Due to their undeniable popularity when the weather is warm, there are so many types of sandals to choose from, with some being more well-known and popular than others. Sandals are constantly touting their unique materials and designs using slick-sounding jargon to try and make their products stand out. EVA sandals have been making a buzz in the sandal industry, but they are still shrouded in mystery as not too many people are aware of exactly what they are. Read on for a more in-depth look at this unique footwear to find out if they are worth the hype.
What are EVA sandals? An EVA sandal is a type of footwear that is primarily made of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), including the midsole and/or sole. EVA is a synthetic material that is categorized as foam and is commonly used in the construction of footwear.
The midsole is the part of a sandal that is found between the outsole and the upper. A midsole that is made of EVA will provide cushioning as well as stability against the foot. EVA is known for being soft and flexible, which makes sandals made from this material easily moldable to the feet. EVA sandals are also lightweight and airy, which makes them the ideal footwear for hot summer days. An EVA sole tends to flatten with continuous wearing, so it is more suitable if you are looking for a pair of cheap, light sandals. Like rubber, EVA can be waterproofed, which means that they can be used for water-based activities.
EVA sandals are becoming increasingly popular thanks to the similarities it shares with rubber, another commonly used material, as well as some of its own unique features such as flexibility.
The basics of EVA sandals
As previously mentioned, a significant portion of the construction of EVA sandals incorporates EVA foam. This material is commonly used for the midsole, insole, and even the sole in some cases. EVA is considered to be an eco-friendly material as it does not utilize chlorine during its production process, as a result, it is popularly used by many brands to make footwear, including sandals.
The various aspects of EVA sandals
1. Comfort
When EVA is incorporated in the midsole of this type of sandal, it is useful in providing rebound and cushioning as well as protecting the foot from coming into contact with sharp objects. EVA midsoles are also efficient at reducing the impact of the foot striking the ground when running or walking by absorbing shock. EVA sandals.
Due to the soft and flexible nature of EVA, an insole made of the material will easily adjust to the shape of your foot and make for a comfortable wearing experience. EVA insoles are also known for their ability to go back to their normal shape, which means that they only take their compressed shape when you have them on. It is also soft against the feet, which is why so many of those who have had the experience of wearing sandals that feature an EVA midsole go as far as claiming it feels as if they are walking on clouds.
2. Lightness
EVA is a very light material, which is why sandals made of the material are very lightweight. EVA comprises thousands of small bubbles that are joined together. A molded EVA footbed, in particular, is superior to other types of midsoles as it has a low density. This makes them ideal
3. Durability
One area where EVA falls short is its limited lifespan. This is because EVA typically compresses after continuous use, and many users tend to feel their sandals go flat after a while. However, this does not stop well-respected sandal brands from producing sandals that feature EVA midsoles – the problem of wearing out quickly is solved by compressing the EVA in a pressurized mold, which causes the midsole to form a thick skin. This allows the EVA midsole to last longer.
4. Stability
Stability in any type of footwear is crucial as it will contribute to your comfort. Unstable sandals will affect your balance and consequently increase the risk of tripping, falling, and potentially getting injured as a result.
The construction of the straps is an important determinant of how stable your EVA sandals will be. The strap in a sandal holds the foot to the sole of the sandal and keeps it from slipping out as you walk. You always want the straps to be as wide as possible as they will be more efficient at keeping your feet in place. They should fit snugly, but if they turn out to be too tight, you could end up with blisters as a result of friction from the constant rubbing of the straps against the upper part of the foot.
The shape of the footbed is another key factor that will affect how stable you will be in your EVA sandals. Although it is important for the sandal to provide good arch support and have a deep heel cup to ensure better foot alignment, it is just as important for your foot to remain in position. When the dips and rises that are incorporated in the footbed of the sandal perfectly match the shape of your foot, you will be more stable. On the other hand, if the footbed has no ridges and grooves, it will be much easier for your foot to slip out as you walk.
5. The outsole
The outsole of EVA sandals can be made of either EVA or any other material.
- Traction – The traction that is provided by sandals is usually determined by the pattern that is found on the outsole of the sandal. EVA sandals that have smooth soles or even straight patterns on the outsole will not provide traction on wet pool decks or any other smooth surfaces. Opt to go for varieties that feature grooves that are in the shape of exaggerated zigzags, triangular patterns, or hexagons, to ensure that the sandal will have an adequate grip on the floor.
- Flexibility – EVA is a flexible material, which means that it can easily bend with the foot and allow for more natural movement. However, you shouldn’t go for a pair that is too flexible to the point that it is not sturdy enough to walk in.
6. Water capacity
Summer often involves a lot of time spent around bodies of water, whether it is a pool, beach, or lake. EVA is generally water-resistant, which means that you can wear this type of sandal around water and not have to worry about them getting damaged like with other materials such as leather and suede. Consider going for EVA sandals that have drainage ports in the sole as well as the upper to ensure that the water does not accumulate and is quickly eliminated. Other popular options for the upper include woven nylon, mesh, and knit materials.
7. Breathability
Manufacturers who make sandals with synthetic materials such as EVA often tend to disregard the fact that they tend to lock in moisture, which is a major concern especially with sandals that you intend to wear sock-free.
If breathability is a priority for you, you might want to go for EVA sandals that feature cutouts which will allow hot wet air to flow out of the footwear and cool fresh air to flow in. Ventilation ports also work the same way, providing a breathable environment for your feet. This will ensure that your feet will remain dry and won’t become irritated or start slipping in the sandals due to the buildup of sweat. Furthermore, keep in mind that sweaty feet often results in the development of odors and even fungal growth, which you want to avoid.
You will find some EVA sandal designs that feature a mesh or some sort of moisture-wicking lining. These are great options especially if you plan to carry out an adrenaline-pumped activity in your sandals that will inevitably lead to a lot of sweating. These materials are proficient at temperature and moisture management, so they should be able to keep your feet dry all day long.
8. Fit
It can be quite hard to find sandals that fit you snugly without being uncomfortable. How your EVA sandals fit comes down to whether they are the right size for you. With the wrong size sandal, you could end up suffering from foot strain, fatigue, and even heel and back pains. Therefore, before you buy a pair, you want to ensure to check the details of the product description to see if the sandals run true to size, or if they tend to be slightly smaller or larger. You can also go through the reviews on the size sandals you intend to purchase to see if other verified customers have encountered problems with the fit. This will help you make the necessary adjustments to your order.
Final thoughts
EVA sandals are a great option for the summer for a variety of reasons. Varieties that feature the material in the midsole have excellent cushioning properties that adequately absorb shock, while EVA insoles easily mold to the shape of the foot and allow for more comfort. However, if the durability of the outsole is a priority, you might want to avoid EVA sandals made of the same material as it tends to wear out after a while despite being incredibly lightweight.