Abstract: Cold weather footwear includes at least three assemblies: an inner preformed sock comprised of inner and outer fabric layers and an intermediate open cell polyurethane foam layer enabling moisture transmission through the preformed sock; an insole assembly including a first layer formed of a moisture retaining or accumulating fabic, separable foam and intermediate sheet plastic non-moisture permeable plastic, and an underlying layer of closed cell thermally insulating foam for disposition between the inner sock and the sole of the boot; and a boot having a sole and a shell formed integrally with the boot, the shell being backcoated with a plastic material and coated with a water repellent. The footwear has adequate thermal insulation and moisture vapor transport characteristics, while affording good wind resistance and water repellency.

Abstract: Upper and lower body cold weather garments are provided which have excellent warmth, moisture permeability, wind resistance, and water resistance. The garment comprises an interior lining fabric, such as a loosely knit nylon lining, an outer fabric, and a layer of preponderantly open cell (e.g. polyurethane) foam at least 1/2 inch thick (preferably about one inch thick) between the interior lining fabric and the outer fabric, the components connected together by stitching at the edges of the garment. The outer fabric has air permeability of less than 15, and preferably less than 10, cubic feet per minute per square foot at 0.5 inches head of water, and has moisture vapor transmission of at least 1,000 grams per square meter per 24 hours. The outer or shell fabric preferably is woven from a fine denier, multi-filament, polyester yarn.