Heel Spur and Heel Pain: The Role of Elten Wellmaxx

Those who spend a lot of time standing and walking at work place considerable strain on their feet. This can cause or worsen heel pain. Good cushioning can therefore make a real difference. Good safety footwear should not only provide protection, but also sufficient cushioning and support while standing and walking.

Elten developed its Wellmaxx range with a focus on cushioning and comfort. The range includes:

• Extra cushioning with Infinergy by BASF
• Energy return while walking
• Extra comfort during prolonged standing and walking
• Various models and safety classes
• Comfort combined with professional foot protection

So what role can footwear and Wellmaxx cushioning play if you spend a lot of time standing and walking at work?

Heel Spurs and Heel Pain

Heel pain is common in people who spend a lot of time standing and walking, for example at work. The pain is often felt under or around the heel and may be particularly noticeable when walking, after a period of rest or following prolonged strain.

When you think of a heel spur, you may think of the painful heel itself, but the symptoms are often associated with irritation of the plantar fascia where it attaches to the heel bone. A heel spur is a bony deposit on the heel bone and does not always cause pain. Therefore, not all heel pain is caused by a heel spur.

What Can Cause Heel Pain at Work?

Prolonged standing and walking place strain on the feet and heels, particularly on hard surfaces. This can cause or worsen heel pain, including problems affecting the plantar fascia. Not everyone who spends a lot of time standing or walking develops heel pain. Personal factors, such as body weight and age, as well as how the foot is loaded, also play a role.

Suitable work footwear matters for employees who spend a lot of time standing and walking at work. Cushioning is not the only consideration; fit and comfort are equally important when choosing safety footwear.

The Role of Cushioning and Safety Footwear in Heel Pain

Good cushioning in safety footwear helps absorb the impact of each step. This can be particularly important on hard floors. Safety footwear should also provide sufficient support and fit properly, without placing unnecessary pressure on the foot.

Safety footwear is not a treatment for heel spurs or other heel problems. The right cushioning, support and fit can, however, make standing and walking at work more comfortable.

Wellmaxx is an Elten product range focused on cushioning and wearing comfort. The soles feature Infinergy by BASF. This is expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU): a lightweight foam material with a bead structure that resembles polystyrene.

With every step, the material is compressed before springing back to its original shape. According to Elten, this spring-like action returns more than half of the energy generated while walking to the wearer. The material also provides cushioning and helps reduce strain on the joints.

Infinergy is visible through openings or windows in several Wellmaxx soles, allowing the material to expand and spring back while walking.

The German chemical company BASF developed Infinergy, an expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU). This lightweight, resilient foam consists of small beads and combines shock absorption with energy return.

BASF developed the material to provide high elasticity, resilience and durability. In the midsole, it forms a resilient layer that absorbs the impact of heavy loads. According to BASF, the cushioning also helps reduce fatigue.

In several Wellmaxx soles, Infinergy is visible through openings or sole windows. These give the material enough room to expand and spring back while walking, which helps provide effective cushioning and energy return.

Elten Maddox with Wellmaxx cushioning

A well-known range within Wellmaxx is Maddox. These safety shoes combine a sporty look with a Maxximo sole featuring Infinergy cushioning.

The Maddox range includes:

• Low-cut and mid-cut safety shoes
• Lace-up versions
• Models with the BOA Fit System
• Variants with a wider fit
• Shoes with GORE-TEX (waterproof and breathable)
• Versions with a composite safety toe cap
• Models with a metal-free midsole

Which version is suitable depends on the cushioning you need, but also on the working environment, required protection and fit.

If you have heel pain, take a closer look at the strain placed on your feet during the working day. Well-fitting safety shoes with sufficient cushioning and support are a good place to start.

If you are unsure whether your footwear is suitable, ask an expert who can also advise you on the right solution. Where possible, try to alternate between prolonged periods of standing and walking, and give your feet enough rest after strenuous activity.

Custom insoles or orthopaedic solutions may also help with some types of heel pain. With safety shoes, these modifications need to be suitable and certified for the specific shoe model. This ensures that the shoe retains its tested protective properties.

If your heel pain persists or gets worse, consult a specialist, such as an occupational health doctor or GP, to find out what is causing the pain. Once you know the cause, you can determine which approach is right for you.

What is the difference between a heel spur and heel pain?

Heel pain is a general term for pain underneath, around or at the back of the heel. The pain can have various causes, such as overuse of the plantar fascia underneath the foot or problems with the Achilles tendon. What is commonly referred to as a heel spur involves pain underneath the heel where the plantar fascia attaches. Not all heel pain is therefore caused by a heel spur.

Which safety shoes are suitable for heel pain?

If you have heel pain, look for safety shoes with a good fit, sufficient cushioning and support. Good shock absorption can be especially helpful when standing and walking on hard floors for long periods. Which safety shoe is suitable depends on your symptoms, your feet and your working conditions.

What is Elten Wellmaxx?

Wellmaxx is a product range from Elten. These safety shoes focus on cushioning and comfort and use Infinergy from BASF in the sole. This resilient material absorbs the impact while walking and returns energy during push-off. Wellmaxx is available in various models and safety classes.