Synthetic leather component, footwear article comprising such a component, and method of manufacturing a synthetic leather component

Abstract

The present invention relates to a leather component comprising from a first end face to a second end face: - a knitted textile layer A comprising one or more polyolefin and / or olefinic thermoplastic elastomer yarn(s); and - a facing polymeric layer B comprising one or more polymer(s) chosen from: polyolefins, olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, styrenic thermoplastic elastomers, vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers chosen from: a mixture of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a polyolefin, and a mixture of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a styrenic thermoplastic elastomer, and a mixture of the latter. The present invention also relates to an article of footwear comprising such a synthetic leather component, as well as a method for manufacturing such an article of footwear. Figure for the abstract: 1

Description

Title of the invention: Synthetic leather component, footwear article comprising such a component, and method of manufacturing a synthetic leather component Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of synthetic leather components, and footwear articles comprising such synthetic leather components.

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of methods for manufacturing footwear articles comprising such synthetic leather components. Prior art

[0003] Synthetic leather components, also referred to as imitation leather, are used as a replacement for natural leather or to provide a particular aesthetic appearance. These components are used in many fields including furniture, clothing, or in the field of transport, for example in the automobile industry for seat and headrest trim.

[0004] Synthetic leather components may have different compositions and constructions defined according to their implementations.

[0005] Generally, a synthetic leather component comprises a flexible support, for example a polyethylene terephthalate textile, possibly a crosslinked polyethylene foam, and a coating layer arranged on the flexible support, for example PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or polyurethane.

[0006] However, synthetic leathers made from polyester and PVC are not recyclable. Indeed, the composite resulting from recycling has limited technical qualities and satisfies few needs on the market compared to the starting materials taken separately. In addition, PVC is highly toxic when burned. PVC also has the disadvantage of being a heavy material, and is therefore not suitable for articles that are intended to be made lighter, such as shoes.

[0007] With regard to synthetic leathers based on polyester and polyurethane, these two materials cannot be separated and are not compatible with each other to be transformed into a single reusable thermoplastic material.

[0008] Furthermore, polyurethane has poor light fastness and yellows over time, and is also sensitive to hydrolysis.

[0009] In order to improve the lifespan of synthetic leathers, in particular their abrasion resistance, it is known to add a surface coating of thermosetting polyurethane, which modifies the surface properties and therefore the adhesion to another support. This arrangement contributes to limiting recyclability.

[0010] There is thus a need for an improved synthetic leather component, i.e. one that does not yellow, is resistant to abrasion, hydrolysis, is lightweight, and is recyclable.

[0011] There is a need for a synthetic leather component suitable for a shoe so that it is recyclable and lightweight.

[0012] There is also a need for an item of footwear, in particular a sports shoe, comprising at least one imitation leather component, satisfying the usual criteria inherent in a shoe (flexibility of the upper, comfort, resistance to delamination, lightness, improved proprioception, etc.) and whose recyclability is improved. Presentation of the invention

[0013] The subject of the present invention, according to a first aspect, is a synthetic leather component, in particular having first and second substantially opposite end faces, comprising from a first end face to a second end face:

[0014] - optionally a textile inner layer C, in particular comprising (or is in) a nonwoven; - optionally at least one textile intermediate layer D, in particular comprising (or is in) a nonwoven;

[0015] - optionally at least one reinforcing component E; in particular a plate po reinforcement lymeric E; - a knitted textile layer A comprising one or more polyolefin and / or olefinic thermoplastic elastomer(s) yarn(s); and - a facing polymeric layer B comprising one or more polymer(s) chosen from polyolefins, olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, styrenic thermoplastic elastomers, and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers chosen from: a mixture of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a polyolefin, and a blend of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a styrenic thermoplastic elastomer; and a mixture thereof; and - optionally an external protective layer F, in particular a layer of protective varnish, particularly resistant to abrasion.

[0016] Advantageously, the synthetic leather component comprises a knitted textile layer A based on polyolefin(s) and / or olefinic thermoplastic elastomer(s) chemically compatible with the facing polymeric layer B so that these two layers A and B can be recycled together without being separated.

[0017] In particular, layers A and B, in particular the synthetic leather component, are transformed into particles, in particular of the order of a few millimeters, then optionally washed and heated to be transformed, alone or with a mixture of compatible polymer material(s), in particular virgin and / or recycled, into granules which can be transformed in processes for transforming thermoplastic materials known in the state of the art, for example and in a non-limiting manner: injection molding process, extrusion molding process, for example extrusion blow molding, thermocompression molding process, or by a combination of these.

[0018] Advantageously, the knitted layer A inherently has better elasticity than a fabric and is more resistant to deformation and tearing than a nonwoven. Advantageously, the knitted layer A thus follows the movements of the facing polymeric layer B, which improves the resistance to delamination between the layers A and B. Advantageously, the combination of a textile layer A which is knitted with a covering layer B, the latter being in compatible polymeric materials, makes it possible to improve the resistance to delamination between the layers A and B compared to synthetic leathers in which the layer A is a nonwoven; but also makes it possible to improve the bonding strength of the synthetic leather component with another element - also in polymeric materials chemically compatible with those of the inventive synthetic leather.In particular, an improved resistance to delamination is observed between the inventive synthetic leather component and said element, in particular in the case of a sole as described below, compared to a synthetic leather comprising instead of the textile layer A: a nonwoven.

[0019] Advantageously, the synthetic leather component is secured to the sole by heat-bonding layer B with a sole, in particular as described below in this text.

[0020] Advantageously, at least a portion of layer B and at least a portion of the sole are heat-sealed to each other.

[0021] Advantageously, a thermoplastic polymeric portion of layer B is mixed with at least one thermoplastic polymeric portion of a sole, in particular as described in the present text.

[0022] Preferably, the synthetic leather component is intended to form one or more portions of the visible outer face of an article such as a backpack, an item of footwear (sports shoe, boot), an item of clothing (for example a glove), an item of furniture (for example camping equipment, etc.), or any sports article (i.e. any equipment for practicing a sport: items of clothing, footwear, fitness accessories, etc.), or a bicycle bag.

[0023] Preferably, the synthetic leather component is intended to form one or more portions of the visible outer face of an item of footwear, in particular a sports shoe, for example a hiking shoe.

[0024] Preferably, the synthetic leather component forms one or more portion(s) of the upper of an article of footwear.

[0025] Preferably, the facing polymeric layer B comprises a first and a second substantially opposite face.

[0026] Preferably, the knitted textile layer A comprises a first and a second substantially opposite face. Preferably, the second face of the knitted textile layer A is in direct contact with the first face of the facing polymeric layer B.

[0027] In embodiments, the second face of the facing polymeric layer B is the second end face of the synthetic leather component.

[0028] In embodiments, the first face of the knitted textile layer A forms the first end face of the synthetic leather component.

[0029] Preferably, the outer protective layer F comprises first and second opposite faces.

[0030] In embodiments, the outer protective layer F forms the second end face of the synthetic leather component. Knitted textile layer A

[0031] Preferably, the knitted textile layer A is a knit, in particular a weft knit or a warp knit, more particularly a weft knit.

[0032] Advantageously, a gathered knit is more deformable and extensible than a warp knit, which improves the resistance to delamination between layers A and B since layer A follows the deformation movements of layer B.

[0033] Preferably, the knitted textile layer A consists essentially of one or more polyolefin yarn(s).

[0034] Preferably, at least 80% by mass, more preferably at least 90% by mass, preferentially at least 95% by mass, of the total mass of the knitted textile layer A comprises one or more yarn(s) in one or more polyolefin(s) and / or in one or more olefinic thermoplastic elastomer(s).

[0035] Preferably, the yarn(s) in one or more polyolefin(s), and / or in one or more olefinic thermoplastic elastomer(s) is / are chosen from fiber spun yarns, multifilament yarns, monofilament yarns, preferably multifilament yarns and monofilament yarns.

[0036] Preferably, the multifilament yarn(s) each have a linear density greater than or equal to 10 dtex and less than or equal to 500 dtex, in particular greater than or equal to 10 dtex and less than or equal to 150 dtex, for example from 70 dtex to 90 dtex.

[0037] Preferably, the or each of the multifilament yarn(s) comprises / comprise at least at least 5 filaments, more preferably at least 10 filaments, preferably from 10 filaments to 100 filaments, for example from 30 to 80 filaments.

[0038] Preferably, the monofilament thread(s) each has / have a diameter greater than or equal to 0.10 mm and less than or equal to 2 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 1 mm.

[0039] Preferably, the knitted textile layer A has a surface mass greater than or equal to 30 g / m2, more preferably greater than or equal to 50 g / m2.

[0040] Preferably, the knitted textile layer A has a surface mass less than or equal to 200 g / m2, more preferably less than or equal to 150 g / m2.

[0041] Preferably, the knitted textile layer A has a surface mass ranging from 80 g / m2 to 120 g / m2, for example of the order of 100 g / m2 to within + / - 10 g / m2.

[0042] Preferably, the knitted textile layer A has a thickness greater than or equal to 0.10 mm, more preferably greater than or equal to 0.20 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 0.30 mm.

[0043] Preferably, the knitted textile layer A has a thickness less than or equal to 2 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 1 mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.80 mm.

[0044] Preferably, the knitted textile layer A has a thickness greater than or equal to 0.10 mm and less than or equal to 0.60 mm, in particular approximately 0.40 mm to within + / - 0.10 mm. Polymeric facing layer B

[0045] Preferably, the polymeric facing layer B has a surface mass greater than or equal to 100 g / m2, more preferably greater than or equal to 200 g / m2, preferably greater than or equal to 300 g / m2.

[0046] Preferably, the polymeric facing layer B has a surface mass less than or equal to 700 g / m2, more preferably less than or equal to 600 g / m2, preferentially less than or equal to 500 g / m2.

[0047] Preferably, the polymeric facing layer B has a surface mass greater than or equal to 350 g / m2 and less than or equal to 450 g / m2, for example approximately 405 g / m2 to within + / - 20 g / m2.

[0048] Preferably, the polymeric facing layer B has a thickness greater than or equal to 0.10 mm, more preferably greater than or equal to 0.20 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 0.30 mm.

[0049] Preferably, the polymeric facing layer B has a thickness less than or equal to 2 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 1 mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.80 mm.

[0050] Preferably, the knitted textile layer A has a thickness greater than or equal to 0.10 mm and less than or equal to 0.60 mm, in particular from approximately 0.45 mm to + / - 0.10 mm close.

[0051] Preferably, the facing polymer layer B is hot-rolled or extruded or glued onto the knitted textile layer A.

[0052] Preferably, the polymeric facing layer B is a polymeric film.

[0053] Preferably, the facing polymeric layer B impregnates the textile layer. knitted A, in particular the polymer coating layer B penetrates into the thickness of the knitted textile layer A.

[0054] Preferably, a portion of the thread(s) of the knitted textile layer A, in particular opening onto the second face of the layer A, is coated with the facing polymeric layer B.

[0055] Preferably, the facing polymeric layer B comprises, in particular consists essentially of, one or more polymer(s) chosen from polyolefins and olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, more preferably chosen from polyolefins.

[0056] Preferably, the facing polymeric layer B comprises at least 30% by mass, more preferably at least 40% or 50% or 60% by mass, preferentially at least 70% or 80% or 90% by mass, of one or more polymer(s) chosen from polyolefin(s) and olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, more preferably chosen from polyolefins.

[0057] Preferably, the facing polymeric layer B comprises less than 80% or 70% or 60% or 50% by mass, more preferably less than 40% or 30% or 20% by mass, preferentially less than 10% or 5% by mass, of one or more polymer(s) chosen from ethylene, propylene and diene terpolymers (EPDM), in particular chosen from olefinic thermoplastic elastomers.

[0058] In one embodiment, the second face (or external face) of the facing polymeric layer B comprises at least one portion of micro-embossed or micro-printed surface. Preferably, at least 50%, or at least 60% or 70% or 80% or 90% or 95% or substantially 100%, of the surface (cm2) of the second face of the facing polymeric layer B is micro-embossed or comprises micro-embossed patterns.

[0059] In the present text, the term "micro-embossed surface portion" means any surface portion that has undergone a micro-embossing step consisting of giving it hollows and bumps / peaks according to a predetermined arrangement, for example determined according to the engraving pattern of a micro-embossing roller. Advantageously, the second surface being in one or more thermoplastic material(s), its controlled heating (for example around the glass transition temperature of layer B) makes it possible to soften layer B and thus facilitate the embossing of its surface, the cooling of layer B makes it possible to set the embossing imparted.

[0060] The inventors have surprisingly found that in addition to the selection of a knit that makes it possible to improve the resistance to delamination between layers A and B, the arrangement of a determined printing pattern on the second face of layer B, in particular according to a particular selection, makes it possible to improve the resistance to delamination of the synthetic leather complex according to the invention with a chemically compatible sole without an intermediate adhesive agent. In other words, the bonding strength between the synthetic leather component and a sole is improved. This arrangement promotes adhesion between materials that are compatible with each other for their recycling.

[0061] Advantageously, the polymer material(s) of the polymeric facing layer B is / are determined so as to be resistant to cutting, impact, and abrasion.

[0062] Advantageously, at least 50% by mass, preferably at least 60% or 70% or 80% or 90% or 95% by mass, more preferably substantially all of said synthetic leather component is capable of being softened and / or melted by heating and of being transformed in a process for transforming a thermoplastic polymer material, for example by injection or extrusion molding, by injection or extrusion inflation, injection or extrusion calendering, or by thermocompression. Textile inner layer C

[0063] Preferably, the textile inner layer C is a nonwoven textile, in particular a nonwoven comprising one or more web(s) of spunbond (melt-bonded) nonwoven fibers and / or one or more web(s) of meltbown (melt-blown) nonwoven fibers and / or several web(s) of spunlaid (spun-bonded) type, for example of SMS type (for a spunbond web / a meltblown web / a spunbond web).

[0064] Preferably, the textile inner layer C comprises fibers in one or more polyolefin(s).

[0065] Preferably, at least 80% by mass, more preferably at least 90% or 95% by mass, of the total mass of the inner layer C, comprises polyolefin fibers.

[0066] Preferably, the textile inner layer C has a surface mass greater than or equal to 100 g / m2, more preferably greater than or equal to 150 g / m2.

[0067] Preferably, the textile inner layer C has a surface mass less than or equal to 500 g / m2, more preferably less than or equal to 400 g / m2, preferentially less than or equal to 300 g / m2.

[0068] Preferably, the textile inner layer C has a surface mass greater than or equal to 180 g / m2 and less than or equal to 270 g / m2, for example approximately 230 g / m2 to within + / - 15 g / m2.

[0069] Preferably, the internal textile layer C has a thickness less than or equal to 2 mm, still preferably less than or equal to 1.5 mm.

[0070] Preferably, the internal textile layer C has a thickness greater than or equal to 0.20 mm, more preferably greater than or equal to 0.50 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 0.80 mm.

[0071] Preferably, the textile inner layer C has a thickness of approximately 1 mm to within + / - 0.15 mm.

[0072] Advantageously, the internal textile layer C makes it possible to adjust the total thickness of the synthetic leather component, in particular to adjust its positioning in the mold assembly during molding of the sole, and to avoid projections of molten polymer material onto the upper.

[0073] Advantageously, the internal textile layer C also contributes to improving the mechanical resistance of the synthetic leather component (tear resistance for example). Textile intermediate layer D

[0074] Preferably, the textile intermediate layer D is a nonwoven textile, in particular a nonwoven comprising one or more spunbond (melt-bonded) nonwoven fiber webs and / or one or more meltbown (melt-blown) nonwoven fiber webs and / or several spunlaid (spun-bonded) type webs, for example SMS type (for a spunbond web / a meltblown web / a spunbond web).

[0075] Preferably, the internal textile layer D comprises polyolefin fibers.

[0076] Preferably at least 80% by mass, more preferably at least 90% or 95% by mass, of the total mass of the intermediate layer D, comprises polyolefin fibers.

[0077] Preferably, the textile intermediate layer D has a surface mass greater than or equal to 30 g / m2, more preferably greater than or equal to 50 g / m2, preferably greater than or equal to 70 g / m2.

[0078] Preferably, the textile intermediate layer D has a surface mass less than or equal to 250 g / m2, more preferably less than or equal to 200 g / m2, preferentially less than or equal to 150 g / m2.

[0079] Preferably, the textile intermediate layer D has a surface mass greater than or equal to 60 g / m2 and less than or equal to 120 g / m2, for example approximately 100 g / m2 to within + / - 15 g / m2.

[0080] Preferably, the textile intermediate layer D has a thickness less than or equal to 2 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 1.50 mm, preferably less than or equal to 1 mm, in particular less than or equal to 0.80 mm.

[0081] Preferably, the textile intermediate layer D has a thickness greater than or equal to 0.20 mm.

[0082] Preferably, the textile intermediate layer D has a thickness of approximately 0.50 mm to + / - 0.15 mm.

[0083] In embodiments, the synthetic leather component, in particular intended to be in the heel or rearfoot region of an upper of an article of footwear or in the forefoot region of an article of footwear, more particularly to form a heel counter or a front hard toe of an upper of an article of footwear, comprises two intermediate textile layers D, in particular the surface mass of the two intermediate textile layers D is greater than or equal to 180 g / m2 and less than or equal to 250 g / m2. For example, the synthetic leather component comprises a first layer D in a nonwoven fabric made of polypropylene fibers, and a second layer D in a nonwoven fabric made of polypropylene fibers, which are superimposed.

[0084] In embodiments, the synthetic leather component is a heel counter.

[0085] In embodiments, the synthetic leather component is a hard toe cap or mud guard member of an upper.

[0086] Said at least one textile intermediate layer D provides rigidity to the synthetic leather component while maintaining good drape. This arrangement allows the upper comprising one or more insert(s) in the synthetic leather component not to collapse after the sole has been overmolded onto the lower edge of the upper. Reinforcing component E

[0087] Depending on the use of the synthetic leather component, the latter may comprise one or more reinforcing component(s) E.

[0088] The reinforcing component E is preferably a polymeric plate optionally reinforced by at least one textile reinforcement E, more preferably the polymeric plate comprises one or more polymer(s) chosen from polyolefins, in particular polyethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers and their mixtures, more particularly from among polyolefins, in particular polyethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, more preferably from among polyolefins, in particular polyethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0089] Preferably, the textile reinforcement E is a fabric, a knit, a braid, a nonwoven, or a combination thereof.

[0090] Preferably, the textile reinforcement E comprises (in particular is essentially made up of) one or more thread(s) and / or fibers made of polyolefins and / or polyesters (PET, PBT), in particular PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PBT (polybutylene te- rephthalate), PE (polyethylene), or PP (polypropylene).

[0091] In embodiments, the reinforcing component E has a surface mass greater than or equal to 300 g / m2, preferably greater than or equal to 400 g / m. Preferably, the reinforcing component E has a surface mass less than or equal to 800 g / m2, more preferably less than or equal to 700 g / m2, in particular less than or equal to 600 g / m2.

[0092] In embodiments, the reinforcing component E has a thickness greater than or equal to 0.10 mm and less than or equal to 0.80 mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.60 mm.

[0093] In embodiments, the reinforcing component E has a thickness of about 0.40 mm to within + / - 0.15 mm.

[0094] Preferably, the reinforcing component E comprises at least 30% by mass, more preferably at least 40% or 50% or 60% by mass, preferentially at least 70% or 80% or 90% by mass, of one or more polymer(s) chosen from polyolefin(s) and olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, more preferably chosen from polyolefins.

[0095] In one embodiment, the reinforcement component E comprises a polymer plate, in particular in the form of a film, comprising EVA and a polyolefin and a textile reinforcement E, in particular the textile reinforcement E is made of PET.

[0096] Preferably, the film comprises a mixture of EVA and polyethylene, in particular low density polyethylene (LDPE).

[0097] The mass fraction of the textile reinforcement E in the reinforcement component E is greater than or equal to 3% and less than or equal to 10%;

[0098] The mass fraction of the polymer plate E in the reinforcing component E is greater than or equal to 50% or 60% or 70%, preferably greater than or equal to 80% or 90%. Outer protective layer F

[0099] Preferably, the external protective layer F is a polymeric layer for protection against abrasion of the layer B.

[0100] Preferably, the external protective layer F comprises one or more polymer(s) chosen from abrasion-resistant polymers, for example chosen from polyurethanes and polyamides.

[0101] Preferably, the external protective layer F has a thickness less than or equal to 0.1 mm.

[0102] Preferably, the external protective layer F has a thickness greater than or equal to 10 μm and less than or equal to 300 μm.

[0103] Preferably, the synthetic leather component does not comprise an external protective layer F. Synthetic leather component

[0104] In embodiments, the synthetic leather component has a basis weight greater than or equal to 400 g / m2 and less than or equal to 600 g / m2. Preferably, the synthetic leather component consists essentially of layers A and B.

[0105] In embodiments, the synthetic leather component has a surface mass greater than or equal to 900 g / m2 and less than or equal to 2000 g / m2, in particular about 1700 g / m2 to within + / - 200 g / m2. Preferably, the synthetic leather component in this case is a heel counter.

[0106] In embodiments, the synthetic leather component has a surface mass greater than or equal to 800 g / m2 and less than or equal to 1600 g / m2, in particular about 1200 g / m2 to within + / - 200 g / m2. Preferably, the synthetic leather component is in this case a front hard toe or a protective member of an upper against mud and / or dust.

[0107] In embodiments, the synthetic leather component has a surface mass greater than or equal to 300 g / m2 and less than or equal to 700 g / m2, preferably greater than or equal to 400 g / m2 and less than or equal to 600 g / m2, for example 500 g / m2 to within + / - 50 g / m2. Advantageously, the synthetic leather component consists essentially of layers A and B. Advantageously, the synthetic leather component is implemented in one or more inserts of an upper of a shoe for playing football.

[0108] In embodiments, the synthetic leather component has a thickness greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm, preferably less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0109] Preferably, the synthetic leather component comprises less than 80% or 70% or 60% or 50% by mass, more preferably less than 40% or 30% or 20% by mass, preferentially less than 10% or 5% by mass, of one or more polymer(s) chosen from ethylene, propylene, and diene terpolymers (EPDM), in particular chosen from olefinic thermoplastic elastomers.

[0110] Advantageously, the different materials of the synthetic leather component are compatible with each other so that they can adhere to each other by heat-bonding, that is to say by heating them so as to melt them and / or fuse them locally sufficiently so that the layers adhere to each other by contact and pressure between them. Advantageously, the synthetic leather component does not include any exogenous adhesive agent, which simplifies manufacturing and avoids the use of an adhesive that acts as a pollutant during recycling.

[0111] Optionally, a heat seal (for example by ultrasound), or an agent adhesive (e.g. neoprene based), can be used to hold the different layers of the synthetic leather component together while waiting for a reinforcing seam to be made. Definitions Polyolefins

[0112] The polyolefin(s) cited in the present text; in particular which comprises / comprise (or which is / are essentially composed of): the yarn(s) of the knitted layer A, and / or the yarn(s) and / or the fibers of the textile layer C, and / or the yarn(s) and / or the fibers of the textile layer D, and / or the polymer(s) and / or the yarn(s) / fiber(s) of the reinforcing component E, and / or the polymer(s) of the facing polymeric layer B, and / or the polymer(s) of the sole of the footwear article described below, and / or the yarn(s) of the textile insert(s) of the upper as described below (in particular other than the synthetic leather component); is / are chosen from polyolefin homopolymers, optionally grafted, polyolefin copolymers or terpolymers, optionally grafted.

[0113] The polyolefin copolymers comprise two olefinic repeating units, optionally grafted.

[0114] Polyolefin terpolymers comprise three or more olefinic repeating units, optionally grafted.

[0115] The olefinic repeating units preferably comprise units derived from alkenes, in particular ethylene or propylene.

[0116] The polyolefin(s) used in the present invention is / are by definition thermoplastic.

[0117] Preferably, by grafted is understood one or more grafted functions or groups which may be one or more linear or branched alkyl groups comprising from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, for example a methyl group, an ethyl or propyl group, or one or more ester functions, for example an alkyl ester whose alkyl group comprises from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or one or more acrylate (RO-CO-CH=CH2) or acryloyl (H2C=CH-CO-R) functions, in particular R is an alkyl group comprising from 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

[0118] The polyolefin(s) cited in the present text; in particular which comprises / comprise (or which is / are essentially made up of): the yarn(s) of the knitted layer A, and / or the yarn(s) and / or the fibers of the textile layer C, and / or the yarn(s) and / or the fibers of the textile layer D, and / or the polymer(s) of the reinforcing component E, and / or the polymer(s) of the facing polymeric layer B, and / or the polymer(s) of the sole of the footwear article described above- after; is / are preferably chosen from a list I comprising (in particular consisting of) polypropylene; polyethylene, in particular high density polyethylene, very high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, and very low density polyethylene (LLDPE); polymethylpentene (PMP), polybutene-1 (PB-1), polyisobutene; preferably from polypropylenes and polyethylenes, in particular the polyethylene is chosen from high density polyethylene, very high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, and very low density polyethylene (LLDPE).

[0119] The polyolefin(s) cited in the present text; in particular which comprises / comprise (or which is / are essentially composed of): the yarn(s) of the knitted layer A, and / or the yarn(s) and / or the fibers of the textile layer C, and / or the yarn(s) and / or the fibers of the textile layer D, and / or the polymer(s) of the reinforcing component E, and / or the polymer(s) of the facing polymeric layer B, and / or the polymer(s) of the sole of the footwear article described below; may also be chosen from a list II comprising (in particular consisting of) poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) (EVA) (in particular resulting from the copolymerization of ethylene and vinyl acetate, it is an olefin copolymer), in particular not crosslinked; and ethylene-polyvinyl alcohol.

[0120] The polyolefin(s) cited in the present text; in particular which comprises / comprise (or which is / are essentially composed of): the yarn(s) of the knitted layer A, and / or the yarn(s) and / or the fibers of the textile layer C, and / or the yarn(s) and / or the fibers of the textile layer D, and / or the polymer(s) of the reinforcing component E, and / or the polymer(s) of the facing polymeric layer B; may be chosen from olefin-based mineral oils, such as poly-alpha-olefins, in particular which are plasticizers for styrenic thermoplastic elastomers.

[0121] The polyolefin(s) and / or the olefinic thermoplastic elastomer(s) cited in the present text (in particular in a thread or in a layer A or B or C or D or E or F), may be biosourced or petrosourced, in particular biosourced, that is to say derived from renewable material(s), for example, in the case of polyethylene, it may be a biosourced polyethylene derived from sugar cane.

[0122] Bio-sourced material means any material derived from renewable material(s), as opposed to petroleum-sourced material.

[0123] The biosourced polyolefin or olefinic thermoplastic elastomer may have a so-called direct origin, i.e. it comes directly from renewable material(s), or an indirect origin, i.e. it comes from a mixture of renewable material(s) and petrosourced material(s) and / or material(s) recycled. In the latter case, the polyolefin / olefinic thermoplastic elastomer is defined by obtaining a certificate established according to the “mass balance approach” principle defining the proportion of recycled and / or bio-sourced material(s) used to obtain it.

[0124] The polyolefin(s) and / or the olefinic thermoplastic elastomer(s) cited in the present text (in particular in a thread or in a layer A or B), may be virgin or recycled. Olefinic thermoplastic elastomers

[0125] One or more olefinic thermoplastic elastomers cited in the present text; in particular which comprise(s) (or which essentially consist of): the yarn(s) of the knitted layer A, and / or the yarn(s) and / or the fibers of the textile layer C, and / or the yarn(s) and / or the fibers of the textile layer D, and / or the polymer(s) and / or the yarn(s) / fiber(s) of the reinforcing component E, and / or the polymer(s) of the facing polymeric layer B, and / or the polymer(s) of the sole of the footwear article described below, and / or the yarn(s) of the textile insert(s) of the upper as described below (in particular other than the synthetic leather component); is / are preferably chosen from: - polyisobutylenes (PIB); and / or - terpolymers of ethylene, propylene, and diene (EPDM); copolymers of ethylene and propylene; copolymers of ethylene and alpha-olefin(s), for example copolymers of ethylene and butene or copolymers of ethylene and octene, and a mixture thereof; preferably EPDM and / or copolymers of ethylene and propylene; and / or - mixtures of a polyolefin (in particular as defined in this text), in particular polypropylene, with one or more olefinic thermoplastic elastomer(s), in particular unvulcanized, and optionally one or more plasticizers (for example mineral or naphthenic or paraffinic oil(s)), said olefinic thermoplastic elastomer(s) may be copolymers of ethylene and propylene, terpolymers of ethylene, propylene and diene, copolymers of ethylene and alpha-olefin(s) (for example copolymers of ethylene and butene or copolymers of ethylene and octene). Vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers

[0126] One or more vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers (TPE-V) cited in the present text, in particular which comprise(s) (or which is / are essentially made up of): the polymer(s) and / or the thread(s) / fiber(s) of the reinforcing component E, and / or the polymer(s) of the facing polymeric layer B, and / or the polymer(s) of the sole of the footwear article described below; is / are preference : - a mixture of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer (in particular forming the rubber phase) and a polyolefin (in particular as defined in this text, more particularly forming the thermoplastic phase), in particular polypropylene, or - a mixture of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer (in particular as defined in this text and vulcanized, more particularly forming the rubber phase) and a styrenic thermoplastic elastomer (in particular as defined in this text, more particularly forming the thermoplastic phase), in particular SEBS or SBS.

[0127] Vulcanization generally takes place during the extrusion-granulation step. Preferably, the highly vulcanized rubber phase is dispersed in the thermoplastic phase. This elastomer has the advantage of exhibiting good adhesion to olefinic polymers, such as polypropylene and polyethylene. This vulcanization is known in the state of the art as dynamic vulcanization during which the elastomer is vulcanized during its mixing in the molten state with a suitable thermoplastic polyolefin.

[0128] Said vulcanized olefinic elastomer is preferably chosen from terpolymers of ethylene, propylene, and diene (EPDM); copolymers of ethylene and propylene; copolymers of ethylene and alpha-olefin(s), for example copolymers of ethylene and butene or copolymers of ethylene and octene, and a mixture of the latter; preferably EPDM and copolymers of ethylene and propylene. In this text, polyurethanes are not considered to be vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers. Styrenic thermoplastic elastomers

[0129] One or more styrenic thermoplastic elastomers cited in the present text, in particular which comprise(s) (or which are essentially composed of): the polymer(s) and / or the thread(s) / fiber(s) of the reinforcing component E, and / or the polymer(s) of the facing polymeric layer B, and / or the polymer(s) of the sole of the footwear article described below; is / are preferably chosen from thermoplastic elastomers comprising styrenic repeating units (TPE-S) (in particular a styrene group: -CH(C6H5)-CH2), more preferably from thermoplastic elastomers comprising one or more styrenic block(s) and optionally one or more olefin block(s) (optionally grafted), preferentially from poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) (SEBS); poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) (SBS); poly(styrene-butadiene) (SBC); poly(styrene-isoprene-styrene) (SIS);poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene) (SEPS), for example marketed under the brand name Septon SEPS® by the company; Kuraray, or Kraton G® by the Kraton company.

[0130] A styrenic thermoplastic elastomer according to the invention can be grafted, for example SEBS can be grafted, for example with one or more acid anhydrides, such as maleic anhydride, and / or one or more carboxylic acids and / or one or more vinyl functions.

[0131] The grafting of the styrenic thermoplastic elastomer has the function of improving the adhesion of the sole, for example the outsole, to another sole, for example a midsole, and / or to the upper when the sole is injected directly onto the upper.

[0132] Advantageously, the thermoplastic elastomers selected within the scope of the present invention have better processability and a lower associated energy cost than thermosetting elastomers by conventional thermoplastic processes such as injection molding, extrusion, thermoforming, blow molding, etc.

[0133] The knitted textile layer A is also referred to in this text as layer A.

[0134] The facing polymeric layer B is also designated in the present text as layer B.

[0135] In this text, the term “polymer” means any homopolymer or copolymer consisting of at least two or three different monomers.

[0136] Advantageously, the measurement of the resistance to delamination measured between the upper and the sole of an item of footwear in the present text comprising said synthetic leather component and said sole secured to said synthetic leather component, is carried out with the standard EN ISO 17708 dating from 2018, and entitled “Footwear - Test methods for whole - Upper sole adhesion”.

[0137] The features and variant embodiments with reference to the second aspect of the invention may be combined with each other independently of each other, and with any of the variant embodiments with reference to the first aspect or the third aspect of the invention.

[0138] In an alternative embodiment, the mass fraction of polymer(s) chosen from polyolefins, olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers and styrenic elastomers, and a mixture of the latter, preferably chosen from polyolefins and thermoplastic elastomers, and a mixture of the latter, in said synthetic leather component is greater than or equal to 70%, preferably greater than or equal to 80%, more preferably greater than or equal to 85%, optionally greater than or equal to 90% or 95%.

[0139] The mass fraction is calculated by relating the mass (g) in said polymer(s) to the total mass of said synthetic leather component (g) multiplied by 100.

[0140] Advantageously, a large majority by mass of the synthetic leather component is made of thermoplastic materials that are chemically compatible with each other so that the synthetic leather component can be recycled without separating the layers that it comprises, and the plastic particles from the synthetic leather component can be used in plastics processing methods (extrusion blow molding, injection, extrusion calendering, etc.). Indeed, the synthetic leather component can be recycled as a new plastic material and not as a filler mixed with other virgin polymer(s).

[0141] In an alternative embodiment, the synthetic leather component comprises at most 15% by mass, preferably at most 10% by mass, of one or more thermosetting material(s) and / or one or more material(s) not chosen from polyolefins, olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers, styrenic thermoplastic elastomers, and a mixture of the latter (as defined with reference to layer B).

[0142] The inventors have determined that a mass fraction of pollutants is permitted but that it must be reduced and controlled so as not to exceed a certain amount so that the synthetic leather component can be recycled in the manufacture of plastic particles usable in standard processes for transforming plastic materials.

[0143] In an alternative embodiment, the melting or softening temperature (TfA) of at least one portion of a yarn chosen from the yarn(s) of the knitted textile layer A is higher than the melting or softening temperature (TfB) of at least one portion of the facing polymeric layer B, and the melting or softening temperature of at least one portion of the facing polymeric layer B is higher than or equal to 120°C and lower than or equal to 220°C.

[0144] Preferably, the melting or softening temperature TfA of at least a portion of a yarn chosen from the yarn(s) of the knitted textile layer A, in particular of at least a part or substantially all of the knitted textile layer (A), is greater than or equal to 100°C, preferably greater than or equal to 150°C, more preferably greater than or equal to 160°C.

[0145] Preferably, the melting or softening temperature TfA of at least a portion of a yarn chosen from the yarn(s) of the knitted textile layer A, in particular of at least a part or substantially all of the knitted textile layer (A), is less than or equal to 200°C, preferably less than or equal to 185°C, more preferably greater than or equal to 160°C and less than or equal to 180°C.

[0146] Preferably, TfA is greater than or equal to TfB by at least 10°C, more preferably by at least 20°C, preferentially by at least 30°C, more preferably initially at least 40°C, in particular at least 50°C (in particular TfA > TfB + 10°C or 20°C or 30°C or 40°C or 50°C).

[0147] Advantageously, when heat-bonding layers A and B together, only layer B is activated and thin towards layer A so that the knitted structure of layer A remains substantially intact. The mechanical strength provided by layer A is therefore retained, which contributes to improving the resistance to delamination between layers A and B, and with the sole of a footwear item.

[0148] In an alternative embodiment, the delamination resistance measured between the knitted textile layer A and said facing polymeric layer B is greater than or equal to 2 N / mm, preferably greater than or equal to 3 N / mm. Advantageously, the implementation of the knitted layer A makes it possible to achieve good resistance to delamination.

[0149] Advantageously, the measurement of the delamination resistance measured between the knitted textile layer A and the facing polymeric layer B is carried out with the standard NF EN 1392 dating from 2006 and entitled “Adhesives for leather and footwear materials - Solvent-based or dispersion adhesives - Test method for measuring the bonding strength under certain specific conditions”.

[0150] In an alternative embodiment, said synthetic leather component comprises at least one reinforcing seam, in particular made with at least one thread comprising one or more polymer(s) chosen from polyolefin(s) and / or olefinic thermoplastic elastomer(s), extending through said synthetic leather component from its first end face to its second end face.

[0151] This arrangement makes it possible to improve the resistance to delamination of the synthetic leather component.

[0152] Advantageously, the resistance to delamination measured between the knitted textile layer A and said facing polymeric layer B is greater than or equal to 3 or 4 or 5 N / mm, preferably greater than or equal to 6 N / mm. In addition, the use of a reinforcing thread comprising one or more polymer(s) chosen from polyolefin(s) and / or olefinic thermoplastic elastomer(s) makes it possible to improve the compatibility by heat-sealing with a sole of a footwear article comprising, for example, SEBS compared to a polyester thread. The resistance to delamination of the synthetic leather component with a sole, for example based on SEBS, is thus improved.

[0153] In an alternative embodiment, the reinforcing seam comprises one or more continuous or discontinuous seam lines extending over at least one of the first and second end faces of the synthetic leather component with a width greater than or equal to 3 mm.

[0154] It has been determined that this particular seam provides the best res delamination resistance for the synthetic leather component intrinsically and for its bonding with a chemically compatible sole.

[0155] Preferably, the reinforcing seam comprises a zig-zag seam, in particular having a height greater than or equal to 3 mm and a distance between two adjacent peaks greater than or equal to 2 mm.

[0156] Alternatively, the reinforcing seam comprises at least two substantially co-parallel lines of stitching.

[0157] In an alternative embodiment, the facing polymer layer B comprises a first face and a second face that are substantially opposite, said first face being oriented opposite the first end face, and a portion of the second face of said facing polymer layer B comprises a multitude of microprojections and / or micro-hollows, said micro-projections and / or said micro-hollows comprising micro-projections and / or micro-hollows spaced apart from each other.

[0158] Advantageously, the portion of the second face of said facing polymeric layer B is a portion of the second end face of the synthetic leather component.

[0159] Preferably, the micro-embossed pattern(s) is / are imparted to all or part of the second face (or external face) of layer B after heat-bonding of layer B with layer A so as not to alter said patterns.

[0160] Advantageously, the second face of layer B is in relief which increases the contact surface with the sole and improves the resistance to delamination.

[0161] A second smooth face of layer B has the disadvantage of being shiny, which is not a desired aesthetic effect. In addition, a second smooth face causes significant friction, possibly with the user's skin, which is a source of discomfort.

[0162] In an alternative embodiment, the micro-projections and / or micro-hollows comprise micro-projections and / or micro-hollows each having a cylinder shape.

[0163] The preceding provisions make it possible to obtain the best resistance to delamination compared to a smooth surface, i.e. unprinted, and other printing patterns.

[0164] In an alternative embodiment, the portion of the second face of the facing polymer layer B has an average surface roughness Ra, in particular measured along a direction Fl, greater than or equal to 3 pm and less than or equal to 50 pm or 40 pm or 30 pm.

[0165] Preferably, Ra, in particular measured along a direction Fl, is greater than or equal to 4 pm, more preferably greater than or equal to 5 pm, more preferably greater than or equal to 6 pm or 10 pm or 13 pm or 15 pm.

[0166] Preferably, Ra, in particular measured along a direction Fl, is less than or equal to 25 pm, more preferably less than or equal to 20 pm, preferentially less than or equal to 18 pm.

[0167] Preferably, the portion of the second face of the facing polymeric layer B has an average surface roughness Ra, measured along a direction F2 substantially perpendicular to the direction F1, greater than or equal to 3 pm and less than or equal to 50 pm or 40 pm or 30 pm or 25 pm.

[0168] Preferably, Ra, measured in the direction F2 substantially perpendicular to the direction F1, is similar to Ra measured in the direction F1.

[0169] For roughness measurement, a tip of the roughness meter moves over a finite length of the tested surface, in a direction Fl (length) or F2 (width), and measures the displacement of the sensor as a function of the surface irregularities.

[0170] Ra is the arithmetic mean roughness, i.e. the average deviation between peaks and valleys measured over a finite length.

[0171] In an alternative embodiment, the portion of the second face of the facing polymer layer B has a maximum surface roughness Rz greater than or equal to 30 pm or 40 pm or 50 pm or 60 pm or 70 pm or 95 pm, in particular measured in a direction Fl (e.g.: length).

[0172] Preferably, the maximum surface roughness Rz is less than or equal to 200 pm or 160 pm or 140 pm or 130 pm or 120 pm, in particular measured in a direction Fl (e.g.: length).

[0173] Preferably, the maximum surface roughness Rz of the portion of the second face of the facing polymer layer B measured in a direction F2 substantially perpendicular to the direction F1 is similar to that measured in the direction F1 (e.g.: length).

[0174] In an alternative embodiment, the portion of the second face of the facing polymer layer B has a surface roughness RSm, in particular called the average width of the finite elements, greater than or equal to 100 pm or 150 pm or 200 pm or 250 pm or 300 pm, in particular measured in a direction Fl (e.g.: length).

[0175] Preferably, the maximum surface roughness RSm is less than or equal to 1000 pm or 800 pm or 700 pm, in particular measured in a direction Fl (e.g.: length).

[0176] Preferably, the maximum surface roughness RSm of the portion of the second face of the facing polymer layer B measured in a direction F2 substantially perpendicular to the direction F1 is similar to that measured in the direction F1.

[0177] In a preferred embodiment, RSm is greater than or equal to 300 pm, or 400 pm or 500 pm or 600 pm, and less than or equal to 1000 pm or 800 pm or 700 pm. This RSm value makes it possible to significantly improve the resistance to delamination between a shoe upper, for example, notably comprising polyolefins, and layer B.

[0178] Roughness measurements are carried out with the ISO 21920-3:2021 standard entitled “Geometrical product specifications (GPS) - Surface condition: Profile - Part 3: Specification operators”.

[0179] Preferably, the roughness values ​​including Ra, Rz, and RSm are measured with the Mitutoyo SJ-210 apparatus.

[0180] Rz defines the regularity in the recorded measurements, and is the average between the five largest total recorded deviations.

[0181] As developed above, the preceding provisions make it possible to obtain the best resistance to delamination.

[0182] The present invention relates, according to a second aspect, to an article of footwear, comprising: - an upper forming at least in part, or possibly totally, a volume for receiving the foot and comprising at least one insert in a synthetic leather component according to any one of the variant embodiments with reference to the first aspect of the invention, the upper further comprises a lower edge comprising at least a portion of said at least one insert in synthetic leather; and - a thermoplastic molded sole comprising a sole portion molded directly onto said at least one portion of said at least one synthetic leather insert, and said molded sole comprises one or more polymer(s) chosen from styrenic thermoplastic elastomers, polyolefins, olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers chosen from: a mixture of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a polyolefin, and a mixture of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a styrenic thermoplastic elastomer; the second end face of said at least one portion of said synthetic leather insert faces said molded sole portion, and optionally the first end face of the synthetic leather insert faces the foot receiving volume.

[0183] Advantageously, the insert in the synthetic leather component is chemically compatible with the molded sole so that they can be heat-bonded together or the sole can be directly (over)molded onto the upper with good resistance to delamination in both cases.

[0184] Advantageously, since the sole and the upper are made of polymer materials belonging to similar chemical families, i.e. based on olefin(s), recycling of the footwear is facilitated: it is not necessary to separate the different components. The footwear can in fact be reduced to particles, which, possibly mixed with other polymer materials, can be transformed in an extrusion granulation process to obtain thermoplastic granules suitable for use in a plastics transformation process (for example injection or extrusion molding, injection or extrusion blow molding), not limited to a thermocompression transformation process.

[0185] Preferably, the footwear article comprises a front edge and a rear edge between which a longitudinal axis (L) extends.

[0186] Preferably, the footwear article comprises a medial edge and a lateral edge between which a transverse axis (T) extends.

[0187] Preferably, the transverse axis (T) is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L). Stem

[0188] Preferably, the upper comprises a forefoot region, a rearfoot or heel region, a medial region, a lateral region and an instep region.

[0189] In embodiments, the upper covers all or part of the top of the foot, and possibly all or part of the bottom of the foot. In the latter case, the upper comprises a sole region facing the bottom of the foot of the wearer of the footwear article.

[0190] In embodiments, at least 50%, preferably at least 60% or 70% or 80% or 90%, of the outer surface (cm2) of the upper comprises (in particular consists essentially of) one or more insert(s) in a synthetic leather component according to the invention.

[0191] Advantageously, the upper comprises one or more additional insert(s), in particular textile insert(s).

[0192] Advantageously, the upper comprises one or more insert(s) (each) in a synthetic leather component.

[0193] Advantageously, an insert in a synthetic leather component comprises a first end face corresponding to the first end face of the synthetic leather component, and a second end face corresponding to the second end face of the synthetic leather component.

[0194] Advantageously, the upper comprises an external face and an internal face which are substantially opposite, in particular the internal face is opposite the volume for receiving the foot and / or the external face is opposite the exterior of the footwear article.

[0195] Advantageously, the external face of a portion of the upper comprising a portion of a synthetic leather insert is the second end face of said insert in a synthetic leather component (or the second end face of the synthetic leather component of said insert).

[0196] Advantageously, the internal face of a portion of the rod comprising a portion of a synthetic leather insert corresponds to the first end face of said synthetic leather insert (or the first end face of the synthetic leather component of said insert), or corresponds to the internal face of another insert, in particular of a textile insert as defined in this text.

[0197] Advantageously, the upper comprises one or more inserts in a synthetic leather component, in particular each in a synthetic leather component according to the invention, and optionally one or more other inserts, in particular textile and / or functional (plastic reinforcement plate, etc.).

[0198] In embodiments, the upper comprises a textile insert which is a textile tubular element, in particular a textile sock, more particularly knitted, possibly at least partly heat-fusible.

[0199] In the previous case, the rod is three-dimensional.

[0200] In preferred embodiments, the upper is two-dimensional and shaped in three dimensions, in particular with seams and / or welds and / or by solidarization with the sole.

[0201] In embodiments, said other insert(s) is / are one or more textile insert(s), in particular knitted and / or woven and / or nonwoven and / or braided.

[0202] In embodiments, said textile insert(s) each comprise one or more yarn(s), in particular one or more multifilament yarn(s) and / or one or more monofilament yarn(s) and / or one or more spun yarn(s) of fibers.

[0203] Preferably, said yarn(s) of the textile insert(s) each comprises (in particular is / are essentially constituted) of one or more polymer(s) chosen from polyolefins and olefinic thermoplastic elastomers. These different polymers being as defined above in the definition part with reference to the first aspect of the invention.

[0204] In embodiments, the upper comprises a lower peripheral edge secured to the sole, in particular the contour of which corresponds substantially to all or part of the contour of the sole, of which at least 30% of the surface (cm2), in particular of which at least 40% or 50% or 60% or 70% or 80% or 90% of the surface (cm2), comprises one or more portion(s) of synthetic leather insert(s) of which said portion of said at least one synthetic leather component.

[0205] Advantageously, the synthetic leather component allows for heat-sealing with the sole via the lower peripheral edge. Sole

[0206] Preferably, the sole comprises an internal face and an external face which are substantially opposite. Preferably, the internal face of the sole is oriented opposite the volume receiving the foot formed in whole or in part by the stem.

[0207] Preferably, the external face of the sole is oriented facing the ground, in particular comprises one or more portion(s) of engagement directly with the ground.

[0208] Preferably, said molded sole is a wear sole.

[0209] In embodiments, the footwear article comprises a removable or glued insole and / or a midsole(s) arranged in the volume for receiving the foot after the upper has been secured to the sole, in particular to the outsole.

[0210] Preferably, said molded sole comprises one or more polymer(s) chosen from styrenic thermoplastic elastomers, and optionally one or more polymer(s) chosen from polyolefins, olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers chosen from: a mixture of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a polyolefin, and a mixture of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a styrenic thermoplastic elastomer. These different polymers being as defined above in the definition part with reference to the first aspect of the invention.

[0211] In embodiments, said molded sole comprises at least 30% by mass, more preferably at least 40% or 50% by mass, preferentially at least 60% by mass, of one or more styrenic thermoplastic polymer(s). Preferably, said molded sole comprises at most 80% by mass, more preferably at most 70% by mass, of one or more styrenic thermoplastic polymer(s).

[0212] In embodiments, said molded sole comprises at least 30% by mass, more preferably at least 40% or 50% by mass, preferentially at least 60% or 70% or 80% by mass, of one or more polymer(s) chosen from polyolefins, in particular polypropylene.

[0213] In an alternative embodiment, the rod comprises a first end face and a second end face which are substantially opposite, and at least one reinforcing seam extending between said first and second end faces of the rod and in the thickness of the rod, preferably said at least one reinforcing seam at least one thread comprising one or more polymer(s) chosen from polyolefin(s) and / or olefinic thermoplastic elastomer(s).

[0214] This arrangement improves the resistance to delamination of the synthetic leather insert relative to the sole.

[0215] In addition, the use of a reinforcing thread comprising one or more polymer(s) chosen from polyolefin(s) and / or olefinic thermoplastic elastomer(s) makes it possible to improve the compatibility by heat-sealing with a sole of a footwear article comprising, for example, SEBS compared to a polyester thread.

[0216] In a variant, said portion of said synthetic leather insert comprises at least a part of said reinforcing seam, and said part of the reinforcing seam is covered at least partially by said at least one portion of molded sole, in particular substantially completely by said at least one portion of molded sole.

[0217] This arrangement improves resistance to delamination since a portion of the sole is heat-sealed to at least a portion of the reinforcing seam.

[0218] In an alternative embodiment, the reinforcing seam (in particular extending from an internal face to the external face of the upper or from a first end face to a second end face of the insert in a synthetic leather component) comprises one or more continuous or discontinuous stitching lines, extending over at least one of the first and second end faces of the upper, or over at least one of the first and second end faces of the insert in the synthetic leather component), with a width greater than or equal to 3 mm.

[0219] In embodiments, the stitching line(s) comprises / comprise (is / are) a zig-zag stitching, in particular having a height greater than or equal to 3 mm and a distance between two adjacent vertices greater than or equal to 2 mm.

[0220] In embodiments, the one or more stitching lines comprise(s) (is / are) two stitching lines extending parallel to, and spaced apart from, each other, in particular extending over a width of at least 3 mm.

[0221] It has been determined that these particular seams provide the best delamination resistance for the synthetic leather component itself and for its bonding to a chemically compatible sole.

[0222] In an alternative embodiment, said portion of said synthetic leather insert comprises at least one part of said reinforcing seam, and said part of the reinforcing seam is covered at least partially by said at least one portion of molded sole, in particular substantially completely by said at least one portion of molded sole.

[0223] This arrangement improves the resistance to delamination between the sole and the upper.

[0224] In an alternative embodiment, the rod comprises a first end face and a second end face which are substantially opposite, and the rod comprises at least one reinforcing seam extending between said first and second end faces of the rod and in the thickness of the rod.

[0225] In an alternative embodiment, said molded sole portion has a melting or softening temperature range TfS which overlaps with the melting or softening temperature range TfB of at least a portion of the layer po facing lymeric B of said synthetic leather insert.

[0226] Advantageously, the melting or softening temperature TfB of at least a portion of the facing polymer layer B is greater than or equal to 120°C and less than or equal to 220°C.

[0227] Advantageously, the melting or softening temperature TfS of at least one portion of the sole is greater than or equal to 120°C and less than or equal to 220°C.

[0228] In an alternative embodiment, the delamination resistance measured between the upper and the thermoplastic molded sole is greater than or equal to 2 N / mm, preferably greater than or equal to 3N / mm.

[0229] In embodiments, the upper and / or said insert in a synthetic leather component comprises at least one reinforcing seam, and the delamination resistance measured between the upper and the thermoplastic molded sole is greater than or equal to 3 N / mm, preferably greater than or equal to 5 N / mm, more preferably greater than or equal to 6 N / mm.

[0230] In an alternative embodiment, the upper comprises at least 50% by mass of one or more polymer material(s) chosen from polyolefins, olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers chosen from: a mixture of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a polyolefin, and a mixture of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a styrenic thermoplastic elastomer, preferably chosen from polyolefins, and olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, and the sole (or the sole mixture introduced below) comprises at least 50% by mass of one or more polymer material(s) chosen from polyolefins, styrenic thermoplastic elastomers, vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers chosen from: a mixture of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a polyolefin, and a blend of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a styrenic thermoplastic elastomer.

[0231] In embodiments, the upper comprises at least 60% by mass, preferably at least 70% by mass, more preferably at least 80% by mass, of one or more polymeric material(s) chosen from polyolefins and olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, and the sole (or sole mixture introduced below) comprises at least 60% by mass, preferably at least 70% by mass, more preferably at least 80% by mass, of one or more polymeric material(s) chosen from polyolefins, styrenic thermoplastic elastomers, and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers chosen from: a mixture of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a polyolefin, and a blend of a vulcanized olefin elastomer and a thermoplastic elastomer styrenic, in particular chosen from polyolefins, and styrenic thermoplastic elastomers.

[0232] In an alternative embodiment, the upper and the sole are connected via at least the lower peripheral edge of the upper, said lower peripheral edge of the upper comprising one or more reinforcing seam(s), in particular with one or more polyolefin thread(s), and being covered totally or partially by an overmolded portion of the sole.

[0233] The subject of the present invention, according to a third aspect, is a method for manufacturing an article of footwear, in particular according to any of the variant embodiments with reference to the second aspect of the invention, comprising the following steps: - providing an upper comprising a synthetic leather insert in a synthetic leather component according to any of the variant embodiments with reference to the first aspect according to the invention, the upper further comprises a peripheral lower edge comprising at least a portion of said synthetic leather insert; and - a molding step, in particular by injection, of a molded thermoplastic sole so as to mold at least a portion of the sole directly on the lower peripheral edge of the upper comprising at least a portion of said synthetic leather insert, the molding step comprising the molding of a sole mixture comprising one or more polymer(s) chosen from styrenic thermoplastic elastomers, olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, polyolefins, and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers chosen from: a mixture of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a polyolefin, and a mixture of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a styrenic thermoplastic elastomer.

[0234] Advantageously, the footwear article, in particular according to a second aspect of the invention or obtained by the method according to a third aspect of the invention, is reduced to particles, in particular having a size less than or equal to 50 mm or 40 mm or 30 mm or 20 mm, then optionally said particles are washed and dried, and their size is further optionally reduced. Said particles undergo an extrusion granulation step to obtain thermoplastic granules. Preferably, the extrusion granulation step (in particular designated as a regeneration step in the technical field) comprises heating the particles to a temperature greater than or equal to 150°C and less than or equal to 250°C, preferably less than or equal to 220°C, more preferably greater than or equal to 170°C, for example greater than or equal to 190°C and less than or equal to 210°C.

[0235] Preferably, the granulation extrusion speed is greater than or equal to 10 rpm and less than or equal to 500 rpm or 400 rpm or 300 rpm or 200 rpm. Description of the drawings

[0236] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of the embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0237] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation seen from the side of a first example of a synthetic leather component according to the invention, in particular for forming a front hard toe insert of an article of footwear;

[0238] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation seen from the side of a second example of a synthetic leather component according to the invention, in particular for forming a rear hard toe insert, also referred to as a heel reinforcement, of an item of footwear;

[0239] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation seen flat and from above of a first example of an upper for an item of footwear according to the invention, said upper comprising several synthetic leather inserts according to the invention;

[0240] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation seen in perspective and from the side of a first example of an article of footwear according to the invention comprising the first example of an upper shown in [Fig.3];

[0241] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a photograph taken under a microscope of a first example surface condition of the second face of a polymeric facing layer B of a synthetic leather insert according to the invention;

[0242] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a photograph taken under a microscope of a first example surface condition of the second face of a polymeric facing layer B of a synthetic leather insert according to the invention;

[0243] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a photograph taken under a microscope of a first example comparative surface condition of the second of a polymeric facing layer B of a comparative synthetic leather insert. Description of the embodiments

[0244] [Fig.l] schematically represents a side view of a first example of a synthetic leather component 10 according to the invention comprising from its first end face 12 towards its second end face 14, the following layers: - optionally a layer C 20 in a nonwoven of polyolefin fibers having a first face 22 and a second face 24, in this specific example a nonwoven of polypropylene fibers having a thickness ec of approximately 1.00 mm and a surface mass of approximately 230 g / m2;

[0245] - optionally a layer D 30 in at least one nonwoven of fibers in po- lyolefin(s), said layer D 30 having a first face 32 and a second face 34, in this specific example the layer D comprises a first nonwoven made of poly-fibers propylene having a surface mass of about 112g / m2 and a thickness of about 1.00 mm and a second nonwoven of about 89 g / m2 and with a thickness of about 0.40 mm, the resulting layer D having a thickness eD of about 1.40 mm; - a knitted textile layer A 40 having a first face 42 and a second face 44 and comprising one or more polyolefin yarn(s), in particular a knit comprising polypropylene multifilament yarns and having a surface mass of approximately 105 g / m2 and a thickness eA of approximately 0.40 mm; and - a polymeric facing layer B 50, having a first face 52 and a second face 54, comprising one or more polymer(s) chosen from polyolefins, olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers; preferably having a surface mass of approximately 405 g / m2 and comprising at least approximately 95% by mass of polypropylene and approximately 5% by mass of ethylene-vinyl acetate, and having a thickness eB of approximately 0.45 mm.

[0246] The second face 54 of the layer B 50 preferably forms the second end face 14 of the synthetic leather component 10.

[0247] In an alternative, non-preferred, the synthetic leather component 10 further comprises a layer F 60 forming an abrasion-resistant protective varnish (for example made of polyurethane) for the layer B 50. The layer F 60 then comprises a first face 62 and a second face 64, which second face 64 then forms the second end face 14.

[0248] Advantageously, the second face 54 of the layer B, also designated herein by external face, comprises at least a portion of its surface which is printed in relief, that is to say which is embossed, in particular micro-embossed.

[0249] Advantageously, the different layers A, B, and optionally C, D, are assembled by heat-sealing. However, layer B can be applied to layer A by coating - calendering layer B onto layer A, with layer A possibly previously heat-sealed with layers C and D.

[0250] Advantageously, the different layers A, B, and optionally C and / or D and / or F, can be consolidated by making a reinforcing seam (not shown in [Fig.l]) around the perimeter of the synthetic leather component 10. This reinforcing seam extends from the first end face 12 to the second end face 14, and through the thickness eCs of the synthetic leather component 10. The seam also extends over the first end face 12 and over the second end face 14. This seam makes it possible to improve the resistance to delamination of the layers between them. Preferably, the thread of the reinforcing seam is chosen from polyolefins in order to improve the bonding with the sole of a footwear item. The inventors have in fact observed that the use of a PP thread for example makes it possible to obtain better resistance to delamination between the synthetic leather component 10 and a sole comprising one or more styrenic thermoplastic polymer(s).

[0251] Advantageously, the synthetic leather component 10 comprising layers A, B, C and D, and optionally F can be used to form a front hard toe in an upper and / or a lateral or medial protective band of the upper. The synthetic leather component 10 with layers A to D thus has a surface mass of approximately 950 g / m2 and a thickness eCs of approximately 2.85 mm.

[0252] The presence of layers C and / or D, and optionally F, depends on the final application of the synthetic leather component 10.

[0253] [Fig.2] schematically represents, in side view, a second example of a synthetic leather component 110 according to the invention comprising from its first end face 112 towards its second end face 114, the following layers: - optionally a layer C 120 in a nonwoven of polyolefin fibers having a first face 122 and a second face 124, in this specific example a nonwoven of polypropylene fibers having a thickness ec of approximately 1.00 mm and a surface mass of approximately 230 g / m2;

[0254] - optionally a layer D 130 in at least one nonwoven of fibers in po- lyolefin(s), said layer D 130 having a first face 132 and a second face 134, in this specific example the layer D comprises a first nonwoven made of polypropylene fibers having a surface mass of approximately 112g / m2 and a thickness of approximately 1.00 mm and a second nonwoven of approximately 89 g / m2 with a thickness of approximately 0.40 mm, the resulting layer D 130 having a thickness eD of approximately 1.40 mm;

[0255] - optionally a reinforcing layer E 170, in particular a reinforcing plate polymer comprising a mixture of low density polyethylene with ethylene vinyl acetate reinforced by a polyethylene terephthalate textile, in particular having a surface mass of approximately 520 g / m2 and a thickness eE of approximately 0.40 mm, - a knitted textile layer A 140 having a first face 142 and a second face 144 and comprising one or more polyolefin yarn(s), in particular a knit comprising polypropylene multifilament yarns and having a surface mass of approximately 105 g / m2 and a thickness eA of approximately 0.40 mm; and - a polymeric facing layer B 150, having a first face 152 and a second face 154, comprising one or more polymer(s) chosen from polyolefins, olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers; preferably having a surface mass of approximately 405 g / m2 and comprising approximately 95% by mass of polypropylene and approximately 5% by mass of ethylene-vinyl-acetate, and having a thickness eB of approximately 0.45 mm.

[0256] The second face 154 of the layer B 150 preferably forms the second end face 114 of the synthetic leather component 110.

[0257] In an alternative, non-preferred, the synthetic leather component 110 comprises furthermore a layer F 160 forming a protective varnish resistant to abrasion of the layer B 150 (for example made of polyurethane). The layer F 160 then comprises a first face 162 and a second face 164, which second face 164 then forms the second end face 114.

[0258] Advantageously, the second 154 of the layer B 150, also designated herein by external face, comprises at least a portion of its surface which is printed in relief, that is to say which is embossed, in particular micro-embossed.

[0259] Advantageously, the different layers A, B, and optionally C and / or D and / or E, can be consolidated by making a reinforcing seam (not shown in [Fig.l]) around the perimeter of the synthetic leather component 110 in a similar manner to the synthetic leather component 10.

[0260] Advantageously, the synthetic leather component 110 comprising layers A, B, C, D, and optionally E and / or F, can be used to form a rear hard toe, also referred to as a heel reinforcement, in an upper.

[0261] [Fig. 3] schematically represents a flat upper 200, in two dimensions, before its shaping in three dimensions and its assembly to a sole. The upper 200 comprises several inserts, and in particular a synthetic leather insert 210 forming a hard front toe, a synthetic leather insert 220 bordering the opening in the instep area in which a tongue can be fixed, and medial 230 and lateral 240 synthetic leather inserts. The upper 200 may also comprise a synthetic leather insert forming a heel reinforcement 250 shown on the footwear article 300 of [Fig. 4].

[0262] The upper 200 may also comprise at least one textile insert 260, for example a complex comprising one or more knitted and / or nonwoven layers superimposed. The synthetic leather inserts 210, 220, 230 and 240 (and 250 in [Fig. 4]) are preferably superimposed with at least the textile insert 260, and arranged so as to cover substantially the entire lower peripheral edge 205 of the upper 200. The upper 200 comprises a first end face 202 or internal face, and a second end face 204 or external face. The upper 200 is shaped in three dimensions as shown in [Fig. 4]. A reinforcing seam comprising a stitching line 270 advantageously extends around the entire circumference of the lower peripheral edge 205, in particular by forming zigzag stitches whose height Hz is for example approximately 3 mm and the distance dz between two adjacent vertices is for example approximately 2 mm.The reinforcing seam makes it possible to improve the resistance to delamination between the different layers, and therefore inserts of the upper in the lower edge 205. The reinforcing seam thus advantageously extends over a width corresponding to the height Hz.

[0263] Alternatively, the reinforcing seam may comprise at least two substantially parallel stitching lines extending along the peripheral lower edge 205, while extending over a width of at least 3 mm.

[0264] The footwear article 300, shown in [Fig. 4], comprises the upper 200 as well as a sole 400 molded directly on the upper 200. Advantageously, the sole 400 is molded, preferably from a mixture comprising one or more styrenic thermoplastic elastomer(s) and / or one or more polyolefin(s), for example a mixture comprising 65% by mass of SEBS with approximately 20% by mass of polypropylene(s) (the remainder being formed for example of filler (CaCO3) and plasticizer(s)), or 90% by mass of polypropylene(s) (the remainder being formed of filler(s) and / or plasticizer(s)). The sole 400 is overmolded onto the upper 200 and in particular onto the lower peripheral edge 205. The lower peripheral edge 205 thus forms an intermediate junction zone between the remainder of the upper 200 and the sole 400. The lower edge 205 is not visible on the footwear item 300 of [Fig.4] because it is covered by a molded portion of the sole 400.

[0265] Advantageously, the stitching line 270 is made with one or more polyolefin threads, thus improving the resistance to delamination between the sole 400 and the upper 200 (in particular compared to PET threads).

[0266] The delamination resistance measured between a synthetic leather insert of the type of the synthetic leather insert 210 comprising layers A, B, C and D, with a sole, of the type of the sole 400, is greater than or equal to 3 N / mm, in particular greater than or equal to 4 or 5 N / mm with a reinforcing seam while the delamination resistance for a similar insert but in which layer A is replaced by a 100 g / m2 PP nonwoven, having a thickness of 0.40 mm, is less than 3 N / mm.

[0267] The use of a knit for layer A makes it possible to improve the resistance to delamination.

[0268] The inventors also determined that micro-embossing the second or outer face of layer B impacts the resistance to delamination between the synthetic leather insert of the upper and the sole.

[0269] [Fig.5] is a photograph taken under a microscope of a first example of surface micro-embossing according to the invention imparted to the external face or second face 54 of the layer B 50 of the synthetic leather component 10. The measured roughness values ​​are as follows: average Ra is 12.01 pm in a first direction Fl (in particular the length) and 8.91 pm in a second direction F2 (in particular the width), perpendicular to Fl, Rz is 59.75 pm in the direction Fl and 35.00 pm in the direction F2.

[0270] [Fig.6] is a photograph taken under a microscope of a second example of micro- surface embossing according to the invention imparted to the outer face or second face 54 of the layer B 50 of the synthetic leather component 10. The measured roughness values ​​are as follows: average Ra is 16.31 in a first direction Fl (in particular the length) and 21.41 pm in a second direction F2 (in particular the width), perpendicular to Fl, Rz is 81.44 pm in the direction Fl and 91.96 pm in the direction F2, and RSm is 694.2 pm in the direction Fl and 669.2 pm in the direction F2.

[0271] [Fig.7] is a photograph taken under a microscope of an example of comparative surface micro-embossing imparted to the outer or second face 54 of the layer B 50 of the synthetic leather component 10. The measured roughness values ​​are as follows: average Ra is 19.47 pm in a first direction Fl (in particular the length) and 19.39 pm in a second direction F2 (in particular the width), perpendicular to Fl, Rz is 109.89 pm in the direction Fl and 114.25 pm in the direction F2, and RSm is 231.3 pm in the direction Fl and 233.2 pm in the direction F2.

[0272] The delamination resistance measured between the sole 400 and a synthetic leather insert 10 whose layer B comprises the micro-embossing shown in [Fig. 5] or 6 is higher, in particular multiplied by two, compared to the delamination resistance measured between the sole 400 and a synthetic leather insert 10 whose layer B comprises the comparative micro-embossing shown in [Fig. 7]. In particular, the delamination resistance without a reinforcing seam and with the micro-embossing shown in [Fig. 5] or 6 is approximately 1.48 N / mm compared to 0.62 N / mm for the pattern shown in [Fig. 7]. The delamination resistance with the micro-embossing of figures 5 or 6 is increased to 4.2 N / mm when a polypropylene reinforcing sewing thread is used against 3.40 N / mm when this thread is made of polyethylene terephthalate.

Claims

Claims

1. Synthetic leather component (10,110) characterized in that it comprises from a first end face (12,112) to a second end face (14,114): - a knitted textile layer A (40,140) comprising one or more polyolefin and / or olefinic thermoplastic elastomer(s) thread(s); and - a facing polymeric layer B (50, 150) comprising one or more polymer(s) chosen from: polyolefins, olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, styrenic thermoplastic elastomers, vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers chosen from: a mixture of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a polyolefin, and a mixture of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a styrenic thermoplastic elastomer, and a mixture of the latter.

2. Synthetic leather component (10, 110) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mass fraction of polymer(s) chosen from polyolefins and olefinic thermoplastic elastomers in said synthetic leather component is greater than or equal to 70%.

3. Synthetic leather component (10, 110) according to either of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the melting or softening temperature (TfA) of at least a portion of a yarn selected from the yarn(s) of the knitted textile layer A (40, 140) is higher than the melting or softening temperature (TfB) of at least a portion of the facing polymeric layer B (50, 150), and in that the melting or softening temperature of at least a portion of the facing polymeric layer B (50, 150) is higher than or equal to 120°C and lower than or equal to 220°C.

4. Synthetic leather component (10, 110) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the delamination resistance measured between the knitted textile layer A (40, 140) and said facing polymeric layer B (50, 150) is greater than or equal to 2 N / mm.

5. Synthetic leather component (10, 110) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said synthetic leather component (10, 110) comprises at least one reinforcing seam, in particular made with at least one thread of polyolefin(s) and / or olefinic thermoplastic elastomer(s), extending through said synthetic leather component (10, 110) from its first end face (12, 112) towards its second end face (14, 114).

6. Synthetic leather component (10, 110) according to claim 5, characterized in that the reinforcing seam comprises one or more continuous or discontinuous seam lines (270), extending over at least one of the first (12, 112) and second (14, 114) end faces with a width greater than or equal to 3 mm.

7. Synthetic leather component (10, 110) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the facing polymeric layer B (50, 150) comprises a first face (52, 152) and a second face (54, 154) substantially opposite each other, said first face (52, 152) being oriented opposite the first end face (12, 112), and a portion of the second face (54, 154) of said facing polymeric layer B (50, 150) comprises a multitude of micro-projections and / or micro-hollows, said micro-projections and / or said micro-hollows comprising micro-projections and / or micro-hollows spaced apart from each other.

8. A synthetic leather component (10, 110) according to claim 7, characterized in that the micro-projections and / or micro-hollows comprise micro-projections and / or micro-hollows each having a cylindrical shape.

9. Synthetic leather component (10, 110) according to either of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that said portion of the second face (54, 154) of the facing polymeric layer B (50, 150) has an average surface roughness Ra greater than or equal to 3 pm and less than or equal to 50 pm.

10. Synthetic leather component (10, 110) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that said portion of the second face (54, 154) of the facing polymeric layer B (50, 150) has a maximum surface roughness Rz greater than or equal to 30 pm.

11. Footwear article (300), characterized in that said article (300) comprises: - an upper (200) forming at least in part a volume for receiving the foot and comprising at least one synthetic leather insert (210, 220, 230, 240, 250) in a synthetic leather component (10, 110) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in that the upper (200) comprises a lower edge (205) comprising at least a portion of said at least one synthetic leather insert (210, 220, 230, 240, 250); and - a thermoplastic molded sole (400) comprising at least one sole portion molded on said at least one portion of said at least one synthetic leather insert (210, 220, 230, 240, 250), in that said molded sole (400) comprises one or more polymer(s) chosen from styrenic thermoplastic elastomers, polyolefins, olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers chosen from: a mixture of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a polyolefin, and a mixture of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a styrenic thermoplastic elastomer, and in that the second end face (12, 112) of said at least one portion of said at least one synthetic leather insert (210, 220, 230, 240, 250) is opposite said molded sole portion (400).

12. Footwear article (300) according to claim 11, characterized in that the upper (200) comprises a first end face (204) and a second end face (202) substantially opposite, and in that the upper (200) comprises at least one reinforcing seam (270) extending between said first and second end faces (202, 204) of the upper (200) and in the thickness of the upper (200).

13. Footwear article (300) according to claim 12, characterized in that said portion of said synthetic leather insert (210, 220, 230, 240, 250) comprises at least a part of said reinforcing seam (270), and in that said part of the reinforcing seam (270) is covered at least partially by said at least one portion of molded sole (400), in particular substantially totally by said at least one portion of molded sole (400).

14. Footwear article (300) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that said molded sole portion (400) has a melting or softening temperature range TfS which overlaps with the melting or softening temperature range TfB of at least a portion of the facing polymeric layer B (50, 150) of said synthetic leather component (10, 110).

15. Footwear article (300) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the resistance to delamination measured between the upper (200) and the thermoplastic molded sole (400) is greater than or equal to 2 N / mm.

16. Footwear article (300) according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the upper (200) comprises at least 50% by mass of one or more polymer material(s) chosen from polyolefins, olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, and in that the sole (400) comprises at least 50% by mass of one or more polymer material(s) chosen from polyolefins, styrenic thermoplastic elastomers, and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers chosen from: a mixture of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a polyolefin, and a blend of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a styrenic thermoplastic elastomer.

17. Method for manufacturing an article of footwear (300), in particular according to any of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - providing an upper (200) comprising at least one synthetic leather insert (210, 220, 230, 240, 250) in a synthetic leather component (10, 110) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the upper (200) further comprises a lower border (205) comprising at least a portion of said synthetic leather insert (210, 220, 230, 240, 250); and - a molding step, in particular by injection, of a molded thermoplastic sole (400) so as to mold at least a portion of the sole directly on the lower edge (205) of the upper (200) comprising at least a portion of said synthetic leather insert (210, 220, 230, 240, 250), the molding step comprising the molding of a sole mixture comprising one or more polymer material(s) chosen from styrenic thermoplastic elastomers, olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, polyolefins, and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers chosen from: a mixture of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a polyolefin, and a blend of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a styrenic thermoplastic elastomer.

18. Method according to claim 17, characterized in that the upper (200) comprises at least 50% by mass of one or more polymer material(s) chosen from polyolefins and olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, and in that the sole mixture comprises at least 50% by mass of one or more polymer material(s) chosen from polyolefins, styrenic thermoplastic elastomers, and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers chosen from: a blend of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a polyolefin, and a blend of a vulcanized olefinic elastomer and a styrenic thermoplastic elastomer.

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