Know the different types of soles before buying shoes

The footwear industry has evolved considerably in recent times, and footwear for every need is readily available in the market. Gone are the days when only one or two types of soles were available to choose from. Nowadays, there is so much variety, such as leather sole, rubber sole, Eva rubber sole, wedge sole, Lug sole, etc., that the buyer tends to get confused about what to choose. 

Without the right kind of sole fitted in your shoes, your feet might hurt and may result in leg and knee pain as well. Sometimes this pain may extend to your lower back as well. So it is advisable to buy your shoes carefully to avoid any discomfort later. Here is a comprehensive guide about the different types of soles and their use. 

• Leather soles – Leather soles are generally used in formal shoes and are known to be very durable. They can withstand the harshness and rough impact of the road as they mould themselves according to the shape of your foot. They keep the feet sweat-free as they are breathable too.
• Rubber soles – These are mostly used in hiking and work boots as they are water-resistant and are ideal for those who need to work long hours in water. They are as durable as leather soles. The only drawback with the rubber sole is that it may crack if worn extensively over a long time.
• Ridgeway soles – Ridgeway soles are a type of rubber soles that have thick lugs and ridges. These large ridges give extra stability to the shoe. These soles are lightweight and durable too.
• Cork Nitrile soles – These soles are made up of a combination of cork and rubber. They are thin and lightweight and have great traction. Besides, they are slip-resistant, which is an added attraction.
• PU soles – Polyurethane soles, or PU soles as they are commonly called, are extremely durable, water-resistant, and comfortable as well. They are shock-absorbent, slip-resistant, and have low density. All these properties make them the ideal choice of most buyers.
• PVC soles – PVC soles have high shock absorbing and insulation properties and are known to provide additional support to the feet. You can easily stand for long hours without feeling any pressure.
• TRP soles – TRP soles are made up of thermoplastic rubber. Although they are slip-resistant and absorb shock, they are not very comfortable and cannot be worn for long hours.
• EVA soles – EVA soles are flexible and very durable. They are lightweight and have elasticity, making them very comfortable to wear. All these properties make them the ideal choice of most footwear brands.
• ABS soles – ABS soles are made up of Acronitrile butadiene styrene, which is plastic. They are abrasion-resistant, non-toxic, and can withstand impact. These soles are not suitable for extreme climatic conditions.

Conclusion

As you can see, every sole is unique in itself and has its advantages and disadvantages. If you are an athlete, go for EVA sole sports shoes; wear formal shoes with leather soles for formal occasions. The idea is to keep the user in mind while buying shoes. I hope this article helped you!