Sympatex Technologies, Wuppertal, recently launched a new system for more temperature wear comfort in footwear in cooperation with Outlast Europe, Heidenheim: Scout (Sympatex Climacomfort with Outlast Adaptive Comfort). Developed by Sympatex Technologies, Outlast Europe and Ploucquet it is said to unite the watertightness and breathability of the Sympatex membrane with the temperature-regulating effect of the Outlast phase change materials (PCM). The reason for this development is that shoe manufacturers were interested in using Outlast Adaptive Comfort materials in their products but did not wish to do so without the Sympatex membrane.

Many shoes are waterproof, but few have breathing activity, i.e. moisture vapour permeability. This usually leads to increased perspiration during increased wearing time and heightened activity. An ideal climate develops inside the shoe for the growth of bacteria providing an ideal breeding ground for fungal infections and other diseases of the feet. Shoes with a Sympatex membrane breathe actively and improve the climate in the shoe.

The new system combines waterproofing, breathability and temperature regulation. In this way the feet will neither be too cold nor too hot in periods of
Scout is a multi-layered system and is processed as a shoe lining: nearest to the foot is a textile-layer. This is followed by an acrylate layer with integrated PCM capsules, a stabilising foam, and then the Sympatex membrane laminated onto the backing material.