Have you ever noticed that some footwear have a longer lifespan than others? Some sports shoes are more expensive than others, and it is not just about what brand they belong to. The material of the footwear plays a crucial role in determining its lifespan, purpose, quality and price. Take a look at all the footwear you own, and they might all be of different materials.
Five Different Sports Shoes Materials Explained
Whether you are running a marathon, playing a sport or hitting the gym, you need to wear shoes that provide maximum protection and comfort and also enhance your performance. In this section, we mention the five different materials sports shoes can be made from and their respective pros and cons.
Leather
Leather has been used in making footwear and other accessories since time eternal. It gives a luxurious feel to any footwear, along with durability and strength. The best quality of leather material is that it can help maintain the temperature of our feet due to its high breathability factor. Doing so keeps your overall health in good condition. There are five different types of leather, as mentioned below.
- Full Grain Leather
- Top Grain Leather
- Bonded Leather
- Genuine Leather
- Split Grain or Suede Leather
Pros of Leather Material
- Leather shoes provide excellent durability even during extremely cold or wet conditions.
- They are much easier to clean than other materials.
- Leather shoes look classy and stylish.
- They are comfortable to wear.
Cons of Leather Material
- The material can be heavy and stiff.
- Leather is prone to cracking if not properly maintained.
- Slightly on the costly side when compared to other materials
- Requires more maintenance than other shoe materials.
Rubber
One of the essential things to consider before buying a sports shoe is its flexibility. Rubber material provides the best flexibility, and that is the reason why it is mainly used in the soles of shoes, such as midsole, outsole and insole. It provides traction and excellent grip on different types of surfaces. Most athlete sports shoes are made with rubber soles to improve their performance.
Pros of Rubber Material
- Offers enhanced traction and support due to its high flexibility.
- Rubber material shows excellent resistance to abrasions and tears.
- It is water-resistant and helps keep your feet dry.
- Completely natural and eco-friendly.
Cons of Rubber Material
- It is heavier than other materials, such as plastic and silicone.
- It has less breathability when compared to other materials.
- It may not be suitable for indoor activities.
- Rubber materials might not be as aesthetically appealing as other materials.
EVA or Foam
Most shoe brands these days use foam in their shoe-making process as it helps other materials, such as leather and canvas, stay in the right shape. The foam material is used in making the upper parts of sports shoes, such as tongues and collars, which require a good amount of padding. It can also be used in making the midsoles of footwear such as slippers, sandals, and flip-flops.
Pros of Foam Material
- EVA cushioning provides good compression resistance.
- The breathability of this material makes the upper of sports shoes breathable.
- It is waterproof, tear resistant, and highly strong.
- It is also lightweight and inexpensive.
Cons of Foam Material
- The grip of this material might decay over time.
- Not suitable as a midsole for heavy-impact sports.
- Less durability when compared to other materials.
Synthetic or TPU
Often used in the outsole of sports shoes, Thermoplastic polyurethane is a synthetic man-made material. As this material is inexpensive and easy to produce, synthetic shoes have gained popularity in recent years. Due to its durable and lightweight properties, it provides excellent traction and stability on different surfaces.
Pros of Synthetic Material
- It is water-resistant and resistant to abrasions.
- Provides excellent traction and stability.
- Extremely easy to clean.
Cons of Synthetic Material
- Not as breathable as other shoe materials.
- Does not provide much cushioning.
- It can be slippery if not designed with good traction properties.
Mesh
Another popular material used in sport’s shoes is mesh. Synthetic fibres are woven together, which creates a layer that allows good air circulation even during intense activity such as running, jogging and aerobics. As the material can be used to develop, modern and stylish designs are a favourite among athletes and non-athletes as well. Apart from being aesthetically appealing, it provides a snug and comfortable fit, making it a versatile material used in different types of sports shoes such as basketball shoes, football sneakers, cricket shoes, etc.
Pros of Mesh Material
- Lightweight and breathable material.
- Provides a comfortable fit for more movement activities.
- Dries faster after exposure to moisture
- Stylish and more affordable than other high-end materials such as leather.
Cons of Mesh Material
- It can lead to wear and tear after much use.
- Durability, support or stability is not much when compared to other materials
- Less insulation means low protection in cold temperatures.
- Not as water-resistant as some other materials.
Conclusion
Just like everyone’s feet are different, all sports shoes material differ in what purpose they serve and their uses. When you buy sports shoes online, make sure you look for the perfect combination of style, comfort, and performance. Knowing the different kinds of shoe materials and their uses will help you choose the right sports shoe.