Abstract
Experiments were carried out to clarify the effects of two different types of shoe, i.e., zori (Japanese sandals) and half-length boots, on the thermophysiological response in six adult women during rest and walking outside and under laboratory conditions. Main results were summarized as follows :
1) The rectal temperature remained higher when wearing the half-length boots than with zori both outside and in the laboratory.
2) Sole and instep skin temperatures were significantly higher when wearing the half-length boots than with zori.
3) The clothing microclimate temperature and humidity near the sole were significantly higher with the half-length boots than with zori.
These findings are discussed in terms of thermal physiology. Zori seem to have been more effective for both dry and wet heat loss from the feet to surroundings, which inhibited an increase in the core temperature.
