A study on the design improvement of protective footwear for firefighters

Abstract

In this study, protective footwear for firefighters in Korea was evaluated. Based on the results of wearing evaluation, three types of new designs of firefighting protective footwear were developed: prototypes I, I and II. The prototypes with improved designs were evaluated by wear trails and design preference. Surveys on wearing and design preference of firefighting protective footwear, led to suggestions for designs elements of protective footwear. Firstly, the combination of laces and buckle was suggested for the closure. Secondly, the footwear material suggested was artificial leather with excellent waterproof and ventilation standards. In addition, retro-reflective and fluorescent materials and various colors were suggested for visibility. Thirdly, appearance designs were suggested in three categories: figure, line, and arrangement. Based on the design suggestions, prototypes with improved designs were made. An evaluation was conducted wearing the prototypes with improved designs. All prototypes were found to satisfy more than half of the design and wearing evaluation categories.