Boldest, the workwear brand operated by Kolon Industries FnC, has built out a full lineup of safety shoes that wearers can choose according to their work environment, ranging from sneaker-style work shoes suitable for everyday wear to high-performance boots designed for heavy rain and winter conditions. This season, the brand is introducing 'Corenic,' a Vibram collaboration safety shoe that the company describes as the first of its kind in Korea.
Since launching its first safety shoe, 'Bolt,' in 2022, Boldest has rolled out new safety shoes tailored to different work environments every year. As of the FW26 season, Boldest offers a total of 20 safety shoe styles. The products are categorized by height (4-inch, 5-inch and 6-inch) and by intended use.
By work environment, the lineup is divided into lightweight models for everyday wear, models for dry outdoor and light-duty work, models for prolonged walking and standing, models for rain, snow, moisture and electrical environments, and models for job sites requiring a high level of protection. Rather than relying on the versatility of a single product, the approach broadens consumer choice through segmentation tailored to on-site conditions.
Leading this season's lineup is the new Corenic safety shoe. Corenic features an exclusive sole developed in collaboration with global outsole brand Vibram. According to the company, it uses Vibram's 'Lightweight EVA Foam,' which is approximately 30% lighter than standard EVA, combined with breathable mesh to keep feet light and comfortable even during extended wear.
Corenic also features a 'non-metallic toe cap' (a protective cover for the toes) that combines aramid, a high-strength super fiber, with fiberglass. Its metal-free construction protects the toes from impact while still allowing the wearer to pass through security checkpoints. As a result, the brand highlights that the shoe can be worn not only on industrial sites but also in environments with security procedures, such as airports, logistics and facility management. The shoe comes in two versions: the 4-inch 'Corenic Edge 411' and the 5-inch 'Corenic Pro 511.'
In addition to Corenic, Boldest is also presenting its existing signature lineup, organized by work environment. For light work environments that move between the job site and daily life, there are 'Ludic' and 'Freeworker.' Ludic pairs a sleek everyday sneaker design with an outsole certified Grade 1 for slip resistance, and the company says it is one of the best-selling models in Boldest's safety shoe lineup.
Freeworker is a lightweight work shoe made with 'Cordura Ballistic fabric,' known for its abrasion resistance and comfortable fit. It is available in two versions: the 4-inch 'Freeworker 411' and the 5-inch 'Freeworker 511.'
For dry outdoor and light-duty environments, the brand offers the 'Guardian 541,' which features a highly durable mesh upper for enhanced breathability, and the 'Attacker 511,' which combines durability, breathability and everyday water resistance. The slip-on boot-style 'All New Desert Force 501,' as well as the 'Bolt 502' and 'Combat 531,' also fall into this category.
For environments involving prolonged walking or standing, there is 'Vapor Shield.' The company explained that it uses an 'E-TPU midsole' with excellent shock absorption and cushioning, and incorporates an 'anti-penetration plate design' between the midsole and outsole to prevent punctures to the sole of the foot, reducing foot fatigue during extended wear.
Among these, the 'Vapor Shield 541' was selected as an outstanding design product in the 'Style Design' category of product design at Good Design Korea 2026 (Good Design Selection 2026) this September. It was recognized for its sports shoe-like design, which sheds the heavy, clunky image typically associated with safety shoes.
For environments with rain, snow and high moisture, as well as those involving electrical work, the brand offers models featuring Gore-Tex. The 'Rainshield GTX 451' is designed for heavy rain conditions. The 'Fury GTX 551,' which enhances waterproofing and breathability with a four-layer Gore-Tex lining, and the 'Stormshield E.G 651,' which uses Gore-Tex's latest material, ePE-based...
