Valfussbett: innovation, large-scale production and efficiency for a complete range of footwear products for the work&safety sector.
Valfussbett, the established footwear company based in Valdagno, is once again positioning itself at the forefront of the industry with the evolution of their revolutionary product DryGo!. This creation promises to redefine the concept of comfort in footwear, offering an unprecedented experience for the feet of millions of people worldwide. DryGo! is the result of years of research and development, and represents a real leap forward in footwear technology. Its distinguishing feature is the innovative breathability system, which guarantees a fresh and dry feeling all day long. The patented BASF technology is based on a special, highly breathable foam that allows air to circulate freely inside the shoe. This not only promotes ventilation, but also helps prevent the build-up of moisture and bacteria, keeping feet healthy and protected. As tests developed in accordance with DIN EN 344- 1 show, the moisture-absorbing capacity of this product is 9.7 times higher than that of traditional polyurethane, offering uncompromising comfort. The company, with its long tradition in the footwear industry, has always focused on innovation and the quality of its products, and DryGo! represents a significant step forward in this direction, offering a unique solution for those who wish to wear quality work footwear. We talk about this with Luca Bertollo, Commercial Director of the Vicenza company.
What kind of innovation does DryGo! represent?
“DryGo! is a flagship product of our company, which has been exclusive to us for years. BASF developed it at laboratory level, but we were the ones who industrialised it and made it commercially available. DryGo! is an established product for us, but it was not in the safety world. For this reason, we have developed it antistatic, making it an even safer and more versatile product.”
What features does this innovative material have?
“Sweat absorption is the main function of DryGo!,. DRYGO! absorbs moisture from the foot, leaving it dry and
comfortable. DryGo! consequently also
provides better breathability, allowing air to
circulate inside the shoe. This helps to keep moisture inside the shoe at a constant level, preventing perspiration retention. Finally, the addition of a further component has made it anti-static.”
Was the application focused on lifestyle and the outdoors before it was adapted for the world of work and safety?
“Yes, the original DryGo! application was geared towards lifestyle and outdoors. However, we saw the potential of this product for the safety and work world, where work shoes are used for eight hours a day and humidity can be a major problem. For this reason, we developed an anti-static version of DryGo!, which has been enthusiastically received by the first customers who have requested it from us. The official launch of this product will take place in Dusseldorf at A+A, where we will present our results and our future prospects for its production.”
What are your expectations?
“I am always positive and optimistic. The work shoe market in Europe is a market of millions of pairs of shoes produced. It is a stable market with limited market fluctuations. I am convinced that DryGo! antistatic can be an innovation in the work shoe sector. Today, more or less all manufacturers use the same material, a normal polyurethane foam. DryGo!, on the other hand, offers superior technical and mechanical characteristics (possibility of processing even greater thicknesses while maintaining the product characteristics unchanged), especially considering the use of footwear. For this reason, we are sure that DryGo! will be a great success in the medium-high end of the market. The Work&Safety sector is increasingly focused on the well-being of workers. Once upon a time, work shoes were a legal requirement and had to be inexpensive. Today, however, we are realising that they can cause great damage to workers’ feet if they are not comfortable in the right way.”
Your next goal?
“Our goal is to further improve the quality of both product and service. Today, response time and service are decisive factors for the success of a company. We are lucky and good at working with important brands, in several market segments. We want to continue to grow in this segment, which is the main driver of Italian manufacturing. Many important brands are creating an increasingly stronger supply chain, in which only partners of the highest quality and trust will be able to compete.”
Does the company have plans to expand into new sectors?
“Our core business remains the footwear sector, but we are diversifying our production to approach other markets, both in Italy and abroad. Obviously, expanding the range is a process that requires time and precise planning, but we work incessantly with our usual dedication and passion to grow, improve and guarantee a stable and secure future to all members of our staff.”
HE ANTISTATIC INSOLE THAT ALWAYS KEEPS YOUR FEET DRY.
The first antistatic absorbent polyurethane foam, developed in collaboration with the BASF group.
The Valfussbett team