FOOTWEAR

Abstract

Footwear (2) includes an upper assembly (4) having an outer construction (40, 42) and further having a bootie (50) made with a waterproof, breathable laminate, the waterproof, breathable laminate (51) including a one-piece functional layer (54) and at least one textile layer (56, 58), and a sole (6) attached to the upper assembly, wherein the bootie has elasticity in a circumferential direction of the bootie, wherein the bootie is fixed in position in a toe region (90) of the footwear and fixed in position in a heel region (96) of the footwear, and wherein the bootie is not attached to the outer construction on an upper side of a midfoot portion (92) of the bootie.

Claims

1. Footwear (2) comprising: an upper assembly (4) comprising an outer construction (40, 42) and further comprising a bootie (50) made with a waterproof, breathable laminate, the waterproof, breathable laminate (51) comprising a one-piece functional layer (54) and at least one textile layer (56, 58), and a sole (6) attached to the upper assembly, wherein the bootie has elasticity in a circumferential direction of the bootie, wherein the bootie is fixed in position in a toe region (90) of the footwear and fixed in position in a heel region (96) of the footwear, and wherein the bootie is not attached to the outer construction on an upper side of a midfoot portion (92) of the bootie.

2. Footwear (2) according to claim 1, wherein an air gap (52) is present between the bootie (50) and the outer construction (40, 42) on the upper side of the midfoot portion (92) of the bootie.

3. Footwear (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bootie (50) and the outer construction (40, 42) are jointly extendable on the upper side of the midfoot portion (92) of the bootie.

4. Footwear (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the midfoot portion (92) extends along at least 80%, in particular along at least 90%, further in particular along 100%, of the length from a foot instep portion of the upper assembly corresponding to a navicular area of a foot forward to a ball portion of the upper assembly corresponding to metatarsal point 1phalanges joint of the foot.

5. Footwear (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the midfoot portion (92) extends along at least 80%, in particular along at least 90%, further in particular along 100%, of the length from an upper tongue portion of the outer construction forward to a toe box area of the outer construction.

6. Footwear (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bootie (50) is not attached to the outer construction (40,42) around at least 50%, in particular around at least 60%, further in particular around at least 65%, of the circumference of the bootie in the midfoot portion (92).

7. Footwear (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one-piece functional layer is seamless on the upper side of the midfoot portion (92) of the bootie (50).

8. Footwear (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one-piece functional layer is a seamless, one-piece functional layer.

9. Footwear (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the upper assembly (4) comprises an assembly insole (44) and wherein the bootie (50) is attached to at least one of the outer construction (40, 42) and the assembly insole in the toe region (90) and to at least one of the outer construction and the assembly insole in the heel region (96).

10. Footwear (2) according to claim 9, wherein the bootie (50) is not attached to the assembly insole (44) on a lower side of the midfoot portion (92) of the bootie.

11. Footwear (2) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the bootie (50) forms an outermost lower part of the upper assembly (4) towards the sole (6) of the footwear and wherein the bootie is attached to at least one of the outer construction (40, 42) of the upper assembly and the sole in the toe region (90) and to at least one of the outer construction of the upper assembly and the sole in the heel region (96).

12. Footwear (2) according to claim 11, wherein the bootie (50) is not attached to the sole (6) on a lower side of the midfoot portion (92) of the bootie.

13. Footwear (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bootie (50) is attached to the outer construction (40, 42) of the upper assembly (4) in a collar region (98) of the footwear.

14. Footwear (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bootie (50) has a midfoot circumference in the midfoot portion (92) that is between 60% and 99%, in particular between 70% and 95%, further in particular between 80% and 90%, of a foot circumference in the midfoot portion.

15. Footwear (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bootie (50) has elasticity in a longitudinal direction of the bootie.

16. Footwear (2) according to claim 15, wherein the bootie (50) has a longitudinal elasticity of at most 15 N/cm, in particular of at most 5 N/cm, at 10% elongation in the longitudinal direction of the bootie.

17. Footwear (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bootie (50) has a circumferential elasticity of at most 15 N/cm, in particular of at most 5 N/cm, at 30% elongation in the circumferential direction of the bootie.

18. Footwear (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bootie (50) has an elastic recovery of at least 75% in at least one of the longitudinal direction of the bootie and the circumferential direction of the bootie.

19. Footwear (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one-piece, seamless functional layer comprises at least one of ePTFE, PU, PP, PES, and high density PE.

20. Footwear (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one textile layer is one of knitted, woven or non-woven textile.

21. Footwear (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outer construction (40, 42) comprises a breathable outer material.

22. Footwear (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sole (6) has water vapor discharge holes towards a lateral side of the sole and/or towards a bottom surface of the sole, with water vapor from the foot being discharged through the bootie (50), through a sole interior, and through the water vapor discharge holes to an outside environment of the footwear.

23. Bootie (50) for use in footwear according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bootie is made with a waterproof, breathable laminate, the waterproof, breathable laminate comprising a one-piece functional layer and at least one textile layer, and wherein the bootie has elasticity in a circumferential direction of the bootie.

24. Method for producing footwear (2) comprising an upper assembly (4) having an outer construction (40, 42) and a sole (6), the method comprising the steps of: providing a bootie (50) made with a waterproof, breathable laminate (51), the waterproof, breathable laminate (51) comprising a one-piece functional layer (54) and at least one textile layer (56, 58), wherein the bootie has elasticity in a circumferential direction of the bootie, and arranging the bootie (50) in an inner space of the upper assembly (4) and the sole (6), with the bootie being fixed in position in a toe region (90) of the footwear and fixed in position in a heel region (96) of the footwear and with the bootie not being attached to the outer construction on an upper side a midfoot portion (92) of the bootie.

25. Method according to claim 24, wherein the one-piece functional layer (54) is a seamless, one-piece functional layer, with the step of providing the bootie (50) comprising the step of expanding the seamless, one-piece functional layer over a last.

Description

[0045] Further exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with respect to the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0046] FIG. 1 shows footwear in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, depicted in a longitudinal sectional view;

[0047] FIG. 2 shows the footwear of FIG. 1, depicted in a transverse sectional view;

[0048] FIG. 3 shows footwear in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention, depicted in a longitudinal sectional view;

[0049] FIG. 4 shows the footwear of FIG. 3, depicted in a transverse sectional view;

[0050] FIG. 5 shows the anatomy of human feet in a top view;

[0051] FIG. 6 shows footwear in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, depicted in a longitudinal sectional view;

[0052] FIG. 7 shows footwear in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, depicted in a longitudinal sectional view;

[0053] FIG. 8 shows exemplary embodiments of waterproof, breathable laminates, to be used in footwear in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention, in cross-sectional views.

[0054] FIG. 1 shows footwear 2 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, depicted in a longitudinal sectional view, with the cross-sectional plane of FIG. 1 running substantially through the center of the footwear 2. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the footwear 2 is a boot, also referred to as a boot-type shoe, whose upper assembly extends upwards over the wearer's ankle. The depicted boot-type shoe is exemplary in nature, and other types of footwear/shoes, in particular low shoes, may be constructed in an analogous manner.

[0055] The shoe 2 comprises an upper assembly 4 and a sole 6. The shoe is of a lasted construction. The upper assembly 4 comprises a breathable outer material 40, such as leather, suede, textile or any other suitable material, and an assembly insole 44. The breathable outer material 40 is perimetrically lasted onto the assembly insole 44 from the bottom. In particular, the breathable outer material 40 is glued onto the bottom of the assembly insole 44 around its perimeter with a lasting glue.

[0056] The upper assembly 4 further comprises a tongue 42. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the tongue 42 is an originally separate structure from the breathable outer material 40 and is attached thereto, e.g. via sewing or gluing. It is also possible that the tongue 42 and the breathable outer material 44 are integrally formed from a continuous piece of material. The breathable outer material 40 and the tongue 42 form an outer construction of the footwear 2. In general, the outer construction of the footwear 2 may be a single integrated structure, such as a three-dimensional knit, or may be assembled from various originally separate pieces of a breathable material, as is for example common in leather shoes/boots.

[0057] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the sole 6 is a solid structure of a non-breathable material, e.g. a solid plastic structure. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the sole 6 is injected onto the lower side of the upper assembly 4, forming a strong bond to the lasted portion of the outer material 40 and to the assembly insole 44 in the process of injection. The sole 6 may also be glued to the lower portion of the upper assembly 4. It is further possible that the sole 6 is made from inherently breathable materials, such as leather, and/or that the sole has a structure that allows for breathability through the sole, as will be described below.

[0058] The upper assembly 4 further includes a bootie 50. The bootie 50 is a sock-like structure that is inserted into the space between the outer construction of the upper assembly, comprising the breathable outer material 40 and the tongue 42, and the assembly insole 44. Being arranged in the interior space of the upper assembly 4, the bootie 50 may also be referred to as a shoe insert. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the upper end of the bootie 50 is at the same height as the upper end of the outer material 40. It is also possible that the upper end of the bootie 50 ends below the upper end of the outer material 40 or extends above the upper end of the outer material 40.

[0059] The bootie 50 is made with a waterproof, breathable laminate. In particular, the exemplary bootie 50 of FIG. 1 is a waterproof, breathable laminate, shaped into the sock-like form. The waterproof, breathable laminate comprises a one-piece, seamless functional layer, which is manufactured by stretching the functional layer over a shoe last. In addition, the waterproof, breathable laminate comprises two textile layers arranged on opposite sides of the functional layer and adhered to the functional layer. Accordingly, the bootie 50 is made with a three-layered waterproof, breathable laminate.

[0060] The footwear 2 has a forefoot portion 90, a midfoot portion 92, and a rearfoot portion 94. The forefoot portion 90, the midfoot portion 92, and the rearfoot portion 94 are separated by dashed lines in FIG. 1. The forefoot portion 90 may also be referred to as a toe region of the footwear. The rearfoot portion 94 comprises a heel region 96 and collar region 98. Given the fairly low construction of the boot 2 of FIG. 1, the rearfoot portion 94 consists of the heel region 96 and the collar region 98 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1. However, it is also possible that further regions are interposed between the heel region 96 and the collar region 98 in other constructions.

[0061] The bootie 50 is attached to the breathable outer material 40, to the tongue 42, and to the assembly insole 44 in the forefoot portion/toe region 90, in the heel region 96, and the collar region 98. In particular, the bootie 50 is fixed in position by various glue portions, as will be described below. The bootie 50 is attached to the breathable outer material 40 and the tongue 42 in the collar region 98 via a first glue portion 70, which surrounds the circumference of the bootie 50. The bootie 50 is attached to the outer material 40 in the heel region 96 via a second glue portion 72. The second glue portion 72 extends around a part of the circumference of the bootie 50, e.g. in a substantially semi-circular manner. The bootie 50 is attached to the assembly insole 44 in the heel region 96 via a third glue portion 74. The third glue portion 74 has an extension corresponding substantially to the stance area of the heel of the wearer's foot. The bootie 50 is further attached to the assembly insole 44 in the forefoot portion/toe region 90 via a forth glue portion 76. Further, the bootie 50 is attached to the breathable outer material 40 in the forefoot portion/toe region 90 via a fifth glue portion 78. The forth glue portion 76 and the fifth glue portion 78 extend substantially across the entire width of the upper assembly 4 in the forefoot portion 90. It is understood that the arrangement of the glue portions is exemplary in nature and that the positional fixation of the bootie in the toe region, the heel region, and the collar region may be achieved via other glue arrangements as well.

[0062] The bootie 50 is free of attachments to the remainder of the upper assembly 4 in the midfoot portion 92. In particular, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the bootie 50 is neither attached to the outer construction, comprising the breathable outer material 40 and the tongue 42, nor to the assembly insole 44 in the midfoot portion 92. In this way, the bootie 50 is free to move with respect to the surrounding elements of the upper assembly in the midfoot portion 92. A complete freedom of relative motion is established in the midfoot portion, which provides a comfortable fit to the user. In particular, the bootie 50 is not attached to the remainder of the upper assembly 4 in the midfoot portion corresponding to the region between an upper tongue portion and the beginning of the toe box area of the upper assembly 4.

[0063] In the midfoot portion 92, the bootie has a smaller circumference than the wearer's foot. This is illustrated in FIG. 1 as follows. The outer construction of the upper assembly 4, comprising the breathable outer material 40 and the tongue 42, is depicted to roughly correspond to the shape and size of the wearer's foot.

[0064] As can be seen in FIG. 1, an air gap 52 is present above an upper side of the bootie 50 in the midfoot portion 92. This air gap 52 illustrates that the circumference of the bootie 50 is smaller than the circumference of the wearer's foot, which roughly corresponds to the extension of the outer construction.

[0065] The bootie 50 is elastic in a circumferential direction, at least in the midfoot portion 92. In this way, the bootie 50 is able to expand upon the insertion of the wearer's foot. This elastic expansion of the bootie 50 pushes the upper side of the bootie towards the breathable outer material 40 and the tongue 42 in the mid-foot portion 92, thus shrinking or eliminating the air gap 52 when the wearer's foot is inserted. The air may escape through the breathable outer material 40 or through the tongue 42. When expanding, the bootie exerts a force onto the wearer's foot due to its elasticity. In this way, the wearer experiences a stable and comfortable fit in the midfoot portion 92, while the potential for relative motion with respect to the surrounding part of the upper assembly 4 ensures freedom to move and increases the experienced comfort level to the wearer.

[0066] In a particular example of a footwear of shoe size 43, the bootie may have a circumference of between 200 mm and 225 mm in all cross-sections along the mid-foot portion. This bootie may have a circumferential elasticity of about 5 N/cm at 30% elongation in the midfoot portion. The bootie may or may not have longitudinal elasticity in the midfoot portion. For example, the bootie may have a longitudinal elasticity of about 5 N/cm at 10% elongation in the midfoot portion.

[0067] FIG. 2 shows the footwear 2 of FIG. 1 in a transverse sectional view. In particular, FIG. 2 shows the footwear 2 of FIG. 1 along the cross-sectional plane indicated by A-A in FIG. 1. The cross-sectional plane of FIG. 2 cuts through the midfoot portion 92 roughly in the middle thereof.

[0068] As described above, the bootie 50 is completely un-attached in the midfoot portion 92. This is further illustrate in FIG. 2, where no glue portions or other attachment means are shown between the bootie 50 and the surrounding shoe structure, namely the assembly insole 44, the breathable outer material 40 and the tongue 42. Also, the air gap 52 is again illustrated in FIG. 2. In particular, the air gap 52 is depicted to have about 20% of the height of the space between the assembly insole 44 and the tongue 42 in the center of the shoe. While it is pointed out that the FIGS. are not to scale, but aim at conveying illustrative examples, the air gap 52 may have a height of between 1% and 20% of the distance between the assembly insole 44 and the tongue 42. As described above, in addition to/as an alternative to the air gap 52, a compressible material may be provided between the bootie 50 and the breathable outer material 40/tongue 42.

[0069] FIG. 3 shows footwear 2 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The footwear 2 of FIG. 3 has similarities with the footwear 2 of FIGS. 1 and 2. For those features/elements that are not described with respect to FIG. 3, reference is made to the description of the footwear of FIGS. 1 and 2 above.

[0070] The footwear 2 of FIG. 3 also has an upper assembly 4 and a sole 6. The construction of the upper assembly 4 of FIG. 3 differs from the upper assembly 4 of FIG. 1 in that it does not have an assembly insole. In other words, the upper assembly 4 of FIG. 3 is free of an assembly insole, i.e. free of a dedicated structural element that is arranged underneath the wearer's foot and that forms the pivot during manufacture of the upper assembly. Rather, the lower portion of the bootie 50 assumes the function of the pivot during manufacture of the upper assembly. In other words, while not being a dedicated assembly insole, the lower portion of the bootie 50 of FIG. 3 has assembly insole functionality.

[0071] With the upper assembly 4 of FIG. 3 not having an assembly insole, the breathable outer material 40 is lasted onto the lower side of the bootie 50. In particular, the third glue portion 74, which is arranged in the heel region 96, provides for an attachment between the bootie 50 and the breathable outer material 40. Analogously, the fourth glue portion 76, which is arranged in the toe region 90, provides for an attachment between the bootie 50 and the breathable outer material 40. As compared to the footwear of FIG. 1, the third glue portion 74 has a shorter longitudinal extension along the bootie 50. The lasted portions of the breathable outer material 40 have a greater longitudinal extension in the FIG. 3 embodiment, as compared to FIG. 1.

[0072] Similar to the FIG. 1 embodiment, the sole 6 of the footwear 2 of FIG. 3 is also an injected sole. However, in the absence of an assembly insole, the sole 6 of FIG. 3 is injected onto the lasted portions of the breathable outer material 40 and directly onto the underside of the bootie 50. When being injected, in particular when being injection molded, the material of the sole 6 reaches the bootie 50 and forms an adhesive bond therewith. The material of the sole 6 also enters into the space between lasted portions of the breathable outer material 40 and the bootie 50 adjacent to the third and fourth glue portions 74, 76. Also, the material of the sole attaches to the underside of the lasted portions of the breathable outer material 40. In this way, the injected sole material provides for a strong adhesive bond between the sole 6, the breathable outer material 40 and the bootie 50. The bootie 50 is thus attached to the sole 6 along its entire underside in the midfoot portion 92. In particular, the bootie 50 is attached to the sole 6 along its entire underside between the third and fourth glue portions 74, 76. It is, however, pointed out that this is not necessarily the case for all longitudinal cross-sections through the footwear 2. It will be shown with respect to FIG. 4 that the attachment between the underside of the bootie 50 and the sole 6 is confined to a comparably narrow attachment region.

[0073] FIG. 4 shows the footwear 2 of FIG. 3 in a transverse sectional view. In particular, FIG. 4 shows the footwear 2 of FIG. 3 along the cross-sectional plane indicated by A-A in FIG. 3. The cross-sectional plane of FIG. 4 cuts through the midfoot portion 92 roughly in the middle thereof.

[0074] As described above, the sole 6 of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 is attached to the lasted portions of the breathable outer material 40 and to the underside of the bootie 50. In the midfoot cross-section depicted in FIG. 4, the sole is attached to the underside of the bootie 50 in a center portion thereof. The term center portion refers to a region around the center of the bootie a transverse direction. The attachment between the sole 6 and the underside of the bootie 50 may be the same or similar in all transverse cross-sections in the midfoot area. In this way, the attachment between the sole 6 and the bootie 50 is confined to a comparably small area. While providing some degree of stability for the overall footwear construction, the attachment area is kept small, leading to a highly flexible arrangement of the bootie 50 within the footwear 2 and to a high level of perceived freedom to move for the wearer.

[0075] It is pointed out that the attachment area between the sole 6 and the bootie 50 may be adapted according to the requirements of a particular application. It is for example also possible that the sole 6 is attached to the bootie 50 across the entire width between the lasted portions of the breathable outer material 40. The attachment area can be controlled well during manufacture. A protective layer may be arranged on the bootie in those portions that are not supposed to be reached by sole material. This protective layer may be pulled out from the underside of the bootie 50 along its side portions, after the sole 6 has been injected.

[0076] FIG. 5 depicts the anatomy of the bones of human feet in a top view. In particular, FIG. 5 depicts the bones of a right foot 100 and a left foot 102, including the extensions of the right and left feet around the bones, indicated by respective circumferential lines. The representation of the feet 100, 102 of FIG. 5 is a standard representation of human feet, as provided in a medicine textbook.

[0077] In both the right foot 100 and the left foot 102, the navicular bone is provided with reference numeral 104. The outline of the navicular bone can be referred to as the navicular area 104 of the foot. Further, in both the right foot 100 and the left foot 102, the metatarsal 1 bone is provided with reference numeral 108. The front of each metatarsal 1 bone 108 ends in the phalanges joint. This front end is indicated with reference numeral 106 and is referred to herein as metatarsal point 1phalanges joint.

[0078] As described above, it has been found that relative freedom to move between a bootie and an outer construction on the upper side of the midfoot portion provides for a high level of comfort to the wearer of a shoe. It has further been found that providing this freedom to move along at least 80%, in particular along at least 90%, more in particular along 100%, of the length between the navicular area 104 and the metatarsal point 1phalanges joint 106 provides for a particularly high level of comfort to the wearer. Measured from the front-most portion of the navicular area 104 to the front-most portion of the metatarsal point 1phalanges joint 106, this length corresponds to about 40% of the length of the human foot.

[0079] FIG. 6 shows footwear 2 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The footwear 2 of FIG. 6 is a variation of the footwear 2 of FIGS. 1 and 2. In particular, while the upper assembly 4 of the footwear 2 of FIG. 6 is the same as the upper assembly 4 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the sole 6 of the footwear 2 of FIG. 6 is a variation of the sole 6 of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view analogous to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2.

[0080] The sole 6 of the footwear 2 of FIG. 6 is a breathable sole. In particular, the sole 6 is of a breathable structure. The sole 6 has a circumferential portion 60 and stabilizing bars 62. The stabilizing bars 62 and the circumferential portion 60 may be integrally molded from a plastics material. While the stabilizing bars 62 are depicted as longitudinal bars in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, the stabilizing bars 62 may be arranged in different directions. In particular, the stabilizing bars 62 may form a stabilization grid within the circumferential portion 60. The stabilizing bars 62/the stabilization grid may extend over one or more portions of the sole 6, e.g. over a forefoot portion of the sole 6 and/or over a heel portion of the sole 6.

[0081] In between the stabilizing bars 62/stabilizing grid, there are provided water vapor discharge holes 66. The water vapor discharge holes 66 are comparably large in diameter and thus allow for the discharge of large amounts of water vapor through the sole 6. The water vapor discharge holes 66 extend substantially vertically though the sole 6. Above the water vapor discharge holes 66, there is provided a barrier material 64. In particular, the barrier material is provided between the circumferential portion 60 of the sole 6, below the assembly insole 44, and above the stabilizing bars 62. The barrier material is breathable, i.e. water vapor permeable, and protects the upper assembly 4 thereabove from foreign objects that may penetrate through the water vapor discharge holes 66.

[0082] The footwear 2 of FIG. 6 allows for water vapor discharge through the breathable outer material 40 as well as through the sole 6. Water vapor can travel from the underside of the wearer's foot through the bootie 50, through the assembly insole 44, through the barrier material 64, and through the water vapor discharge holes 66 to an outside environment of the shoe. With the bootie being made with a breathable, waterproof laminate, the wearer's foot is protected from water, also from water entering through the water vapor discharge holes 66.

[0083] FIG. 7 shows footwear 2 in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The footwear 2 of FIG. 7 is a variation of the footwear 2 of FIGS. 1 and 2. In particular, while the upper assembly 4 of the footwear 2 of FIG. 7 is the same as the upper assembly 4 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the sole 6 of the footwear 2 of FIG. 7 is a variation of the sole 6 of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view analogous to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2.

[0084] The sole 6 of the footwear 2 of FIG. 7 is a breathable sole, as is the sole 6 of the footwear 2 of FIG. 6. While the sole 6 of FIG. 6 relies on water vapor discharge towards the bottom of the sole, the sole 6 of FIG. 7 relies on water vapor discharge towards the lateral sides of the sole. The bottom surface of the sole 6 of FIG. 7 is free of water vapor discharge holes. However, it is also possible that the sole of footwear in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention has water vapor discharge holes towards the bottom and towards the side.

[0085] The sole 6 of FIG. 7 has a structure or material for allowing air flow through it, generally indicated with reference numeral 68. The structure or material 68 may be any suitable structure or material that allows for air flow theretrough and, thus, allows for the transport of water vapor, coming from the inside of the shoe, towards the lateral sides and out of the shoe. The structure or material 68 may for example be a channel structure or a spacer fabric or a granulate fill or any other suitable structure or material. The sole 6 further comprises a plurality of water vapor discharge holes 66. In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7, two of the plurality of water vapor discharge holes 66 are shown. It is understood that a suitable number of water vapor discharge holes 66 may be arranged around the periphery of the sole 6.

[0086] The water vapor discharge holes 66 are provided from the structure or material 68 towards the lateral sides of the sole 6. In particular, the water vapor discharge holes 66 are substantially horizontal in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7. Further, the water vapor discharge holes 66 are substantially circular in cross-section in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7. However, the water vapor discharge holes may have any suitable cross-section.

[0087] The footwear 2 of FIG. 7 also allows for water vapor discharge through the breathable outer material 40 as well as through the sole 6. Water vapor can travel from the underside of the wearer's foot through the bootie 50, through the assembly insole 44, into and through the structure or material 68, and through the water vapor discharge holes 66 to an outside environment of the shoe. Due to the straight air flow path between the left and right sides of the sole 6, an efficient water vapor discharge through the sole 6 may be achieved. With the bootie being made with a breathable, waterproof laminate, the wearer's foot is protected from water, also from water entering through the water vapor discharge holes 66.

[0088] FIG. 8 shows exemplary embodiments of laminates that may be used for the bootie 50 for exemplary embodiments of the invention. FIG. 8A shows a waterproof, breathable three-layer laminate 51. The three-layer laminate 51 has a functional layer 54, which is an ePTFE membrane in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8A, a first textile layer 56, and a second textile layer 58. The first and second textile layers 56, 58 are knitted layers in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8A.

[0089] FIG. 8B shows a waterproof, breathable two-layer laminate 51. The two-layer laminate 51 has a functional layer 54, which is an ePTFE membrane in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8B, and a textile layer 56, which is a knitted layer in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8B. The laminate 51 can be used in any orientation for the bootie 50, i.e. the two-layer laminate 51 can be used with the functional layer 54 facing the wearer's foot and with the textile layer 56 facing the wearer's foot.

[0090] Test Methods and Definitions

[0091] A functional layer and a laminate are considered to have waterproof characteristics in case the requirements specified in DIN EN 343 (2010) are met, i.e. a test of the liquid water resistance with respect to hydrostatic water pressure according to EN 20 811 (1992) yields a liquid water resistance Wp of 8000 Pa, or more.

[0092] Water vapor permeability, as used herein concerning the functional layer and the laminate comprising the functional layer, is tested and defined in EN ISO 15496, also known as the Cup Test. A 2020 cm or 100 mm sample of the waterproof, breathable laminate is placed onto a container containing water and covered with a membrane. Then a cup containing potassium acetate and being covered by the same membrane is placed on the sample. Water vapor passes through the laminate into the cup, whose weight increase is then determined. The laminate is considered water vapor permeable or breathable if the water vapor permeability is greater than or equal to 0.01 g/(Pa*m2*h). If the required size of the sample cannot be obtained, a smaller sample may be used for the measurement using a smaller cup containing half the amount of potassium acetate specified in the Norm, i.e. 50 g instead of 100 g and mixed with 15.6 g of water. The terms water vapor permeability and breathability are used interchangeably herein. Accordingly, the waterproof, breathable laminate may also be referred to as waterproof, water vapor permeable laminate.

[0093] The waterproofness of footwear may be determined by use of the Centrifuge test described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,329,807, and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The centrifuge tests may be carried out for 30 minutes. The footwear article is considered to be waterproof if no leakage is seen after 30 minutes.

[0094] The breathability of footwear may be assessed in accordance with the determination of the Whole Boot Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate Test in accordance with the Department of Defense Army Combat Boot Temperate Weather Specifications. The specifications are as follows:

[0095] Whole boot breathability

[0096] The boot breathability test shall be designed to indicate the Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) through the test sample by means of a difference in concentration of moisture vapor between the interior and the exterior environment.

[0097] Apparatus

[0098] a. The external test environment control system shall be capable of maintaining 23 (1) C. and 50%2% relative humidity throughout the test duration.

[0099] b. The weight scale shall be capable of determining the weight of test samples filled with water to an accuracy of (0.01) gram.

[0100] c. The water holding bag shall be flexible so that it can be inserted into the test sample and conform to the interior contours; it must be thin enough so that folds do not create air gaps; it must have much higher MVTR than the footwear product to be tested; and it must be waterproof so that only moisture vapor contacts the interior of the footwear product rather than liquid water.

[0101] d. The internal heater for the test sample shall be capable of controlling the temperature of the liquid water uniformly in the test sample to 35 (1) C.

[0102] e. The sealing method around the collar of the test sample shall be impervious to both liquid water and water vapor.

[0103] Procedure

[0104] a. Place sample in test environment and condition for at least 12 hours.

[0105] b. The heating device is inserted into the water holding bag and the complete assembly is then placed into the test sample opening and filled with water to a height of 5cm measured from inside sole.

[0106] c. Seal opening around the collar with plastic wrap around the top of the footwear and tape over using packaging tape.

[0107] d. Heat water in test sample to 35 C.

[0108] e. Weigh test sample and record as Wi.

[0109] f. Hold temperature in test sample after weighing for a minimum of 4 hours.

[0110] g. After a minimum of 4 hours, reweigh test sample. Record weight as Wf and test duration as Td.

[0111] h. Calculate MVTR of the test sample in grams/hour from the equation below:

MVTR=(WiWf)/Td.

[0112] This test is in accordance with ASTM D8041 (2016).

[0113] For example, for a low ankle shoe of European shoe size 42, the footwear may be considered breathable if above calculated value is above 1.5 grams/hour. For larger/smaller shoe sizes, said limit value may be extrapolated in accordance with the increased/decreased surface area of the shoe.

[0114] The waterproofness and the breathability of the bootie as a whole may also be determined by use of the Centrifuge test and the Whole Boot Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate Test, respectively, as laid out above.

[0115] The elasticity of the laminate and of the bootie may be measured according to DIN EN 14704-1 (July 2005), method A. The test may be carried out as set out therein, while using test samples of the following configuration: Test sample width=25 mm, test sample testing length=50 mm (testing length referred in DIN EN as gauge length, the length of the sample between the tensile machine clamps), whole length of test sample=100-150 mm. The test sample is subject to 3 to 5 consecutive test cycles. In each test cycle, the test sample is subject to a constant extension of 30% of said gauge length, in samples cut circumferentially and 10% of said gauge length in samples cut longitudinally to the formed bootie, and the maximum force of the last cycle is measured. The extension and retraction rate of the sample should be set to 250 mm/min. The specimen length is measured after final cycle finishes by laying it on a flat surface and measuring the length between applied reference markers within the gauge length with a calibrated ruler. The elastic recovery expressed in % is calculated through subtracting the final length between applied reference markers from the original length between said reference markers, dividing then by the original length between said reference markers, and finally multiplying the result by 100. Otherwise, test conditions are as set out in DIN EN 14704-1 (July 2015), method A. Elasticity is defined as a property of material in which the material extends at the application of a force or extension and recovers towards its original length after removing the applied force or extension. The elasticity of the specimen is therefore determined via measuring the force recorded during applied extension (or vice versa) and the ability of the material to recover towards its original length after said applied force or extension has been removed.

[0116] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.