12 Types of Shoe Sole Materials And Their Pros & Cons

Views: 12     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2025-03-17      Origin: Site

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1. Genuine Leather Sole

Genuine leather soles can "breathe" on their own, promoting ventilation and keeping feet dry by absorbing and releasing moisture. Typically made from cowhide, they are more expensive.

Advantages:

Good shape retention, flexible, and comfortable.

Shock-absorbing, reducing fatigue.

Breathable and moisture-absorbent.

Durable and aesthetically pleasing.

Disadvantages:

Prone to warping and rotting when exposed to water or oil.


2. Rubber Sole (RB)

RB stands for "rubber," molded through heat pressing. It comes in natural and recycled rubber varieties.

Advantages:

Wear-resistant, anti-slip, elastic, and flexible.

Waterproof and stable in shape.

Disadvantages:

Heavy, prone to frosting, difficult to degrade.

Poor breathability and absorption, not oil-resistant.


3. Polyurethane Sole (PU)

PU, short for polyurethane, is a high-molecular material used in high-end shoes.

Advantages:

Lightweight, soft, and highly elastic.

Good oxidation, wear, and flex resistance.

Shock-absorbing and slip-resistant.

Biodegradable and eco-friendly.

Disadvantages:

Absorbs water easily, prone to yellowing and cracking.

Poor durability and breathability.


4. EVA Sole

Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) is a lightweight polymer commonly found in running and casual shoes.

Advantages:

Lightweight, flexible, and elastic.

Good color retention, suitable for various climates.

Disadvantages:

Easily absorbs water and dirt.

Non-biodegradable.


5. MD Sole

Also known as PHYLON, MD soles are a high-pressure molded EVA variant, often combined with RB or PU.

Advantages:

Lightweight, elastic, and soft.

Easy to clean, good durability and tensile strength.

Disadvantages:

Not eco-friendly, prone to wrinkling and shrinking in heat.

Poor longevity and breathability.


6. TPR Sole

TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) is made by modifying SBS materials, combining rubber’s properties with plastic processing advantages.

Advantages:

Lightweight, flexible, breathable, and slip-resistant.

High elasticity and strong grip.

Disadvantages:

Poor abrasion resistance and shock absorption.


7. TPU Sole

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a new eco-friendly material known for its toughness.

Advantages:

High mechanical strength, wear, oil, and flex resistance.

Premium appearance.

Disadvantages:

Poor heat resistance, compression resistance, and      breathability.

Tends to yellow and stick to molds during processing.


8. PVC Sole

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a semi-transparent material.

Advantages:

Affordable, oil-resistant, and wear-resistant.

Good insulation properties.

Disadvantages:

Poor slip resistance, flexibility, and cold resistance.

Non-breathable.


9. TR Sole

TR is an improved version of TPR, made by combining TPE and rubber.

Advantages:

High gloss, vibrant colors, and diverse patterns.

100% recyclable, eco-friendly.

Disadvantages:

Similar to TPR, with poor abrasion resistance.


10. Synthetic Leather Sole

A rubber-plastic blend designed to mimic genuine leather properties.

Advantages:

Lightweight, flexible, and quiet when walking.

Slip-resistant and wear-resistant.

Disadvantages:

Lacks genuine leather’s breathability and moisture absorption.

Water-resistant but less natural-looking.


11. Oxford Sole

A thermoplastic elastomer sole known for its durability and elasticity.

Advantages:

Aesthetic, flexible, and wear-resistant.

Comfortable and silent when walking.

Disadvantages:

Some variants may degrade over time, forming a white residue.


12. SBR Sole

Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) is a synthetic polymer known for its uniform quality.

Advantages:

High durability, wear, heat, and aging resistance.

Disadvantages:

Slow vulcanization process.

Soluble in organic solvents like benzene and gasoline.

Each shoe sole material has unique advantages and drawbacks, making them suitable for different types of footwear based on function and environment.

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