EVA & CMEVA: Usage In Cleats

Sometimes referred to as "foam rubber", EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate) is often the primary material used in making midsoles and insoles. The key reasons for its use...

1) it is lightweight...

2) highly moldable (it is easy to produce and shape)... and

3) it is soft and cushiony.

We believe that many "custom" shoes, midsoles, insoles and inserts gain their custom description because Ethyl Vinyl Acetate tends, in a rather short period of time to break down and conform to the shape of an individual's foot. The problem here is that after the "break down", the EVA will not retain its "cushiony" properties. This is a negative characteristic defined as compression set.

For the midsole, there are usually two choices... EVA or PU. EVA is lighter and softer than PU, but the EVA is less durable. A possible compromise is CMEVA which stands for Compression Molded Ethyle Vinyl Acetate. The CMEVA is said to keep the same lightness and softness of EVA, but is more durable.

Besides its lightweight and pliability (easily bent or shaped), Ethyl Vinyl Acetate is also economic as it costs substantially less than natural rubber.

The material is described as odorless and glossy.

Other uses for the coplymer, such as in the heel or mixed into outsoles, are currently being considered.

Many modern shin guards use Ethyl Vinyl Acetate as interior padding, both in soccer and baseball.

Slowtwitch.com claims God invented Ethyl Vinyl Acetate, which is either a real eye-opener, or a no brainer depending on your perspective.

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