Breathable, impermeable and odourless lining for orthopaedic footwear application

Abstract

Is has been recognized that the breathability and impermeability of the shoes lining play a crucial role on the performance and comfort of footwear. The main goal of this work is to study the application and behaviour new materials and new finishing to improve comfort in orthopaedic footwear associated with orthosis. This desideratum is reached through the selection and application of advanced materials, such as, breathable membranes and fabric finished with anti-fungal and anti-bacteria treatments. In this study, water vapour permeability was evaluated to determine the water vapour transport property produced by skin transpiration. Furthermore, a new lining with hydrophilic breathable membrane and anti-odour finishing has been developed and tested. Water vapour permeability of the new lining was compared with other conventional materials. From the obtained results, it can be drawn that the application of membranes with weave fabric by lamination decreases the breathability of material. The possibility to use fabrics with anti-odour finishing’s, laminated with a hydrophilic breathable membrane, for lining proposes has been demonstrated.