How to choose shoe sole material. Types of shoe sole materials. Speedo materials: Accessories TEP outsole - an affordable solution

Thermoplastic elastomers ( TEP) or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE, thermoplastic elastomer)- these are synthetic polymers that at normal temperatures have the properties of rubber, and at elevated temperatures (120-200 ° C) they soften, like thermoplastics. Unlike rubbers, TPEs are processed into rubber products without going through the vulcanization stage.

The combination of these properties is due to the fact that TEP is a block copolymer, in the macromolecules of which elastic blocks (for example, polybutadiene) alternate in a certain sequence with thermoplastic (for example, polystyrene). The areas of application of thermoplastic elastomers are varied.

This is a material that combines the properties of vulcanized rubbers at normal and low temperatures with the properties of thermoplastics at 120 °C-200 °C. TPE can be processed like plastics using standard equipment using molding, extrusion, and injection molding methods with low technological losses. At the same time, due to the absence of the need for vulcanization, it is possible to repeatedly recycle waste during the manufacture of products.

The areas of application of thermoplastic elastomers are varied. These are the automotive, cable industries, electrical, rubber, polymer industries, consumer goods and more.

Building materials (seals, including for windows, flexible roofs, asphalt), car parts (window seals, bumpers, interior parts), medical materials (blood storage and transfusion systems), tools (elastic pens, shockproof elements), shoes(sole), hygiene items (toothbrushes, shaving sets), household appliances (camcorder housings, cameras) and children's attributes (pacifiers and toys) - all these necessary products today are made from TPE material, which confirms its safety and durability.

Shoes with a TEP sole has a number of undeniable advantages, such as durability, lightness, flexibility and ease of use. The inexpensive material is indispensable for both children's and adult shoes. He shows his best qualities both in winter and in summer, it allows you to feel comfortable on any uneven road.

Advantages T thermoplastic elastomers :
1. Excellent ozone and UV resistance;
2. High elasticity even at frost temperatures of 60 °C;
3. High strength and tensile strength;
4. High durability, more than 30 years;
5. The color of the seal is determined by dyes. The proprietary light color of thermoplastic elastomer allows seals to be produced in different shades of color by adding dyes;
6. Chemically resistant to most chemicals;
7. Does not require special care or replacement;
8. The problem of blowing in the corners is reduced to zero, because when the frame is welded, the seal is also welded.

By changing the formulations of thermoplastic elastomers, it is possible to regulate their basic physical, mechanical and consumer properties: hardness, elasticity, oil and petrol resistance, frost resistance, fire resistance, color. Products made from thermoplastic elastomers have a uniform structure.

But the most important thing is that it is the properties TEP guarantee the functioning of products without loss of performance properties for many years under the influence of constantly changing atmospheric factors (frost and heat, high and low humidity, etc.).

Thermoplastic elastomers are produced by methods used for the synthesis of polymers: polymerization (radical, cationic, anionic), polycondensation, mechanochemical. processing mixtures of polymers or a combination of various methods.

Greens love TPE because it is 100% recyclable and free of chlorine and sulfur. New thermoplastic elastomers do not contain lead stabilizers or other heavy metals. Another positive property of new thermoplastic elastomers, from an environmental point of view, is reduced plasticizer migration.

TEP- good dielectric, they are made from bliss electrical cables, cords and other insulators.

It is also worth noting that thermoplastic elastomers are divided into several types depending on which component underlies the thermoplastic elastomer. So, they are divided into:

The main components determine the characteristics of thermoplastic elastomers, as well as their scope of application. In this case, the main standard indicator of the TPE brand can be called hardness - it usually ranges from 25 Shore A to 60 Shore D. However, regardless of the type of thermoplastic elastomers, they are all stable in a wide temperature range, and in some In some cases, they even surpass synthetic and natural rubbers in these characteristics.

Just like rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers allow the introduction of various mineral fillers or stabilizers with plasticizers into their composition. This allows you to adjust the properties of thermoplastic elastomers. So, they may have:

  • Good mechanical strength;
  • High ability to resist UV radiation, ozone or moisture;
  • High weather resistance;
  • Good resistance to chemical attack, as well as high gasoline and oil resistance;
  • Excellent flexibility as well as impact strength at high and low temperatures;
  • High wear resistance;
  • Improved properties at low temperatures;
  • Durability;
  • Impact resistance;
  • Elasticity;
  • High resistance to fatigue, etc.

In addition, thermoplastic elastomers have the ability to improve their strength characteristics over time, unlike rubbers, which lose elasticity and become brittle and brittle.

TPE retains elastomeric properties at temperatures from -65°C to +150°C.

Thermoplastic elastomers are used in the following types of products:

Transition collars - transition collars are used to connect the drain to the sewer pipe.

Modern manufacturers regularly update the range of materials used to make shoe soles. One of the most recent solutions is thermoplastic elastomer, or TEP .

Shoe sole made of thermoplastic rubber; fundamentally new material for shoe soles:

So, TEP sole – what is it? This material is created on the basis of thermoplastic rubber, combining the best properties of thermoplastics and elastic rubber. Plastic and wear-resistant thermoplastic elastomer- This The best decision for making soles of both winter and summer shoes. It copes well with high loads, allowing boots to last for many years, tolerates high and low temperatures well, and is resistant to chemicals.

Winter summer

Thermoplastic elastomer is easy to adjust. Adding polymers to the formula of the material in various proportions allows you to create a TEP sole with varying degrees of elasticity for any season or load. Thus, technologists practically achieve perfection - the most frost-resistant shoes for severe frosts or wear-resistant summer models that do not hinder movement and are practically weightless. Sole TEP, reviews of which are overwhelmingly positive, is an undoubted advantage of the shoes.

Combination sole

Shoe soles with markings are made from thermoplastic elastomer and polyurethane TPU. The combination of durable and frost-resistant TPE and light and soft PU makes the material especially valuable. The TEP/PU sole combines all the advantages of both materials, and it is also available in any color: from standard black to hot pink, blue and light green. This is especially important when producing bright and beautiful children's shoes. Rich colors do not fade in the sun, do not fade and last for many years.

The main advantages of polymer soles

The class of soles, which include certain polymers, has a number of undeniable advantages. This:

Main advantages

TEP sole – what is it? Surely every buyer of shoes created using a material that combines the most modern technologies and the ideas of each of us about comfortable, convenient and durable shoes asked themselves this question. Thermoplastic elastomer has a number of characteristics that speak in favor of choosing boot, moccasin or shoe made of such material. Sole TEP, reviews of which are mostly positive, pleases almost everyone. Buyers note:

Winter shoes with TEP sole

When choosing winter shoes, one of the the most important conditions becomes security. You need to feel confident even in the most unfavorable weather conditions. That is why it is important to know whether the TEP sole slides or not. Doesn't slip! Equipped with a textured tread, it allows you to avoid injury even in icy conditions.

Another plus that speaks in favor of choosing winter shoes with TEP soles is frost resistance. The elastic material feels great in the most severe frosts, without cracking even at a temperature of -45 degrees. The TEP sole helps keep your feet warm and dry in winter. You will be as comfortable as possible even when walking in the snow for many hours or going to work on slushy autumn streets. Shoes with a thermoplastic elastomer sole – a guarantee of your safety and confidence in any weather.

Summer and demi-season models

Choosing winter shoes, buyers are interested in: “Does the TEP sole slide or not?” But when choosing models for other seasons, the first place comes to the question of the wear resistance of shoes or boots in conditions of constant contact with asphalt. TEP sole - what is it and how does it behave in the summer? It is very flexible, so it does not restrict the movements of the foot at all. Light and beautiful shoes will last for more than one season without losing its original attractiveness, brightness and other properties.

The lightness of shoes with thermoplastic elastomer soles is due to the fact that only the outer layers of the material are monolithic. The inner layers are porous, which means they are practically weightless. TEP (thermoplastic elastomer sole) cushions well when walking, allowing you to feel comfortable even under intense loads or uneven surfaces.

Children's shoes

Most often in children boot or shoe sole - rubber or TEP. By choosing the latter option, you choose lightness, flexibility, frost resistance and wear resistance. Small child is able to run many kilometers in a day, which means his legs should not get tired or sweat under any load. The most active baby will be comfortable and cozy in high-quality shoes with soles made of thermoplastic elastomer, of course, provided that the size is correctly selected and the top of the shoes is good or boot. Bright models will appeal to any fashionista or fashionista.

TEP sole material - what is it? How safe is it for a child of a given age? Does it cause allergic reactions? Such questions are asked by young mothers on many forums. After all, how comfortable the child will be directly determines how correctly the foot will form in the future. Reading reviews about children's shoes made from TPE, one can come to the conclusion that they are absolutely safe and comfortable for any age, do not restrict movement, do not deform and do not cause any inconvenience during use. Kids feel great in shoes with TEP soles both when walking in the winter park and when playing on the children's summer playground. Feet don't slip shoes does not hinder movement, does not weigh down the leg.

TEP sole – an affordable solution!

Thermoplastic elastomer is inexpensive, so it is affordable for any family budget shoes, which has a TEP sole. The price of cozy and warm felt boots for a child, for example, is about 1000 rubles. The advantage of such shoes is not only the savings when purchasing, but also the possibility of long-term use, since they are worn felt boots really long, without deforming at low temperatures and constant loads. At the same time, the quality of the material is much higher than its cost. Today, many global shoe manufacturers choose thermoplastic elastomer. This allows us to significantly reduce the price of products, which means attracting new grateful customers. This is especially true for children's shoes, which have to be purchased more often than adults, and the price really matters.

Other types of sole materials

Among the most popular materials used today for the production of soles of children's and adult shoes are the following: rubber, leather, rubber, polyvinyl chloride. Each has a number of advantages and disadvantages. For example, a leather sole allows the foot to breathe, but at the same time cannot boast of wear-resistant properties. Besides leather– a rather expensive option, more often used for luxury shoes. For everyday socks, as a rule, use shoes with a more practical sole, which is no less beautiful and safe.

Used in the production of soles and natural wood or plywood. This material is as environmentally friendly as possible. However, it wears out quite quickly and is easily exposed to moisture and chemicals.

Rubber is a cheap material, but quite capricious, reacting negatively to the effects of low and high temperatures. Besides this shoes It slips a lot, which is unacceptable in our harsh winter and traditionally slippery roads.

Another thing is the TEP sole material. What is this? This is a combination of all the qualities necessary for durable and comfortable shoes. Comfortable, lightweight and high-quality sole will make any model truly loved and worn regularly.

Environmental friendliness

Above we talked about the characteristics of the TEP sole. What it is? These are quality, lightness, wear resistance, etc. However, the advantages do not end there. Today, when every schoolchild knows about environmental problems, caring for nature comes first. Thermoplastic elastomer is one of the few modern materials, which can be recycled, which means it does not pollute environment. This property of the material will certainly attract the attention of everyone who cares about the health of their own and future generations. Choosing shoes With a thermoplastic elastomer sole, you choose high quality and environmental friendliness at the most affordable price.

Disadvantages of TEP soles

Despite a lot of undeniable advantages, there are also some disadvantages. This is the inability of the material to withstand temperatures above +50 and below -45 degrees. Of course, in everyday conditions socks such characteristics are not very important. Agree, the weather rarely surprises with such phenomenal temperatures. However, for example, for a worker in the metallurgical industry who is in hot shops every day, such a sole will not be suitable.

Considering that extreme temperatures are rare, this drawback can be considered insignificant and does not play a big role in the choice. Shoes with a thermoplastic elastomer sole - this is an excellent option for anyone who wants to purchase a high-quality product at an affordable price!

Different groups of TPE are formed on the basis of chemical differences in the constituent polymers. The basis of several groups was a polymer consisting of macromolecules combining rigid and elastic blocks. These are block copolymers, including thermoplastic styrene elastomers (SBS), thermoplastic urethanes ( TPU), copolyesters COPE), copolyamides (COPA).
Other groups are compounds of rigid and elastic polymers that are compatible enough to provide bonding. These include thermoplastic compounds of polyolefin elastomers (TPO) and polypropylene with polyvinyl chloride/nitrile butadiene rubber compounds (PVC/NBR). Another group unites individual rigid and elastic polymers that have entered into chemical reactions to enhance mechanical properties, especially in areas of cross-linking of the elastomer phase. TPEs with a cross-linked elastomer phase are thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) and generally have the mechanical properties of thermoplastic rubber. Product growth in these areas continues to accelerate, particularly in thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs).

Thermoplastic elastomers: latest developments

Materials
New developments are being introduced in many types of TEC. Below are brief information about each technology. The list is distributed by type of TEP.

Thermoplastic styrene elastomers (SBS)
SBSs fall into two general categories: saturated and unsaturated polymers. Unsaturated SBS, including styrene-butadiene block copolymers and styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers, are low melting point materials, more susceptible to thermal degradation, have low chemical stability and are more economical. Saturated SBS, mainly styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymers, have a high melting point, high resistance to thermal degradation and increased chemical stability. Recent developments in SBS include very soft formulations with gel properties and low Shore A hardness of 5-10. SBS classes with optical transparency have also recently been introduced. SBSs that react as TPVs have been developed to provide superior shape memory and compaction characteristics, improved chemical resistance and service temperatures.

Polymer mixtures TEP
The most common TPE polymer blends are thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers (TPO), which are a mixture of a ternary copolymer of ethylene, propylene and diene with polypropylene. They have been used commercially for several years, but continue to be actively developed due to their cost-effectiveness. Thanks to the development of reactor olefins, which increase efficiency and, apparently, economics, new TPO developments are being introduced. Organometallic catalytic polymerization of olefins has led to the development of polymer molecules with desired properties. Some of them are more similar to block copolymers by controlling the copolymerization of ethylene and propylene with other diene olefins. The development of new olefin polymers, including flexible polyolefin elastomers (POEs) and semi-rigid polyolefin plastomers (SOPs), has opened the door to a range of new products with tailored properties, particularly TPO products.

Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV)
Developments in the field of TPV continue to develop rapidly, so the growth rate of TPV leads among all types of TPV. The largest volume of TPV development is based on ethylene-propylene-diene-polypropylene terpolymer (DPE/PP) blends.
To provide improved properties of TPV, the latest advances in cross-linking chemistry have been employed. DPE/PP classes in multi-component molding are typically associated with olefins only. This barrier has been overcome by the development of classes that bind well to polyamides, especially nylon 6, as well as classes that bind to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymers (ABS), polyester, and other engineered thermoplastics. Figure 1 shows a photograph effective application DPE/PP TPV technologies in manufacturing pens stapler. IN Lately The range of the most elastic materials DPE/PP TPV has expanded to 25 Shore A.

Rice. 1. Soft pens staplers made of thermoplastic vulcanizate.

For lower cost applications with less stringent technical requirements, TPV (r-TPV) based on recycled materials, where the rubber phase is cross-linked recycled rubber, has been introduced. In the rubber phase, as a rule, natural or styrene-butadiene rubber is used, therefore the upper limiting temperature for using the material coincides with the limiting temperatures of natural and styrene-butadiene rubber. Recently, several new types of TPV have also been introduced, including TPV with a silicone rubber phase. It is called thermoplastic silicone vulcanizate (TPSiB). This soft, velvety-to-the-touch material can be used at a constant temperature of 140-150ºC.
Although TPV materials with higher water resistance, such as nitrile rubber (NBR), have already been introduced in NBR/PP TPV coupling with the nitrile rubber phase in PP, their use has been limited to a maximum temperature of 150ºC or a practical limit of 125ºC. New TPVs with high water resistance and an increased temperature limit of 177ºC are introduced with an acrylate rubber (AEM) phase and a technical thermoplastic phase. They are designated as AEM TPV.

Thermoplastic polyurethanes ( TPU )
Block copolymers TPU are the very first TPE products to be commercially applied. New developments continue to be introduced. Latest commercial developments TPU have increased heat resistance. New classes with increased softness up to 20 Shore A have also been introduced.

TPR copolyester (COPE)
COPE copolyesters remain an important technical class of TPE that is also receiving increasing commercial development. New COPE classes are being introduced to meet specific technical requirements. It is important to note that recently classes with increased elasticity and resistance to fatigue during deformation have been introduced.

Properties
TPRs have the same basic properties as thermoset rubbers (natural rubber, neoprene rubber, DPE rubber, etc.). TPE and thermoset rubbers are classified by their ability to withstand temperatures and resist hydrocarbon fluids (oils, slurries, fuels, etc.). These properties are generally presented in a chart that shows the ranges of TPE or rubber properties. These new TPE developments are represented in Figure 2 by the different classes of TPE, and in Figure 3 thermoset rubbers are presented.

Rice. 2. Temperature resistance of TPE to oils.

Rice. 3. Temperature resistance of thermosetting rubbers to oils.

These classes of TPE are classified by performance characteristics, the most significant of which is hardness or elasticity. Hardness is usually designated by Shore A or Shore D. The approximate commercially available hardness range for different TPEs is shown in Figure 4. The extended hardness range for several classes is highlighted in color.

Rice. 4. Hardness range for different classes of TPE.

The cost of TPE products depends on several factors, including the cost-effectiveness of plastic processing and the cost of the material. The relative priority of the various classes depending on temperature/oil resistance is presented in Figure 5; newest classes TEPs are highlighted in color.

Rice. 5. Comparison of the dependence of cost and operational characteristics of TEC classes.

Application
The performance characteristics of various classes of TEC allow them to be used on a commercial basis in most areas of industry. The latest developments of TPV and TPSiB are highly oil resistant materials that meet the temperature requirements of a range of technical applications such as car engine hood seals, guards and hoses.

Rice. 6. Soft pens made of ethylene-propylene-diene-polypropylene copolymer (DPE/PP TPV) for kitchen measuring cups and spoons

With its lower hardness and increased dynamic elasticity, COPE is the material of choice for high-elasticity products such as automotive pads. The softness of DPE/PP TPV materials determines their use as holders and handles for household items, including tools and utensils. Dishes requires compliance with food contact regulations, so there are special TPVs in commercial use that meet the requirements for household cookware and food container liners. Figure 6 shows a set of kitchen household items with colored TPV handles.
Recent polyolefin elastomers POE and POP have opened up new possibilities for use in large-scale applications and as TEC components. Some of these will be useful for automotive interiors and other soft flexible surfaces where a PVC compound will be used.
The new R-TPE formulations are very economical and are suitable for use with low oil resistance and heat resistance: automobile mud flaps, platform fencing, rugs at the entrance and noise-absorbing pads. Due to their cost-effectiveness, they have replaced protective coatings made of plasticized rubber.

Recent developments in the field of thermoplastic elastomers ( TEP) led to significant improvement and expansion of operational characteristics. Improvements have overcome some of the limitations of using TEP for technical application with new TPV and TPSiV. Soft materials can be produced from introduced SBS or soft TPV designs. The surface quality of automotive interiors and possibly exterior components will be greatly improved by the use of low-hardness metallocene olephenes, POE, and semi-rigid POP. These materials will also be useful as raw materials for manufacturers developing specialized TECs for various TEC classes. Soft and resistant to dynamic bending, COPE will improve automotive pads and related technical devices. Finally, cost-effective, easy-to-manufacture R-TPEs based on recycled products will emerge as an alternative to plasticized rubber and thermoplastic rubber.

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Insulated boots Lesnik are intended for installers, for construction, loading and unloading work, as well as for various industries and agriculture. Excellent for moving through the forest and staying in place for a long time in the most severe frosts. The sole made of deep corrugated rubber with anti-slip properties ensures the safety of the metal structure installers, and the presence of a thick felt pad in the sole provides excellent thermal insulation for the foot. The boot top has a special leather adjuster. The vamp and heel are made of genuine leather, which allows you to move comfortably in slushy weather. Boot height: 35cm Gender: men's Season: winter Main color: black-gray Upper part material: Sheep wool felt (100%), thickness 5-7mm. Vamp: genuine leather (1.8-2.2mm), 2mm thermoplastic in the toe and heel parts Bottom part material: multi-layer sole (layers: PVC, genuine leather, microporous rubber, felt, microporous rubber, TPE-thermoplastic elastomer) Method of sole attachment: welted Shoe type: cloth and felt shoes Size chart cm 22.5 23 23.5 24.5 25 25.5 26.5 27 27.5 28.5 29 29.5 30.5 31 Russian size (RUS) 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 EUR 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 UK 3.5 4 5 6 6.5 7.5 8 9 9.5 10.5 11.5 12 13 13.5 Determining your size Determine your size using the following chart: Place your foot on a blank sheet of paper. Mark the extreme boundaries of the foot. Measure the distance between the furthest points of your foot. Find the appropriate size in the table above.

The boots are OVER SIZE! You need to take a size smaller. If you wear size 43, you need to choose size 42 accordingly. HIGH TOP BOOTS Upper: genuine leather (1.4-1.6 mm). Lining: non-woven, abrasion-resistant and quick-drying, high density (150g/m2). Sole: TEP (±40°С), BUTEK 8. Sole attachment method: adhesive. Arch support: metal. Toe and heel: reinforced thermoplastic material. Sizes: 40-45. The blind valve protects the foot from environmental influences (dust, water, dirt). Universal lacing. Soft edging. Black color. There is a shock-absorbing insert in the heel part of the boot. Weight: 605 gr. Technical characteristics Army-type boots (Army boots). Model Hunter 5021 Manufacturer BUTEX Country Belarus Upper material natural chrome leather (1.4-1.6 mm) Lining material hygroscopic and wear-resistant fabric (150 g/m2) Sole fastening adhesive Instep support metal Toe and heel reinforced from thermoplastic material Sole material TEP (±40°C ) BUTEK 8 (Italy) Available size range 40-45 Shoe color black Lacing type universal lacing Valve type blind valve Soft edging present Shock-absorbing insert in the heel of the boots present

AVIATOR winter boots are a basic model of high winter boots (24 cm) from BUTEX, which use a TEP (thermoplastic elastomer) sole, an upper made of very durable natural chrome leather 1.6 mm thick and natural sheepskin insulation. Sheepskin warms perfectly, is not afraid of moisture, does not fall off or dry out. For reliable fixation For feet, this model uses a high lacing system, and for greater comfort, this model has a neatly sewn zipper on the inside of the boots, closed from the inside with a leather flap and allowing you to quickly put on/take off the boots without lacing. The toe box and heel of the boot are reinforced with thermoplastic material to maintain shape. The blind valve prevents dirt, snow, sand and other foreign objects from getting inside the boot. There is a special loop on the top of the back for easy putting on shoes. This model is a godsend for people with high arches. The numerous advantages of these AVIATOR winter boots were highly appreciated by law enforcement officers, professional tourists and everyone who is interested in outdoor activities. HIGH-HIGH BOOTS Upper: genuine chrome leather (1.4-1.6 mm) Lining: natural sheepskin Sole: TEP (±40°C), 2050. Sole fastening method: adhesive stitching Instep support: metal Toe cap and heel: reinforced from thermoplastic material. Sizes: 40-47. Blind flap. On the inside of the boots there is a zipper fastener. Color: black. Weight: 845 g. Technical characteristics Army type boots (Arm boots). Model Aviator 79 Manufacturer BUTEX Country Belarus Upper material natural chrome leather (1.4-1.6 mm) Lining material natural sheepskin Sole fastening with adhesive stitching Metal instep support Toe and heel reinforced from thermoplastic material Sole material TEP (±40°C), 2050 Available size range 40-47 Shoe color black Valve type blind valve Molded zipper fastener on the inside of the shoe

OMON winter boots, in which high (24 cm) boots are made of natural chrome leather 1.6 mm thick, with a flexible thermoplastic sole, equipped with a large relief tread and insulation made of high-quality printed wool fur containing (70%) sheepskin - this is exactly those shoes that are necessary for law enforcement officers, professional tourists and everyone who is interested in outdoor activities. The toe box and heel of the boot are reinforced with thermoplastic material to maintain shape. This model uses a lacing system, in the upper part of which there are two pairs of metal loops, allowing you to quickly remove and put on the boots without removing the laces from the loops. The blind valve prevents dirt, snow, sand and other foreign objects from getting inside the boot. This model is a godsend for people with high arches. For greater comfort, in this model the toe and heel of the sole are raised, which makes walking more comfortable. Upper: genuine chrome leather (1.4-1.6 mm) Lining: printed woolen fur Sole fastening method: glue-stitched Instep support: metal Toe and heel: reinforced from thermoplastic material Sole: TEP (±40°C) 2050 Size: 36-50 Color: black . Weight: 840 g The blind valve protects the foot from environmental influences (dust, water, dirt). Hooks. Soft edging. Technical characteristics Army-type boots (Army boots). Model Omon 907 Manufacturer BUTEX Country Belarus Upper material natural chrome leather (1.4-1.6 mm) Lining material printed wool fur (merino) Sole fastening with adhesive stitching Arch support metal Toe and heel reinforced from thermoplastic material Sole material TEP (±40°C), 2050 Available size range 36-50 Shoe color black Valve type blind valve Soft edging present Hooks present

Thermoplastic toe and heel. The height of the ankle boots is 27 cm. Gender: men's Season: summer Main color: black Material of the upper part: genuine embossed leather + Oxford 600D Material of the lining part: without lining Material of the lower part: sole - thermoplastic elastomer (TEP) Method of attaching the sole: bead stitching Type of footwear: ankle boots Size table cm 22.5 23 23.5 24.5 25 25.5 26.5 27 27.5 28.5 29 29.5 30.5 31 Russian size (RUS) 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 EUR 36 37 3 8 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 UK 3.5 4 5 6 6.5 7.5 8 9 9.5 10.5 11.5 12 13 13.5 Determining your size Determine your size using the following chart: Place your foot on a blank sheet of paper. Mark the extreme boundaries of the foot. Measure the distance between the furthest points of your foot. Find the appropriate size in the table above.

“GUARD” LOW BOOTS Upper: genuine chrome leather (1.4-1.6 mm). Lining: non-woven, abrasion-resistant and quick-drying, high density (150g/m2). Sole: TEP (±40°C), 2121. Sole fastening method: adhesive stitching. Arch support: metal. Toe and heel: reinforced thermoplastic material. Sizes: 36-50. Black color. Weight: 575 gr. Technical characteristics of low shoes. Model Security 703 Manufacturer BUTEX Country Belarus Upper material natural chrome leather (1.4-1.6 mm) Lining material hygroscopic and wear-resistant fabric (150 g/m2) Sole fastening with adhesive stitching Instep support metal Toe and heel reinforced from thermoplastic material Sole material TEP (±40°C ) 2121 Available sizes 36-50 Shoe color black

Summer boots with an upper made of high-strength nylon fabric with a density of 1000 D (tops 23 cm) and natural chrome leather (vamp) 1.6 mm thick will take their rightful place in the wardrobe of law enforcement and security personnel, tourists and all people leading an active lifestyle life. Moisture-wicking Cambrel fabric, which is not subject to abrasion and rotting, was chosen as the lining. The sole of these boots is equipped with a raised tread, has stitching around the perimeter and is made of durable thermoplastic material. For greater comfort, in this model the toe and heel of the sole are raised, which creates additional comfort when walking. The toe cap and heel are reinforced with a special thermoplastic material to maintain shape. Wanting to reduce weight and increase the flexibility of the boot, manufacturers made the toes and heels of this model cut-off, and for greater reliability they used rivets to fasten the ankle boots to the vamp. The blind valve protects the foot from dust, sand, dirt and other foreign objects getting inside the boot. LIGHTWEIGHT HIGH-HIGH BOOTS Combined upper: genuine chrome leather (1.4-1.6 mm) + high-strength fabric made of textured 1000D nylon thread. Lining: non-woven, abrasion-resistant and quick-drying, high density (150g/m2) Sole: TEP (±40°C). Sole fastening method: adhesive stitching. Arch support: metal. Toe and heel: reinforced thermoplastic material. Sizes: 40-46. The blind valve protects the foot from environmental influences (dust, dirt). Black color. Weight: 630 gr. Technical characteristics of Lightweight Boots. Model Tropic 35 Manufacturer BUTEX Country Belarus Upper material natural chrome leather (1.4-1.6 mm) + high-strength nylon fabric 1000D Lining material hygroscopic and wear-resistant fabric (150 g/m2) Sole fastening with adhesive stitching Instep support metal Toe and heel reinforced from thermoplastic material Sole material TEP (±40°С), 2050 Available size range 40-46 Shoe color black Valve type blind valve

LIGHTWEIGHT BOOTS WITH HIGH HIPS Combined upper: genuine chrome leather (1.4-1.6 mm) + tarpaulin on the upper, high-strength fabric made of textured 1000D nylon thread on the vamp.. Lining: non-woven abrasion-resistant and quick-drying high density (150g/m2 .) Sole: TEP (±40°C). Sole fastening method: adhesive stitching. Arch support: metal. Toe and heel: reinforced thermoplastic material. Sizes: 40-46. The blind valve protects the foot from environmental influences (dust, dirt). Color: olive. Weight: 630 gr.

LOW BOOTS Upper: genuine chrome leather (1.4-1.6 mm). Lining: non-woven, abrasion-resistant and quick-drying, high density (150g/m2) Sole: TPE "FASHION" (±40°C), 112. Method of fixing the sole: adhesive stitching. Arch support: metal. Toe and heel: reinforced thermoplastic material. Sizes: 40-46. Black color. Weight: 495 g. Technical characteristics of low shoes. Model Inspector 704 Manufacturer BUTEX Country Belarus Upper material natural chrome leather (1.4-1.6 mm) Lining material hygroscopic and wear-resistant fabric (150 g/m2) Sole fastening with adhesive stitching Instep support metal Toe and heel reinforced from thermoplastic material Sole material TEP (±40°C ) “FASHION”, 112 Available sizes 36-46 Shoe color black

Technical characteristics of shoes. Model Officer 7021 Manufacturer BUTEX Country Belarus Upper material natural chrome leather (1.2-1.4 mm) Lining material hygroscopic and wear-resistant fabric (150 g/m2) Sole fastening adhesive Instep support metal Toe and heel reinforced from thermoplastic material Sole material TEP (±40°C ) 3556 Available sizes 40-46 Shoe color black

LIGHTWEIGHT HIGH-HIGH BOOTS Combined upper: genuine chrome leather (1.4-1.6 mm) + high-strength fabric made of textured 1000D nylon thread. Lining: non-woven, abrasion-resistant and quick-drying, high density (150g/m2). Sole: TEP (±40°C), 2050. Method of fixing the sole: adhesive. Arch support: metal. Toe and heel: reinforced thermoplastic material. Sizes: 38-47. The blind valve protects the foot from environmental influences (dust, dirt). Speed ​​lacing. Soft edging. Black color. Weight: 535 gr. Technical characteristics of Lightweight Boots. Model Tropic 3501 Manufacturer BUTEX Country Belarus Upper material natural chrome leather (1.4-1.6 mm) + high-strength nylon fabric 1000D Lining material hygroscopic and wear-resistant fabric (150 g/m2) Sole fastening adhesive Instep support metal Toe and heel reinforced from thermoplastic material Sole material TEP (±40°C), 2050 Available sizes 38-47 Shoe color black Lacing type speed lacing Valve type blind flap Soft edging present

Thermoplastic rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic elastomer or polyurethane? Shoes with soles made of what material should you prefer?

Leather

A material used to make shoe soles since time immemorial. Shoes with leather soles look great and breathe great. Leather soles can be one-, two-, or even three-layer. Most often used in the production of luxury high-quality shoes.

The wear resistance of leather is quite low, and therefore prophylaxis should be installed on the sole of such material. It is especially important to have preventative measures for winter shoes, since without it the leather sole will be damaged.

Wet leather is prone to deformation, so it is better to avoid wearing shoes with leather soles in rainy weather. Leather soles require constant care using special impregnations and sprays.

Tunit

This material also has another name - leather fiber, which is a mixture of rubber and leather fibers.

Outwardly no different from leather, tunit soles surpass them in their performance qualities. They do not get wet and are abrasion resistant. Reliable adhesion to the ground is ensured by a relief pattern, which is much easier to create on tunic than on leather.

However, in the cold season, tunit soles still slip, so they are most often used for the production of summer and demi-season shoes.

Thermoplastic elastomer (TEP, TRP)

Thermoplastic elastomer is considered an all-season material. It combines elasticity and strength. Resistant to wear and tear. The TPR outsole provides excellent shock absorption and high level adhesion to the surface.

Features of the manufacturing technology make it possible to make the outer surface of thermoplastic elastomer products monolithic, ensuring their strength, and inner space– porous, due to which TPE soles have high thermal insulation properties.

Another important point is that products made from thermoplastic elastomer do not pollute the environment, since they can be recycled and reused.

Polyurethane (PU, PU)

Due to its porous structure, polyurethane has a relatively low weight, has good shock-absorbing properties and thermal insulation. Polyurethane soles are both flexible and wear-resistant.

Polyurethane also has disadvantages: soles made of this material slide on snow and ice at low temperatures, and in the case of active use of shoes with polyurethane soles at air temperatures below -20 0 C, fractures often form in places where the sole bends.

Thermopolyurethane (TPU, TPU)

Thermopolyurethane does not have the above-described disadvantages. High-quality grip with ground, TPU outsoles provide deep tread that can be molded thanks to the high density of the material. TPU soles are resistant to wear and deformation, they are not afraid of punctures and cuts.

The high density of thermopolyurethane is not only its advantage, but also a disadvantage, since TPU soles do not have high elasticity and thermal insulation properties, and they weigh a fair amount.

This situation is corrected by using a combined sole in the production of winter shoes, the layer in contact with the surface is made of thermopolyurethane, and the upper layer is made of polyurethane.

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)

The main advantage of products made from ethylene vinyl acetate is their lightness and elasticity. EVA soles are most often equipped with summer, home, children's and beach shoes. They are also used in the production of sports shoes as inserts that absorb shock and evenly distribute the load over the entire foot.

During use, the porous structure of ethylene vinyl acetate becomes denser and over time, EVA soles lose their shock-absorbing properties.

Ethylene vinyl acetate is not used in winter shoes due to poor adhesion to the surface and the instability of the material to low temperatures.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC, PVC)

PVC differs from other materials in its increased wear resistance and high resistance to aggressive environments. If rubber is added to polyvinyl chloride, it becomes immune to the effects of motor oils and gasoline.

The cost of PVC is lower than all other materials used to make shoe soles.

The use of polyvinyl chloride is limited by its low frost resistance, so its scope of use is summer and demi-season footwear.

Rubber

Previously, rubber occupied a leading position among materials for the production of footwear. And there were reasons for this, since this material is resistant to wear and deformation, is not afraid of temperature changes, and is both durable and flexible.

Rubber is not afraid of either high or low temperatures and does not slip on ice.

At the same time, rubber soles have a decent weight and considerable cost, so they have recently been replaced by products made from lighter and cheaper materials.

Thermoplastic rubber (TPR)

This type of shoe sole material is a type of synthetic rubber.

Thermoplastic rubber has high shock-absorbing properties; the absence of through pores in it makes this material waterproof, and the soles made from it differ from other products in being lightweight.

TPR also has disadvantages: it slips in frosty weather, and its thermal insulation properties leave much to be desired.

Let your shoes, regardless of the sole material, be durable, comfortable and practical! Good luck with your choice!


M materials used for making soles.

Sole - one of the most important parts of shoes, which protects them from wear and largely determines their service life. It is the sole that is subjected to intense mechanical stress, abrasion on the ground and repeated deformations. Therefore, the materials used to make soles must be as resistant to environmental influences as possible. In this article we will look at what materials the sole can be made of and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
Sole attachment methods
. There are two main methods of attaching the sole - adhesive and injection. Contrary to popular belief, fastening technology does not in any way affect the consumer properties of shoes. The adhesive method is used for classic and dress weekend shoes, most often with leather or tunit soles. Its essence is to glue the finished sole to the base of the shoe. In the manufacture of comfortable shoes for everyday wear, the injection molding method is most often used. In it, unlike the adhesive fastening method, the sole is created literally on the basis of the shoe, molding to the workpiece monolithically. This method of making soles is more labor-intensive and resource-intensive than the adhesive fastening method. For soles made of different materials apply various methods fastenings Polyurethane soles are made either by direct casting or by attaching molded soles to the upper blank. TPU soles are produced by injection molding at high temperatures. Also from thermopolyurethane they make heels. Soles from thermoplastic elastomer are injection molded and then glued to the upper of the shoe. PVC - soles are most often attached using the injection molding method in the manufacture of shoes for active recreation and everyday wear. Soles from EVA attached to the top of the shoe using both injection and glue methods, depending on the purpose of the shoe, and for soles made of thermoplastic rubber both options can also be used. Tunite And leather The soles are attached only using the adhesive method, or glue-stitching, which is most often used in the manufacture of summer shoes.

Advantages: Polyurethane has good operational properties: it weighs little, as it has a porous structure, resists abrasion well, is flexible, has excellent shock absorption and good thermal insulation. The soles made of polyurethane are light and flexible, therefore they are used in shoes where these characteristics are of particular importance.
Flaws:
The porous structure of polyurethane is also a kind of flip side of the coin. For example, because of it, polyurethane soles have poor grip on snow and ice, so winter shoes with PU soles slip a lot. Another disadvantage is the high density of the material and loss of elasticity at low (from -20 degrees) temperatures. The consequence of this is fractures in the places where the sole bends, the speed of which depends on the characteristics of the use of the shoe, in particular, on the person’s gait, the degree of his mobility and other factors.


Thermo soles
polyurethane (TP U, TRU)

Advantages: Thermopolyurethane has a fairly high density, so it can be used to make soles with deep tread that provide excellent traction. Another advantage of TPU is its high wear resistance and resistance to deformation, including cuts and punctures.
Flaws:
The high density of thermopolyurethane is at the same time its disadvantage, because because of this the weight of the thermopolyurethane sole is quite large, and the elasticity and thermal insulation leave much to be desired. To improve these characteristics, TPU is combined with polyurethane, thereby reducing the weight of the sole, increasing its thermal insulation and elasticity. This method is called two-composition casting, and it is quite simple to recognize: the sole made using this technology consists of two layers, and the top layer is made of polyurethane (PU), and the bottom one, in contact with the ground, is made of thermopolyurethane.

Advantages: This material can be considered all-season. It is durable, elastic, resistant to frost and wear. TEP provides good shock absorption and traction. Thanks to the technology of manufacturing the sole from TPR, its outer layer is monolithic, which provides it with strength, and the inner volume is porous, retaining heat. Thermoplastic elastomer can be recycled, which means that its use in soles saves resources and does not pollute the environment.
Flaws:
At high and very low temperatures (over 50 degrees and below -45 degrees), TPE loses its properties, so it is used only in everyday shoes and, by the way, is rarely used for safety shoes.



Soles from polyvinyl chloride(PVC, PVC)

Advantages: PVC soles resist abrasion well, are resistant to aggressive environments and are easy to manufacture. They are often used b They are used in home and children's shoes, and previously they were especially widely used for safety shoes, since when mixed with rubber, PVC acquires properties such as oil and gasoline resistance.
Flaws:
Polyvinyl chlorideused only in the production of casual shoes for autumn or spring, because this material has a large mass and low frost resistance, unable to withstand temperatures below -20 degrees. In addition, PVC soles are complex and expensive to produce.


Advantages: Ethylene vinyl acetate- very light material with good shock-absorbing properties. It is used mainly in children's, indoor, summer and beach shoes, and in sports shoes - in the form of inserts, because it is able to absorb and distribute shock loads.
Flaws:
Over time, EVA soles lose their shock-absorbing properties. This occurs because the pore walls break down and the entire mass of EVA becomes flatter and less elastic. Also, EVA is not suitable as a material for winter shoes, since this material is very slippery and not resistant to frost.

Thermoplastic rubber soles (TPR)

Thermoplastic rubber - This is shoe rubber made from synthetic rubber, which is stronger than natural rubber, but no less elastic. However, modern technologies make it possible to increase its flexibility with the help of various additives.
Advantages: Thermoplastic rubber has a low density and, accordingly, less weight than other materials. There are no through pores in it, so moisture does not pass through it. However, there are surface pores in TPR, and they provide high thermal protection. In addition, TPR, like others porous rubbers, - an elastic material that provides good shock-absorbing properties. Thanks to this characteristic, shoes with TPR soles relieve unnecessary stress on the legs and spine.
Flaws:
The low density of the material can be not only an advantage, but also a disadvantage. In the case of TPR, it leads to the fact that the sole made of this material does not have particularly outstanding heat-protective properties. In addition, in wet and frosty weather, the thermoplastic rubber outsole slips a lot.


Advantages: Leather soles are used in all types of shoes, including children's, home and dress shoes of all seasons. Shoes with leather soles look great and allow the foot to breathe, as it is a natural membrane.
Flaws:
When worn in wet weather, the leather sole may become deformed, and caring for it requires the constant use of special sprays and impregnations. Leather has low wear resistance, so it is recommended to install preventive maintenance on leather soles, and it is mandatory for winter shoes, otherwise without it the sole will slide on ice and snow and deform even faster.

Tunit soles

Tunit - This is rubber with the inclusion of leather fibers, so the second name for this material is “leather fiber”.
Advantages: In appearance, hardness and ductility, tunit soles are similar to leather ones, but they behave better in use: they hardly wear out or get wet. These soles are easy to apply texture to, which gives them a little more grip than leather.
Flaws:
But even despite this, shoes with tunit soles are very slippery due to the high rigidity of the material. Therefore, tunit is used in the manufacture of only summer and spring-autumn shoes using the adhesive fastening method.


Advantages: Wood is an environmentally friendly and very hygienic material, and wooden soles have original appearance. However, recently, instead of wood, plywood is more often used to make shoes. It can be made from birch, oak, beech or linden wood and as a material it is easier to machine, is easy to shape and is inexpensive. Soles using cork material are also popular. When dealing with them, you need to understand that balsa wood, due to its natural softness, cannot serve as the main material for making soles, so cork is used only for decorative covering.
Flaws:
Wooden soles are hard, wear out quickly and have poor water resistance. A lot of material is consumed in the manufacture of such soles. Cork coverings are susceptible to chips and defects due to the softness of the material.

based on materials from Shoes report magazine

Main mild condition walking throughout the day - properly selected shoes. When going to the store, we always pay attention to the design of the boots, pay close attention to the choice of leather or suede, measure the height of the heel, but do not always look at the sole and the material from which it is made. And the quality of shoes depends largely on this.

For example, shoes with TEP soles have a number of undeniable advantages, such as durability, lightness, flexibility and ease of use. The inexpensive material is indispensable for both children's and adult shoes. It shows its best qualities both in winter and in summer, allowing you to feel comfortable on any uneven road.

What is TEP?

Modern manufacturers regularly update the range of materials used to make shoe soles. One of the latest solutions is thermoplastic elastomer, or TPE.

So, TEP sole - what is it? This material is created on the basis of thermoplastic rubber, combining the best properties of thermoplastics and elastic rubber. Plastic and wear-resistant thermoplastic elastomer is the best solution for making soles for both winter and winter. It copes well with high loads, allowing boots to last for many years, tolerates high and low temperatures well, and is resistant to chemicals.

Winter summer

Thermoplastic elastomer is easy to adjust. Adding polymers to the formula of the material in various proportions allows you to create a TEP sole with varying degrees of elasticity for any season or load. Thus, technologists practically achieve perfection - they produce the most frost-resistant shoes for severe frosts or wear-resistant summer models that do not hinder movement and are practically weightless. The TEP sole, reviews of which are overwhelmingly positive, is an undoubted advantage of the shoe.

Combination sole

Shoe soles labeled TPU are made from thermoplastic elastomer and polyurethane. The combination of durable and frost-resistant TPE and light and soft PU makes the material especially valuable. The TEP/PU sole combines all the advantages of both materials, and it is also available in any color: from standard black to hot pink, blue and light green. This is especially important when producing bright and beautiful children's shoes. Rich colors do not fade in the sun, do not fade and last for many years.

The main advantages of polymer soles

The class of soles, which include certain polymers, has a number of undeniable advantages. This:

  • Increased elasticity at the highest temperatures. The material does not shrink when exposed to sun rays, does not fade or deform.
  • Excellent heat resistance at low and very low temperatures. In shoes with TEP soles you will be comfortable even in severe frosts, which winter often spoils us with.
  • Resistance to acids, alkalis, various microorganisms. This is especially important in megacities, where roads in winter turn into a crazy cocktail of salts and chemical elements, capable of ruining the most expensive and high-quality shoes.
  • Good electrical insulating properties. They are important for those who work with electrical equipment.
  • Increased strength and resistance to tearing. Even under conditions of aggressive use, the material will not crack or burst. In shoes with TEP soles you can walk on any surface: they are not afraid of gravel, sand, or paving stones.

Main advantages

TEP sole - what is it? Surely every buyer of shoes created using a material that combines the most modern technologies and the ideas of each of us about comfortable, convenient and durable shoes asked themselves this question. Thermoplastic elastomer has a number of characteristics that speak in favor of choosing boots, moccasins or shoes made from such material. The TEP sole, reviews of which are mostly positive, pleases almost everyone. Buyers note:

  • Exceptional lightness, which allows the leg not to get tired.
  • The flexibility you need to move comfortably.
  • High wear resistance, which makes the shoes truly durable.
  • Resistance to high and low temperatures
  • Safety and environmental friendliness.

Winter shoes with TEP soles

When choosing winter shoes, safety is one of the most important conditions. You need to feel confident even in the most unfavorable weather conditions. That is why it is important to know whether the TEP sole slides or not. Doesn't slip! Equipped with a textured tread, it allows you to avoid injury even in icy conditions.

Another plus that speaks in favor of choosing winter shoes with TEP soles is frost resistance. The elastic material feels great in the most severe frosts, without cracking even at a temperature of -45 degrees. The TEP sole helps keep your feet warm and dry in winter. You will be as comfortable as possible even when walking in the snow for many hours or going to work on slushy autumn streets. Shoes with thermoplastic elastomer soles guarantee your safety and confidence in any weather.

Summer and demi-season models

When choosing winter shoes, buyers are interested in: “Does the TEP sole slide or not?” But when choosing models for other seasons, the first place comes to the question of the wear resistance of shoes or boots in conditions of constant contact with asphalt. TEP sole - what is it and how does it behave in the summer? It is very flexible, so it does not restrict the movements of the foot at all. Light and beautiful shoes will last for more than one season without losing their original attractiveness, brightness and other properties.

The lightness of shoes with thermoplastic elastomer soles is due to the fact that only the outer layers of the material are monolithic. The inner layers are porous, which means they are practically weightless. TEP (thermoplastic elastomer sole) cushions well when walking, allowing you to feel comfortable even under intense loads or uneven surfaces.

Children's shoes

Most often, children's boots or shoes have rubber or TPR soles. By choosing the latter option, you choose lightness, flexibility, frost resistance and wear resistance. A small child can run many kilometers in a day, which means his legs should not get tired or sweat under any load. The most active baby will be comfortable and cozy in high-quality shoes with soles made of thermoplastic elastomer, of course, provided that the size is correctly selected and the top of the shoes or boots is of good quality. Bright models will appeal to any fashionista or fashionista.

TEP sole material - what is it? How safe is it for a child of a given age? Does it cause allergic reactions? Such questions are asked by young mothers on many forums. After all, how comfortable the child will be directly determines how correctly the foot will form in the future. Reading reviews about children's shoes made from TPE, one can come to the conclusion that they are absolutely safe and comfortable for any age, do not restrict movement, do not deform and do not cause any inconvenience during use. Kids feel great in shoes with TEP soles both when walking in the winter park and when playing on the children's summer playground. The feet do not slip, the shoes do not hinder movement, and do not weigh down the foot.

TEP sole - an affordable solution!

Thermoplastic elastomer is inexpensive, so shoes with a TEP sole are affordable for any family’s budget. The price of cozy and warm felt boots for a child, for example, is about 1000 rubles. The advantage of such shoes is not only savings when purchasing, but also the possibility of long-term use, since felt boots are worn for a really long time, without deforming at low temperatures and constant loads. At the same time, the quality of the material is much higher than its cost. Today, many global shoe manufacturers choose thermoplastic elastomer. This allows us to significantly reduce the price of products, which means attracting new grateful customers. This is especially true for children's shoes, which have to be purchased more often than adults, and the price really matters.

Other types of sole materials

Among the most popular materials used today for the production of soles of children's and adult shoes are the following: rubber, leather, rubber, polyvinyl chloride. Each has a number of advantages and disadvantages. For example, a leather sole allows the foot to breathe, but at the same time cannot boast of wear-resistant properties. In addition, leather is a fairly expensive option, more often used for luxury shoes. For everyday wear, as a rule, they use shoes with more practical soles, which are no less beautiful and safe.

Natural wood or plywood is also used in the production of soles. This material is as environmentally friendly as possible. However, it wears out quite quickly and is easily exposed to moisture and chemicals.

Rubber is a cheap material, but quite capricious, reacting negatively to the effects of low and high temperatures. In addition, such shoes slip a lot, which is unacceptable in our harsh winter and traditionally slippery roads.

Another thing is the TEP sole material. What is this? This is a combination of all the qualities necessary for durable and comfortable shoes. Comfortable, lightweight and high-quality sole will make any model truly loved and worn regularly.

Environmental friendliness

Above we talked about the characteristics of the TEP sole. quality, lightness, wear resistance, etc. However, the advantages do not end there. Today, when every schoolchild knows about environmental problems, caring for nature comes first. Thermoplastic elastomer is one of the few modern materials that can be recycled, which means it does not pollute the environment. This property of the material will certainly attract the attention of everyone who cares about the health of their own and future generations. By choosing shoes with thermoplastic elastomer soles, you are choosing high quality and environmental friendliness at the most affordable price.

Disadvantages of TEP soles

Despite a lot of undeniable advantages, there are also some disadvantages. This is the inability of the material to withstand temperatures above +50 and below -45 degrees. Of course, for everyday wear such characteristics are not very important. Agree, the weather rarely surprises with such phenomenal temperatures. However, for example, for a worker in the metallurgical industry who is in hot shops every day, such a sole will not be suitable.

Considering that extreme temperatures are rare, this drawback can be considered insignificant and does not play a big role in the choice. Shoes with thermoplastic elastomer soles are an excellent option for anyone who wants to purchase a high-quality product at an affordable price!

PC:Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is a high-performance plastic that can be transparent, making it an ideal lens material for swimming goggles. Due to its excellent shockproof properties, it is also used to make police shields and car headlights.

CP: Cellulose Proprionate
Solid material, can be produced in multiplesTwo transparent colors and easy to bend when hot - ideal properties for the lenses of SpeedoBioFUSE® and SoftFrame swimming goggles.

TPR: ThermoPlastic Rubber
TPR is a synthetic rubber developed as an alternative to natural rubber and does not contain natural rubber (latex). Currently used as a comfortable lens seal/edge on most SoftFrame goggles and all SpeedoBioFUSE® goggles.

TPE: Thermoplastic Elastomer
Most properties are similar to TPR, some TPE grades differ chemical composition, which makes them more suitable for combination with other types of plastic.

TPU: Thermoplastic Polyurethane
See description for PU.

PE: Polyethylene
Polyethylene. Usually two options are used: high density (HDPE - High Density Polyethylene) and low density (LDPE - High Density Polyethylene). Options with high density after processing are flexible, with low density - rather semi-rigid with a low level of water absorption. Both types have high chemical resistance, making them ideal for use in chlorinated pools.

PU:Polyurethane
Polyurethane. Flexible, elastic material, tolerates water well. Used in large quantities products, from shoe insoles to skateboard wheels.

PVC: Poly Vinyl Chloride
Polyvinyl chloride, one of the first types of plastic to become widespread, is still widely used in many everyday consumer products. PVC can be rigid or flexible, with many color options.

PP: Polypropylene
Polypropylene is a rigid yet flexible material (called “semi-rigid” in plastics world terms). The chemical properties of PP allow it to be combined with other types of plastic, which is why it is used for rigid frames in SpeedoBioFUSE® accessories

PS: Polystyrene
Polystyrene is available in many forms, including GPPS (General Purpose Polystyrene) and EPS (Expanded Polystyrene). GPPS is cheap, rigid and fragile, and is most often used to make CDs. EPS is obtained by foaming polystyrene.

EVA: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
Ethylene vinyl acetate shares many properties with rubber. Often used to make shoe soles due to its flexibility and high coefficient of friction.

ABS: Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene
High quality plastic, hard and hard, can be used to produce products with a smooth polish to a high shine.

Latex
Natural rubber is fragile and breaks easily. In processed versions, such as vulcanized rubber or latex, the material becomes more flexible and can be used to make swim caps.

Silicone (Compression Molding)
Silicone (pressing). Used as the base material for many Speedo swim caps, frames and straps. This type of silicone is a single piece of material that is processed using pressure and temperature to produce a final product that is soft, flexible and elastic. Silicone - good material for people with sensitive skin.

Silicone (Liquid Injection)
Silicone (injection molding). Best variety silicone in the Speedo product line, used in the frames and straps of some SpeedoBioFUSE® goggles and in top diving products. Liquid silicone is a purified, more expensive type of silicone that is processed by injection molding to produce products to very precise dimensions. Its composition and soft feel make it an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin.

Other technical information

Anti-Fog
Swimming goggle lenses fog up due to temperature differences cold water and the warm skin of a swimmer. This temperature difference causes water vapor to condense on the inner surface of the lenses, reducing visibility.

To prevent this, a hydrophobic agent is applied to the inner surface of the lenses. The hydrophobic formula repels water vapor from the inner surface of the lenses, preventing water droplets from condensing.

Anti-fog treatment is carried out in “clean rooms” production premises Speedo. For glasses with PC lenses, a adjusted amount of solution is applied to the inner surface of the lenses. The lenses are then placed in a high-temperature chamber where the solution is turned into a hard coating.

Antifog Ultra
SpeedoBioFUSE® and SoftFrame glasses are equipped with PC lenses with Antifig Ultra technology. Conventional lenses have an anti-fog coating applied to their surface. Speedo glasses with Antifig Ultra technology include a hydrophobic component in the lenses. This
more advanced technology compared to conventional anti-fog lenses, because the hydrophobic layer cannot be washed off during prolonged use or accidentally damaged by a sharp object.

Mirror Coating
The reflective coating on the lenses of Speedo mirror glasses is produced using a process called vacuum deposition. The lenses are placed in a vacuum chamber where they are exposed to a gas of metal particles, creating a thin metal film on the outer surface of the lenses.

The mirror coating helps reduce glare and the amount of light transmitted by the lenses, i.e. This is an ideal choice for bright light or open water conditions. Competitive athletes often choose mirrored glasses for competitions because... the reflective coating prevents opponents from seeing their gaze and possibly provides a psychological advantage.

Phthalates
Phthalates are added to PVC to make it soft and flexible. In some poor quality products using low quality PVC, the levels and types of phthalates can be dangerous.

PVC is used exclusively for Speedo armbands and is tested to strict standards. In addition to all legal standards, Speedo products must also comply with Pentland Brands' Restricted Materials Policy, often even more stringent!

Moreover, all relevant products meet the requirements of the recently developed EU Directive 76/769 ECC on the control of permissible levels of phthalates in children's products.