Abstract

Men’s shoes made with uppers of different materials, i.e. leather and non-leather, were rapidly dissected together with the accompanying nylon hose after a period of wear. The components were weighed immediately and re-weighed after a reconditioning period. The quantity of sweat moisture absorbed and retained by each component during the wear period has thus been found. The results show the distribution of moisture retained by the different regions of the shoe and hose and also the effect of the type of upper material on the quantity and distribution of the retained moisture. The effect of the water vapour permeability of the shoe upper material on the moisture retention in most regions of the shoe and hose is confirmed. The results of the water vapour permeability/absorption (P.A.) laboratory test, designed to simulate the conditions in and around a shoe in wear, are reviewed in the light of the measured moisture retention in wear. Recommendations are made concerning modifications to the counter, toe puff and insole of the shoe to reduce the moisture retention in those regions of the shoe and hose where it is greatest.