The campaign was conceived and created by Boomtown’s team, which consists of Jesse Sharkie, Anthony Heim and Michael Coetze, with a creative strategy developed by Ahmed Tilly. It is currently running in select print titles as well as in the digital space.

"Maxeco has gone on to become South Africa’s number one selling safety footwear brand. Across construction sites, mines, farms and factories, almost 10 million pairs have helped realise the dream of a stronger South Africa by protecting the millions of workers who built it. That’s no small feat," says Boomtown’s CEO, Glen Meier.

"I have great respect for brands that produce great products. Lemaitre is no different. The task was for Boomtown’s team to find a strategic approach that is differentiated, unapologetic and true to the brand. And so, 'The most beautiful shoe in the world' was born," adds Tilly, who is consulting to the agency.

According to Meier, the campaign highlights the impact that the iconic Maxeco range has had on South Africa by posing a provocative question and delivering a rather unusual but inspiring answer.

"The campaign asks the question, 'Is Maxeco the most beautiful shoe in the country?' To look at it, the answer is obviously 'no' because safety footwear and style don’t often go hand in hand. However, given Maxeco’s pioneering spirit, there’s more to it than meets the eye," Meier says.

"It has been there to help build important structures that we know and love. It has created jobs through local sourcing and manufacturing. It has been there to contribute to an inclusive economy for all our people. And, it has been on the frontlines of the nation's industries, protecting those who are strengthening South Africa," he adds.

"Maxeco is not beautiful in the conventional sense, but it is beautiful because of what it has helped accomplish. No other boot has done more to build our new nation, and that's a beautiful thing," Meier concludes.

For more information, visit www.boomtown.agency.com. You can also follow Boomtown on FacebookTwitter or on Instagram.