The challenge: Boot breakdown on the blacktop 

With over 1,000 asphalt crew members across locations in Indiana and Michigan,  a company providing asphalt and aggregate solutions for commercial and industrial projects  was no stranger to high temps and unforgiving surfaces- as working long hours with high-temperature materials in extreme conditions is the norm. .  

When it came to footwear, employees were wearing options ranging from inexpensive department store picks to premium name brands like Red Wing and Thorogood. But no matter the price point, the boots all lacked one thing: durability.  

Because most of these boots weren’t built for extreme heat, they simply couldn’t hold up to the demands of the job. Crews were burning through multiple pairs each season, with comfort being a hit- –or -miss. Workers needed a boot that could go the distance – one that combined all-day comfort with heat-ready durability that could carry them through the whole season.  

The solution: Work boots that withstand the heat 

At the end of the 2023 season, the company’s safety director was introduced to HexArmor’s Asphalt boots. A few pairs were provided for trial, and the response from their multiple crews was immediate and overwhelmingly positive.  

Workers noticed the difference right away – better comfort, longer-lasting performance, and a design that stood up to the high-heat working conditions. 

HexArmor® followed up with the safety director in early April 2024 to ensure workers would have access to the boots before the start of the new season, and the feedback received about the trials was outstanding.  

Workers raved about the comfort, and they could tell very quickly how durable and reliable the boot was. It was noted that HexArmor’s asphalt boots are now the only boot recommended by the safety team – a big step forward in giving workers a consistent, high-quality boot option.  

The result: Partnerships paving the way for success 

Because purchases are made individually, HexArmor® partnered with the company’s preferred distributor, White Cap, to make access simple. A custom setup now allows employees to purchase directly through their local branch while still receiving the company discount.  

By working closely with both the safety team and distributor, HexArmor created a seamless path for crews to get the protection they need, just in time for a busy season ahead. It’s a win for everyone involved: safer, more comfortable crews, a trusted recommendation from leadership, and a product that’s finally built to handle the heat.