Types of Shoe Soles - Leather, Dainite, TPR, Rubber (2024)

The below design is available in black/tan colour at £49/pair (50% off), next day free UK delivery. Handmade with premium calf leather. Comfortable to walk and durable. One pair of each colour available in UK sizes 8 , 9 and 10. If you want custom TPR/Dainite sole, please let us know as well. Please send inquiry to hello@poyter.com

Leather Shoe Sole:

As the name suggests, Leather soles are made of leather and are more elegant in look and feel. However, for walking comfort and grip based on our customer’s choice, leather soles can be mixed with rubber to help keep the shoe stable during walking. At Poyter, the outsole is usually made of vegetable oak pit-tanned leather, which is exceptionally abrasion-resistant and waterproof.

Dainite Shoe Soles:

The Dainite sole is one of the most elegant alternatives to a leather sole, with approximately a double leather sole thickness. A double leather sole is a traditional sole found on classic country brogues. There is visually little difference between a leather sole and a Dainite sole with both feet on the ground. Most of the shoes at Poyter come with a choice of Dainite soles.

Rubber Shoe Soles:

Casual, everyday wear shoes and work shoes are typically made out of natural rubber or polyurethane. Depending upon customer choice, we can do a 100% quality rubber sole for ease of walking, or we can make your dress shoes featuring a leather sole in the front part of the shoe and a rubber sole in the heel for added traction.

TPR – Thermoplastic Rubber Shoe Soles:

TPR is the most conventional and popular material for injecting soles. At Poyter, we use high-quality thermoplastic rubber (TPR) instead of PVC rubber. The sole made of TPR is lighter in weight than PVC and has more elasticity, and can bear the wear and tear of brutal weather more elegantly.

We all know that shoes are a vital part of our day. Most people don’t understand that the right shoe can make all the difference and offer you more than just comfort. The best way to understand the right shoe is to understand the different types of soles used. The sole is considered the most critical part of your shoe, and as such, it will be what keeps the ground from damaging your feet. The taste will vary between people; however, you will see these are the most common soles when learning what is best for yourself.

Leather Soles
Leather soles have been popularized for many years and are most often associated with a luxurious look and feel. It is a popularly issued sole. As it is more breathable than rubber, many prefer it though it can be stiff when acclimating yourself to it. Thankfully that period of stiffness doesn’t last long, and the shoes will be comfortable soon after. A leather-soled shoe is also better for people that experience issues with their feet, such as sweat or foot odor.

Another tremendous benefit of these soles is the resistance they offer from the ground and providing you a temperature regulation. For these reasons, leather-soled shoes are the most popular in the summer. Others still prefer the leather as it is a type of sole that offers few issues, most have no allergies to it, and they can have their soles replaced multiple times. That allows you to have a shoe that will have a long life.

Rubber Soles
A rubber sole is another standard sole that you will see on the market. The rubber sole is made from recycled rubber or other natural and sub-natural rubber. Rubber soles have resistance to wear and tear and stability for the extended contraction that others don’t offer. People like these because they are cheaper, waterproof, and easy to break in with speed. One other reason people appreciate these soles? Although it may be more affordable, it doesn’t hinder the look or feel of the shoe.

However, a caution that most need to heed is that rubber soles are heavier than leather soles and others. Depending on the market that you find yourself looking into, you will have these rubbers’ options.

● Polyurethane Soles
● Gristle Rubber
● Resin Rubber
● Thermoplastic Rubber

Cork Soles
You will find these most often in work boots. Cork soles are mixed with rubber, which will offer a lighter weight without losing any durability. Like other soles, it provides excellent resistance to odor and offers something even more beneficial as well. The elasticity in cork soles is more durable and possesses natural strength. That will show the user a reduction in pain either in the foot or joints.
Cork soles are also a favorite since they can form an everyday boot with a better grip. The composition of materials also offers a natural comfort level, which is unsurprising given their help. However, if you are looking for something that can handle rough weather, it is good to skip this sole and go for something different.

Polyvinyl Chloride Soles
Polyvinyl Chloride Soles are interesting because it’s better known as PVC and most are unaware that you can put it in the soles of your shoes. PVC offers innovative solutions for your shoes by providing excellent insulation and an alternative to leather if you prefer something that is less money. PVC is also easy to work with, which means that you have many styles and shapes to choose from. That comes in handy when you need different types of footwear.

Are you on your feet for long periods? Are you tired of coming home with sore arches and hurt toes? PVC will be your new best friend because it offers support and shock absorbance to take the pressure off of your feet.

Commando Soles
A commando sole is most often associated with two different types of shoes: a hiking boot or a work boot. You can recognize them because of their sad history and how they look. They offer incredible traction and are a perfect option for resisting the elements, but they can be heavier feeling and chunky.

Commando soles can be used for casual wear, but most wouldn’t use these for anything fancier than that. It’s commonly avoided in business dress as well. A common complaint with a commando? They break down, crack and stiffen with time. They also attract everything. Are you walking through the mud? It’s now stuck under your boot. Rocks and grass? Under the boot. If you are crossing your threshold after a long day of wearing these boots, you might want to clean the bottoms first.

Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
Otherwise known as EVA, these are commonly used for entire shoes and not just the soles. EVA soles are widely considered to be the best because of the excellent shock-absorbing properties that they offer. When shopping, you will see that any shop will carry shoes that have these unique soles. Ethylene soles also offer benefits like these.

● Elasticity
● Lightweight and easy to move in
● Beautiful, innovative colors
● They are flexible
● You can use them daily
Another great benefit that they offer is the fact that they will keep you warmer. EVA doesn’t conduct heat like other soles, so instead of freezing your feet, you feel warm. They also offer comfort, which means you can walk for hours with no issues. All terrific reasons this shoe has become so popular amongst buyers.

What Is Best For Me?
When shopping for shoes and considering the type of sole you want, remember that different soles will have other purposes. Many soles claim to be the best, but it depends on what you will use them for. If you still can’t decide, try to go for a compromise. Find a sole with the attributes you desire (such as flexibility and comfort) while simultaneously looking for qualities you may need later (such as durability, strength, and nonslip).