GL (Genuine Leather)

Genuine Leather Shoe Soles

Genuine leather, derived from animal hide through tanning, is a premium material commonly found in dress shoes, high-end casual shoes, and leather boots.

Features

• Natural Texture: The natural grain and texture of animal hide give it a luxurious and sophisticated look.
• Breathability: The microscopic pores in leather allow airflow, keeping feet cool and dry.
• Durability: Tanned leather is long-lasting and highly resistant to wear and tear.

Drawbacks

Genuine leather is a high-cost material that requires regular maintenance. It is also unsuitable for wet conditions.

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PU (Polyurethane)

PU Shoe Soles

PU, or polyurethane, is a synthetic material known for its durability and abrasion resistance, making it ideal for work shoes and boots.

Features

• High Abrasion Resistance: PU has a hard surface and a stable structure, making it resistant to wear.
• Waterproofing: Its dense surface offers excellent waterproof capabilities, making it great for outdoor use.

Drawbacks

The production process of PU is labor-intensive, making it pricier. It also offers limited breathability, leading to reduced comfort for prolonged wear.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC Shoe Soles

PVC, a polymer obtained from vinyl chloride, is often used for rain boots, work shoes, and budget fashion shoes due to its low cost and mass production suitability.

Features

• Low Cost: Ideal for mass production due to its affordability.
• Waterproof: Strong resistance to water makes it suitable for wet environments.
• Wear-Resistant: It can endure harsh conditions and resist corrosion.

Drawbacks

PVC has poor slip resistance, posing a safety risk in high-friction areas. It is also hard, lacks breathability, and becomes brittle in cold weather.

AL (Artificial Leather)

Artificial Leather Shoe Soles

Artificial leather, made by synthesizing PVC and PU, mimics natural leather. It’s often used in fashion shoes, sneakers, and budget-friendly footwear.

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Features

• Cost-Effective: More affordable than genuine leather, suitable for large-scale production.
• Variety: Available in many textures and colors to meet different design needs.
• Water-Resistant: Easy to clean, with good water resistance.

Drawbacks

Artificial leather is less breathable and durable than real leather, making it harder and less comfortable over time.

Rubber

Rubber Shoe Soles

Rubber is a polymer material classified into natural rubber and synthetic rubber. It’s widely used in sports shoes, hiking boots, and work shoes due to its elasticity and durability.

Features

• Durability: Its strong molecular structure makes it highly wear-resistant.
• Chemical Resistance: Synthetic rubber offers excellent resistance to oils and solvents.

Drawbacks

Despite its durability, rubber is heavy and lacks breathability. It can also harden in colder temperatures.

EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate)

EVA Shoe Soles

EVA is a lightweight material with cushioning properties, making it popular in sports shoes, sandals, and outdoor footwear.

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Features

• Lightweight: EVA is highly elastic and lightweight, offering comfort and easy processing.
• Shock Absorption: Its excellent shock absorption helps protect the feet and joints during activities.

Drawbacks

EVA wears out over time, lacks repairability, and offers poor heat resistance, making it unsuitable for long-term use.

MD (Modified Density)

MD Shoe Soles

MD is a lightweight material created by modifying the density of EVA through a secondary foaming process. It’s commonly used in casual and sports shoes for its slip resistance and comfort.

Features

• Lightweight: Secondary foaming reduces weight, making shoes lighter.
• Shock Absorption: It absorbs and disperses pressure, protecting the feet and joints.
• Softness: MD is softer than other materials, offering superior comfort.

Drawbacks

MD’s softness means it provides less support, making it unsuitable for high-support footwear like hiking boots. It also has poor heat resistance and a higher production cost.

TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber)

TPR Shoe Soles

TPR is made by blending rubber and plastic, offering the elasticity of rubber and the reprocessability of plastic. It’s commonly used in casual, running, and work shoes.

Features

• Weather Resistance: TPR maintains performance under extreme temperatures and UV exposure.
• Odor: Lighter odor compared to rubber, making it suitable for low-odor applications.
• Durability: Inherits rubber’s wear resistance, maintaining shape in high-friction environments.

Drawbacks

While TPR has good chemical resistance, it falls short compared to rubber in harsher chemical environments. Its manufacturing process is complex, leading to higher costs.

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

TPU Shoe Soles

TPU is a polymer known for its high elasticity and flexibility. It’s often used in sports, casual, and work shoes for its durability.

Features

• Durability: High wear resistance keeps TPU in shape even in tough conditions.
• Elasticity: Its high flexibility allows it to return to shape quickly after stretching.

Drawbacks

TPU has a more complex manufacturing process and is pricier compared to other materials.

TR (Thermoplastic Rubber)

TR Shoe Soles

TR combines plastic and rubber properties, offering the moldability of plastic and the elasticity of rubber. It’s popular in sports and children’s shoes.

Features

• Ease of Processing: TR is easy to mold and cost-effective for mass production.
• Shock Absorption: Rubber elasticity offers good shock absorption.
• Durability: TR offers better wear resistance than ordinary rubber.

Drawbacks

TR struggles with temperature extremes, deforming in heat and hardening in cold. It also doesn’t withstand strong acids or alkalis, limiting its use in extreme environments.

BPU (Bio-Based Polyurethane)

BPU Shoe Soles

BPU is an eco-friendly polyurethane material made partly from renewable resources, reducing environmental impact. It’s often used in sports shoes, slippers, and casual footwear.

Features

• Eco-Friendly: BPU lowers carbon emissions and meets international environmental standards.
• Compliance: Its eco-friendly design helps meet stricter global regulations.
• Lightweight: Foaming technology makes BPU light, reducing shoe weight.

Drawbacks

BPU’s color stability and uniformity are hard to control, limiting color options. It’s also more expensive than EVA, despite being more environmentally friendly.