Polyurethane Shoe soles
The production of PU microcellular elastomers for shoe-soling applications represents between 5 & 10% of shoe soling materials used world-wide.
The advantages of using PU are the high abrasion resistance and durability in use, combined with high flexibility, low weight, and high comfort levels. PU shoe-soling systems are specially developed for each particular application and because they are more costly than competitive shoe soling materials, the use of PU is generally found where particular technical requirements are necessary, such as in industrial footwear and safety boots and sports footwear.
Manufacturers take advantage of the adhesive quality of PU and the foaming reacting by moulding the shoe sole direct-on to the shoe uppers.