Abstract

A mathematical model of the non-stationary non-isothermal microclimate inside the worn shoe was developed on the basis of the balance of moisture and heat transport in the system foot—shoe—surroundings. The solution of the model formed by a set of two partial differential equations and pertinent boundary and initial conditions was performed by use of the Laplace transformation. On the basis of the knowledge of a number of material and process parameters, the time dependences of humidity and temperature inside the shoe were calculated. The theoretical predictions agree well with experimental data. The natural material (side leather) has proved to be better than microporous synthetics with which a favourable influence of the increased humidity sorption was observed for short-time wear, i.e. up to 4 h. The model can be used both for the prediction of the microclimate inside particular shoes and for comparison of footwear made from different materials.