When buying running shoes, selecting the best fit becomes tricky.
And we don’t blame you. It’s almost like buying a car; you need to consider all the features that can impact it in the long term. Be it durability, quality material, high performance, comfort, or support.
Of all the features, the foundation of every running shoe lies in the sole of the shoes. But with so many different materials and designs out there, how do you know which type of sole is best for running shoes?
In this blog post, we will highlight various types of running shoes, their pros and cons, and which sole is best for running shoes.
Which Sole Material Is Best For Running Shoes
Ideally, which type of sole material is best for running shoes? Well, if you ask us, it depends on many external and personal factors like durability, preferred cushioning, running surface, and more.
Currently, the sole materials used in running shoes are EVA, rubber, PU, and leather. Let’s look at which sole material is best for running shoes.
Traditional Rubber Sole – A lot of factors influence runners’ choice of footwear.
Nearly 90% of runners prefer rubber soles for better grip in running. Hence, they are a popular choice. Even if you are running on asphalt or trails, rubber soles offer stability and traction on various terrains.
Pros:
- Provides nice grip and traction on various terrains
- Highly durable and long-lasting
- Carbon rubber soles offer stability and resistance to wear
Cons:
- Can feel heavier compared to other materials
Ethylene-vinyl acetate Sole (EVA) – Made of plastic and rubber, EVA is commonly used as a foam material in midsoles. It is a popular standard foam.
As per a study, nearly 75% of all running shoes have EVA foam. Reason? It gives a cloud-like feel. Other benefits include:
- Highly cushioned for shock absorption
- Ideal for soft landings, reducing joint impact
- Affordable and commonly found in most running shoes
Cons:
- Compresses over time
- Needs to be replaced more frequently for long-distance runners
Polyurethane Sole(PU) – PU soles are typically found in running shoes for heavier runners or those requiring extra support.
Usually, runners with joint issues opt for PU soles due to the following benefits:
- More durable and longer-lasting than EVA
- Offers excellent shock absorption, ideal for runners with joint pain
- Retains its shape even after prolonged use
Cons:
- Heavier than EVA, which can reduce speed
- Can feel firmer
- Less cushioned than EVA
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) Soles – TPU, or Thermoplastic Polyurethane, is a type of plastic material used in shoe soles. TPU is often used in running and hiking shoes because of these qualities:
- TPU balances between being soft enough for comfort and strong enough for stability.
- Even though it’s tough, TPU is light, so it doesn’t add extra weight to your shoes.
- Responsive and energetic feel during runs.
Cons:
- Can be more expensive due to advanced material technology
- Slightly less cushioned than EVA foam
Which Sole Is Best For Running Shoes For Different Surfaces?
As per the race trends report by Running USA, most people like to race on roads. So, if you want to select the best running shoes for yourself, always consider the surface or terrain you will be running. See below how different sole materials interact with various terrains:
- Asphalt Roads: For road running, EVA soles are an excellent choice.
- Indoor Running: EVA foam soles are great for treadmill walks and indoor workouts in gyms due to their lightweight nature and shock-absorbing qualities.
- Trails & Uneven Terrain: When you run on an uneven surface, opt for shoes with aggressive traction, like rubber soles. Rubber soles ensure grip on such rocky and slippery paths.
Which Type Of Sole Material Is The Most Durable For Running Shoes?
Durability should be a top priority if you want to invest in long-lasting running shoes. Among the materials used in running shoes, rubber, and PU stand out for their longevity. Here’s why:
- Rubber Soles: Known for their resistance to wear and tear, rubber soles can handle high mileage on various surfaces without losing their structure. It’s ideal for runners who cover long distances.
- PU Soles: Polyurethane soles are also very durable and offer long-term support. While they may be slightly heavier than EVA, they hold up well under continuous use.
In contrast, although comfortable, EVA soles tend to compress and break down faster, especially if you run frequently. If durability is your key concern, rubber or PU should be your go-to materials.
Which Sole Material Provides The Best Cushioning For Running Shoes?
If you are an athletic runner, you probably understand how important cushioning is to prevent injuries. Among the materials commonly used in running shoes, EVA and PU stand out for their shock absorption properties.
- EVA: The lightweight nature of EVA makes it a popular choice for runners who want excellent cushioning without adding weight. It’s perfect for those who need extra shock absorption, such as long-distance runners.
- PU: Though denser, PU also offers excellent cushioning but with more durability. Runners who prefer a firmer ride might find PU more to their liking.
For those who prioritize extra comfort during their runs, EVA remains the top choice for cushioning.
Which Shoe Sole Is Best For Running And Provide Great Shock Absorption, Rubber Or EVA?
Wondering which shoe sole is best for running? Here’s your answer.
When comparing rubber and EVA for shock absorption, EVA takes the lead. Its foam structure is designed to absorb impact efficiently, making it a great option for runners looking for a softer, cushioned ride.
EVA is lightweight, soft, flexible, and ideal for longer distances. It’s perfect for those who need extra shock absorption – i.e., sprinters and long runners.
Though denser, PU also offers excellent cushioning but with more durability. Runners who prefer a firmer ride find PU more to their liking.
Which Type Of Sole Material Offers The Best Traction For Running?
Rubber is undoubtedly the best material for grip. Here’s why:
- Rubber soles are known for their durability.
- Rubber foam material, especially carbon rubber or blown rubber, has high-traction properties
- They perform better on slippery, wet, or uneven surfaces.
- Their solid gripping properties make them ideal for rainy roads or high-rise mountains
Which Sole Material Is Best For Walking And Standing For Long Hours?
Before you select shoes for need prolonged use, then look for the following qualities:
- Lightweight
- Breathable & comfortable to wear
- Provides soft padding
- Adds Stability
- Flexible to allow natural movement
- Durable to withstand long-term wear
Considering the above factors, EVA and PU are ideal choices, as they provide lightweight cushioning and durable support for extended standing and walking.
What Factors Should You Consider When Picking Running Shoes
When choosing your next pair of running shoes, consider the following:
- Cushioning: Do you need a lot of padding, or do you prefer a firmer ride? Shoes with EVA or PU soles offer excellent cushioning, while TPU provides a firmer, more responsive feel.
- Running Surface: Whether you run on trails, pavement, or treadmills, different soles work better for different terrains. For example, rubber is perfect for trails, while EVA is better suited for indoor running.
- Weight: Lightweight shoes reduce fatigue, especially during long-distance runs. If you are after a light, fast shoe, look for EVA foam.
- Durability: If you run high mileage, you will want a rubber or PU sole for longevity.
How Does Your Running Style Affect Sole Material Choice?
What is suitable for someone may not be the right fit for you. This is because your running pattern might differ. For that, you need to understand your running pattern:
- Overpronating – If your foot lands inward while running, you are overpronating. This leads to stress on the inner edge of the foot. To avoid that, you need shoes with stable and supportive materials like a PU sole.
- Supination – Reverse to overpronation; the foot rolls outward in supination, placing stress on the outer edge. To balance out while running, you can either opt for:
- EVA for maximum cushioning
- PU for additional support, or
- A hybrid (EVA + TPU)
- Neutral Gait – It is considered the ideal running movement. In neutral running style, your foot will land evenly on the surface. Neutral runners distribute pressure evenly across their feet, so they don’t need as much correction or support as overpronators or supinators.
Neutral runners can opt for EVA Sole material as it is lightweight and offers excellent cushioning. EVA provides a soft landing with each step, making it a preferable choice for runners.
NOTE: Not every person with a certain type of foot needs a correction. For instance, a flat foot might not necessarily overpronate. So, check accordingly.
Are There Eco-Friendly Running Shoe Sole Options Available?
In today’s environment-conscious consumer market, many brands are focusing on sustainability by using eco-friendly materials in their running shoes.
Many leading brands and companies have introduced biodegradable and recycled soles, offering eco-conscious runners an option that reduces environmental impact.
Can I Get A Custom Shoe Sole According To My Needs?
Yes, you can purchase customized running shoe soles according to your needs. Many brands offer customization options for sole type, fabric material, design, pattern, size, etc.
We hope this guide answers all your doubts about which sole material is best for running shoes.
At the end of the day, the materials used in your running shoes can make or break their longevity. Choosing shoes with high-quality midsoles will set you up for a comfortable and durable running experience.
Ready to make the switch to long-lasting running shoes? Cabuks is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Which Sole Material Is Best For Running Shoes
The best sole material depends on your needs. EVA is great for cushioning, while rubber offers excellent durability and traction.
EVA foam is mostly regarded as the best material for cushioning in running shoes. It also offers 65-75% energy return rates, which is decent for a standard foam.
