Fristads enters safety footwear with ComfortStep – a new generation of work shoes

For over a century, Fristads has been developing workwear that stands the test of time. Now, the company is expanding its offering beyond garments, entering the safety footwear category with the launch of ComfortStep – a new collection of work shoes designed to complete its professional workwear offering from head to toe.

The launch marks a strategic step toward a more integrated approach, where clothing and footwear are developed to work together in everyday working conditions.

Reinventing the safety shoe – Starting with the foot

ComfortStep is based on a simple principle: footwear should start with the foot, not the shoe. Rather than adapting an existing shoe concept, Fristads began by analysing how feet move and behave during long working days, in close collaboration with professionals across trades and industry.

The result is the Fristads FootShape, featuring a wide toe box that supports natural movement and body posture, and promotes balance and stability.

“We started with the foot – its shape, movement and demands in everyday work. From there, we built a shoe that supports the body rather than forcing it into a shape,” says Lena Bay Højland, Product Director at Fristads.

Custom comfort for different working styles

Understanding that no workdays – or workers – are the same, ComfortStep is designed to be customizable. The shoes come equipped with ActiveStep, an anatomical insole with an 8 mm heel-to-toe drop, developed for jobs that involve movement and dynamic tasks.

For users who spend more time standing, SteadyStep, a 5 mm insole with a lower heel-to-toe drop, is available as an alternative. This modular insole system allows wearers to adjust comfort and support to their specific working conditions.

Premium technologies for performance and protection

Every detail of ComfortStep is carefully selected to ensure performance, protection and durability in demanding work environments. Fristads collaborates with leading technology partners, including:

• BOA® Fit System – a precision dial-based lacing system that enables quick, one-handed adjustment and a secure, even fit that adapts to the foot throughout the day
• Vibram® Ecostep Pro outsoles in the S7S models – delivering reliable grip, stability and durability on a wide range of surfaces
• HDry® waterproof 3D technology – used in S7S models to make the shoe fully waterproof while maintaining breathability
• Selected models also feature CORDURA® reinforcements for enhanced resistance to abrasion, scuffs and wear in high-stress areas.

Designed with sustainability in mind

Sustainability is an integral part of the ComfortStep design process. The collection incorporates recycled and bio-based materials where possible and is developed with a long product lifespan in mind – supporting Fristads’ ambition to reduce environmental impact without compromising safety or performance.

Comfort, Guaranteed

Fristads is so confident in the comfort of ComfortStep that the launch is supported by a Comfort Guarantee. If users are not fully satisfied with the comfort of their shoes, they can return them.

Completing the system

With ComfortStep, Fristads expands its role beyond workwear apparel into footwear, creating a unified system where garments and shoes are designed as one.

“This is about completing the system. For the first time, we can offer a fully integrated workwear solution where protection, comfort and functionality work together across the entire body,” says Lena Bay Højland.

The Fristads ComfortStep collection will be available via the Fristads webshop and selected retailers starting May 4.