As a core functional component of the upper of casual sports shoes (children's shoes), optimizing the perspiration-wicking efficiency of the breathable mesh layer requires coordinated breakthroughs in material properties, structural design, and processing. Traditional single-layer meshes often hinder sweat evaporation due to insufficient porosity or excessive fiber density. Modern optimization solutions, however, significantly improve air convection and moisture conduction efficiency by creating multi-layered, three-dimensional channels. For example, meshes woven with shaped fibers have a unique groove structure that increases the contact area with sweat and, through capillary action, accelerates the migration of liquid water to the material surface. This design significantly improves perspiration wicking compared to conventional round fiber meshes.
The regularity of the mesh's pore distribution directly influences the balance between breathability and perspiration wicking. Excessively large pores enhance air circulation but reduce the upper's supportive fit. Excessively small pores can hinder sweat evaporation. Optimized solutions typically employ a gradient porosity design. This involves placing high-density microporous mesh in sweat-prone areas of the foot (such as the forefoot and arch), leveraging the surface tension of the micropores to accelerate sweat evaporation. Low-density, large-pore mesh is used in areas requiring stable support (such as the heel), balancing structural strength and breathability. This differentiated layout ensures localized sweat wicking efficiency while maintaining the overall functional integrity of the upper.
A multi-layer composite structure is a key technological approach to improving sweat wicking efficiency. By combining a hydrophilic inner layer, a hydrophobic middle layer, and an abrasion-resistant outer layer, a unidirectional moisture-conducting channel is formed. The hydrophilic layer (such as modified polyester fiber) rapidly absorbs sweat and diffuses it into the middle layer, while the hydrophobic layer (such as polytetrafluoroethylene membrane) allows water vapor to escape through its microporous structure while preventing liquid water from flowing back into the shoe. This "absorption-diffusion-evaporation" gradient conduction mechanism reduces humidity inside the shoe compared to a single-layer mesh, significantly improving the dryness of children's feet during exercise.
The mesh's weaving technique has a decisive influence on sweat wicking performance. Warp-knitted spacer fabrics are created using a double-needle-bar warp knitting machine to create a three-dimensional structure. The density of the spacer yarns precisely controls the thickness of the air layer, thereby achieving a perfect balance between breathability and thermal insulation. For example, a warp-knitted mesh with 1.5mm spacer yarns creates a sufficient air buffer to reduce heat buildup while also promoting sweat evaporation through channels between the yarns. Furthermore, the jacquard patterning process creates a concave and convex texture on the mesh surface, increasing the contact area with air and further enhancing localized perspiration wicking efficiency.
Optimizing the finishing process is also crucial for improving mesh performance. Plasma treatment significantly increases hydrophilicity by introducing polar groups onto the fiber surface, making sweat more easily absorbed and diffused. Nano-silver coating, on the other hand, imparts antibacterial and deodorizing properties to the mesh while maintaining breathability, preventing microbial growth caused by sweat retention. These surface modification technologies, while not altering the mesh's underlying structure, enhance both perspiration wicking efficiency and functional durability through microscopic physical and chemical changes.
Dynamic adaptability is a special consideration in the design of mesh fabrics for casual sports shoes (children's shoes). Children's feet undergo complex deformations during exercise, requiring the mesh to possess sufficient elastic recovery to maintain open pores. Meshes blended with spandex-coated yarn and polyester fibers maintain high elasticity while preventing pore deformation caused by repeated stretching. Furthermore, localized reinforcements (such as elastic webbing embedded in the arch of the foot) reduce friction between the mesh and the foot during exercise, preventing friction from hindering sweat evaporation.
From a material innovation perspective, the use of bio-based mesh fabrics offers a new approach to optimizing sweat wicking efficiency. Natural polymer materials, such as corn fiber and bamboo fiber, not only possess excellent moisture absorption properties but also reduce environmental impact through microbial degradation. For example, the hollow structure of bamboo fiber mesh can trap more air, creating a natural insulation layer. Its natural antimicrobial properties also reduce the risk of bacterial growth from sweat. Blending these materials with synthetic fibers is driving the development of mesh fabrics for casual sports shoes (children's shoes) towards functionalization and sustainability.
