Shoes are not only a necessity for our daily wear, they also carry the function of protecting the foot, keeping warm, dust and dirt and puncture. So, how is a good pair of shoes constituted, and how to choose?

Shoes are mainly composed of two parts: the sole and the upper. The sole determines the comfort of the shoe, while the upper affects the appearance of the shoe.

01 Sole

The sole is the core of shoe technology. Take sports shoes as an example, it is composed of the bottom outsole, the middle of the middle sole, the support piece and the decorative piece.

outsole
The outsole of sports shoes is usually made of natural rubber, which is popular for its excellent anti-slip and wear properties. Indoor sports shoes such as table tennis shoes, badminton shoes and basketball shoes tend to use TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) because of its superior anti-slip wear resistance, despite the higher cost. Football shoes and other shoes that need to add non-slip nails also use TPU injection molding. In addition, thinner shoe soles may use TPR (thermoplastic rubber), while thicker shoe soles may use PU (polyurethane).

insole
The main function of the midsole is to cushion the shock, which directly affects the comfort of the shoe. The traditional midsole material is EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer), which has become mainstream due to its shock absorption properties and cost effectiveness. However, EVA midsole is too hard or too soft has its limitations. Some brands, such as Nike, are known for their air cushion technology, which provides excellent cushioning, but once damaged, the service life of the shoe will be greatly shortened. Adidas' BOOST series is known for its softness and long-lasting resilience, despite the higher cost. In recent years, supercritical foaming technology has become a new favorite of high-end shoes with its characteristics of softer, better resilience and lighter weight.

Sole support plate
Sole support sheets are used to enhance stability, from traditional steel plates to modern nylon injection sheets to high-end TPU and carbon fiber support sheets, which vary in material and cost.

02 Upper

The upper consists of a toe, heel, insole, tongue, eye buckle, shoelace and various decorative pieces. Materials include cloth, leather, microfiber and PU leather. Fabric upper is popular for its lightness and breathability, while leather is favored for its durability. Microfiber and PU leather provide close to the feel and physical properties of leather, while at a lower cost.

03 Insole

As an important part of shoes, the insole is made of EVA, PU, compressed sponge and leather. With the development of technology, insoles also carry more and more functions, such as antibacterial, arch protection and shock absorption.

04 Choosing Shoes

Choosing a good pair of shoes, you need to pay attention to its precise cutting, smooth sewing, firm glue fit and fit the foot last shape. The appearance is smooth, the needle and thread are neat, and the glue is not spilled. The flatness of the inside and the softness of the midsole are also important indicators of comfort. Choosing the right size is crucial, too large or too small can affect the experience. Although big brands often mean higher quality assurance, domestic brands have also made significant improvements in quality in recent years, and the gap with international brands is getting smaller and smaller.

By considering these details, we can better understand the composition of a good pair of shoes and make a more informed choice.