Let's talk about soles, types, shock absorbency, and more.

There are several types of soles for footwear, each with its own benefits and characteristics.

What kind fits better hinges on your necessities.

Depending on the shoe style you are looking at, it is the sole type it has. Casual and dressing boots have a mix of leather and rubber sole, making resistant and durable shoes.

SNEAKERS

Sneakers are another type of shoe with a thick sole, but they are typically made of foam or rubber. Sneakers are designed for comfort and style and are often used as casual or athletic footwear.

You can specifically notice on shoes when they’re comfortable or not; however, this may vary according to how hard they are and if they can turn a little more soft and flexible with use. 

You can see different examples in our following styles:

LOAFERS & DRIVERS

Our innovative technologies make our soles more comfortable and durable. Such as this new style, with an XL EXTRALIGHT® sole, despite the thickness of the style. This sole is made of EVA, a thermoplastic polymer recognized for its lightness and comfort.

CASUAL & DRESSING BOOTS

Boots are a type of shoe with a thick sole typically made of rubber or TPU. They are designed for durability and traction and are often used in construction or industrial applications. 

TPU, or thermoplastic polyurethane, is synthetic rubber often used in insoles. TPU is durable and flexible, making it ideal for footwear that needs to withstand heavy use.

BENEFITS OF TPU (RUBBER) SOLE

• Highly resistant to oils and chemicals
• Comfortable use
• Easier to clean and maintain
• Remains flexible even at -4°F
• Excellent traction and stability, slip resistance
• Lightweight
• Better support and shock absorbency

The construction of a sole is an essential factor to consider when choosing footwear. Soles can be made of one piece or multiple pieces. One-piece soles are typically more durable, but multiple-piece soles can offer more flexibility and comfort.

Cuadra, for example, also uses a particular construction method called Goodyear Welt. It is durable and has a high degree of traction, making it ideal for boots and other types of footwear that need to provide good traction.

GOODYEAR-WELT

One of the most popular and oldest sole constructions is the Goodyear welt. It’s a construction method often used in the manufacture of high-quality shoes. This type of sole is made by stitching a strip of leather or other material to the welt, which is then stitched to the shoe's upper part. The welt is stitched to the insole and outsole, creating a solid and durable bond. 

Goodyear welted shoes are known for their comfort, durability, and hard-wearing qualities. This bond is resistant to water and abrasion, making Goodyear welted shoes ideal for outdoor activities or for those on their feet all day. In addition, this method allows the sole to be replaced if it wears out.

The Goodyear welt was invented in 1869 by Charles Goodyear Jr., son of the famous inventor of the vulcanized rubber process. The Goodyear welt is named after him because of its similarities to the vulcanized rubber process. This method is more time-consuming and expensive than other methods, resulting in a much more durable shoe. Art and technology combine to create a unique and innovative design, providing maximum comfort and durability. 

Not only the construction method is important, but using the best quality materials.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING FOOTWEAR

The characteristics of a sole are an essential factor to consider when choosing footwear, especially if you suffer from delicate feet. Soles can be hard or soft, depending on the needs of the footwear purpose and person. Rugged soles are typically more durable, but soft soles can offer more comfort. 

TIPS FOR CHOOSING FOOTWEAR

Next time you go shopping, flip the shoes and observe. Now that you know the different types of footwear soles, you can confidently shop for shoes. When you're ready to buy, be sure to read product descriptions carefully to ensure you're getting the correct type of sole for your needs.

And if you're ever unsure, feel free to ask a salesperson or do some additional research. The more you know about footwear, the better equipped you'll be to find shoes that are both comfortable and suitable for your necessities.