FI982541L - Method for forming a breathable footwear sole structure - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of manufacturing the sole structure of an item of footwear, in particular an industrial safety shoe or boot, and for attaching this to the structure of the upper 1. An industrial shoe or boot is generally worn all day, so the foot therein starts to sweat. Moisture cannot escape from inside the shoe. Sole structures are known in which ventilation has been achieved between the inside of the shoe and the surroundings by means of a perforated insole, a vapour- permeable film and through perforations in the sole structure. Such structures are complex and expensive to manufacture. According to the invention it is possible to manufacture a ventilating sole structure of simple construction and to attach this durably and tightly to the structure of the upper. To do this a body 8 of hollow cavities is fixed at the bottom of the shoe upper structure 1 and a mould, known in the art, for the sole structure 4 is joined and moulding performed by direct injection. In the side walls of the mould there are pins projecting in the direction of the sole structure, which are designed to be brought into intimate contact with the side walls of the hollow body 8 in order to form air- carrying ducts 9 between the hollow body and the surroundings. The sole structure is formed fixed to the upper structure. The invention is also relates to a mould for performing the method. <IMAGE>