Blundstone and Monash University create an ‘intelligent boot’ for health workers

A design collaboration between the famous Blundstone footwear brand and Monash University has produced a new ‘smart’ boot for healthcare workers.

The ‘intelligent boot’ created by Blundstone Australia and Monash University is set to change the footwear game for healthcare workers with hi-tech features and comfort for those working long hour on their feet.

Far from the average work boot, this new design incorporates real-time monitoring technology to provide healthcare workers with more information on their posture, weight load and high pressure points during their shift.

The data can be accessed using a smartphone app, which the creators believe will allow the boot-wearer to spot abnormalities and issues before they can become a larger problem or injury.

Doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers were closely involved in the design process to ensure the boots offered the exceptional durability, comfort and hygiene required for challenges of the job.

The boot material provides chemical and bacterial resistance as well as ensuring long-term comfort for the wearer.

The new smart boots designed by Blundstone and Monash University feature monitoring technology to help prevent injuries and accidents.

Monash Health design collaborator Rowan Page said the monitoring technology allowed the design of the boot to be expertly crafted to meet the needs of the healthcare workforce.

“We’ve integrated a sensor system that analyses multiple parts of the foot to provide real-time feedback via a smartphone app that detects abnormalities and highlights potential issues,” Dr Page said.

“The shoes classify different tasks undertaken throughout a work shift and can identify different postures, changes in walking gait and the lifting of heavy loads.

“The visualisation of this data can show areas of high pressure on the body across the workday and highlight potential problem areas.”

Blundstones joint-CEO Adam Blake said the company is committed to meeting the needs of workers in all types of workplaces.

He said it was an exciting opportunity for the boot company to create a product with the needs of the healthcare workforce leading the design.

Blundstone and Monash have also committed to producing the smart boots in an ethical and sustainable way, another attraction for conscious shoppers.

The concept boots are made of synthetic and plant-based materials, computer-knitted collar to reduce waste and a recyclable polyurethane sole.

Blundstone have not provided any details on when the concept boots will be available to buy or how much they are expected to cost.

The boot design has been short-listed for a Designers Australia Awards for 2022.