Timberland PRO’s New Renova Series Shoes

Timberland’s New Renova™ Series Shoes are designed for caregivers, professionals and providers in the healthcare industry. The Renova™ women’s shoes are a great new line of nursing shoes with innovative comfort technologies and safety features.
Three different styles are available for your comfort and fashion sense.
• The Professional Series shoes are a closed-back slip-on shoe. These shoes are made of a premium, full-grain leather and microsuede upper linings.
• The Provider Series shoes are an athletic lace-up style shoe. These shoes are made of a durable water resistant material for easy cleaning.
• The Caregiver Series shoes are a sling-back slip-on shoe. These shoes, depending on color, are made of a smooth finish or a nubuck finish.
“All-day comfort: because fatigue is NOT an option.” This is Timberland’s inspiration for the new Renova™ series shoes.
The Renova™ shoes have a unique anti-fatique technology for support, a specific anatomical shaping for comfort and a heel-to-toe rocker profile for flexibility.
The innovative anti-fatigue insole provides excellent shock absorption, leg and back support and all-day standing comfort. The insoles are made with a molded,inverted cone pattern that collapse and return in key pressure zones as you stand and walk. These insoles are also part of what makes these work shoes lightweight, a great quality for healthcare professionals.
The Renova™ shoes have a specific shaping to maximize the comfort of work shoes. The Caregiver and Professional line shoes are constructed on an oblique last. The wide shape of the toe-box allows the forefoot to spread in a natural position. This reduces fatigue and increases comfort. The Provider line shoes are constructed of an athletic last which features a contoured arch for maximum support and comfort.
The heel-to-toe rocker profile of the Renova™ Series shoe reduces the impact stress, stabilizes the foot and enables a neutral gait. Flexibility is built into the shoe, so the forefoot doesn’t have to flex or work. This results in less strain and less fatigue.
Also, Professional and Provider series shoes are designed with a SafeGrip™ slip-resistant outsole that grips in wet and dry conditions, enabling professionals to move quickly and confidently. The thermal plastic urethane outsole has a low profile for high surface contact in wet and dry conditions. The coefficient of friction rating for the Renova™ shoes, in oily/wet conditions, is greater 0.40 - the industry wide recommendation for slip resistance. The soles of the Caregiver series shoes are also slip resistant and made of a molded polyurethane that provides safety, comfort and durability.
The Renova™ Series healthcare shoes are backed by The Timberland Company’s reputation for quality, craftsmanship and innovation. Timberland is so sure that these shoes will be comfortable that the Renova™ shoes come with a 30 day comfort guarantee. If within 30 days you don’t find that the Renova™ shoes are more comfortable than other brands you have worn, Timberland will refund the purchase price of the shoes.
The Timberland Pro Renova™ Series shoes are now available at MichiganShoe.com.
Written By: Lisa Girolami, Marketing Manager, Michigan Industrial Shoe, http://www.MichiganShoe.com , Local Distributor of Work Boots, Safety Shoes and Work Clothing, Redford MI

New Skechers Slip Resistant Shape Ups Work Shoe

Have you heard of the Skechers Shape Ups®, seen them around town, seen them on the web?

Have you tried on a pair yet?

I have. Watch out for that first step…it’s a doozy. These Skechers Shape Ups® are unlike any footwear I’ve tried. Walking in them feels like your sinking into the sand at the beach.

I’ve read all about them. What Skechers says about them is true. They make me walk with better posture. They tone my leg muscles in ways that walking normally does not. They seem to reduce the impact on my joints (my knees aren’t in the best of shape due to lots of jogging in the past). And they are very comfortable.

Take your time adjusting to them – don’t just step out with plans of talking a 5 mile walk. You will need to start out with just a 15-20 minute 1 mile walk and build from there.

Now Skechers has these great shoes available with a slip resistant sole for working professionals. Yes, these Skechers shoes make a great pair of nursing shoes. Stand in them, walk in them and enjoy the comfort of them. The SR Shape Ups® are available in black or white. So these make great restaurant shoes, kitchen shoes and hospitality shoes as well.

So give these slip-resistant work shoes a try, have a little fun, enjoy the cushy comfort, work your muscles and improve your posture all while you’re at work.

Shape-up while you walk and work with Skecher's slip resistant Shape Ups® - a more natural way to walk.

Skechers Slip Resistant Shape Ups® available now at MichiganShoe.com – we make people happy at work. Each pair comes with an instruction guide and DVD.

Written By: Lisa Girolami, Marketing Manager, Michigan Industrial Shoe, www.MichiganShoe.com , Local Distributor of Work Boots, Safety Shoes and Work Clothing, Redford MI

Merrell's Q-Form Technology and the Q-Angle

What is a Q-Angle?

A Q-angle, short for quadricep-angle, is named for the quadriceps portion of the upper leg and refers to the anatomical angle between the hip and the knee. Specifically, it is the angle formed between the longitudinal axis of the femur, representing the line of pull of the quad muscle, and a line that represents the pull of the patellar tendon. The patellar tendon is a band of strong connective tissue attaching the shin bone to the knee cap.

The width of the pelvis determines the degree of the q-angle. Women have a more pronounced Q-angle than men due to a wider pelvis and lower center of gravity. The Q-angle in men is normally less than 15° and 20° in women when the quadriceps are relaxed. The angle becomes smaller when the quadriceps are contracted.

The Q-angle is measured by creating two intersecting lines: one from the center of the patella to the anterior-superior iliac spine of the pelvis; the other from the patellar to the tibial tubercle.

Because the Q-angle in women is greater then in men, a woman’s stride is different than a man’s. The initial strike of the heel tends to be concentrated on the outside of the foot (know as supination). This places additional stress on the medial ligaments causing discomfort. Most women will attempt to compensate for this motion by directing their weight toward the inside of the foot (pronation), twisting their foot at full heel strike. To alleviate the pressure caused from pronation, women will alter their stride again and place their weight on the lateral (outer) side of the foot. The cycle of altering the natural pattern of movement ultimately results in discomfort and pain. Tests reveal that up to 75% of women experience this cycle.

So what is Merrell’s Q-Form® Technology?

Merrell’s patent pending Q-Form® technology combines properly sequenced cushioning with a supportive and naturally aligning midsole to create a technology that is 100% tailored to women and the way they move. The Q-Form® midsole provides proper support and re-directs the woman’s gait minimizes the over-correction, alleviates discomfort and reduces wear on the shoe by ensuring an even wear pattern. The Q-Form® midsole is a molded midsole with three separate degrees of firmness. When combined with a patented air cushion, the system directs a women’s stride into a more fluid, balanced process that results in extended comfort, stability, and wearlife of the shoe.

You can find the Q-Form® technology in lot’s of Merrell’s women’s footwear, including the Merrell Pro series of women’s work shoes – Merrell performance shoes brought indoors.

Written By: Lisa Girolami, Marketing Manager of Michigan Industrial Shoe, MichiganShoe.com, Local Distributor of Work Boots, Safety Shoes and Work clothing, Redford MI

The origin of Gore-Tex®

The origin of waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® outerwear, footwear, and gloves starts with five little letters: ePTFE. ePTFE, or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, was created by Bob Gore in 1969 when he rapidly stretched PTFE under certain conditions. The result was an incredibly strong, micro-porous material with an amazing list of characteristics including low water adsorption and good weathering properties. By 1978, GORE-TEX® fabric was introduced and the world met the first truly waterproof, breathable outerwear. Thanks to their commitment to unending innovation and creativity, waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® products have continued to improve and evolve to keep in step with the changing needs of their customers.

The GORE-TEX® membrane is the secret of GORE-TEX® outerwear -- which is both completely waterproof and completely breathable at the same time -- lies within its revolutionary bi-component membrane. The membrane contains over 9 billion microscopic pores which are approximately 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water, but 700 times bigger than a molecule of moisture vapor. So while water in its liquid form cannot penetrate the GORE-TEX® membrane, as moisture vapor it can easily escape.

The patented GORE-TEX® membrane makes garments 100% waterproof, windproof and breathable so that you stay dry and comfortable under any conditions.

Waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® outerwear is made of the very toughest fabrics and is thoroughly tested to guarantee performance even after serious wear and tear. Easy care: Just because it’s high tech doesn’t mean it has to be high maintenance. GORE-TEX® fabric is extremely easy to take care of and won’t lose its effectiveness even after repeated washing.

Perhaps the most important aspect of breathable, waterproof GORE-TEX® outerwear is they firmly believe in their outerwear and back it up with a promise: No liquid from the outside will get to you on the inside. This includes moisture from the wet grass you’re kneeling in to the sudden squall you get caught in. They take this guarantee seriously. If you are not completely satisfied with the waterproofness, windproofness, or breathability of your GORE-TEX® product, then they will repair it, replace it, or refund your purchase price.

That’s where Gore comes in. They partnered with Merrell to provide the best in climate control and comfort thanks to their patented technology. Men’s Merrell shoes with GORE-TEX® technology are durably waterproof and breathable to provide long lasting comfort under a variety of conditions. The Jungle Moc is perfect for the rainy season and is fully waterproof GORE-TEX® gasket construction and the uncanny ability of the GORE-TEX® lining to wick moisture away from your feet. Certain styles are also available with GORE-TEX® XCR® Technology which provides enhanced breathability perfect for higher activity levels and warmer conditions.

Merrell believes so strongly in the performance of Gore’s technologies that they provide a full one-year guarantee, along with Gore’s own Guaranteed to Keep You Dry® promise. With such comfort and guaranteed performance, Merrell shoes are a perfect choice for your next “outventure”.

Written By: Mike Girolami, President of Michigan Industrial Shoe http://www.michiganshoe.com/ , Local Distributor of Work Boots, Safety Shoes and Work clothing, Redford MI

Protecting Personnel From Arc Flash Hazards

An arc flash is a voltage breakdown of the resistance of air resulting in an arc which can occur where there is sufficient voltage in an electrical system and a path to ground or lower voltage. An arc flash with 1000 amps or more can cause substantial damage, fire or injury. The massive energy released in the fault instantly vaporizes the metal conductors involved, blasting molten metal and expanding plasma outward with extreme force. A typical arc flash incident can be inconsequential but could conceivably easily produce a more severe explosion. The result of the violent event can cause destruction of equipment involved, fire, and injury not only to the worker but also to nearby people.

In addition to the explosive blast of such a fault, destruction also arises from the intense radiant heat produced by the arc. The metal plasma arc produces tremendous amounts of light energy from far infrared to ultraviolet. Surfaces of nearby people and objects absorb this energy and are instantly heated to vaporizing temperatures. The effects of this can be seen on adjacent walls and equipment - they are often ablated and eroded from the radiant effects.

There are many methods of protecting personnel from Arc Flash hazards. This can include personnel wearing Arc Flash Personal protective equipment (PPE) or modifying the design and configuration of electrical equipment. The most effective way to protect personnel who are working on exposed conductors is to de-energize circuits if this is possible.

Three key factors determine the intensity of an Arc Flash event on personnel. These factors are the quantity of fault current available in a system, the time fault until an arc flash is cleared, and the distance an individual is from an arc. Various design and equipment configuration choices can be made to affect these factors and in turn reduce the Arc Flash hazard.

After arc hazard levels have been assigned for job tasks, required protective clothing may be determined. The table above, adapted from NFPA 70E-2004 (Table 130.7(C)(11)) gives the five hazard risk categories, corresponding required minimum arc rating of PPE and the Carhartt HRC rating range. Layering flame-resistant clothing increases thermal protection and should be considered when evaluating required PPE. Fortunately, arc flash hazards can be reduced by following safety precautions and using the recommended personal protective equipment.


Carhartt Flame Resistance clothing helps shield workers from exposure to electric arcs and flash fires. In addition to this protection, Carhartt FR clothing features tough premium fabrics, garment washed softness and work fit styling to make your long work hours more comfortable. Carhartt FR clothing is designed for electricians and workers in the utility, oil, gas and petrochemical fields who are at risk of exposure to electric arc and flash fires, which could cause severe or fatal burn injuries.

Written By: Mike Girolami, President of WorkWear1, http://www.michiganshoe.com/, a Local Distributor of Safety Shoes and Safety Clothing, Redford MI

Flame Resistance Clothing for the Electrical Industry

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has served as an authority in the U.S. on fire, electricity and building safety since 1896. In 1979, the NFPA published NFPA 70E, a Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. NFPA 70E is a comprehensive national consensus standard for electrical safety issues covering work practices, installation, maintenance and special equipment.

Over the years several editions of NFPA 70E have been published. The 2000 edition was the first to include electric arc flash hazard and required flame resistant clothing to protect workers against it. The most recent edition approved on February 11, 2004, added sections on personal protective equipment (PPE). OSHA recognizes NFPA 70E as an industry practice and has referenced it in citations.

Flame resistant clothing is addressed in Chapter 1 of the standard, Safety-Related Work Practices. It states that all equipment must be de-energized before being worked on unless the employer can demonstrate that de-energizing introduces additional or increased hazards or is infeasible due to equipment design or operational limitations. If de-energizing the equipment is not feasible, the employer must establish a "flash protection boundary" which is the minimum distance from an arc source where a person could receive a "curable" or second degree burn if an arc flash occurred. An employer must determine the appropriate PPE including FRC required for all employees who cross the flash protection boundary. A hazard risk assessment to determine arc hazard level must be completed. NFPA 70E provides several options for determining arc hazard level and it is defined by "calories per square centimeter" or cal/cm2.

After arc hazard levels have been assigned for job tasks, required protective clothing may be determined. The table above, adapted from NFPA 70E-2004 (Table 130.7(C)(11)) gives the five hazard risk categories, corresponding required minimum arc rating of PPE and the Carhartt HRC rating range. Layering flame-resistant clothing increases thermal protection and should be considered when evaluating required PPE.

Carhartt Flame Resistance clothing helps shield workers from exposure to electric arcs and flash fires. In addition to this protection, Carhartt FR clothing features tough premium fabrics, garment washed softness and work fit styling to make your long work hours more comfortable. Carhartt FR clothing is designed for electricians and workers in the utility, oil, gas and petrochemical fields who are at risk of exposure to electric arc and flash fires, which could cause severe or fatal burn injuries.

Carhartt FR clothing has the HRC (Hazard Risk Category) rating range directly related to ATPV. There are 5 HRCs ranging from 0 to 4, with hazard risk of 0 presenting the least risk and a hazard risk of 4 being the greatest. Carhartt offers 3 items FRC066 – FR Duck Traditional Coat; FRJ184 – FR Duck Active Jac/Quilt lined and FRV036 – FR Duck Vest / Quilt lined. All these items have the highest HRC rating of 4 and ATPVcal/cm2 of 56.3.

Written By: Mike Girolami, President of MichiganShoe, http://www.michiganshoe.com/, a Local Distributor of Safety Shoes and Clothing, Redford MI

What is Bisphenol-A (BPA)?

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical compound found in some hard, clear, lightweight plastics and resins. It's used in the production of various types of food and drink containers, CDs, electronics and automobile parts, and as a liner in some metal cans. Animal studies suggest that, once ingested, BPA may imitate estrogen and other hormones, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Although it has been approved by the FDA to be used in low doses, recent animal studies suggest that it is not safe. BPA has been found to stimulate prostate cancer cells and may cause breast cancer. Exposure to BPA early in life may cause genetic damage. One human study found that women with a history of miscarriages had more than threefold higher levels of BPA in their blood compared with women without a miscarriage history. 81% of the 115 published animal studies found significant effects from even low-level exposure.

What plastics are affected by BPA. Polycarbonate, also commonly known under the brand name of Lexan, to figure out whether a plastic is polycarbonate or not -- look for #7 on the bottom of the container. Nalgene's bottles are commonly perceived as synonymous with polycarbonate, Nalgene offers a wide variety of water bottles made from many different kinds of materials, including HDPE, LDPE and PET. They are also introducing bottles made from Triton - a plastic with similar features (e.g. hard, clear) but no BPA.

Water bottles are not the only potential source of BPA exposure. Several factors play into whether BPA will actually leach from a material made with BPA. These factors include quality of the material & polymerization, exposure to heat and age of the material. If you want to play it safe, the easiest thing to do is to avoid any products made of polycarbonate or known to contain BPA. To avoid the BPA exposure, for hot food and liquids, use glass, stainless steel or porcelain containers. Select glass or plastic without BPA for baby bottles and preserved goods should come from glass jars or canned goods that don't have liners with BPA.

The FDA’s opinion on BPA is that it is safe. They say based on their ongoing review, we believe there is a large body of evidence that indicates that FDA-regulated products containing BPA currently on the market are safe and that exposure levels to BPA from food contact materials, including for infants and children, are below those that may cause health effects. However, we will continue to consider new research and information as they become available.

The FDA issued this Consumer message. At this time, the FDA is not recommending that anyone discontinue using products that contain BPA while we continue our risk assessment process. However, concerned consumers should know that several alternatives to polycarbonate baby bottles exist, including glass baby bottles.

Written By: Mike Girolami, President of Michigan Industrial Shoe www.MichiganShoe.com , Local Distributor of Work Boots, Safety Shoes and Work clothing, Redford MI