THE PATH OF ALBA&N TOWARDS THE PERFECT SAFETY SHOE
While safety has always been considered the most important aspect of safety footwear, the last few years have seen the emergence of a new trend, a change of course in favour of an aspect whose importance has long been underestimated: comfort, an essential factor in the well-being of workers. With its 30 years of experience, Alba&n, a leading manufacturer of safety footwear, has made the combination of safety and comfort its corporate philosophy. It has established itself globally in the field of occupational footwear thanks to its range of products that stand out for their light weight, durability and sophisticated style. Its products not only provide protection at work, but also stand out for their sophisticated design and light weight, which makes them comfortable to wear for long hours. Inspired by fashion trends, the Alba&n team designs lightweight, flexible footwear using innovative materials such as abrasion-resistant, breathable and water-repellent technical fabrics. We spoke to Teuta Pistolija, Manager Director of Alba&n.
What are the characteristics that make Alba&n footwear unique?
“Our shoes are the result of careful research and development, which focuses on the use of cutting-edge materials and technologies. We make them lightweight, durable and breathable, without sacrificing refined design that follows the latest fashion trends. We consider comfort in safety footwear to be fundamental, because we know that sore, tired or sweaty feet can affect the posture and concentration of the wearer, and increase the risk of accidents at work. Uncomfortable footwear can also cause workers not to use them at all or to wear them improperly, negating the very effectiveness of protection. For all these reasons, comfort is held in the highest regard by us, without ever underestimating the aesthetic appeal.”
How did the process of balancing style and functionality evolve in the process of developing the ideal safety shoe?
“This goal drove our team to the exploration of innovative silhouettes and designs and a constant commitment to the selection of materials, formulas and combinations that could be translated into footwear with reduced mass. Today, for example, with our new PU/PU or PU/TPU soles, footwear provides high grip, flexibility and abrasion resistance. Our next goal was to ensure the safety of the shoes, from sole to laces, by using advanced wear-resistant, air-permeable and water-repellent fabrics that still maintain a low weight. It has to be said, however, that softness and flexibility may not be enough to guarantee an impeccable fit, as they transcend mere physical measurement and derive from a perception that stems from the anatomy and flexibility of the parts, essential elements for a natural fit. For us, the shoe must be perceived by the wearer almost as an extension of their body, and integrate perfectly with the movements of their lower limbs. To this end, we have developed innovative systems, such as the DLS (Dial Lacing System), originally developed for cycling: the shoes, equipped with a fine-tuned lacing mechanism, offer a customised fit, wrap around the foot without creating pressure points, and eliminate the risk of the wearer tripping over loose laces or getting caught inmachinery. Also deserving of mention are our specially designed insoles to stabilise the foot and cushion impact with the ground, and the insoles, which are crucial for the stability and impact absorption of the foot. The latest generation ‘Elisa Memory’ insole, with breathable lining and memory foam layer, offers exceptional comfort and excellent arch support.”
What are the future plans for Alba&n?
“We will continue to invest in innovation and research to further improve our footwear and meet the constantly evolving needs of the market. In addition, we will strive to make our brand known internationally, affirming Italian leadership in the production of high-end safety footwear. The company has always focused on excellence and innovation, and currently with 7 factories, 6 of which are in Albania and one in Italy, it has reached a production capacity of no less than 13 thousand pairs of uppers per day, a quantity almost equally divided between the safety and fashion sectors. Despite our widespread presence, however, the fact that we operate mainly on behalf of third parties has kept our brand low in the shops. We therefore started to invest significantly in our brand, with the aim of strengthening our identity in the market and expanding our presence. We are proud to be among the strongest in terms of production capacity, facilities and machinery, and one of the few companies with a complete production cycle in Europe, which makes us very attractive in our sector. Looking to the future, we intend to continue on this path, investing in our brand and technologies to maintain our leading position in the industry.”
The Trani plant in the Apulian footwear district