Allard Bijlsma, CEO of Dunlop Protective Footwear, says: “We develop safe and comfortable boots of the highest quality for the professional user. Beside safety and comfort, appearance plays an important role in our design process. I’m very proud we are recognised in this by the iF, an important and internationally renowned design institute. The competition was severe: over 5500 entries from 59 countries tried to win this label of quality.

The Dunlop Reliance combines two strong brands, both with special technologies. Purofort, the special Dunlop material, makes the Reliance light weight and thermally insulating down to -20°C. The design of the Vibram XS Work outsole makes the boot extremely slip resistant. Combining these features, the Reliance offers the protection of a boot with the comfort of a shoe. The Reliance – with its steel toecap and steel midsole – also meets the highest security standards while featuring a modern, stylish look. The 'rigger style' Reliance boot (calf high with pull-on straps) is also available in a knee-high 'wellington style' boot under the name Dunlop Expander.

The Reliance is not the first Dunlop boot that’s been awarded with an iF Design Award. In 2015, the jury rewarded no less than two Dunlop boots with an award. The Dunlop Foodpro combines intelligent design with the specific needs of the food processing industry; the Dunlop Explorer is for the oil, gas and mining industries.