As South Africa’s industrial and mining sectors increasingly integrate women into high-risk operational roles, Sisi Safety Wear is addressing a critical and long-overlooked gap: the lack of heavy-duty, women-specific safety footwear with a PU RUBBER sole, designed for harsh working conditions. Sisi, a local manufacturer of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) designed for women in the workplace, has introduced its Fuse Safety Boot, designed specifically for women working in demanding industrial, mining, electrical, and heavy-duty environments. This new safety boot provides the essential protection, fit, and comfort long missing from the PPE ranges available to women in these sectors.
For many years, women in these industries have had to wear protective boots designed for men, often compromising both safety and comfort. This mismatch increases the risk of injury, causes discomfort, and reduces productivity in environments where reliable protection is essential.
“Women in these industries face the same dangers as their male counterparts, from electrical hazards to tough, abrasive surfaces, yet their safety footwear has not kept pace with their growing representation in the workforce,” says Jamie-Lee Bishop from Sisi Safety Wear. “The introduction of the Fuse Boot marks an important milestone in providing women with PPE that not only protects, but properly fits and supports them throughout long, demanding shifts.”
Introducing the Fuse Safety Boot
Developed in direct response to market demand and feedback from safety professionals, the Sisi Fuse Safety Boot is the first locally manufactured PU/rubber safety boot specifically engineered for women. Tested to withstand 20kVAs electrical hazards for 60 seconds, this boot offers premium protection in hazardous conditions.
Designed for sectors including mining, electrical utilities, manufacturing, and heavy industry, the Fuse Boot features a full-grain leather upper, abrasion- and slip-resistant PU/rubber sole, and a reflective strip for enhanced visibility in low-light environments. Comfort is prioritised with a padded collar and Birdseye breathable lining treated with anti-microbial properties to keep feet cool and hygienic.
The PU/rubber sole not only offers superior durability but is specifically designed to resist cuts, abrasions, and slips while its tread pattern channels water and debris away, improving grip and preventing slips in harsh working conditions.
Responding to real-world industry needs
The Fuse Boot was developed after years of industry feedback emphasising the need for women-specific safety boots with a PU/Rubber sole capable of enduring tough working conditions. An important demand came from eThekwini Municipality, which required a safety boot for female teams working near high-voltage equipment.
“This boot is far more than a checklist item- it is a solution born from real, on-the-ground challenges,” adds Bishop. “It is designed to withstand tough terrain and electrical dangers, offering reliable protection without compromising comfort.”
Advancing inclusive safety standards
The Fuse Boot launch underlines Sisi’s commitment to transforming the local PPE landscape by ensuring women in demanding industries receive properly fitted, high-quality protective gear.
“By introducing this boot, we are sending a clear message that women’s PPE needs require serious, tailored solutions,” says Bishop. “We are breaking away from the outdated one-size-fits-all mentality that has long dominated South Africa’s industrial safety sector.”
Shaping the future of workplace safety
The Fuse Boot represents a growing recognition within South Africa’s high-risk industries of the importance of PPE designed specifically for women. As more organisations adopt inclusive safety policies, innovations like the Fuse Boot are setting new benchmarks for equitable workplace safety.
“This is not just about introducing new PPE, it is about raising the standard for women’s safety in the workplace,” adds Bishop. “By addressing long-standing gaps in PPE design, we are making meaningful strides towards secure, more inclusive industrial environments.”
Industry stakeholders, safety officers, and procurement specialists are encouraged to explore how purpose-built PPE can enhance operational safety and well-being for female teams working in hazardous environments.
