Outsole materials

The outsole is the portion of the shoe that makes contact with the ground, the wearing part of the sole. The outsole is attached to a midsole.

Most flat sole shoes have outer soles of blown rubber compounds that provide general flexibility and durability. Rubbers are hard wearing and grip well. One of the most commonly used is styrenebutadiene rubber (SRB). Vulcanised rubber can be used in many types of sports footwear.

A hard grade of nylon is used for soccer boot soles. Cellular, or blown PU is sometimes used also on outsole as its durability and lightness. Nylon, leather and PVC have specific outsole application for certain sports.

In the case study two various types of carbon rubbers are used for the outsole. These "wear pieces" is fastened to the midsole makes a light insole wedge combination which is flexible at the ball of the foot.