EVA material is widely used for the manufacturing of soles as well as for the production of footwear in general.
Sports shoes: With the introduction of the EVA sole, running shoes were created. Due to its excellent cushioning properties and low weight, EVA is ideal for building sports footwear.
Work footwear: EVA products provide comfort for people who spend their workday on their feet. They are also resistant to petroleum products, acids, and alkalis, and have low thermal conductivity. The latter factor also plays a role in the production of EVA beach footwear such as flip-flops, clogs, and sandals.
Children's boots and snow boots made of EVA are lightweight and keep feet dry and warm during walks in the snow and icy puddles. For the same reason, fishermen prefer them.
EVA sole is widely used for demi-season and summer footwear due to its low weight and cushioning properties.
Orthopedic footwear: EVA flip-flops and clogs promote proper weight distribution on the feet, improve blood circulation, and reduce swelling.
Disposable EVA slippers are a convenient, hygienic, and hypoallergenic option for saunas, hotels, water parks, spas, and pools.
For EVA insoles, important material properties are waterproofness, elasticity, and hygiene. Such insoles can withstand multiple cycles of compression and deformation.
EVA sole and its properties
EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is a copolymer foam material. It is known for its elasticity and lightweight. An EVA sole has several advantages:
The thermal insulation of the material is provided by filling it with air.
EVA is highly elastic, flexible, and resilient.
It has high wear resistance.
EVA soles are lightweight, which reduces the load on joints.
The material provides excellent cushioning.
The closed pores of EVA prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, making it hygienic.
EVA is resistant to chemical substances commonly found on roads and sidewalks, such as solvents, gasoline, and oils.
EVA is an eco-friendly material.
Manufacturing process of EVA soles
EVA soles can be manufactured using two methods: sheet and molded. The manufacturing process involves the following steps:
The granulated raw material is dried in a drying machine for up to 2 hours at 60 degrees Celsius.
The prepared EVA mixture is melted
Manufacturing process of EVA soles
EVA soles can be manufactured using two methods: sheet and molded. The manufacturing process involves the following steps:
The granulated raw material is dried in a drying machine for up to 2 hours at 60 degrees Celsius.
The prepared EVA mixture is melted in a screw at high temperatures. The screw is cleaned and filled with new material for each new color.
The material is then poured into preheated molds. The duration of the process depends on the thickness of the product.
After the product has been cured in the closed mold, it is checked for defects.
The sole is then put into a shrinking oven where it is shaped to the required size by adjusting temperature settings for up to 30 minutes.
After the process is completed, the sole is measured and checked for defects.
The molded method of producing EVA soles differs from the sheet method in that a different type of shrinking oven is used for shaping. The sole comes out of the oven hot and is then shaped using a specific wooden block with an additional weight load. The sole is then cooled in a freezer, trimmed, and sorted. The subsequent technological steps involve roughening the adhesive surface of the sole and priming it. After drying, the EVA sole is ready for packaging.