New Safety Work presents the world’s first footbed with three polyurethane densities

When we talk about a polyurethane footbed, we’re referring to a removable insole for footwear crafted from polyurethane. This material is created by combining isocyanate and polyol. By precisely adjusting the ratio of these two substances, we can control and achieve various degrees of softness or rigidity in the polyurethane. What makes New Safety Work’s tri-density polyurethane footbed truly special and unique is its incorporation of three distinct types of polyurethane. These are strategically placed at three different, specific points within the insole, each offering completely varied degrees of softness and rigidity. With this groundbreaking product, New Safety Work aims to kick off a new line of items focused squarely on personal well-being. We asked the company for a few more details on how tridensity shock was conceived and brought to life.
How is the tridensity footbed made?
“The different types of polyurethane are poured using a ‘head,’ which is part of a machine called a ‘polyurethane carousel.’ This equipment is specifically designed for making polyurethane footbeds.
The material (polyurethane) is poured from this head into a mold. It’s then distributed and divided into three distinct zones of the insole through the movement of the head across various areas. These areas are carved out within a single, unified mold, which is another unique aspect of this insole. The placement of these zones has been meticulously studied to meet the specific demands and needs of our feet.”
How was the idea of tridensity footbed born?
“The tri-density footbed was born from an in-depth observation of how the foot bears weight on the insole (footbed) during different everyday situations. This includes everything from walking to more static states, such as when you’re standing still. In these two scenarios, which we’ve just outlined, the foot applies varying pressures to the insole, and crucially, these pressures come with different intensities and durations. For example, particularly when we’re in a static position (standing still), the foot exerts more pressure on the insole primarily in the heel area. There’s also some, although lighter, pressure on what’s called the ‘transverse plantar arch,’ which stretches from the first metatarsal (big toe) to the fifth metatarsal (little toe). So, in this kind of situation, the foot would ideally need more sustained support in these specific areas compared to others. However, regardless of specific situations, on a typical day and ideally, each of us places over 50% of our body weight on the heel, 35% on the first metatarsal head (big toe), and 15% on the fifth metatarsal head (little toe).”
How does the tridensity footbed differ from others?
“Following this logic, it would be incorrect to design an insole that has the same characteristics of softness or rigidity across its entire plantar surface, wouldn’t it? Yet, this is precisely what happens with common insoles, whether they’re polyurethane-based or not (like polyurethane footbeds, memory/memory foam, thermoformed insoles), that we all use daily. As you can infer from our previous observation, an insole that provides the same characteristics from heel to toe, and therefore offers identical support to our foot across all areas of its sole, is fundamentally flawed. More importantly, if your foot doesn’t receive the right support, you could face serious health issues. Among the most common is inflammation of the sciatic nerve.”
What is the goal of the tridensity footbed?
“The main goal of the tri-density footbed is to provide our feet with the most support possible during daily activities. Crucially, it aims to do this in a more effective, specific, and differentiated way across the various areas of our foot’s sole. With the tridensity footbed, we’re striving to create a product that is designed and shaped by our foot itself, adapting to its unique needs and characteristics, and consequently, to the needs of each individual.”
What are the characteristics of the tridensity footbed?
The tri-density footbed features three major zones: “First Density”, which covers the entire transverse arch support area; “Second Density”, designed to provide external side arch support; and “Third Density”, which offers heel support. These three extensive areas possess entirely distinct characteristics from one another, covering the plantar area of our foot in a differentiated and, most importantly, more specific way to meet the varying needs of different areas of our foot.