Wolverine Footwear Technology Explained – MultiShox, DuraShocks, ContourWelt and CarbonMax!

Wolverine is known for producing heavy-duty work boots that last a long time.

It’s also popular for producing some of the most comfortable boot choices today, giving tired feet the relief they deserve after hours of hard work.

Wolverine has dedicated significant time and effort to developing technologies that elevate the wearers’ comfort level while using work boots.

Each technology is focused on fighting discomfort without negatively affecting the footwear’s performance, with some also delivering functional improvements.

Wolverine work boots often maximize innovations by combining two or more technologies in one product – such as the Raider Work Boot, which uses both ContourWelt and DuraShocks technologies.

Technology Used in Wolverine Work Boots

Wolverine MultiShox

Wolverine describes the MultiShox technology as an individual comfort system because it works in response to your feet’s movement.

The outsole has compression pads that move individually to absorb the shock of repeated steps on the unyielding ground.

The pads then return energy to each step, boosting foot comfort even with all-day standing or walking.

At the bottom, the sole features an arch just beyond the heel, increasing the boot’s flexibility for better walking comfort.

The MultiShox system also showcases a special gel footbed that cradles the foot with comfortable cushioning.

This comfort technology is similar to Georgia Boot’s CC7 Comfort Core system, which delivers strong shock absorption.

Georgia Boot work boots with this technology also come with memory foam insoles for an almost personalized comfort level.

Wolverine DuraShocks

This exclusive comfort technology is focused on shock absorption and energy return.

It consists of a dual-density footbed with enough cushioning to improve comfort, at the same time, supports the foot’s proper position.

The system also includes sidewalls and pads on the outsole that compress with each step to better absorb the impact while walking on hard ground.

The energy is then returned to the foot, preventing fatigue after long periods of walking.

Meanwhile, the soles feature bonded construction that keeps the work boots flexible, allowing more freedom of motion and enhanced comfort.

This technology is similar to Timberland’s Aerocore system, which delivers high-rebound cushioning to propel the feet and make walking more comfortable over long periods.

Wolverine DuraShocks SR

This system is an amped-up version of Wolverine’s original DuraShocks technology.

It still includes the cushioned footbed, compression pads for shock absorption and subsequent energy return, and flexibility for superior comfort.

What elevates this system is using a slip-resistant PU (polyurethane) outsole that strongly grips the ground for improved stability.

This technology is similar to Caterpillar’s SRX technology, which delivers exceptional slip resistance for enhanced safety on tricky surfaces.

ContourWelt

Wolverine uses the exclusive ContourWelt construction technology in its work boot outsoles.

The outsoles are constructed to flex along with the feet’s natural movement, resulting in better comfort and agility on the job.

What makes the technology special is that it infuses flexibility into critical points of the outsole for maximum results. Since the base of the boots isn’t rigid, walking, bending, and lifting items are made a lot easier and more comfortable.

Carhartt has its technology for incorporating flexibility into its footwear.

Like the ContourWelt construction, Carhartt’s Rugged Flex technology makes work boots flexible enough to keep the feet moving freely and comfortably.

Wolverine CarbonMAX

Wolverine CarbonMAX technology is focused on providing superior protection without the weighty feel of steel caps.

It’s used in non-metallic toe caps that weigh considerably less than steel toes but deliver the high level of protection needed to prevent serious toe injuries against hazardous compression and impact.

The composite material doesn’t conduct electricity and shields against extreme temperatures outside the work boots.

Other work boot brands use similar non-metallic toe caps (such as Timberland’s CarbonShield technology) to guard the toes against falling or rolling objects.

Composite toe protection keeps the toes safe in hazardous work environments but without the excess weight associated with steel toe caps.

Wolverine EPX

Wolverine EPX technology showcases an innovative insole design for maximum foot comfort.

This insole has a high-density layer at the bottom for equal weight distribution, increasing the stable feeling while walking and standing.

The heel has a honeycomb design for effective impact absorption with every step.

The insole’s spine has a ribbed profile that makes the structure flexible, further improving agility and comfort as it doesn’t restrict the foot’s natural motion.

On top lies a layer of low-density EVA foam for full-length cushioning that helps keep discomfort at bay. The insole’s structure delivers continuous shock absorption and high energy return for all-day foot comfort.

This system is similar to Ariat’s Cobalt XR technology, which works on work boots to deliver shock absorption, energy return, stability, and flexibility for high-performance use.

Wolverine PEAK AG

Wolverine PEAK AG technology provides serious comfort without the unwelcome bulk.

Using advanced materials and safety components, the system keeps the feet comfortable while infusing a lightweight feel to high-performance work boots.

The anti-gravity construction results in minimized weight in work boots, preventing foot discomfort that can occur with carrying heavy footwear all day long. The technology helps keep the work boots flexible for enhanced comfort and unrestricted mobility.

The same lightweight feel can be experienced with Redback work boots featuring air-cushioned midsoles.

The structures have small air bubbles working on impact absorption and continuous rebound while injecting an almost weightless feel for all-day foot comfort.

Wolverine ICS

The Wolverine ICS technology goes the extra mile to offer personalized comfort.

In the heel just below the insole, lies a special disc that absorbs the shock of continuous walking.

This disc is special because it can be adjusted to adapt to the wearer’s comfort needs throughout the day.

The gel disc can be set into one of four settings (cushion, firm, outward, and inward support) that correspond to impact absorption requirements.

This advanced technology enables convenient footwear customization to suit the wearer’s comfort preferences better while doing different job tasks.

This technology has similarities to Timberland PRO’s Independent Suspension System.

Timberland PRO work boots with this technology are equipped with outsoles with independently functioning lugs for enhanced stability, comfort, and cushioning.

Wolverine Fusion

Wolverine Fusion technology focuses on comfort and durability at the same time.

It uses a 360-degree stitch lock to reinforce the bond between the upper and the sole.

This results in extra-durable work boots that won’t easily become detached even with heavy use. To ensure all-day comfort, the system uses compression pads in the forefoot and heel areas to take in the impact while returning the energy to help propel every step.

The reinforced strength delivered by this technology is similar to the durability injected by ultra-tough Kevlar stitching, which is used in some Iron Age boots (such as the Groundbreaker Met Guard Work Boot.

Wolverine Fusion 180

Wolverine Fusion 180 uses 180-degree stitch welt construction to guarantee the strong attachment of work boot components from arch to arch.

To enhance durability, the technology uses an Extreme R outsole that’s slip-resistant and high heat resistance to meet NFPA Standard 1971.

Personal Testing Experience

These are our observations while testing two superior-quality work boots from Wolverine. The Tarmac Work Boot uses waterproof leather to block water and other liquids for comfortable dryness in wet environments. It had a sporty silhouette that can almost be mistaken for sneakers, so it didn’t look out of place when used in more relaxed settings off the work site. Composite toe caps using the CarbonMAX technology protected the toes against dangerous impact and compression with much less weight than steel toes. We appreciated the reflective material hugging the sole, making the boot more visible in low-light areas. However, the outsole felt quite rigid and the lacing system components didn’t look very durable. The Raider Work Boot used ContourWelt technology to make the outsole flexible, allowing the foot to flex and move naturally for greater comfort and agility. It doesn’t have the heavy-duty look of other work boots and instead looks like a cross between a hiking boot and stylish, casual footwear. The MultiShox footbed provided much-needed cushioning and comfortably cradled the foot throughout the day. Steel toe protection protects the toes against injuries from rolling or dropping objects. We noted that the boot felt a bit heavy, though, so it can drag on the foot after hours of use.

Conclusion

Wolverine uses advanced technology to boost its high-quality work boots’ comfort level and performance. Most of the technologies the brand uses to focus on keeping the feet as comfortable as possible, but some systems also address functional aspects, including durability and slip resistance. With such an emphasis on enhanced foot comfort, it’s unsurprising that Wolverine remains one of the most popular choices for those who prioritize comfort when choosing top-notch work boots.