Common materials for Soles
Introduction
There are many different materials that can be used to produce soles for footwear. In this article, we will discuss the most common types of materials and their properties. We will also take a look at some of the different production processes used to make soles.
Rubber
One of the most popular materials for soles, rubber is a versatile material that can be used for a wide range of applications. It has good abrasion resistance and slip resistance properties and is often used for shoes that will be worn in wet or oily conditions. It's also relatively inexpensive which makes it a good choice for budget footwear. One downside of rubber is that it doesn't provide much in terms of cushioning or shock absorption so it's not ideal for running shoes or other athletic footwear.
Vulcanized rubber
Vulcanization is a treatment process for rubber that involves heating the material and adding sulfur. This treatment increases the rubber's strength and durability while also making it more resistant to heat and chemicals. Vulcanized rubber is often used for high-end footwear as it provides a higher level of quality and performance than regular rubber. By adding nitrile vulcanization process you can achieve a material that is both oil resistant and antistatic which is why vulcanized rubber can ofter be found in safety footwear.
TPR
TPR, or thermoplastic rubber, is a type of plastic that has many of the same properties as rubber. It's durable and abrasion resistant and can be used in a wide range of applications. TPR is often used for soles that need to be flexible yet durable, such as flip-flops or sandals. One downside of TPR is that it's not as slip resistant as rubber so it's not always the best choice for shoes that will be worn in wet or oily conditions.
Thermoplastic elastomer
Thermoplastic elastomer, or TPE, is a type of plastic that has many of the same properties as rubber. It's flexible and durable and can be used in a wide range of applications. TPE is often used for soles that need to be flexible yet durable, such as flip-flops or sandals. One downside of TPE is that it's not as slip resistant as rubber so it's not always the best choice for shoes that will be worn in wet or oily conditions.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
TPU is a type of plastic that has many of the same properties as rubber. It's durable, abrasion resistant, and slip resistant. It's also flexible and elastic which makes it comfortable to wear for long periods of time. TPU is often used as an alternative to rubber for shoes that need to be lightweight and breathable such as running shoes. One downside of TPU is that it's not as widely available as other materials and can be more expensive.
EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate)
EVA foam is a type of closed-cell foam that is frequently used in the soles of running shoes and other athletic footwear. It's light and soft which makes it comfortable to walk on, and it has good shock absorption properties. EVA foam is also relatively inexpensive so it's a popular choice for budget footwear. One downside of EVA foam is that it doesn't provide much in terms of abrasion resistance so it's not ideal for shoes that will be worn in tough or abrasive conditions.
PU (Polyurethane)
PU foam is another type of closed-cell foam that is often used in the soles of shoes. It's denser and stiffer than EVA foam which makes it more durable. PU foam also has good abrasion resistance and slip resistance properties. It's often used for shoes that will be worn in tough or abrasive conditions. One downside of PU foam is that it's more expensive than EVA foam so it's not always the best choice for budget footwear.
Summary
There are a variety of different materials that can be used for making soles. The best choice depends on the intended use of the footwear, what kind of budget and retail price you are trying to hit and the design of the final product. For each material there are different production processes to consider as well, which we cover more in this article.
Don't hesitate to reach out to us with any inquiry you might have. We are always happy to help you choose the best material for your project!
