All shoes have a "sole", which is the bottom of a shoe, in contact with the ground.

Soles can be made from a variety of materials, although most modern shoes have
soles made from natural rubber, polyurethane, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
compounds. Soles can be simple � a single material in a single layer � or they can
be complex, with multiple structures or layers and materials. When various layers
are used, soles may consist of an "insole", "midsole", and an "outsole".
The insole is the interior bottom of a shoe, which sits directly beneath the foot
under the footbed (also known as sock liner). The purpose of insole is to attach to
the lasting margin of the upper, which is wrapped around the last during the
closing of the shoe during the lasting operation. Insoles are usually made of
cellulosic paper board or synthetic non woven insole board. Many shoes have
removable and replaceable footbeds. Extra cushioning is often added for comfort (to
control the shape, moisture, or smell of the shoe) or health reasons (to help deal
with defects in the natural shape of the foot or positioning of the foot during
standing or walking).
The outsole is the layer in direct contact with the ground. Dress shoes often have
leather or resin rubber outsoles; casual or work-oriented shoes have outsoles made
of natural rubber or a synthetic material like polyurethane. The outsole may
comprise a single piece, or may be an assembly of separate pieces, often of
different materials. On some shoes, the heel of the sole has a rubber plate for
durability and traction, while the front is leather for style. Specialized shoes
will often have modifications on this design: athletic or so called cleated shoes
like soccer, rugby, baseball and golf shoes have spikes embedded in the outsole to
improve traction.
The midsole is the layer in between the outsole and the insole, typically there for
shock absorption. Some types of shoes, like running shoes, have additional material
for shock absorption, usually beneath the heel of the foot, where one puts the most
pressure down. Some shoes may not have a midsole at all.
The "heel" is the bottom rear part of a shoe. Its function is to support the heel
of the foot. They are often made of the same material as the sole of the shoe. This
part can be high for fashion or to make the person look taller, or flat for a more
practical and comfortable use.

Polyurethane
Polyurethane has become the most popular sole material in shoes. Polyurethane is a
compound that consists of many tiny air bubbles to provide unbeatable shock
absorption and durability. Different densities of polyurethane can be achieved by
varying the amount of air bubbles in the compound, which will vary a sole's shock
absorption and durability capacity.

DUAL DENSITY POLYURETHANE

Two different densities of polyurethane in one. Dual Density Polyurethane is the
combining of two different densities of polyurethane (tough on the outside and soft
and comfortable on the inside) to increase the shoe's durability and shock
absorption. Bottom layer is built for duration. The bottom layer being for
durability, is made from a large portion of raw materials. This is moulded with
minimal room for expansion, minimizes air bubbles, and leaves a solid durable layer
on the bottom. Top layer is built for shock absorption.The top layer is for shock
absorption and uses the opposite principles. A small portion of raw material is
used and allowed to expand, leaving a soft, cushion-like layer on the top of each
sole.The Dual Density Polyurethane soles mean extended life and greater comfort
with an extremely lightweight sole. The outer perimeter of the sole is a thin layer
of dense hard wearing Polyurethane. The inside of the sole is made softer by using
a large amount of cellular air bubbles, hence giving a good degree of shock
absorption.

Reaction injection molding

Microcellular pu foams

Thermo Plastic Rubber

Thermo Plastic Rubber soles are produced by compounding and moulding rubber
granules of solid raw material. Do not use shredded old car tyres which is common
in this type of sole. T.P.R. is renowned for its slip resistance and shock
absorption.
TPR=PU+Rubber

Nitrol Polyvinyl Chloride

Nitrol Polyvinyl Chloride or P.V.C. has extremely good durability and reasonable
slip resistance. A common problem for many P.V.C. soles is stickiness under hot
conditions. Rivers have added nitrol to their sole compound to eradicate this
problem.

Latex Rubber
use a Latex Rubber which is naturally soft. This old fashion material gives it
great flexibility as well as excellent bounce. It has good shock absorption and
excellent surface grip. The sign of the rubber being of a high quality can be
determined by the aroma of the sole.

Ethyl Vinyl Acetate

Ethyl Vinyl Acetate or E.V.A. is one of the best shock absorption materials
available today. This is the reason why all the major top-line brand joggers use
this material due to the great combination of shock absorption with the light
weight of the sole.

Leather
Leather does not wear as well as the rubber compound soles, and certainly does not
have good slip resistance or shock absorption, but many people still love to have
the old-fashioned feel of a leather sole.

Raw materials used for PU?

Liquid / Solid raw materials?
How dual density is achived in the shoes?
Reaction Injection molding?
Price of raw materials?
Raw materials used for TPR?
Price of raw materials?
Price of machinery?
How much raw material is used for making one sole?
From where raw material is imported?
Production per day?
Cost of making sole?