Footwear Production Research Articles

Minimize Footwear Production Process Time to Smooth Operation Flow

Minimize Footwear Production Process Time to Smooth Operation Flow

Impulsive Buying Behavior through the Attraction of Students Captivated with Kocs' Short Videos: Second-Hand Footwear Products

In the rapidly developing digital economy, Vietnamese students' consumption behavior is changing significantly, particularly with the rise of impulsive shopping influenced by short videos from Key Opinion Consumers (KOCs). Specifically, second-hand footwear products (used shoes) stand out as an item that is regularly introduced by KOCs and attracts great interest from students, leading to impulsive shopping decisions due to their affordability and uniqueness. This study investigates the impact of KOCs (Key Opinion Consumers) on the impulsive shopping behavior of Vietnamese students within the digital economy's evolving landscape. It analyzes how KOCs' short video content influences unplanned purchase decisions, utilizing a mixed-method approach. Initially, semi-structured interviews with 20-30 students explored their perceptions of KOCs and shopping behaviors, informing a subsequent quantitative survey conducted with 524 students in Ho Chi Minh City. After data filtering, 512 responses were analyzed using the PLS-SEM structural model in SMARTPLS-4 software. Findings reveal that factors such as product information, brand recognition, KOCs' appeal, and virality significantly influence impulsive buying behavior, mediated by the attractiveness of short videos. Additional influences include promotions, mood, instant feel, and affordability. This research offers valuable insights into youth consumer behavior in the digital age and highlights critical issues regarding financial management and influencer marketing effectiveness in Vietnam.

CALCULATION OF UNCERTAINTY VALUE IN THE SKIN THICKNESS TEST USING A THICKNESS MEASUREMENT

The manufacture of handicraft products or footwear requires materials according to standards. One of the materials for footwear products is tanned leather, the leather requires a certain thickness according to what has been required, this concerns the comfort and aesthetic value of the product being made. Producers of leather-based crafts need to know the thickness of the leather that will be used as the raw material. The problem is that laboratory personnel in carrying out tests have not carried out or made uncertainty calculations on the test results. The aim of the research is to calculate the uncertainty value of the sample test results with the thickness parameter. The activities will be carried out from May to June 2022 at the ATK Yogyakarta Polytechnic Physical Testing Laboratory. The material used for the box shell for the test method uses SNI 06-7128-2005. The tools used were thicknesses, tables, silver ink and stationery for the test treatment procedure ten times. The results of the study yielded data with an average value of 1.081; standard deviation of 0.02165; standard uncertainty value of calibration (µK) of 0.01; standard uncertainty value of precision (µP) of 0.0125 and a combined uncertainty value of 0.1468. Conclusion the thickness of the box skin is 1.081 ± 0.1468 so that the skin sample meets the requirements of SII 06-0234-1989 on a quality standard of 0.8-1.7 mm thick.

The Role of Intellectual Property Rights Protection on Intra- Comesa Trade with A Specific Focus on Trademarks

This paper employs the Pseudo Poisson Maximum Likelihood estimation technique to investigate the impact of trademarks, as a proxy for Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), on intra-Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) trade using panel data from 2000 to 2022. While the study establishes significant aggregate-level market expansion effects of trademarks on imports within COMESA, it also reveals sector-specific variations. Specifically, the study confirms a positive correlation between trademark-related imports of plastics, pharmaceuticals, rubber, tobacco, paper, and footwear products, suggesting that stronger trademark enforcement could enhance market expansion in this sector. Conversely, a negative correlation between trademark-related imports of dairy and clothing products is exposed, indicating potential market power effects that might restrict intra-COMESA trade. These findings underscore the importance of tailored IPRs policies across sectors, advocating for strengthened trademark protection in sectors that are significant and positively affected, while suggesting a more lenient approach for promoting trade in negatively affected sectors within the COMESA region.

Synthetic Tannery Effluent Mixture Degradability Assessment

Leather is a material with unique mechanical properties, making it widely used in the production of footwear, clothing, sports articles, and in the field of coverings, such as in the automotive, furniture, marine and aeronautical industries. Leather processing involves three major stages: beamhouse, tanning, and finishing. In each of these stages, characteristic effluents are generated, which typically reach the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) mixed, for the so called end-of-pipe treatment, consisting of primary and secondary treatment. The objective of this study is to analyze the characteristics of the effluents generated in each processing stage individually and when mixed, in order to assess how the mixture impacts degradability. For the evaluation, wastewater corresponding to the three stages was generated, using raw hides for (i) beamhouse and (ii) tanning, and wet-blue leather for (iii) wet finishing. Subsequently, chemical inputs were added to the wastewater, forming synthetic effluents. The (iv) mixture of the effluent generated in the three stages was made based on the proportion of each effluent in relation to the total generated. Analyses of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) were performed for the four samples. The BOD obtained for the mixture was zero, while the other three effluents obtained high values for the same analysis. This result indicates that an inhibitory environment to microbial growth was formed, preventing biodegradation. The TOC results indicate that the mixture contains an organic load proportional to the effluents that compose it. It was concluded that the organic load and biodegradability of the effluent can be strongly influenced by the processing methods of each tannery, such as the amount of water and inputs used, and that the secondary treatment of mixed effluents tends to be compromised compared to segregated treatment.

Innovative and Efficient Three-Dimensional Design Strategies for Optimizing the Industrial Production of Knitted Footwear

Three-dimensional knitted uppers for footwear enhance ergonomic properties and fit compared to conventional flat panels. The knitting process for these elements represents a bottleneck in footwear production because flat-knitting machines must knit the uppers individually, which limits production capacity. This study explores ways to optimize knitting processes for 3D uppers. The focus is on reducing production time while maintaining product quality, ensuring a precise fit, and minimizing material waste. A series of experiments conducted on a base sneaker model implemented techniques to streamline knitting operations. These techniques were later adapted to other footwear types, including ankle boots, loafers, and sandals, to meet the unique requirements of each design. These optimizations include replacing traditional operations, such as overlocking or stitch decreases, with more efficient methods, such as open loops, as well as eliminating costly-to-manufacture elements. The results show significant reductions in production time while maintaining the fit and functional integrity of the uppers. These findings demonstrate both the technical feasibility and economic impact of these optimizations, offering valuable insights for the large-scale adoption of knitting technology in the footwear industry.

Crafting Superior Dress Shoes

This study explores the utilization of African ostrich leg skins, sourced from South Africa, in the production of high-quality leather footwear in Ethiopia. It begins with a thorough analysis of the raw materials, particularly their fat and protein contents, while also evaluating the most effective tanning methods. The research focuses on the impact of chrome and semi-chrome tanning on the leather’s physical and structural qualities, highlighting its unique texture and durability. Through comprehensive trials conducted in Ethiopia, the study examines the leather’s thermal stability, fiber structure, and performance metrics. The results reveal that chrome tanning is better suited for producing footwear, as it enhances leather strength and yields leather with minimal stretch, making it ideal for crafting durable upper shoe components. On the other hand, semi-chrome tanning, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy, yields softer leather with better fiber separation, suitable for luxury leather bags’ decorative features. The findings demonstrate that specialized tanning techniques can enhance both the aesthetic and functional attributes of ostrich leg leather, promoting its inclusion in high-end leather products. This approach not only broadens the variety of materials for the Ethiopian leather industry but also supports economic growth and market expansion through sustainable practices and product innovation.

IMPROVING THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN THE FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY

The article presents a circular economy proposal as a way to promote greater sustainability in the footwear industry. As part of the work, we analysed the essential components for a shoe and the materials used in the production of footwear. Currently, new proposals have emerged for footwear that use materials derived from waste and the forwarding of specific end-of-life products. These new concepts are associated with added value and targeted marketing towards sectors of society more concerned with the industry's environmental impact. This reinforces the interest in the positioning of the footwear industry in relation to the circular economy. The purpose of this article focuses on the last phase of the circular economy – recycling, educating, and valuing the role of the consumer through the collection, treatment and forwarding of used footwear materials with the aim of reducing waste in landfills but simultaneously increasing awareness of the footwear industry.

Review The Application of Factors that Influence Customers in Increasing Purchase Intention for Local Brand Sneaker Footwear Products in Indonesia

The competition in the footwear product business in the world is very competitive. Asia is the highest footwear producer at 88.2% as well as the highest consumer at 56%, followed by the Americas which produces footwear at 6.1% while the consumption rate reaches 20.8%. This proves that countries in Asia export a lot to other countries including Indonesia as the third highest exporter of footwear after China and Vietnam. The total footwear produced by the State of Indonesia reaches 1083 million pairs of footwear. Indonesia not only meets domestic needs, but Indonesia exports footwear up to 427 million pairs, but many imported products also enter Indonesia up to 150 million pairs. This is certainly a competition between imported/global brand footwear products and local brands. However, the results of the distribution of a questionnaire conducted by an online survey named Kurious in 2023 with https://www.kurious.id website address, with a total of 399 respondents conducted from February 14 – February 22, 2023. The purpose of this study is to find out what factors can affect customers in increasing the purchase intention of local brand sneaker footwear products in Indonesia. The method used in this study is a qualitative method using a descriptive approach of analysis and analysis through literature review from various Scopus publications on existing problems. The results of the study show that the factors that can influence customers in increasing the purchase intention of local brand sneaker footwear products in Indonesia are divided into 3 perspectives, namely consumers consisting of ethnocentrism or nationalism, emotional attitudes of liking local brands, then from the perspective of producers consisting of increasing creativity, innovation, durable product quality and conducting intensive promotions with the support of celebrities to influencing consumer behavior and then the third from a cultural perspective / cultural environment, including creating a taste for local products

Pressure pain threshold of the whole foot: Protocol and dense 3D sensitivity map

When designing footwear products, designers and kinesiologists usually factor in plantar surface pressure, motion capture data, and subjective comfort evaluations. However, these factors alone are not sufficient to guide the design of truly comfortable shoes. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) is a parameter that establishes a connection between psychological quantities and physical quantities. The purpose of this study was to construct a high-precision PPT map of the whole foot. Overall, 20 participants were included in this study, and an electronic, mechanical algometer was used to apply constant pressure to the participants' feet. A MATLAB graphical user interface was developed to simplify the data-collecting process and generate visual representations of the data. Finally, several high-precision unisex, different sex, and dominant side PPT maps were generated. The findings revealed that the foot dorsum area and the medial foot region exhibited the lowest PPTs (indicative of high sensitivity). Notably, the foot dorsum area near the toes displayed the highest pain sensitivity (indicative of the lowest PPT), while the plantar area demonstrated comparatively lower pain sensitivity. The heel area exhibited the lowest pain sensitivity. Simultaneously, the study observed that women's feet exhibited lower pain thresholds than men's. In the future, it is imperative to delve deeper into the correlation between short-term pain sensitivity and the daily, long-term exercise state, as well as other physiological data. This exploration will contribute to a more nuanced guide for footwear comfort design.

A Dynamic Approach to Sustainable Knitted Footwear Production in Industry 4.0: Integrating Short-Term Profitability and Long-Term Carbon Efficiency

A Dynamic Approach to Sustainable Knitted Footwear Production in Industry 4.0: Integrating Short-Term Profitability and Long-Term Carbon Efficiency

The Army, the Great War, and the Belated Industrialisation of Shoemaking in the Czech Lands

The army was perhaps the first bulk buyer of mass-produced footwear. In Europe, several regions focused on the bulk production of military (and civilian) footwear owe their origins to the army. This was also the case in the Czech Lands. The belated industrialisation of footwear production in the Czech Lands dates back to the Balkan Wars and World War I. The army and the war economy businesses under military control played a key role in this process. This study is devoted to the multifaceted role of the army in the completion of the industrialization of Czech shoemaking.

Approaching Environmental Sustainability through Energy Optimization in Polyisoprene Production

The global energy crisis, forced by fossil fuel shortages and supply chain disruption, stimulates EU policymakers to find alternative energy replacement. Modifying the present polyisoprene footwear production plant into a hybrid system by combining different energy sources raises energy efficiency. The proposed hybrid system incorporates classical and solar-based technology, resulting in energy optimization by utilizing waste heat recovery. By installing an economizer for feeding water preheating using flue gas recovery, it results in the volume of the flue gases lowering from to , or by 11.13%, while the flue gases’ temperature is lowered from 204 °C (477.15 K) to 50.99 °C (324.14 K). Further improvement in combining feed water and air preheating results in natural gas savings of 12.05%, while the flue gases’ exhaust temperature is decreased to 30.44 °C (303.59 K). The third option, using condensate heat recovery and feeding water preheating using flue gases, showed natural gas savings as much as 17.41% and exhaust flue gases cooling to 112.49 °C (385.64 K). The combination of condensate heat recovery, combustion air and feed water preheating results in the volume of the flue gases being lowered by 20.42% and natural gas savings by 20.24%, while the flue gases’ temperature is reduced to 45.11 °C (318.26K). The proposed solar application in polyisoprene production predicts the hybrid system showing fuel savings ranging from 77.96% to 87.08% in comparison to the basic process. The greatest fuel savings of 87.08% is shown in a solarized polyisoprene footwear production plant with combustion air and feed water preheating combined with the condensate return system. Integrating the solar heat into the regular industrial process of polyisoprene production showed great potential and showed environmental sustainability through energy optimization in polyisoprene production

Environmental Impact of Footwear Using Life Cycle Assessment—Case Study of Professional Footwear

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a method for assessing the environmental impact of a product, activity, or system across all the stages of its life cycle. LCA can identify the activities with a major impact on the environment throughout the life cycle of a product. To analyze the environmental implications of footwear, the LCA was applied to a pair of shoes designed for professional use. In this paper, the impact of a single pair of shoes was studied. Every year, footwear production worldwide is over 22 billion pairs, which has a significant impact on the environment. In this case study, the “cradle-to-grave” approach was used, which refers to all the activities involved in the life cycle of a footwear product, starting from raw material extraction, manufacturing, use, maintenance, and, in the end, disposal. The LCA was conducted using the SimaPro software. The environmental impact assessment of the analyzed shoe needed the acquisition of two crucial datasets. Background inventory data were sourced from the Ecoinvent database (version 3.3). The impact was quantified using the Global Warming Potential (GWP) metric, which calculates the contribution of emissions to global warming over a 100-year time limit according to the established values provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was measured in relative carbon dioxide equivalents (kg CO2eq) to facilitate a standardized comparison. The results show that the total carbon footprint for a pair of safety boots is 18.65 kg of CO2eq with the “component manufacture” stage as a major contributor accumulating almost 80%.

Gamificación como herramienta de marketing digital

This study addresses the need to improve customer retention and online interaction for "Flip Flop," a company with a customer base of 150 individuals dedicated to the production and marketing of footwear. The research focuses on implementing gamification as a strategic tool in digital marketing. The main objective is to determine the relationship between gamification and digital marketing to establish advertising strategies. The methodology followed a quantitative approach encompassing exploratory, descriptive, and correlational scopes. Data collection combined literature review with field research. Gamified strategies, including challenges and rewards, were implemented. The results revealed the significant relevance of gamification as a highly effective tool in digital marketing. To assess the impact of gamification on customer retention and online interaction, the level of acceptance of the strategy was evaluated, reaching a considerable 55.3% acceptance among surveyed customers. The quantitative approach, through questionnaires, facilitated data collection from potential customers, highlighting the strategic importance of gamification in generating audience interest and engagement. Gamification proved to be an effective strategy for enhancing the connection between the company and its customers, underscoring its valuable role in digital marketing. These findings emphasize the importance of innovation in this field and provide valuable insights for future research. In conclusion, gamification emerges as a crucial tool for enhancing the company-customer relationship in the context of digital marketing.

Efficacy of auxetic lattice structured shoe sole in advancing footwear comfort-From the perspective of plantar pressure and contact area.

Designing footwear for comfort is vital for preventing foot injuries and promoting foot health. This study explores the impact of auxetic structured shoe soles on plantar biomechanics and comfort, motivated by the integration of 3D printing in footwear production and the superior mechanical properties of auxetic designs. The shoe sole designs proposed in this study are based on a three-dimensional re-entrant auxetic lattice structure, orthogonally composed of re-entrant hexagonal honeycombs with internal angles less than 90 degrees. Materials fabricated using this lattice structure exhibit the characteristic of a negative Poisson's ratio, displaying lateral expansion under tension and densification under compression. The study conducted a comparative experiment among three different lattice structured (auxetic 60°, auxetic 75° and non-auxetic 90°) thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) shoe soles and conventional polyurethane (PU) shoe sole through pedobarographic measurements and comfort rating under walking and running conditions. The study obtained peak plantar pressures (PPPs) and contact area across seven plantar regions of each shoe sole and analyzed the correlation between these biomechanical parameters and subjective comfort. Compared to non-auxetic shoe soles, auxetic structured shoe soles reduced PPPs across various foot regions and increased contact area. The Auxetic 60°, which had the highest comfort ratings, significantly lowered peak pressures and increased contact area compared to PU shoe sole. Correlation analysis showed that peak pressures in specific foot regions (hallux, second metatarsal head, and hindfoot when walking; second metatarsal head, third to fifth metatarsal head, midfoot, and hindfoot when running) were related to comfort. Furthermore, the contact area in all foot regions was significantly associated with comfort, regardless of the motion states. The pressure-relief performance and conformability of the auxetic lattice structure in the shoe sole contribute to enhancing footwear comfort. The insights provided guide designers in developing footwear focused on foot health and comfort using auxetic structures.

Remanufacturing Shoemaking Machine: Feasibility Study Using AHP and DEMATEL Approach

This study investigates the feasibility of remanufacturing shoemaking machines for sustainability using a combined AHP and DEMATEL approach. The AHP prioritizes machine types for remanufacturing, while the DEMATEL analyzes the interdependencies of influencing factors. Results indicate sole-making equipment as the most suitable candidate, followed by surface and forming equipment. Furthermore, appropriate product design, modularity, and a complete recycling system emerge as crucial for successful strategies. The DEMATEL confirms the foundational role of these factors in influencing a positive corporate image and business model. This study offers valuable insights and recommendations for Taiwan-based shoemaking machine OEMs in India to formulate strategies that promote remanufacturing. The findings highlight the critical role of OEMs in raising customer awareness regarding the environmental and economic benefits of returning end-of-life products and utilizing remanufactured machinery. Effective strategies should emphasize the importance of design for remanufacturing principles, modular machine architectures, and the establishment of comprehensive recycling systems. By fostering customer engagement through such initiatives, OEMs can create a collaborative ecosystem that facilitates the successful implementation of remanufacturing practices within the Indian market. Overall, the study presents a compelling case for remanufacturing as a strategic approach for OEMs to promote a circular economy, resource efficiency, and a sustainable future for footwear production.

Valorisation of Tannery Waste to Recover Chromium with a View to Reusing It in Industrial Practise.

This paper presents the basic assumptions of the concept of a new technology for the valorisation of chromium tannery waste. It assumes the use of an integrated system of the thermal pressure hydrolysis process and membrane filtration techniques for the recovery of chromium compounds and the use of a separated organic matter during anaerobic fermentation. According to the assumptions of the developed technological concept, at the first stage, the crushed mixture of chromium tannery waste is decomposed in the process of thermal pressure hydrolysis using appropriate process conditions in an alkaline environment. Then, the liquid product of this process (the so-called hydrolysate) is processed using centrifugal force separation and ultrafiltration. Such activities enable the recovery of chromium compounds for rawhide currying and concentration of organic matter (fats, proteins) with energy potential. Research carried out under conditions similar to real operating conditions proved that chromium compounds recovered from waste can be successfully used in the processing of cowhides intended for the production of footwear. The industrial implementation of the developed technology for valorising chromium tannery waste would enable the transition from a linear to a circular economy.

Regenerated products from leather industrial solid waste: Future perspective and current advances

The removal of chrome waste (CW) has been identified as a significant environmental problem due to chromium's toxicity. This study tried to make a regenerated flexible sheet (RFS) with a leather alternative effect from chrome waste powder (CWP), cardboard waste fiber (CBWF), and protein binder (PB) fabricated by the hydraulic wet and hot press method. The prepared RFS was characterized by its High-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), mechanical analysis, and biodegradation properties. The result showed the strong binding achieved with fiber/polymer membrane for RFS. In this regard, RFS with suitable mechanical properties such as tensile strength (37.54 ± 1.32 MPa), elongation at break (33.64 ± 0.52 %), flexibility (5.34 ± 0.67 %), water absorption (27.74 ± 1.56 %), and water desorption (27.46 ± 0.76 %) properties. RFS possessed the required mechanical properties for leather sheet production and it was also biodegradable. The study proves that these composites could be successfully used for the production of cost-effective leather goods and footwear production. Production of useful byproducts from waste is income generating and at the same time reduces environmental pollution and a feasible technology for waste recycling has been proved in this study.

Chromium(VI) removal from water using different bio-adsorbents: Comparison and scope in the treatment of local water bodies with economic analysis

Tannery industries are an important part of India’s economy. India has huge production and consumption of footwear in the world. Leather goods and footwear exports in India were set to reach $5.26 billion in 2022–23. These tannery industries require 40m3 of fresh water per ton of raw material.The water released by these industries are highly contaminated with Cr(VI). Apart from tannery industries,other industrial processes like electroplating, pigmentation also release chromium into the environment. Cr(VI) has adverse effects on humans health, animals and plants. Bio-absorbents exhibit good absorption capacity for Cr(VI). Five different bio-adsorbents have been used,which were collected from wastes.There is hardly any research that shows relation between percentage removal of chromium with respect to size of bio-adsorbents.This study is presented in the same direction. A stock solution was prepared in the laboratory that had similarity in chromium concentration with tannery effluent.Titration (quantitative analysis) was used.On comparison, it was found that pomegranate peel and water chestnut shell showed better Cr(VI) absorption capacity upto 97.83%. A schematic idea has been proposed for the removal of Cr(VI) from drinking water used in rural areas. Economic analysis of the use of these bio-absorbents has proven it to be a better option for Cr(VI)capture.