Exceptional abrasion resistance, lightweight construction, and customizability are the unique qualities sought in today’s work and mountaineering footwear. The innovative solution is ARCA (ARmoured CAsing).
Work boots and mountaineering shoes are often inherently heavy due to the stringent safety requirements and severe usage conditions they must endure. This weight directly contributes to user fatigue and diminished comfort. Consequently, there’s a continuous pursuit of materials that are increasingly lighter yet simultaneously deliver high performance.
ARCA offers a groundbreaking approach, enabling exceptionally high abrasion resistance while utilizing lighter base fabrics. This innovation eliminates the need for conventionally applied protective materials, which are typically stitched or glued onto the upper. With ARCA, it’s possible to bypass the use of costly, ultra-high-performance fibers by transforming, for example, a standard polyester fabric into its “armored” counterpart. ARCA achieves this by applying a pattern of “plates” directly onto the upper’s fabric. The precise, closely spaced application of these plates maintains breathability through the gaps, resulting in a larger total breathable area compared to using stitched or glued plastic materials that invariably cover the entire surface. The standout feature of ARCA is its remarkable abrasion resistance, exceeding 8,000 cycles according to UNI EN 388:2019 Part 6.1. Furthermore, a significant advantage not to be underestimated is the ability to apply the “plates” according to a custom design, allowing for tailored personalization based on client needs. This not only protects the areas most exposed to abrasive action but also significantly enhances the footwear’s aesthetic appeal.