The sole of our shoes is one of the most important elements of our footwear. Comfort when walking on a certain terrain can be decisive thanks to the sole. The sole is a surface that cushions our steps and offers us the traction necessary for walking. Depending on the surface we are going to walk on and the main function of our footwear, each sole will be different.
Originally, the first shoes had soles made of plant materials and leather. Over time, other materials such as wood or rubber were incorporated, and more recently plastic and its derivatives. Today, there is a wide variety of soles made from a multitude of materials.
In addition to the materials, soles are also defined by their thickness, depth and tread pattern. Smooth soles offer less traction and are designed for more friendly terrain. They slip more than those with rough and pronounced tread patterns like those of a mountain boot, designed for steep and more complex terrain.
Nowadays, many soles combine different materials, each providing specific characteristics to the final result.
Since the material with which the soles are made is one of the most determining elements, we will make a classification based on the type of material
Types of sole according to manufacturing materials:
Leather Soles: This type of sole is one of the best, thanks to its flexibility and its ability to breathe. At 5V we manufacture all our footwear with this type of sole. Generally, leather soles are the hallmark of quality dress shoes.
These are soles made by adding consecutive layers of leather until the result of the flexible sole is achieved.
It is important to protect this type of sole from excessive moisture, since continued exposure to water can deteriorate them over time.
Rubber soles: Rubber soles are widely used today, especially in sports shoes and similar items. There are various types depending on the type of footwear, but all are characterized by being light and flexible and resistant to inclement weather.
The downside is that they breathe much less and tend to wear out quite easily.
EVA rubber soles: Another type of rubber, they are usually used in sports shoes due to their flexibility and very light weight.
Rubber soles: They are also widely used in the conventional footwear industry, and are made from “rubber”, a very resistant plant material. These types of soles are also light and flexible and allow a good grip on the ground, which is why they are often used in mountain shoes and in the workplace.
Crepe soles: They are distinguished by their rough appearance, they are made with a latex derivative but it wears out more quickly, they are also known as “bacon soles”.
Esparto sole: A classic summer espadrille, they are comfortable and fresh. Made from vegetable fibres, they can also be combined with rubber or rubber sheets to give them greater resistance. They are mainly made in a flat shape, but we can also find them in the shape of a guinea pig or with a platform. They are soles for dry and hot climates as they are quickly damaged if they get wet or damp.
Cork soleCork soles are made from this material, extracted from cork oaks. They are ideal for wedge and platform shoes. They have very good cushioning, although they tend to wear out quickly. They are ideal for more hippie looks.
