“Many workplaces are now allowing more comfortable styles, including rubber soles and fashionable sneaker styles in place of their previous hardline rules,” commented Juno Jones CEO Emily Soloby, adding, “the younger generations have made it clear that comfort is empowerment, and the middle and older generations are agreeing with this.” We asked execs around the industry about the role of comfort innovation in new boot trends, and they had plenty to say.

Where does comfort come into the equation for both brands and consumers?

“We’ve noticed a significant rise in consumer demand for comfort, a trend amplified by the pandemic as we embraced all-day slipper wear. In our product development, ensuring optimal foot support and comfort is as crucial to us as shielding feet from the elements and maintaining warmth. It remains a top priority in every new footwear design.” – Gillian Meek, CEO, Kamik

“We are seeing an increased emphasis on comfort not just as a preference, but as a lifestyle and fashion statement. Traditionally, companies have used one basic last for both women’s and men’s, and refer to it as ‘unisex.’ If women are wearing boots made from a ‘unisex’ or men’s last, the contours of the shoe are not going to hit at the right places on the foot. One result is the foot having to do too much work to support itself, leading to injury.” – Emily Soloby, CEO, Juno Jones

“We continue to enhance comfort and lead with technology every season. Our styles look like the latest in running shoes with composite toe protection. You can be on your feet all day in most work environments without the fatigue you would expect. The end consumers expect style, and they expect comfort.” – John Spotts, director of sales, North America, Puma Safety

“Leather has been used in the footwear industry for so long because it’s not only durable, but gets more comfortable the more you wear it in. While we have been handcrafting leather goods for over four generations, we have mastered the timeless techniques and continued to put an emphasis on new technologies along the way. Our customers are investing in something that will last for a long time.” – Phillip Dumond, VP of sales, Milwaukee Boot Co.

“Modern lifestyles often involve long hours of standing, walking, community and hiking, so comfortable footwear is essential for overall well-being. Consumers are looking for athletic, faster, lighter hikers that still deliver on comfort, traction and durability. Comfort directly impacts performance and overall satisfaction – so it is crucial to consumers when choosing a boot.” – Shaun Bohnsack, VP of product management, Merrell

“Our comfort promise always starts with fit. We make an extended range of widths and sizes to help ensure a perfect fit. We also offer many items including the Cortland with two removable insoles to further help the consumer find the zmost comfortable fit for their foot shape and size.” – Jennifer Sokso, director of marketing, Propét

“Yes, consumers have shown an increased emphasis on comfort for sure – it is one of the first components we think about when it comes to our product offering. This upcoming FW24 season, we’ve included OrthoLite insoles in many of our new styles to enhance our comfort angle. We also focus on bringing forth fashion-right styles and added features, such as NeverWet water resistant protection.” - Jerry Breig, COO, LâMO

“The comfort trend is driven by the physical demands of professions like prolonged standing, advancements in footwear technology enabling more comfortable designs, a competitive market landscape incentivizing brands to prioritize comfort, and a growing awareness among the workforce of the importance of foot health on overall well-being. As the safety footwear market grows and becomes more competitive, delivering superior comfort has become a key selling point.” – Brent Jennings, VP of marketing, Warson Brands

“Comfort is always the priority. Consumers have an abundance of options. If the style passes the sight test, winning the try-on ‘comfort’ test is crucial for executing the sale.” – Rich Rask, president, Rieker Shoe Corp.

OUTDOOR-ENABLED

RIEKER/DEBORAH

Lamb’s wool keeps feet toasty while a TEX water resistant membrane lining keeps them dry. The boot is built for winter, but has the feel of springy sneaker comfort with R-Evolution. A soft removable insole adds customized comfort. An EVA rubber outsole is lightweight. MSRP $165.

KAMIK/TUNDRA

Made to brave the cold, the boot is comfortable down to -40°C and has an 8mm thermal guard moisture-wicking removable liner (made from 100% recycled content). The outsole features deep treads for stability on all terrains, along with traction and flexibility. Its eco-friendly leather is ISA TanTec LITE. MSRP $79.99.

MILWAUKEE/BURNHAM

Burnham is a waterproof moc toe boot that keeps feet dry in any adventure. A padded collar provides cushion and ankle support, while its leather lining offers breathability and moisture absorption. Round cotton laces are durable and keep knots intact. MSRP $295.

OBOZ/KATABATIC LT

Ideal for fast packing or day hiking, this lightweight style comes in mid and low heights, non-waterproof and waterproof incorporating windproof and breathable GORE-TEX Invisible Fit tech. An ACT Energy Midsole features 15% lightweight bio EVA, a rock plate and Trail Tread Eco rubber outsole. MSRP $145-$190.

LâMO/BAILEE

Offering an upgraded outdoor look, the Bailee features a premium suede upper with stylish faux rabbit fur collar. An Ortholite foam insole provides comfort, while a medial side zipper makes for easy on-and-off. This style offers a LâMO TPR outsole with 1.5” heel height in the wedge. MSRP $99.99.

MERRELL/MOAB SPEED 2

The Moab Speed 2 provides support for hiking, while including athletic details. Plus, it is Cleansport NXT treated for odor control. Lightweight FlexPlate technology provides torsional rigidity, lateral stability and forefoot flexibility. An exclusive Vibram TC5+ outsole provides traction for various outdoor activities. MSRP $140.

SKECHERS x JOHN DEERE/KADMIEL - Grand Creek

Combining John Deere’s outdoor heritage with Skechers’ comfort tech, the Kadmiel - Grand Creek work boot delivers style and durability. It has a leather upper, Air-Cooled Memory Foam cushioned insole and a Goodyear welt midsole for durability. Electrical Hazard (EH) safe design tested. MSRP $110.

PROPET/CORTLAND

The lightweight Cortland has an oiled suede and waxed canvas shaft upper, over a molded rubber toe for weather resistance. Speed lacing allows for easy on and off. A waterproof zipper and waterproof bootie construction protect from the elements. An EVA spacer allows for a customized fit. MSRP $154.95.

WORK WORTHY

DC WORK CREW/PURE WORK

Built to perform, Pure Work has a slip-resistant outsole with rubber abrasion and DC’s Pill Pattern tread, meeting the ASTM F3445 standard. A CushGuard internal met guard hugs the foot and protects metatarsal bones. And it has a waterpoof liner and waterproof-treated leather upper. MSRP $154.

WOLVERINE/RANCHER ARROW

Featuring a shaft design inspired by the power of an arrow, the Rancher is a protective option with waterproof full-grain leather, a breathable membrane that wicks moisture, and a rubber lug outsole for traction. It also has a steel toe and iron shank. A full-cushion EVA midsole provides stability and cushioning. MSRP $134.95.

BAFFIN/ICE HERO

For use in technical situations and emergency services, Ice Hero offers durability and protection and can withstand diverse climates with either a plain toe or steel safety toe and plate. The inner boot system offers thermal regulation, breathability and comfort. IceBite Grip offers slip resistance on ice. MSRP $270, $290 (with Steel Toe Plate).

THOROGOOD/GENESIS

The waterproof Genesis series is born in the USA with full-grain American leather. The $280 model has a nano composite safety toe and composite shank, along with 3M Thinsulate insulation. A polyurethane midsole fused with a nitrile rubber outsole provides traction and durability. Comes in 6” and 8” versions. MSRP $250-$280.

SAFETY SNEAKERS

Here’s the lowdown on a growing trend. The sneaker is the safety shoe of the moment, according to Juno Jones Founder Emily Soloby. “Workers, many of whom are women, appreciate having comfortable options like a safety sneaker made for their foot shape,” she said. ‍

CAT FOOTWEAR INVADER MECHA

This composite toe work shoe has sold out three times since its initial launch earlier this year. It blends Caterpillar traction inspired by CAT machines with the Mecha giant robot trend. A lightweight, non-metallic toe helps protect toes against impact or compression. MSRP $144.95.

PUMA SAFETY MOTION PWR

Influenced by the world of competitive running, the MOTION PWR Turbo is equipped with a PWR.FOAM midsole for fast response in a lightweight shoe. A heat-resistant rubber outsole has various tread zones for optimized traction. An EVERCUSHION PRIME removable footbed offers support and comfort. MSRP $130.

JUNO JONES SOLSTICE

This composite toe offering is metal free, ASTM slip resistant, SATRA TM375 water resistant and oil and fuel resistant. Made for a woman’s foot shape and measurements, Solstice offers all-day comfort. For the right fit, Juno Jones uses anthropometrically correct footwear lasts for both its men’s and women’s lines. MSRP $109.‍