Sunday, 19 October 2014

Rain Boots Are Vital For Anyone Who Is Not House Bound

By Patty Goff


Having the right shoe for the right moment is vital. Many people wear rain boots to protect their feet against the wetness after and during raining seasons. They are higher and larger than normal shoes and some even go as high as the calves. Many of these boots have spats or gaiters that help to keep the water out.

They are normally worn after or during a rain storm where one wants to protect themselves again the mud and moisture. The general height for them is knee height but nowadays, shorter ones are also very common. Those that are specifically made for certain industries have reinforced toe areas for protection. Many industries will only allow their workers to wear these as it can also protect against chemical spills and also for hygiene purposes in food procession businesses.

All models were first made out of leather but in 1852, Hutchinson went ahead and met Charles Goodyear, the man who at the very same time had invented a special process called natural rubber vulcanization. This is a chemical process that changes rubber into a more durable material by adding sulfur to the mix. These then change the polymer but making a sort of a bridge between the individual chains.

Goodman was more interested in the manufacture of tires so Hutchinson decided to buy the patent for manufacturing footwear instead. He then moved to his home country where nearly all the inhabitants at the time worked in fields wearing wooden clogs. Upon the introduction of these rubber models, they were instantly very popular as they kept the feet dry, clean and warm.

When World War 1 started the soldiers needed suitable footwear while walking in the muddy trenches and flooded areas. The rubber company at the time had to send in a request to the War Office so that a suitable boot could be made. This made the mills run day and night to fulfill the vast amount of quantities that were needed for the soldiers. Well over one million pairs where made all within a very short space of time.

In Australia they are more commonly known as gumbies or blucher boots. In Canada and United States of America they are rubber or billy boots. They are used more in the springtime when the snow is melting and the ground is wet, slippery and very muddy. There are some that are insulated especially for the very cold months in both Canada and The United States.

Gore-Tex is 100% waterproof and very light. It is a breathable membrane that is laminated either on one side or both sides to any fabric and is water and wind proof. It is guaranteed to prevent dirt, oil and any stains from sticking to the surface. It is made from Polytetrafluoroethelene and each pore is millions of times smaller than a drop of water.

In the 1920s, rubber boots were introduced into Russia and became an instant hit. Seventeen rubber factories were built and even during the summer and spring months these were worn. They may be called many different names worldwide but the general use for them will always stay the same.




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