Materials for Hiking Shoe Soles Part 2

Here are some of the materials used in Hiking Shoe Soles, below will show the part 2 :
– Ethyl-vinyl acetate (EVA)
A chemical mixture of ethylene and vinyl acetate and is particularly well suited as material the shoes and sneakers, because of its low cost (compared to natural rubber), light weight, and its effect of damping (EVA material is foam composed of thousands of air filled bubbles). In addition, it is odorless and glossy. For these reasons, the EVA is often used as a cushion walking shoes. Its other applications include ski boots, helmets, bicycle saddles, boxing gloves and martial arts, fishing, etc.

– Polyurethane (PU)

Lightweight, durable, versatile and can be used as a component midsole and heel wedge or as a sole material. Typically polyurethanes have a two-component system. Dual-density PU is a combination of a light midsole and harder outsole wedge. These elastomeric polymers are water resistant, UV resistant, bright, low-temperature, resistant to stress-cracking and are hot melt adhesive. They are more durable, but is also heavier, more expensive, and are not as good as EVA cushions.

– Thermoplastics
PVC, a low cost material widely used for solid and expanded soles is among the many thermoplastic materials. Modifiers such as Elvaloy add rubber-like performance for PVC. Typically, PVC is compounded with thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) and further components to be more flexible, abrasion resistant, oil repellent and water. PVC has good protection against animal fats, many acids, alcohols, alkalis, bases, oils, and hydrocarbons of petroleum.

– Liquid polyurethane systems
Used for the production of light soles with good mechanical properties, water and oil resistance.

– Nylon

A polyester resin with higher melting point which can be used to form a harder sole when injected. According to www.cheapraybans.com.co, the grades for common hardness include Nylon 6, 11, and 12.

– Lug Pattern
Bumps traction giving on the sole. Most deep, thicker pins are used in the backpack and hiking boots to improve grip. Widely spaced lugs give good traction and shed mud more easily.

– Brake Heel
Referring to the area of the clearly defined heel zone that is distinct from the front of the foot and arch. Also, reducing the likelihood of slippage during steep slopes.