SATRA is the world’s leading research and technology centre of its kind and employs scientific, technical and support staff in the UK, USA and China. It is the technology testing house for footwear. At Ryan & O’Donnell we strive for excellence so once our dance schools had finished testing our shoes for comfort, fit and sound and only once we were happy ourselves did we give our shoes to SATRA.

SATRA was formed in 1919 with the original purpose of helping manufacturers and suppliers to evolve by providing technical knowledge, research and testing (the three pillars of support). Since those early years, SATRA has developed significantly and today the brand is recognised and respected in over 70 countries across a diverse spread of product sectors.

Through its commitment to innovative research, SATRA has contributed to many advances in products industries. One better-known example is the boot worn by the British Expedition in conquering Mount Everest in 1953, which was designed and built by SATRA to help the climbers stay safe and comfortable and ensure that no-one suffered from frostbite. SATRA also revolutionised footwear production with a process that became known as ‘heat setting’, which reduced production times and achieved consistent and high levels of shape retention. Heat setting was seen as one of the most significant technological contributions to shoemaking and received the Queen’s Award for Industry. Advances made in footwear design, materials and process since then have led to a multi-billion dollar global industry producing everything from mass market everyday shoes to specialist performance wear, including sports, safety and work wear.

SATRA research, development and testing has helped improve the performance, quality and safety of a wide range of products and materials the world over.