Safety footwear and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to safety footwear (100) comprising a sole (10), an upper (20) and an anti-perforation layer (30). The sole (10) comprises a top surface (12), intended to support the user's foot, a bottom surface (14), intended to make contact with the ground, and a side surface (16), intended to connect together the top surface (12) and the bottom surface (14) of the sole (10). According to the invention, the safety footwear (100) is characterized in that the anti-perforation layer (30) comprises two separate elements (32, 34); a first element (32), applied at a heel portion of the sole (10), close to the bottom surface (14), and a second element (34), applied underneath the upper (20), at a forefoot portion of the upper (20). The first element (32) and the second element (34) of the anti-perforation layer (30) are such as to protect the bottom part of the entire foot of the user. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such safety footwear (100).

Description

[0001] “Safety footwear and manufacturing method thereof’

[0002] ★ ★★★★

[0003] The present invention relates to safety footwear. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such safety footwear.

[0004] Safety footwear, typically shoes and boots, are widely used in many working environments where it is often obligatory to use such footwear in order to protect workers from injury to their feet resulting from sharp objects, impacts with obstacles and impacts due to falling objects.

[0005] Usually employers provide their workers with only one pair of safety footwear and therefore often a single person uses the same pair of footwear the whole day, every day.

[0006] Therefore, it is important that the worker should be provided with footwear which is able to ensure a high degree of safety, without compromising the overall comfort of the footwear. Flexibility and breathability are the most important factors which help ensure the comfort of the footwear.

[0007] Safety footwear provided with an anti-perforation layer incorporated in the footwear are widely known in the present state of the art.

[0008] The anti-perforation layer is intended to prevent or limit the injuries which may arise when the worker accidentally steps on a nail or other sharp object. The anti-perforation layers may be made of different materials and at present the solutions based on textile material are those which are most popular since they are lighter and more flexible. Usually these fabric layers are fixed to the bottom of the footwear upper and are preferably made using the Strobel construction technique so as to extend below the foot.

[0009] The anti-perforation textile layers consist of a combination of textile materials with non-textile materials interwoven between them in a very tight weave. As a result, these anti-perforation layers often have a thickness of more than 4 mm and do not allow air to pass through their structure. An example of safety footwear provided with an anti-perforation textile layer is described in US 6,167,639B1 .

[0010] Footwear with a greater breathability is described in US 2016 / 157554 which relates to a sole provided with a tread and a midsole which are configured to allow ventilation of the footwear. The sole is also provided with an antiperforation layer which is positioned between the tread and the midsole.

[0011] This solution allows the breathability of the shoe to be improved since the anti-perforation layer positioned below the midsole does not influence the breathability of the footwear.

[0012] However, this solution has at least two drawbacks. The first drawback concerns the construction of the sole which involves gluing together the various layers thereof (tread, anti-perforation layer, midsole). This drawback is most evident in the preferred embodiment of US 2016 / 157554 in which the anti-perforation layer is included inside a transparent plastic cover.

[0013] In fact, numerous layers of glue must be arranged between the various elements of the sole to perform assembly thereof. For example, a first layer of glue must be arranged between the tread and the bottom edge of the transparent plastic cover, a second layer must be arranged between the bottom edge of the transparent plastic cover and the anti-perforation layer, a third layer of glue must be arranged between the anti-perforation layer and the top edge of the transparent plastic cover, a fourth layer must be arranged between the top edge of the transparent plastic cover and the midsole.

[0014] The layers of glue mentioned above make the sole more rigid and result in the various operations required for assembly being more time-consuming and therefore more costly.

[0015] Moreover, in the solution described in US2016 / 157554 the anti-perforation layer is arranged in a distal position with respect to the top surface of the sole, in particular the surface intended to make contact with the upper of the footwear. In particular, the anti-perforation layer is situated far from the flexion point of the sole at the forefoot area.

[0016] This specific arrangement does not influence the comfort of the sole when the user is standing still. However, when the user starts to walk, to follow the movement of the walking gait, the sole should be able to bend correctly and, consequently, the anti-perforation layer should be able to “extend”. And yet, the greater the distance from the flexion point, the greater the degree of extension required.

[0017] However, the anti-perforation layer, since it is fixed in position between the tread and the midsole and owing to its stratified structure in this specific arrangement, may be able to extend by only a very small amount. Consequently, the sole has practically no flexibility at all.

[0018] A sole for safety footwear provided with an anti-perforation layer is, moreover, known from the international patent application WO 2020 / 114683 A1 in the name of the same Applicant of the present application.

[0019] The anti-perforation layer is formed as one piece and is arranged entirely in the sole of the footwear. In particular, the anti-perforation layer is arranged close to the top surface of the sole, at the zone of the forefoot, while, at the zone of the heel, it is arranged adhering to the tread of the sole and underneath a heel portion or insert of the sole, which is provided with ventilation passages.

[0020] As a result of this specific arrangement of the anti-perforation layer it is possible, on the one hand, to obtain a sole which is more flexible and, on the other hand, to allow ventilation of the upper, at least at the heel zone.

[0021] The anti-perforation layer, in fact, since it is positioned at the forefoot zone, very close to the top surface of the sole, is able to follow the movements of the foot during normal use of the footwear, increasing the comfort thereof. Moreover, the anti-perforation layer, since it is positioned at the heel zone, underneath the ventilation passages of the heel portion or insert of the sole, also ensures adequate ventilation of the footwear.

[0022] However, this solution, while being extremely advantageous, has at least one drawback regarding the construction of the sole, which involves two injection-moulding steps. The first step includes the injection into a first mould of a polymer material onto the rear part of the anti-perforation layer, in order to obtain a first assembly formed by the anti-perforation layer and by the heel portion or insert of the sole. The second step includes the injection into a second mould of a polymer material of the midsole at the bottom part of the first assembly previously formed and loaded inside the second mould, in order to obtain the sole. During the second injection step, the anti-perforation layer is squashed downwards, so as to make contact with the tread, in the heel zone; while in the forefoot zone it rises upwards and touches the insole, while remaining however “immersed” in the midsole.

[0023] In fact, these injection-moulding operations impose limits on the type of plastic material which can be used, in particular during the second injection step, this affecting the flexibility of the sole, with a consequent reduction in the comfort and the cushioning capacity of the safety footwear.

[0024] The object of the present invention is to solve at least partially the problems mentioned in connection with safety footwear having an anti-perforation layer, of the known type, described briefly above.

[0025] In particular, a task of the present invention is to provide safety footwear provided with sole which has an improved flexibility.

[0026] Moreover, a task of the present invention is to provide safety footwear which ensures an optimum performance.

[0027] Moreover, a task of the present invention is to provide safety footwear which is puncture-resistant and is relatively lightweight.

[0028] Furthermore, a task of the present invention is to provide safety footwear which is relatively simple to produce.

[0029] Moreover, a task of the present invention is to provide safety footwear which is able to ensure improved breathability of the foot, increasing at the same time the comfort of the user.

[0030] In addition, a task of the present invention is to provide a method for the manufacture of said safety wear which may be easily implemented on an industrial scale.

[0031] These and other objects and tasks are achieved by means of safety footwear in accordance with Claim 1 and by means of a method for manufacturing such safety footwear in accordance with Claim 12. The particular characteristic features and further advantages of the invention will become clear from the description, provided below, of a series of examples of embodiments, provided by way of a non-limiting example, with reference to the attached figures in which:

[0032] - Figure 1 shows a side view of safety footwear in accordance with the invention;

[0033] - Figure 2 is a top plan view of the safety footwear according to Figure 1 ;

[0034] - Figure 3 is an exploded view of the safety footwear according to Figure 1 ;

[0035] - Figure 4 shows a longitudinally sectioned view along the plane IV-IV of Figure 2.

[0036] - Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view along the plane V-V of Figure 2;

[0037] - Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view along the plane VI-VI of Figure 2; and

[0038] - Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view along the plane VII-VII of Figure 2.

[0039] With reference to the attached figures, an example of safety footwear according to the present invention is denoted overall by the reference number 100.

[0040] The description of the safety footwear 100, and of its single components, provided below refers to safety footwear which is correctly used.

[0041] In particular in the description below, the term “front” will be used to identify the part of the safety footwear, or its single components, which is / are relatively close to the toes of the feet, while “rear” will be used to indicate the part of the safety footwear, or its single components, which is / are relatively close to the heel. In a similar manner, “top” will refer to the part of the safety footwear, or its single components, which is / are relatively further from the ground, while “bottom” will be used to indicate the part of the safety footwear, or its single components, which is / are relatively closer to the ground.

[0042] With reference to the Figures, these show safety footwear according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] The safety footwear 100 comprises a sole 10 and an upper 20, which are joined together.

[0044] As can be seen in Figures 1 , 3 and 4, the sole 10 comprises a top surface 12, a bottom surface 14 and a side surface 16 and the upper 20 comprises a rear bottom element 22, corresponding to a heel portion of the insole of the upper 20.

[0045] In detail, the top surface 12 of the sole and the rear bottom element 22, or heel portion of the insole, of the upper 20 are intended to support the foot of the user of the safety footwear 100; the bottom surface 14 of the sole 10 is intended to make contact with the ground, and the side surface 16 of the sole 10 is intended to connect together the top surface 12 and the bottom surface 14. The side surface, therefore, is understood as referring to both the side surfaces, inner and outer, of the sole 10.

[0046] Advantageously, the sole 10 may also be provided with at least one ventilation passage 15 intended to put in fluid communication the side surface 16 and the top surface 12, preferably at the heel portion, namely the rear portion, of the sole 10.

[0047] More preferably, the sole 10 may be provided with a plurality of ventilation passages 15. The attached figures show an embodiment of the sole 10 with four ventilation passages 15. Obviously, different arrangements of the ventilation passages 15 are possible, in order to satisfy other specific needs.

[0048] After the sole 10 has been joined to the upper 20, the ventilation passages 15 allow ventilation of the bottom surface or insole of the upper 20 and therefore of the foot of the user of the safety footwear 100.

[0049] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the safety footwear 100 also comprises an anti-perforation layer 30. Preferably, the anti-perforation layer 30 has an extension suitable for protecting overall the bottom part of foot of the user of the safety footwear 100 from piercing or perforations due to sharp objects.

[0050] According to the invention, the anti-perforation layer 30 comprises two separate elements 32, 34.

[0051] In particular, a first element 32 of the anti-perforation layer 30 is arranged at the heel portion of the sole 10, close to the bottom surface 14 of the sole 10, while the second element 34 of the anti-perforation layer 30 is arranged underneath the upper 20, at a forefoot portion of the upper 20.

[0052] In the case where the sole 10 is provided with ventilation passages 15, the first element 32 of the anti-perforation layer 30 is arranged at the heel portion of the sole 10, between the bottom surface 14 of the sole and the ventilation passages 15.

[0053] In fact, the first element 32 is applied to the sole 10 and the second element 34 is applied to the upper 20.

[0054] In accordance with the invention, the first element 32 and the second element 34 of the anti-perforation layer 30 are arranged relative to each so as to ensure, even though separate, the protection of the entire bottom part of the user’s foot. In other words, a sharp body which perforates the sole may be blocked either by the first element 32 or by the second element 34, but there is no risk of it being able to pass between the two elements 32, 34.

[0055] The arrangement of the second element 34 at the upper 20 ensures that the rear bottom element 22 of the upper 20 closes the heel portion of the upper and forms, together with the second element 34 of the antiperforation layer 30, the insole of the upper 20.

[0056] The first element 32 and the second element 34 of the anti-perforation layer 30 are preferably formed by fabrics and non-woven fabrics. Preferably, the first element 32 and the second element 34 of the anti-perforation layer 30 are formed by polymer or synthetic fibres such as aramid fibres.

[0057] The first element 32 and the second element 34 of the anti-perforation layer 30 preferably have a thickness of between 2 and 5 mm.

[0058] Preferably, the rear bottom element 22 of the upper 20 is made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), supercritical material or other foam material and has the same thickness as the second element 34 of the anti-perforation layer 30.

[0059] In particular, as will become clear from the description below, the division of the anti-perforation layer 30 into two separate portions, namely a first portion 32 and a second portion 34 arranged respectively at the heel portion of the sole 10 and at the forefoot portion of the upper 20, on the one hand, provides a sole with an improved flexibility and, on the other hand, ensures an adequate breathability of the user’s foot without reducing the protection for the user’s foot.

[0060] In this way, the comfort of the footwear is increased, resulting in a better performance thereof.

[0061] In fact, the first element 32 of the anti-perforation layer 30 arranged between the bottom surface 14 of the sole 10 and the ventilation passages 15 at the heel portion of the sole 10 is spaced from the mounting element 22 of the upper 20.

[0062] At the same time, said element 22, since it may therefore be made of soft material, for example ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), supercritical material or other foam material, results in the safety footwear being much more comfortable and providing a better performance.

[0063] Moreover, such an arrangement of the first element 32 of the antiperforation layer underneath the ventilation passages 15 at the heel portion of the sole 10 ensures lateral breathability in the region of the user’s heel and in some cases as far as the zone of the instep or at least the flexion zone.

[0064] In fact, the second element 34 of the anti-perforation layer 30, since it is positioned at the forefoot portion of the upper 20, separated from the sole 10, is able to follow the walking movements of the user of the safety footwear 100.

[0065] Moreover, the second element 34 of the anti-perforation layer associated with the upper 20 ensures the maximum flexibility of the safety footwear 100 and may be easily used both on products made by means of direct injection of the sole and in products with a sole which is glued to the upper, referred to as “lasting products”.

[0066] Preferably, and as shown in Figures 3 and 4, a front section 32a of the first element 32 of the anti-perforation layer 30 and a rear section 34a of the second element 34 of the anti-perforation layer 30 are superimposed along a length L, at least at the zone of the instep of the foot. This advantageously ensures, as mentioned above, the total protection also in any discontinuous zones between the first element 32 and the second element 34 of the anti-perforation layer 30, ensuring at the same time passing of the tests according to the standard EN ISO 20345. In other words, a sharp body which perforates the sole may be blocked either by the first element 32 or by the second element 34, or by both the elements 32, 34 in the superimposed zone, but there is no risk of it being able to pass between the two elements 32, 34.

[0067] With reference again to Figures 1 , 3 and 4, the sole 10 comprises preferably a tread 11 and a midsole 13, the tread 11 being positioned at the bottom surface 14 of the sole 10 and the midsole 13 occupying the volume delimited by the top surface 12 and the side surface 16 of the sole 10.

[0068] Preferably, the tread 11 is made of styrene-butadiene-styrene rubber (SBS), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), nitrile rubber or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The midsole 13 is preferably made of polymer foam materials, for example expanded polyurethane (PU) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

[0069] Advantageously, the top surface of the tread 11 may be provided with protuberances (not visible in the figures) suitable for favouring alignment of the tread 11 with the midsole 13 or with other components of the sole 10, during assembly of the sole itself.

[0070] In a sole 10 provided with tread 11 and midsole 13, the ventilation passages 15, when present, are preferably provided at the heel portion of the midsole 13.

[0071] As shown in detail in Figure 5, each ventilation passage 15 preferably comprises a traverse channel 15a and a vertical channel 15b, which is open at the top. The transverse channel 15a connects opposite openings 17 provided in the side surface 16 of the sole 10. The vertical channel 15b open at the top extends from the transverse channel 15a to the top surface 12 of the sole 10.

[0072] Advantageously, the transverse channel 15a and the vertical channel 15b of each ventilation passage 15 intersect each other close to the top surface 12 of the sole 10 and therefore close to the bottom portion or insole 22 of the upper 20.

[0073] Preferably, the sole 10 is made of a flexible material. As a result, during the walking movement, under the pressure of the foot of the user of the safety footwear 100, the transverse channel 15a and the vertical channel 15b of each ventilation passage 15 may contract and expand, so as to allow circulation of the air inside them.

[0074] Advantageously, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the safety footwear 100 comprises an additional protective layer 40, which is arranged on the top surface 12 of the sole 10 at the heel portion.

[0075] In the case where the sole 10 is provided with ventilation passages 15, the additional protective layer 40 is arranged so as to close the vertical channel 15b, open at the top, of each ventilation passage 15.

[0076] Preferably, the additional protective layer 40 is made using a protective mesh material. This protective mesh material allows the air to pass though and at the same time prevents small objects, which may penetrate inside the ventilation passages 15, from damaging during the walking movement the rear bottom portion 22 of the upper 20 of the safety footwear 100.

[0077] Alternatively, the additional protective layer 40 may consist of an impermeable / breathable membrane. This membrane prevents the infiltration of water inside the upper 20 of the safety footwear 100, through the ventilation passages 15 if, for example, the user steps into a puddle. At the same time, the membrane, since it is also breathable, allows water vapour to pass through so as to maintain the breathability provided by the ventilation passages 15.

[0078] In a further embodiment, not shown in the attached figures, the additional protective layer 40 may comprise a protective mesh material and an impermeable / breathable membrane, the latter being preferably positioned above the protective mesh material.

[0079] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the safety footwear 100 comprises a heel insert 18, shown in Figures 1 , 3 and 4.

[0080] Said insert 18 may be made as one piece with the sole 10 or may be incorporated in the sole 10 as an element separate from the other parts thereof. In this embodiment, the insert 18 is preferably arranged at the midsole.

[0081] The heel insert 18 is shaped anatomically so as to surround the heel of the user of the safety footwear.

[0082] The top surface of the heel insert 18 is intended preferably to abut against the insole of the upper 20.

[0083] Preferably, in the case where the heel insert 18 is made as one piece with the midsole or is an element separate from the other parts of the sole, the ventilation passages 15 of the sole 10, where envisaged, are provided in the heel insert 18. In this case, the openings 17 of each ventilation passage 15 are therefore provided at the side surfaces of the heel insert 18 and the vertical channel 15b, open at the top, of each ventilation channel extends from the respective transverse channel 15a to the top surface of the heel insert 18.

[0084] The heel insert 18 is preferably made using a polymer material which may be advantageously different from that of the remaining portion of the sole 10 or the midsole 13. Preferably, the heel insert 18 is made using a material, for example nylon, polyurethane or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which is more rigid than that of the remaining part of the sole.

[0085] In the embodiment in which the sole comprises a midsole, a heel insert and a separate tread, preferably the first element 32 of the anti-perforation layer 30 is arranged between the heel insert 18 and the tread 11 so as to be completely incorporated in the material of the midsole 13. In this way a cushioning effect may be provided at the heel portion of the sole.

[0086] As already mentioned, the present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the safety footwear 100.

[0087] The method comprising the following steps:

[0088] - arranging the anti-perforation layer 30 in the form of two separate elements 32, 34;

[0089] - applying a first element 32 of the anti-perforation layer 30 at a heel portion of the sole 10, close to the bottom surface 14;

[0090] - applying a second element 34 of the anti-perforation layer 30 underneath the upper 20, at a forefoot portion of the upper 20; and - joining together the sole 10 and the upper 20 so that the first element 32 and the second element 34 of the anti-perforation layer 30 protect the bottom part of the entire foot of the user.

[0091] Preferably, the first element 32 of the anti-perforation layer is applied between the bottom surface 14 of the sole 10 and at least one ventilation passage 15 formed in the sole 10 and intended to put in fluid communication the side surface 18 and the top surface 12 of the sole 10.

[0092] Preferably, the step of joining together the sole 10 and upper 20 is performed by means of direct injection-moulding of the sole 10 onto the upper 20.

[0093] Alternatively, the step of joining together the sole 10 and the upper 20 may be performed by gluing together the sole 10 and the upper 20.

[0094] The step of applying the first element 32 of the anti-perforation layer 30 at the heel portion of the sole 10 of the safety footwear 100 may be performed by means of direct injection-moulding.

[0095] In particular said step may comprise the following operations:

[0096] - arranging a sole 10 comprising the tread 11 and the midsole 13; the tread 11 being intended to be positioned at the bottom surface 14 of the sole 10 and the midsole 13 being intended to occupy the volume delimited by the top surface 12 and the side surface 16 of the sole 10;

[0097] - a first moulding step of the tread 11 ;

[0098] - a step of loading the first element 32 of the anti-perforation layer 30 on top of the moulded tread 11 ; and

[0099] - a second moulding step wherein the midsole 13 is injected on top of the assembly formed by the tread 11 and by the first element 32 of the anti- perforation layer 30.

[0100] As an alternative to the direct injection-moulding step, the first element 32 of the anti-perforation layer 30 may be applied at the heel portion of the sole 10 of the safety footwear 100 by means of gluing.

[0101] In the case where the sole comprises a tread and a midsole separated from each other, the first element 32 of the anti-perforation layer 30 may be glued inside a seat formed in the midsole 13 and / or in the tread 11 .

[0102] The step of applying the second element 34 of the anti-perforation layer 30 to the bottom portion of the upper 20 of the safety footwear 100 may be performed by means of a Strobel construction operation, in which the second element 34 is stitched together with the upper 20 and / or with an inner lining of the footwear 100, not visible in the attached figures.

[0103] The method also comprises a step of arranging a mounting element 22 at a heel portion of the upper 20 so as to form together with the second element 34 of the anti-perforation layer 30 an insole of the upper 20.

[0104] Preferably, the mounting element 22 of the upper 20 is arranged at a heel portion of the upper by means of a Strobel construction operation.

[0105] At this point it is clear how the predefined objects may be obtained with the safety footwear 100 and the method according to the invention.

[0106] In fact, the construction of the anti-perforation layer as two separate portions ensures that the safety footwear is more comfortable and has a better performance. Moreover, it is possible to extend the first element of the anti-perforation layer, namely the portion arranged in the sole, so as to increase the number of ventilation holes arranged in the midsole and so increase the breathability of the safety footwear. In fact, the safety footwear in accordance with the present invention is provided with ventilation passages able to ensure an improved ventilation of the user’s foot without influencing the comfort of the sole and level of protection against perforations which may affect the wearer of the footwear. Moreover, with the method according to the invention it is possible to obtain safety footwear in which the materials used to make the sole may be varied, thus making it more flexible.

[0107] It is possible, in fact, to use materials with a limited hardness for the midsole, without this affecting the footwear assembly procedure.

[0108] With reference to the embodiments of the safety footwear 100 and the method described above, the person skilled in the art may, in order to satisfy specific requests, make modifications to and / or replace elements described with equivalent elements, without departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims.

Claims

Claims1. Safety footwear (100) comprising a sole (10), an upper (20) and an antiperforation layer (30), wherein the sole (10) comprises a top surface (12), intended to support the foot of the user, a bottom surface (14), intended to make contact with the ground, and a side surface (16), intended to connect together the top surface (12) and the bottom surface (14), the safety footwear (100) being characterized in that the anti-perforation layer (30) comprises two separate elements (32, 34); a first element (32), arranged at a heel portion of the sole (10), close to the bottom surface (14), and a second element (34), arranged underneath the upper (20), at a forefoot portion of the upper (20), wherein the first element (32) and the second element (34) of the anti-perforation layer (30) are such as to protect the bottom part of the entire foot of the user.

2. Safety footwear (100) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that a front section (32a) of the first element (32) of the anti-perforation layer (30) and a rear section (34a) of the second element (34) of the anti-perforation layer (30) are superimposed on each other.

3. Safety footwear (100) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the heel portion of the upper (20) is closed at a rear bottom surface by a mounting element (22) which forms, together with the second element (34) of the anti-perforation layer (30), an insole of the upper (20).

4. Safety footwear (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one ventilation passage (15) intended to establish fluid communication between the side surface (16) and the top surface (12) of the sole (10) is formed in the sole (10).

5. Safety footwear (100) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the at least one ventilation passage (15) is intended to put the side surface (16) and the top surface (12) of the sole (10) in fluid communication with the inside of the upper (20) at the heel portion of the sole (10).

6. Safety footwear (100) according to any one of Claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the sole (10) comprises a heel insert (18), wherein the at least one ventilation passage (15) is provided in the heel insert (18).

7. Safety footwear (100) according to any one of Claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the at least one ventilation passage (15) comprises a transverse channel (15a), which connects opposite openings (17) provided at the side surface (16) of the sole (10), and a vertical channel (15b), open at the top, which extends from the transverse channel (15a) to the top surface (12) of the sole (10).

8. Safety footwear (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sole (10) comprises a tread (11 ) and a midsole (13); the tread (11 ) being positioned at the bottom surface (14) of the sole (10) and the midsole (13) occupying the volume delimited by the top surface (12) and the side surface (16) of the sole (10).

9. Safety footwear (100) according to Claim 7, characterized by further comprising an additional protective layer (40) which is arranged on the top surface (12) of the sole (10), at the heel portion, so as to close the vertical channel (15b), open at the top, of the at least one ventilation passage (15).

10. Safety footwear (100) according to Claim 9, characterized in that the additional protective layer (40) is a protective mesh material or an impermeable / breathable membrane or a combination of the two.

11. Safety footwear (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first element (32) and the second element (34) of the anti-perforation layer (30) are formed by woven and non-woven textile materials.

12. Method for manufacturing safety footwear (100), wherein the safety footwear (100) comprises a sole (10), an upper (20) and an anti-perforation layer (30), wherein the sole (10) comprises a top surface (12), intended to support the foot of the user, a bottom surface (14), intended to make contact with the ground, and a side surface (16), intended to connect together the top surface (12) and the bottom surface (14), the method comprising the following steps:- arranging the anti-perforation layer (30) in the form of two separate elements (32, 34);- applying a first element (32) of the anti-perforation layer (30) at a heel portion of the sole (10), close to the bottom surface (14);- applying a second element (34) of the anti-perforation layer (30) underneath the upper (20), at a forefoot portion of the upper (20); and- joining together the sole (10) and the upper (20) so that the first element (32) and the second element (34) of the anti-perforation layer (30) protect the bottom part of the entire foot of the user.

13. Method according to Claim 12, wherein the first element (32) of the antiperforation layer is applied between the bottom surface (14) of the sole (10) and at least one ventilation passage (15) formed in the sole (10) and intended to put in fluid communication the side surface (16) and the top surface (12) of the sole (10).

14. Method according to Claim 12, wherein the step of joining together the sole (10) and upper (20) is performed by means of direct injection-moulding of the sole (10) onto the upper (20).

15. Method according to Claim 12, wherein the step of joining together the sole (10) and upper (20) is performed by gluing together the sole (10) and the upper (20).

16. Method according to Claim 12, wherein the step of applying the first element (32) of the anti-perforation layer (30) at the heel portion of the sole(10) of the safety footwear (100) is performed by means of direct injectionmoulding and comprises the following operations:- arranging a sole (10) comprising a tread (11 ) and a midsole (13); the tread(11 ) being intended to be positioned at the bottom surface (14) of the sole (10) and the midsole (13) being intended to occupy the volume delimited by the top surface (12) and the side surface (16) of the sole (10);- a first moulding step of the tread (11 );- a step of loading the first element (32) of the anti-perforation layer (30) on top of the moulded tread (11 ); and- a second moulding step wherein the midsole (13) is injected on top of the assembly formed by the tread (11 ) and by the first element (32) of the antiperforation layer (30).

17. Method according to Claim 12, wherein the step of applying the first element (32) of the anti-perforation layer (30) at the heel portion of the sole (10) of the safety footwear (100) is performed by means of gluing and comprises the following operations:- arranging a sole (10) comprising a tread (11 ) and a midsole (13); the tread(11 ) being intended to be positioned at the bottom surface (14) of the sole (10) and the midsole (13) being intended to occupy the volume delimited by the top surface (12) and the side surface (16) of the sole (10);- gluing the first element (32) of the anti-perforation layer (30) inside a seat formed in the midsole (13) and / or in the tread (11 ).

18. Method according to Claim 12, wherein the step of applying the second element (34) of the anti-perforation layer underneath the upper (20) is performed by means of a Strobel construction operation, in which the second element (34) is stitched together with the upper (20) and / or with an inner lining of the footwear (100).

19. Method according to any one of Claims 12 to 18, further comprising a step of arranging a mounting element (22) at a heel portion of the upper (20) so as to form together with the second element (34) of the antiperforation layer (30) an insole of the upper (20), wherein said step is preferably performed by means of a Strobel construction operation.

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