With the onset of autumn cold, slush, light frosts, the question often arises: "What kind of shoes should a child get to keep his feet dry and warm?" The answer immediately comes to mind: the membrane. Today it is incredibly popular, adults prefer this particular type of boots and boots for their children. And how among the many manufacturers of membrane shoes (Kapika, Kotofey, Kakadu, etc.) not to lose and buy a really high-quality one that meets all the requirements and standards? Which trademark to trust? Let's consider in this article the advantages and disadvantages of membrane shoes of the Russian brand “Kotofey”.
“Kotofey” is one of the domestic leaders in the market for light industry industries producing practically all kinds of baby shoes, from booties to rubber boots, starting from the procurement of raw materials for it and ending with the packaging and delivery of goods for sale. The company's 80-year history is a pretty decent time to earn the trust and respect of customers. For the Kotofey manufacturer, shoes with a membrane are not an exception to the rule, but a well-established sewing process in accordance with the stringent requirements for this shoe.
Kotofey membrane range: general parameters
Among the variety of types of shoes supplied, the membrane is inherent in boots, ankle boots and boots. This is understandable from its purpose, since most models can only be worn in the off-season. However, a warm winter can be the time of year for such shoes.
The Kotofey membrane is made for both female and male, so anyone can easily find an interesting solution for themselves. Also, several creative models of unisex membranes were invented. The size range of membrane shoes is designed for different age groups: nursery (sizes 17-22.5), small children (sizes 23-26), pre-school (sizes 27-31.5), school (sizes 32-37.5), teenage ( sizes 38-41).
The presence of a rich model range allows you to make a choice in favor of the color scheme and decoration elements of the shoe, whether it is Velcro, zippers, lacing, hooks, drawstring, bells, fur collars. Most samples are equipped with Velcro and fasteners. This is due to the ability to adjust the height of the leg (the completeness indicator at the Kotofey membrane is 2-4).
How does the Kotofey membrane work?
The membrane tissue located between the upper layer and the underside of the boots, boots, is a microporous fiber, which, due to its structure, freely passes and releases steam to the outside (into the atmosphere), thereby saving the feet from overheating or, conversely, overcooling. If you look at the numbers, they are impressive: 1 cm 2 membrane = 1.4 billion pores; pores are about 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water (that's why moisture does not penetrate inside the shoe), but about 700 times larger than a vapor molecule (therefore, steam comes out). Due to their microscopic size, the pores do not clog. The waterproof and vapor removal properties are directly related to the ability of the material to pass air. Thus, the balance of the two most important components of membrane shoes - the ability to "breathe" and the absence of possible getting wet outside - in the complex creates a pleasant microclimate, gives comfort to the legs.
Quality characteristics
Along with the above-described abilities of the Kotofey membrane - “breathing” and taking steam out - it should be noted that the shoes are based on only natural, safe for health and environmentally friendly materials that meet all quality standards. Shoes are produced in the correct anatomical form, using modern equipment, using the latest technologies and techniques of the European leaders in the shoe industry. The company simply can not afford to produce low-quality products. The Kotofey children's membrane is truly reliability and practicality, convenience, coupled with an aesthetic appearance and the ability to choose shoes for every taste and color thanks to the wide range of products and the manufacturer’s loyal pricing policy . Qualitative characteristics are also evidenced by the rate of returns - it is less than 1% of the total number (about 3 million) of all pairs of shoes produced per year as a whole.
The material used to make the membrane. Sole
The sole is perhaps one of the most important components of shoes, since in many respects it determines its wear resistance and service life. Kotofey shoes (membrane) are characterized by adhesive (in most samples of the model range) and injection molding technology for fixing the soles. From the point of view of practicality, strength and taking into account the anatomical structure of the foot, the injection method is considered the best.
Among the materials for the manufacture of soles can be found:
- PU (polyurethane), lightweight, flexible, heat-insulating, slightly susceptible to abrasion, which will not adhere very well to a slippery surface (however, since Kotofey (membrane) is worn in slush, this drawback is not a big obstacle for selection, but for in winter it is worth thinking about such a sole);
- TEP (thermoplastic elastomer), flexible, wear-resistant, heat-conducting, it is considered to be all-weather; good option for the sole of the membrane;
- TPR (thermoplastic rubber), strong, light, reducing the load on the legs and spine; Among its shortcomings - it will slip and has low thermal insulation.
Among the combinations may be:
- PU / TPU is a two-layer, not very heavy, heat-insulating sole in which both components complement each other (TPU is a heavy, dense, resistant to deformation, well-bonded "tread" material - heat-polyurethane, which does not have the highest thermal insulation parameters) ;
- PU / rubber;
- lightweight, durable filon / rubber;
- filon / TEP;
- EVA (lightweight, shock absorbing, shock absorbing, ethylene vinyl acetate) / TEP;
- EVA / rubber.
Top and Lining
In shoes “Kotofey” (membrane), natural leather is used as the material for the upper (it is famous for its wear resistance, “breathes” and is found in its pure form only in a few models with injection sole) and combined options. The lining material is: soft heat-resistant wear-resistant bike, natural (for most models) and synthetic (only one sample of such a membrane is presented on the company's website) fur.
Temperature: when to wear?
Boots, half boots, Kotofey membrane boots (reviews confirm this) are a good option for the off-season (early spring / late autumn). They can come in handy on warm, slushy winter days. The optimum temperature regime is up to -5 ° / -10 ° . Although the “Kotofey” (membrane) is famous for its water resistance, it is important to consider that these are not rubber boots, and it is not worth intentionally walking in puddles in them.
Operational Features
Who is Kotofey shoes (membrane) for? Customer reviews indicate that it is most relevant for children with increased activity, who are not characterized by a state of rest, slow walking. If the child is inactive, inactive, buying him a membrane does not make sense, because she will not "work", and his legs will be cold. Children under one year of age are also not recommended. So that the feet in the membrane do not freeze, it must be sized. In no case should one buy shoes for growth; the maximum allowable margin is up to one and a half centimeters.
Kotofey Membrane: customer reviews
Forums of young mothers sometimes contain annoying remarks about membrane shoes: products get wet, cool, etc. But, having burnt once a membrane about poor quality or having improperly operated it, you should not draw conclusions about the characteristics of all shoe membrane products. What do customers think about such shoes? The Kotofey membrane (reviews confirm this) in the vast majority of cases is in demand and has the quality parameters declared by the manufacturer.