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Gumboots have historically been designed around industrial use cases, resulting in few options suitable for lifestyle wear and comfort. Skellerup recognised this gap but needed a clear pathway to enter the lifestyle footwear market without an available in-house footwear design resource.
Following the success of the Quatro work boot, InFact was re-engaged to lead the development of a new lifestyle product that balanced comfort, fit, durability, and aesthetics, while remaining compatible with existing manufacturing capabilities and commercial goals.
Spanning user research, customer insight, design, manufacturing integration, and go-to-market readiness, the project extended beyond the physical design of the boot. It challenged existing production processes to achieve the level of fit and finish required for a successful consumer lifestyle product. The project has resulted in a market ready product range, giving Skellerup a premium offering that is fully integrated with their sales function, distribution and marketing.
More broadly, the project delivered valuable knowledge and capability improvements across both the consumer and manufacturing teams, while establishing a framework for future consumer product launches.
Bringing traditional rubber footwear into the lifestyle market through data–driven design and development.
Meadow Lifestyle Gumboots
by Skellerup
The utilisation of 3D-printed lasts* was a bit of a light-bulb moment — it made things more accurate and easier to communicate.
* Lasts are forms around which a boot is moulded, defining it's shape
Dan Clark // Global Category Manager // Skellerup
The Project
The project team works side-by-side with the client to ensure product functionality, marketability and usability are resolved through proof of concept prototypes. These are tested and refined to ensure all aspects of the solution are understood, key risks are identified and project goals are achieved.
THINK
Translating these demands into a product that could be produced consistently at scale required close collaboration with international manufacturing partners and careful integration of design intent with production reality.
Based on early findings, inFact adopted a data‑driven approach to fit development. Physical measurements and 3D scanning were used to capture foot and calf geometry in more detail than conventional sizing systems allow. This enabled a clearer understanding of variation across the target user group resulting in a highly accurate fit and sizing specifications.
Granular fit data informed digital modelling and last development, critical in rubber footwear where the boot forms around the last. Defining shape and proportions at this stage was key, as small changes have a large impact on fit and aesthetic. 3D printing allowed early refinement, with prototyping and user testing used to validate performance prior to further development.
InFact worked directly with the production team to refine detailing, material transitions, and construction methods, challenging traditional approaches and achieving a higher quality of finish. As many aspects of footwear design are not easily captured through technical drawings alone, a staged approach supported by clear documentation and visual communication enabled progressive decision‑making and reduced the risk of late‑stage issues.
LISTEN
The project began with direct engagement with end users alongside a broader exploration of the market context. InFact conducted interviews and fit sessions across a range of everyday use scenarios, focusing on how gumboots are worn, where existing products fall short, and what people expect from a product that moves between environments.
A consistent theme was that many existing boots were difficult to get on and off and uncomfortable over longer periods. Ease of use, all‑day comfort, and the ability to transition between farm, outdoor, and urban settings were key expectations, alongside higher demands on aesthetics and perceived quality than in traditional workwear.
In parallel, InFact worked closely with Skellerup to understand the broader system the product would need to operate within. Entering the lifestyle market introduced new considerations across retail positioning, distribution, and customer expectations, while existing rubber manufacturing methods remained relatively traditional.
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OUTCOME
The result of this process was Meadow, Skellerup’s first women’s lifestyle gumboot, marking a shift from functional-driven workwear to a premium consumer product featuring contemporary design. Developed through a rigorous, user‑led process, the boot reflects a step change in fit, comfort, and everyday use.
Beyond the product itself, the project has supported Skellerup in creating the foundation for long‑term strategic growth into consumer products. More broadly, it demonstrates how established manufacturing businesses can evolve their offering by combining existing strengths with cutting edge methods in design and development.
For InFact, the project strengthened capability in human‑centred design within wearable products, extending beyond traditional domains, and building a foundation for future work across both physical and connected products.
