Biophysical Evaluation of Footwear for Cold-Weather Climates.

Abstract

Proper selection of footwear for cold-wet environments is important in determining individual performance and comfort. Results based on testing only total dry insulation (I sub t) are not an adequate basis for boot selection. In this study, regional insulation values were obtained under dry conditions, then during a soak in shallow water and finally for insulation recovery after removal from water. Results for seven boots show no advantage for new synthetic materials during short soak episodes. Insulated leather-synthetic boots recover to dry insulation levels more rapidly than more traditional insulated leather boots. Rubber waterproof bottoms were the most effective boot construction for retaining insulation levels during water exposure. The study demonstrates an effective method for evaluating the effects of surface moisture on boot insulation. This method should lead to more knowledgeable selection of footwear for cold-wet climates. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 09, 1986
Accession Number
ADA174863

Entities

People

  • William R. Santee

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Classification
  • Climate
  • Clothing
  • Environment
  • Fluoropolymers
  • Footwear
  • Heat Loss
  • Materials
  • Military Research
  • Security
  • Shallow Water
  • Standards
  • Synthetic Materials
  • Temperature Gradients
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Methods

Readers

  • Materials Science
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Microelectronics