"The user must look stylish and when it comes to appearance the accessories must look good together. In other words, it was obvious for us to design safety footwear that matched perfectly with our workwear."

From the start, Mascot wanted to offer something other manufacturers could not. "We have conducted extensive research and undertaken user focus groups. From this we have found that the area users wish to see most improvement in was comfort," said Mr Grosbøl.

Mascot took the foot's anatomy, and studied the way a person wearing safety footwear worked. It enabled them to devise an anatomically formed toecap which is certified to protect against impact and pressure. It provides increased safety for the user but with greater comfort. 

Many features contribute to increased comfort and safety. The internal features of the shoe are adapted so they do not scratch. 

The mid-sole is made primarily of Kevlar which allows the complete sole to be covered and therefore protected rather than a steel sole which does not protect at the sides. It increases safety but at the same time provides a warmer shoe as a steel mid-sole conducts the cold. The mid-sole is also more flexible to give better walking comfort. 

A large benefit of Mascot's footwear is in the patented multifunction shank. This is an oblong stiff material in the sole which stabilises the shoe. It is particularly beneficial for those working on ladders as it reduces the pressure from the ladder rung. 

"We have received a lot of positive feedback about the comfort of our shoes from our users," said Mr Grosbøl. "We will both now and in the future research the foot's anatomy and new material possibilities so that the current heavy and stiff materials will be changed to light and flexible when it is possible to still achieve the safety levels required."

Comfort and safety combined

Mascot has produced a work boot specifically designed for the UK market. The Batura safety boot provides the highest level of protection at a competitive price.

Certified to Safety Class S3, the anatomically formed aluminium toecap provides more protection with more space and comfort to the wearer. In tests, this toecap has shown to have more impact resistance than a standard steel toecap.

The Batura Safety boot also incorporates Mascot's innovative ankle protection. ISO 20 345:2004, the standard for ankle protection, requires shock impact to be under 20kN. Mascot ankle protection achieved a result far better than required by the standard - 4,8kN.

Fire resistant Nomex thread is used in the stitching and the laces. The wearer and the boot are protected from stray sparks which may reduce the lifetime of the boot.

The Batura is suitable for a wide variety of users. This high quality full grain leather boot is water resistant and durability is achieved with hard wearing TPU caps at the toe and heel. Lifetime is further extended with a 3.5mm sole (many in the marketplace only have 2.5mm soles). The boot also features padding around the back of the ankle and on the tongue for all day comfort.

Multi-functional safety clothing

Mascot's fluorescent safety clothing is a must for those working in or near traffic. The fluorescent also substance ensures high visibility in daylight. Mascot uses Class 2, the highest class of reflective strip. And by combining Mascot's fluorescent jacket and trouser, Safety Class 3 is achieved, which is the highest class of safety clothing.

Mascot also puts Teflon in much of its safety workwear. Teflon makes products dirt repellent, meaning they are more visible between washes than products without it. The range includes soft shell and quilted jackets all certified to EN471.

For 2009, Almas Craftsman's fluorescent work trousers with holster pockets, hammer loops and spacious pockets are available. They come in yellow and orange with contrast navy or anthracite, in short and regular lengths.

The range also includes the Lagarto Craftsman's three quarter length trousers, with holster pockets, hammer loops and kneepad pockets.

Adult and child traffic vests complete the 2009 additions. Thasos, the new trousers in the Mascot Frontline range have ergonomically formed legs and a form cut waist for a great fit. 

For more information visit www.mascot.dk

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