Rubber Soles vs PU Soles: Which One is The Best?

Rubber soles vs PU soles? Which one is better? And which one suits you the best? Let’s get to know about the differences between these two materials!

Outsole is one part of the shoe that is located at the bottom of the shoe, generally people call it the sole of the shoe. 

Outsole is useful for supporting the user’s body weight and the part that is in charge of coming into contact with various terrains in all conditions (floor, stone, soil and others). 

Materials commonly used to make outsoles are rubber and polyurethane (PU). But, do you know the difference between rubber soles and PU soles? Well, we know! And here’s the explanation!

Rubber Soles vs PU Soles

1. Rubber Soles

Rubber sole, or often called rubber sole, is a material commonly used for safety shoes and field shoes.

Rubber soles have good flexibility and can withstand heat temperatures of up to 300 degrees Celsius for one minute.In addition to heat resistance, rubber soles are also resistant to oil, abrasion, and various chemicals. 

Another advantage is that rubber soles have no expiration date and retain their durability even if they are not used for a long period of time.

However, despite their high strength, rubber soles tend to feel stiff and slightly heavier compared to other materials.

This can make it less comfortable for some users, especially if the shoes are worn for long periods of time. 

Nonetheless, the benefits and protection that rubber soles offer make them a popular choice for various work purposes.

Here are the pros of rubber soles

• Great heat resistance: As we mentioned above one of the most renowned traits of rubber soles is its good heat resistance. This is so beneficial for workers who deal with high temperatures in their workplace, such as welding, foundry, etc. 
• Oil and chemical resistance: These soles have good resistance to oil, abrasion, and various chemicals, making them suitable for certain industries.
• Flexibility: Although not as flexible as PU, rubber sole is still considered comfortable to be used in a long time
• Doesn’t have an expiration date: Unlike its counterpart, rubber soles have no expiration date and do not change durability even if stored for a long time.
• Strength 

But, rubber soles can also have few disadvantages that you need to consider before choosing one:

• Rubber soles are stiffer than PU
• Weight: Rubber soles are usually a little bit heavier than PU. For some people this might cause a little discomfort.
• Not breathable enough
• Higher price

Also Read: “5 Reasons Why You Need Safety Shoes“

2. Polyurethane (PU) Soles

Polyurethane (PU) is an elastomeric material produced from the reaction between polyols and isocyanates.

Unlike rubber, PU can only withstand heat up to 100 degrees Celsius for one minute. However, PU has good resistance to oil and various other chemical liquids.

In addition, this material is also known to be reliable in dealing with uneven and slippery surfaces.

PU material is popular for its lightweight and malleable nature, making it a comfortable choice for safety shoes.

However, it should be noted that polyurethane outsole has a certain expiration or shelf life.While it is quite durable, it can deteriorate over time if not used or stored properly. 

By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of PU, you can choose safety shoes that suit your needs and working conditions. Here are some of them!

• Pros
  • Lightweight: PU soles are generally more lightweight than of its counterpart.
  • Easily crafted: This material can be molded easily, allowing for more flexible and ergonomic shoe designs.
  • Oil and chemical resistance
  • Good traction: PU outsole is often designed to provide good traction on uneven and slippery surfaces.
  • Good shock absorbent: PU material has the ability to absorb shock, providing additional comfort when walking or standing.
• Cons
  • Not really resistant to heat: PU can only withstand heat up to 100 degrees Celsius, which may not be enough for working environments with high temperatures.
  • Expiration date: The most defining drawbacks of the PU soles is its expiration date, their quality may degrade over time, even if they are not used.
  • Strength to withstand abrasion
  • Stiffness: Despite being lightweight, PU may not provide the same strong structural support as rubber soles, but it’s depending on the design of the shoe.