What's the Difference Between TR, PU and PVC Soles?
The material you choose for a shoe sole directly affects the weight, comfort, durability and price of the finished shoe. PROSPÓD offers soles made from three main materials: thermoplastic rubber (TR), polyurethane (PU), and PVC. Below, we explain how they differ.
TR Soles — Lightness and Flexibility
Thermoplastic rubber (TR) is a material that combines the flexibility of rubber with the easy processing of thermoplastics. TR soles are lightweight, flex well — even at lower temperatures — and allow for vivid colors and precise tread patterns. It's a popular choice for everyday and sports footwear.
PU Soles — Comfort and Cushioning
Polyurethane (PU) is ideal where long-term wearing comfort matters. PU soles cushion well, are lightweight, and resist oils and many chemicals, making them a popular choice for work and protective footwear.
PVC Soles — Durability and Moisture Resistance
PVC is a durable material, resistant to water and abrasion, with a favorable price-to-durability ratio. PVC soles work well in work footwear and in models exposed to harsh outdoor conditions.
Which Material Should You Choose?
The choice depends on the footwear's purpose: TR is a great fit where lightness and appearance matter, PU where comfort is the priority, and PVC where durability and moisture resistance come first. If you're not sure which material is best for your project, get in touch — we'll recommend a solution tailored to your specific shoe model.
See also our full range of TR, PU and PVC soles, or find out how they differ from our barefoot soles.
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