Sustainable footwear is a growing movement aimed at reducing the environmental impact of something most people use everyday. A major part of this process is sourcing higher quality materials that don't rely on harmful chemicals during the production process. EVA foam has been a game changer in revolutionizing the industry and is an integral part of REEF's commitment to sustainability. Wondering exactly what is EVA material? Keep reading to learn more about how this eco-friendly footwear is made and why it still looks great and stands up to your day to day wear and tear.
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EVA foam stands for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (hence the acronym EVA). It's an alternative material to thermoplastics, such as PVC. While this type of foam is used in many applications, it's especially well-suited to create EVA shoes. Here are five of our favorite features that make EVA a great material for sandals and other footwear.
Lightweight: One of the biggest advantages of using EVA foam in footwear is that it's extremely light. You won't be weighed down by heavy soles. Instead, you'll get all-day support whether you're in jogging sneakers or slipping into your favorite pair of REEF sandals.
Versatile: Another benefit of EVA foam is that it molds well, making it easy for us to create the perfect design. REEF's EVA styles include slides, flip flops, and double straps. We also add traction on the bottom so it's easy to walk on any surface without slipping.
Flexible: EVA foam moves with your feet to maximize comfort. In fact, it's even more flexible than rubber, making it a popular option in all types of shoes. While we use EVA foam in sandals, you can also find it in the soles of sneakers and boots.
Shock-absorbing: Shoes with EVA foam feel extremely cushiony. Your joints are also protected because the combined softness and thickness of the material is shock absorbent. Overall, you'll notice major comfort with every step you take, even if you're active most of the day.
Waterproof: EVA sandals are a must-have for any activity on the water, whether you're heading to the beach or hopping on a boat. Plus, the material is buoyant, so your sandal is easy to find if you lose it in the water.
Some types of EVA are derived from crude oil, which isn't a renewable resource. At REEF, however, we exclusively use sugar cane EVA. It's derived from sugar cane, making it an eco-friendly alternative with a lower environmental impact.
Sugar cane EVA swaps out harmful petroleum materials in favor of plant-based sourcing. It is recyclable and even compostable in industrial compost. The sugar cane used in REEF footwear is sustainably sourced in Brazil.
There's another major benefit of using plant-based materials. Not only is sugar cane a renewable resource, it also absorbs carbon, which helps to lower CO2 emissions. Additionally, EVA is produced from the non-edible portion of the sugar cane plant, eliminating food waste.
From the beginning of sugar cane EVA footwear's lifespan to the end, we are able to create a much lower carbon footprint. In fact, our formula uses 51% bio content allowing us to be carbon neutral in the production of our EVA sandals and midsoles.
You don't have to sacrifice comfort for sustainability. REEF's EVA foam footbeds provide plenty of support on the beach and in the water. The texture is smooth and soft; in fact, EVA has gained a reputation for being even more comfortable than traditional materials like rubber or cork.
And the flexible quality of EVA also adapts to your foot shape more quickly than other materials. Plus, it's able to regain its shape so it doesn't stay compressed and lose its shock absorbance over time.
Here's what some of our customers have to say about wearing REEF's EVA foam footwear:
"I am in love with these water-friendly sandals as it's so comfortable and versatile. The best part about this sandal is that it is so lightweight and durable and does not slip at all." - Anvit S.
"The Oasis sandals are very comfortable, even with a bunion on one foot. There are not many shoes that are comfortable for me now, so this style is a winner!" - Carolyn T.
"I actually feel arch support unlike nearly every other sandal I have tried." - Brett H.
It's clear that our customers feel the difference with EVA foam — and we couldn't agree more.
One of the reasons EVA foam is so perfect for REEF lovers is that it's an extremely waterproof material. The foam has a closed-cell structure, which blocks moisture from getting in. Whether you're kayaking in the water, showering at the gym, or washing your car, you can pop on a pair of EVA REEFs in total comfort and move onto your next activity without soaked feet.
On top of being waterproof, EVA foam is extremely resistant to extreme temperatures and UV rays. So even if you're sunbathing on the beach all day, the quality of your shoes will hold up over time. You don't have to worry about fading or cracking, even with daily use. It's regularly touted as a go-to choice for high-impact uses like footwear.
With so many high-performing features, it's no surprise that EVA foam is being used in other applications as well. Here are other industries that are pioneering this sustainable material.
EVA foam has tons of use cases in the sports industry thanks to being lightweight and shock absorbent. For instance, it's used as padding in snow and water ski boots, helmets, hockey gear, and even bike seats.
EVA is also buoyant, making it a great fit in fishing and watersports. Manufacturers have used it in fishing rod handles as well as boat flooring. And when you're at the beach, you may even see EVA foam rescue tubes that are incredibly light for lifeguards to carry.
We know EVA doesn't weigh much and that it's also extremely durable. That's why many packaging companies are using this material for shipping fragile items like electronics. The foam is easy to cut into specific sheets to support any item that needs to be protected. If you've ever ordered a delicate item that fits perfectly into its foam packaging, it's probably made from EVA.
The same benefits used by the footwear industry are also being used in the healthcare field. You can find EVA foam in products like splints and braces, as well as other types of medical padding. Physical therapy facilities use EVA foam for padded surfaces that provide major support during patient exercises. It's also present in pediatric care wards where patients need padded cribs.
REEF is at the forefront of incorporating EVA into innovative and sustainable designs. By opting for sugar cane-sourced EVA instead of petroleum based-EVA, our eco-friendly lines are carbon neutral. Plus, we're able to mold the foam into beach-worthy designs in several silhouettes to choose from. Each pair comes with arch support, soft cushioning, and traction on the bottom.
EVA foam derived from sugar cane brings renewable resources into the footwear industry. Not only is this plant-based material better for the environment, it also brings an extra layer of comfort and durability. At REEF, we care about the environment as much as our customers do, which is why we are committed to incorporating eco-friendly practices into fashion-forward designs.
Explore our EVA sandal collection to add stylish footwear to your closet and build out your sustainable wardrobe. Shop the Oasis Collection.
EVA foam, or ethylene-vinyl-acetate is a synthetic material used to make sneakers for over half a century. Thanks to its shock-absorbant, customizable properties, EVA has begun to appear in boot and shoe construction.
EVA is more comfortable than most materials, and it’s great straight out of the box; if there’s one issue with EVA, it’s that it won’t remain durable for as long as other materials.
I’m a traditionalist at heart, and I’m always wary of footwear innovations when it comes to my boots and shoes. So when I recently spotted a pair of boots with an EVA sole, I decided to do my research.
I had no idea whether an EVA sole was comfortable, so I decided to see what EVA foam is and how it can be used.
EVA has been used on sneakers for decades, but can it benefit boots? After researching what EVA brings to the table, I was pleasantly surprised at how beneficial it can be.
EVA foam in footwear is hardly revolutionary, but it’s more often seen in sports footwear, such as running shoes, than it is in dress shoes or boots.
EVA is becoming more commonly found in boots and shoes because people now expect the same comfort in their shoes as in their sneakers.
Say hello to the last boot socks you'll need.
Even really popular rugged boot brands like Thursday Boot Company use EVA foam to make their boots more comfortable.
Most of us over the years have worn a pair of dress shoes, and often they can be pretty uncomfortable, especially if you don’t wear them often.
I’ve seen my wife hobble around in heels, with her feet covered in band-aids. Her “they hurt like hell, but they look good” just doesn’t cut it for me. I want style and comfort.
You wouldn’t put up with painful sneakers, so why put up with painful boots? EVA foam is an incredibly versatile material and, used properly, can make your dress shoes feel like your favorite pair of sneakers.
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Unlike many materials used to make boots, EVA is immediately comfortable; there’s no breaking in period, and EVA foam immediately cushions your feet. Often used in making midsoles, EVA foam boot is pliable enough to mold to the contours of your foot, making it one of the most comfortable choices if you’re wearing your footwear straight out of the box.
EVA foam retains its shape very well, too. Unlike materials such as cork, EVA will compress and then return to its original form. This feature makes EVA an excellent shock absorber when walking; while leather will mold to your feet, it’s not great at absorbing impact, EVA is superb at it.
Manufacturers don’t just use EVA for midsoles; more and more dress shoes are available with an EVA outsole too. An EVA outsole is more rigid than an EVA midsole would be because EVAs can be manufactured to different densities.
1. Waterproof EVA vs. Leaky Leather
If you’ve spent time trying to keep your leather dress shoes dry, you’ll know it’s not easy. You must keep applying something like mink oil to try and maintain its water-resistant qualities.
With an EVA sole on your dress boots or shoes, you can happily splash in puddles and see no lasting issues. EVA foam is a closed-cell foam, which means water can’t get in. Leather is a superb material, but it is also porous, which doesn’t help with waterproofing.
2. EVA Can be Made to Order
Leather can be cut to shape, molded, and stitched and has been a staple of footwear manufacturing since the first human stood on a thorn and decided enough was enough. EVA foam, though, can be manufactured in low or high quality, poured into shape, and can be used to create several parts of a boot.
You can even buy footwear that’s completely made of EVA foam; Crocs are made entirely of EVA and are some of the most comfortable footwear created. This flexibility and comfort make using EVA a no-brainer; I expect to see more boots and shoes made of this versatile material in the future.
Your new dress shoes could have an EVA sole that’s rigid enough to be durable but flexible enough to absorb impact, with a lower quality, more pliable midsole that’s there to keep your feet insanely comfortable.
3. EVA is Recyclable and Cost-Effective
Green is definitely the new color; companies need to reduce emissions, cut costs, and prove they’re trying to impact the environment positively. EVA is inexpensive, can be recycled, and allows companies to show they are using renewable materials.
Buying environmentally friendly boots may not be your primary concern when shopping, but it’s a start in the right direction. Pretty soon, you could be driving your electric vehicle to the office and then walking around all day in your EVA dress shoes.
4. Manufacturers can Vary the Hardness of your Soles
Allowing manufacturers to vary the hardness of EVA is a great way to alter the feel of your shoes. EVA hardness varies, unlike most materials used for outsoles, such as leather and rubber. You either have a hard leather sole, or you don’t; you can’t make a leather sole more shock absorbent or softer.
EVA hardness is measured in degrees, from 5 to 70 degrees, and the higher the degree, the harder the EVA. There needs to be a balance between hardness and stability, though; a 7-degree EVA outsole will be like walking on a bag of jello, just as a 30-degree EVA midsole would mean your feet wouldn’t feel stable.
With experience and experimentation, it’s possible to find the perfect balance for your dress shoes, making EVA one of the most customizable materials around. I can see EVA being used more widely in the future, as it can be customized in ways that leather and rubber simply can’t.
EVA foam is an excellent material for footwear, and while the positives are incredible, there are always downsides to consider. EVA doesn’t have many drawbacks, but the ones it does have seem considerable.
1. EVA Loses its Cushioning Over Time
One of the significant drawbacks to EVA foam in shoes is that over time, the minuscule bubbles inside the EVA that provide your feet with cushioning start to degrade. It’s a lot like jumping into a pool that you can’t refill; at first, it’s full of water, so you’re fine; two years later, you dive in and hit bottom as the waters have slowly disappeared.
EVA manufacturers have found ways to reduce the loss of these bubbles by using molds to compress the EVA, making the EVA much denser. These techniques have been used to create better midsoles and outsoles, but there’s a drawback; the cost goes through the roof.
2. EVA Breaks Down Much Quicker than Rubber or Leather
EVA foam struggles in the heat, so if you’re in a warmer climate, you may find that your dress shoes degrade quicker than what you’re used to. Regardless of the temperature, EVA has a history of being less long-lasting than more traditional materials.
Used regularly, shoes with an EVA sole will only last around 1-2 years before needing to be replaced. Admittedly, the higher the quality of the EVA used, the longer they’ll last, but good luck finding out what EVA was used.
Compared to rubber or leather, EVA loses out in the longevity race, but you can have EVA boots resoled, and the old material can be recycled, so there is at least a positive there too.
3. EVA Doesn’t Grip as well as Rubber
If you are planning on wearing your EVA-soled dress shoes in colder climates, it’s worth noting that EVA doesn’t grip as well as rubber does. Ice and snow won’t degrade the EVA as they can do with leather, and EVA is waterproof, but you’ll have to be wary about keeping on your feet.
As EVA was first used in running shoes, comfort, not grip, was the primary concern; you don’t often jog 10k in the ice and snow. Now that dress shoes have EVA soles. The problem remains; you’ll have comfort and shock absorption, but the grip isn’t fantastic.
A big difference between EVA and polyurethane is that while EVA won’t last forever, it does take some time for the material to degrade. Polyurethane will degrade regardless of how many times you wear your boots.
If you wear your dress shoes sporadically, the EVA will last longer as the reduced usage takes longer to degrade the EVA, so those shoes you bought for special occasions could last for years. If the same shoes were made of polyurethane, they would degrade even if you left them in a closet for two years.
Texon is manufactured using natural cellulose materials, making it an incredibly environmentally friendly material. While Texon isn’t used to make outsoles, it is used to make insoles, midsoles, toe boxes, and heel reinforcements.
Texon can be made much thinner than other materials while still offering your feet great support; it’s a strong material, too, and will hold its shape much better than a rubber heel counter. EVA is a better material for an outsole, but Texon can be cut from a sheet and glued to a shoe, making it a much easier material to use in repairs.
While EVA and high-density foam have similar chemical structures, EVA foam is usually considered a low to medium-density foam. EVA is more pliable and better suited to use in making footwear components than high-density foam.
High-density foam deals with high temperatures much better than EVA and is a much harder material. We’re looking at EVA because it’s great for making midsoles and outsoles; the density and durability lend themselves well to making shoes shock absorbent yet comfortable.
A high-density foam would potentially make a more long-lasting sole for your dress shoes but would lose a great deal, if not all, of the comfort that EVA brings.
I was impressed with just how versatile, and comfortable EVA foam is, especially the outsole, which I think could be a massive hit. A high-quality EVA outsole on a pair of dress shoes will add real comfort; they’re perfect for work or special occasions.
Until EVA foam becomes as long-lasting as other materials, I can see boots with these soles being used more for infrequent wear rather than everyday use, though for midsoles, you’ll not find a more comfortable bed for your feet.
EVA foam is used for so many day-to-day things that you probably use it without realizing it. Anything from footwear to bike seats, packaging, and fishing rods. EVA foam can be manufactured to various consistencies and thicknesses, making it one of the most widely used materials around.
EVA foam won’t melt unless it reaches over 150º Fahrenheit, so unless you plan on cooking your dress shoes, you should be fine. EVA does have a history of degrading quicker in warm conditions; a warm climate will affect the ability of the EVA to act as a shock absorber.
While some materials make squeaky noises on hard surfaces, EVA outsoles are much quieter. A leather sole will often make noises on a marble or wooden floor, but EVA should allow you to walk around quietly.
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