WO2000051458A1

WO2000051458A1 - Composite footwear upper and method of manufacturing a composite footwear upper

Info

Publication number: WO2000051458A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/005171
Authority: WO
Inventors: Edward J. Norton; Zenon O. Smotrycz
Original assignee: Norton Edward J; Smotrycz Zenon O
Priority date: 1999-03-02
Filing date: 2000-02-29
Publication date: 2000-09-08
Also published as: US6558784B1; JP2002537878A; US20020012784A1; CA2362758A1; EP1164884A4; US20020071946A1; US6670029B2; CN1342046A; WO2000051458A9; EP1164884A1

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a multi-layer, composite footwear upper(70) having a three-dimensional geometry includes the steps of forming a substantially planar composite sheet from two or more layers (10), heating the composite sheet (12), and compression molding the composite sheet into the three-dimensional geometry of the footwear upper (14). The composite sheet (70) is formed by laminating a first layer (20) of thermoplastic foam to a second layer (22) of thermoplastic urethane (TPU), preferably in the form of a TPU film. A third layer (24) of mesh fabric can be interposed between the first (20) and second (22) layers. The composite sheet (70) is compressed after heating in a mold cavity (62) to achieve the desired three-dimensional geometry. The composite sheet (70) can be compression molded into separate sections (172, 174, 176) which are assembled after molding to form the footwear upper (170). Alternatively, the composite sheet (70) can be compression molded into a seamless, unitary footwear upper (270) that requires minimal, if any, assembly for completion.

Description

COMPOSITE FOOTWEAR UPPER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A COMPOSITE FOOTWEAR UPPER

Background of the Invention Many outdoor activities require performance footwear designed for use in extreme conditions. Performance footwear such as hiking boots, ski boots, snowboard boots, mountaineering boots, etc., can provide the wearer with protection from extreme temperatures, from moisture, and from foot injuries due to difficult terrain. To provide such protection, performance footwear is typically constructed from a material or a combination of materials having insulative, moisture resistant, and abrasion resistant characteristics.

The processes for constructing performance footwear can be labor intensive and costly and often require sophisticated and expensive molding and stitching equipment. For example, constructing performance footwear from leather requires hand cutting and hand stitching ofthe leather. Likewise, constructing performance footwear from plastic materials necessitates the use of expensive and complicated high-pressure injection equipment and molds.

In addition, the construction of performance boots often necessitates multiple layers of materials to be applied in sequence to one another to provide the desired insulative, moisture resistant, and abrasion resistant properties. This can result in bulky and heavy footwear that is uncomfortable to wear and difficult and time consuming to manufacture.

Summary of the Invention The present invention provides methods of manufacturing footwear and footwear uppers that simplifies the footwear manufacturing process, reduces manufacturing costs, and results in the construction of comfortable footwear having the properties necessary for use in extreme conditions. Moreover, the methods ofthe present invention provide the flexibility to vary the properties ofthe resultant footwear, allowing the footwear to be specifically tailored to the environment in which it is designed to be used, without the need for multiple sets of molds or manufacturing equipment. In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a footwear upper having a three-dimensional geometry. The method includes the steps of forming a composite sheet from two or more layers, heating the composite sheet, and compression molding the composite sheet into the three- dimensional geometry ofthe footwear upper. The composite sheet can be formed by the lamination of two or more layers. The layers can be bonded together by a bonding agent, can be heat bonded, or can be laminated together by other means.

It is preferable that one or more ofthe layers forming the composite sheet includes a thermoformable material. In one preferred embodiment, the composite sheet comprises a first layer of thermoplastic foam and a second layer of thermoplastic urethane (TPU), preferably in the form of a TPU film. The thermoplastic foam can be, for example, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. A third layer of fabric can be interposed between the first and second layers. Suitable fabrics can include a mesh fabric formed from nylon, polyester, polycotton, cotton, acetate, or acrylic. In accordance with another aspect ofthe present invention, the composite sheet can comprise a first layer of cloth material, a second layer of thermoplastic foam, and a third layer of cloth material. The cloth material can be formed from felt, wool, fur, hair, polyester, nylon, cotton, acetate, or acrylic. In one embodiment, the composite sheet can be formed by needle punching the first, second, and third layers to thread the fibers forming the cloth material ofthe first and third layer through the second layer, thereby coupling the three layers together.

In accordance with a further aspect ofthe present invention, the step of compression molding includes the steps of positioning the composite sheet in a first mold member having a mold cavity and compressing the composite sheet in the mold cavity with a second mold member. The composite sheet can be heated prior to positioning the composite sheet into the first mold member or after the composite sheet is positioned in the first mold member, for example when the composite sheet is positioned in the mold cavity ofthe first mold member. The composite sheet can be compression molded into separate sections which are assembled after molding to form the footwear upper. Alternatively, the composite sheet can be compression molded into a seamless, unitary footwear upper that requires minimal, if any, assembly for completion. A method of manufacturing footwear in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of constructing an upper by forming a substantially planar composite sheet from two or more layers, heating the composite sheet, and compression molding the composite sheet into the three-dimensional geometry ofthe upper. The upper can then be attached to a sole. The upper can be attached to the sole by stitching a sock into the upper, placing the upper on a last, attaching the upper to the sole, and removing the last from the upper after attaching the sole to the upper.

In accordance with another aspect ofthe present invention, an inner liner can be assembled within the upper. The inner liner can be a fabric or composite booty that can be stitched to the upper or can be separate and removable from the upper. In the alternative, a layer forming the inner liner can be attached to the composite sheet prior to the step of compression molding the composite sheet.

A multi-layer composite footwear upper in accordance with one aspect ofthe present invention can include a first layer of thermoplastic foam and a second layer of thermoplastic urethane (TPU), preferably in the form of a TPU film, attached to the first layer. The composite upper is preferably of unitary, seamless construction. A third layer of fabric can be interposed between the first and second layers. The thermoplastic foam can be, for example, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. The fabric is preferably a mesh fabric formed from, for example, nylon, polyester, polycotton, cotton, acetate, or acrylic.

Brief Description of the Drawings

These and other features and advantages ofthe present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the attached drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements through the different views. The drawings illustrate principles ofthe invention and, although not to scale, show relative dimensions.

FIGURE 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method of manufacturing a footwear upper according to the teachings ofthe present invention; FIGURE 2 is a multi-layer composite sheet used to construct a footwear upper according to the teachings ofthe present invention;

FIGURE 3 is a schematic illustration of a method of manufacturing a footwear upper according to the teachings ofthe present invention;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a footwear upper constructed in accordance with the teachings ofthe present invention;

FIGURES 5 A and 5B are flow charts illustrating a method of manufacturing footwear according to the teachings ofthe present invention;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a multi-layer composite sheet used to construct a footwear upper according to the teachings ofthe present invention;

FIGURE 7A is a perspective view of a mold for forming a footwear upper according to the teachings ofthe present invention;

FIGURE 7B is a perspective view of a mold used to form a footwear tongue according to the teachings ofthe present invention;

FIGURE 7C is an exploded view ofthe components of a footwear upper constructed in accordance with a method of manufacturing footwear ofthe present invention;

FIGURE 8 A is a perspective view of a mold for forming the lower portion of a footwear upper according to the teachings ofthe present invention;

FIGURE 8B is a perspective view of a mold used to form an upper shaft according to the teachings ofthe present invention; FIGURE 8C is an exploded view ofthe components of a footwear constructed in accordance with a method of manufacturing footwear ofthe present invention; and

FIGURE 9 is an exploded view of a boot constructed in accordance with a method of manufacturing footwear of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The present invention provides methods for manufacturing footwear uppers and, in general, footwear in which a multi-layer composite sheet is heat activated to become malleable and than placed in a mold. The mold is used to compress the composite sheet into a desired three-dimensional geometry to form the composite upper. The resultant composite upper can be joined to a sole, as well as other footwear components, to complete the construction ofthe footwear. The manufacturing methods ofthe present invention simplify footwear construction, reduce manufacturing costs, and provide the flexibility to construct a footwear upper, and thus footwear, have a variety of different properties.

A method of manufacturing a footwear upper in accordance with the present invention is generally illustrated in the flowchart of FIGURE 1. A substantially planar composite sheet is formed from two or more layers of material, step 10. The substantially planar sheet is heat activated to become malleable, step 12. Once heated, the substantially planar composite sheet is compression molded into the desired three- dimensional geometry ofthe footwear upper, step 14.

FIGURE 2 illustrates an exemplary substantially planar composite sheet 16. It is preferable for one ofthe layers forming the composite sheet 16 to include a thermo- formable material that becomes malleable (formable) when heated above a specific temperature. The thermo-formable material can be, for example, a thermoplastic material, although other thermo-formable materials may be used. Thermoplastic materials are desirable because, when heated above a characteristic activation temperature, thermoplastic materials become malleable and, upon cooling below the activation temperature, thermoplastic materials set and maintain the desired form and shape. Exemplary thermoplastic materials include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic urethanes and polyurethanes, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). Continuing to refer to FIGURE 2, the exemplary composite sheet 16 comprises a first layer 20 of thermoplastic foam, such as EVA foam, and a second layer 22 of thermoplastic urethane (TPU). Other thermoplastic foams include, but are not limited to, polyethylene foam and polypropylyene foam. In a preferred embodiment, a third layer 24 of fabric can be interposed between the first layer 20 and the second layer 22. The fabric is preferably a mesh material formed from fabrics such as nylon, polyester, polycotton, cotton, acetate, or acrylic. Although a woven fabric can be employed, a non- woven or knit fabric is preferred for the third layer 24 because ofthe increased stretchability provided. The second layer 22 of TPU and the underlying third layer 24 of mesh fabric are selected to provide the upper, as well as the resultant footwear, with a moisture and wear resistant outer layer. The first layer 20 of thermoplastic foam is selected to provide the upper, as well as the resultant footwear, with an insulative inner layer. The amount of insulation can depend ofthe thickness and density ofthe thermoplastic foam selected. Thus, the combination of layers forming the composite sheet 16 provide the composite sheet, as well as the upper formed therefrom and the resultant footwear, with a variety of properties.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the composite sheet 16 is not limited to three layers as illustrated in FIGURE 2 and described above. Any number of layers can be used, depending on the desired properties ofthe footwear being constructed. For example, the thickness, hardness, density, or color, etc. ofthe composite sheet 16 can be varied by changing, adding, removing, or moving layers ofthe composite sheet 16. Likewise, the degree of water resistance, thermal protection, and abrasion and wear resistance can be varied.

For example, in an alternative embodiment, the composite sheet can include an additional layer of a thermoset material, such as a thermoset urethane, over the second layer 22 of TPU. The additional layer of thermoset material can provide increased abrasion resistance and increased flexibility to the composite sheet and the molded composite upper.

FIGURE 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment ofthe composite sheet 16' having a first layer 25 of cloth material, a second layer 26 of thermoplastic foam, and a third layer 27 of cloth material. The cloth material forming the first and third layers 25, 27 is preferably felt. The term "felt" used herein includes, but is not limited to, cloth constructed from woven or non- woven synthetic or natural fibers. Other suitable cloth materials for the first and third layers include, but are not limited to, wool, fur, hair, polyester, nylon, cotton, acetate, and acrylic. The cloth material ofthe first layer 25 can be the same or different than the cloth material ofthe third layer 27. The first, second, and third layer can be bonded together with a bonding agent or attached by other means. In addition, the first, second, and third layers 25, 26, 27 are preferably connected by forcing fibers of either the first or third layer through the second layer of thermoplastic foam. For example, the first layer 25 of cloth material can be needle punched to drag fibers 28 through the thermoplastic foam ofthe second layer 26. The needle-punched fibers 28 are interweaved or interconnected with the fibers forming the third layer 27 of cloth material to thereby connect the three layers.

Referring to FIGURES 3, 4, and 5 A, a method of manufacturing a composite upper having a seamless, unitary construction will be described. To begin with, the materials are selected for forming the composite sheet 16, step 30, based on the desired properties ofthe composite upper. For purposes ofthe present description the three layer composite sheet described above will be used, however, one skilled in the art will recognize that any number of layers and a range of materials may be used to form the substantially-planar composite sheet. The materials selected can then be laminated together, for example, by bonding with an adhesive or by heat bonding, to form the substantially planar composite sheet 16, step 32.

The composite sheet 16 can be optionally pre-cut to the general shape ofthe composite upper to facilitate placement within the mold cavity 62 ofthe mold 60 used to form the composite upper, step 34. This step of pre-cutting is generally referred to as "die-cutting." As best illustrated in FIGURE 3, the mold 60 comprises a first mold member 64 that includes the mold cavity 62 and a second mold member 66 having a "male" projection 68 analogous in shape to the mold cavity 62. The mold cavity 62 and the corresponding projection 68 are sized and shaped to form a unitary, i.e. single piece, footwear upper 70, as illustrated in FIGURE 4. In this regard, the mold cavity 62 defines a three-dimensional shape having a length, a width, and a depth or height corresponding, i.e., equal to, to the length, width, and depth or height ofthe footwear upper 70. Alternatively, the individual layers of materials can be pre-cut to the general shape ofthe mold cavity 62 prior to the step of laminating the layers together to form the composite sheet 16, step 36.

The die-cut composite sheet 16 can optionally be rough-formed prior to molding such that the composite sheet 16 better conforms to the geometry ofthe mold cavity 62, step 38. Rough forming can include providing a preliminary three-dimensional geometry to the composite sheet 16. This can be accomplished, for example, by removing a section ofthe die-cut composite sheet and then attaching the cut edges such that the composite sheet is no longer substantially planar. Rough forming can also include forming score lines at predetermined locations on the composite sheet 16 to facilitate cutting and removal of material from the footwear upper after molding.

Although it is preferably that the composite sheet be die-cut and rough formed prior to molding, it should be understood that the die-cutting step and the rough forming step are optional steps, as illustrated by the flowchart of FIGURE 5 A. In other words, once the composite sheet is formed, the composite sheet can be immediately heated and compressed, without proceeding with either or both of these steps.

Prior to or during the step of compression molding the composite sheet, the composite sheet is preferably heated so that composite sheet becomes malleable or formable, step 40. Heating ofthe composite sheet can occur within the mold 60 by, for example, heating the mold cavity 62 and/or the projection 68. Alternatively, the composite sheet can heated prior to placement within the mold cavity 62 by other heating means. In the case of a composite sheet formed using thermoplastic materials, the composite sheet is heated to or above the heat activation temperature ofthe thermoplastic material. Referring to FIGURE 5B, the heated composite sheet is compression molded within the mold 60, step 42. Compression molding can occur by pressing or forcing the projection 68 into contact with the composite sheet within the mold cavity 62. Alternative compression molding techniques can also be used. For example, a vacuum source can be coupled to the mold cavity 62 to apply a vacuum force to the under side of the composite sheet. Likewise, positive fluid pressure can be used independently or in cooperation with the compression provided by projection 68 to compress the composite sheet. After compression molding, the molded composite upper is cooled to allow the materials forming the upper to set in the molded shape. After cooling, the composite upper is removed from the mold cavity 62, step 44. Compression molding ofthe composite sheet results in single piece footwear upper 70 that does not require further assembly, such as stitching, and, thus, is completely seamless, as illustrated in FIGURE 4. Any excess material can be trimmed from the molded upper and the collar and throat area 72 can be punched-out, cut away, or otherwise removed from the upper. Eyelets holes or loops for laces, a collar, and a tongue can be added to the composite upper 70 if desired. Continuing to refer to the FIGURE 5B, the completed composite upper can be assembled with other footwear components to form an article of footwear, e.g., a shoe or a boot, etc. The general steps for assembling the upper and other footwear components into footwear are set forth in the flow-chart of FIGURE 5B. One skilled in the art will appreciate that additional or fewer steps may be necessary depending on the footwear being manufactured.

The unitary composite upper can be lasted according to known lasting methods, step 46. As discussed in greater detail below, the method of forming a composite upper ofthe present invention is not limited to the formation of a single piece, seamless footwear upper. By changing the geometry ofthe mold cavity, a multi-section composite upper can be manufactured. In the case of a multi-section composite upper, the sections ofthe upper are assembled prior to lasting, step 48.

An exemplary lasting procedure involves stitching a bottom, generally referred to as a sock, to the bottom peripheral edge ofthe composite footwear upper. The sock can be made from a fabric material or any other soft, flexible, stitchable material. The upper and the sock are then placed on a last or foot form. Prior to adding the sole unit, the portions ofthe lasted upper which will contact the sole can be prepared by roughing, priming, and/or cementing the contact points. The sole unit is then applied to the lasted upper, step 50. The sole unit can be applied by any known method including, for example, by bonding the sole unit to the lasted upper or by injecting the material forming the sole unit onto the upper. It is preferable to prepare the sole unit for assembly to the upper in the same manner as with the upper, by roughing, priming, and/or cementing the contact points ofthe sole unit. Any type of sole unit can be applied to the composite upper depending ofthe type of footwear being manufactured. Once the sole unit is bonded to the composite upper the last is removed from the upper.

An inner liner, generally referred to as an inner booty, can be optionally assembled within the composite upper depending on the type of footwear being manufactured, step 52. The inner liner can be inserted into the lasted upper before or, preferably, after the sole unit is applied. The inner liner can be constructed of a fabric material or a composite material that can be stitched into the composite upper or attached by other means to the composite upper. It is not necessary, however, for the inner liner to be attached to the composite upper. Instead, the inner liner can be separate and removable from the composite upper. Alternatively, the inner liner can be assembled with the layers forming the composite sheet prior to compression molding the composite sheet into the composite upper. In this manner, the inner liner is an integral layer ofthe composite sheet and the resultant composite upper.

The methods of manufacturing a footwear upper in accordance with the present invention provide numerous advantages over conventional footwear manufacturing methods. The manufacturing methods ofthe present invention permit the construction of a seamless composite upper of unitary construction. This results in a reduction of manufacturing costs by minimizing assembly steps and reducing cutting and stitching time significantly. The compression molding processes ofthe present invention permit the creation of more comfortable, better fitting footwear by allowing anatomically correct contours to be formed in the mold cavity, and, thus, the molded composite upper. Surface variances can molded into either side, i.e., inside or outside, ofthe composite upper to enhance the aesthetic appearance and the functionality ofthe composite upper. For example, grooves or channels can be molded into the inner surface ofthe composite upper to create a space or spaces between the composite boot and the foot and thereby enhance the breathability ofthe composite upper. Protrusions can be molded into the outer surface ofthe composite upper to create initial contact points that can protect recessed regions ofthe outer surface ofthe composite upper from abrasion. Additionally, grooves can be molded into the outer surface ofthe composite upper to provide increased bendability or flexibility to the composite upper at the locations ofthe grooves. Additionally, the compression molding processes ofthe present invention allow many different composite upper types to be created from a single compression mold by varying the materials use to form the composite sheet. A wide range of properties, such as weight, breathability, water resistance, insulation, flexibility, durability, rigidity, etc. can be imparted to the molded composite upper and the resultant footwear singularly or in combination depending on the materials used to form the composite sheet.

As discussed above, the composite upper can be compression molded into multiple sections which are assembled post-molding to form the composite upper. FIGURES 7A-C and 8A-C illustrate exemplary multi-section composite uppers formed according to the methods ofthe present invention. Referring to FIGURE 7A-7C, a multi-section composite upper 170 is compression molded into two separate sections, 172 and 174, each representing a longitudinal half of the assembled upper 170. A mold 160 having two mold cavities, a first mold cavity 162B corresponding in size and shape to one longitudinal half of the upper and a second mold cavity 162B corresponding in size and shape to the other longitudinal half of the upper, is used to compression mold the composite sheet. A second mold 163 can be used to form a composite tongue 176 for the composite upper 170 in a manner analogous to the method of creating the composite upper.

FIGURE 7C illustrates the components ofthe composite upper 170 formed according to the manufacturing methods ofthe present invention. After molding, the composite sections 172 and 174 are assembled by stitching, by bonding, or by other conventional methods. Seam covers 176 in the form of rubber strips can be placed over the seam or junction between the sections 172 and 174. The composite tongue 176 can be provided with a leather or synthetic eyestay 179 having eyelets 180 for laces and is assembled to the upper 170. A sock 182 for lasting is stitched to the lower peripheral edge ofthe composite upper 170. A rubber outsole 184 is applied to the sock 182.

Referring to FIGURES 8A-8C, a multi-section composite upper 270 is compression molded into two separate sections, a lower section 272 and a shaft section 274. The composite sheet is compression molded in a mold 260 having a butterfly- shaped mold cavity 262 corresponding in size and shape to the lower section ofthe upper. A separate second mold 263 is used to form the shaft section 274 for the composite upper 270 in a manner analogous to the method of creating the composite upper.

FIGURE 8C illustrates the components ofthe composite upper 270 formed according to the manufacturing methods ofthe present invention. After compression molding, the butterfly-shaped lower section 272 is folded and assembled along edges 275A and 275B by stitching, by bonding, or by other means. Likewise, the shaft section 274 is folded and assembled along edges 277A and 277B. The shaft section 274 can then be attached to the lower section 272. An integral, gusseted tongue 276 is compression molded into the lower section 272 ofthe upper 270. A tongue inlay 286, preferably constructed from leather, is positioned within the gusset formed on the tongue 276. The tongue inlay 286 includes eyelets 280 or the like for laces. A sock 282 for lasting is stitched to the lower peripheral edge ofthe lower section 272 ofthe composite upper 270. A rubber outsole 284 is applied to the sock 282.

A exemplary article of footwear, in the form of a mountain boot 300, is illustrated in FIGURE 9. The mountain boot 300 includes a composite upper 370 of seamless, unitary construction. An upper composite collar 302 and binding 304 is assembled to the top peripheral edge ofthe composite upper 370. A tongue 376 is assembled to the upper 370. A pair of molded support plates 306 provide lateral support to the upper 370. Rubbing foxing 308 is provided at the rear ofthe upper 370. A sock 382 for lasting is stitched to the lower peripheral edge ofthe composite upper 370. A multi-layer sole unit 384 is applied to the upper 370. The sole unit 384 includes a two- part rubber foxing layer 388, a two-piece TPU frame or flat 390, and a rubber outsole 392. The rubber outsole 392 includes a heel section 392 A and a front section 392B, each constructed from rubber having a different density. Since certain changes may be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope ofthe invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover all generic and specific features ofthe invention described herein, and all statements ofthe scope ofthe invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween. Having described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a footwear upper having a three-dimensional geometry, the method comprising the steps of: forming a composite sheet from two or more layers; heating said composite sheet; and compression molding said composite sheet into the three-dimensional geometry ofthe footwear upper.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of forming the composite sheet comprises the step of laminating said two or more layers to form said composite sheet.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said two or more layers are bonded together by a bonding agent.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein said two or more layers are heated bonded.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein one of said layers of said composite sheet includes a thermoformable material.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said composite sheet comprises a first layer of thermoplastic foam, and a second layer of thermoplastic urethane (TPU).

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the thermoplastic foam is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the second layer is a TPU film.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the TPU film comprises a top layer of formed of a thermoset urethane and a bottom layer formed of a thermoplastic urethane, said bottom layer being proximate the first layer of thermoplastic foam.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein the composite sheet further comprises a third layer of fabric interposed between said first and second layers.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the fabric is a mesh fabric formed from nylon, polyester, polycotton, cotton, acetate, or acrylic.

12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composite sheet comprises a first layer of cloth material, a second layer of thermoplastic foam, and a third layer of cloth material, said second layer being interposed between said first layer and said third layer.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the cloth material is formed from felt, wool, fur, hair, polyester, nylon, cotton, acetate, or acrylic.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein said step of forming said composite sheet comprises the step of needle punching said first, second, and third layers to thread fibers forming said cloth material of said first and third layer through said second layer.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of compression molding comprises the steps of positioning said composite sheet in a first mold member having a mold cavity, and compressing said composite sheet in said mold cavity with a second mold member.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said step of heating said composite sheet occurs prior to positioning said composite sheet into said first mold member.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein said step of heating said composite sheet occurs after said composite sheet is positioned in said first mold member.

18. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of cutting said composite sheet into a pre-mold shape analogous in size and shape to the size and shape of said mold cavity.

19. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of pre-forming said composite sheet into a non-planar configuration.

20. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of cutting each of said layers of said composite sheet into a pre-mold shape analogous in size and shape to the size and shape of said mold cavity prior to forming said composite sheet.

21. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composite sheet is compression molded into separate sections of said upper and further comprising the step of assembling said sections to form said footwear upper.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein said separate sections comprise longitudinal halves of said footwear upper.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein the composite sheet is compression molded into a seamless, unitary footwear upper.

24. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composite sheet is substantially planar.

25. A method of manufacturing footwear comprising the steps of: constructing an upper having a three-dimensional geometry by forming a composite sheet from two or more layers, heating said composite sheet, and compression molding said composite sheet into the three-dimensional geometry ofthe footwear upper; providing a sole; and attaching said upper to said sole.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising the steps of stitching a sock into said upper, placing said upper on a last, attaching said upper to said sole, and removing said last from said upper after attaching said sole to said upper.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein said upper is bonded to said sole.

28. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of assembling an inner liner within said upper.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein said inner liner is a fabric or composite booty.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein said step of assembling said inner liner comprises the steps of attaching a layer forming said inner liner to said composite sheet prior to the step of compression molding said composite sheet.

31. A multi-layer composite footwear upper comprising: a first layer of thermoplastic foam; a second layer of thermoplastic urethane (TPU) attached to said first layer; and a third layer of fabric interposed between said first and second layers.

32. The upper of claim 31 , wherein said thermoplastic foam is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam.

33. The upper of claim 31 , wherein said first and second layers are bonded together by a bonding agent.

34. The upper of claim 31 , wherein said first and second layers are heated bonded.

35. The upper of claim 31 , wherein the second layer is a TPU film.

36. The upper of claim 35, wherein the TPU film comprises a top layer formed of a thermoset urethane and a bottom layer formed of a thermoplastic urethane, said bottom layer being proximate the first layer of thermoplastic foam.

37. The upper of claim 31 , wherein the fabric is a mesh fabric formed from nylon, polyester, polycotton, cotton, acetate, or acrylic.

38. The upper of claim 31 , wherein said upper comprises two separate sections bonded together along a longitudinally extending seam, each of said separate sections extending substantially along the entire length of said upper.

39. The upper of claim 31 , wherein said upper is of seamless, unitary construction.

40. A multi-layer composite footwear upper comprising: a first layer of cloth material, a second layer of thermoplastic foam, and a third layer of cloth material, said second layer being interposed between said first layer and said third layer.

41. The upper of claim 40, wherein the cloth material is formed from felt, wool, fur, hair, polyester, nylon, cotton, acetate, or acrylic.

42. The upper of claim40, wherein thread fibers forming said cloth material of one of said first and third layer extend through said second layer to connect said first, second, and third layers.

43. Footwear comprising : a multi-layer composite upper comprising a first layer of thermoplastic foam, and a second layer of thermoplastic urethane (TPU) attached to said first layer, and a third layer of fabric interposed between said first and second layers; and a sole attached to said upper.

44. The footwear of claim 43, further comprising an inner liner within said upper.

45. The footwear of claim 44, wherein said inner liner is a fabric or composite booty.

46. The footwear of claim 44, wherein said inner liner is integrally attached and formed with said composite upper.

47. A multi-layer composite footwear upper comprising: a first layer of thermoplastic foam; and a second layer of thermoplastic urethane (TPU) attached to said first layer, wherein said upper is of seamless, unitary construction.