Die ontwerp Xpan 2 Werkstewel deur Francis Lacroix is 'n hoogs gewaardeerde wenner van die baie prestigieuese 2026 A' Design Award in Goud in die Veiligheidskleding en Persoonlike Beskermingstoerusting Ontwerp-kompetisiekategorie.

GoudBeskermingstoerusting· 2026

Xpan 2 Werkstewel

deur Francis Lacroix

Kliënt: Royer

Wenner van die A' Design Award in Goud in die Beskermingstoerusting-kategorie

36,825

Geverifieerde Toekenningswenner

Verifieer Toekenningsstatus vir #182031

Besoek Webwerf Bekyk by A' Design Award Persverklaring Toekenningskenteken

Kleure

Die Ontwerp

Oor Xpan 2 Werkstewel

Die Xpan 2.0-stewel spog met 'n baanbrekende soolargitektuur wat gebou is vir uiterste metallurgiese omgewings, waar termiese beskerming en liggewig-prestasie saam moet bestaan. Die gevorderde sool weerstaan hitte, gly en skuring in hoërisiko-industriële omgewings. 'n Hitte- en vlambestande rubberdop omhul die poliuretaan-middelsool en vorm 'n geïntegreerde termiese versperring sonder om skokabsorpsie prys te gee of gewig by te voeg. Die resultaat stel 'n nuwe maatstaf in gesmelte-metaal-veiligheidsskoeisel.

Die Erkenning

Oor die A' Design Award in Goud

Xpan 2 Werkstewel is 'n wenner van die A' Design Award in Goud, 'n geweldig prestigieuse erkenning wat toegeken word aan eersteklas-, wonderlike en uitstaande ontwerpe. Wenners in Goud is uiters innoverende, visionêre en glansryk verblindende skeppings wat die vernuf, wysheid en bekwaamheid van hul ontwerpers weerspieël. Daar word verwag dat Xpan 2 Werkstewel 'n hoogs geprese, tendensskeppende en monumentale uitvinding is wat ongekende waarde lewer. Hierdie ontwerp wat die A' Design Award in Goud gewen het, is 'n skouspelagtige, gerespekteerde projek wat die grense van kuns, wetenskap, ontwerp en tegnologie in hoë mate bevoordeel en uitbrei. Xpan 2 Werkstewel wek intense gevoelens van begeerte, roep passie op, moedig kreatiwiteit aan en boei ons.

Agter die Ontwerp

Persstel

Krediete, spanlede en tegniese besonderhede verskaf deur die ontwerper.

Unieke Eienskappe: The sole is designed in a way to encapsulate the quasi-totality of the polyurethane midsole by the heat and flame resistant rubber outsole leaving only a slight contour. Thus, offering a lighter and highly shock absorbing sole all the while providing maximal foot protection and durability.
Afmetings & Verpakking: A US size 9.0 (42 EU) pair has an approximate height of 200 mm and is built on an ergonomic shoelast designed to closely follow the natural morphology of the foot, ensuring fit precision and comfort. Each pair is packaged in a rectangular box measuring approximately 200 x 200 x 100 mm. The packaging, made from recycled and recyclable cardboard, protects the product from factory to end user.
Etikette: Work boot, Safety boot, Cold Weather Protection, outsole technology, extreme job sites, Metatarsal Protection, Industrial Design
Produksietegnologie: The design process began with exploratory hand sketches to define proportions, functional zones and visual identity. Concepts were refined using Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop) to develop precise renderings and material simulations. A detailed technical drawing was then produced to guide tooling and upper manufacturing. A comprehensive tech pack ensured accurate translation of design intent into production.
Ontwerpuitdaging: The most complex challenge was achieving resistance to molten metal, particularly full immersion in liquid aluminum exceeding 1,000°C. Aluminum’s very low viscosity allows rapid penetration, making material selection and upper construction highly critical. The difficulty was intensified by bonding the upper to a rubber outsole through polyurethane injection, a material sensitive to heat above 150°C. Balancing extreme thermal protection with manufacturability required extensive experimentation and process control.
Navorsing: Type of Research: Experimental product R&D following a five-phase Stage-Gate methodology. Research Objectives: Improve protection, comfort, and durability in molten metal environments. Methodology: Define measurable performance criteria and validate materials against them. Data Collection and Tools: Iterative lab testing on weight, slip resistance, molten metal splash and aluminum bath immersion. Participants: Internal R&D and manufacturing teams. Results: Measurable gains across all parameters. Insights and Impacts: Enhanced safety standards, industrial reliability, and long-term value for high-risk metal processing sectors.
Inspirasie: The sole design draws inspiration from the aerodynamic geometry of the CF-105 Arrow developed by Avro Canada. Its triangular wing structure and directional arrow motifs informed the tread’s dynamic chevron pattern, engineered to enhance forward traction and stability. The project merges aerospace precision with industrial safety research, translating principles of thrust, grip, and structural resilience into a high-performance work boot outsole.
Projekduur: The project started in January 2023 in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, and was completed in December 2025. The three-year development cycle included the Definition, Design, Prototyping, and Production Implementation phases. The product was officially launched in January 2026. A continuous Monitoring and Feedback phase has been ongoing since market introduction to ensure long-term performance optimization.
Bedryfsvloei: The Xpan 2.0 boot improves upon previous generations in every critical aspect. It offers higher resistance to molten metal splash, enhanced slip protection on certified test surfaces, reduced weight, improved ergonomic fit, and greater durability against abrasion and tearing. Each performance parameter was tested and validated, demonstrating measurable progress over the previous model, already recognized as a global benchmark in primary and secondary metal processing environments.
Spanlede: Sponsor: Simon La Rochelle
Innovation Director: Francis Lacroix
Product Developer: Vincent Blais
Project Manager: Elyzabeth Bouchard
Operations Director: Etienne Sirois
Production Technician: Brittaney La Penna
Production Technician: Simon Turk
Technical Partner: Benedetto Scarnera (SFB Srl)
Technical Partner: Felice Scarnera (SFB Srl)