Following an extensive selection process lasting almost five years, NMBS opted for EMMA Safety Footwear. The Connect Sport scored highest in the wear-testing and achieved the highest satisfaction ratings amongst train crew.
NMBS train conductors cover kilometres every day. They walk across platforms, up and down stairs, over linoleum floors on trains and across a variety of surfaces, whatever the weather. Their safety footwear therefore needs to provide reliable grip and remain comfortable throughout the working day. For Jo Meert, Senior Buyer at SNCB, these were the key requirements when selecting safety footwear for train conductors.
“Our train conductors wear their shoes for nine to ten hours a day. They walk around nine kilometres per shift on average and work on all kinds of surfaces. Slip resistance was therefore one of our most important requirements. Most workplace accidents are caused by slips. We were looking for an O2 shoe that would also work well with the uniform.”
“The tendering process ultimately took almost five years. We went through three tender rounds and carried out extensive wear trials. EMMA only took part in the final tender. For this tender, EMMA developed the Connect Sport, listening carefully to our requirements. Together with our distributor Tric, the team submitted a strong proposal and gave our train conductors a clear demonstration of the shoe. This was very well received.”
The wear trial followed. One hundred train conductors from across Belgium wore the shoes for several months. In the end, seven models from different brands were selected, giving our 3,500 train conductors a choice of footwear. EMMA’s Connect Sport came out on top in the wear trial. It scored highly for grip, light weight, comfort and fit. This confirmed that we had made the right choice.”
“After the contract was awarded, we continued to monitor employee satisfaction. We consider this annual assessment at least as important as the wear trial. Shoes that receive low scores are replaced. Ultimately, our employees are the ones wearing the shoes every day.
EMMA also achieved the highest score in the satisfaction survey in May 2026. Of our 3,500 train conductors, 1,000 wear EMMA’s Connect Sport. More than half of them (58.1%) say they want to continue wearing this model in the future.”
“What I particularly appreciate is how well EMMA and Tric listened to what we needed. It was a genuine partnership. They worked with us to find solutions and responded quickly whenever necessary. Ultimately, that is reflected in user satisfaction. For me, this sums up the partnership: quality, satisfied employees and a lightweight shoe with a sporty look.”
