Sustainable Footwear in Outdoor Sportswear Industries: An Effect of Recycled Fabric Configuration on a Thermal Sensation Model in the Foot

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of recycled fabrics (i.e., denim and hemp) on a thermal sensation model in the foot from the perspectives of fabric thermal properties and thermal sensation. The thermal and evaporative resistance of a two-layered material configuration, including recycled denim fabric and hemp fabric (recycled DH fabric), were compared with commercial calf-skin and pig-skin leathers (CP leather). For potential outdoor shoes, the thermal sensation model in the foot was proposed to predict thermal sensation with different fabrics in real time based on environmental conditions and fabric properties. The results showed that there were no significant differences between thermal insulation and evaporative resistance among the five different thicknesses of recycled DH fabrics. The thermal sensation model in the foot in the fabrics ranged from -0.7 (slightly cool) to 0.5 (slightly warm) in the case studied (25ºC, 45% relative humidity, and 0.5 m/s of air velocity). A similar thermal sensation among the recycled DH fabrics was observed with a maximum difference at the thermal sensation of 0.04. Therefore, the thermal sensation model in the foot of wearers wearing recycled DH fabrics and sustainable denim shoes is practically comparable to the thermal sensation of commercial shoes. This study can be used to provide fundamental knowledge regarding recycled material testing for developing outdoor sustainable products including footwear and clothing in sportswear industries.