What Is a Shoe Sole Plate?
A sole plate is the component of a shoe that lines the bottom, or sole. The sole plate is one of the most important parts of athletic and recreational shoes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Bottom Layer
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The sole plate lies underneath the insole and, in some shoe designs, detaches from the outsole. The density of the material used in the sole determines the ability of the shoe to absorb the shock of walking, running, jumping or any athletic or outdoor activity.
Single Piece
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Some sole plates form a single piece that covers the bottom of the shoe as well as the heel. This construction makes the shoe more durable for athletic uses.
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Material
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Sole plates are typically made of leather or a textured rubber material known as crepe. The softer the material, the more comfortable the shoe and the more protection it affords your feet.
Design
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The design of the sole plate varies greatly in athletic shoes. Manufacturers use specific designs for certain sports, such as golf, basketball, cycling, skating or running, that are meant to best cushion the stresses caused by that activity.
Removable Plate
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Some advanced shoe designs incorporate a removable sole plate, so that the set of spikes or blades used in the shoe can be removed or changed at will. The sole plate links the blades on an ice skate, or the wheels on roller skates, to the main body of the footwear.
Carbon Fiber
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Advanced materials such as carbon fiber are also used in some high-end shoes for the sole plate. The carbon is spun into very narrow fibers that are then stranded together to form a material highly resistant to shock and wear.
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References
- Photo Credit ice skate image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
