Science: Tough Sole

A new plastic sole that may go a long way toward solving the shoe shortage was announced last week. The new material, a woven cotton fabric impregnated with oils and resins, does not skid, wears twice as long as leather. It was first developed as a nonskid surface for aircraft carrier decks, but failed to satisfy. Then Homasote Co. took over the process. Manufacturers are now turning out nearly 100,000 pairs a week of women's & children's shoes with the new "Beaufort Miracle" sole. It is also good for men, but WPB ruled in favor of women & children first.

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