Tibby Singh reviews the latest in vegan-friendly footwear from V12
Stepping back to a sunny morning in September 1998, two brothers launched V12 Footwear. Today it’s still very much a family owned and run business with generations of shoemakers’ experience behind them. So, I was intrigued to find out what the V12 Velocity IGS and Torque IGS Safety Footwear had to offer.
The V12 Velocity IGS Trainers are certainly visible due to the striking cobalt blue colour. On the other hand, the Torque IGS are grey toned, and are a hiker style which offers additional protection to the ankle area. At first glance they looked a little on the bulky side but, thanks to a composite safety toecap in combination with the materials used, they are in fact light in weight. I love the fact that they are constructed from advanced leather free materials, making them very comfortable and a great ethical choice.
The Velocity and Torque have an Intelligent Grip System (IGS) heat resistant sole. Inspired by car technology it is described as a revolution in sole design. Looking closely at the sole it has a unique hexagonal tread, which provides superior grip. In the middle, it has a ladder grip meaning it provides safety off the ground as well as on. At the back, there’s a heel strike pad to assist with water dispersal.
I was pleased to learn these shoes themselves are part of their ‘Vegan-Friendly’ range; a development which is a step in the right direction, allowing those that want to eliminate the use of animal products to literally vote with their feet.
Something that you can’t prevent is the shoes getting mucky, but V12’s MukGuards can prevent you creating a trail of muck into someone’s home. They come with a carabiner attachment, so they’re always on hand and on your feet within seconds. This is particularly efficient when you’re working on jobs going in and out of client’s homes.
The single-use disposable plastic overshoes I’ve used in the past can’t be used over and over and even had them tear on me whilst struggling to get them on. Whereas the V12 MukGuards are not only reusable and washable, but they’re also stitched and glued and are made to last. Unlike the plastic ones that are slip hazard, thanks to their design, these V12 MukGuards offer excellent grip on carpets and smooth surfaces.
A lot of companies are talking about going green and the steps they’re taking to lower their environmental impact, but V12 Footwear have walked the walk with all these products. The innovative overshoe covers have won them the ‘Green Apple’ Award. It’s also proof that great products can be made using alternative materials whilst protecting the planet we walk on for generations to come.
For further information on the V12 Velocity IGS and Torque IGS safety footwear visit V12 Footwear | Safety Footwear, Safety Boots and Safety Shoes – V12 Footwear Ltd
Tibby Singh – www.TibbySingh.com
