5 Types Of Shoes Soles: Your Soles Explained!
Apr 07 , 2021
Tags - Types of Shoes Soles
Imagine walking and not wearing shoes?
Well, that’s how it would feel if our shoes did not have soles.
Just so we’re clear, the shoe sole, called an outsole, is the bottom part of any shoe that comes into direct contact with the ground.
And, the materials used for making a sole are based on the shoes’ purpose and style.
For instance, for any ballroom dancer, shoes with a good leather sole is important to glide along the dancefloor with ease.
Without soles, our feet would not only hurt, but severe lower body pain could be caused as a result.
Check out these five types of shoe soles.
1. Rubber Soles
Shoes that are marked RB means that the outsale has been made with rubber; either hot press molding, sub-natural or recycled.
To put it simply, rubber soles are a great material because you get unmatched wear resistance, especially for those working in hazardous environments like construction sites, mines and factories.
And, of course, rubber is desirable as it’s both bendable and waterproof.
Lastly, rubber soles are slip resistant and offer a better grip on treacherous surfaces, allowing you to walk with ease through wet, muddy and slippery environments.
2. Leather Soles
Without a doubt, leather soles look good; they’re the most formal and attractive out of all the shoe soles available.
And, they are extremely practical.
Why?
Well, leather soles are breathable, allowing air to enter and moisture to escape, and they offer better support.
Furthermore, leather soles can adapt to a foot's shape overtime, which makes it comfortable and encourages natural walking.
3. Cork Soles
Cork is a soft material that comes from trees and compacted to create soles.
Similar to leather, they conform to a foot’s shape and overtime provide a custom fit, making them comfortable.
Despite its ability to mold, the material stays firm compared to rubber soles, maintaining proper foot alignment.
Furthermore, they offer great impact resistance as well as foot support, thus adding to the comfortability factor and are ideal for long periods of standing.
Lastly, cork soles are waterproof making it a great option for shoes in winter months, and is a moisture-wicking material so there is far less moisture buildup in the shoe, keep nasty bacteria at bay.
4. Christy Soles
A christy sole is made from a blown rubber compound and is becoming extremely popular due to its comfortability and durability - they can last years even with good wear.
So, they are characterised by their spongy feel with no defined heel.
Moreover, they are lightweight which provide good traction and are known to add height to the shoe.
And, they are generally anti-slip, which makes it a great material for work boots.
5. Raw Cord Soles
The raw cord sole was created during WW2 due to its oil resistance property.
It’s been said, these soles were created by melting down old tyres.
Of course, the tyres still had reinforcing, fibrous nylon cords, but during that period, no one had time to remove these.
Hence, raw cord soles were born - tough, resilient and waterproof for soldiers.
Final Word
So there we have it: 5 different types of shoe soles.
Now that you are armed with the right information, go ahead and purchase your next pair of shoes.
However, this time, be sure to check the soles!
If you would like to know more, get in touch today.
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