Cloth Sole Vs. Rubber Sole

Shoes come in many varieties, and have an inner and outer sole.

Shoes protect our feet from threats like sharp edges, extreme heat and cold, and general wear and tear on a daily basis. Choosing the best shoe is often a matter of balancing cost, comfort and style.

Insole

The insole is the layer of the shoe that the foot rests upon. It adds comfort and disguises the seam between the sole (bottom) and upper (top portion) of the shoe.

Outsole

The outsole is the bottom portion of the shoe that makes contact with the ground. Important factors for the outsole are water resistance, durability and grip.

Materials

Cloth works well for the insole of a shoe because it wicks moisture away from the foot, and provides a soft, cushioned feeling under the pressure of your weight. Rubber compounds like Thermo Plastic Rubber (TPR) and Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) work well for the outsole because they are durable, cheap to produce, and can be molded to virtually any shape.

References

• Anatomy of the Shoe
• Molded Shoes