Danner has introduced Precision Fit, a women’s specific fit across four different boot models.
Danner
In the shoe world, there are unisex sizing options, but these usually don’t take into account the biometric differences between men and women. There are also shoes that have lasts designed for women, which often take into account some of the differences between the two genders. Danner took it a step further and introduced Precision Fit technology, a last and entire boot design that focuses specifically on women’s needs, and has introduced this technology to four of the brand’s most popular models.
“It’s been a long time coming to get Precision Fit right,” Danner product line manager Pam Law says of the three-year process. “It’s more refined than our previous women’s styles, which were made on women’s-specific lasts. It was important that we were confident in our research, data and prototypes before bringing this technology to market.”
According to Law, the original goal was to make it possible for everyone to wear “boots that fit their body perfectly.”
The Danner Jag is now available in a women’s specific Precision Fit.
Danner
Rowe says unisex sizing typically ignores the differences between men’s and women’s ergonomic shapes, resulting in hot spots for women, such as heel slippage, tight toe boxes, instep variations, etc. To find the most effective approach, Danner used its branded Aetrex 3D scanner and pressure mapping tool to look at the biometric data of more than 40,000 women, and combined that with four in-house fit tests to identify common issues.
During the analysis, Lo said they realized many testers weren’t wearing the right size, and the Danner team found that differences in pressure points within the same size could reveal how consumers react to trying on shoes.
Danner’s Sandy Ridge work boots feature Precision Fit technology designed specifically for women.
Danner
All of this led to a major shift in how Danner approached women’s-specific designs. “The basic change was that we made the heel narrower than our traditional men’s or unisex fits,” says Law. “We also widened the toe area and increased the volume to accommodate people with higher insteps.”
The new Precision Fit shape is tailored to the biometry and shape of a woman’s foot, with special attention paid to pressure points and metatarsal spacing to provide a narrower heel catch, wider forefoot and less height increase from toe to ankle. The boot also provides enhanced ankle support.
Designing shoes specifically for women is a relatively new endeavor, and some big brands are taking a different philosophy: In running, Lululemon designs for women before introducing men’s models, while brands like Asics, Altra, Adidas and Under Armour manufacture silhouettes based on women’s lasts. In the trail and outdoor realm, Keen has a range of women’s-specific designs. Danner is one step ahead by incorporating the technology into its line of full-fledged boots.
Danner offers four boot styles with women’s specific Precision Fit technology.
Danner
Precision Fit has been introduced in four models: the Inquire Chukka, Inquire Mid, Jag and Sandy Ridge. “For our first release of the program, we wanted to offer a variety of models featuring Precision Fit,” says Lo. “We now offer a range of boots, including casual boots, hikers and work boots, providing great options with a variety of looks and end uses for consumers who want to try out the fit.”
This is just the beginning: Danner plans to continue incorporating Precision Fit into more women’s boots across its hiking, work and tactical ranges as part of a larger effort to provide shoes that fit women’s feet perfectly.
