The Importance of the proper Sneaker Material

AirFoamposite
3 min readJun 22, 2016

--

It doesn’t matter what your game, no matter how your home is, the sneakers you decide on have to give contentment and elegance you deserve. Not just any sneaker will do. Style, color and a great look are certainly important aspects with the shopping process but performance is crucial too. The types of materials found in the sneakers are paramount in your comfort as well as your success regardless if you are a runner, a golfer or maybe even a child. — Air Max

The Uppers

The top of part of a sneaker may be the part that catches peoples’ eyes. It really is in which the bold designs, shoelaces and bright colors combine to take the rest of the shoe together. Uppers are made from three basic materials: canvas, leather and mesh. Which material is chosen pertains to the purpose of the shoe. For example, a running footwear should offer support and airflow.

The Midsoles

Since the name suggests, the midsole is incorporated in the center of the shoe. It’s here that support and protection are provided to your feet. The best shoes utilize a combination of basic materials including Phylon, polyurethane, Phylite, and EVA. The characteristics each material provides increase the value of the sneaker. Phylon is lightweight whereas polyurethane is easily the most durable material. Phylite is a mixture of rubber and Phylon which can be lighter than solid rubber but heavier than Phylon. You can use it to produce a one-piece midsole and outsole. This dramatically reduces the weight with the shoe. EVA is the most inexpensive material available for midsoles. It really is lightweight, flexible and soft.

The Outsoles

Here is the area of the shoe where the rubber meets the pavement, so to speak. It’s your foot’s first distinctive line of defense from the ground, pavement or basketball court. The sneaker materials used here is some kind of rubber. Five different types are most frequently used: gum rubber, Duralon, durable rubber compound, carbon rubber or solid rubber.

Gum rubber features a distinctive tan color and is a natural and artificial rubber blend. It gives you great traction on indoor surfaces including basketball and volleyball courts however it is not suitable for outdoor surfaces.
Duralon is really a blown synthetic rubber that comes with air pockets and supplies a gentle cushion, usually for your area in the front with the foot. It really is commonly seen in athletic shoes.
Durable rubber compound takes solid rubber and incorporates additives that provide it extra durability. It has a hard finish and it is suited to rough, outdoor surfaces.
Carbon rubber combines natural rubber with carbon to produce a durable outsole primarily utilized in jogging shoes.
Solid rubber is really a blend of both synthetic and natural rubbers which offer excellent durability and traction however is not as good on rough outdoor surfaces.

If you select sneakers make sure that you are receiving the ideal materials and gratifaction in addition to a pleasing style. — Air Max

--

--