JALAS, Where Legacy Meets Innovation in Safety Footwear

As Ejendals celebrates its 75th anniversary, it's the perfect time to reflect on the legacy of innovation that has defined our journey.

Central to this legacy is the JALAS shoe development team. We caught up with Aino Aarnio-Juurinen, a 37-year-old Master of Arts from Aalto University, who has been a driving force in the Innovation and R&D team at JALAS for nearly three years.

A Passion for Innovation

Aino's role as an Innovation & Research Specialist at Ejendals involves pushing the boundaries of what's possible in safety footwear. "At Ejendals, we're encouraged to experiment, test, and learn from new ideas," Aino shares.

Our international and multicultural environment fosters cross-functional collaboration, providing endless opportunities to explore innovative solutions.

Aino Aarnio-Juurinen

Innovation & Research specialist at Ejendals

From Concept to Creation

Aino's primary responsibility is to define and develop new, innovative solutions, materials, and innovative products within the footwear category. This involves researching cutting-edge materials, such as lightweight yet durable textiles, and other components that can replace traditional ones. "Safety footwear is increasingly aligning with the sports industry, utilizing similar materials and technologies. It's exciting to develop these technological products and explore new opportunities."
The influence of sports footwear on safety footwear trends aligns well with JALAS' origins, as the company initially produced shoes for various sports.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

To stay at the forefront of innovation, Aino travels extensively, attending the latest sports, tech, and material fairs and events with other team members. This allows them to gather insights and stay ahead of trends. "Engaging with end users is also crucial," Aino notes.

By understanding the challenges faced by workers, we can identify new opportunities for innovation within safety footwear.

Balancing Safety and Innovation

Innovation in safety footwear requires balancing novel ideas with strict adherence to industry standards and guidelines. "It's not easy to balance novelty and safety," Aino admits.

Solving problems and finding new ways to do things requires extensive testing to evaluate the performance of new solutions. The durability of materials used in safety shoes is crucial. Many materials from the sports industry aren't durable enough for safety footwear. Patience and persistence are key to pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

Sustainable and Bio-Based Materials

Another important aspect is finding sustainable, bio-based or recycled materials for our manufacturing systems. We have great suppliers who have the latest technologies which gives a lot of opportunities for development. Aino also emphasizes the importance of protecting innovations through patents and staying true to JALAS' identity and profound knowledge of ergonomics. We have a great team of different experts and by utilizing everyone’s knowledge and skills, nothing can stop us.

A Legacy of Innovation

As Ejendals marks 75 years of excellence, Aino's work exemplifies the company's commitment to innovation. "The main purpose of innovation is to secure safety by continuously improving the protection and comfort of workers around the globe," she says. "By combining cutting-edge technology, user insights, and sustainability, we create safer and more effective products."

Aino Aarnio-Juurinen’s and the entire footwear team’s dedication to innovation at JALAS is a testament to Ejendals' enduring legacy as a leader in safety footwear. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to the continued innovation that will define our next 75 years.

JALAS - Premium brand by Ejendals

The JALAS^® story began in the village of Jokipii, Finland, where design, development, and manufacturing continue to thrive today. When Ejendals acquired JALAS^® in 2008, the Ejendals Group was formed, marking the start of a new chapter in the company's legacy.

Learn more about JALAS