Cupsole VS. Vulcanized: Which Skate Shoe Reigns Supreme?

The first pair of skate shoes I bought were vulcanized. It wasn’t long before I found out the sides to lack the support I needed. Then, I started digging into the shoe types and figured out the features of the two main types.

These are cupsole vs. vulcanized shoes. From an ordinary point of view, cupsoles are sewn to the shoe upper, and vulcanized soles are made by molding. Vulcanized or vulc shoes are assembled using a rubber called foxing tape.

But cupsole vs. vulcanized isn’t only about the construction. As a skater, you must understand these characteristics to choose the right outsole for your best skate shoes. I will give you a detailed comparison of these shoes with their pros and cons.

What Does Cupsole Mean in Shoes?

The name cupsole originates from the shape of the outsole. It is a U-shaped or cup-like outsole made in one piece. The molded outsole has visible stitches because it is attached to the upper using stitches. These stitches make it easier to identify cupsole shoes.

What Does Vulcanized Mean in Shoes?

These shoes are called vulcanized because the outsoles go through the vulcanization process. Different layers of rubber are molded together through heat treatment.

Finally, the vulcanized outsole is glued to the upper using foxing tape. The foxing tape or the rubber band over the outsole is the main identification of vulcanized shoes.

What Are the Differences Between Vulcanized and Cupsole Shoes?

Cupsole vs. vulcanized shoes have noticeable differences. I will elaborate on the main differences here.

01. Sole Construction:

Cupsole: The basic construction of the cupsole includes two layers of rubber with a layer of EVA or TPR foam in between. Due to the added foam layer, cupsole shoes are thicker. Different protective technologies, such as airbags, are sometimes inserted into cupsole shoes.
Vulcanized: On the other hand, vulcanized soles are made by baking rubber layers together. Due to the heat and chemical treatment, these layers don’t have any EVA or TPR foam.

On the other hand, vulcanized soles are made by baking rubber layers together.

02. Board Feel:

As the cupsole is thicker, it gives a less board feel. But vulcanized soles don’t have any foam layer. So they are much thinner, and you can feel the board better. This is usually suitable for experienced skateboarders.

03. Flexibility:

Vulcanized: Chemical and heat treatment in vulcanized shoes make the outsole much softer. As a result, these shoes are more flexible.
Cupsole: Cupsole shoes have sturdy outsoles. So, you will feel less flexibility in cupsole shoes.

Vulcanized: Chemical and heat treatment in vulcanized shoes make the outsole much softer.

04. Impact Protection:

Cupsole: When jumping from a large height, cupsole shoes provide better impact protection. Their thick soles with foam layers absorb most of the impact. So, the risk of injuring your feet is low with these soles.
Vulcanized: Vulcanized soles are thinner, so they can’t absorb much impact. And you will be at risk of bruising your heel or toes.

Vulcanized: Vulcanized soles are thinner, so they can’t absorb much impact.

05. Stability:

Cupsole: Due to the hardness of the sole, cupsole shoes have better stability. Even if you have a tricky stature, cupsole shoes can support your weight.
Vulcanized: Vulcanized shoes are inferior in providing that support. So, you can’t perform tricky stances with these shoes.

Vulcanized shoes are inferior in providing that support. So, you can’t perform tricky stances with these shoes.

06. Grip:

Cupsole: Even though cupsole shoes are better in terms of comfort and support, they don’t have a good grip. You will feel disconnected due to reduced flexibility.
Vulcanized: Vulcanized shoes give excellent grip as they can conform to the shape of the surface. This increases the contact surface to ensure a better grip.

Vulcanized: Vulcanized shoes give excellent grip as they can conform to the shape of the surface.

07. Ankle Mobility:

With a thinner and more flexible outsole, vulcanized shoes are easier on your ankles. Your ankles will have wiggle room with these shoes, which isn’t possible with cupsole shoes. Those soles are thicker and sturdier, so they won’t allow much movement.

08. Terrain Suitability:

Cupsole shoes are better for big drops where skateboarders need more support and cushioning. But vulcanized shoes are more suitable for technical street skating. If you do a lot of tricks on flat surfaces, vulc shoes will be the best.

vulcanized shoes are more suitable for technical street skating.

09. Break-In Period:

It refers to the time a pair of skate shoes takes to conform to your foot shape. Cupsole shoes generally take longer to break in because they are more durable. But vulc shoes break in much faster.

10. Weight:

As you might have already assumed, cupsole shoes are heavier. Besides rubber layers, they have protective layers that increase the weight. But as vulc shoes don’t have such layers, they are much more lightweight.

vulc shoes don’t have such layers, they are much more lightweight.

11. Best Fits for:

Uneven terrains like bowls, stairs, etc., may have a greater impact on your heel or toe. So, you should choose cupsole shoes for such areas. But if you are practicing on flat ground only, then vulcanized shoes are more suitable.

Cupsole Vs. Vulcanized Shoes: Pros and Cons

Both structures have their benefits and limitations. See how they are advantageous and what their limitations are.

The Advantages of Cupsole:

Cupsole shoes come with a variety of advantages. Here is a quick list from my experience.

As cupsole shoes are thicker, they will provide enhanced impact protection.
The cupsole is sturdier than vulcanized shoes. So, they are far more durable and have an extended lifespan.
Due to the thicker sole, cupsole shoes provide the support and stability beginner skaters need.
Cupsole shoes absorb most of the shocks, so the ride will feel much smoother.
If you do big drops or stairs, capsules provide better protection from heel and toe bruises.
When you do transition skating or perform tricks, cupsole shoes are more comfortable for extended sessions.
The cupsole is suitable for different terrains.

The Disadvantages of Cupsole:

You should be ready to face the following disadvantages with cupsole shoes.

These shoes are thicker, so they will feel heavier, and you will get a less board feel.
The cupsole isn’t flexible as the rubber isn’t heat treated.
With cupsole shoes, it is difficult to move your ankle.
Cupsole shoes take much longer to break in, and the broken-in feel is also lower.
These shoes are difficult to adjust for transition skateboarding.
These shoes are typically more expensive.

The Advantages of Vulcanized Shoes:

Vulcanized shoes are popular for specific reasons. Check the following list.

Due to the thinner outsole, the board feel and control are exceptional.
The outsole is highly flexible due to the heat treatment, so you get a better grip on the board.
These shoes are lightweight and ideal for technical street skating.
Vulcanized shoes break in faster, and the broken-in feel is higher.
Due to higher flexibility, you can move your ankles easily.
These shoes are easier for anyone to adjust to.
Most skaters like the style and aesthetics of vulcanized shoes.
Vulcanized shoes are more affordable.

The Disadvantages of Vulcanization:

Haters of vulcanized shoes are also common. Here is why.

The thin outsole provides limited impact protection, reduced support, and stability.
These shoes wear much faster than cupsole shoes, so their lifespan is shorter.
If you perform big drops, the chance of heel or toe bruising is higher with these shoes.
Vulcanized shoes are only suitable for flat terrains.
These aren’t as versatile as cupsole shoes.

Cupsole Vs. Vulcanized Shoes: Comparisons

The following chart will show you the different characteristics of cupsole vs. vulcanized shoes in brief.

Comparing Aspects	Cupsole	Vulcanized
Thickness	High	Low
Board Feel	Low	High
Flexibility	Not so flexible	Highly flexible
Comfort	More cushioning	Less cushioning
Impact Protection	High	Low
Stability	More stable	Less stable
Grip	Reduced grip	Higher grip
Break-in Period	Longer	Shorter
Versatility	More versatile	Less versatile

Cupsole Vs. Vulcanized Shoes: Which One to Choose?

I would suggest cupsole shoes for absolute beginners, who are just getting used to different skating techniques. They will feel more comfortable and confident in cupsole shoes because these shoes have better cushioning and support.

But pro skateboarders should choose according to their preferences. They should consider mostly used terrains, tricks, etc. For example, cupsole shoes are better for uneven terrains like bowls. But vulcanized shoes are more suitable for street skating or flat surfaces.

Recommended Cupsole Skate Shoes

If you love the comfort and protection of cupsole skate shoes, here is a wish list according to my preference.

Nike SB Dunk
Adidas Lucas Premiere
Emerica Figueroa
Lakai Carroll
DC Shoes Kalis 5
Vans Rowan Pro
Converse CONS One Star Pro
New Balance Numeric 255
HUF Hupper 2 Hi
eS Accel OG

Recommended Vulcanized Skate Shoes

Though I am not a big fan of them, the following shoes are worth trying.

Vans Authentic
Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star
Nike SB Janoski
Adidas Busenitz
Emerica Reynolds
Lakai Griffin
DC Shoes Trase
HUF Hupper 2
Globe Fusion
Supra Vaider

FAQs About Cuplose and Vulcanize

These are the questions skateboarders commonly ask on search engines or forums.

Are vulcanized shoes comfortable?

I love these classic shoes because of their moderate padding in the tongue and collar area. Due to this padding, the shoes are comfortable and supportive. But that doesn’t hinder ankle mobility.

They aren’t highly uncomfortable but not anywhere near the desired comfort level. The cushioning and arch support are low in vulcanized shoes. Ankle support isn’t also satisfactory. So, they can’t be expressed as comfortable.

Is vulcanized rubber stronger?

Are expensive skate shoe brands better in quality?

Of course. Vulcanization increases the tensile strength of rubber. It is also more flexible, stress-resistant, water-resistant, and abrasion-resistant than traditional rubber.

What is the difference between vulcanized rubber and normal rubber?

Normal rubber is a naturally occurring milky colloid substance that has thermoplastic properties. However, it becomes hardened due to crosslinked polymer chains after vulcanization and shows thermoset properties.

Is vulcanized rubber heat-resistant?

Cupsole VS. Vulcanized: Which Skate Shoe Reigns Supreme?

Yes. The heat resistance of vulcanized rubber is several times higher than that of normal rubber. Depending on the process, vulcanized rubbers can withstand heat up to 200 degrees Celsius.

Does vulcanization make rubber soft?

These shoes have canvas and suede upper. The upper feels soft to the touch, but it is quite sturdy. Due to the canvas upper, the shoes are easily washable.

Even though vulcanization hardens normal rubber, it increases the elasticity. As a result, we often mistake vulcanized rubbers for being soft.

Are all Vans vulcanized?

Vans Old Skool Skate Shoe Review (After a Month of Use)

Almost all Vans skate shoes are made of vulcanized rubber outsoles. But you may find some rare cupsole shoes in their product lineup.

Conclusion

As soon as you get interested in skateboarding and try to buy equipment, the first confusion you will face is about the skate shoes. It is a tricky choice between cupsole vs vulcanized shoes because both have their pros and cons.

I suggest you pick cupsole shoes if you are a beginner who needs more comfort, protection, and support. But if you already have the necessary skills and practice, you can choose vulcanized shoes for better grip and lightweight performance.