Waterproof, breathable shoe

Abstract

A waterproof, breathable shoe is disclosed, having a shaped polymeric upper to accommodate the wear's foot, as well as layers to provide other properties to the shoe. At least five layers make up the shoe upper: (1) an innermost woven fabric; (2) an air permeable rubber layer; (3) an air permeable waterproof, four-way stretch membrane layer; (4) a structured air mesh layer; and (5) an outer woven fabric.

1 . A shoe having a sole, an insole and an upper, said upper comprising a plurality of laminated layers, the innermost layer of woven fabric, the next layer of stretchable and deformable material for cushioning pressure on the wearer's foot, the middle layer of a waterproof, four-way stretch, air-permeable membrane, the next layer of synthetic rubber perforated to allow the passage of air, and an outermost layer of woven fabric. 
     
     
         2 . A shoe as in  claim 1 , wherein the innermost and outermost layers are woven nylon jersey fabric. 
     
     
         3 . A shoe as in  claim 1 , wherein the stretchable and deformable layer is structured air mesh. 
     
     
         4 . A shoe as in  claim 1 , wherein the perforations of the rubber layer are between 1 and 2 mm in diameter and are spaced apart between 6 and 8 mm. 
     
     
         5 . A shoe as in  claim 1 , wherein an impermeable membrane is wrapped around the entire periphery of the lower portion of the shoe to prohibit the flow of either water or air into the shoe when standing in a depth of water less than 3 centimeters.