Product Introduction
Protect is a recyclable thermoplastic rigid material. After heat setting and curing, it provides strong support from firm to extra-stiff, while helping to protect the ankle and Achilles tendon during wear. It is especially characterized by excellent shape stability.
ProTect is mainly used as a high-rigidity heel counter. According to the performance requirements of different shoe types, various hardness and stiffness levels can be selected to achieve the desired support. It is an ideal heel counter material for footwear designs that demand high hardness and rigidity.
Key Advantages & Features
As a high-hardness product, Protect offers the following features:
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Lightweight: low density
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High hardness and stiffness: at 1.5 mm thickness, the initial collapse strength under compression is greater than 185 N
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Excellent low-temperature performance: at –15°C, it resists flex cracking and is not prone to breakage
Application Range
Protect has been extensively validated by many brands and is used in over 300 million pairs of shoes, including:
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Basketball shoes
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Hiking boots
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Formal / dress shoes
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Riding boots
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Ice skates
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Premium safety footwear
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Military boots
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Marathon running shoes
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Outdoor trail shoes
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Other high-support footwear requiring rigidity and protection
Average recycled content: 40%
Standard thicknesses:
0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm
Standard size:
1 m × 1.5 m
Product code:
VVAOD
Material Composition
Protect is composed of:
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Polyester fibers
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Styrene-butadiene latex
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Active calcium (functional fillers)
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Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) polymers
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Polyurethane
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Polyester resins
Product Categories
This high-rigidity shaping and stiffening material is available in three performance profiles:
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High stiffness
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High rigidity
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High support (uprightness)
Together, they provide an optimized solution for ankle and Achilles tendon protection and stabilization, making Protect the best choice for shoe styles that demand rigidity, firmness and strong structural support.
Heel Shaping Specifications
Process Parameter Guidelines
Heat Activation Process (Heat Mold / Hot Air)
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Working Temperature: 130°C to 160°C
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Pressing Time: 25-40 seconds (depending on equipment model, working conditions, and upper/lining material)
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Interface Temperature: Measured temperature between the heel and upper: 80°C-100°C
Cold Shaping Process
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Working Temperature: 5°C or lower
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Pressing Time: 25-40 seconds (depending on equipment model, working conditions, and upper/lining material)
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Interface Temperature: Measured temperature between the heel and upper: Must be below 40°C
Note: The lower the temperature of the component after cold shaping, the better the final shaping effect.
Cutting
The Protect products should be cut transversely along the widest width of the material. Multi-layer cutting is supported, with the number of layers depending on the material grade and the cutting equipment used.
Thinning (Slitting)
Slitting should be done on the reverse side of the material (opposite to the side facing up during cutting). To achieve the best results, it is recommended to use a rotary blade slitting machine and apply silicone-based lubricant or cool down the blade to prevent the blade from sticking to the material.
Pre-Lamination
Medium-temperature series products can be laminated with heel linings using appropriate lamination equipment. The use of hot melt adhesive for the lining provides the best results.
Pre-Shaping
To facilitate embedding and positioning, medium-temperature series products can be pre-formed, but the material must first be heated to 50°C-60°C. This temperature range allows the material to soften appropriately for shaping, while preventing premature activation of the hot melt adhesive, which could make the operation difficult.
Embedding Specifications
In the footwear manufacturing process, the CAYO team recommends sewing the edges of the heel part naturally to the upper. Using solvent-based adhesives to fix the heel position may negatively affect adhesive strength and shaping effectiveness.
Heel Molding
To achieve the best activation effect, it is recommended to use a heel molding machine equipped with a heated inner mold and airbag pressure device. Silicone pressure devices are also suitable.
For the best molding results, cold molds must be used. It is recommended to use cold molds at below 5°C combined with an airbag pressure device for cold shaping.
Toe Puff / Toe Cap Shaping Specifications
Heat Press Machine Parameter Settings
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Heating Top Plate Temperature: 120°C - 160°C (depending on equipment model, working conditions, and upper/lining material)
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Interface Temperature (measured temperature between the heel and upper): 90°C - 120°C
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Constant Pressure: 4.20 - 6.0 BAR (kgf/cm²)
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Pressing Time: 15-20 seconds
Sample Production Requirements
When using the adhesive edge bonding process, the shape of the toe cap component must closely fit the contour of the upper's edge.
When using hot-melt bonding, ensure the toe cap is positioned 8-10mm back from the edge of the upper’s edge. This ensures that, after the upper edge is bonded, the maximum range of the upper's edge can directly contact the insole.
Hot-Melt Bonding Process
Depending on the structure of the upper and the assembly process, either a curved press machine or a flat press machine should be used for processing.
The curved press hot-melt machine helps form a three-dimensional shape, making the upper edge bonding process easier to handle.
Note that a conveyor belt-type laminating machine cannot apply enough pressure on the toe cap, which will significantly reduce the effective bonding rate between the toe cap and the upper.
Last Shaping
The Protect achieves optimal processing results when used on a heel molding machine equipped with a preheating device and cold molds.
When the material is applied in the following manner:
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Embedded in a pocket sewn onto the last or stitched upper structure (e.g., strong edge bonding process),
ensure that the material is thoroughly activated before edge bonding and it is recommended to undergo thermal shaping.
Storage and Transportation Conditions
Store in a cool environment (< 25°C) and dry conditions (humidity < 60%). Avoid direct sunlight during storage.
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In summer, avoid transportation under direct midday sunlight at around 40°C.
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The temperature inside the transport container must not exceed 60°C.
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Stacking height should be no more than 2.5 meters.
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During hot seasons, it is safer to arrange transportation at night whenever possible.