Even before uvex established its own production capacities, the company gained international experience in the manufacture of safety footwear, including in Romania, South Africa and Brazil. This expertise paved the way for the next strategic step. In the 1970s, a close partnership was formed with the Italian shoe manufacturer Cagi in Ceva in order to further expand expertise in the field of safety shoes. In 2001, uvex additionally acquired the French safety footwear manufacturer Heckel. Founded as early as 1870, the family-run company started with the production of leather goods and safety shoes and is therefore regarded as one of the pioneers of the industry.
One of the first safety shoes from uvex.
The uvex 1 sport safety shoe is characterised by a successful combination of sporty design, high functionality and wearing comfort.
The award-winning design blurs the boundary between the world of work and leisure. While it looks like a sneaker on the outside, the uvex 1 sport fulfils all the safety requirements needed to provide protection in working environments. It also impresses with its low weight and breathable mesh upper material for optimised climate regulation.
The uvex sport 1 safety shoe is a prime example of how safety, comfort and design can be combined in a single product, setting new standards in the field of modern safety footwear.
The uvex 3 – now even tougher. The MACSOLE rubber outsole makes this companion even stronger for heavy-duty applications – it is heat-resistant, chemical-resistant and cut-resistant. In addition, the MACSOLE rubber outsole technology impresses with unrivalled slip resistance, even in cold conditions.
Rubber is known for its outstanding properties in a wide range of applications. Slip resistance, durability, abrasion resistance, grip, heat and cold resistance, chemical resistance and high elasticity – all of these are characteristics of rubber.
The uvex 1 x‑craft pro combines sporty design with high flexibility and reliable protection. Technologies such as uvex bionom x, the energy-returning uvex i‑PUREnrj planet midsole and the flex zone in the forefoot ensure comfort and freedom of movement. Robust upper materials, the dynamic overcap and uvex climazone guarantee breathability and abrasion resistance. With optional D3O® midfoot protection, the shoe offers additional impact protection – ideal for trades, industry and logistics.
The particular strength of Heckel lies in the processing of rubber for pioneering sole technologies, using state-of-the-art manufacturing processes.
Safety shoes from Heckel prove themselves in steelworks, on ships and in mountainous terrain, as well as on large construction sites, in trades and in logistics. They are slip-resistant, withstand extreme conditions and feature an attractive design. Depending on requirements, Heckel safety shoes protect feet from injury and chemicals, as well as from heat, cold and moisture. Their soles are penetration-resistant, the toe areas are reinforced with steel caps – yet the shoes remain flexible and extremely comfortable to wear.
This safety shoe from 1977 developed into one of the flagship models of the Heckel range. Between 1977 and 2018, more than 4 million pairs were sold worldwide.
The “ASPHALT MASTER” was developed specifically for use on asphalt. The model was awarded the Innovation Prize at the Expoprotection trade fair. The NITEX outsole offers excellent thermal insulation and, thanks to its smooth surface, leaves no marks on freshly laid asphalt.
