Zhongli: Outdoor soles must be "fine" endless

Company Profile: Zhongli is a leading brand in the outdoor sole industry, known for producing high-quality soles that are not only functional but also artistic in design. The company has established itself as a professional manufacturer by collaborating with renowned companies such as DuPont and Japan Mitsui to explore new materials. In addition, Zhongli works closely with top universities in Taiwan to drive innovation. With an annual R&D investment of nearly 20 million yuan, the company continuously improves product quality through rigorous testing and research. Over the past decade, Zhongli has focused on specializing in outdoor soles, striving to become a top domestic supplier in this field.

Customer Feedback: Customers praise Zhongli's soles for their anti-oil, anti-static, and high-pressure resistance properties. These features make the soles ideal for use in safety shoes and various outdoor activities. As a hallmark of the Zhongli brand, the soles are designed to meet both practical and functional needs while ensuring comfort and durability.

"This can be slightly widened by 0.5 cm, making the shoe lasts a bit wider, which would improve the overall comfort," said Ding Minghui, General Manager of Jinjiang Zhongli Shoes Co., Ltd., as he discussed new molds with technical staff. He believes that with the growth of the outdoor sports industry, rubber soles with excellent wear resistance have become essential components of outdoor shoes. Demand has shifted from multi-functionality to a greater focus on comfort and eco-friendly materials.

In addition to functionality, Zhongli places great emphasis on the wearing experience. Mold design is the first step in creating superior soles. To ensure every pair of outdoor shoes meets high standards, the R&D team collaborates with Taiwanese partners to develop advanced mold technology. Annual mold development costs exceed 10 million yuan, twice that of standard molds. High-quality molds are essential to showcasing the ruggedness and functionality of professional outdoor soles. This includes over 3 million yuan in sampling fees and additional investments in quality inspections, function tests, and R&D training.

When developing new products, the R&D team considers not only the application of new materials and formulas, but also environmental protection, process innovation, and design aesthetics. Each sole must meet both functional and fashion requirements, while also being durable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective. Ding Minghui emphasized that every step, from lasting to factory inspection, is carefully planned. He compared the production of soles to cooking, where the quality of raw materials and ingredients is key to achieving the best results.

"Today’s market demands that we integrate basic functions into our soles," said Wang Qinmu, Deputy General Manager of Zhongli Shoes Co., Ltd. "For example, to achieve electrical conductivity, we add specific rubber components to the formula, similar to a ground wire. Outdoor shoes often require special properties like anti-slip, oil resistance, or static control, all of which depend on the sole material." He added that the standard EVA formula may not always meet these requirements, necessitating constant adjustments to improve performance and address material limitations.

To stay at the forefront of innovation, Zhongli has partnered with global leaders like DuPont and Japan Mitsui to acquire cutting-edge materials. With a dedicated R&D team, the company tests various materials to provide stable sources for specialized product development. "With different base formulas, we can create multiple types of outdoor soles, allowing us to test and refine materials for subcategories of products," said Wang Qinmu.

Since its founding, Zhongli has concentrated on the R&D and production of outdoor soles, establishing a strong reputation in the industry. The versatile soles have become a symbol of professionalism for the Zhongli brand. Ding Minghui stated that the company will continue to focus on outdoor soles, aiming to specialize and refine its offerings, ultimately becoming a leading domestic supplier in this field.

Editor's Recommendation: Slip-on buckle outdoor shoe soles

These soles feature ultra-thin PEBAS pieces and small stainless steel nails, making them soft and lightweight. The non-slip sole is embedded within the shoe’s structure, providing a seamless look during regular use. However, for special conditions like snow or climbing, the PEBAS buckle can be pulled down, exposing the cleats for enhanced traction and flexibility.

While appearing similar to regular outdoor shoes, these soles offer significantly improved performance, filling the gap left by traditional non-slip shoes. The high-quality rubber soles are not only slip-resistant and durable but also elastic, offering a foot-massaging effect that helps reduce fatigue during long hours of use.

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