Sole Materials & Polymer Selection Guide
The definitive physical property and polymer chemistry benchmark for footwear brand owners, design directors, and OEM procurement managers across India and worldwide.
Polymer Comparison Matrix
Standardized laboratory metrics across density, durometer, DIN abrasion, and fatigue resistance.
| Polymer Material | Density (g/cm³) | Shore A Hardness | DIN Abrasion (mm³) | Bally Flexometer | Temp Range | Target Footwear | Cost Tier | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phylon (MD EVA) Secondary-Molded |
0.22 – 0.32 | 45 – 55 A | < 140 mm³ | 100,000+ cycles | -15°C to +75°C | Performance Running, Lifestyle Sneakers | Moderate–High | Configure Spec |
| Industrial PU Polyurethane |
0.45 – 0.65 | 55 – 68 A | < 110 mm³ | 120,000+ cycles | -20°C to +80°C | Industrial Safety (EN ISO 20345), Tactical | Moderate | Configure Spec |
| EVA Injection Expanded Ethylene |
0.18 – 0.28 | 38 – 50 A | < 180 mm³ | 80,000+ cycles | -10°C to +65°C | Gym Wear, Comfort Slides, Casuals | Economic | Configure Spec |
| TPR Thermoplastic Rubber |
0.95 – 1.15 | 58 – 72 A | < 130 mm³ | 90,000+ cycles | -25°C to +70°C | Formal Dress Shoes, Loafers, Casuals | Economic–Mod | Configure Spec |
| Vulcanized Rubber Synthetic Nitrile |
1.10 – 1.28 | 60 – 78 A | < 90 mm³ | 150,000+ cycles | -30°C to +110°C | Trekking, Heavy Cleats, Mining Boots | Moderate–High | Configure Spec |
| PVC Compound Polyvinyl Chloride |
1.20 – 1.38 | 65 – 80 A | < 160 mm³ | 70,000+ cycles | -5°C to +60°C | Uniforms, Gumboots, School Shoes | Budget-Friendly | Configure Spec |
Phylon (MD EVA)
Secondary-Molded Compression EVAEngineered by secondary compression molding of EVA pellets. Provides 30% higher rebound damping than standard injection EVA, preventing long-term packing down.
Industrial PU
Microcellular PolyurethaneMaximum hydrocarbon, chemical, and oil resistance. Outstanding hydrolysis stability engineered for heavy industrial safety workwear and military field boots.
Injection EVA
Lightweight Expansion PolymerSingle-stage thermal injection molded for softest step-in comfort. Zero water absorption with closed-cell structure, perfect for athleisure and gym footwear.
Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR)
100% Recyclable PolymerCombines rubber traction with thermoplastic injection speed. Excellent grip on polished tile and marble surfaces; the benchmark for dress shoes and loafers.
Vulcanized Rubber
Synthetic & Natural Nitrile CompoundUnrivaled slip resistance, abrasion durability, and cleat tear strength. Engineered for high-stress mountain terrain, tactical boots, and sports cleats.
PVC Compound
Polyvinyl Chloride UtilityHigh-density weatherproof compound offering maximum economy for institutional school shoes, agriculture gumboots, and standard everyday footwear.
Pan-India Sourcing & Cluster Logistics
Makson Soles operates dedicated supply corridors to every major footwear and leather hub across India.
Agra Footwear Hub
India's leather capital. 50 years of direct manufacturing excellence. Full R&D prototyping lab, 3D tooling facilities, and instant factory pickups.
⚡ Same-Day Factory DispatchKanpur Sourcing Hub
Primary supplier of certified industrial safety PU outsoles and military boot soles for leading tannery and footwear manufacturers.
🚚 24-48h Road Freight CorridorBahadurgarh & Kundli
Dedicated supply line for major athletic sneakers, lifestyle casual brands, and sports footwear factories across the National Capital Region.
🚚 Next-Day Express DeliveryAmbur, Ranipet & Chennai
High-spec export dress shoe soles, refined TPR outsoles, and lightweight PU soles supplying India's premier export shoe houses.
✈️ Air Express & FTL LogisticsJalandhar Sports Hub
High-rebound Phylon outsoles and heavy vulcanized rubber cleats engineered specifically for sports equipment and athletic footwear brands.
🚚 48-72h Direct FreightMumbai & Kolhapur Belt
Fast-fashion sneaker soles, ethnic footwear outsoles, and lifestyle comfort PU compounds supplying western India's top private labels.
🚚 Fast LTL / Container FreightGlobal Quality & Compliance Suite
Fully certified for footwear export to Europe, North America, United Kingdom, and the Middle East.
European Non-Toxic Standard
100% compliant with EU REACH regulations. Free from prohibited phthalates, banned azo dyes, organotins, and SVHC hazardous chemical compounds.
Safety Footwear Certified
Meets international safety footwear specifications for oil resistance, fuel resistance, antistatic dissipation (0.1MΩ to 1000MΩ), and energy absorption.
Certified Quality Management
Rigorous batch-to-batch consistency testing, automated mold temperature control, and raw polymer verification in our in-house Agra laboratory.
Full Container Export Shipping
Direct container dispatch to Nhava Sheva (JNPT Mumbai), Mundra Port, and ICD Delhi. Multi-currency invoicing in USD ($), EUR (€), GBP (£), and INR (₹).
CAD to Prototype in 7–10 Days
How global brands and Indian footwear labels manufacture custom soles with Makson Soles.
CAD & Spec Review
Submit your 2D drawings or 3D CAD files (.STP, .IGS). Our senior engineers review draft angles, shrinkage rates, and durometer targets within 24h.
3D Rapid Prototype
Physical 1:1 scale resin 3D print produced in 48 hours for immediate last fitment, volume check, and outsole aesthetic verification.
Test Tooling & Mold
Single-size CNC aluminum test mold machined in 7-10 days. Exact polymer injected in target Shore A hardness and custom brand colorway.
Mass Production
Full size-set tooling (UK/US 5 to 12) produced. Automated injection runs with 50,000+ pairs monthly scaling capacity and batch QC lab signoff.