What are vulcanized shoes? Sulfurize shoes represent a unique technique in shoe manufacturing. Through a specific heat treatment process, the rubber sole is combin with the canvas or fabric upper. The sulfurization process transforms the soft rubber into a durable, flexible and uniform sole, making these shoes highly favore in specific activities, especially in skateboarding.
Definition of the vulcanization process
Vulcanization is a chemical process for treating rubber. In footwear manufacturing, it is a technique that uses heat and pressure to firmly bond the various parts of the shoes. It does not require traditional stitching or a large amount of adhesives.
The process of heat and pressure
The manufacturing process of vulcanized shoes is similar to baking. The upper (the fabric part), the rubber sole, and the rubber side walls (refer to as the edge tape) are assemble into a single unit. This unit is then place in a specialize oven and heat to a high temperature, causing the rubber to harden and permanently bonding it to the fabric upper and other rubber components.
The visual identification of the edge tape
One notable feature of vulcanized shoes is the edge tape. It is a rubber strip that wraps around the shoe. It covers the seams between the upper and the sole. It is not merely decorative; it is part of the structural bond form during the heating process.
What are vulcanized shoes? Choosing the right shoe model depends on your priorities in skateboarding. For activities that prioritize technical control and board feel, vulcanized shoes are the ideal choice. For activities that require impact protection and all-day support, other structures such as cup-shape soles might be more suitable.