An experimental investigation of shape memory sock-shoes

Abstract

Footwear has been in use since the earliest human history and has been an essential item regardless of age. Over the years, consumers demand and expect more when it comes to choosing their footwear design. Functionality and comfort are the upmost priority when it comes to selection, therefore footwear companies like Adidas, Sketchers have been trying to improve current footwear designs to improve their footwear sales. For example, Sketchers came up with memory foam soles to provide better cushioning for the foot. The purpose of this study aims to improve existing footwear material with the aid of shape memory materials like Shape Memory Polymer (SMP) such as Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) and Shape Memory Hybrid (SMH) of Silicone and TPU to create comfort fitting shoes.