Abstract: A footwear article comprises: an outsole comprising: an outsole body comprising a first polyurethane polymeric material attached to one or more tread cleats comprising a nitrile butadiene rubber polymeric material; and a footwear upper affixed to the outsole, the footwear upper comprising a second polyurethane polymeric material. Footwear articles, including boots, overshoes, and/or work shoes, are effective to meet or exceed slip resistance in accordance with ASTM F3445-21. Methods of making the footwear articles are also described.

Abstract: A footwear article comprises: an outsole comprising: an outsole body comprising a first polyurethane polymeric material attached to one or more tread cleats comprising a nitrile butadiene rubber polymeric material; and a footwear upper affixed to the outsole, the footwear upper comprising a second polyurethane polymeric material. Footwear articles, including boots, overshoes, and/or work shoes, are effective to meet or exceed slip resistance in accordance with ASTM F3445-21. Methods of making the footwear articles are also described.

Abstract: A light weight flexible flame, arc flash and flash fire resistant fabric for protective garments is made from a flexible polyvinylchloride sheet having phthalate or phthalate free plasticizers coated with well defined parallel lines or grids of adhesive layer. The adhesive coated polyvinylchloride sheet contacts a non-woven meta-aramid fiber liner and is heated to produce a bond between the polyvinylchloride sheet and the liner. Both polyvinylchloride sheet and meta-aramid non-woven liner resist heat. When heat from arc flash or flash fire is applied, the heat is conducted away at local contacting regions of the adhesive with the polyvinylchloride sheet to the liner whereby the temperature of the polyvinylchloride is locally reduced preventing sagging, charring or burning of the space between adhesive contacting regions. This structure produces mechanically strong lightweight arc flash and flash fire resistant fabric suited for producing garments that meet all ASTM specifications for fireproof garments.

Abstract: A boot comprises: an outsole and a polymeric upper affixed to the outsole. The upper comprises an upper body and a gusset, which comprises a relaxed position and an expanded position, wherein the gusset moves from the relaxed position to the expanded position to accommodate a wearer's leg upon donning of the boot.

Abstract: A boot comprises: a shell comprising a first foamed polymeric material; a sock liner comprising a second foamed polymeric material, the sock liner having an exposed section and an enclosed section; and an adhesive layer affixing the shell and the enclosed section of the sock liner; wherein there is an absence of intermingling of the second surface of the enclosed section of the sock liner with the inner surface of the shell. Methods of making and using the boot are also provided.

Abstract: A boot comprises: an outsole and an upper affixed to the outsole, the upper comprising a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) upper body and a composite toe cap. The composite toe cap comprises a fiberglass reinforced polymer, and the composite toe cap comprises a tapered surface.

Abstract: A light weight flexible flame, arc flash and flash fire resistant fabric for protective garments is made from a flexible polyvinylchloride sheet having phthalate or phthalate free plasticizers coated with well defined parallel lines or grids of adhesive layer. The adhesive coated polyvinylchloride sheet contacts a non-woven meta-aramid fiber liner and is heated to produce a bond between the polyvinylchloride sheet and the liner. Both polyvinylchloride sheet and meta-aramid non-woven liner resist heat. When heat from arc flash or flash fire is applied, the heat is conducted away at local contacting regions of the adhesive with the polyvinylchloride sheet to the liner whereby the temperature of the polyvinylchloride is locally reduced preventing sagging, charring or burning of the space between adhesive contacting regions. This structure produces mechanically strong lightweight arc flash and flash fire resistant fabric suited for producing garments that meet all ASTM specifications for fireproof garments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for functionally covering footwear of various sizes and shapes is provided. In one embodiment an overshoe, having an upper portion with an inside portion and a heel portion is provided. A first inwardly protruding deformable absorber, which is adapted to restrain footwear placed within the overshoe, is then located within the upper portion of the overshoe.