Police footwear usually consist of three main parts: upper, midsole and outsole. Each part has its own unique characteristics and plays an important role in the construction of the shoe.
Upper
The upper is the part that wraps around your foot and sometimes extends above the ankle. Common upper materials include:
Smooth leather: Smooth leather is the part of the leather surface facing outward. Durability is its main feature.
Suede: Also made from the outward-facing part of the leather, suede leather is known for its fluffy texture. Compared to leather, it is softer and more flexible, but less durable.
Synthetic leather: This type of leather is not made from animal hide but is instead made from a polyester base with a polyurethane coating. Its main features are lightweight and lower cost.
Midsole
The midsole is the middle part of the shoe, located beneath the removable insole. The comfort of the midsole material directly affects the comfort of the shoe. Common midsole materials include:
EVA: The most common sole material. Its main characteristics are comfort and compression resistance. However, it’s important to note that EVA midsoles may lose their shape over time. You’ll need to find a professional repair shop to address this issue.
PU: The PU midsole is heavier than EVA and therefore retains its shape for a longer period of time. As a result, its price is usually higher than the EVA midsole.
Steel plate: Steel plate is embedded in the mid-sole of the shoe, providing protection for the shoe, preventing nails or sharp metal from piercing the sole, and providing balance when carrying heavy equipment.
Outsole
The outsole of the shoe touches the ground directly. Common outsole features include:
Rubber: Rubber is a common outsole material. One of the most popular rubber compounds is Vibram. Vibram offers good grip and flexibility, maintaining its shape on rough terrain and providing unparalleled traction.
PU: Polyurethane is mainly used for midsoles, but some shoes also have PU outsoles. The wear and water resistance of polyurethane make it an excellent choice for outsole materials.
Features of police shoes
When choosing police footwear, you may also want to consider some special features:
Side Zip Police Shoes: Side zip boots can be quickly put on and taken off, which is particularly important when immediate action is required.
Waterproof police shoes: This can be a vital feature, especially if it is necessary to work outside a police car on rainy days.
Safety head police shoes: Some tasks or operations may require additional toe protection. Keep in mind that the toe box of safety toe shoes takes up a certain amount of space, which affects comfort and should be taken into account when choosing sizing.