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Boots can be produced entirely from PU in a simple
process by using one density for the main body of the boot
and another for the sole or, alternatively, a more abrasion
resistant TPU for the sole. This multi-functional ability has
opened new possibilities for boot producers to widen their
ranges and at the same time reduce manufacturing costs. In
addition to all the well known benefits of PU, such as
comfort and lightness, there is greater scope for innovative
design.
ADVANTAGES
PU wellington boots have become very popular for
industrial applications where the wearer has to spend up to
eight hours a day in them. It is therefore a great benefit to all
concerned if the standard of comfort can be raised without
reducing safety standards. PU boots do this in several ways.
To begin with, they are much lighter than either PVC or
rubber boots. Polyurethane also has excellent thermal
properties enabling the boots to be worn in a much wider
range of environments; for instance, they are particularly
effective in cold conditions as they can be worn in
temperatures down to –30° C.
Then there is the question of safety and, as with the
shoes for hotel employees, the most important factor is once
again slip resistance, in this case due to the necessity of
wearing them in wet conditions. The combination of a
correctly formulated PU and a good tread pattern on the
outsole will give excellent results, particularly if the latter is
designed so that any dirt and mud comes away quickly and
easily. Finally, there is the question of colour for which, as
we have already stated in this article, there is now no limit.
BASF Polyurethanes has been successfully involved in
the production of wellington boots in Europe for about 10
years now, working with companies such as Bekina in
Belgium and Sievin Jalkine in Finland. The market for this
type of boot has grown strongly of late in other regions as
well, albeit with a decisive difference. The new generation of
boots now in use across the world does not use any rubber
at all, a fundamental change that is mainly due to the
Elastopan PU system having demonstrated indisputable
advantages over rubber as a material of choice.
RUBBER GETS THE BOOT
Elastopan is available in two different variants for this
type of production: a polyester version for safety boots and a
polyether one for leisure boots. By optimising the basic
system in this manner, BASF has made itself the world’s
leading supplier of raw material in this sector of the
footwear market. As remarked, because this new generation
of boots can be made either entirely from PU or combined
with other materials such as TPU or rubber for the outsole,
the company scores all ways. By constantly developing new
ways to improve quality and performance, Elastopan has
created a serious challenge to rubber’s supremacy.
Summer or winter, in fields, stables, on construction
sites or on other wet or muddy surfaces, boots made from
Elastopan have proved extremely successful. To begin
with, they are up to 40% lighter than rubber boots and are
also up to three times more durable. They are cool in
summer but warm and soft in winter, very comfortable and
extremely slip resistant. At the same time, they are also
proof against oil, grease and fertiliser as one would expect
a top-quality work boot to be. In fact, as regards the best
material for this type of footwear, the boot is now very
much on the other foot.
WORLD FOOTWEAR
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
26
Shoes in the PRO range also have moulded Elastopan
inserts for extra comfort during a long working day.
IMAGE: TIMBERLAND
Moulded Polyurethane Insole
Inverted Cone System
Geometric Design