Waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe, particularly but not exclusively of the safety type or the like

Abstract

A waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe (10, 100, 200, 300, 400), particularly but not exclusively of the safety type or the like, comprising - an upper assembly (11, 211), which is composed of at least one upper (12, 112, 212, 312, 412) and a waterproof and vapor-permeable functional layer (13, 113, 213, 313, 413) which is internal thereto, - a tread portion (15, 115, 215, 315, 415) made of waterproof material, which is joined to the upper assembly (11, 211) below it, - at least one vapor permeation layer (16, 116, 216, 316, 416) provided below the foot insertion space (A) formed inside the shoe (10, 100, 200, 300, 400) to accommodate the foot of the user. At least one opening (17, 117, 217, 317, 417) is provided which is lateral with respect to the shoe (10, 100, 200, 300, 400) proximate to the region of connection of the upper assembly (11, 211) to the tread portion (15, 15, 215, 315, 415), the at least one opening (17, 117, 217, 317, 417) being open toward the perimetric edge (16a, 116a, 216a, 316a, 416a) of said at least one vapor permeation layer (16, 116, 216, 316, 416). The shoe (10, 100, 200, 300, 400) has, interposed between said perimetric edge (16a, 116a, 216a, 316a, 416a) and the at least one opening (17, 117, 217, 317, 417) so as to prevent the access to the at least one vapor permeation layer (16, 116, 216, 316, 416) of water that arrives from the at least one opening (17, 117, 217, 317, 417), selectively - at least one waterproof and vapor-permeable functional element (18, 18, 418), - at least one functional portion (213a, 313a) of the functional layer (213, 313). Moreover, the at least one vapor permeation layer (16, 116, 216, 316, 416) is made of a vapor-permeable material selected among fibrous, porous or microporous materials.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a waterproof and breathable (steam) shoe. [0002] Such shoes are particularly but not exclusively of the safety type and the like. Background technique [0003] It is well known that for comfort a correct exchange of heat and water vapor between the microclimate inside the shoe and the outside environment must be ensured. [0004] In the field of producing waterproof footwear, it is considered highly desirable to confirm that the structure of the footwear is more efficient and reliable in allowing heat exchange and breathability, while ensuring that it is impermeable to liquid water. [0005] Specifically, the main waterproof and breathable shoes currently on the market are adapted to allow water vapor to pass through the upper and sole. [0006] Regarding the upper, shoes on the market have a lining made of a breathable material impermeable to liquid water. [0007] Some models of shoes are known in which part of the upper...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0022] Although water penetration into the sock-like liner is avoided, this construction has the disadvantages that water may seep through the lateral openings of the upper and soak into the air-permeable layer and the combined insole provided outside the sock-like liner and any other optional fill layer

[0028] In addition, shoe materials penetrated by water ingress between the waterproof liner and the sole layer will remain wet for a long time, dry slowly, and therefore deteriorate rapidly

[0029] In addition, without proper protection, sewage and dust will block the openings of the upper and the breathable layer, which will inevitably hinder the breathable function of the shoe

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