GIESSWEIN uses different sole constructions and materials depending on the model.
Which sole is best for you depends on what matters most to you:
- soft and flexible walking feel
- good cushioning
- responsive and springy walking feel
- stable footing
- good grip and tread
- suitability for wet or uneven surfaces
- low weight
- removable footbed
- use of your own insoles
- use at home, in everyday life, for sports or outdoors
Important: Cushioning, responsiveness, stability and grip are different characteristics.
A particularly soft and highly cushioned sole is not automatically the most stable sole.
A deeply treaded sole provides more grip, but this does not mean it is completely slip-proof on every surface.
What do the different sole materials mean?
EVA
EVA is a lightweight foam material that is frequently used for midsoles.
Benefits:
- very lightweight
- flexible
- shock-absorbing
- comfortable when walking
- good thermal insulation
- suitable for everyday wear and longer periods of walking
Many GIESSWEIN sneakers combine EVA with an additional rubber outsole.
EVA = particularly lightweight and cushioning.
Rubber / natural rubber / synthetic rubber
Rubber is mainly used for outsoles and walking surfaces.
Benefits:
- good grip
- abrasion-resistant
- durable
- more grippy than a pure foam sole
- depending on the tread, also suitable for damp or uneven surfaces
Rubber = particularly good for grip and durability.
TPR
TPR stands for thermoplastic rubber.
TPR is used particularly frequently in GIESSWEIN slippers.
Benefits:
- good grip
- flexible
- durable
- protects against cold floors
- quiet walking feel
- can be designed to be flexible or stable depending on the sole construction
Important: Two shoes with a TPR sole do not necessarily feel the same.
Stability depends not only on the material, but also on the thickness, shape, tread and overall construction of the sole.
TPU
TPU is used as a stabilising component in various shoes.
Benefits:
- dimensionally stable
- robust
- durable
- can provide additional stability to the heel or sole construction
TPU is often combined with EVA and rubber.
TPU = particularly useful for stability and structure.
eTPU
eTPU is an elastic and responsive sole material.
It is used when greater energy return is desired in addition to cushioning.
Benefits:
- responsive
- elastic
- good energy return
- dynamic walking feel
Phylon
Phylon is a lightweight, foamed sole material.
Benefits:
- lightweight
- soft
- cushioning
- responsive
- well suited to dynamic sneakers
Cork
Cork is used in the footbeds of our clogs and slides.
Benefits:
- dimensionally stable
- natural feel
- supports an anatomically shaped footbed
- good pressure distribution
- comfortable foot climate
Depending on the model, GIESSWEIN combines cork with an EVA or rubber outsole.
VIBRAM®
VIBRAM® outsoles are used in our outdoor models.
They are particularly designed for:
- high traction
- strong grip
- durability
- abrasion resistance
- uneven terrain
- outdoor use
Models with VIBRAM® Megagrip place particular emphasis on grip on demanding and also wet surfaces.
What does “slip-resistant” mean?
Many GIESSWEIN models have treaded or slip-resistant outsoles designed to support good grip on suitable surfaces.
However, no shoe sole can guarantee complete protection against slipping.
Grip can be reduced especially by:
- ice and snow
- oil or grease
- very wet tiles
- smooth or polished floors
- wet metal
- special floor coatings
When customers ask about slip resistance, the type of sole and tread of the individual model should therefore always be explained without giving an absolute guarantee against slipping.
Difference between cushioning, responsiveness, stability and grip
Cushioning
Cushioning reduces the impact generated when the foot strikes the ground.
More cushioning can be particularly comfortable for:
- long periods of walking
- long periods of standing
- everyday use
- travelling
- sporting activities
Responsiveness
Responsiveness describes how much energy the sole returns as the foot rolls through each step.
A responsive sole often feels:
- more dynamic
- more reactive
- more lively
Stability
Stability describes how much structure and support the overall shoe construction provides.
Relevant factors include:
- width of the sole base
- firmness of the outsole
- heel construction
- upper
- TPU reinforcements
- tread
- lacing or closure system
Grip
Grip or traction describes the outsole’s contact and adhesion to the ground.
Important factors include:
- sole material
- tread
- tread depth
- surface
- moisture
🏠 GIESSWEIN Slippers – Sole Comparison
Baumkirchen
Article number: 68-10-49162
Sole material: Rubber / TPR
Sole feel: Soft, flexible and grippy
Stability: Flexible to balanced
Grip: Treaded, slip-resistant outsole
Special features: Closed slipper, reinforced heel area, protection from cold floors
Suitable for: Home, warm feet and customers looking for a flexible walking feel
Dannheim
Article number: 32-10-42084
Sole material: Rubber / TPR
Sole feel: Lightweight and flexible
Stability: Flexible
Grip: Slip-resistant outsole
Special features: Classic open-back slipper, quiet walking feel
Suitable for: Home and customers looking for a simple, flexible slipper
Dannheim SOPO
Article number: 83-10-44104
Sole material: Rubber / TPR
Sole feel: Flexible
Stability: Flexible
Grip: Slip-resistant outsole
Special feature: SOPO version; customer-relevant characteristics such as material, fit, sole and footbed correspond to the regular Dannheim model
Freiburg
Article number: 68-10-49161
Sole material: Rubber / TPR
Sole feel: Soft and flexible
Stability: Flexible to balanced
Grip: Slip-resistant outsole
Special features: Closed design; the heel area provides more support than an open-back slipper
Hohenau
Article number: 62-10-44280
Sole material: Synthetic rubber
Sole feel: Lightweight and flexible
Stability: Balanced
Grip: Grippy outsole
Special features: Flat ballerina design, lightweight walking feel
Kiel
Article number: 74-10-55179
Sole material: Rubber / TPR
Sole feel: Flexible and grippy
Stability: Balanced
Grip: Slip-resistant outsole
Special features: Higher-cut slipper, warm and closed construction
Kramsach Adults
Article number: 68-10-49160
Sole material: Rubber / TPR
Sole feel: Soft and flexible
Stability: Flexible to balanced
Grip: Slip-resistant outsole
Special features: Closed design and reinforced heel area
Manta
Article number: 66-10-47321
Sole material: Rubber / TPR
Sole feel: Firmer and more structured
Stability: Stable
Grip: Slip-resistant outsole
Special features: Leather model, stable sole construction, cushioned design
Suitable for: Customers looking for more structure and support in a slipper
Neudau
Article number: 34-10-42471
Sole material: Rubber / TPR
Sole feel: Lightweight and flexible
Stability: Flexible
Grip: Slip-resistant
Suitable for: A classic, lightweight slipper feel
Niederthal
Article number: 32-10-40847
Sole material: Rubber / TPR
Sole feel: Particularly flexible and close to the ground
Stability: Flexible
Grip: Grippy outsole
Special features: Plenty of freedom of movement and a natural walking feel
Veitsch
Article number: 52-10-47848
Sole material: Rubber / TPR
Sole feel: Firmer and more stable
Stability: Stable
Grip: Treaded, slip-resistant outsole
Footbed: Removable
Special features: More stable slipper construction; also of interest to customers wishing to use their own insoles
Veitsch SOPO
Article number: 83-10-44105
Sole material: Rubber / TPR
Stability: Stable
Grip: Slip-resistant
Footbed: Removable
Special feature: SOPO version of the Veitsch with the same main customer-relevant characteristics
Vent
Article number: 52-10-47849
Sole material: Rubber / TPR
Sole feel: Firm and stable
Stability: Stable
Grip: Treaded, slip-resistant outsole
Footbed: Removable
Special features: Closed construction and replaceable footbed
Suitable for: Customers looking for more support in a slipper and the option of using their own insoles
Volders
Article number: 86-10-45253
Sole material: Rubber / TPR
Sole feel: Firm, flat TPR outsole with comfortable flexibility
Stability: Stable
Grip: Slip-resistant TPR outsole
Footbed: Removable
Midsole: Replaceable
Weight: Approx. 180 g
Special features: Close-to-the-ground walking feel, stable footing and individual adjustment options
Suitable for: Customers looking for a stable slipper sole and replaceable footbed
Wildpoldsried
Article number: 68-10-49230
Sole material: Rubber / TPR
Sole feel: Flexible
Stability: Flexible to balanced
Grip: Treaded, slip-resistant sole
Special features: Reinforced heel area for additional support
Woolpops
Article number: 74-10-55193
Sole material: Rubber / TPR
Sole feel: Flexible and quiet
Stability: Flexible
Grip: Slip-resistant outsole
Suitable for: A comfortable and flexible walking feel at home
👞 Outdoor Shoes, Slides and Boots – Sole Comparison
Beach
Article number: 85-10-44406
Sole material: EVA
Sole feel: Lightweight, flexible and water-repellent
Stability: Flexible; as an open sandal it offers less lateral support than a closed shoe
Grip: Structured, slip-resistant sole for good grip, including on slightly damp surfaces
Special features: Massage nubs, quick-drying, two adjustable hook-and-loop straps
Suitable for: Summer, beach, pool areas, leisure and home
Eco Ballerinas Pointy 2.0
Article number: 76-10-49323
Sole material: Natural rubber / synthetic rubber
Heel-to-toe drop: Approx. 2 mm
Cushioning: Moderate
Sole feel: Flat and flexible
Stability: Flexible
Grip: Grippy rubber sole
Footbed: Removable
View Eco Ballerinas Pointy 2.0
Eco Ballerinas Round
Article number: 72-10-49311
Sole material: Natural rubber / synthetic rubber
Heel-to-toe drop: Approx. 2 mm
Cushioning: Moderate
Sole feel: Flat and flexible
Stability: Flexible
Grip: Grippy rubber sole
Footbed: Removable
Merino Clogs Women / Men
Article numbers:
Women: 86-10-44408
Men: 86-10-44409
Sole construction: Cork footbed with EVA outsole
Cushioning: Cushioned heel area
Stability: Balanced; the open heel provides less lateral support than a closed shoe
Grip: Grippy outsole
Special features: Anatomically shaped cork footbed
View Merino Clogs Women
View Merino Clogs Men
Merino Slides Women / Men
Article numbers:
Women: 83-10-44403
Men: 83-10-44404
Sole construction: Cork footbed + EVA outsole
Heel-to-toe drop: Approx. 0 mm
Cushioning: Comfortably cushioned footbed
Stability: Flexible to balanced; open construction
Grip: Grippy EVA outsole
Special features: Adjustable straps and anatomical footbed
View Merino Slides Women
View Merino Slides Men
Merino Slides Lite Women
Article number: 83-10-44405
Sole construction: Cork + EVA
Heel-to-toe drop: Approx. 0 mm
Stability: Flexible to balanced
Grip: Grippy outsole
Special features: Lightweight, open design, wide adjustable strap
Wool Clog
Article number: 78-10-42403
Sole construction: Cork-latex footbed + rubber outsole
Stability: Balanced for an open clog
Grip: Grippy rubber outsole
Special features: Anatomically shaped footbed with firmer support
Merino Leather Boot Women / Men
Article numbers:
Women: 76-10-49334
Men: 76-10-49335
Sole material: EVA + natural rubber / synthetic rubber
Heel-to-toe drop: Approx. 14 mm
Cushioning: Moderate to comfortable
Stability: High
Grip: Robust, treaded rubber outsole
Special features: Waterproof boot, closed and stable construction, suitable for autumn and winter
Footbed: Removable
View Merino Leather Boot Women
View Merino Leather Boot Men
Wool Craft Boot Men
Article number: 82-10-49378
Sole material: EVA + TPR rubber outsole
Sole feel: Robust and stable
Stability: Very high within the lifestyle/boot category
Grip: Deeply treaded rubber outsole
Cushioning: EVA midsole
Special features: Firm construction and robust outsole
Footbed: Removable
👟 Merino Shoes & Everyday Sneakers – Sole Comparison
Merino Runners Women / Men
Article numbers:
Women: 68-10-49300
Men: 68-10-49301
Sole material: EVA + natural rubber / synthetic rubber
Heel-to-toe drop: Approx. 10 mm
Cushioning: Responsive
Stability: Balanced and flexible
Grip: Treaded rubber elements for good everyday grip
Footbed: Removable Merino footbed
Suitable for: Everyday wear, office, walks, travel and longer periods of walking
View Merino Runners Women
View Merino Runners Men
Merino Curve Max Women / Men
Article numbers:
Women: 82-10-49373
Men: 82-10-49374
Sole material: EVA + TPU + rubber
Sole technology: Mega Air Bubble
Heel-to-toe drop: Approx. 9 mm
Cushioning: Very high / ultra-responsive
Stability: Balanced to stable; TPU reinforcement and structured sole base
Grip: Treaded rubber outsole
Footbed: Removable
Special features: Air chamber in the heel area for additional cushioning
Suitable for: Long periods of walking and standing and customers looking for particularly high cushioning
View Merino Curve Max Women
View Merino Curve Max Men
Merino Easy Step Women / Men
Article numbers:
Women: 84-10-49386
Men: 84-10-49387
Sole material: EVA + rubber
Cushioning: Comfortably responsive
Stability: Balanced to stable
Grip: Slip-resistant rubber elements
Footbed: Removable
Special features: Closed heel and two individually adjustable hook-and-loop straps
Suitable for: Everyday use, longer periods of walking and standing and customers looking for an easy-to-put-on closed shoe
View Merino Easy Step Women
View Merino Easy Step Men
Merino Glide Women / Men
Article numbers:
Women: 84-10-49392
Men: 84-10-49393
Sole material: Natural rubber / synthetic rubber
Heel-to-toe drop: Approx. 7 mm
Cushioning: Moderate
Sole feel: Urban cupsole construction
Stability: More stable than very flexible sneakers
Grip: Grippy rubber outsole
Footbed: Removable
Suitable for: Everyday wear and city use
View Merino Glide Women
View Merino Glide Men
Merino Wave Women
Article number: 84-10-49385
Sole material: EVA + TPU + rubber
Heel-to-toe drop: Approx. 12 mm
Cushioning: Responsive
Sole feel: Raised, wide platform sole
Stability: Structured and stable
Grip: Treaded rubber outsole
Footbed: Removable
Merino Wool Knit Women / Men
Article numbers:
Women: 72-10-49309
Men: 72-10-49310
Sole material: EVA + natural rubber / synthetic rubber
Heel-to-toe drop: Approx. 3 mm
Cushioning: Moderate
Stability: Flexible to balanced
Grip: Structured tread
Footbed: Removable
Suitable for: Customers looking for a lightweight, flatter and more flexible sneaker
View Merino Wool Knit Women
View Merino Wool Knit Men
Retro Runner Women / Men
Article numbers:
Women: 82-10-49375
Men: 82-10-49376
Sole material: EVA + natural rubber / synthetic rubber
Heel-to-toe drop: Approx. 8 mm
Cushioning: Responsive
Stability: Balanced
Grip: Slip-resistant rubber outsole
Footbed: Removable
Suitable for: Urban everyday wear and leisure
View Retro Runner Women
View Retro Runner Men
Wool Sneaker Women / Men
Article numbers:
Women: 74-10-49315
Men: 74-10-49316
Sole material: EVA
Heel-to-toe drop: Approx. 7 mm
Cushioning: Moderate
Sole feel: Very lightweight and flexible
Stability: Flexible
Grip: Suitable for normal everyday use; not our first recommendation when maximum grip in wet conditions or outdoors is required
Footbed: Removable
Suitable for: Lightweight leisure and everyday sneaker
View Wool Sneaker Women
View Wool Sneaker Men
Wool Sneaker High Top Women / Men
Article numbers:
Women: 76-10-49324
Men: 76-10-49325
Sole material: EVA + natural rubber / synthetic rubber
Heel-to-toe drop: Approx. 9 mm
Cushioning: Responsive
Stability: High for an everyday sneaker
Grip: Treaded rubber outsole
Special features: Higher padded upper provides additional support
Footbed: Removable
View Wool Sneaker High Top Women
View Wool Sneaker High Top Men
🏃 Sports, Performance & Outdoor Shoes – Sole Comparison
Merino Jump Women / Men
Article numbers:
Women: 84-10-49390
Men: 84-10-49391
Sole material: EVA + TPU + rubber
Technology: Reactive Super Critical Foam midsole
Heel-to-toe drop: Approx. 7 mm
Cushioning: Very responsive / reactive
Stability: Balanced
Grip: Slip-resistant rubber outsole
Footbed: Removable
Suitable for: Dynamic everyday wear, training and active leisure
View Merino Jump Women
View Merino Jump Men
Wool Boom Women / Men
Article numbers:
Women: 85-10-49421
Men: 85-10-49422
Sole material: Phylon + rubber
Sole construction: Multi-stage cushioning system
Heel-to-toe drop: Approx. 14 mm
Cushioning: Very high and responsive
Stability: Balanced
Grip: Treaded rubber outsole
Footbed: Removable
Suitable for: Longer periods of walking, everyday use and customers looking for a particularly soft walking feel
View Wool Boom Women
View Wool Boom Men
Wool Dream Women / Men
Article numbers:
Women: 85-10-49400
Men: 85-10-49401
Sole material: EVA + eTPU + rubber
Heel-to-toe drop: Approx. 11 mm
Cushioning: Highly responsive and dynamic
Stability: Balanced
Grip: Treaded rubber outsole
Footbed: Removable
Suitable for: Customers looking for plenty of responsiveness and energy return
View Wool Dream Women
View Wool Dream Men
Wool Knit Max Women / Men
Article numbers:
Women: 84-10-49398
Men: 84-10-49399
Sole material: EVA + TPU + rubber
Technology: Mega Air Bubble
Heel-to-toe drop: Approx. 13 mm
Cushioning: Very high and responsive
Stability: Balanced to stable
Grip: Structured rubber outsole
Footbed: Removable
Suitable for: Everyday wear, longer periods of standing and walking and customers looking for high cushioning
View Wool Knit Max Women
View Wool Knit Max Men
Wool Peak Women / Men
Article numbers:
Women: 76-10-49319
Men: 76-10-49320
Sole material: eTPU + rubber
Heel-to-toe drop: Approx. 6 mm
Cushioning: Very responsive / ultra-responsive
Stability: Sporty and balanced
Grip: Treaded rubber outsole
Footbed: Removable
Suitable for: Running and sporting activities
View Wool Peak Women
View Wool Peak Men
Wool Trail X Women / Men
Article numbers:
Women: 82-10-49369
Men: 82-10-49370
Sole material: EVA + rubber
Outsole: VIBRAM® Megagrip
Cushioning: Responsive
Heel-to-toe drop: Approx. 9 mm
Stability: High
Grip: Particularly high; pronounced outdoor tread
Water protection: Waterproof
Footbed: Removable
Suitable for: Hiking, wet and uneven paths and more demanding outdoor use
View Wool Trail X Women
View Wool Trail X Men
Wool Trek X Women / Men
Article numbers:
Women: 85-10-49411
Men: 85-10-49412
Sole material: EVA + rubber
Outsole: VIBRAM®
Cushioning: Responsive
Heel-to-toe drop: Approx. 10 mm
Stability: High
Grip: Particularly pronounced outdoor grip
Water protection: Water-repellent, not waterproof
Footbed: Removable
Suitable for: Hiking, walking, travelling and outdoor activities
View Wool Trek X Women
View Wool Trek X Men
Wooltastic Women / Men
Article numbers:
Women: 85-10-49409
Men: 85-10-49410
Sole material: EVA + TPU + rubber
Sole technology: Visible TPU chamber with cushioned sole construction
Heel-to-toe drop: Approx. 5 mm
Cushioning: Strong and responsive
Stability: Balanced to stable
Grip: Treaded, slip-resistant outsole
Footbed: Removable
Suitable for: Everyday wear, travel, city use and longer periods of walking
View Wooltastic Women
View Wooltastic Men
Which GIESSWEIN Sole Best Matches My Needs?
I want a particularly flexible slipper
Suitable models include:
- Dannheim
- Neudau
- Niederthal
- Woolpops
These models have flexible outsoles and provide a more natural, lightweight walking feel.
I want a more stable slipper
Particularly suitable models include:
- Vent
- Veitsch
- Volders
- Manta
These models have a more structured or firmer outsole and therefore provide greater stability than particularly flexible slipper models.
I want a slipper with a removable footbed
Suitable models include:
- Vent
- Veitsch
- Veitsch SOPO
- Volders
With the Volders, both the footbed and the midsole can be replaced.
If you wish to use your own orthopaedic insoles, the shape, height and space required for the individual insole must always be considered.
I want particularly high cushioning
Particularly interesting models include:
- Merino Curve Max
- Wool Knit Max
- Wool Boom
- Wool Dream
- Wooltastic
- Merino Jump
These models differ in the type of cushioning and responsiveness they provide.
Merino Curve Max and Wool Knit Max: Air Bubble technology
Wool Dream: EVA/eTPU construction with high energy return
Wool Boom: Multi-stage Phylon/rubber sole system
Wooltastic: Special TPU/EVA cushioning construction
Merino Jump: Reactive performance cushioning
I want a lightweight and flexible Merino shoe
Suitable models include:
- Wool Sneaker
- Merino Wool Knit
- Merino Runner
The Wool Sneaker is particularly designed for low weight and flexibility.
I want more stability for everyday use
Depending on the type of shoe you prefer, suitable options include:
- Merino Glide
- Merino Wave
- Wool Sneaker High Top
- Merino Leather Boot
- Wool Craft Boot
For customers who also want a high level of cushioning, the Merino Curve Max may also be an interesting option.
Which GIESSWEIN shoe offers particularly good outdoor grip?
For more demanding outdoor use, models with a VIBRAM® outsole are particularly suitable:
Wool Trail X
→ VIBRAM® Megagrip
→ waterproof
→ particularly suitable for wet and uneven paths
Wool Trek X
→ VIBRAM® outsole
→ water-repellent
→ hiking, walking and outdoor activities
If a customer specifically asks for a waterproof hiking shoe, the Wool Trail X should be recommended first.
Which shoe is suitable for rain?
A distinction must be made between water-repellent and waterproof.
For stronger water protection:
- Wool Trail X – waterproof
- Merino Leather Boot – waterproof
For light rain or damp conditions:
- Wool Trek X – water-repellent
- other water-repellent models according to their respective product descriptions
Water-repellent does not mean waterproof.
Can I replace the outsole of my GIESSWEIN shoe?
The outer sole or outsole is an integral part of the shoe and cannot be removed and replaced like an insole.
Please distinguish between:
Outsole
→ the bottom part of the shoe that comes into contact with the ground
Midsole
→ the cushioning or stabilising layer between the foot and the outsole
Insole / footbed / removable footbed
→ located inside the shoe and removable in many models
In GIESSWEIN outdoor/everyday shoes, the footbed is generally removable. For slippers, this depends on the individual model.