Vulkanized soles
Rubber is the term used for vulcanized rubber (natural or synthetic). Vulcanization is a chemical-technical process in which rubber is made resistant to atmospheric and chemical influences as well as mechanical stress through the combined effects of time, temperature, and pressure. The rubber produced by this process has permanently elastic properties compared to the starting material, returns to its original shape after mechanical stress, and has higher tear resistance, elasticity, and resistance to aging and weathering.
Cupsohlen
A cup sole consists of three components—an outsole, a midsole, and an insole. The outsole is made from a single piece and may also be firmly bonded to a separate midsole. The insole can be glued in, sewn in, or simply inserted. The difference from a vulcanized sole is that the sidewall and outsole form a single unit and are both glued to the upper and additionally stitched. The outsole is often made of polyurethane and is usually thicker than a vulcanized sole—making it more stable, more cushioned, and more abrasion-resistant. Consequently, cup soles are in most cases heavier, stiffer, and require a certain amount of break-in time. But there are exceptions here as well—for the mid-range and higher price segments, brands are collaborating with the industry to develop increasingly high-quality, lighter, more elastic, more cushioned, and even more durable materials, as well as gel and air pads, to guarantee maximum comfort and protection. These technologies all aim for the same result but differ in name and effectiveness.
This is, of course, listed and explained in our product descriptions and the accompanying feature lists.
Insoles
Shoes in the lower price range typically come with a basic insole that offers little to no cushioning. However, cushioned EVA foam insoles are already standard in many skate shoes. EVA is a rubber-like elastomer with high resistance to aging. For the mid-range and higher price segments, brands are collaborating with the industry to develop increasingly high-quality, lighter, more elastic, more cushioned, and even more durable foams to guarantee maximum comfort and protection. These technologies all aim for the same result but differ in name and effectiveness. Some insoles feature different degrees of firmness in the forefoot and heel areas (dual-density), and some are additionally equipped with a shock-absorbing gel pad in the heel. Breathable and antibacterial insoles are used in some shoe models.
This is, of course, listed and explained in our product descriptions and the corresponding feature lists. This is, of course, listed and explained in our product descriptions and the corresponding feature lists.
Midsoles
This type of sole is used for cushioning in cup soles, but very rarely in vulcanized soles—it is usually made of lightweight, highly elastic foam. After a hard impact, this high-quality material immediately returns to its original shape. The midsole is a separate component that acts as a link between the outsole and the insole.
Outer soles
The outer sole, also known as the insole, is the part of the sole that makes direct contact with the deck or the ground. In a cup sole, the outer sole forms a single unit consisting of the sidewall and the insole; in a vulcanized sole construction, these two components are bonded together.
Skateboarding places high demands on your shoes and, consequently, on the outsole—it must be grippy, abrasion-resistant, stable, and flexible at the same time. Outsoles are made of either polyurethane, rubber (vulcanized rubber), advanced foams and plastics, or a combination of all of these. In the mid-range and higher price segments, gel or airpad cushioning systems are often incorporated into the heel area.
