The main condition for easy walking throughout the day is the right shoes. Going to the store, we always pay attention to the design of the boots, carefully consider the choice of leather or suede, measure the height of the heel, but do not always look at the sole and the material from which it is made. And the quality of shoes depends largely on this.
For example, shoes with a TEP sole have a number of indisputable advantages, such as durability, lightness, flexibility and ease of use. Inexpensive material is indispensable for both children and adult shoes. He shows his best qualities in both winter and summer, allows you to feel comfortable on any unevenness of the road.
What is TEP?
Modern manufacturers regularly update the assortment of materials used to make shoe soles. One of the most recent solutions is thermoplastic elastomer, or TEP.
So, TEP sole - what is it? This material is based on thermoplastic rubber, combining the best properties of thermoplastics and elastic rubber. Plastic and wear-resistant thermoplastic elastomer is the best solution for manufacturing the soles of both winter and summer shoes. It copes well with high loads, allowing the boots to last more than one year, tolerates high and low temperatures, is resistant to chemicals.
Winter summer
Thermoelastoplast is easy to correct. Adding polymers in various proportions to the material formula allows creating a TEC sole with varying degrees of elasticity for any season or load. Thus, technologists practically achieve perfection - they produce the most frost-resistant shoes for severe frosts or wear-resistant summer models that do not constrain movements and are practically weightless. The sole of the TEP, reviews of which are overwhelmingly positive, is the undoubted advantage of shoes.
Outsole
On the basis of thermoplastic elastomer and polyurethane, soles for shoes with TPU marking are made. The combination of a durable and frost-resistant TEC and light and soft PU makes the material especially valuable. Sole TEP / PU combines all the advantages of both materials, in addition, it is available in any color: from standard black to bright pink, blue and light green colors. This is especially important in the production of bright and beautiful children's shoes. Saturated colors do not fade in the sun, do not fade and persist for many years.
The main advantages of polymer soles
The class of soles, which include certain polymers, has a number of indisputable advantages. It:
- Increased elasticity at the highest temperatures. The material does not dry out under the influence of sunlight, does not fade and does not deform.
- Excellent heat resistance at low and very low temperatures. In shoes with TEP soles, you will be comfortable even in severe frosts, which winter often spoils us.
- Resistance to acids, alkalis, various microorganisms. This is especially important in megacities, whose roads turn into an insane cocktail of salts and chemical elements in winter, which can ruin the most expensive and high-quality shoes.
- Good electrical insulating properties. They are important for those who work with electrical equipment.
- Increased strength and tear resistance. Even under aggressive conditions, the material does not crack or burst. In shoes with a TEP sole, you can walk on any surface: it is not afraid of gravel, sand or paving stones.
Main advantages
TEP sole - what is it? Surely such a question was asked by every buyer of shoes created using a material that combines the most modern technology and each of us’s ideas about comfortable, convenient and durable shoes. Thermoelastoplast has a number of characteristics that speak in favor of the choice of boots, moccasins or boots made of such material. Sole of TEP, reviews about which are mostly positive, pleases almost everyone. Buyers note:
- Exceptional lightness, which allows the foot to not get tired.
- Flexibility necessary for comfortable movement.
- High wear resistance, which makes the shoes truly durable.
- Resistance to high and low temperatures
- Safety and environmental friendliness.
Winter shoes with TEP soles
When choosing winter shoes, safety becomes one of the most important conditions. You need to feel confident even in the most adverse weather conditions. That is why it is important to know: the TEP sole glides or not. Doesn't slip! Equipped with a relief tread, it avoids injury even in icy conditions.
Another plus that speaks in favor of choosing winter shoes with a TEP sole is frost resistance. The elastic material feels great in the most severe frosts, without cracking even at a temperature of –45 degrees. The TEP sole in winter allows you to keep your feet warm and dry. You will be as comfortable as possible, even if you walk for hours in the snow or go to work on the slushy autumn streets. Shoes with a sole made of thermoplastic elastomer - a guarantee of your safety and confidence in any weather.
Summer and demi-season models
When choosing winter shoes, buyers are interested in: "Does the TEP sole slip or not?" But when choosing models for other seasons, the question of the wear resistance of shoes or shoes in conditions of constant contact with asphalt pavement comes first. Sole of the TEP - what is it and how does it behave in the summer? It is very flexible, so it absolutely does not hamper the movements of the foot. Light and beautiful shoes will serve more than one season, without losing their original attractiveness, brightness and other properties.
The lightness of shoes with a sole made of thermoplastic elastomer is due to the fact that only the outer layers of the material are monolithic. The inner layers are porous, which means that they are practically weightless. TEP (thermoplastic elastomer sole) is well absorbed when walking, allowing you to feel comfortable even under intense loads or surface irregularities.
Children's shoes
Most often, children's shoes or boots have a sole - rubber or TEP. When choosing the last option, you choose lightness, flexibility, frost resistance and wear resistance. A small child is able to run many kilometers in a day, which means that his legs should not be tired or sweating under any stress. The most active kid will be comfortable and cozy in high-quality shoes with a sole made of thermoplastic elastomer, of course, provided that the right size and solid top of the shoes or boots are selected. Bright models will appeal to any fashionista or fashionista.
TEP sole material - what is it? How safe is it for a child of one age or another? Does it cause allergic reactions? Such questions are asked by young mothers in many forums. After all, how much the foot is formed in the future directly depends on how convenient the child will be. Reading reviews of children's shoes from TEP, you can come to the conclusion that it is absolutely safe and convenient for any age, does not constrain movements, does not deform and does not cause any inconvenience during operation. Kids feel great in shoes with TEP soles and for a walk in the winter park, and when playing on the children's summer playground. The legs do not slip, the shoes do not constrain movement, do not burden the foot.
TEP sole is an affordable solution!
Thermoelastoplast is inexpensive, therefore, shoes that have a TEP sole are available for any family budget. The price of cozy and warm boots for a child, for example, is about 1000 rubles. Plus, such shoes are not only in saving when buying, but also in the possibility of long-term operation, since boots are worn for a really long time, without deforming at low temperatures and constant loads. Moreover, the quality of the material is significantly higher than its cost. Today, many global shoe manufacturers opt for thermoplastic elastomers. This allows you to significantly reduce the cost of products, and therefore, attract new grateful customers. This is especially true for children's shoes, which you have to buy more often than adults, and the price really matters.
Other types of materials for soles
Among the most popular materials today used for the production of soles for children and adults, the following can be distinguished: rubber, leather, rubber, polyvinyl chloride. Each has a number of advantages and disadvantages. For example, a leather sole allows the foot to breathe, but it cannot boast of wear-resistant properties. In addition, leather is a rather expensive option, often used for luxury shoes. For everyday wear, as a rule, use shoes with a more practical sole, which is no less beautiful and safe.
Used in the manufacture of soles and natural wood or plywood. Such material is as environmentally friendly as possible. However, it is quickly abraded, easily exposed to moisture and chemicals.
Rubber - a cheap material, but rather capricious, negatively reacting to the effects of low and high temperatures. In addition, such shoes slip very much, which is unacceptable in the conditions of our harsh winter and traditionally slippery roads.
Another thing is the material of the TEP sole. What is it? This is a combination of all the qualities necessary for a durable and comfortable shoe. Comfortable, light and high-quality outsole will make any model truly beloved and regularly worn.
Environmental friendliness
Above, we talked about the characteristics of the TEP sole. What it is? This is quality, lightness, wear resistance, etc. However, the advantages do not end there. Today, when every schoolchild knows about environmental problems, concern for nature comes first. Thermoelastoplast is one of the few modern materials that can be recycled, which means it does not pollute the environment. This property of the material will surely attract the attention of everyone who cares about the health of their own and future generations. Choosing shoes with a sole made of thermoplastic elastomer, you choose high quality and environmental friendliness at the most affordable price.
The disadvantages of TEP soles
Despite the mass of indisputable advantages, there are some disadvantages. This is the inability of the material to withstand temperatures above +50 and below -45 degrees. Of course, in everyday wear such characteristics are not too important. Agree, rarely the weather surprises with such phenomenal temperatures. However, for example, for a worker in the metallurgical industry, who visits hot shops every day, such a sole will not work.
Given that extreme temperatures are rare, this disadvantage can be considered insignificant and does not play a big role in the choice. Shoes with a sole made of thermoplastic elastomer are an excellent option for everyone who wants to purchase a high-quality product at an affordable price!