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Performance Polymers

Elastollan® (TPU) for the Footwear Industry

Which material combines elasticity and durability for shoe soles?

The best material choice for shoe soles depends on the intended use. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) Elastollan® combines mechanical strength, resistance to abrasion, and slip resistance. Broad hardness range makes it suitable for casual shoes, safety shoes and sports shoes alike.

Benefits

Key Properties of Elastollan® for Footwear

  • Comfortable, Ergonomic
  • Light
  • Fashionable
  • Tough
  • Durable
  • Antistatic
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Which TPU grades are available for footwear manufacturing?

Soft grades are used for outsoles, medium hardness grades are suitable for compact or combination soles and hard grades are the best solution for heels and heel tips. Foamed grades are used for midsoles.

Elastollan® TPU allows for wide design freedom and customization options.

Explore our TPU Elastollan® portfolio for footwear

Range properties

Chemistry

Shore hardness

  • Excellent hydrolysis resistance
  • Cold flexibility
  • Resistance to microorganisms
  • Other UV stabilized products are available
  • Ether
  • 50 A - 75 D

Which footwear applications profit most from TPU?

Empowering movement with Infinergy®
Foamed TPU for midsoles
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Supercharge your outsole with Elastollan® GripTec
Engineered performance and limitless design

FAQ ​

Q: What material is best for shoe soles?

TPU is widely used for shoe soles due to its balance of flexibility, durability, and wear resistance. Solutions like Elastollan® are specifically developed to meet these requirements in demanding applications.


Q: What makes Elastollan® TPU suitable for demanding footwear applications?

Elastollan® is designed for applications exposed to repeated stress, abrasion, and environmental influences, maintaining performance over time.

Q: How does Elastollan® TPU improve sole performance?

Its material properties support reliable cushioning, shape stability, and wear resistance, contributing to long-lasting and high-performing soles.

Q: Which footwear applications benefit most from Elastollan® TPU?

Elastollan® is widely used in casual, safety, and sports footwear, supporting both everyday use and performance-driven designs.

Q: How does Elastollan® TPU support safety footwear requirements?

The material enables high abrasion resistance, slip performance, and includes antistatic solutions for demanding safety applications.

Q: What advantages does Elastollan® TPU offer in sports footwear?

Elastollan® supports lightweight constructions, durability, and dynamic performance required for high-impact and repetitive movement.