EVA Foam Keeps Olympic Athlete Performance at its Peak in Paris

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This Versatile Material Provides Cushioning and Protection for a Wide Variety of Sports from Running to Gymnastics to Boxing

In this In The Mix blog, we look at one of the mostPhoto of running shoes on track advanced and versatile materials used by competitors during the 2024 Paris Olympics. This material is a closed cell foam called Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA).

EVA foam has revolutionized the sports industry with its unique properties. It is known for being lightweight, flexible, water/heat resistant and highly shock absorbent. This makes EVA foam an ideal choice for a wide range of sporting goods applications including shoes, mats, and protective gear. We investigate each of these applications below as well as how EVA foam is made.

How EVA Foam is Made

EVA combines the properties of ethylene and vinyl acetate to create a foam with a fine cell structure. The manufacturing process includes the following steps:

  1. Mix vinyl acetate and ethylene to create a flexible yet strong copolymer. The amount of vinyl acetate in the mix can vary, typically from 10% to 60%, to provide the density and softness required for the intended use.
  2. Add a foaming agent under high heat and pressure to create gas bubbles in the material.
  3. Mold or extrude the foam into different shapes and sizes. This also depends on the intended use. For instance, thicker sheets of EVA foam are popular in the construction of cosplay armor and props due to their ability to be cut, shaped, and glued into complex designs.
EVA Foam in Sports Shoes

One of the most common applications of EVA foam at the Olympics is shoes, especially midsoles of running shoes.

EVA was first used in running shoes in the 1970s.

Since then, shoe manufacturers have evolved how they use EVA in running shoes. This includes combining it with other polymers to reduce weight and provide a softer feel.

Athletes in several other Olympic sports utilize shoes with EVA foam midsoles. These sports include basketball, tennis and golf. Like running shoes, the cushioning provided by shoes with EVA foam midsoles in these sports reduces fatigue and protects joints and muscles from repetitive stress injuries.

EVA Foam in Mats

Many Olympic sports use various types of foam mats to cushion athlete’s bodies when they land or fall. These sports include gymnastics, wrestling, martial arts, and track and field. Mats often include EVA and other foams to provide the right density and softness/firmness for actions performed in the sport.

EVA Foam in Protective Gear

EVA foam is not just limited to footwear. It’s also extensively used in protective sports gear. From the padding in helmets to the cushioning in boxing gloves, EVA foam serves as an excellent shock absorber that is resilient and can withstand repeated impacts.

The On-going Evolution of EVA Foam in Sports

The evolution of EVA foam is sure to continue along with advances in sports technology.

This will bring even better cushioning and protective properties to the shoes, equipment and mats used in Olympic competition as well as sports in general.

For More Information

For more information about how ProQuip tank agitators can be used in the production of EVA foam and other polymers, email applications@proquipinc.com or call us at 330-468-1850.