What Are Secrets Inside
A Vulcanized Sneaker?
A Vulcanized Sneaker?
December, 7th 2023
Before delving into today's topic, we need to discuss some characteristics of the types of shoes that are currently prevalent.
Regarding shoes such as Cold Cement Sneakers, these are Sneaker models made using the cold cement method or Sportswear shoes designed for sports activities. Typical examples of this type of shoe are Nike Air Force 1, Adidas Originals Stan Smith, etc.
Additionally, Vulcanized Sneakers, also known as vulcanized rubber shoes, are classic and minimalist in design, and they have become timeless through a production method that has been in use for a long time. Shoes from the Ananas brand, such as the Basas, Vintas, and Urbas lines, exemplify this type of shoe.
How will a Vulcanized Sneakers be built?
Being a brand that is loyal to and believes in Vulcanized Sneakers, Ananas has demonstrated that "Similar to any other Sneaker, Vulcanized shoes consist of two main parts: the Upper, which includes all the components located on the upper part of the shoe, and the Sole, which serves as the rubber foundation underneath." Additionally, they divide the shoe into 11 different parts, as shown in the diagram below.
Image simulating the structure of Ananas Vulcanized sneakers
Ananas explains that the Upper part consists of the following components:
Firstly, there is the (1) Vamp, which refers to the toe area of the shoe, the part that comes into contact with the toes. Next is the (2) Tongue, also known as "lưỡi gà'' in Vietnamese. It is the padded portion above the foot and is connected to the top of the Vamp. After completing the Tongue, Ananas applies the pineapple logo label, which can be sewn or heat-pressed directly onto the Tongue, called the (3) Stamp. Following that is the section that contains two rows of lace holes, known as (4) Eyestays, which are sometimes referred to as "nẹp ô-zê" in Vietnamese production. The shoe may or may not have Eyestays depending on the design intention. Located above the Eyestays, (5) Eyelets are the term used for the lace holes, and if accompanied by metal rings, they are also known as "nút ô-zê" in Vietnamese.
Heel counter and Heel strap decorate for Heel in Ananas shoes
Next is an equally important component, the (6) Stitching, which serves the purpose of both attaching the parts together and providing decorative accents. Then, we should not forget to mention the (7) Laces, also known as shoelaces, which are a familiar and easily interchangeable component of any pair of shoes.
As we already know, the tips that secure the laces, known as (8) Aglets, are also crucial parts of a shoe. Every shoe will have a (9) Heel counter, which shapes the heel of the shoe on the inside and decorates the outer part of the heel. However, the (10) Heel strap serves mainly to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the product, so it may not be present in certain shoe styles and designs.
The final two shoe components are the (11) Lining, also known as the inner lining, which is the inside layer of the shoe's top, and the (12) Insock, which is the first layer of material with which the foot comes into touch when putting on the shoe. The Insock serves to offer warmth and odor management in some shoe types, while in others it serves to improve comfort and reduce friction with the Sole (the outsole).
What is the difference between a Cold Cement Sneaker and Vulcanized Sneaker?
For Cold Cement shoes, they typically have a Midsole component as shown in the diagram below:
Image simulating the structure of Cold Cement sneakers
However, in the case of Vulcanized Sneakers, the Midsole component does not exist. Based on the provided image by Ananas, the Sole part only includes the following components:
The soles of Vulcanized shoes must be made from rubber
Firstly, the (13) Insole is located beneath the Insock and is not visible from the outside as it is covered.
Next is the (14) Outsole, which is the only part of the shoe that directly contacts the ground. It experiences a significant amount of friction during use, so the outsole material is typically durable and sturdy.
Then, there is the characteristic component of Vulcanized Sneakers, the (15) Foxing. This is a rubber layer that is applied to the shoe to reinforce and connect the Upper and Sole. It is also a detail that helps easily distinguish Vulcanized shoes from Cold Cement shoes (as Cold Cement shoes do not have this component).
Additionally, the (16) Bumper, also known as the foxing on the toe, is often used to reinforce the foxing. Depending on the decorative purpose, the material or color of the bumper may differ from the overall foxing. This can be clearly seen in products from the Basas Bumper Gum collection recently launched by Ananas.
Lastly, an equally important highlight is the (17) Heel label, which is a label on the heel. It carries the responsibility of conveying the brand's message.
Bumper and Heel label serve to add distinctive accents to the shoes and convey messages about Vulcanized culture
Through the article, we hope that you have gained a better understanding of the construction of Vulcanized shoes. Ananas believes that this information will be valuable in deepening your understanding of the rich ground-level cultural context. We will return soon with upcoming articles to provide you with more interesting information on topics related to Ananas itself.
by Tran Quoc Nam