FOOTWEAR
Modexim® understands the footwear business includes a vast range of shoes and other forms of footwear, each with its own manufacturing procedures and requirements. Athletic shoes, casual shoes, formal shoes, boots, sandals, and specialized footwear such as safety shoes are some of the most common forms of footwear. Here, we’ll cover the specific techniques and production phases for each sort of footwear.
TYPES OF FOOTWEAR
ATHLETIC SHOES
Materials Used
Upper: Mesh, synthetic leather, knit fabrics
Midsole: EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), PU (polyurethane)
Outsole: Rubber, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)
Testing Methodology:
Flexibility Test: Ensuring the shoe bends easily.
Cushioning Test: Checking the midsole’s shock-absorbing properties.
Traction Test: Ensuring the outsole provides adequate grip.
MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
There are several different processes used in shoe manufacturing, each suited to specific types of shoes. Here are some of the most common methods:
1. VULCANIZATION
It is primarily used for making rubber shoes, such as sneakers and certain types of boots.
It is primarily used for making rubber shoes, such as sneakers and certain types of boots.
A. Material Preparation
- Rubber Mixing: Mixing raw rubber with additives to achieve the desired properties.
- Fabric Preparation: Preparing the fabric or other materials that will be bonded with the rubber.
B. Component Cutting
- Cutting Rubber: Cutting rubber sheets into the necessary shapes and sizes.
- Cutting Fabrics: Cutting fabric or other materials for the shoe upper.
C. Assembly
- Upper Construction: Assembling the upper parts of the shoe.
- Molding: Placing the assembled components into molds.
D. Vulcanization
- Heating: The mold containing the assembled shoe components is heated to a high temperature.
- Chemical Reaction: The heat causes a chemical reaction that hardens the rubber, bonding it to the other materials.
E. Finishing
- Trimming: Removing excess rubber and finishing the edges.
- Inspection: Inspecting the shoes for quality control.
2. CEMENTING (DIRECT ATTACH)
Cementing is used for a wide range of shoe types, including athletic shoes and casual footwear.
Cementing is used for a wide range of shoe types, including athletic shoes and casual footwear.
A. Design and Development
- Design: Creating the shoe design and developing patterns.
- Prototyping: Making a prototype to test the design and fit.
B. Material Cutting
- Upper Cutting: Cutting the upper materials (leather, synthetic, or fabric).
- Sole Cutting: Cutting the outsole materials.
C. Assembly
- Upper Assembly: Stitching or otherwise assembling the upper components.
- Attaching Midsole: Attaching the midsole to the upper using cement (adhesive) Lasting
- Forming the Upper: Pulling the upper over a last and securing it.
- Attaching the Sole: Cementing the outsole to the upper and midsole.
D. Finishing
- Trimming: Trimming excess material.
- Polishing and Cleaning: Polishing the shoe and cleaning any adhesive residue.
E. Finishing
- rimming: Removing excess rubber and finishing the edges.
- nspection: Inspecting the shoes for quality control.
3. INJECTION MOLDING
This is commonly used for making lightweight, casual, or performance footwear, such as EVA foam shoes.
This is commonly used for making lightweight, casual, or performance footwear, such as EVA foam shoes.
A. Material Preparation
- Material Selection: Choosing thermoplastic or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) materials.
B. Mold Preparation
- Mold Design: Designing molds specific to the shoe’s design.
C. Injection Process
- Material Injection: Injecting the thermoplastic or EVA material into the molds.
- Cooling: Allowing the material to cool and harden within the mold.
D. Demolding
- Removing Shoes: Taking the molded shoes out of the molds
- Trimming: Removing any excess material from the mold lines
E. Finishing
- Detailing: Adding any final details, such as logos or additional components.
- Quality Control: Inspecting the finished shoes for defects.
4. GOODYEAR WELT
Goodyear Welt construction is used for high-quality, durable shoes like dress shoes and boots.
Goodyear Welt construction is used for high-quality, durable shoes like dress shoes and boots.
A. Design and Development
- Design: Creating the shoe design and developing patterns.
- Prototyping: Making a prototype to test the design and fit.
B. Material Cutting
- Upper Cutting: Cutting the upper materials (usually leather).
- Sole Cutting: Cutting the leather or rubber soles.
C. Assembly
- Upper Assembly: Stitching or otherwise assembling the upper components.
- Insole Attachment: Attaching the insole to the upper.
D. Lasting
- Forming the Upper: Pulling the upper over a last and securing it.
- Welting: Stitching a strip of leather (the welt) to the upper and insole.
E. Sole Attachment
- Attaching Sole: Sewing the outsole to the welt, creating a durable bond.
- Heel Attachment: Attaching the heel to the outsole Finishing.
- Trimming: Trimming any excess material.
- Polishing: Polishing the shoes to a high shine.
- Quality Control: Inspecting the finished shoes for quality.
5. STROBEL STITCHING
Strobel Stitching is used for making flexible, lightweight shoes, often used in athletic or casual footwear.
Strobel Stitching is used for making flexible, lightweight shoes, often used in athletic or casual footwear.
A. Design and Development
- Design: Creating the shoe design and developing patterns.
- Prototyping: Making a prototype to test the design and fit.
B. Material Cutting
- Upper Cutting: Cutting the upper materials (synthetics, mesh, or fabric).
- Sole Cutting: Cutting the outsole materials.
C. Assembly
- Stitching Upper: Stitching the upper materials together using a Strobel machine.
- Attaching Midsole: Attaching the midsole to the upper using cement (adhesive).
D. Lasting
- Forming the Upper: Pulling the upper over a last and securing it.
- Attaching the Sole: Cementing the outsole to the upper and midsole.
E. Finishing
- Trimming: Trimming any excess material.
- Polishing and Cleaning: Polishing the shoe and cleaning any adhesive residue.
These methods can vary based on the specific design, materials used, and intended use of the shoe. Each process has its own advantages and is selected based on the desired characteristics of the final product
THE MODEXIM ADVANTAGE:
QUALITY
Modexim® possesses the expertise in understanding the footwear industry, the required specific materials, manufacturing processes, and testing methodologies to ensure quality and functionality as it produces a wide range of shoes and footwear.
GUIDANCE
From athletic shoes to safety boots, Modexim® guides you in understanding the detailed procedures and requirements for each type of footwear crucial for producing high-quality products that meet consumer needs and industry standards.
FOCUS
Modexim® focuses on transparency in its production processes, labor practices, and any subcontracting essential for a trusting relationship.
RESEARCH
Modexim® researches extensively and suggests innovative features or specialized production techniques to its clients. We are ready to try new things and use new technologies for making unique products.
