Sole materials

This type of sole is characterized by good flexibility and durability. It is wear-resistant and withstands temperature fluctuations well. The rubber sole has excellent traction, preventing slippage, significantly reducing injuries in winter. It offers good thermal insulation properties and is resistant to low temperatures and repeated bending. Some types of rubber soles are heat-resistant. They offer increased heat resistance during short-term contact with surfaces heated to +300°C, as well as resistance to sparks and splashes of molten metal. Such soles are primarily used in work footwear to protect against elevated temperatures (for metallurgists, foundry workers, power engineers, and welders). The rubber sole does not deteriorate during long-term storage and offers protective properties such as oil and petrol resistance, acid resistance, and alkali resistance. Learn more.

This type of sole is made of thermoplastic rubber, an elastomer. Currently, TPR is the most popular sole. It combines the elastic properties of rubber (highly elastic deformation and high frost resistance) with the thermoplastic properties of thermoplastics (high fluidity in the molten state and the ability to be processed using injection molding). TPR is characterized by good wear resistance and high frost resistance (-50°C), making it widely used in the production of military footwear. It is lighter than rubber. TPR soles have a high coefficient of friction on asphalt, wet roads, and snow, reducing injuries in winter. They do not stain the floor surface, making shoes with this sole ideal for indoor wear. A disadvantage of TPR soles is their low heat resistance (at temperatures above 70°C, they become sticky). It's important to remember that if you want to warm your frozen feet by the fireplace or near a hot electric stove without taking off your shoes, you shouldn't do this, as the soles may get damaged. Read more

Polyurethane soles for special footwear offer several advantages. Despite their relatively low material density and light weight, work shoe soles boast high strength and abrasion resistance. They are resistant to repeated bending and adhere perfectly to leather uppers. Polyurethane soles also have low electrical conductivity. They also offer excellent thermal insulation and waterproof soles. Polyurethane is not thermoplastic and is relatively stain-resistant, leaving no marks on surfaces. It is one of the few universal materials that is oil and petrol resistant.

The use of a dual-layer polyurethane sole results in improved footwear quality—lighter thanks to the foamed midlayer and more wear-resistant thanks to the solid running surface. The midlayer also provides shock-absorbing and antistatic properties, absorbing impact loads, and makes the sole lightweight, comfortable, and improves thermal insulation. One significant drawback of this type of sole is slipping in cold winter conditions, which is something to be aware of when purchasing footwear.

The combined sole is made of thermoplastic elastomer and polyurethane. This material is made from fine polyurethane granules that take the shape of the sole under high pressure and temperature. TPU combines the properties of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) sole and a polyurethane sole. Its key characteristics are flexibility, elasticity, lightness, and increased wear resistance. The TPU sole offers excellent shock-absorbing properties and is non-slip. It is resistant to mineral oils, fats, and active acids. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is used to produce two-layer soles and is attached using a molded polyurethane process.

The inner sole layer is made of soft, shock-absorbing polyurethane, while the outer sole is made of thermoplastic polyurethane. The advantages of a TPU outer sole over a dual-layer PU/PU sole include increased slip resistance, high adhesion to the inner sole layer, good tear resistance, and resistance to low and high temperatures.

The dual-layer PU/rubber sole is a relatively new technological development. The inner layer is made of soft, flexible polyurethane. The outer layer is made of rubber, offering the properties of a single-layer rubber sole while significantly reducing the shoe's weight.

EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is a lightweight and resilient material similar to foam rubber, offering excellent cushioning and a soft feel. This material is most often used for midsoles—the layer between the upper and the outsole. These soles offer low heat transfer (a thermos effect), do not absorb moisture, and remain flexible at low temperatures. Thanks to the foam composition, EVA-soled shoes are highly resilient, easily regain their shape when deformed, retain heat, and resist cold. Dual-layer soles with an EVA midlayer and a rubber outsole improve cushioning and reduce weight. Finished, elite safety footwear using this combination boasts excellent performance characteristics. A wear-resistant rubber outsole ensures excellent traction on any surface and in any weather.

Styronip is a type of rubber based on high-styrene rubber. It has high friction properties, wear resistance, increased flexibility, and reduced thermal conductivity. Styronip is used in footwear manufacturing using the glue-and-stitch method of attaching the sole.