Technical Field

The present invention relates to a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe, provided predominantly by means of the working method known as "AGO lasting" .

Background art

It is known that the comfort of a shoe is tied not only to its anatomically fitting properties but also to the capacity to dissipate outward the water vapor that forms insides the shoe due to perspiration.

For this reason, waterproof shoes with an upper coupled with a lining that is laminated with a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane have been known for years.

The expression "waterproof and vapor-permeable" generally refers to the characteristic of tightness to water in the liquid state combined with permeability to water vapor.

The part of the foot that notoriously has the greatest perspiration effect is the sole of the foot; the sweat that it produces saturates the air with moisture and mostly condenses, stagnating on the insock.

Only a marginal amount of the moisture produced by perspiration spreads to the sides of the upper and exits from them if they are vapor- permeable.

In order to allow easy dissipation of the sweat that tends to accumulate in the plantar region, shoes are currently known with different type of soles made of rubber which are impermeable to water in the liquid state and permeable to water vapor and are obtained by using a vapor- permeable and waterproof membrane sealed to the body of the sole so as to cover through openings thereof.

The working method usually called "AGO lasting" has already been known for a long time in the shoe industry and entails, with an operation called lasting, pulling the top assembly over the last, folding back its lower edges, known as lasting margins, below an insole to which they are perimetrically glued in order to be interposed partially between the insole and the sole that will be assembled thereon.

The assembly of the sole consists in joining the sole to the upper part of the shoe, by gluing or direct injection in a mold.

The "AGO lasting" working method is generally used for shoes of the type classified as classic or elegant.

Stretching the upper and the lining on the last, in fact, allows to make them adhere thereto precisely, obtaining an effective shaping.

The assembly insole is made of a material that is flexible but structured enough not to be deformed because of the effect of the traction applied thereto by the lasting margins which are glued to it during lasting.

Nowadays it is known that even when the top assembly has a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane interlaid between the outer layer of the upper and the inside lining without further refinements, an almost complete lack of waterproofness occurs.

In fact, the "AGO lasting" working method, as is performed currently, allows the penetration of water into the shoe through the outer layer of the upper and through the assembly insole.

A need that is particularly felt in the production of shoes with waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane, in the top assembly, consists in obtaining an effective seal of the joining regions between the assembly insole, the lining with membrane, the outer layer of the upper and the sole, in order to avoid even the slightest water infiltration from outside.

The sealing of the sole to said membrane is, in fact, particularly difficult, because in the "AGO lasting" working method the bottom of the shoe is not smooth and flat, as for example in the case of a "Strobel" working method in which the edges of the insole are sewn to the edges of the upper or of the laminated lining with the membrane, but the lasting margins of the upper are superimposed on the assembly insole, creating irregularities along its perimeter.

In particular, the creases that form as a consequence of the assembly of the toe and the heel of the upper on the assembly insole constitute true channels for water infiltration.

On the other hand, it is not possible to remove these protrusions by way of the common operation of roughing the upper with steel brushes, because this operation might damage the waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane interlaid between the upper and the lining.

For this reason, as disclosed for example in W09316612, shoes that have a waterproof and vapor-permeable insole that comprises a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane, to which the lasting margins of a lining with a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane are associated by means of a first lasting operation, have now been studied for years.

The joining region between the lining with membrane and the insole is sealed by means of a waterproof sealing tape.

The lasting margins of the outer layer of the upper are then associated, by means of a second lasting operation, with the waterproof and vapor-permeable insole.

The execution is not without aspects that can be perfected, since the water absorbed by the outer layer of the upper and wicked inside may stagnate below the waterproof insole.

Moreover, this construction suffers a further drawback if a sole with openings is used, because the water might enter from said openings and wet the lasting margins of the upper, soaking it and then rising toward the foot insertion region.

Moreover, the use of a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane that covers the entire surface of the insole, when the vapor-permeable surface of the sole instead does not extend along its entire longitudinal direction, is useless and very expensive.

An alternative to the use of a waterproof and vapor-permeable insole is disclosed in US 5,426,869, in which a waterproof layer with gasket functions is provided by a non-woven fabric made of polyester covered uniformly on one face by an adhesive layer based on polycaprolactone. Such waterproof gasket is used in order to fill the area comprised transversely between the lasting margins of the lining or of the upper, if they are waterproof and vapor-permeable, and constitutes a waterproof layer between the insole and the sole.

Since the gasket is made of waterproof and non- vapor permeable material, this construction is unsuitable with a sole made of rubber that is rendered impermeable to water in the liquid state and permeable to water vapor by means of open regions or perforated regions covered and sealed with a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane.

Moreover, if the gasket is pierced at the vapor-permeable region of the sole, in order to allow the outflow of the water vapor generated by perspiration, the lasting margins of the outer layer of the upper would drag water into the shoe and such water would migrate on the insole indeed through the holes in the gasket.

An alternative to these solutions is to use a lining with a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane that is closed like a sock, so as to completely wrap around the foot.

An insole is applied to the bottom of the sock and the lasting margins of the outer layer of the upper are folded back and glued perimetrically thereon.

The sock-like lining comprises an opening for the foot and is generally defined by two lateral portions and a lower portion, which are joined by means of zigzag and/or Strobel seams and sealed by means of a waterproof sealing tape.

It is well-known that this production method is very complex and delicate.

Moreover, a precise shaping of the sock closed by means of seams and not by lasting on a last is difficult to obtain, both due to the difficulty in preparing the several components that have to be cut and sewn with accurate precision and due to the difficulty in obtaining a correct tension, without creases, between the upper and the lining.

In fact, indeed because of the fact that during the stitching of the lining the last is not used, the lining itself tends to wrinkle during the lasting of the upper, contrary to what happens instead when the AGO lasting working method is used which allows to obtain an upper and a lining which are correctly formed, stretched and smooth.

Disclosure of the invention

The aim of the present invention is to provide a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe that allows to prevent the infiltration of water between the assembly insole and sole, being structurally easier than currently known waterproof and vapor-permeable shoes.

Within this aim, an object of the invention is to devise a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe provided predominantly according to the method known as "AGO lasting" that has an effective and durable seal of the assembly insole made of waterproof material, which has at least one vapor- permeable or perforated portion, to the sole.

Another object of the invention is to provide a waterproof and vapor- permeable shoe that is effectively and durably waterproof and at the same time effectively vapor-permeable through its upper and through its sole and has a waterproof sealing structure that is simple and easy to provide.

Yet another object of the invention is to devise a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe that is structurally simple and comfortable in use and can be manufactured with relatively low costs.

This aim, and these and other objects that will become better apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe, characterized in that it comprises

- a sole, which has a vapor permeation region,

- an assembly insole, made of waterproof material, which has at least one vapor-permeable or perforated portion above said vapor permeation region which, once assembled, it covers,

- a top assembly, which at least comprises a vapor-permeable lining, a vapor-permeable upper, and a waterproof and vapor-permeable upper membrane between them, said top assembly being associated with said assembly insole, at least predominantly according to the working method known as "AGO lasting",

a region being provided for the waterproof sealing of said assembly insole to said sole, said sealing region further substantially surrounding said vapor- permeable or perforated portion which is free for vapor permeation.

Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of preferred but not exclusive embodiments of the shoe according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figures 1, 2, 3a, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 are a simplified diagram of a detail, shown in cross-section, of a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe provided in different embodiments, according to the invention;

Figure 3b is a separate sectional detail view of a component, illustrated in Figure 3a, of a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe, according to the invention;

Figure 9 is an exploded sectional view of a diagram of a portion of a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe according to the invention;

Figures 11 , 12 and 13 are sectional views of soles of waterproof and vapor-permeable shoes provided according to the invention in different embodiments.

It is noted that anything found to be already known during the patenting process is understood not to be claimed and to be the subject of a disclaimer.

Ways of carrying out the invention

With reference to the figures, a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe is generally designated by the reference numeral 10 and has a particular characteristic in that it comprises

- a sole 11 or 111, which has a vapor permeation region 12 or 112,

- an assembly insole 13, made of waterproof material, which has at least one vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14 above the vapor permeation region 12, 112 which, once assembled, it covers,

- a top assembly 15, which at least comprises a vapor-permeable lining 16, a vapor-permeable upper 17, and a waterproof and vapor- permeable upper membrane 18 between them, the top assembly 15 being associated with the assembly insole 13, at least predominantly according to the working method known as "AGO lasting".

Moreover, a sealing region A is provided at which the assembly insole 13 is sealed in a waterproof manner to the sole 11 or 111, the sealing region A further substantially surrounding the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14 which remains free for vapor permeation.

Advantageously,

- the upper 17 is made of leather or vapor-permeable fabric, and

- the upper membrane 18 is of the type of commonly commercially available waterproof and vapor-permeable membranes, made for example of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, e-PTFE, polyurethane, PU, or the like, and a mesh is conveniently associated with it and reinforces it.

In order to further reinforce the lower rim 18a of the upper membrane 18 it can be advantageous to apply, directly on the lower rim 18a, a waterproof reinforcing element, not shown in the figures, for example a thermo-adhesive tape, preferably of the elastic type, made of synthetic material, such as for example polyurethane. A particularly suitable tape for providing said waterproof reinforcement element is proposed commercially by the firm TecnoGI with a weight of 120-250 g/m ² .

Moreover, the assembly insole 13 is conveniently reinforced in the plantar arch and in the heel with a shank made of leather, plastic material or metal for greater support and resistance to torsion of the shoe.

The waterproof region useful for the sealing of the sole 11 to the assembly insole 13 is constituted by the waterproof region of the assembly insole 13 left free by the lasting margins of the top assembly 15 and external to the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14.

Moreover, the waterproof region useful for sealing the sole 11 to the top assembly 15 and the top assembly 15 to the assembly insole 13 extends perimetrically so as to surround the vapor permeation region 12 of the sole 11 and the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14 of the assembly insole 13.

If the vapor permeation region 12 extends along the entire longitudinal extension of the sole 11, then the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14 preferably extends along the entire corresponding surface of the assembly insole 13.

In alternative variations, not shown in the accompanying figures, the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14 is advantageously defined by one or more localized regions of the assembly insole 13, when the vapor permeation region 12 is preset to affect corresponding localized regions of the sole 11.

In a first embodiment of a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe 10, according to the invention, advantageously the lower rim 18a of the upper membrane 18 and the lower edge 17a of the upper 17 are joined quite coincident and folded back and glued so as to form a seal, at least predominantly according to the working method known as "AGO lasting", under the perimetric edge 13a of the assembly insole 13, without the aid of nails or staples for fixing, which would compromise the waterproofness of the upper membrane 18.

In this embodiment, the upper membrane 18 is coupled to the upper 17, for example by means of thermo-adhesive glue spots so as to not compromise its vapor permeability.

Advantageously, the assembly insole 13 is made of waterproof polymeric material, the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14 having a plurality of holes 14a that pass through its thickness.

At the same time, the sole 11 has one or more large openings or a plurality of holes 12a which face the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14 and are hermetically covered by a waterproof and vapor-permeable insert 19, in order to allow the evacuation of vapor from the foot insertion region B, preventing however the rise of liquid toward this region.

The waterproof polymeric material of which the assembly insole 13 is made is conveniently polyurethane (PU) or polyethylene (PE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or the like.

Conveniently, the lasting margin composed of the joined lower edge 17a and lower rim 18a protrudes from the lower flap 16a of the lining 16 by approximately 10-15 mm.

The operation of lasting said lasting margin, which consists in folding back and gluing so as to form a seal, under the perimetric edge 13a of the assembly insole 13, the joined lower edge 17a and lower rim 18a, according to the working method known as "AGO lasting", is conveniently performed with a machine known as "lasting machine", in which the lasting pliers, however, have been flattened, i.e., they have been deprived of the clamping teeth or millings, so as to not tear the upper membrane 18.

The joining so as to form a seal between the upper membrane 18 of the top assembly 15 and the assembly insole 13 occurs conveniently by using ordinary adhesive used in lasting operations, such as of the thermoplastic type, polyurethane type or neoprene type, or any other equivalent type capable of ensuring an effective seal.

Depending on the requirements, the assembly insole 13 may be provided with a vapor-permeable layer that covers its face directed toward the foot insertion region B and constitutes a unit with it.

The waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe 10 conveniently is obtained by joining

- the sole 11 , by adhesive bonding or overmolding,

- to an upper assembly 20 obtained by associating the top assembly 15 and the assembly insole 13 with a "AGO lasting" working method.

The sole 11 is sealed in a waterproof manner to the upper assembly

20 at the sealing region A, which conveniently extends along the portion of the assembly insole 13 that is free from the lower rim 18a and does not affect the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14.

Preferably, the sealed connection between the sole 11 and the assembly insole 13 is direct

- by gripping of the material that constitutes the sole 11 on the assembly insole 13 or

- by adhesive bonding,

without the interposition of further elements or layers of material. With reference to Figure 2, in a variation of said first embodiment of a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe 10 the lower edge 17a is advantageously provided with a sealing element 21, which is joined quite coincident to the lower rim 18a of the upper membrane 18.

The lower rim 18a and the sealing element 21 are conveniently folded back and glued so as to form a seal, according to the working method known as "AGO lasting", under the perimetric edge 13a of the assembly insole 13.

Conveniently, the sealing element 21 extends from the lower edge 17a of the upper 17, to which it is joined by means of a zigzag seam, by approximately 8-12 mm. During the assembly of the waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe 10, the upper membrane 18 is associated with the upper 17 after its joining to the sealing element 21, so as to render the connection region waterproof.

Preferably, the sealing element 21 is thinner than the upper 17 and is made of lighter material than the upper 17, so as to limit the formation of creases that are created as a consequence of the assembly of the toe and heel of the upper 17 on the assembly insole 13.

In a first embodiment of the sealing element 21 , it is advantageously made of waterproof and heat-activated polymeric material that is made to adhere intimately so as to form a seal to the lower rim 18a and to the sole 11, mutually sealing them.

In particular, the sealing element 21 is made of waterproof thermo- adhesive material such as a hot-melt thermoplastic adhesive tape that is capable of melting and sealing to the upper membrane 18.

In a second and alternative embodiment of the sealing element 21, in a substantially equivalent manner, the element 21 is permeable to sealing material and is permeated by material for sealing the sole 11 to the assembly insole 13.

Said sealing material is selected between

- an adhesive, for the connection of the sole 11 to the upper assembly

20 when the sole 11 is preformed, in order to glue it to the upper assembly 20 by means of said adhesive,

- material for providing the sole 11, when it is formed, at least partially, by direct injection on the upper assembly 20.

Conveniently, in this second embodiment the sealing element 21 is provided by means of a mesh made of synthetic material which is knitted fabric, woven fabric or three-dimensional fabric and through which the passage of said sealing material is possible.

Preferably, the sealing element 21 is made of a monofilament material, so as not to drag water. Thus, the sole 11 seals directly to the upper membrane 18 by passing through the sealing element 21 or by fusing with it.

Moreover, the gluing margin of the upper 17, being provided by the sealing element 21, is thin with respect to the upper 17 and does not need roughing, since the upper 17 is substantially proximate to the edge of the last.

Another function of the sealing element 21 is to strengthen the lower rim 18a of the upper membrane 18 while allowing its sealing to the sole 11.

As an alternative, if lasting is performed manually, by using suitable pliers, then advantageously it is possible not to use said sealing element 21, without the risk of damaging the lower rim 18a of the upper membrane 18 during lasting.

Thus, the sole 11 adheres so as to form a seal directly to the upper membrane 18.

In this manner it is possible to avoid stagnation of water between the assembly insole 13 and the sole 11 and its wicking inside the shoe 10 by the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14 of the assembly insole 13.

In order to facilitate the waterproof sealing of the upper membrane 18 to the assembly insole 13, the lasting margin of the top assembly 15, formed by the joining of the lower edge 17a with the lower rim 18a, advantageously protrudes with respect to the lower flap 16a of the lining 16 approximately by 10-15 mm.

The sealed joining between said lasting margin and the assembly insole 13 occurs conveniently by using common adhesive used in lasting operations, such as of the thermoplastic type, polyurethane type or the type of synthetic rubbers based on polychloroprene, commonly known by the commercial name Neoprene, or any other equivalent capable of ensuring effective sealing.

With reference to Figures 3a and 3b, in a second embodiment of a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe 10, according to the invention, advantageously the lower flap 16a of the lining 16 and the lower rim 18a of the upper membrane 18 are joined conveniently quite coincident, the lower flap 16a being skived so as to expose the lower rim 18a, which, being exposed through the lower flap 16a, is folded back and glued so as to form a seal, at least predominantly according to the working method known as "AGO lasting", under the perimetric edge 13a of the assembly insole 13.

More particularly, in said second embodiment the upper membrane 18, optionally associated with a mesh, is laminated to the lining 16.

When the vapor permeation region 12 is arranged so as to extend along the entire longitudinal extension of the sole 11, then preferably the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14 extends along the entire corresponding surface of the assembly insole 13.

In alternative variations, not shown in the accompanying figures, the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14 is advantageously defined by one or more localized regions of the assembly insole 13, when the vapor permeation region 12 affects corresponding localized regions of the sole 11.

In order to facilitate the waterproof sealing of the upper membrane 18 to the assembly insole 13, the lower flap 16a of the lining 16 advantageously is skived until the lower rim 18a of the upper membrane 18 is exposed for approximately 10-15 mm, without damaging it.

This skiving operation consists in thinning the margin of the material that constitutes the lower flap 16a, for example with an instrument known as skiving machine, for example of the type of the one known commercially as "Fortuna 4".

During skiving it may be difficult to skive the lining 16 until the lower rim 18a of the upper membrane 18 is exposed effectively without damaging it.

Therefore, before lasting, it is advantageous to impregnate with adhesive the skived lower flap 16a, so that this adhesive reaches and grips the lower rim 18a so as to reinforce the tightness of the waterproof seal between the lower rim 18a and the assembly insole 13.

The operation of lasting said lasting margin, which consists in folding back and gluing so as to form a seal, below the perimetric edge 13a of the assembly insole 13, the lower rim 18a joined to the skived lower flap 16a, according to the working method known as "AGO lasting", is conveniently performed with a machine known as "lasting machine", in which the lasting pliers have been flattened, i.e., they have been deprived of the clamping teeth or millings, so as to not tear the upper membrane 18.

The sealed joining between the upper membrane 18 of the top assembly 15 and the assembly insole 13 occurs conveniently by using common adhesive used in lasting operations, such as of the thermoplastic type, polyurethane type or neoprene type, or any other equivalent capable of ensuring an effective seal.

As an alternative, lasting may occur manually by using suitable pliers. The upper 17 is assembled under the lower rim 18a of the upper membrane 18, with a second lasting operation, using, for gluing, an adhesive of the type commonly used in currently known lasting procedures.

As an alternative, the lasting of the waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe 10, in said second embodiment, entails assembling, below the perimetric edge 13a of the assembly insole 13, the lasting margins of the top assembly 15 constituted by the joining of the lower edge 17a of the upper 17 with the lower rim 18a joined to the skived lower flap 16a.

Advantageously, the assembly insole 13 is made of waterproof polymeric material, the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14 having a plurality of holes 14a that pass through its thickness.

At the same time, the sole 11 has one or more large openings or a plurality of holes 12a that face the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14 and are hermetically covered by a waterproof and vapor-permeable insert 19, in order to allow the evacuation of vapor from the foot insertion region B, preventing however the rise of liquid toward said region. The waterproof polymeric material of which the assembly insole 13 is made is conveniently polyur ethane (PU) or polyethylene (PE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or the like.

The sole 11 is sealed in a waterproof manner to the upper assembly 20 at the sealing region A, which conveniently extends along the portion of the assembly insole 13 that is free from the lower rim 18a and does not affect the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14.

With reference to Figure 4, in a third embodiment of a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe 10, according to the invention, advantageously the assembly insole 13 is provided with a vapor-permeable structural layer 22 which substantially conforms to it and is superimposed on its face directed toward the foot insertion region B, the lower flap 16a of the lining 16 and the lower rim 18a of the upper membrane 18 being folded back and glued, at least predominantly according to the working method known as "AGO lasting", under the perimetric portion 22a of the vapor-permeable structural layer 22.

The assembly insole 13, conveniently straddles and surmounts the vapor-permeable structural layer 22 and the lower rim 18a, being sealed thereto in a waterproof manner.

Moreover, the lower edge 17a of the upper 17 is folded back and glued, according to the working method known as "AGO lasting", below the perimetric edge 13a of the assembly insole 13 that is sealed to the sole 11, so as to define at least partially the sealing region A.

In this third embodiment of the invention, the upper membrane 18 advantageously is laminated to the lining 16.

The operation of lasting, below the vapor-permeable structural layer 22, the lasting margins of the top assembly 15, which are constituted by the lower flap 16a joined to the lower rim 18a, is conveniently performed with a machine known as "lasting machine", in which the lasting pliers have been flattened, i.e., deprived of clamping teeth or millings, so as not to tear the upper membrane 18.

The gluing of the lower flap 16a to the vapor-permeable structural layer 22 occurs conveniently by using an adhesive commonly used in currently known lasting operations.

As an alternative, the lasting operation can occur manually by using suitable pliers.

The joining so as to form a seal between the lower rim 18a of the upper membrane 18 and the assembly insole 13 is conveniently provided by means of an adhesive of the polyurethane type commonly used in operations for the assembly of currently known soles.

The upper 17 is, therefore, lasted under the assembly insole 13, with a second lasting operation, for which an adhesive commonly uses for lasting is conveniently used.

Advantageously, the assembly insole 13 is made of waterproof polymeric material, the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14 having a plurality of holes 14a that pass through its thickness.

At the same time, the sole 11 has one or more large openings or a plurality of holes 12a which face the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14 and are hermetically covered by a waterproof and vapor-permeable insert 19, in order to allow the evacuation of vapor from the foot insertion region B while preventing the rise of liquid toward this region.

The waterproof polymeric material of which the assembly insole 13 is made is conveniently polyurethane (PU) or polyethylene (PE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or the like.

The sole 11 is sealed in a waterproof manner to the upper assembly

20 at the sealing region A, which conveniently extends along the portion of the assembly insole 13 that is free from the lower edge 17a, which is assembled on it, and does not affect the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14.

With reference to Figure 5, in a fourth embodiment of a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe 10, according to the invention, advantageously the lower flap 16a of the lining 16 and the lower rim 18a of the upper membrane 18 are joined conveniently quite coincident, folded back and glued, at least predominantly according to the working method known as "AGO lasting", under the perimetric edge 13a of the assembly insole 13.

An auxiliary gasket 23 advantageously surmounts and straddles the assembly insole 13 and the lower edge 18a, sealing them to each other in a waterproof manner.

The lower edge 17a of the upper 17 is folded back and glued, according to the working method known as "AGO lasting", on the auxiliary gasket 23.

In this fourth embodiment of the invention also, the upper membrane 18 is advantageously laminated to the lining 16.

The operation of lasting the lasting margins of the top assembly 15 constituted by the lower flap 16a, of the lining 16, joined to the lower rim 18a of the upper membrane 18, below the assembly insole 13, is conveniently performed with a machine known as "lasting machine", in which the lasting pliers have been flattened, i.e., have no clamping teeth or millings, so as to not tear the upper membrane 18.

The gluing of the lower flap 16a to the assembly insole 13 occurs conveniently by using an adhesive commonly used in currently known lasting operations.

As an alternative, the lasting operation may occur manually by using suitable pliers.

Conveniently, the auxiliary gasket 23, by sealing the lower rim 18a to the assembly insole 13, extends thereon by approximately 5 mm.

The auxiliary gasket 23, moreover, advantageously is a film of hot- melt thermoplastic adhesive made of polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, poly olefins or the like, that can be activated by heat and pressure.

A film particularly suitable for providing the auxiliary gasket 23 is proposed commercially by the firm Bemis Associates Inc with product code 3218, or by the firm Collano AG XI O Adhesive Films with product code XAF 36.004 (Puro).

Advantageously, the assembly insole 13 is made of waterproof polymeric material, the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14 having a plurality of holes 14a that pass through its thickness.

At the same time, the sole 11 has one or more large openings or a plurality of holes 12a which face the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14 and are hermetically covered by a waterproof and vapor-permeable insert 19, in order to allow the evacuation of vapor from the foot insertion region B while preventing the rise of liquid toward this region.

The waterproof polymeric material of which the assembly insole 13 is made is conveniently polyur ethane (PU) or polyethylene (PE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or the like.

The sole 11 is sealed in a waterproof manner to the upper assembly

20 at the sealing region A, which is conveniently defined by the portion of the auxiliary gasket 23 that surmounts the assembly insole 13, forming a seal with it.

With reference to Figure 6, in a fifth embodiment of a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe 10, according to the invention, advantageously the lower flap 16a of the lining 16 and the lower rim 18a of the upper membrane 18 are joined conveniently quite coincident, folded back and glued, at least predominantly according to the working method known as "AGO lasting", under the perimetric edge 13a of the assembly insole 13, without using nails or staples for fixing, which would compromise the waterproofness of the upper membrane 18.

The lower edge 17a of the upper 17 is conveniently folded back and glued, according to the working method known as "AGO lasting", on the lower rim 18a, leaving exposed an end portion 24 thereof, which advantageously, extends over approximately 10 mm. The operation of lasting the lasting margins of the top assembly 15 constituted by the lower flap 16a of the lining 16, joined to the lower rim 18a, of the upper membrane 18, below the assembly insole 13, is conveniently performed with a machine known as "lasting machine", in which the lasting pliers have been flattened, i.e., have no clamping teeth or millings, so as to not tear the upper membrane 18.

The gluing of the lower flap 16a to the assembly insole 13 occurs conveniently by using an adhesive commonly used in currently known lasting operations.

As an alternative, this lasting operation may occur manually by using suitable pliers.

Advantageously, the assembly insole 13 is made of waterproof polymeric material, the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14 having a plurality of holes 14a that pass through its thickness.

At the same time, the sole 11 has one or more large openings or a plurality of holes 12a which face the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14 and are hermetically covered by a waterproof and vapor-permeable insert 19, in order to allow the evacuation of vapor from the foot insertion region B while preventing the rise of liquid toward this region.

The waterproof polymeric material of which the assembly insole 13 is made is conveniently polyur ethane (PU) or polyethylene (PE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or the like.

The sole 11 is sealed in a waterproof manner to the upper assembly 20 at the sealing region A, which conveniently extends along the portion of the assembly insole 13 that is free from the lower rim 18a, which is assembled on it, and does not affect the vapor-permeable and perforated portion 14.

Moreover, advantageously, the sole 11 is sealed in a waterproof manner on the end portion 24 of the lower rim 18a.

With reference to Figure 7, in a sixth embodiment of a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe 10, according to the invention, advantageously it comprises a waterproof and vapor-permeable plantar insert 25, associated with the assembly insole 13 at least at the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14.

The plantar insert 25 is advantageously sealed to the assembly insole

13, along its perimeter 25a, so as to cover at least the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14, sealing it in a waterproof but vapor-permeable manner.

Advantageously, a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe 10, according to the invention, in the sixth embodiment comprises a sole 111 that has a vapor permeation region 112 or, according to the requirements, a plurality of vapor permeation regions 112.

The vapor permeation region 112 preferably has one or more large openings or a plurality of free holes 112a that pass through its thickness, for the evacuation of the water vapor that arrives from the foot insertion region B.

The assembly insole 13 is conveniently made of waterproof polymeric material, the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14 having a plurality of holes 14a that pass through its thickness and are hermetically covered by the plantar insert 25.

Advantageously the plantar insert 25 comprises at least one membrane made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, e-PTFE, or polyurethane, PU, or similar materials, that optionally has meshes associated on its faces.

The sole 111 is sealed in a waterproof manner to the upper assembly

20 at the sealing region A, which conveniently extends along the portion of the assembly insole 13 that is free from the lower edge 17a and does not affect the vapor-permeable or perforated portion 14.

In a first constructive variation of the sixth embodiment, the assembly insole 13 is provided with a vapor-permeable structural layer 22 which substantially conforms to the assembly insole 13 and is superimposed on the plantar insert 25, which it covers.

In Figure 7, the vapor-permeable structural layer 22 is illustrated, by way of non-limiting example, with dotted lines.

With reference to Figure 8, in a second variation of the sixth embodiment, the lower edge 17a is advantageously provided with a sealing element 21 which is joined quite coincident to the lower rim 18a of the upper membrane 18 in a manner that is substantially similar to what has already been described in said variation of said first embodiment.

With reference to Figure 9, there is advantageously a sealing film 26 made of thermoplastic polymeric material, which seals perimetrically the plantar insert 25 to the assembly insole 13, at least so as to cover the vapor- permeable or perforated portion 14 thereof in a waterproof manner.

The assembly insole 13 is conveniently reinforced upward with a shank 27, which is vapor-permeable or perforated at least at the vapor permeation region 112 of the sole 111.

Advantageously, the shank 27 is made of leather, plastic material or metal for greater support and resistance to torsion of the shoe.

The sealing film 26 is preferably made of hot-melt thermoplastic adhesive of the already cited Bemis 3218 type or the like.

In this manner, the use of the sealing film 26 to seal perimetrically from above the plantar insert 25 to the assembly insole 13 allows to simplify and quicken the process for producing the waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe 10 with respect to the use of a seal by perimetric gluing from below, for example with a polyurethane adhesive of a currently known and commonly used type.

In fact, in the case of sealing the plantar insert 25 to the assembly insole 13 from below the plantar insert 25, first the plantar insert 25 and the assembly insole 13 are treated with the polyurethane adhesive, then one waits for the appropriate drying period, which varies from 10 to 20 minutes, before reactivating the polyurethane adhesive and pressing the elements in order to promote their bonding.

Instead, in the case of sealing the plantar insert 25 to the assembly insole 13, by means of the sealing film 26 arranged above the plantar insert 25, one proceeds as follows.

The sealing film 26 is glued, with fresh polyurethane adhesive, so that it straddles the perimeter 25a of the plantar insert 25, on it and on the assembly insole 13.

Then the assembly is hot pressed in order to promote its bonding, thus saving the drying time of the polyurethane adhesive.

With reference to Figure 10, in a seventh embodiment of a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe 10, according to the invention, the assembly insole 13 preferably is, at least in one layer, made of waterproof and vapor- permeable polymeric material.

The assembly insole 13, and particularly at least said layer thereof, is sealed perimetrically to a sole 111 at the sealing region A, which conveniently extends along the portion of the assembly insole 13 that is free from the lower edge 17a, which is assembled thereon, and does not affect the vapor-permeable portion 14.

Thus, the assembly insole 13, and particularly at least said layer thereof, seals in a waterproof and vapor-permeable manner a vapor permeation region 112, of the sole 111, that has at least one free hole or opening 112a that passes through its thickness, for the evacuation of the water vapor that arrives from the foot insertion region B.

The vapor permeation region 112 preferably extends substantially along the entire longitudinal direction of the sole 111 , the assembly insole 13 covering it so as to form a waterproof and vapor-permeable seal.

Advantageously, said waterproof and vapor-permeable polymeric material for providing at least one layer of the assembly insole 13 is made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, e-PTFE, or polyurethane, PU, or similar materials, and is optionally associated, on its faces, with one or two meshes.

Moreover, conveniently, the assembly insole 13 is provided with a vapor-permeable structural layer 22 which substantially conforms thereto and is superimposed on its face that is directed toward the foot insertion region B.

Conveniently, in said sixth and seventh embodiments a filler and protective element of the plantar insert 25 is provided, not shown in the accompanying figures, which is interposed between the assembly insole 13 and the sole 111, at the free holes or openings 112a that pass through its thickness, which it has in the vapor permeation region 112.

Said filler and protective element is advantageously made of a material that is resistant to hydrolysis and water-repellent and vapor- permeable or perforated, for example felt, non-woven fabric or the like, and protects the plantar insert 25 against impacts or any foreign objects that might penetrate through the holes or openings 112a.

The use of said filler and protective element further provides the advantage of recovering the difference in level due to the lasting margins that protrude below the assembly insole 13 below which they are assembled.

In particular, Figures 11 , 12 and 13 illustrate by way of non-limiting example alternative embodiments, designated by the reference numerals 11 and 111, of a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe 10 according to the invention.

In a first one of said embodiments the sole 11 comprises

- a lower tread body 28, which at the vapor permeation region 12 has through holes or openings 12a covered by a protective layer 29, which is advantageously resistant to hydrolysis and water-repellent and vapor- permeable or perforated,

- the waterproof and vapor-permeable insert 19, which is superimposed on the protective layer 29, in order to be protected thereby against impacts and penetrations through the holes and openings 12a, - a spacer 30, which is vapor-permeable or perforated, for example made of felt or similar material, which is superimposed on the waterproof and vapor-permeable insert 19,

- a mid-sole 31 that surrounds the spacer 30, is connected to the lower body 28 and is sealed to the waterproof and vapor-permeable insert

19.

The method for providing the sole 11 in this first embodiment consists in

- molding the lower body 28,

- arranging the lower body 28 in the mold of the mid-sole 31,

- superimposing the protective layer 29 on the lower body 28, at the vapor permeation region 12,

- superimposing the waterproof and vapor-permeable insert 19 on the protective layer 29,

- superimposing the spacer 30 on the waterproof and vapor- permeable insert 19,

- injecting the mid-sole 31 so as to form an annular portion that surrounds the spacer 30, forming a perimetric seal of the waterproof and vapor-permeable insert 19.

In practice it has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects, by providing a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe that allows to prevent the infiltration of water in the foot insertion region, thanks to the seal between the assembly insole and the sole, and is structurally simpler than currently known waterproof and vapor-permeable shoes.

Moreover, a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe provided according to the invention, predominantly by means of the working method known as "AGO lasting", has an effective and durable waterproof and vapor-permeable seal of the top assembly to the sole.

Moreover, a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe according to the invention is effectively and durably waterproof and at the same time effectively vapor-permeable through its upper and through its sole, having a waterproof sealing structure that is simple and easy to provide.

Moreover, in a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe according to the invention the lower edge of the upper is sealed between the sole and the assembly insole.

In this manner the infiltration of water that is wicked by the upper toward the region below the assembly insole is prevented and vice versa the wicking of water toward the upper through the holes or openings of the sole is also prevented.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; all the details may further be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

In practice, the materials used, so long as they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. PD2010A000361 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.