Abstract: A work boot has a midsole connected between an upper and a sob, the midsole having a plurality of layers of puncture resistant material lining an inner surface and side walls thereof. The side walls extend upwardly from a periphery of the inner surface of the midsole. Additional layers of puncture resistant material cover a bottom of the upper. An arch of the midsole also has a plurality of layers of puncture resistant fabric thereon. The midsole has a series of spaced apart cross members and a shank extending substantially perpendicular to the cross members to provide stability and to prevent reverse flexing of the work boot.

Abstract: An item of footwear comprises an upper having a first overlap area and the bottom having a second overlap area. The upper is attached to the bottom by stitching high frequency adhesive tape to the overlap area of the upper and separately to the overlap area of the bottom. The upper and the bottom are brought together so that the two overlap areas are in solid contact with one another when the footwear is subjected to the high frequency signal which turns the solid adhesive tapes into a molten liquid. When the liquid cools, the upper and bottom are welded to one another. The seal between the components is waterproof.