Michelin footwear helps pros hit stride
Industrial Footwear Makes the Grade at Work by Keeping Contact with the Ground
GREENVILLE, S.C. (March 12, 2008) - With over a century of experience in rubber compounding, tread design and industrial processes, the technical experts at Michelin know a thing or two about managing contact with the ground. So when Michelin Lifestyle Limited set out to extend the brand beyond tires with a line of professional-grade work boots in 2005, the industrial footwear industry took notice. As a niche player in a market dominated by major brands, Michelin Footwear is growing by helping working professionals all across North America hit their stride in high-tech comfort. Today, there are over 25 different industrial footwear styles, many featuring high-tech soles inspired by Michelin's top tread designs. About half of this year's footwear is all-new, including the HydroEdge and Pilot Primacy, or boasts significant technical improvements.
"All Michelin footwear is rigorously tested to verify the fit, features and benefits exceed the expectations of our growing number of hard-working customers," said Michelin Footwear CEO Tom Costin. "Footwear for these individuals is as important as the equipment they use to perform their jobs. The comfort and grip offered by our proprietary rubber compounds and sculptures are the main differentiators offered by a Michelin sole."
Michelin's industrial footwear is available in the U.S. and Canada through an exclusive distribution agreement with Rocky Brands in North America via the Internet, commercial sales and through their full-service mobile team of outfitters at the Lehigh Truck Division. The footwear features the standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) for protective toe, electrical hazard, puncture resistance and protective metatarsal. The comprehensive range of footwear has been embraced by the construction, food service, waste management, and manufacturing industries.
The all-new 2008 HydroEdge work boot, like all Michelin footwear, has been designed from the inside out. Key features include Michelin's patented O2F vent technology for maximum air circulation and ventilation, a proprietary Orthoframe footbed for cushioning and support, and excellent resistance to oil, chemicals, abrasion and slippage. The HydroEdge carries a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) range of $129.99 to $169.99 (U.S.), and is available in the U.S. and Canada in four upper styles offering ASTM and CSA standards for protective toe, electrical hazard and puncture resistance.
The durable Michelin Pilot Primacy is also available in 2008, offering four styles of full-grain leather uppers across eight models. Other key features include reliable welt construction with distinctive yellow rubber midsole, an advanced non-marking, oil-resistant outsole and the proprietary Orthoframe footbed. The Pilot Primacy MSRP range is $132.99 to $152.99 (U.S.).
The Michelin Pilot Sport line is available in five styles of full-grain leather uppers across eight different models, including grey and brown suede. New features for 2008 include Michelin's Tec Tuff toe bumper, Orthoframe Lite footbed with Advanced Rear Suspension system, shock-absorbent cushioned mid-sole and a flexible, ergonomic ankle brace and internal padded collar. The Pilot Sport MSRP range is $96.99 to $132.99 (U.S.).
As a Michelin brand dedicated company, Michelin Footwear, a division of Gear Six Technologies LLC, works very closely with different entities of the Michelin Group. Michelin Footwear selects partners in distribution and supply that share its global vision, quality standards and aspirations.
Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelin-us.com) employs more than 22,300 and operates 19 major manufacturing plants in 17 locations.