Footwear glossary · Materials
What is TPR in shoes?
TPR (thermoplastic rubber)
TPR (thermoplastic rubber) is a rubber-plastic blend used for outsoles. It can be injected or moulded like plastic but flexes and grips like rubber, giving good slip resistance at low cost — common in casual shoes, kids’ shoes and sandals.
TPR combines the processability of plastic with rubber-like flexibility and traction. It is easy to colour, injection-friendly and economical, which suits high-volume casual and children’s footwear.
Versus solid rubber it is lighter and cheaper but typically less abrasion-resistant, so it is matched to lifestyle rather than heavy-duty outdoor use.
DOING selects TPR where slip resistance and cost matter and tests outsole abrasion and bond strength against the approved sample.
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