materials that can not only provide maximum safety and comfort, but also prevent disorders related to incorrect posture, poor weight distribution and consequent musculoskeletal disorders.

The result of this research translates into safety shoes that place ergonomics as an indispensable factor, and it is for this reason that the ranges/assortments of footwear are had tested by a true expert in the field, Dr. Michele Montagna:

• Consultant and lecturer in Work Ergonomics, Prevention and Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders at Work;




• Certified Trainer of Occupational Health and Safety;




• Doctor of Exercise Science;




• Posturologist;




• Kinesiologist recognized by theNational Union of Kinesiologists.

RYDER: A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF AN ERGONOMIC SHOE FOR WORK

During work, shoes provide us with protection and comfort, but our shoes-thanks to new technologies-are also able to provide valuable help in preserving our health, not only of the foot, but of the whole organism in the short as well as in the medium to long term.

It is on the basis of these assumptions that the science of Ergonomics takes into consideration and studies the technologies put at the service of people. The objective of Ergonomics is to facilitate the tasks and tasks of workers to live better, healthier and with an eye to the concept of safety and prevention.

From the tests carried out by Dr. Michele Montagna, we can declare thatRYDER safety shoes from the RED 360 range/assortment are ergonomic shoes and are a real concentration of technology at the service of the worker right from the design and planning stage.

Let's see their peculiarities in detail:

Collar with Lycra® fiber fabric.

This collar wraps the foot 360° in the sub-malleolar portion, giving greater comfort during flexion-extension of the foot.

Unlike footwear that uses rigid materials and causes mechanical friction resulting in friction on the skin and Achilles tendon, the collar made of soft fabric with Lycra® fiber ensures elasticity and mobility of the ankle, warding off skin injuries and abrasions.

Anti-shock heel clip with Shield technology

We are talking about a clip, waterproof and breathable, that promotes stabilization and safety of the foot and calcaneus, preventing the hindfoot from going varus or valgus, i.e., external and internal rotation, respectively - directions considered by posturology as dysfunctional of the biomechanics of the stride and that should be avoided.

BASF'sInfinergy®technology and PU intersole.

The design of themidsole and PU elastomers together with the Infinergy®insert enhance the mechanical and elastic properties of the work shoes, which, when subjected to overload during use, stores potential energy to return it in the form of kinetic energy - i.e., movement energy - with a considerable defatiguing effect.

According to studies in Applied Human Physiology, this means experiencing a proprioceptive sensation, typical of neuromuscular receptors, of true sensory fluidity.

WOW Insole

The WOW ergonomic insole adapts to the foot thanks to its self-modeling properties and provides support, comfort and quality of plantar support.Its memory structure, aerated on the forefoot and raised on the back, allows optimal distribution of body weight and, therefore, of the biomechanical load on the foot and joints.

Ergonomic front and rear eyelets

The presence of two eyelets, one on the tongue of the shoe and the other above the heel, allows for a simplified fit even in cases of excess weight (overweight) and to put the shoe on easily and quickly, improving the perception of comfort even in those brief moments that, nevertheless, could represent potential risk factors.

But it doesn't end there!

RYDER AND THE RED360 RANGE/ASSORTMENT: WHEN DETAILS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

In addition to factors related to ergonomics and improved comfort in theRYDER work shoes , as well as in all the other styles in the RED 360 range/assortment, there could be no shortage of high-grip treads that allow you to work serenely, in full freedom of movement, reducing risk factors, even on the most treacherous surfaces.

But RyDER also provides a microclimate designed to maintain an ideal foot temperature, thanks to the soft suede leather equipped with ultra-breathable Nylon inserts and theWingTex air tunnel lining .

Often, it is thought that safety footwear breathability is a feature to be considered only during the hottest times of the year, when it is essential to have greater foot ventilation, but work shoes must allow ideal temperature and good

breathability in every season, also in view of the fact that the perception of heat varies from person to person.

This means that the materials and workmanship of safety footwear are extremely important in meeting the worker's needs for comfort, serenity and, consequently, safety.

In this sense, the place of work can make a big difference. Working indoors or outdoors, with wind, rain and humidity entails different needs. And it is clear that those who suffer more from the cold will need PPE that can ensure greater insulation and warmth of the feet to prevent the cold from then being felt on the legs and the rest of the body. Those, on the other hand, who do dynamic work will need to disperse the excess heat produced more effectively.

In both cases, a specially designed safety footwear such as RYDER allows a correct balance of homeostasis, allowing a better internal climatic balance, which advantages the whole body.

Safety at work starts from the feet and with U-Power you can count on safety, prevention, ergonomics, but also on style and attractive design. Word of Michele Montagna!

Don't worry, be happy...with U-Power!