Australian safety footwear brand KAMU has been honoured with the iF DESIGN AWARD 2024 for its anti-fatigue safety boot range.
Selected from a competitive field of nearly 11,000 entries across 72 countries, KAMU’s achievement in the Industry Products category highlights its commitment to innovation through biomechanical design. The award recognises KAMU’s dedication to excellence in design and functionality, with boots tailored specifically for workers in Australia and New Zealand.
KAMU was founded in 2020 by three sisters from the Berkat Safety family business. Specialists in safety footwear and PPE for over 50 years, the family has built a legacy of craftsmanship and innovation.
“We are honoured to receive the iF DESIGN AWARD 2024, which emphasises our commitment to improving workplace health and well-being through excellence in safety footwear design. The work boot range has been designed reduce the risk of exhaustion, musculoskeletal issues, and heat stress,” KAMU co-founder Lusy Hartanu said.
“This boot design perfectly reflects our mission: we want to empower the workforce to remain energised and alert throughout the day, thereby reducing hazards and preventing injuries. We also aim to promote greater well-being and faster recovery after shifts, recognising that life beyond work matters.”
Developed through collaboration among in-house and external footwear experts from Australia, Germany, and Indonesia, the work boot range is centred around a full-length anti-fatigue midsole made from Infinergy by BASF, significantly enhancing energy return and stability for wearers.
“It’s unique four-layer sole construction combines materials of varying densities to optimise energy rebound, shock absorption, and deliver excellent ankle and arch support. The outsole surpasses the highest SRC slip-resistance standards.
“We optimise climate regulation by combining premium leathers with performance materials like Coolmax and Ortholite, that keep feet dry and workers cooler in demanding industrial environments and Australian climates,” Hartanu said.
Design studio Factor Product played a pivotal role in shaping the unique design of the award-winning KAMU safety boot range.
“We are proud that our collaboration with the KAMU team and BASF performance material experts resulted in a work boot range that represents a new breed of PPE and that might set a new benchmark in safety and wellbeing at the workplace.
“With a focus on a design and materials that help prevent fatigue, we have achieved the seamless integration of biomechanical function, advanced robustness, lightweight construction and an iconic look,” Factor Product managing partner Boris Simon said.
Further details about the KAMU safety footwear and the iF DESIGN AWARD 2024 can be found here.
About KAMU: Established in 2020, KAMU is an Australian safety footwear brand with a vision to enhance workplace safety and workers’ well-being from the ground up. The roots of KAMU extend back three generations to the Berkat Safety family business specialising in safety footwear and PPE. Operating for more than 50 years, the company has been a pioneer in introducing PPE to workplaces across the Asia-Pacific region.
About Factor Product: Factor Product is a multidisciplinary award-winning design studio renowned for its user-centric approach to product design. Founded in 1994 in Munich, the studio has successfully designed footwear, sports equipment, lifestyle, and industrial products for global clients such as Adidas, Salewa, Gore-Tex, and Fischer Sports.
About the iF DESIGN AWARD: Since its inception in 1954, the iF DESIGN AWARD has been a symbol of design excellence, recognizing outstanding achievements across various design disciplines. Organized by the esteemed iF International Forum Design GmbH, the award celebrates innovation and creativity, setting a global standard for design excellence in product, communication, and service design.