Determination of Comfort and Performance Properties of Upper Materials for Diabetic Footwear Construction

This work investigates comfort and performance properties of selected shoe upper materials manufactured in Nigeria for their suitability for diabetic footwear construction. The research was carried out using approved methods of analysis as specified by the International Union of the Society of Leather Technologies and Chemists Official Methods for Physical Analysis (1996). Key parameters studied include thickness, water vapour permeability, tensile strength etc, with recorded values of up to 2.23mm, 25.33mg/cm2/h and 23N/mm2 respectively. The results obtained were found to be similar to the findings of previous studies and in conformity to set standards. The results highlighted that diabetic footwear made with selected upper leathers could improve foot health of the diabetic foot. The paper also highlights the need for further research using composite materials for the manufacture of the upper parts and lining, soling materials and insoles so as to provide the best combination of material and comfort needs to improve the quality of life of people suffering from diabetes.