W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Kathleen R Driskill

Robert L Henn

Jean Norvell

An article of waterproof footwear and its method of manufacture are disclosed. The article of waterproof footwear has an upper containing a water-impermeable layer. The distal edge of the upper has a polymeric binding covering the distal edge and the inside and outside surfaces of the upper adjacent to the distal edge. The polymeric binding seals to a waterproof insole thereby effectively waterproofing the upper of the footwear. An outer sole is attached to the upper thereby forming the waterproof footwear. The method of manufacture allows production of a waterproof upper and the attachment to the upper of an outer sole, thereby forming the waterproof footwear of the invention.

Waterproof footwear

A laminate is provided that comprises flexible moisture permeable adherends and a moisture permeable adhesive. The laminate has good moisture transmitting characteristics with good bond strength. The laminate finds utility in functional applications such as shoes. A particular group of laminates are provided that provide for both waterproof characteristics and breathability.

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Townsend, DE, United States of America

Kathleen R Driskill