Abstract

A previous publication described cycling tests on a number of poromerics and leathers extended to 2%—the degree of extensions an upper would have to be able to achieve in order to accommodate the foot. This report describes results of cycling tests on leathers at 5% extensions, and also examines the effects of a 15% linear set on the results. The main points to note are:

1. Lasting increases the inherent strain in the “grain” layer and makes stretching above the 2% region relatively difficult.

2. Several tensile comfort factors which adversely affect comfort are practically eliminated when 10% moisture is applied. Thus if a shoe is comfortable when first tried on, it most likely will be comfortable during wear.

3. It may be possible to assess comfort in terms of three mechanical parameters and represent the degree of comfort on a three-dimensional chart. Materials can then be judged according to how closely they approach the “ideal” comfort position.

4. A brief review of the aims and current status of this project is given and its relation to other projects, particularly the question of how important comfort is to the consumer. Is comfort his main priority when buying a shoe, if not what is his priority in a given area for a given income group? This “consumer” project should help to classify the market and characteristic consumer behaviour and attitudes thus orientating research and manufacture in the direction which will meet consumer needs.