Often, athletes mention that a shoe stands out due to good cushioning. This seems to be half the battle. But what exactly is sole cushioning, and how does good cushioning affect the walking experience?
First, let’s explain what sole cushioning means. The cushioning of a shoe refers to its ability to absorb the impact force with every step. During this impact, vibrations travel from the muscles to the bones. This means the body must exert a certain amount of force to cushion the impact and roll the foot forward to continue moving. A good cushioning system reduces these vibrations, relieving the body as it tries to absorb the impact. Each sole provides a different level of cushioning, and depending on the occasion, this can be crucial for having comfortable and functional footwear for sports, hiking, or everyday use.
THERE ARE MAINLY 3 LEVELS OF CUSHIONING
Light cushioning:
Light summer shoes, sandals, and slippers have light cushioning. A zero Heel is standard. To keep the shoe as light as possible, the sole is very thin and thus provides minimal cushioning.
Medium cushioning:
Medium cushioning is found in everyday or office shoes. Sneakers or ankle boots are great for a walk or work, offering full comfort thanks to their soles.
High cushioning:
Sports shoes and hiking shoes must withstand a lot of stress. You often spend the whole day in them, and your body is exposed to a lot of movement. Here, the cushioning level is especially important to relieve some of the strain on your feet, back, and legs.
Pro tip: When searching for your new BÄR shoes, you can filter by cushioning level. Simply select your desired level under “Cushioning” in the filter bar, and all matching shoes will be displayed. Additionally, the cushioning level is described in every shoe description below the product images.
A particularly low level of cushioning can be found in our summer or slippers, for example.
A medium level of cushioning can be found in our everyday sneakers and boots, for example.
A particularly high level of cushioning can be found in our sports and hiking shoes, for example.
WHAT MATERIALS ARE OUR SHOE SOLES MADE OF?
We use the right material for every shoe requirement. From soft natural rubber or crepe to abrasion-resistant polyurethane (PU) or TPU. Natural rubber soles are unmatched in softness and flexibility. PU soles offer excellent cushioning, which is why PU is often used in sports or hiking shoes. It is dimensionally stable and can withstand heavy use, such as on rocks and branches. TPU soles are elegant in appearance and very lightweight. They provide good stability and ensure a secure step. Rubber soles are highly durable and support the rolling motion for a barefoot-like walking experience.
The FIRMOFLEX ® technology impresses with high stability, especially in our Bergkomfort hiking shoes. In the forefoot area, there are four arranged cross struts that promise a higher hardness level without affecting flexibility. Thanks to FIRMOFLEX®, the shoe offers unmatched durability under continuous stress.
Learn more about: FIRMOFLEX
Learn more about our different soles! Here: Our Shoe Soles
HYDROLYSIS – THE DEGRADATION OF THE SHOE SOLE
Hydrolysis is a chemical process that actually always occurs in shoes. In most hiking shoes, the sole is connected to the shoe via a midsole. This midsole is made of polyurethane (PU) and provides cushioning, flexibility, and lightness. If these shoes are stored for too long without being used, the shape of the sole changes, becoming hard and brittle.
We’ve put together a few tips to help you prevent hydrolysis in your shoes:
• Regularly clean and care for your shoes. Find all the information about shoe care here: Shoe Care in Winter
• Store your shoes in well-ventilated, dry, and cool rooms
• Avoid high temperatures, such as direct sunlight, as these accelerate hydrolysis. The leather becomes brittle and cracks.
• Your hiking shoes should always be dry. Moisture promotes mold growth and can deform the shoes.
• Use wooden shoe trees, ideally placed in the shoes right after wearing. Beech wood absorbs moisture particularly well. Find our wooden shoe trees here: Shoe Accessories
So why do we use PU soles? Read more: Hydrolysis
