Selecting Outsole Materials for Different European Working Environments

Why material choice matters beyond basic compliance

Introduction

In safety footwear, outsole material selection is often discussed in terms of compliance.
However, for European working environments, outsole performance influences not only certification results, but also long-term comfort, durability and user acceptance.

Different industries, climates and usage patterns across Europe place very different demands on safety footwear outsoles. Understanding how material choices affect real-world performance is therefore an important part of product development.

This article outlines common outsole material options used in safety footwear and explains how they relate to different European working environments.

1. PU/PU Outsoles: Balanced Performance for General Use

PU/PU constructions remain one of the most widely used outsole solutions in European safety footwear.

Typical characteristics include:

• Good shock absorption and comfort

• Relatively light weight

• Suitable slip resistance when properly designed

• Cost-effective for medium to high volume programs

PU/PU outsoles are often selected for indoor or mixed-use environments such as logistics, light manufacturing and general industry.
However, long-term hydrolysis resistance and abrasion performance depend heavily on material formulation and process control.

2. PU/TPU Outsoles: Improved Abrasion and Stability

PU/TPU outsole constructions combine the comfort of PU with the higher abrasion resistance of TPU.

Key advantages include:

• Improved wear resistance compared to PU/PU

• Better edge stability in uneven working areas

• More consistent slip resistance over time

This construction is commonly used in environments where footwear is exposed to harder surfaces, such as warehouses, workshops and certain outdoor applications.

Material compatibility and bonding quality are critical factors when combining PU and TPU layers.

3. PU/Rubber Outsoles: Durability for Demanding Conditions

PU/Rubber outsoles are often chosen for more demanding European working environments.

Typical applications include:

• Construction

• Heavy industry

• Outdoor work with temperature variation

• Environments requiring higher heat resistance

Rubber outsoles generally offer:

• Higher abrasion resistance

• Better performance on uneven or contaminated surfaces

• Improved resistance to heat and certain chemicals

However, PU/Rubber constructions are usually heavier and involve more complex manufacturing processes, which should be considered during development.

4. Slip Resistance and Material Selection

With the introduction of EN ISO 20345:2022, slip resistance performance has gained increased attention.

Outsole material alone does not determine SR performance.
Key influencing factors include:

• Compound formulation

• Tread design and depth

• Surface contact behavior

• Production consistency

Material selection should therefore be made in combination with structural design rather than as an isolated decision.

5. Matching Materials to European Working Environments

European markets are diverse, and a single outsole solution rarely fits all applications.

When selecting outsole materials, buyers and manufacturers should consider:

• Typical floor conditions

• Indoor vs outdoor usage

• Temperature exposure

• Expected service life of the product

• User comfort expectations

Aligning these factors early in development helps reduce later adjustments and ensures more stable performance throughout the product lifecycle.

Conclusion

Outsole material selection is a key development decision that affects safety footwear performance far beyond basic compliance.
For European working environments, balancing comfort, durability and long-term stability is essential.

At Workway, outsole materials are selected as part of an integrated product development process, considering usage conditions, EN ISO 20345 requirements and manufacturing feasibility together. This approach supports consistent performance across different European applications.

For European brands and importers, discussing outsole material strategy early with manufacturers can significantly improve long-term product outcomes.