Many of our footwear styles state the use of D3O® Technology or D3O® Protection - but what actually is it?
How does D3O® technology work?
D3O® is a flexible, cellular material made of "floating" molecules. In its raw state, the material is very flexible. However, upon impact, these molecules have the capacity to bind together and instantly (in less than 10 milliseconds) transform into a solid to absorb and dissipate the generated energy. This reaction is not only immediate but also proportional to the force of impact. The greater the impact, the more the molecules will react, providing the best possible protection. After the impact, the molecules will return to their free-flowing state.
What are the benefits of D3O® technology?
Impact protection and comfort
Excellent shock absorption properties
Lightweight: The protective component is thin and lightweight, which does not add much to the overall weight of the safety shoe
Soft, flexible and ergonomically shaped material: The protective component moulds to the shape of the foot, giving the wearer great freedom of movement
Protection fully integrated into the tongue (when used in metatarsal protection)
D3O® Protection - Metatarsal
In traditional safety footwear, the toes are protected by a 200-J toe cap, however, the metatarsals - the long bones connecting the back of the foot (the tarsus) and the toes (the phalanges) - are left unprotected. For trades where there is a risk of heavy objects falling, it's not only your toes that are exposed to potential impact, the top of your feet are too. It's therefore recommended that workers wear safety shoes that incorporate metatarsal protection.
A safety shoe with metatarsal protection is key for any trade where there is a risk of heavy objects falling. Traditional solutions offering metatarsal protection have a metal plate to protect the metatarsal area, which limits flexibility and makes the safety shoes heavy. Some safety footwear brands including Heckel have started to use D30 in their metatarsal protection.
D3O® Protection - Midsole
Sixton’s Resolute footwear range utilises D3O® Technology in the midsole for superior stability, cushioning and anti-fatigue. The inserts in the D3O® midsole are specially designed to reduce the shocks suffered through the heel of the foot. D3O® protects the wearer's joints from forces and instabilities that result from daily walking at work, which in the long run can be harmful.
D3O® Footwear at protexU
Our key styles using D3O® technology include:
Sixton MARMOLADA Safety Boot S7S SR ESD with HDry and D3O® Technology
Sixton GARDENA Diventure D3O® Safety Boot - S3S SR ESD
Sixton Safety Boots Resolute Forza S3 SRC with D3O® Technology
Heckel MACCROSSROAD 3.0 S3 META Safety Boots With D3O®
If you work in an environment with impact risks, or you're on your feet for extended periods of time, D3O® Footwear will keep you comfortable and protected.
Shop our range of D3O® Footwear at protexU