Waterproof process in footwear industry

Abstract

Waterproofing is the ability to prevent water from entering and has been a concern for people long before the invention of modern substances, chemicals or technologies. This paper presents water proof process in footwear industry. The paper has three parts: introduction, case study and conclusion. In the first part, are presented two popular methods to provide protection against water for shoes. In the footwear industry the usual methods of waterproofing are by adding a waterproof bootie inside the shoes or by attaching a protective membrane on the semi-finished uppers. Both methods have gathered quite a following among users and both promise to protect the user in harsh conditions, but also offer breathability and comfort. These waterproofing methods are the OutDry® and Gore-Tex® technologies. In the second part, it is presented a case study; it is analyse waterproof for defected pair a hiking boots constructed using OutDry Technology. In order, it was use 2 testing methods: centrifuge test and dynamic footwear water penetration test. In conclusion, waterproofing footwear using innovative methods and processes can be challenging and manufacturers need to adapt and evolve in order to comply with the standards. But difficulties are not a deterrent; they represent opportunities to become better professionals, more knowledgeable users of technology and a more conscious industry on the environmental impact of footwear manufacturing processes.