Today, we’re gonna dig deep into a staple in the sneaker industry. Every sneakerhead owns at least one pair of the kicks we’ll discuss today. You see, gum sole sneakers are pretty popular among skaters and sneakerheads. But why do gum soles have such an appeal? And why does slapping a gum sole on a silhouette just make it an instant must-have for some? Well, let’s break everything down and find out together, shall we?
What Are Gum Soles?
For starters, gum soles come from natural latex, so it’s a type of rubber that you extract from rubber trees. The latex gets heat-treated to turn it into rubber. Now, if you’re wondering where the cool brown color comes from, we gotchu. The color you see happens naturally throughout the heating process. Then, when you reheat the material, it can form a very strong bond with shoe fabrics.
Rubber vs. Gum Sole Sneakers – What Are the Differences?
Many people think that rubber sole and gum sole sneakers are the same. However, that’s not the case. While both come from the same source, they have different characteristics. So, let’s check them out.
Looks & Style
When it comes to gum sole sneakers, the soles come in the same caramel brown shade. On the other hand, rubber soles are more versatile look-wise. They come in a vast array of colors, which makes them work smoother with different outfits. So if you’re picky about styling your sneakers, you have more variety to choose from.
Comfort & Durability
So, both materials are great, otherwise, they wouldn’t have become this popular in footwear. However, according to people who wear both for different activities, gum sole sneakers are comfier. They’re more lightweight and flexible. However, the only downside here is that they’re more prone to ruin than rubber. But when it comes to durability, both materials have the same durability. After all, it all depends on what you’re using them for. But if it makes you feel better, Converse’s Chucks have gum soles, and they’re pretty durable!
Grip & Slippage
Well, apparently skaters swear by gum soles because of the grip they offer! They usually have patterns that provide some sick traction. This is why basketball shoes and skate kicks usually opt for gym soles. In addition to that, gum sole sneakers offer great grip while giving the wearer a good ground feel. Why? Because gum soles are usually relatively thinner. And well, if you don’t believe us, take it from the skate-shoe professionals, aka Vans!
Now That You Know Why We Love Gum Sole Sneakers
Now that we dissected what gum soles are, you can see why gum sole sneakers are pretty popular. However, to each their own! So while gum soles are pretty sleek looking and work with modern and classic kicks, other options can be just as appealing. In other words, you can like whatever you want. That’s why our blog has all the sneaker news you could ever need, no matter your taste. Godspeed!
