What do we do when a customer asks for a custom shoe? We deliver.

Sometimes our customers come to us with what they assume are strange requests.

For example, a convenience store chain, with more than 1,000 locations, thought they were going out on a limb when they asked us to design a custom slip-resistant shoe for team members. Well, all we had to say was, "That’s not strange at all. We love doing custom work like this!" And that's exactly what we did. At the end of the day, that meant a huge boost in employee safety participation and satisfaction.

Here’s how it happened:

Beginning in early 2022, the convenience store chain approached us about their need for a specially designed shoe. Their employees, who spend long hours on their feet, had repeatedly expressed interest in a comfortable clog style safety shoe. They wanted something that did the job but also felt amazing.

So what did we do? We created a shoe that not only suited their specific preferences, but also came complete with store branding. These employees have a vested interest in the company and, as a result, take a lot of pride in it. Branded footwear was just the ticket, and when the shoe finally dropped, participation numbers proved that point one hundredfold.

Not only did the custom clog sell out within 60 days, but this collaboration with SR Max^® also boosted the chain’s slip-resistant shoe participation by 83% more than the previous year. That translates to tremendous growth in employee safety participation, way less risk and reduced injuries and workers’ comp claims.    

Today, what began as an in-house pet project for the convenience store chain has blossomed into an initiative that will bring more custom styles to a broader array of employee demographics. These will include branded skate style shoes to appeal to younger employees as well as regionally inspired designs. We’re excited about the road ahead with this customer and also bringing these learnings to our other partners.

Looking for a custom shoe program that can help you increase employee participation and save big?

Discover SR Max^® Shoe Programs