Xena Workwear was founded by engineer Ana Kraft after experiencing firsthand how poorly traditional work boots fit women. While working as a project engineer, she regularly moved between office settings and manufacturing floors, but found that the available safety footwear was bulky, uncomfortable, and designed around men’s feet rather than women’s. That frustration became the inspiration for Xena.
After extensive research, prototyping, and development, Xena launched its first steel-toe safety shoe, the Gravity, in 2019. From the beginning, the goal was clear: create protective footwear that meets demanding safety requirements without forcing women to sacrifice fit, comfort, or personal style.
Xena designs its footwear around women-specific lasts and fit testing, accounting for anatomical differences in arch shape, instep, toe profile, and overall foot structure. Finished designs are independently tested to applicable ASTM safety standards, while select models incorporate features such as steel, composite, or alloy toes, electrical-hazard protection, slip resistance, puncture resistance, and water protection.
Today, Xena continues to build footwear for women working across construction, manufacturing, warehouses, hospitality, engineering, and the skilled trades. At the heart of the brand is a simple mission: help women feel protected, capable, and confident wherever the job takes them.
