Polyurethane Footwear in Outdoor Activities

Properties of Polyurethane Shoes in Outdoor Activities Those seeking to isolate themselves from city life and take a breath have increasingly turned to camping in recent times. Particularly with the pandemic, people unwilling to be in crowded spaces and viewing hotel stays as risky have preferred camping. It is a fact that being close to nature relaxes people, renews their energy, and allows them to decompress. The finest aspect of camping is that you can stay wherever you wish. You can pitch your tent either in a location surrounded by large trees or on a hillside overlooking the sea. Camping reminds people that nature provides them with everything they need to live. This awareness shows how small the problems that cause us stress in daily life, sometimes even making us feel as though our lives have ended, truly are. Camping has become an increasingly rising trend in recent years. There are numerous camping routes available both globally and in Turkey. Of course, to adapt to these routes, it is necessary to have certain equipment. For this reason, along with the rise in camping, the sales of camping gear and outdoor equipment are rising. Just as the tent, chair, and mat used while camping are important, dressing appropriately for every condition that nature presents is equally important. Shoes worn in nature must be durable enough to withstand harsh conditions. Polyurethane, frequently used in sports shoes and outdoor shoes, offers numerous advantages. Polyurethane soles providing properties such as comfort, flexibility, durability, and wear resistance are commonly preferred in the footwear sector. Thanks to these advantages, they are also used by people who go camping.

Polyurethane-Based Shoes

Polyurethane sole is obtained as a result of sponging plastic. The interiors of these soles have a porous and spongy structure, and the base material is shaped through a molding process called "reaction injection molding." Polyurethane soles are very lightweight and can be used in thick-structured or padded soles. Polyurethane shoe soles can be utilized in many fields such as work shoes, sports shoes, and outdoor shoes due to the advantages they provide. Polyurethane soles, possessing mechanical properties created through chemical processing, have high durability and are ideal for producing colorful models.

High Flexibility

Polyurethane soles provide high flexibility. Because they are flexible, they easily adapt to the foot and provide comfort. These shoes are highly suitable for use during exercise. In activities requiring significant movement and actions requiring prolonged standing, polyurethane-based shoes can be preferred.

Breathable Material

Polyurethane is a breathable material. For this reason, when used in soles, it does not cause sweating and is suitable for use in hot weather. Due to its breathability, it can minimize bacterial formation and protect foot health. However, it does not prevent odor formation.

Abrasion Resistance

Among the properties polyurethane materials provide to shoes, one of the most important is high abrasion resistance. Polyurethane shows high resistance to impacts such as crushing and striking, and therefore resists wear well. For example, it can be used in harsh natural conditions, during nature hikes and climbing.

Slip Resistance

One of the highest advantages that using a shoe with polyurethane in camping can provide is high slip resistance. One of the most important features a shoe should have on challenging hiking routes is that the sole sits well on the ground and does not slip. Because polyurethane has high slip resistance, it can easily adapt to these challenging routes.

Longevity

Another advantage provided by polyurethane shoes is that they do not age quickly. Running shoes using polyurethane as a midsole were subjected to durability testing, and the results of these tests confirmed that they age more slowly. For this reason, they have longer periods of use [2].

Conclusion

The advantages offered by the shoes we wear affect our comfort and health. Particularly if a form of accommodation such as camping that brings one close to nature is to be chosen, it is important that the shoes we wear adapt to harsh natural conditions. The materials used in shoe sole production determine the characteristics of the shoe. The use of polyurethane in shoe sole production provides the properties mentioned above. Because of these advantages and the fact that it offers low-cost production, polyurethane is frequently used by manufacturers in the footwear sector. Those interested in outdoor sports and people planning to camp can choose shoes manufactured using polyurethane soles, taking into account the advantages they offer. References 1. Rubber Use in Shoe Soles - Nurettin Akçakale 2. Polyurethane-foam midsoles in running shoes - impact energy and damping – Karoline Brückner, Stephan Odenwald, Stefan Schwanitz, Jens Heidenfelder, Thomas Milani 3. Examination of Technical Textiles Use in Sports Branches – Kadri Akçalı 4. Most Preferred Shoe Soles and Their Properties – Serdar Yeşil 5.https://acikders.ankara.edu.tr/pluginfile.php/135599/mod_resource/content/1/6%20HAFTA.pdf 6. https://www.turkfirmarehberi.com/tanitici-reklam/poliuretan-ayakkabi-taban-ozellikleri-nedir

Prepared by: Nilsu Kotil