Stockists Advised to Prioritise Safety as Heatwaves Become the ‘New Normal’
Posted by: electime 8th July 2026
As Britain braces itself for another heatwave, Overland Shoes, the company behind Bobcat Safety Footwear, is urging merchants and wholesalers to take stock of the summer safety footwear opportunity as extreme summer temperatures become the new normal.
Following England’s warmest June on record, the Met Office has predicted the third heatwave of the year this week with temperatures expected to rise up to 34C in some parts of the UK. The consensus too is that the scorching weather will continue well into September, as summer heatwaves become the norm.
At the same time, the UK, unlike other European countries, doesn’t have a legal maximum working temperature. For busy tradespeople often working long hours and outdoors, this makes it even more important to ensure the right provisions are in place – especially, according to Overland Shoes, the right footwear to help reduce heat, improve comfort and stay safe during hot spells.
Peter Lawson, Brand Manager at Overland Shoes, comments: “Years ago summer heatwaves were a lot less frequent, even rare. Not anymore. Accordingly to the science, climate change is making heatwaves, like the ones we are currently experiencing, more common across the UK and hotter summers could become the norm. This is why it’s even more important that tradespeople take the opportunity to ensure they have the right gear and equipment so that they are prepared for more extreme heat.
“Not to be overlooked as part of this is the right choice of safety footwear. It goes without saying that using the same old, rigid, chunky boots in hot weather can prove not only extremely uncomfortable but cause all sorts of issues –b listers, overheating and foot fatigue. Working in the heat is often already tough enough. That’s why, we would advise merchants and wholesalers to stock a full range of summer safety shoes – with the market offering an array of lightweight, breathable options designed to protect, support and help keep workers cooler even when the temperatures soar.”
Ideal for workers seeking to beat the heat and in style, the all-new Bobcat Safety Footwear incorporates Redbacks® Leaf Spring Technology to absorb shock, reduce fatigue and provide all-day support for feet, knees, and back.
Among the extensive range, key summer solutions include the Knox, an athletic-inspired work trainer made from lightweight, breathable nylon and featuring a FITLOCK speed-lacing system for a secure, easy, and comfortable fit throughout the day. Equally, the Rockford, shown in cool grey, is a durable, lightweight trainer-style shoe designed with a reinforced woven nylon upper and rubber toe guards to deliver all-day comfort and protection shift after shift.
Offering a significant opportunity for merchants and distributors to tap into the lucrative summer footwear opportunity, the Bobcat Safety Footwear launch is supported by a major national marketing and PR campaign, alongside dedicated PoS materials and social media promotion.
For more information please visit www.bobcat-footwear.com
