Rubber Outsoles Encyclopedia
The outsole is the foundation of every shoe. From natural rubber's grip to EVA's cushioning, understanding outsole materials is critical for product performance and cost optimization.
1 Outsole Material Types
Natural Rubber
Harvested from rubber trees. Excellent grip. Premium positioning.
- • Best wet grip
- • Price: $3.00-5.00/kg
- • 40-70 Shore A
EVA
Ethylene-vinyl acetate foam. Lightweight cushioning. Athletic shoes.
- • Lightest density
- • Price: $2.00-3.50/kg
- • 15-45 Shore C
PU (Polyurethane)
Dual-density foam. Excellent durability. Work shoes.
- • Superior durability
- • Price: $2.50-4.00/kg
- • 35-60 Shore A
TPR
Thermoplastic rubber. Process versatility. Casual shoes.
- • Easy to mold
- • Price: $1.50-2.50/kg
- • 50-85 Shore A
2 Shore Hardness Guide
Shore hardness measures material resistance to indentation. Different parts of the shoe require different hardness levels.
Hardness by Application
40-50 Shore A
Heel cushioning. Midsole applications. Maximum comfort.
55-65 Shore A
Outsole ball area. Flexibility + durability. Natural foot flex point.
70-85 Shore A
Heel strike zone. Maximum durability. Abrasion resistance.
Material Density
3 Traction Patterns
Common Patterns
Diamond Pattern
Standard traction. All-purpose grip. Most common.
Chevron Pattern
Directional grip. Forward motion traction. Athletic shoes.
Lug Pattern
Aggressive traction. Outdoor/hiking. Deep grooves.
Smooth/Clean
Dress shoes. No pattern. Indoor use.
Grip Performance
Wet Concrete
Lug + siping essential
Indoor Floors
Non-marking rubber preferred
Sports Courts
Herringbone pattern standard
Outdoor/Trail
Multi-directional lugs needed
4 China Suppliers
Production Regions
Guangzhou, Guangdong
Largest outsole production. All material types. Sports shoe specialists.
Wenzhou, Zhejiang
Vulcanized rubber. Vulcanized canvas shoes. Traditional工艺.
Quanzhou, Fujian
Sports brand suppliers. Athletic outsoles. Premium quality.