Have you been looking for shoes or boots lately and come across the term EVA? If you have been wondering what EVA is and why it’s used in making footwear soles, you’ve come to the right place.
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Today we are going to go over what EVA is and talk about rubber and memory foam materials used in making boots and shoes and see how they compare to one another.
We will talk about what makes a shoe with EVA soles better for running on a hard road and why a rubber sole would be recommended if your running takes you off-road onto rockier terrain.
We will also touch on what kind of shoe you might be most comfortable in if your occupation causes you to be standing on your feet all day long.
So keep scrolling as we have a lot of good stuff in store for you!
But first…
In the business of shoe production, you will come across many different terms, some easy to decipher while others being a bit more difficult.
For example, I know what a tongue and sole are on a shoe, but what if that sole is an EVA sole? What does EVA stand for in the term “EVA sole”? Everyone’s Very Awesome Sole? End Violent Actions Sole?
Those acronyms could work but they are very much wrong.
No, EVA stands for Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate.
EVA, or Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate, is the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate.
It is a man-made material that is used in the productions of boots, shoes, and footwear in general, toys, and craft supplies, among many other things. EVA is generally a safe, soft, flexible, tough, and rubbery material.
If a plasticizer is added to it, EVA can become a foam which is then used to create things like shoe soles and orthotics.
The material is soft, light, and flexible, which are ideal qualities in footwear production.
As I mentioned above, EVA used in footwear manufacture is ideal for a number of reasons, with some of the top reasons being that it’s lightweight, durable, and soft.
EVA soles can give a wearer a custom fit as the material tends to mold to and support their unique foot movements.
Rubber can also support a person’s natural foot movement but can be found to be heavier in weight. Rubber is more heat resistant than EVA is, so will be able to keep your feet cool in warm conditions.
Rubber is a tougher material and will hold its form and last longer than EVA.
You just have to ask yourself what kind of shoe you need and what will its use be for you.
Lightweight and durable EVA is an ideal material used insoles that will be used for running on hard surfaces like roads, while rubber soles being more heavy-duty can work well if you’re off-road running over rough terrain and need something that will give you more support.
Many work boots are made with rubber soles for this reason.
When you are choosing between a shoe made of EVA or of memory foam, you’ll want to know a few things to decide what’s best for your feet.
First, what is memory foam?
Memory foam is a substance made of polyurethane and a number of other chemicals that give its spongy-like texture. Memory foam is used often in pillows, beds as well as shoes.
It is very soft and pliable, which means a very cushy spongy sole.
Why would you want to wear a shoe made with memory foam?
It is attractive for its ability to evenly distribute the weight your feet are holding.
Runners find memory foam insoles nice as they allow for more shock absorption then a shoe without them.
Memory foam relieves the pressure a runner feels on the ball of their feet. They handle weight well.
Because of its ability to absorb shock and evenly distribute weight, memory foam is ideal for those whose jobs require them to stand on their feet all day. Many in standing occupations have said memory foam is very comfortable to wear all day.
With the good, we also have the bad.
Memory foam lacks breathability. You will find your feet sweaty and smelly after a day of intensive wear. This can be a deal breaker for anyone battling foot fungus (like athletes foot) as the conditions memory foam put your feet in will encourage fungus growth even more so.
Memory foam is not very durable and will lose its form quickly.
Memory foam does not provide quality support for your feet. Some people don’t have an issue with this, while others will experience a lot of pain within a few hours of wearing.
Can a shoe with an EVA sole or made of EVA material provide a better shoe-wearing experience than with memory foam?
There are a few reasons why EVA performs better.
EVA soles can give you support that holds up, but still molds to your foot comfortably.
EVA is lightweight and breathable.
Shoes with compressed EVA midsoles can provide you with a shock absorbing heel, making it ideal for runners and walkers alike.
Again, depending on your occupation and what you’re doing in your footwear, you will want to pick one according to your feet needs.
You can find every type of shoe on Amazon and other online and local stores. The following is a list of different types of shoes that are made of or with either EVA, rubber, memory foam, or a mixture of both.
1. Water shoes
EVA sole
EVA upper
Waterproof
See In-Store
3. Loafers
EVA sole
Wool upper
Breathable
See In-Store
4. Slippers
EVA sole
EVA upper
Ergonomic
See In-Store
5. Kids sandals
EVA sole
EVA upper
Heel strap
See In-Store
6. Work boots
EVA sole
Leather upper
Moc toe
See In-Store
7. Wellington Boots
EVA sole
Leather upper
10 inch tall
See In-Store
8. Chukka boots
EVA sole
Suede upper
Foam insole
See In-Store
9. Platform shoes
EVA sole
Contact us to discuss your requirements of EVA Sole Safety Shoes. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
PU upper
4 Inch heel
EVA soles have a lot of pros to them but you have to know about the very few cons of EVA as well.
EVA is lightweight, which is ideal for runners and those who prefer lightweight shoes.
EVA can be easily molded and formed, allowing for many unique designs in footwear.
EVA soles mold and fit to the wearers natural step, allowing for a more custom and comfortable fit.
EVA soles can absorb shock very well, allowing for a healthier and more comfortable shoe to wear long term, especially for athletes and runners.
EVA is waterproof and will provide great protection in wet conditions.
EVA material will break down fast, which means you will be needing to replace your shoes more often.
EVA material is less resistant to heat. You may find your shoes breaking down faster in hotter climates.
Yes! EVA is usually used in the mid-sole of the shoe. This means it’s right in the middle of the few layers beneath your feet. EVA is lightweight and flexible.
Anything lightweight and flexible is amazing for your feet when you’re walking. This flexible midsole allows your foot to move more naturally.
EVA is also very cushioning and a great shock absorber. Whether you’re just walking for exercise or walking for a job, you can expect your feet to feel relaxed and unstrained after a day of wearing EVA soles.
EVA can be very slippery wet flooring or ice. It is not the greatest option when choosing a boot or work shoe that’ll be worn in wet conditions.
Whether you are looking for a shoe that you can wear for daily walks, runs, or just standing around in all day, EVA soles can provide you with comfort that will last several seasons.
Not the most durable material out there for a sole.
But even though you may be needing to replace your shoes every year or two, EVA soles can provide a lightweight wearing experience that will mold to the wearer’s footbed, providing you with support for your natural step.
Also, footwear made with EVA footwear is usually cheaper than PU, rubber, or leather alternatives.
EVA’s waterproofing capabilities give shoes the ability to stay dry in rain or whatever place you find your feet getting splashed with water.
You can see that EVA is a versatile and quality material sure to make your feet happy in many situations.
Victor Adrian – Editor And Webmaster
Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!
A reader emailed me recently, asking about EVA foam in children’s toys, and whether it’s safe. I thought it might be useful to share the answer, so here it is.
Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) is a plastic made by combining ethylene and vinyl acetate. It’s very soft and elastic and it can be made into a plastic that’s like rubber, yet extremely tough. It’s considered to be a safe alternative to PVC.
EVA can also be made into EVA foam, with the use of a plasticizer. It’s the EVA foam that is controversial, rather than EVA.
EVA foam is used for all sorts of things.
It’s used in footwear – think of the padding in you running shoes, moulded soles or orthotics. EVA is used in sports gear like swimming kick mats, pool noodles and buoyancy life jackets, in trampoline padding and protective gear for martial arts. It’s used as padding in sports equipment, like shin guards, ski boots, boxing gloves and bike saddles.
It’s used in building equipment like insulation and carpet underlay, and in healthcare for things like splints.
Foam craft stickers are often made of EVA, and kids’ foam toys. Which is why Suzie emailed us in the first place: she wanted to know if the EVA foam in boon bath toys is safe for babies.
EVA is considered to be a safe alternative to PVC, as it doesn’t require plasticizers like phthlates, and it’s BPA free.
However, a few years ago it was found that EVA foam contained formamide. Formamide is used to make the foam soft, but it’s considered to be carcinogenic and a developmental toxin. Formamide can be absorbed through the skin, and it can also be absorbed by breathing it. Belgium banned children’s EVA foam mats in , and apparently so did France, but I couldn’t find any further information on France’s ban.
EVA foam wasn’t banned anywhere else in the world, as far as I can tell, but the fact that it was banned in some European countries encouraged testing of these mats here in Australia. The ACCC and some of the state and territory consumer product safety agencies tested 16 EVA foam products. They concluded that:
“Foam play mats and toys typically available in Australia do not expose children to unsafe amounts of formamide and these products are safe for their intended purpose.”
The Canadian government undertook testing on formamide as well, and concluded that at current levels of exposure, formamide was considered safe.
Even though EVA foam is considered safe by the ACCC, you may still want to check that any EVA foam products you’re thinking of buying are formamide free.
So how can you tell?
Some companies will print on their packaging, or mention on their website that the EVA foam that they use is formamide free. However, not all manufacturers do this.
If you’re not sure whether a product you want to buy contains formamide, just the company and ask. We asked
boon whether they test for formamide in their EVA foam products, and they replied back by within a day to let us know that they do. None of boon’s EVA foam products contain formamide.
If the company won’t tell you, or if they don’t test, don’t buy that product. And let them know that’s why you’re not buying it, so that they’ll consider testing in the future.
As an aside, if you’re not sure if a foam toy is made of PVC or EVA – give it a sniff. If it smells strongly of chemicals, it’s probably PVC. Of course, if the label doesn’t say what it’s made from, you probably want to give it a miss anyway!
When you buy shoes, do you ever think about what they are made of? Sometimes people pay attention to the material used in the upper, or the top part of the shoe. That is typically made of a material like leather or canvas. But most people don’t think about the shoe’s sole and what that is made of. Let’s take a look at what the material EVA is and why you might want it in your shoes.
You've probably encountered EVA in other parts of your life since it's used in everything from baby toys to home decor. EVA stands for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, which is a composite of two plastics, vinyl acetate and ethylene. When it comes to using EVA in shoes, it is typically used in the midsole, though some manufacturers use it for the insole as well. The sole of your shoe is not usually made of one layer but of at least three layers. The insole is the layer on the inside of the shoe that your foot rests on. The outsole is the very bottom of the sole that touches the ground. The midsole is the layer in between, and it provides a lot of the cushioning for the shoe.
Because of its ability to be easily molded and formed, withstand pressure, and take on a variety of colors, EVA is a popular material that can be found in cheap sneakers and high-end running shoes alike. So if EVA is so great, why do your shoes get old and wear out over time? Athletes especially understand that shoes lose their structure and have to be replaced somewhat regularly. Just like any other foam material, EVA has very tiny air bubbles throughout that aid it’s capacity to absorb shock but these air bubbles are susceptible to compression and heat. The typical downward forces that act on the body, made especially intensive by high impact sports like running, will eventually deteriorate the integrity of the EVA foam and the midsole will need to be replaced. Because the midsole is part of the interior of the shoe’s sole and can’t be removed, this means that the entire shoe will need to be replaced.
Despite its relatively short lifespan, EVA is still one of the best materials for shoes because it is lightweight, absorbs shock, and is easy to work with. Manufacturers are also looking into new ways to make EVA last longer, such as different molding processes that allow it to hold its structure under greater pressure. While you can get very technical and look for shoes with a specific foam density, most people will just decide on which shoes to buy the old way: by trying them on and seeing how they feel. If the shoes feel light, cushioned, and comfortable, chances are, they have a layer of EVA in the sole.
When choosing a pair of shoes, it is not only the design or the material of the upper that determines perfection. The sole also plays a key role in delivering comfort, long-term durability, and overall aesthetic appeal. Among the many types of soles available today, EVA stands out thanks to its exceptional advantages and is increasingly popular. So what are EVA soles, and why are they widely used in the footwear industry? Let Phong Nguyen guide you through the interesting facts about this special type of shoe sole in the article below.
EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is a flexible plastic material with a honeycomb-like structure, known for its light weight, exceptional elasticity, and excellent shock absorption. EVA soles are produced using molding or injection techniques, allowing for flexible and precise shaping.
Thanks to these properties, EVA soles are widely used in sports shoes, running shoes, flip-flops, sandals, and casual footwear. Especially for women’s platform sneakers, EVA is an ideal choice that combines comfort with style.
EVA soles are more than just a popular choice. They are a critical component that contributes to comfort, performance, and visual appeal. With outstanding features, EVA soles are now essential in the design of sports, casual, and many other types of shoes. Below are the standout characteristics that give EVA soles a competitive edge in the market.
One of the biggest advantages of EVA soles is their remarkably light weight, which helps reduce foot fatigue. This is especially beneficial for athletes, runners, or people who move frequently throughout the day.
Thanks to their internal foam-cell structure, EVA soles can absorb impact and reduce vibration efficiently. This not only protects areas such as the feet, ankles, and knees but also ensures lasting comfort during extended use.
EVA is water resistant and provides good thermal insulation, keeping feet dry and warm in humid or cold conditions. This is especially helpful for outdoor use or harsh environments.
Because it is easy to mold, EVA allows manufacturers to create various sole designs, from simple to complex and thin to thick, satisfying a wide range of style and function requirements. It also enables better fit and design versatility.
EVA shoe soles are not only popular due to their outstanding features but also offer significant benefits for health and the environment. This product is safe, non-toxic, and user-friendly.
Moreover, with its easy recyclability, EVA soles contribute to environmental protection by minimizing the negative impact of non-biodegradable plastic products. This is one of the key factors that make EVA a sustainable choice in the footwear industry.
Thanks to advantages such as light weight, flexibility, and ease of processing, EVA is widely applied in different types of footwear. Depending on the purpose and design, EVA can be used alone or combined with other materials for optimal performance. Here are some common applications.
EVA soles are ideal for sports and running shoes due to their light weight and shock-absorbing capabilities. Their foam structure helps reduce impact during high-intensity movement, offering better protection for the feet.
In particular, EVA soles not only provide comfort throughout movement but also help reduce muscle soreness and fatigue after exercise, thus supporting users in maintaining peak performance and optimal results in all physical activities.
In summer footwear, EVA soles are always the top choice due to their outstanding features, such as excellent water resistance and insulation. With its waterproof properties, EVA soles not only keep the feet dry but are also easy to clean and dry quickly after contact with water, offering maximum convenience for users.
Moreover, the lightweight breathability of the soles provides comfort even on hot summer days, making them perfect for outdoor activities, travel, or beach trips.
Their breathability and lightness also provide maximum comfort during hot weather, ideal for outdoor activities or beach trips.
EVA is perfect for kids’ shoes because it is lightweight, flexible, and non-toxic, ensuring safety for young feet. These features allow children to move freely and comfortably without heaviness or irritation. Its ability to absorb impact also helps prevent injuries while playing or engaging in outdoor activities.
In particular, with its ability to absorb impact and provide excellent foot protection, EVA soles help minimize the risk of injury when children engage in sports activities or play outdoors.
EVA is highly suitable for healthcare and comfort footwear due to its ability to reduce pressure and provide a soft, cushioned feel. It is especially beneficial for people who spend long hours standing, such as doctors, nurses, chefs, and factory workers.
In addition, with its ability to reduce pressure on the joints and feet, EVA soles are also highly beneficial for the elderly or those with joint problems, helping them maintain comfort throughout the day without worrying about fatigue or pain.
EVA soles are becoming increasingly popular in casual styles such as sneakers, slip-ons, and loafers. Many well-known brands are integrating EVA into their designs to offer footwear that is both comfortable and stylish.
This allows wearers to stay active all day while maintaining a fashionable and polished appearance.
EVA is also used in modern safety shoes. When combined with slip-resistant and puncture-resistant layers, EVA provides a lightweight yet safe footwear solution for workers.
These shoes are ideal for environments with minimal risk of heavy impact, allowing users to move flexibly and easily, while minimizing stress on the feet throughout the workday.
This type of footwear is ideal for light-duty environments and reduces foot fatigue during long work hours.
To keep your shoes in good shape and preserve their performance, follow these simple yet effective care tips.
EVA may deform if exposed to high temperatures or strong sunlight for long periods. Do not leave shoes in hot vehicles or near heat sources. When drying outdoors, choose a shaded and well-ventilated area.
EVA soles are easy to clean. Use a damp cloth for light dirt or mild soap for deeper cleaning. Do not soak the shoes in water for long, as it may affect elasticity and flexibility.
Although EVA absorbs shocks well, avoid exposing it to sharp objects or rough impacts that may cause damage. Be cautious when walking on hard or uneven surfaces.
When not in use, store shoes in a dry and airy place. To preserve shoes, you can stuff them with recycled paper, which helps maintain their shape and prevent them from getting deformed. This will keep the shoes in good condition when you need to use them again.
If worn frequently, check the soles periodically for signs of wear or damage. Replace them if necessary to ensure continued comfort and safety.
Properly checking and caring for your shoes will help keep them in perfect condition, ensuring they accompany you for a long time without losing their functionality.
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