🌳 Why you should gravitate towards natural rubber soles for your next sandal
I strongly believe that one of the most important parts of a shoe is the sole.
The sole may hide underneath the most beautiful parts of the shoe, but trust me, the sole seriously impacts a shoe’s durability, traction, comfort, and flexibility—all important qualities that influence how you feel while wearing them.
Let’s chat about why shoes with rubber soles are the perfect choice for your shoe closet. And no, they aren’t ugly or clunky.
Rubber soles vs. plastic soles vs. leather soles—oh my!
Rubber, plastic, and leather are some of the most common materials used to make soles.
Rubber soles can be made with varying amounts of natural material (Womads are made with the most possible amount, of course!). They’re typically more flexible, comfortable, and durable, which is why they’re often the go-to choice for everyday and athletic footwear.
Plastic soles, on the other hand, are made from synthetic polymers. This material is low quality and not sustainable, and it is commonly used in cheaply made shoes, where profit and cost take priority over comfort and sustainability. It’s not my cup of tea, but it’s an affordable option for many, and some folks don’t mind the feel.
Leather soles have an elegant, smooth appearance and offer comfort and breathability, which is why they are often found in formal footwear. However, they aren’t the most durable at times, so you may have to be wary of the weather when wearing them!
For dress shoe ideas check out these recommendations.
Leather material is beautiful, and I love the elegance of it, which is why I choose to build a leather shoe with a rubber sole—the combination is a game-changer, which you’ll learn more about in this blog!
The benefits of rubber soles
1. Better on your feet
One of my favorite benefits of rubber soles is that they’re designed to support natural movement. A rubber sole sandal like Womads is breathable and moves with you.
Having flexibility in your shoe is perfect for anyone who is like me—active and needs to move around effortlessly—or anyone like my mom, who, instead of walking, flies from place to place (that's her in the photo above). Flexibility is also perfect for traveling. Each day may look different, but quality rubber soles will support lots of standing, walking, and sightseeing.
Read this guide to browse travel shoe ideas.
2. Weather app? Don’t need it!
Rubber soles don’t just adapt to your movement; the material is weather-resistant, so they can handle any kind of weather.
Whether you’re walking through wet grass, puddles, or sand, your shoes will remain protected. This versatility is a major reason why I prefer rubber. I thrive in the unknown, embracing any adventure, planned or spontaneous. I love knowing my shoes are always prepared for anything—just like me!
3. A sole you can trust
Rubber soles have high traction. The rubber provides a tough grip on surfaces, so shoes with rubber soles are perfect for walking and standing all day.
When it comes to our shoes, we should trust that they can keep us up and not bring us down.
For Womads, the bottom texture adds an extra element of traction. When I developed the shoes, I did so with the mindset of a busy and active woman; I don't have time to slip and fall, and neither do you!
4. Busy lifestyle-friendly
Raise your hand if you regularly clean your shoes.
I’m guilty of not doing this, but that's because rubber soles are much easier to maintain. They're ideal for a busy lifestyle or parents who love to run around the park with their kids (I’m talking about our fur babies, too).
5. Durable
Since I’m on the topic of low maintenance, the durability of rubber soles extends the lifetime of your sandal. Do you know how a lived-in T-shirt or blanket is so comfy but is often full of wear and tear? With a rubber sole shoe, you get that comfort and longevity without the wear and tear.
Natural rubber is met with quality, while plastic soles are not, so naturally rubber soles will last longer making them worth the extra expense.
Myths about rubber soles
Now, let's debunk some myths shall we?
1. Not all rubber soles are clunky
You know when you read something and just know it's not true? This is exactly how I feel when people claim all rubber soles are clunky.
Womads are a perfect example of proving that rubber soles can be lightweight and flexible, allowing you to easily slip them on at any time.
Whether you are running out the door or switching from heels to your Womads in the car, these rubber sole sandals easily slip on like a glove.
2. Rubber is not sustainable for the earth.
Rubber, when natural, can be sustainable and kind to our Earth. Often people think the only way to make rubber is to kill a tree, but that is not how we roll. To make Womads’ rubber soles our partners only tap the tree lightly to get the sap, the tree stands tall before and after the creation of our rubber soles.
Caring for the Earth is non-negotiable for me; I take the extra time to ensure that every step of my process has a positive impact on the world around me.
The Womads rubber sole is made from natural rubber, which minimizes the use of fossil fuels. I also chose Colombia to bring my vision to life—not only because I fell in love with Latin America while traveling there for two years, but also because I loved the warmth and culture I found there.
Colombia is known for its high-quality and sustainable leather and its talented workers—workers who have plenty of experience making handmade leather sandals like Womads.
The material is locally available which lowers our carbon footprint and they prioritize ethical practices and sustainable development, just like I do. To read more about our commitment to sustainability, click here.
3. Rubber soles are not trendy or chic.
This year, the ballet flat is making a huge comeback and is considered one of the best styles of the year. The classic style and a few revamps of the ballet flat made our list of top trendy shoes for summer 2024.
This is an example of how rubber soles do not need to be bulky. Sandals with a rubber sole can be light and flexible, supporting long hours of wear. They’re the perfect kind of sandal to take with you for long periods of walking at festivals, shopping days, walks in the park—you name it.
Choose Rubber Soles
Next time you’re on the hunt for new dress shoes or sandals, opt for those with rubber soles.
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