Australian safety footwear brand KAMU has scored the iF Design Award 2024 for its anti-fatigue safety boot range.
KAMU was founded in 2020 by three sisters from Berkat Safety, an Indonesian family business that has specialised in safety footwear and PPE for over 50 years.
Its work boot range is developed through collaboration among in-house and external footwear designers from Australia, Germany, and Indonesia, and is centred around a full-length anti-fatigue midsole made from Infinergy by European material producer BASF.
“Its unique four-layer sole construction combines materials of varying densities to optimise energy rebound, shock absorption, and deliver excellent ankle and arch support,” KAMU co-founder Lusy Hartanu said.
“The outsole surpasses the highest SRC slip-resistance standards. We optimise climate regulation by combining premium leathers with performance materials like Coolmax and Ortholite, that keep feet dry and workers cooler in demanding industrial environments and Australian climates.”
German-based design studio Factor Product also plays a role in building the KAMU safety boot range. Founded in 1994, the studio also works with global brands such as Adidas, Salewa, Gore-Tex and Fischer Sports.
"We are proud that our collaboration with the KAMU team and BASF performance material experts resulted in a work boot range that represents a new breed of PPE and that might set a new benchmark in safety and wellbeing at the workplace,” Factor Product managing partner Boris Simon said.
“With a focus on a design and materials that help prevent fatigue, we have achieved the seamless integration of biomechanical function, advanced robustness, lightweight construction and an iconic look.”
In securing its iF Design Award 2024, KAMU was selected from a pool of nearly 11,000 entries across 72 countries.
"We are honoured to receive the iF Design Award 2024, which emphasises our commitment to improving workplace health and well-being through excellence in safety footwear design,” Hartanu said.
“The work boot range has been designed reduce the risk of exhaustion, musculoskeletal issues, and heat stress.”