EVA Soles Explained

A shoe with an EVA sole has many advantages that make it an excellent option for the bottom of running shoes and sandals. EVA soles are also used as midsoles in safety work shoes because they are more lightweight and flexible than traditional rubber soles. This article explores EVA soles and what they are  and used for , their pros and cons.

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EVA Material: What is it?

Ethylene-vinyl acetate, more commonly known by its acronym EVA, is a type of elastomeric polymer that has a natural propensity to stretch. The materials to which it is added acquire a high sports performance and pliability reminiscent of that of rubber. You can attach these soles to any pair of shoes, whether they are for men or women, and they will transform that pair of shoes into the most lightweight and comfortable pair of sneakers possible. It is possible to modify EVA so that it has either a foam-like consistency or a more rigid one. The company that firstly made EVA is Monarch Rubber in Baltimore.

EVA Soles: How are they made?

EVA shoes are made of EVA in their foam-like condition, which gives them a springy feel. The EVA in the soles is molded during production to the specifications set by the manufacturer. These soles are then applied to the footwear of your choice. The result is lightweight, flexible EVA shoes that fit perfectly.

The Benefits of Using EVA Soles

There are countless incredible advantages to sporting sneakers with EVA soles, some of which are listed below for your convenience.

Pliability  

It stands to reason that footwear constructed out of EVA, which is a material that is both softer and more flexible, will be more comfortable to wear than footwear constructed out of rubber.

Compact and lightweight

Since EVA is less dense than rubber, it and the merino wool uppers help keep the shoe’s overall weight low.

Embraceable warmth

Heat is not easily lost through the soles of an EVA shoe, so your feet will remain toasty for longer. Because of this, EVA is the perfect material for the sole of a woolen boot.

Adaptation to shocks

EVA soles are more effective in dampening the force of each footfall. This improves the durability and comfort of your EVA shoes. One of those advantages is reducing your footsteps’ impact on your joints.

Reliability

​​EVA soles have the potential to outlast other sole materials. This will ensure that your EVA shoes last a long time.

EVA Soles: A Variety of EVA Footwear

The manufacturer places a high priority on the convenience that the shoes provide for your feet and believes that the addition of EVA soles is an excellent way to improve upon the already impressive level of comfort that the shoes offer. Because of this, they have incorporated them into the designs of some of the most well-liked shoe styles. EVA soles are what make EVA shoes so desirable. The uppers are ultra-cushy, and the outsoles are made from shock-absorbing EVA foam, providing unparalleled comfort throughout the entire day. Among the many types of EVA footwear are:

Wood Sneakers

The eucalyptus fibers used in the construction of the wood sneaker give the shoe a plush feel while also allowing air to circulate freely. Additionally, the cloth is eco-friendly and biodegradable. These lightweight EVA sneakers are designed to keep your feet fresh and comfy, thanks to the cushioned anti-blister heel and moisture-wicking fibers. The sole is made of natural organic rubber and light EVA foam, making the shoe stable and supportive.

Merino Runner

These shoes are ultra-light and very comfortable, thanks to the Merino wool top and lining. Unique 3D-Knit technology ensures the runner conforms perfectly to the shape of your foot. This EVA shoe has a ball of temperature-regulating merino wool inside, making it more breathable.

Wool Sneakers

The wool shoe is a comfortable, lightweight alternative among the many-colored EVA sneaker choices. EVA shoes with a merino footbed are the closest thing to barefoot walking you can get with a sole. In addition to being a moisture-wicking and antibacterial fiber, merino wool also keeps your feet feeling fresh all day long.

Merino Wool Knit

The top, the inner, and the footbed of this sneaker are all constructed from merino wool, making it the ideal shoe for wearing barefoot. These EVA shoes have a high-tech Diamond-System sole that makes them non-slip and a durable EVA outsole.

Safety Toe 

Safety toe shoes provide that extra protection to those who work in harsh external conditions. Safety toes come in different varieties, with the most popular choices being aluminium, steel and reinforced rubber. These men’s safety toe work shoes offer flexible EVA midsoles, a concrete structure and lightweight construction.

EVA Soles vs. Normal Soles

When jogging on rough ground, normal shoes’ rubber bottoms might be uncomfortable, but EVA soles provide additional cushioning. Normal soles are also much bulkier than EVA soles, making them bad for walking long distances. Furthermore, they are less durable than EVA soles, requiring more frequent replacement.

Compared to EVA running shoes, normal shoes are hotter and less ventilated, making it unpleasant to sit for extended periods. Users who drive or take public transportation to work should wear EVA shoes, while those who work outside should wear their tried-and-true regular shoes.

Characteristics

EVA Soles

Normal Soles

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Shock Absorbing

• Yes

• No

Cushioning

• Yes

• No

Weight

• Lightweight

• Heavier than EVA soles

Keeps the foot warm

• Yes

• No

Insulation

• Yes

• No

The pros and cons of using EVA soles

The following are some of the pros and cons of EVA soles:

Pros

• Pliability and warmth
• Hard to damage
• Lightweight
• Top-of-the-line shock absorber
• Soft and relaxed cushioning on the feet
• It offers superior insulation and a non-slip surface

Cons

• Easy to stain
• EVA soles tend to wear down over time

The pros and cons of using normal soles

The following are some of the pros and cons of normal soles:

Pros

• Slip-resistant
• Wear-resistant rubber

Cons

• Heavier than EVA soles
• Poses a serious environmental threat due to its inability to degrade ecologically
• Easy to pierce
• Not ideal for oily environments

Conclusion

Even though ethyl vinyl acetate, more commonly referred to as EVA, is widely regarded as one of the materials used in athletic shoes and safety shoes alike, due to the padding and supple feel it offers, this material does not include a PU sole. Instead, it is only incorporated into the midsole of the shoe. So, while EVA shoes are the right choice for runners, athletes but also workers, who are looking for shoes with a lightweight and flexible sole.

FAQs

Is EVA good for shoe soles?

EVA is not a good material for other types of footwear because it is weak against abrasions, has a long pressure life, and adheres to dirt easily. PVC soles can’t be beaten because of how well they insulate, how long they last, and how well they resist water.

Which sole is better, EVA or PU?

“Polyurethane,” of course. Runners tend to choose lighter, more flexible materials like EVA. Therefore, the material’s greater weight and higher density are drawbacks. However, PU is more durable than EVA. The air bubbles that give EVA midsoles their initial lightness and bounce gradually deflate over time.

Is EVA cushioning good?

EVA has unusual physical properties. It’s not so soft that it collapses under pressure, but it can take a beating without deforming. Because of its superior shock absorption compared to rubber and its superior form retention compared to a cork, EVA is sometimes referred to as a “goldilocks” substance.

Is an EVA sole good for the rainy season?

EVA soles are resistant to the filth brought on by the rainy season, including mud, slush, and other elements. In addition to that, there are EVA foam outsoles that are water-resistant.

Is EVA plastic or rubber?

Even when subjected to extremely high temperatures, this plastic maintains its strength. It does not crack or break easily under stress. Despite its flexibility and suppleness, this plastic is very durable. The copolymer known as stretchable EVA is created by combining ethylene and vinyl acetate, the two components that make up the copolymer.

How long does EVA foam last?

Depending on conditions, EVA foam has a service life of more than ten years.

Is EVA material waterproof?

In terms of softness and flexibility, the products made from EVA are comparable to those made from rubber in their characteristics. The material is resistant to the effects of ultraviolet light, possesses high levels of clarity and gloss, remains stable even when exposed to low temperatures, prevents the formation of stress cracks, seals out moisture when combined with hot-melt glue, and can withstand high levels of heat.

Are EVA soles good on ice?

Although EVA footwear usually have thick, flexible and protective soles, we would recommend the use of shoes and boots which are specifically designed for snow and ice.

Luke Davis

Luke is the lead author on WorkWear.org. He has a vast experience in construction engineering and project management in California and Texas, where he had the chance to put to test a wide range of safety boots and PPE. Outside work, Luke is an avid hiker and not surprisingly a DIY fanatic!

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Luke Davis

Luke is the lead author on WorkWear.org. He has a vast experience in construction engineering and project management in California and Texas, where he had the chance to put to test a wide range of safety boots and PPE. Outside work, Luke is an avid hiker and not surprisingly a DIY fanatic!

Selection, Performance, Care, and What to Look For

Meindl has been building exceptional footwear for over 300 years only using premium materials to make our boots best in class. Whether that is using Gore-Tex® waterproof membranes, Vibram® outsoles, premium insulation, etc. to make sure our boots perform no matter the condition you are in. When purchasing boots these are all technologies you, the customer, have been educated on, and for good reason. Your feet deserve the best and your boots should not be a piece of equipment you have to worry about while at the top of the mountain. When doing your research on what the best boot is for you, how many of you have heard of the midsole and how important this layer of the boot is for your feet as well as the life of the boot? We feel by not educating our customers on the midsole, we are not giving you the proper tools to make the best decision on your next purchase. 

What is a midsole? This is the layer of material between the inner and outer soles of a shoe. The midsole of your boot/shoe absorbs shock and adds a layer of protection, structure, and support between your feet and the ground. 

When it comes to midsoles there are two main materials used when constructing high performance footwear, like you'll find at Meindl - EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) and Polyurethane (PU). Each material is used for different reasons and purposes, and it all comes down to the end use for each specific boot. What is the terrain the boots are built for? What are the elements the boots will primarily be used in? Just to name a few. Like any material used there are the extreme benefits that each material provides, but there can be potential downsides as well. 

Materials

EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is the most common material used in footwear midsoles. You will find EVA in all styles of footwear from alpine boots to walking shoes. EVA is a lightweight foam material made up of thousands of compressed bubbles. Each bubble is filled with gas that makes it lightweight as well as provides excellent cushioning and shock absorption for your feet. What makes EVA so popular in the footwear industry? EVA is extremely compressible and can be easily manipulated during the manufacturing process. Whether you need a high-density EVA for an alpine boot a low-density EVA for a walker you can use the same material. 

Pros of EVA

When it comes to using EVA there are some advantages and specific reasons why this material is used in performance footwear. EVA is more lightweight compared to PU as well as provides improved flexibility. This is what makes EVA perfect for light hiking and running shoes where you don't want that extra weight. In addition, EVA will absorb more shock from step impact relieving the stress on your joints as you are out on your hike. 

Cons of EVA

As we stated earlier there can be disadvantages to every material used; with EVA the biggest downfall is a relatively short life span. EVA holds a memory, meaning after every step the material will compress and rebound. After thousands of steps, the ability for the EVA to rebound is reduced, resulting in your footwear not having the same cushion and support you have been accustomed to. As that material compresses over time there will not be noticeable defects to the midsole, but your footwear is going to become less supportive and less comfortable, to where they can feel "flat" on your feet. As the EVA loses its cushioning and support it is time to either replace your footwear or if boot allows, have the soles recrafted. Like all materials this is a natural process and the reason many recommend replacing shoes footwear using EVA more often, to ensure you have the proper support needed. 

PU (polyurethane) is a synthetic plastic material commonly used by the best boot makers for midsoles in high performance trekking boots. Polyurethane is a much denser material compared to EVA or other materials used in hunting and hiking boots today. PU is most found in high performing boots (alpine boots), however is becoming more and more popular in mid-range boots as well. The majority of Meindl USA boots today use polyurethane due to the performance as well as how long these boots will last. 

Pros of PU

Opposite of EVA the biggest advantage that PU offers is it does not hold a memory - meaning your midsoles will always rebound back to the same shape and provide the same cushion from day one through the lifespan of that boot. Also, with PU midsoles you are going to have a lot longer life on your midsoles and can get more years and miles with the same comfortable fit compared to an EVA midsole. The density and rigidness of PU provides more lateral support as well as removes almost all possibility of stone bruising in your feet. Simply put, polyurethane is the perfect material for technical boot midsoles. It is flexible, resilient, cushioning, and long lasting. When constructing a high-performance hunting/hiking boot the best midsole you can use for performance is PU. 

Cons of PU

Just like EVA, PU over time can break down, the only difference is when this happens it is clearly visible to the point where the soles may come off, much more visible than EVA. This is a process called hydrolysis, a gradual deterioration and disintegration that can lead to the midsole detaching from the outsole or crumbling from the inside out. This is a process that occurs over years. With PU (and many other compound materials), moisture will find its way through the smallest of pores and chemical reaction, or breakdown, begins and microscopic cracks occur. Ultra-violet rays of the sun, extreme heat and other factors also encourage hydrolysis, hardening the PU to a point tiny cracks develop. To be clear this is part of the natural process, not a defect in material or manufacturing. When you think of an old set of tires that sit for years, you wouldn't expect those tires to be the same as the first day you got them. Same goes for your PU midsoles. 

How to Extend the Life of Your Midsoles?

With both EVA and PU midsoles it is a natural aging process that results in the midsoles breaking down. As we stated with EVA, the midsoles hold a memory, meaning every step you take results in those midsoles compressing. Other than not wearing your boots/shoes (which is not an option) there is nothing to slow down the process of EVA compressing and becoming less supportive and comfortable. 

Regarding PU midsoles, the best steps you can take to slow down and help prevent hydrolysis from taking place is by WEARING your boots. When wearing your boots, the midsole is getting a workout, flexing in the fresh air as you walk. With the air being worked in and out of the pores it is preventing any moisture from building up inside those midsoles, and therefore, helping prevent hydrolysis from occurring. When you are not wearing your boots, there are a couple critical steps to keep your PU midsoles from breaking down:

• Store your boots in a dry, cool, ventilated space. Not near a heat source; not in a humid environment. And while in camp, keep them away from the campfire (or any heat source at home). Do not use a hair dryer, heated boot dryer or any heat source to hasten drying. 
• Keep your boots clean. Clean them regularly, especially after hard use in wet, muddy environments. And for Pete's sake, clean off any mud, manure, or other muck you may have encountered. You don't want to track that in the house anyway. Click here to learn more on how to clean and condition your boots. 

Tips to check for Hydrolysis

With so many variables it is impossible to predict when hydrolysis will advance enough to cause soles to detach. We have well-worn boots we have used for more than a decade that show no outward signs of hydrolysis decomposition. 

• If you've had your boots for several years, you should inspect them (or have them inspected by an expert). A tell-tale sign that is easy to overlook is fine granular black specks on the floor or shelf where you store your boots. Like we said, easy to overlook because most hydrolysis occurs inside the midsole. Visible specks are a sign of advanced hydrolysis on the outer edges. 
• If your boots have not been used for years, we recommend you wear them on a test hike or for a few days of everyday wear before venturing far off the beaten path to determine if the soles are solidly attached or if any signs of hydrolysis damage become apparent. 
• Or you can perform a flexibility test by using a blunt pointed object, like a ballpoint pen with the ink tip retracted, key or similar object, into the midsole. DON'T use anything sharp, no knives, pointed pencils, etc. Push the blunt pointed object into the midsole, which may be easiest found on the heel wedge. The polyurethane should give under moderate pressure and rebound once pressure is lifted. If it has hardened, flexibility on the push in and on the rebound will be limited or nonexistent. 

Once the process starts and your midsole begins to break down, there is nothing you can do to stop it. The good news is, Meindl Boots can be recrafted, and your well-broken-in boots can be given a new life. If you have any questions visit our FAQ page to help answer any additional questions. As always you can give us a call at 1-833-563- or us at . 

Want more information on mining safety boots? Feel free to contact us.