Which Slipper Is Better: PVC or EVA?

--

In the scorching summer days, flip flops are essential footwear for everyone. In the market, we often come across two common materials: PVC and EVA. So, which material is better for flip flops? This is a question worth discussing.

PVC and EVA are both a kind of plastic material, and the products they make are very common in our life, such as ladies slippers. In many cases, these two materials can also substitute for each other, so many people can’t tell the difference between them. Today, let’s briefly introduce what material EVA and PVC are, and which is better.

What is a PVC slipper?

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) slippers are a type of footwear made from PVC material. PVC is a synthetic plastic polymer widely used for various applications. The advantages of PVC slippers lie in their durable material, resistance to wear, a wide range of colors, and the ability to meet diverse consumer needs. Additionally, the manufacturing cost of PVC slippers is relatively low, making them more budget friendly in terms of pricing.

However, PVC material is not breathable, which can make the feet feel hot and damp. Furthermore, PVC material is relatively rigid, making it susceptible to damage when subjected to impacts or friction.

The features of PVC slippers

Chemical Composition: PVC is a white powder with an amorphous structure. It is susceptible to degradation when exposed to prolonged sunlight or temperatures of around 100℃, leading to the release of hydrogen chloride and potential discoloration, which may adversely affect its mechanical properties.

Temperature Range: PVC has a service temperature range typically between 15 degrees and 55 degrees Celsius. It operates most effectively within this temperature range.

Stabilization Requirement: To enhance its stability, PVC often requires the addition of stabilizers when used in various applications.

What is an EVA slipper?

EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) slippers are a type of footwear made from EVA foam, a elastomeric material known for its lightweight and cushioning properties. EVA is commonly used in the production of various types of footwear, including flip flops, sandals, and slippers.

They have good toughness and elasticity, along with a certain level of waterproof performance. The advantages of EVA slippers lie in their soft and comfortable material, as well as their excellent resistance to wear. Additionally, EVA slippers offer good breathability, effectively preventing the feet from feeling hot and damp.

However, the manufacturing cost of EVA slippers is relatively high, resulting in a higher price point. Moreover, EVA material has relatively lower durability and can deform or become damaged when exposed to high temperatures or strong chemical substances such as acids and bases.

The features of EVA slippers

Shock Absorption: EVA boasts resilience and exceptional tensile strength, making it an excellent material for shock absorption and cushioning.

Waterproof and Sound Insulation: Its closed cell structure ensures that it remains impervious to water, while also providing effective sound insulation.

Thermal Insulation: EVA’s bubble like structure imparts excellent thermal insulation properties.

Ease of Processing: EVA’s absence of fixed joints makes it easily processable through methods such as hot pressing, cutting, and fitting.

Corrosion Resistance: EVA is naturally antibacterial, non toxic, and odorless, making it resistant to acid and alkali corrosion.

So, which material is better for slippers? Actually, there is no clear answer to this question. Because different consumers have different needs for slippers, and different materials also have their own advantages and disadvantages. For example, if you focus on durability and waterproof performance, you can choose PVC slippers; If you focus on comfort and breathability, you can choose EVA slippers.

However,we should know these things below:

EVA is 30% lighter than PVC — This gives the film a better yield and reduces shipping costs. EVA has excellent RF sealing properties — The same RF sealing equipment can be used with PVC and EVA, so there are no extra costs for re tooling.

The PVC Soles have great oil resistance, abrasion resistance, good insulation properties. Plastic sole is normally used by people working closely with water or places where there is rain. Disadvantages: non slip performance is poor, poor texture, poor ventilation.

Durability — EVA soles can last longer than other soles. This way, your EVA sneakers can keep up with you for as long as you need them to.

EVA stands for ethylene vinyl acetate, which is a soft and flexible plastic that’s also very strong. EVA is often used as a safe alternative to PVC. When combined with heat, pressure, and other plastics, EVA becomes closed cell EVA foam.

Both EVA and PVC slippers can develop unpleasant odors over time. EVA slippers, in particular, do not inherently have a smell when initially purchased. However, with prolonged use or exposure to higher temperatures, mold and bacteria can thrive on EVA slippers.

In addition, considering the specific usage requirements for different occasions, it is important to choose the appropriate material. For instance, in areas with high humidity like bathrooms and kitchens, it is advisable to opt for PVC slippers due to their superior slip resistance. Conversely, in drier environments such as bedrooms and living rooms, EVA slippers might be a better choice as they are softer, more comfortable, and environmentally friendly.

Flip flops HEVA offers:

✔ Using high quality EVA material to make an ultra light sole;

✔ Suitable for many occasions, such as walking and the beach;

✔ Using injection process to make high quality flip flops;

✔ Embossed texture design of this sole improves grip ;

✔ Professional designer team design according to ergonomics;

✔ A variety of colors for your choice or custom colors.

Aside from its application in construction, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is heavily used in the footwear industry as shoe soles.

It competes with other sole materials like EVA, TPR, rubber, PU, and leather.

And just like every other material, PVC sole has its downsides as well as advantages. It is resistant to abrasion and oil but has poor slip resistance.

Therefore, this article explores the different pros and cons of PVC soles, to help you understand whether it is a good sole material or not.

Advantages of PVC sole

1. Durable and resistant to abrasion

Pure PVC materials do not tear or wear easily. Shoes with PVC soles will therefore last longer.

2. Resistant to oil and gas

Unlike the materials that would react on exposure to oil or gas, the PVC sole remains inert. That is why it is used in some work boots.

3. Comfortable and lightweight

PVC sole is light. So you wouldn’t have to be dragging your legs along on each foot strike.

4. Cheap

Compared to rubber or leather soles, PVC soles are cheap. It is cheaper because the material is easily accessible and can be produced. So shoes made with PVC soles are affordable.

5. Good insulation

PVC sole provides good insulation as it doesn’t conduct either heat or electricity.

Disadvantages of PVC sole

• A major downside of PVC sole is that it is not resistant to slip and skid.
• PVC sole has poor texture
• It is not flexible and has poor breathability
• PVC sole has poor resistance to low temperature (say below -20°C).
• PVC sole has poor attachment ability with leather. Hence it is expensive to make quality shoes with this sole material.

PVC sole vs EVA sole

The PVC sole is made out of PVC, or polyvinyl chloride. Despite its composition, it is not considered to be a toxic material. It has been around for decades and many products are made with it.

EVA, or ethylene-vinyl acetate, is a material that is used to produce rubber soles for various footwear products. Some say that it is more durable than the PVC sole and can provide more traction on slippery surfaces.

So, while PVC sole is applied in children’s and casual shoes, EVA sole is used for making comfortable running and walking shoes.

PVC sole vs Rubber sole

PVC sole vs rubber sole is a debate that has been going on for a long time. Which one is better? Which one should you choose?

Many factors determine the quality of shoes: comfort, durability, and style. But if we talk about which shoe is better on the streets, the answer seems to be clear: Rubber soles.

The reason that rubber soles are preferred over PVC ones is that they provide more traction and grip on slippery surfaces such as wet floors or ice.

Meanwhile, both have their advantages and disadvantages, but there are a few key things that you need to know before you make your decision:

PVC soles cost less than rubber soles, have a better grip on ice and snow, and will last longer.

Rubber soles are more durable, provide better traction on wet surfaces, and can be easily cleaned by rinsing them off in the water.

PVC sole vs TPR sole

PVC soles are usually found on dress shoes and other types of formal shoes. This type of material is durable and lasts a long time. It also resists water making it suitable for rainy days.

However, because of their rigidity, PVC soles can be uncomfortable for people with sensitive feet. They have greater ground contact which could cause pain in the feet if there is not enough cushioning in between the foot and the sole.

TPR soles are usually found on athletic shoes, hiking boots, and other types of casual footwear.

Please Share. Thanks!