Sole – integral part of shoes, which not only protects shoes from wear and tear, but also determines its service life. Materials, used for making soles, must be as resistant to environmental influences as possible.
TEP (thermoplastic) – this is a universal material, which can be considered all-season. It's durable, elastic, resistant to frost and wear. Thanks to the porous voids of the inner layer, This sole retains heat very well. TEP provides good shock absorption and traction. A huge plus of TPE is that it is completely recyclable., thereby helping to cleanse nature! The disadvantages include the rather heavy weight.
PU (polyurethane) – this is the material, with good performance properties: he weighs little, because it has a porous structure, resists abrasion well, gibok, has excellent shock absorption and good thermal insulation. Outsoles made of polyurethane – light and flexible, therefore they are used in shoes, where these characteristics are of particular importance. Disadvantages include the porous structure, due to which the polyurethane outsole has poor grip on snow and ice, This is why winter shoes with PU soles are slippery.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) – PVC soles resist abrasion well, resistant to aggressive environments and easy to manufacture. The disadvantages include the use mainly in the production of shoes for autumn or spring, because this material has a large mass and low frost resistance, unable to withstand temperatures below -10 degrees. Besides, PVC sole does not attach well to the leather upper of the shoe, therefore mainly used for textile shoes (slippers, sneakers).
Rubber (rubber) – Rubber soles are made from natural rubber. They are characterized by increased elasticity and the highest wear resistance. Disadvantages include the heavy weight of the soles, as well as the technological complexity in their manufacture.
EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) – EVA has a very low specific gravity, the sole is almost weightless. Visually, EVA resembles foam rubber. Excellent shock-absorbing properties, ability to absorb and distribute loads, good elasticity. Mainly used in sports, summer and beach shoes. Thermal protection properties are also beyond praise. Disadvantages include reduced wear resistance and high slip on snow and ice.
IP (EVA+rubber) – new technological development - a combination of two materials EVA and rubber. As a result, the material was obtained, combining the advantages of rubber (high elasticity and wear resistance) and EVA (excellent lightness and cushioning).
TPR (thermoplastic rubber) – is a modern material for shoe soles, made from synthetic rubber. It is superior to natural rubber in strength and may contain special additives to improve elasticity. TPR has high wear resistance, cushioning and can be used in various types of shoes, from sports to casual, thanks to its universal properties
Types of Shoe Soles
The choice of sole depends on the purpose and seasonality of the shoe.. In summer you need a sole, which has a pleasant spring when walking and has shock-absorbing properties. Suitable types of soles in autumn and spring, which are not afraid of moisture and have good thermal insulation. In winter, shoe soles should be thick enough, which will prevent your feet from freezing in the winter cold.
A pronounced tread or relief pattern is necessary for the sole of winter shoes. This prevents slipping on ice and, as a consequence,, prevents possible injuries from falling. Modern soles for winter shoes are multi-layered. To lighten the sole and increase comfort, the midsole is made from lightweight shock-absorbing materials with high thermal insulation EVA, PU. And the main sole is made of wear-resistant, non-slip materials, such as rubber, TEP, TPR.