Characterisation of Barrier Effects in Footwear

Abstract

Footwear is designed to provide comfort, pleasure and protect feet from hard and rough surfaces, as well as climate environmental exposure and in some cases aggressive conditions like protective footwear. Actually, consumers expectations and needs demand development of footwear that integrates fashion, emotional desires and real multifunctional performance namely barrier effect to water and other liquids, thermal insulation, fire resistance or microorganisms resistance.