When buying safety shoes, have you ever wondered which sole is best for your needs, in addition to factors such as design, functionality and price? Do you know the difference between different shoe materials?
The following are some commonly used safety shoe sole materials and their characteristics:
PVC: This is a thermoplastic material commonly used to make rubber boots. It has good resistance to strengthening agents such as acids. It has good cold resistance at temperatures of -5 to -20°C, but is not resistant to high temperatures, with a maximum temperature of 100°C. Compared with other sole materials, its anti-slip performance is slightly inferior.
PU/PU: This is a double density PU sole. It has good resistance to chemicals, but does not include strong acids. Its temperature range is -10 to 150°C. It provides anti-static properties. High-density soles have good anti-slip properties, while the soft PU midsole provides good impact absorption and a comfortable wearing experience. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, but contact with chemicals, especially strong acids, is not recommended.
TPU: Outsoles made of TPU perform well in terms of wear and skid resistance. It can be made in different colors, including transparent colors. On average, it is more durable than PU and has higher cold resistance with a temperature range of -5 to -20°C. However, it is not resistant to high temperatures, with a maximum temperature of 100°C. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, but it is not recommended for use in hot workplaces.
Rubber: Rubber is a product extracted from trees. It is not cold resistant by itself, but after adding additives (such as nitrile), the material has other technical properties, such as heat resistance. The rubber outsole is strong and has a temperature range of -30 to 300°C. It has long storage performance and is known for its excellent anti-slip properties. It is also resistant to fuels, oils, microorganisms and many chemicals. However, it weighs more than PU and TPU and is less flexible. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor use and, if HRO certified, for contact with hydrocarbons, chemicals, acids and hot surfaces. However, if lighter shoes are needed, it may not be the best choice.
EVA: EVA is an insulating foam with elastic and good cushioning properties. This material is common in sports shoes. In safety shoes, it is often used as a midsole. Due to its lightweight nature, it is usually placed between the upper layer and the rubber outsole. Designed to provide shock absorption and a comfortable wearing experience. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor use and, if HRO certified, for contact with hydrocarbons, chemicals, acids and hot surfaces.
The materials and characteristics described above are common soles of safety shoes. Hopefully, you will have a better understanding of your needs and requirements in order to find more suitable safety shoes to protect your feet in the workplace.
