Footwear glossary · Construction
What is vulcanized shoe construction?
Vulcanized construction
Vulcanization bonds a raw-rubber outsole to the upper by curing it under heat and pressure, fusing sole and upper into one durable unit. It gives the classic flexible, grippy look of canvas sneakers and skate shoes.
In vulcanized construction unvulcanized rubber is built onto the lasted upper, often with a foxing tape around the perimeter, then cured in a heat chamber. The heat cross-links the rubber and simultaneously bonds it to the upper, creating a single strong, flexible unit.
It is prized for durability, flexibility and a distinctive heritage look — the construction behind classic canvas sneakers, court and skate shoes. It is more labour-intensive than cementing.
DOING builds vulcanized canvas and court styles with custom foxing and outsole tooling, and tests outsole flex and bond strength so the rubber does not crack or lift.
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