Foam Shoes: A Complete Overview
Apr 13 , 2022
Tags - Foam Shoes
If you're in the market for a new pair of shoes, you may be wondering what type of material to choose.
Foam shoes are a great option because they are lightweight and comfortable.
In this blog post, we will provide a complete overview of foam shoes so that you can decide if they are the right choice for you.
We'll discuss the different types of foam materials available, as well as some of the pros and cons of choosing them.
What Is The Right Foam For Shoes?
So what exactly is foam, and how does it work?
Foam is a soft plastic with air bubbles trapped inside. The properties of different foams are determined by the composition of plastics, the size of the bubbles, and their form.
Foam is generally divided into two categories:
- Open Cell: this foam is generally soft and is available in different densities and in almost any thickness and colour. The foam in the tongues and collars of shoes is made from this material. In most shoe uppers, thin sheets of PU foam serve as a foundation for fabric; it allows the stitching to sink in and gives mesh extra support while minimising wrinkles
- Closed Cell: this foam is sealed, not allowing the foam’s internal gas to escape, making it denser - midsoles of shoes are all made from closed cell foam.
The density, compression set, resistance, and breathability of each type of foam are all important variables to consider while choosing foam for your shoes.
Common Foam in Shoes
EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate): this is the most common midsole material in sports shoes as it is lightweight, durable, easy to form and resists compression.
However, it can be found in all different styles of shoes, as it can be soft and flexible, or hard and stiff, depending on its density and formulation.
Closed Cell PU (Polyurethane): also a common foam for shoes, PU foam is “blown” into molds. PU foams are used to make durable midsole components for hiking boots and can be molded into full sole units, tread, and midsole in one go. High-density PU is used to construct the outsoles of many ladies' shoes, and due to its compressive resistance, very soft PU is used for footbeds.
PE (Polyethylene): PE foam is easily die cut and laminated when it is in sheets. Internal pads and tongues are formed by pressing parts into shape. PE foam isn't used underfoot since it has a poor compressive set, but it is resistant to moisture thanks to its closed-cell structure.
Open Cell PU (Polyurethane): This is most often used in the construction of sports shoe footwear. To provide a backing substance, PU thin layers are laminated to fabric. PU foam is also used to make tongue and collar foams. Open-cell PU foam cannot be used underfoot because of its softness.
What Are Memory Foam Shoes?
Polyurethane is a material that is used to make memory foam shoes.
And with there being so many benefits to wearing them, many runners have been curious about if they are a good fit for running too.
Here are some of the benefits of memory foam shoes
Provide Support
The support offered by memory foam shoes is the most significant advantage. Memory foam shoes have excellent arch support. They also give some sole cushioning.
As a result, the shoes can help relieve pain in your feet's balls.
People who work long hours at a job may need to stand for lengthy periods of time (nurses, teachers, etc.) and wear memory foam shoes. When standing for extended periods of time, they can make you feel better and decrease foot discomfort caused by standing and pressure.
Improve Stability
As memory foam can mould to your feet, it can help to improve stability and provide an even distribution of balance. This can be quite beneficial when you're standing for long periods of time. This helps to keep your body weight steady and ensures that there isn't an uneven distribution of weight across your foot (which might cause pain).
Absorb Shock
Another advantage of memory foam shoes is that they absorb shock. Heel and sole shock are absorbed by them. Your foot strikes the floor when you take a step, which can deliver a jolt up your leg.
This is due to the impact of your foot hitting the ground. Repeated shocks are absorbed by your feet and legs, resulting in discomfort and pain. That is why it is critical to wear shoes that dampen shock and protect your joints and ligaments.
The Cons of Memory Foam Shoes
While there are some great benefits of memory foam shoes, there are also a few cons – especially when it comes to running!
Retain Heat
Foam retains a lot of heat.
Whilst this can be good if you’re looking for a shoe that provides warmth, when it comes to running, that is generally not the case - and it can be especially bothersome in the hot summer months.
Because the polyurethane material that memory foam shoes are composed of is quite dense and lacks breathability, it can be problematic for a runner - retaining heat while running isn't ideal.
Retain Sweat
Another disadvantage of memory foam shoes is perspiration.
Because the memory foam is quite dense and hot, it creates and retains sweat on your feet. This is a significant consideration for runners.
When choosing running equipment, runners are usually concerned with light, breathable, and sweat-free materials.
Smell
It's easy to see why memory foam shoes retain heat and sweat, which is why one of their most significant problems is the stench.
Because the substance isn't breathable, it holds moisture and develops an unpleasant odour over time. It's a good idea to allow the shoes to dry out between wears to avoid an unpleasant smell.
To find out more, contact us today.
In the meantime, take a look at our full range of comfortable shoes here.
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