Abstract: An insert for a shoe comprises a pouch having a moldable, thixotropic material and a shell having a catalyst. The shell is capable of being ruptured by massaging the pouch to allow the catalyst to be released from the shell and mixed with the material. A pressure sensitive adhesive is on the bottom of the pouch to secure it to the inner sole of a shoe, and a nylon layer is on the top of the pouch to absorb moisture and provide an aesthetic appearance. In use, the pouch is massaged to mix the catalyst and moldable material and is then placed in a shoe. The user places a foot in the shoe and applies a light weight to the foot so that the pouch assumes the shape of the foot bottom and fills that space between the foot and the shoe. Then, the foot is removed to allow the material to cure. When the material is cured the insert prevents excessive collapse of the foot.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymers having enhanced hydrophilicity and thermal regulative properties. Exemplary polymers include aliphatic polyamide polymers and polyester polymers. The polymer has bonded thereto a hydrophilic polysiloxane having an affinity for the polymer and having a molecular weight greater than about 1000 g/mol preferably greater than about 2000 g/mol, and preferably greater than about 4000 g/mol. The polymer has substantially no polymerization with the hydrophilic polysiloxane. Alternatively, an aliphatic polyamide polymer is provided having enhanced hydrophilicity and thermal regulative properties. The polymer has bonded thereto an anionic hydrophilic polysiloxane having an affinity for the aliphatic polyamide polymer. The aliphatic polyamide polymer has substantially no polymerization with the anionic hydrophilic siloxane.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymers having enhanced durable hydrophilicity and rewetting properties. The polymer has bonded thereto a hydrophilic copolymer. The copolymer comprises the reaction product of a primary hydroxylate having rewetting properties and a silane. The aliphatic polyamide or polyester polymer has an affinity for the hydrophilic copolymer and has substantially no polymerization with the hydrophilic copolymer. The present invention also provides a process of treating polymers to impart hydrophilicity and rewetting properties.