![]() The majority of Meindl USA boots today use polyurethane due to the performance as well as how long these boots will last. PU is most found in high performing boots (alpine boots), however is becoming more and more popular in mid-range boots as well. Polyurethane is a much denser material compared to EVA or other materials used in hunting and hiking boots today. PU (polyurethane) is a synthetic plastic material commonly used by the best boot makers for midsoles in high performance trekking boots. Like all materials this is a natural process and the reason many recommend replacing shoes footwear using EVA more often, to ensure you have the proper support needed. As the EVA loses its cushioning and support it is time to either replace your footwear or if boot allows, have the soles recrafted. As that material compresses over time there will not be noticeable defects to the midsole, but your footwear is going to become less supportive and less comfortable, to where they can feel "flat" on your feet. After thousands of steps, the ability for the EVA to rebound is reduced, resulting in your footwear not having the same cushion and support you have been accustomed to. EVA holds a memory, meaning after every step the material will compress and rebound. In addition, EVA will absorb more shock from step impact relieving the stress on your joints as you are out on your hike.Īs we stated earlier there can be disadvantages to every material used with EVA the biggest downfall is a relatively short life span. This is what makes EVA perfect for light hiking and running shoes where you don't want that extra weight. EVA is more lightweight compared to PU as well as provides improved flexibility. When it comes to using EVA there are some advantages and specific reasons why this material is used in performance footwear. Whether you need a high-density EVA for an alpine boot a low-density EVA for a walker you can use the same material. What makes EVA so popular in the footwear industry? EVA is extremely compressible and can be easily manipulated during the manufacturing process. Each bubble is filled with gas that makes it lightweight as well as provides excellent cushioning and shock absorption for your feet. EVA is a lightweight foam material made up of thousands of compressed bubbles. You will find EVA in all styles of footwear from alpine boots to walking shoes. Like any material used there are the extreme benefits that each material provides, but there can be potential downsides as well.ĮVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is the most common material used in footwear midsoles. What is the terrain the boots are built for? What are the elements the boots will primarily be used in? Just to name a few. Each material is used for different reasons and purposes, and it all comes down to the end use for each specific boot. When it comes to midsoles there are two main materials used when constructing high performance footwear, like you'll find at Meindl - EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) and Polyurethane (PU). What is a midsole? This is the layer of material between the inner and outer soles of a shoe. The midsole of your boot/shoe absorbs shock and adds a layer of protection, structure, and support between your feet and the ground. When doing your research on what the best boot is for you, how many of you have heard of the midsole and how important this layer of the boot is for your feet as well as the life of the boot? We feel by not educating our customers on the midsole, we are not giving you the proper tools to make the best decision on your next purchase. Your feet deserve the best and your boots should not be a piece of equipment you have to worry about while at the top of the mountain. When purchasing boots these are all technologies you, the customer, have been educated on, and for good reason. to make sure our boots perform no matter the condition you are in. Whether that is using Gore-Tex® waterproof membranes, Vibram® outsoles, premium insulation, etc. Meindl has been building exceptional footwear for over 300 years only using premium materials to make our boots best in class.
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